Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

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

FRIDAY, March 25th    Lk. 1: 26-38   SOLEMNITY OF THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD   “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

Quoting Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen, Fr. Ed describes Our Blessed Mother as the first and perfect follower of Christ in these few words: “First Come, Then Go.”

Our Lady was in prayer when the Archangel Gabriel came to her saying, “Hail, full of grace. The Lord is with you.” Once Mary gave her fiat, her “Yes” to become the Mother of God, the Archangel left her.

The very next verse says: “At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth.”

We are called to follow Mary’s example. First Come to Jesus in our Holy Hour each day, Then Go in service to others according to our different vocations, always remembering that charity begins at home!

Part 1: On the Annunciation and Mary’s “fiat”… by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

Part 2: 10 BEAUTIFUL THINGS ABOUT THE ANNUNCIATION AND VISITATION by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

On the Annunciation and Mary’s “fiat”… by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

You have heard, O Virgin, that you will conceive and bear a son; you have heard that it will not be by man but by the Holy Spirit. The angel awaits an answer; it is time for him to return to God who sent him. We too are waiting, O Lady, for your word of compassion; the sentence of condemnation weighs heavily upon us.

The price of our salvation is offered to you. We shall be set free at once if you consent. In the eternal Word of God we all came to be, and behold, we die. In your brief response we are to be remade in order to be recalled to life.

Tearful Adam with his sorrowing family begs this of you, O loving Virgin, in their exile from Paradise. Abraham begs it, David begs it. All the other holy patriarchs, your ancestors, ask it of you, as they dwell in the country of the shadow of death. This is what the whole earth waits for, prostrate at your feet. It is right in doing so, for on your word depends comfort for the wretched, ransom for the captive, freedom for the condemned, indeed, salvation for all the sons of Adam, the whole of your race.

Answer quickly, O Virgin. Reply in haste to the angel, or rather through the angel to the Lord. Answer with a word, receive the Word of God. Speak your own word, conceive the divine Word. Breathe a passing word, embrace the eternal Word.

Why do you delay, why are you afraid? Believe, give praise, and receive. Let humility be bold, let modesty be confident. This is no time for virginal simplicity to forget prudence. In this matter alone, O prudent Virgin, do not fear to be presumptuous. Though modest silence is pleasing, dutiful speech is now more necessary. Open your heart to faith, O blessed Virgin, your lips to praise, your womb to the Creator. See, the desired of all nations is at your door, knocking to enter. If he should pass by because of your delay, in sorrow you would begin to seek him afresh, the One whom your soul loves. Arise, hasten, open. Arise in faith, hasten in devotion, open in praise and thanksgiving. Behold the handmaid of the Lord, she says, be it done to me according to your word.
 

10 BEAUTIFUL THINGS ABOUT THE ANNUNCIATION AND VISITATION by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

Mary is model, teacher, guide, inspiration, life, sweetness and hope to all whi raise their eyes to her with love. In the beautiful prayer of Saint Bernard, the Memorare, we pray with confidence: “Remember, O gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection was left unaided.”

1. CONNECTION BETWEEN THE ANNUNCIATION AND VISITATION.  The last part of the prior mystery—the Annunciation/Incarnation— ends with Mary’s “Fiat”— that is to say, Mary’s Yes to God. The exact words are: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word.” In that moment, one of the most sublime moments in the history of the world took place: the Incarnation of the Son of God. That is to say, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity descended from His heavenly throne and became Incarnate (man) in the most pure womb of the Virgin Mary! In rapt awe, we humbly adore this sublime mystery!

2. COMMUNION AND FRATERNAL CHARITY.  Mary did not keep the “Gift” of Jesus to herself, but went in haste to share the gift with others. She started an 80 kilometer journey, traveling uphill to Ain Karim to visit her cousin Elizabeth and help her in her need. Pope Benedict XVI in his Apostolic Exhortation “Sacramentum Caritatis” insists that Mass and Holy Communion must transform us into ardent missionaries who bring the Good News of Jesus to the whole world!

3. IN HASTE.  Mary did not procrastinate, delay, make excuses, rationalize, or justify postponing her trip; rather, she followed the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and moved immediately. Lesson! Upon receiving good inspirations from the Holy Spirit we should be both docile and prompt to respond!

