Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 14th    Mk. 2: 1-12   “They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.”

We continue on the theme of sin in today’s Gospel. Four men go to great lengths to bring a paralytic before Jesus. What are the first words Jesus says? “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Sickness of the body, in and of itself, does not send us to hell, but sickness of the soul if not cured can indeed send us to hell! A blind man once asked Padre Pio to heal him of his blindness. The Saint said he could do that, but if the man was healed of his blindness, he would lose his soul for all eternity!

HEALING OF THE PARALYTIC: JESUS CAME TO HEAL!!! By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

Wounded, scarred, paralyzed, aching and limping—all words that describe you and me in our spiritual state of soul! We are all wounded because of Original Sin, and also due to personal sin. Good News! There is a “Healer” and His name is Jesus. Let us turn to His healing presence and power!

1. THE PARALYTIC!  First, each of us has to recognize, “I am that paralytic!” Sin is a form of “moral paralysis.” From conception and birth until now, our souls experience paralysis. But there is good news! There is a Healer!

2. THE STRETCHER-BEARERS!  Call to mind how many “stretcher-bearers” God has sent into your life to bring you to Jesus, the Healer. Rewind the film of your life and see these providential persons—call them Good Samaritans—whom God placed in your path that resulted in your encountering Jesus the Healer! Give thanks!

(Stop now, take time to look back on your life and recall those persons who helped bring you to where you are today in your spiritual journey. Thank God and say a prayer for them.)

3. PATIENCE, PERSISTENCE, PERSEVERANCE AND POWER!  The place where Jesus was teaching was packed! But these stretcher-bearers did not give up! Let us learn not to give up. Remember the words of Knute Rockne: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Jesus confirmed this, “By your patience, you will save your soul.” (Lk 21:19)

4. CREATIVITY / INGENUITY!  Wow! Climbing up on the roof and lowering the man down through the roof on a stretcher. How admirable their perseverance, but also their creativity! Where there is a will, there is a way. To encounter Jesus, no sacrifice should be too big!

5. PROPER ORDER OF VALUES!  Jesus first heals his sins: “Your sins are forgiven.” In your life, your soul has infinite value. Your soul is worth more than the whole created universe! (Saint Thomas Aquinas) You were redeemed not with the blood of goats or calves, nor with silver or gold, but by the Blood of the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! (1 Pt 1:18-19)

6. CRITICS OF JESUS.  Jesus is criticized! Let us learn to control our tongue. Remember the words of Saint James, “We should be slow to speak and quick to listen.” (Jas 1:19) Read James, Chapter 3:1-12 on the dangers of the sins of the tongue!

7.  HEALING!  “Get up, take your mat, and go home!” Let us ask Jesus to heal us of our paralysis! Let us have recourse to Confession which heals us of our spiritual paralysis so we can walk, run, and fly high after Jesus! The Christian was made to fly high in the spiritual atmosphere of God’s love and holiness. Lord, give us these wings!!!

8.  DANGERS!  What persons, places and things have led us into the paralyzed state of sin in the past? Let us make a firm purpose to avoid them now and may God’s grace assist us!

9. PARALYZED HUMANITY!  After you have been healed, place on the “mat”—the altar in Holy Mass—all those you know and love who indeed are paralyzed in sin but are too blind to admit it. Or they simply prefer sickness over health. With the priest, lift these loved ones on high during the Consecration at Mass. It is the same Healing Jesus who is Present and capable of healing them, as well as us!

10.  MARY, HEALTH OF THE SICK!  In Lourdes, France many miracles of healing take place every year. The miraculous waters have healed countless sick bodies. However, the most numerous healings occur in the early evening when Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament is exposed in the monstrance and taken in procession. May the prayers of Mary, “Health of the sick”, come to our rescue so that Jesus will heal us in body, mind, heart and soul. Then we can be a wounded-healer to heal wounded humanity in this wounded world!

Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13th    Mk. 1: 40-45   “A Leper came to him and said, ‘If you wish, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him, ‘I do will it. Be make clean.’”

Jesus wishes to make us clean of the leprosy of sin! Yesterday we prayed over the Seven Capital Sins and their Opposing Virtues with the idea of striving to overcome our major Capital Sin.