4. TRAVEL WITH MARY AND TALK TO HER.  Enter into an Ignatian contemplative scene and imagine traveling with Mary. Notice her joy, her quick pace, her awareness of Jesus within her, her determination to carry out God’s will despite the possible obstacles—all of these make up your long trek to Ain Karim with Mary. Admire her majesty, but also be inspired by her humility and simplicity. During this long journey together, open up your heart and talk to Mary about what is going on in your life. Why not even tell her what is most heavy on your heart! Mary is the best of listeners!

5. EUCHARISTIC PROCESSION.  Remember! The little Jesus is already present in the womb of Mary. Therefore, as you travel remember that this indeed is a “Eucharistic Procession” — a Corpus Christi procession! Mary always wants to draw us closer to Jesus!  Her last words at the wedding Feast of Cana were: “Do whatever He tells you!” (Jn. 2:5) Great advice! Beg for the grace to have a greater faith, love, and devotion towards Jesus truly present in the Eucharist!

6. JOY!  This is the 2nd Joyful Mystery. Being with Jesus and Mary is our true and authentic source of joy. Mary’s canticle, her Magnificat, emphasizes this truth: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!” (Lk. 1:46-47) May we always seek joy in this authentic source: JESUS, THE LORD!

7.  GREETING!  Most likely Mary greeted Elizabeth with the typical Jewish greeting, SHALOM— peace be with you! Our homes, families, communities, parishes, groups, and activities, should be characterized by a “Shalom” atmosphere. A warm, welcoming and inviting milieu should be created. An essential note of apostolic effectiveness is that of creating this warm and welcoming environment. Mary teaches us this by her greeting!

8. BABY JOHN LEAPS FOR JOY!  At the sound of Mary’s greeting the infant John leaps for joy in the womb of Saint Elizabeth! What is happening here? Jesus, even before being born, is acting as Redeemer by freeing His cousin John from the bond of Original Sin.  Message! Contact with Jesus and Mary through prayer will undoubtedly serve as a powerful means to diminish the grip of sin on us, and eventually shatter the binding force and slavery of sin in our lives. Sin indeed is slavery; Jesus and Mary came to give us true freedom, the freedom of the sons and daughters of God! “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”

9.  PRO-LIFE PASSAGE “PAR EXCELLENCE!”  Both of these women in the modern society could be candidates for abortion. Why? One was very young, Mary; whereas, the other was very old, Elizabeth. However, both women had infinite trust in God’s Divine Providence! Because of this trust, Elizabeth gave birth to the great Saint John the Baptist, and Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Son Of God! At all times, in our meditation on the mystery of The Visitation, may we be staunch defenders of human life, from the moment of conception until natural death. God is the author and origin of life and He alone has the right to take life to Himself!

10.  MARY AND ACTIVE SERVICE.  Love for God cannot limit itself to words, but must manifest itself in actions, in service, in seeing Jesus truly present in others! Not only did Mary greet Elizabeth, but she also actively served her aged and pregnant cousin in her need! With a little bit of imagination (Ignatian Contemplation), we can picture Mary and accompany her in active service! 

What might be some of the activities that Mary carried out with joy and love? Walking to the well to get water— no running water back then! Sweeping the dust and dirt from their humble home—no vacuum cleaners 2000 years ago! Washing and hanging clothes out to dry— no expensive washing machine and dryer to quicken the work. Cooking and baking in preparation for the meals, setting the table, washing the dishes and cleaning the kitchen after eating—there was no take-out Burger King, Pizza-Hut, or KFC available! Nor were there overflowing refrigerators to be emptied of the waste every week!  

All of these humble, domestic chores Mary would have carried out with the greatest love and attention to assist her cousin Elizabeth. Remember! Holiness does not depend on the greatness of the act, but on the great love that accompanies every action— even if it appears to be small and insignificant in the eyes of the world. The secret of the sanctity of Saint Therese, and of Mary in the mystery of the Visitation, is to do the ordinary things of daily life with extraordinary love! That is sanctity!

In conclusion, let us contemplate the life, words, gestures, and actions of Mary, most holy, especially in the Mystery of the Visitation, and be motivated to transfer our contemplative life into active service of our brothers and sisters, who are really Jesus Christ! 

“Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me.” (Mt. 24:45)

Thursday of the Third Week of Lent

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

THURSDAY, March 24th    Lk. 11: 14-23   “Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart, for I am gracious and merciful.” 

Part One: JESUS LONGS TO INUNDATE YOU WITH MERCY

Part Two: Living His Mercy in daily life with St. Faustina Kowalska.

PART 1:  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:

1) 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.

2) 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!

3) 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.

4) 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!

5) ENTHRONE AND HONOR THE IMAGE. Jesus desires to be known and loved in many ways. However, 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—Pope Saint John Paul II and Saint Faustina Kowalska. Strongly to be recommended would be the Encyclical of 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. Resolve now to read one number of the Diary each day!

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 from 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. Another book that we can reap great blessings from by reading one short chapter a day in just 15 minutes. Do it!

PART 2:  PRAYER TO BE MERCIFUL… Saint Faustina’s Diary #163… Let us beg for the grace to put into practice and live this prayer daily!

O Most Holy Trinity! As many times as I breathe, as many times as my heart beats, as many times as my blood pulsates through my body, so many thousand times do I want to glorify Your mercy.

I want to be completely transformed into Your mercy and to be Your living reflection, O Lord. May the greatest of all divine attributes, that of Your unfathomable mercy, pass through my heart and soul to my neighbor.

Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances, but look for what is beautiful in my neighbors’ souls and come to their rescue.

Help me, that my ears may be merciful, so that I may give heed to my neighbors’ needs and not be indifferent to their pains and moanings.

Help me, O Lord, that my tongue may be merciful, so that I should never speak negatively of my neighbor, but have a word of comfort and forgiveness for all.

Help me, O Lord, that my hands may be merciful and filled with good deeds, so that I may do only good to my neighbors and take upon myself the more difficult and toilsome tasks.

Help me, that my feet may be merciful, so that I may hurry to assist my neighbor, overcoming my own fatigue and weariness. My true rest is in the service of my neighbor.

Help me, O Lord, that my heart may be merciful so that I myself may feel all the sufferings of my neighbor. I will refuse my heart to no one. I will be sincere even with those who, I know, will abuse my kindness. And I will lock myself up in the most merciful Heart of Jesus. I will bear my own suffering in silence. May Your mercy, O Lord, rest upon me.

You Yourself command me to exercise the three degrees of mercy. The first: the act of mercy, of whatever kind. The second: the word of mercy – if I cannot carry out a work of mercy, I will assist by my words. The third: prayer – if I cannot show mercy by deeds or words, I can always do so by prayer. My prayer reaches out even where I cannot reach out physically.

O my Jesus, transform me into Yourself, for You can do all things.

Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent

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

WEDNESDAY, March 23rd    Mt. 5: 17-19   “Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” 

Saint Ignatius of Loyola: “Obedience is nothing less than a holocaust. It is there that we offer ourselves completely, without excluding any part of ourselves, in the fire of our love to our Creator and Lord at the hands of his ministers. By obedience one puts aside all that one is, one dispossesses oneself of all that one has, in order to be possessed and governed by Divine Providence.”   

SPIRITUAL COMBAT: WEAPONS IN YOUR ARSENAL by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

The word of God teaches us that our life on earth is warfare and the Lord reminds us that if we have decided to follow Him, we must be prepared for combat. The Sacrament of Confirmation strengthens the Gifts of the Holy Spirit within our souls and transforms us into “Soldiers of Christ the King”. With the Cristero Martyrs of Mexico, our battle cry must be “Viva Cristo Rey”— long live Christ the King!

The devil exists, has keen intelligence (in a perverted way), is exceedingly sly and crafty, and is constantly at work and persistent in his temptations. However, God, Mary, and the angels and saints are far more powerful than the devil.

Two extremes must be avoided with respect to the devil. These were warnings given by the Servant of God Pope Paul VI. The first extreme to avoid is to deny that the devil exists. Indeed this is one of the tactics of the devil. On the other hand, we should never give the devil too much importance. Fearful alarmists speak more of the power of the devil than of the Omnipotence of God Himself. Let us avoid the two extremes!

SPIRITUAL WEAPONS TO CONQUER THE DEVIL… 

VIGILANCE.

Stay awake and pray so that you are not put to the test and overcome by the temptations of the devil. The precise reason for the Apostles’ fall, abandoning Jesus in the Garden, was that they were not vigilant in prayer.

NAME IT AND CLAIM IT.

When temptation breaks out, it is exceedingly useful to simply admit in a very calm manner, “I am being tempted by the devil, the enemy of God!” Name it! Claim it! And then tame it! Discovering the enemy on the attack is half the battle. Ignorance of the enemy’s presence can augment his power over us.

AVOID THE NEAR OCCASION OF SIN.