A key element in the success of this holy endeavor is St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Daily Examen Prayer explained by Fr. Ed below. This prayer helps to keep us accountable before God in our efforts, our successes as well as our failures, in overcoming sin in our lives!

THE IGNATIAN DAILY EXAMEN: A SURE BRIDGE TO HOLINESS! By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

Saint Ignatius insisted on never neglecting the Daily Examen. For no reason whatsoever would this great saint justify skipping over and neglecting this all important prayer. Starting now, why not make a proposal to make your own personal Daily Examen. If done daily, the fruits are countless and the blessings copious from such a tool, an indispensable tool to erect a solid structure for a life of authentic holiness.

In this essay we will highlight and briefly explain the five classical steps of making the Daily Examen. Then, as a means for motivation, we will highlight some of the blessings that will descend upon you in your spiritual life.

If you read through essays, writings, articles and even books on this topic, the order and words vary, but the concept never changes. The key element is that the Daily Examen should be proposed by all those with good will and put into practice. Let’s go!

THE FIVE CLASSICAL STEPS FOR THE IGNATIAN DAILY EXAMEN

1. RECALL THE PRESENCE OF GOD. 

First Step. All authentic prayer starts with calling to mind the all-abiding Presence of God. We are never far from God, and God is never far from us! Saint Paul, quoting the Greek poet, expresses it as such: “In Him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28) Therefore, start your Daily Examen by gently calling to mind the all-abiding, all-permeating presence of God. God is present in all times, all places, all circumstances, and all events. Even when our life seems to be a dark night of the soul, God is as present as the sun shining at midday! Add to this that our God is a loving Father who always desires what is best for His children. Therefore, we should respond with trust, confidence and love.

2. GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD FOR HE IS GOOD; HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER! (Ps. 136:1)

Second Step. Saint Ignatius insists on the importance of gratitude. We should all cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Saint Ignatius states that the very essence of sin is ingratitude—a lack of rendering to God a heartfelt thanks! In all humility, every gift that we have in our life—intellectual, athletic, artistic, spiritual, supernatural, etc.—all are gifts from the Father of all gifts. Therefore, rewind the film of your life since your last Daily Examen to see what you have been gifted with and allow your heart to expand in an overflowing act of thanksgiving. In a word, all that we have (except for our sins—those we willfully chose and God allowed) are gratuitous gifts from our all-bountiful Heavenly Father. Indeed, God loves a grateful heart and is ready and willing to shower thankful hearts with more and more blessings! How much Jesus suffered when after healing ten lepers, only one came back to pay Him thanks!

3. BEG GOD TO SEND THE HOLY SPIRIT TO SEE YOURSELF AS GOD SEES YOU.

Third step in your Daily Examen is to beg for the Gift of Gifts, the Holy Spirit to shed light on your intellect, to help you rewind your past block of time—your past day to see the totality! Humility is truth, and you want to beg in all honestly to see what you have done in the past day, but even beyond your exterior actions, you want to beg for the grace to see your interior intentions. We should never forget that man sees the surface, the mere exterior, but God can read our hearts and even our most hidden intentions.

4. GRATITUDE AND REPENTANCE. 

Fourth Step. During the Examen most likely you will again become aware of God’s incredible goodness and His many gifts to you in the past day; give thanks to God for His blessings. However, in all sincerity and truth the Holy Spirit will also point out some of your thoughts, words and actions, and even some intentions, that were off the mark and not pleasing to God. Only God is perfect and the Bible teaches us that the just man falls seven times a day. Be aware of these moral failures and beg forgiveness.

5. RESOLUTION, RECONCILIATION, AND RENEWAL. 

Fifth Step. The last step points to the future. With a keen awareness of God’s infinite love for us and His infinite goodness in giving us so much, but also aware of our own human weakness, we propose to love God more every day starting right now, and to avoid any person, place, thing, or circumstance that can lead us off the path of true discipleship of the Lord. In other words, the Daily Examen heightens our awareness and self-knowledge and these can serve as preventive medicine. If we know where the pit-fall is in our path, we can sidestep it or jump over it or walk a different path! The desert Fathers insist on this two-word axiom: KNOW-THYSELF!!!

NOW THE BENEFITS OF PRACTICING THE DAILY EXAMEN, which are incalculable! We will mention only three!