Often we are tempted because we place ourselves in the near occasion of sin. Remember the many proverbs! “Do not play with fire!”…“He who plays in danger will perish in danger!” … “He who walks on thin ice will fall in!” One of the reasons why Eve ate from the forbidden fruit was for the simple reason that she was near the tree that God told her not to eat from. Why did she go near that tree to begin with?

STATE OF DESOLATION.

While in this state, St. Ignatius arms us with four key weapons: more prayer, more meditation, examine your conscience (to see why you are in desolation), and finally, apply yourself to some suitable penance. Some devils are expelled only through prayer and penance!

SACRAMENTALS.

The proper use of Sacramentals can prove to be very efficacious in fighting against the devil, and especially three: the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Medal of Saint Benedict, and finally, Holy Water. St Teresa of Avila insists on using Holy Water to expel the devil from our presence.  Why? The devil is inflated with pride and Holy Water is small and inconspicuous—the devil hates this and cannot endure it. Exorcists have recourse to Holy Water for this reason!

FIERY DARTS THAT PENETRATE HEAVEN.

When being assaulted by the enemy it is highly recommended to offer short and fervent prayers—fiery darts that are exceedingly efficacious in putting the devil to flight. Some examples of these short but powerful prayers might be: Jesus, I trust in you… Lord, save me… Lord, come to my rescue… Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation! And of course, invoking with faith and confidence the name of St. Joseph, known as the Terror of demons!

REJECT IMMEDIATELY.

Part of the problem in spiritual combat is our sometimes slow, lethargic, and anemic rejection of temptations. God’s grace prevails when we beg for the grace to manfully and forcefully reject temptations from the start. That said, frequently temptations get a stranglehold over us because entertain the devil’s nefarious ideas. Once the tail of the devil enters, it is difficult to kick him out!

LAZINESS.

On one occasion in the Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul of St. Faustina, the devil was roaming the corridors of the convent frantically looking for someone to tempt. St. Faustina stopped the devil and told him out of obedience to Jesus, to tell her what was the greatest danger for the nuns. Reluctantly the devil responded—lazy and indolent souls!

All of us have heard the proverb: “Idleness is the workshop of the devil!” This means that if we do not have anything to do, the devil will give us plenty to do. The great St. John Bosco mortally feared vacation time for his boys in the Oratory. Why? Too much free time gives full entrance and reign to the devil in the lives of the youth! How often have we sinned preceded by moments, hours or even days of indolence and laziness!

Our philosophy should be that of St. Alberto Hurtado, “There are two places to rest: the cemetery and heaven.” The present is the time to work out our salvation in fear and trembling. May St. Benedict’s motto be ours: Ora et Labora—Prayer and Work.

JESUS IN THE DESERT AS SUPREME EXAMPLE: HIS THREE WEAPONS.

Of course the best example for all is Jesus who said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (Jn 14:6)

At the end of forty days in the desert, the devil came to tempt Him. Jesus forcefully and easily conquered the devil by using three weapons that we must learn to use: prayer, fasting, and the Word of God—the Bible.

Jesus had a prolonged prayer experience in the desert that included Forty Days of fasting—He ate nothing. Finally, the devil tempted Jesus using the Word of God—the Bible, that Jesus Himself used as a sharp arrow to puncture the efforts of Satan. Fervent and prolonged prayer, constant self-denial, and familiarity with the Word of God—meditating on it and putting it into practice, are efficacious weapons indeed to combat and conquer Satan.   

OPENNESS WITH YOUR SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR.

Once again, the Master, Saint Ignatius, comes to the rescue! In the 13th Rule of Discernment of Spirits, Ignatius warns us that the devil likes secrecy. When we are in the state of desolation, the devil counsels us to keep it secret, keep it to ourselves. Whereas opening up to a Spiritual Director can conquer the temptation and dissipate the desolation. By way of example, clamming up is like having a cut or wound that is left unattended. Until that wound is exposed to the sunlight and a disinfectant applied, and a bandage to protect it, not only will the wound not heal, but it will become all the more infected and risk the danger of gangrene, or worse yet, amputation.

Once the temptation is revealed to an able Spiritual Director, it is often conquered. Overwhelmed by temptation, doubt and confusion shortly before making her vows, St. Therese was tempted to leave the convent. She opened up to both her Novice Mistress and her Superior revealing her state of soul. Almost immediately the temptation disappeared, she made her vows and went on to become one of the greatest modern saints. What would have happened if following the counsel of the devil she had kept her state of soul secret and acted upon it? Undoubtedly we would not have Saint Therese of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church.

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL.

In our battle with Satan, we should use all the weapons in our arsenal. God chose Saint Michael the Archangel as the faithful angel, the Prince of the Heavenly Host, to cast into hell Satan and the other rebellious angels. St. Michael, whose name means, “Who is like unto God”, is just as powerful now as he was in the past.

In the midst of a storm of temptations, why not lift up your heart to St. Michael and call upon him. You can pray the famous prayer “St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle…” (see below) Or simply beg for his intercession! His help from the heights of heaven will help you to be the victor in your combat with the devil.

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

MARY MOST HOLY.

As a whole, the Mexican people have great devotion to Mary, especially under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe. However, in Guadalajara, Mexico, in addition to venerating Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe as Patron of Mexico and the Americas, they honor her with another title:  “La General del ejercito!” — meaning she is the “General of the Army”.

In our battle against the ancient serpent, Genesis 3:15 honors the woman who crushes the head of the serpent with her heal. “I will put enmity between you and the woman and between her offspring and yours; He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.” (Gen. 3:15). Indeed the ancient serpent, the devil can strike out at us with his ugly tongue and spew out venom, but when we place our trust in and rely on Mary she will crush his ugly head.

Viva Cristo Rey! Viva Maria Reina! Long live Jesus and Mary!

Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent

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

TUESDAY, March 22nd    Mt. 18: 21-35   “Peter approached Jesus and asked him, ‘Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.’” 

“Seventy-seven times” means always! Lent is a time set aside to recall all Jesus suffered for our salvation and to prepare our souls to receive the Risen Lord Jesus more worthily! Let us examine our conscience on our practice of the Spiritual Works of Mercy, including forgiveness, on which we will be judged, in addition to the Corporal Works of Mercy!

SEVEN WAYS TO PRACTICE THE SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

We are all encouraged by the Lord, especially by reading and meditating on Mt. 25: 31-46, to practice the Corporal Works of Mercy—to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, to clothe the naked, to welcome the foreigner, and to visit both the sick and the imprisoned.

In sum, our Final Judgment will be based largely on our love of God but manifested in our love of neighbor. Indeed, using the words of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta: “We must find Jesus present in the distressing disguise of the poor.” Saint Vincent de Paul, known for his great love for the poor, actually called the poor “his masters”.

Corporal Works of Mercy carried out with noble intentions please the Heart of Jesus immensely. However, it is of equal important to practice the Spiritual Works of Mercy. Jesus said point blank: “What would it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul in the process. What can a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mt. 16:26) Pope Francis lamented that one of the most common and grave neglects is the failure to preach the Word of God to the poor. First, fill their hungry stomachs. But then fill their souls with the Bread of the Word of God and the Bread of Life, which is Holy Communion.

In this short essay we would like to go through the Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy and give some ways we can implement these all important spiritual injunctions!

First of all, the Spiritual Works of Mercy are the following:

1) Admonish the sinner;

2) Instruct the ignorant;

3) Counsel the doubtful;

4) Comfort the sorrowful;

5) Bear wrongs patiently;

6) Forgive all injuries;

7) Pray for the living and the dead.

There we have the seven Spiritual Works of Mercy. Let us take them one at a time!

1. ADMONISH THE SINNER

Easier said than done! Doing this can be extremely difficult but it is exceedingly necessary, now more than ever! Why is it so difficult? For the simple reason that we are born proud and do not desire to give up old and ingrained habits. If they are bad habits, they are called “vices”. We often cling to the evil, the ugly, the impure, the unhealthy, the sinful.

A common example merits our attention. Those who co-habit are living in sin and somebody should tell them, giving clear reasons why this is wrong. What might be the reasons to explain why it is wrong? Here are some. Premarital sex or fornication is a mortal sin. You deprive yourself of the Sacraments, both of Confession and the Holy Eucharist. You erode your conscience. You are giving public scandal, no matter how many others might be doing it. Might, meaning majority, does not make right in the eyes of God. 

God so highly prizes admonishing the sinner and bringing him back on the right path that He promises salvation and the expiation of many of our personal sins by simply bringing back one straying sinner. Read the words of the Apostle Saint James (Jas. 5:19-20):

“My brothers, if anyone among you should stray from the truth and someone bring him back, he should know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his ways will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”

2. INSTRUCT THE IGNORANT

We all have heard the proverb: “Charity begins at home.” This is true, especially in the formation of children and adolescents. By choosing the married state, a husband and wife profess to be open to life through procreation. That is the very first step!

Next, it is incumbent upon parents to teach their children all that refers to God—the Ten Commandments, the Sacraments, prayer, Marian devotion, and much more! The primary responsibility of parents bringing children into the world is to get the children to heaven.   

The school is not the first teacher, nor the catechism teacher, nor even the Pastor or priest. No! The first teachers are Mom and Dad. This necessarily implies the process of ongoing or permanent formation on the part of the parents! Another proverb is worthy of injecting here: “You can’t give what you don’t have.”  

A field that the parents must master in the realm of education, for themselves as well as their children, is that of sexual morality. Parents must strive to know the Biblical and the Church’s teaching on purity, live it out in their own lives, and then teach it with the utmost clarity to their children!

3. COUNSEL THE DOUBTFUL

Much can be said on the Spiritual Works of Mercy. One is the importance of solid spiritual direction. Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint Faustina Kowalska, as well as Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque were all strongly dependent on spiritual direction to discern God’s will in their lives. They all are canonized saints and one reason is that they humbly admitted they were ignorant in many ways, had many doubts, and submitted their judgments, inspirations and thoughts to a higher authority—their Confessor and Spiritual Director.  

Even though there is a shortage of priests, as well as spiritual directors, still it is incumbent upon us to find a way to have periodic spiritual direction so as to expel the many doubts that can easily cloud our mind, blur our judgment, and corrupt our actions. Saint John of the Cross put it wryly: “He who has himself as a spiritual director, has an idiot as his directee!” In other words, we all have blind spots that can only be enlightened by proper spiritual direction.

4. COMFORT THE SORROWFUL

This is extremely important! Saint Ignatius of Loyola in his Rules for Discernment of Spirits outlines a strategy on how to act when we are in a state of desolation. In desolation we may feel sad, worn down, exhausted and alone, as if nobody cares about us, to the point that life seems useless and without meaning. We all go through this state at times; it is part of being human. When you are in a state of desolation, open up to your Spiritual Director. If you don’t have one, to a Confessor familiar with the Spiritual Exercises. This is essential!

Next, when you are aware of someone going through this state of desolation, it is incumbent upon you to do all that you can to be a source of encouragement for them. How???

First and foremost, pray for that person. Second, a warm smile can go a long way! Third, say a word or two of encouragement. Fourth, offer a compliment on some good quality the person has. Fifth, be willing to listen to them; sometimes, just being able to speak their fears and doubts out loud dissipates them. This is all very pleasing to God. We become like Simon of Cyrene who helped Jesus carry His cross.

5. BEAR WRONGS PATIENTLY

Once again, easier said than done. In this we need grace and a lot of grace! Maybe at work we have been wronged by a boss or co-worker. Both the boss and co-worker are not going anywhere. Changing jobs is unthinkable due to the economic situation. The most pleasing attitude in the eyes of God is simply to return to work with great humility and trust in Divine Providence.

Trust in God! He will be there to help you patiently carry the cross. Of immense help would be to meditate upon Jesus carrying His cross heading towards His crucifixion. Even though Jesus fell three times, each time He got up again with the weight of all the sins of the world on His weary, beaten and bloody shoulders.

We should always have Jesus before our eyes as our model and example. Indeed, Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life! Ask Jesus to help you; He will be your Simon of Cyrene!

6. FORGIVE ALL INJURIES

May God help us! We have arrived at the Heart of Mercy in our dealings with others. Mercy is a two-way street! If we want to receive mercy from God, then we must be merciful and forgive those who have wronged us. Biblical verses on this topic are very many!

1) “Be merciful as your Heavenly Father is merciful.” (Lk. 6:36)

2) “Do not take revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.’” (Rom. 12:19)

3) “Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” (Eph. 4:26)

4) “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” (Mt. 6:12 Our Father)

5) “Lord, how many times shall I forgive? Up to seven times?”…”I tell you not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (…which means always) (Mt. 18:21-22)

6) “Leave your gift at the altar and first go and be reconciled with your brother, then come and offer your gift.” (Mt. 5:24)

7) Jesus from the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.” (Lk. 23:34)

8) Jesus to the repentant thief on the cross. “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Lk. 23:43)

One hint in the area of forgiveness. Accept the fact that all of your life people will hurt you. The most common place where we are wounded is in the context of our family, with family members. The key is this: forgive immediately! As soon as anybody hurts or wounds you, pray for that person and forgive them immediately. And as often as the hurt returns, pray for them and forgive them again! If done, you will have won a major victory over self, and shown God how much you love Him by practicing mercy!

7. PRAY FOR THE LIVING AND THE DEAD

Jesus told Saint Faustina that He desires that we practice at least one Act of Mercy every day. He specified that mercy can be carried out in one of three manners:

1) By kind words,

2) By kind deeds,

3) By prayer.

That said, one of the greatest acts of charity that we can do in our lives is to simply pray for others, both the living and the dead.

With respect to praying for the living, there should be a hierarchy of importance. If married and with a family, this should be the order: first spouse, then children, parents, brothers and sisters, relatives, friends, co-workers and associates, and we should also pray for those we do not like, and even for our enemies!!!

Then, with respect to the dead, we should pray constantly for the dead. Saint Francis de Sales emphasizes the fact that this is one of the greatest acts of charity that we can do. Why? For this simple reason: they are totally dependent on the mercy of God and on our prayers, almsgiving or charity, as well as our sacrifices, in order to be released from Purgatory!

The “Gregorian Mass” consisting of Masses offered for 30 consecutive days for the deceased came about because Saint Pope Gregory the Great had to pray thirty consecutive Masses in order to free his deceased friend from the fires of Purgatory. 

A common error today is in funeral Masses where the deceased person, despite their many moral failures, is being unofficially canonized in the funeral homily and/or in the eulogy. True, we should be compassionate towards those who have lost their loved ones. Still, we should not canonize the deceased by assuming they went straight to heaven. Only the Pope has the right to canonize someone. The Bible teaches clearly and unequivocally that only souls pure and without blemish can enter the Kingdom of God. Let us not leave our deceased loved ones and friends in the fires of Purgatory through our failure to pray for them! By God’s grace, we can make reparation for their sins with our prayers and sacrifices, thereby shortening their time in Purgatory, and speeding their entrance into heaven!

FINAL REFLECTION:

Now ask yourself, in humble prayer, which of these Spiritual Works of Mercy do you believe the Holy Spirit is inspiring you to undertake right now? Look at your concrete living conditions and ask the Holy Spirit to pinpoint persons and areas where you are called to implement with great generosity one or more of these Spiritual Works of Mercy.

Not forgetting the challenging words of Jesus in today’s Gospel:

 “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” (Meaning always!)

Finally: “Whatsoever you do the least of my brothers that you do unto me.” (Mt. 25: 31-46)

Monday of the Third Week of Lent

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

MONDAY, March 21st    Lk. 4: 24-30   “They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill…to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through their midst of them and went away.”

Jesus was not accepted among His own. The lover desires to be loved in return. “It appears from the Gospels that Christ wanted very much for us to experience his presence, to have us near him. He would gather his people as a hen gathers its chicks. He lets the little children come unto him. He suffers the crowd to cluster around him. He asks Peter if he loves him. He even begs his friends to be present in his agony.” (Ronda Chervin)

Jesus, on our Lenten journey, we beg for the grace to love you more every day!

JESUS, THE CENTER OF MY LIFE!  By Father Ed Broom, OMV

Jesus Christ is the center of all human history, the alpha and the omega, the principle and foundation, the beginning and the end, the key that unlocks eternal life to all who believe and place their trust in Him. By His Incarnation, life, death, and Resurrection He has divided history into two blocks of time: A.D. and B.C. Never has any person come onto the stage of human history and had such a huge impact as Jesus, and He did this all in no more than 33 years.

The following exposition in its essence is a prayer to Jesus. The short prayer expressions or prayer gems are taken from Sacred Scripture, most of them from the texts of the Gospels. If you like, these are Christological titles transformed into short prayers. It is our intention and desire that you will very slowly pray over these titles in imitation of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who pondered the Word of God in her Immaculate Heart.

CHRISTOLOGICAL TITLES TRANSFORMED INTO PRAYER…

Titles for Jesus are many and rich indeed! Let us learn to pray, to really talk to Jesus through the many and various titles inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus, you are the Bread of Life, give me a growing hunger and insatiable thirst for you. (Jn. 6)

Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd, grant me the deep inner security that I am never really alone because you are walking next to me, by my side, and guiding me with your rod and your staff. (Psalm 23/ Jn. 10:1-18)

Jesus, you are truly The Resurrection and the Life, attain for me an ardent yearning to live with you for all eternity in heaven. (Jn. 11:1-44)

Jesus, your name means Savior, I beg you to stretch our your gentle but strong hand to save me. Lord Jesus, save me from doubt, from my inner fears and anxieties, from my lack of trust in your Divine Providence. Lord, in the midst of the storms of life, when it seems as if my life is on the verge of capsizing and sinking, descend upon me with your calm. Lead me to a safe haven. (Lk. 1:26-56)

Jesus, you are truly the Divine Physician, the Divine Doctor, I implore you to touch me with your hand and heal me. (Mt. Chapters 8 and 9) Lord Jesus, I admit my infirmities. Heal my mind with your light. Heal my soul with your grace. Heal my memory with your peace. Heal my body with your strength.

Jesus, you are the best of all Teachers. (Jn. 20:16) As I sit before you, I beg for your light, for you to truly become my Teacher. I thank you for the Gospels (the Good News) where I sit at your feet to drink in and absorb your Words of Truth. (The Four Gospels).

Jesus, you are The Way, the Truth, and the Life. Pave the Way for me on the highway to heaven. Inundate me in the rays of your Truth. Attain for me eternal Life with you in heaven. (Jn. 14:6)

Jesus, you are the Alpha and the Omega, the Principle and Foundation of my life. Attain for me fullness of life by having you at the very center of my life in all my thoughts, words, and deeds—in my entire will! (Rev. 22:13)

Jesus, you said: “I am the Light of the world”, cast out the dark regions present in my mind, memory, understanding, even my most secret intentions. Shine on me and in me so that your Presence in my life may enlighten many others. (Jn. 8:12)

Jesus, you are truly the Logos—the Word of God issuing forth from the Eternal Father. May your words be engraved deeply in my whole being so that I will be a living expression of your truth in the world. (Jn. 1:1)

Jesus, you are Emmanuel—God with us! In this journey of life heading toward our eternal destiny—heaven, may I be constantly aware of your gentle and consoling presence. May my prayer be that of the disciples on the road to Emmaus: “Stay with us, Lord, for the day is far spent.” (Lk. 24:13-35)

Jesus, you are the Christ-Messiah, the Anointed One. Through Baptism and Confirmation, I have received a double-anointing. I implore you to anoint my thoughts, words, and deeds so that I will be an Anointed presence for my brothers and sisters. (1 Jn. 5:1)

Jesus, you indeed are the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. By your Precious Blood that I receive through the Sacraments of Confession and Communion may I be cleansed and purified of all my past sins and so live in the liberty and joy of the sons and daughters of God. (Jn. 1:29)

Jesus, you are the healing hand that saves. Stretch out your hand to touch my festering wounds and heal me, and all of suffering humanity. (Mt. 8:1-4)

Jesus, you are indeed the wounded-healer. Indeed, it is by your wounds that we are healed. May I seek refuge in your wounds, especially your wounded Sacred Heart. This indeed is my true and eternal refuge. (Is. 53:5)

Jesus, you are the Friend who is always faithful. May I always experience you as my true Friend—always willing to welcome me, walk with me, talk with me, and be present to me. Indeed, you are my one true friend who will never fail me. (Jn. 15:15)

Jesus, you are the Son of God made man. I am eternally grateful to you for becoming like us in all things except sin. I praise you and thank you for assuming your humanity from the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Jesus, you are The Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. As such I adore you and pay you homage as King of my whole being. I beg you to reign over my whole being—reign over my mind, my thoughts, my imagination, my feelings, my desires, my intentions, my will, my entire being, body and soul, in time and for all eternity. (Rev. 19:16)

Jesus, you indeed are the Crucified Savior. May my love and devotion to you result in my crucifying and putting to death all in me that is unworthy of you—that is to say, sin and all of its negative effects! “We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.” (Mt. 27:32-56)

Jesus, your Most Sacred Heart is a burning furnace of charity. Set my heart on fire with love for you and for souls. You said: “I have come to cast fire on the earth, and I am not at peace until that fire be enkindled.” Lord Jesus, give me that fire! (Lk. 12:49)

Jesus, you are the Son of God, the Son of man, and the Son of Mary. Through the intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your loving Mother, may I arrive at a deeper knowledge of you, a deeper love for you, a deeper understanding of you, and a more earnest yearning and longing to follow you all the days of my life! Jesus, Son of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may you be the very center of my life now and for all eternity. Amen. (Mk. 6:3)