1. CONSTANT AWARENESS OF GOD AND PRAYER.  If the Daily Examen is done faithfully—that is to say, on a daily basis, with hard work and good will we will become more and more aware of God’s loving presence in our lives. God is not some distant, ethereal, mythical figure of the past, and He will become all the more real to us. If you like, He will become your Best Friend, always at your side. The truth is, we are never alone! Jesus is our Best Friend who wants us to share every moment of our existence with Him. Because of this, we will sin less. Saint Teresa of Avila asserts that one of the primary reasons for sin is becoming oblivious to the all abiding Presence of God!

2. AVOID PITFALLS!  With a more acute awareness of the intentions and movements of our heart, which is like a garden that has both beautiful flowers and ugly weeds, we can avoid giving in to our bad tendencies. When the bad spirit is knocking at the door of our heart, we must close the door with lock and key! Many sins are committed due to weakness of the will, but also due to ignorance of who is knocking at our door! The Daily Examen heightens our awareness of the tactics of the enemy, as well as self-knowledge of our weaknesses, key components for growth in holiness!

3. COMPASSION TOWARDS OTHERS.  The Daily Examen is like shining a floodlight on our heart, our soul, and the inner workings of our conscience. We become aware of how good and loving God really is. However, with a penetrating awareness, we become cognizant of how weak we really are at times, and how prone to slip and fall into the mire of our own sinfulness. This keen self-knowledge can help us to be more kind, patient, and compassionate with our struggling brothers and sisters! If God is patient with us, how much more must we be patient with others! God allows what is evil to bring greater good from the evil – charity being the greatest good of all!

To conclude, determine now to make the daily Examen Prayer. It shouldn’t take more than 15 to 20 minutes. If you miss a day, begin again, start back up the very next day.

Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12th    Mk. 1: 29-39   “Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.”

We too are sick with a “fever”—it’s called Original Sin, and the manifestations of this “fever” are the Seven Capital Sins. We are infected by all seven vices, though some are more dominant than others at different stages of our lives.

We ended yesterday’s meditation with this thought. What particular VICE am I ready to be healed of this year??? The one vice that keeps reappearing! There comes a point in our life when we say “Basta”, that is, “Enough”!

What is our “Basta” or “Enough” vice to eliminate this year? The necessary steps are 1) Beg Jesus and Mother Mary for the grace, 2) Know and practice the opposite virtue with alacrity and conviction, 3) Whether mortal or venial sin, confess it as soon as possible if we fall, and 4) No matter how many times we fall, get up and begin again!

“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 Oblates of the Virgin Mary)

CONQUERING THE 7–HEADED ENEMY WITHIN by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

A father and his young son are taking a leisurely walk through a wooded park in the early evening. Suddenly the father stops, looks into the eyes of his son and says: “Son, I must tell you that I have a wolf within me—a ravenous, angry, vicious wolf.” As they continue walking, the boy tries to make sense of his father having a wolf within him.

They walk on, again the father stops. Looking intently into the eyes of his son, the father says: “Son, I must tell you that I also have a lamb within me—a gentle, kind, loving lamb.

As they continue walking the son is trying to understand what this means, my father has both a wolf and a lamb within him? Unable to bear the suspense any longer, the son grabs his father’s sleeve and says: “Dad, Dad, which one is going to win, the wolf or the lamb? The father answers, “Whichever one I feed the most.”

By means of this story let us delve into the depths of our own interior lives where we must encounter both the wolf and the lamb, the flesh in battle against the spirit, darkness striving to extinguish light, nobility and courage in contrast to fear and cowardice. This story is not simply a pious, mythical fairy-tale; rather, this is our story. Each one of us like this father has a wolf and a lamb within, each one vying to surface and prove victorious. Which of the two will win in us: the wolf or the lamb? The response is as clear as the sun at midday: whichever one we feed the most!

THE SEVEN WOLVES AND LAMBS WITHIN—THE SEVEN CAPITAL SINS AND OPPOSING VIRTUES.

As a result of the Original Sin of our first parents, Adam and Eve, a moral tsunami was set in motion, like a huge stone pushed in motion from the top of a mountain. In each human person, created in the image and likeness of God and essentially good by nature, there is constant tension within. Even after the reception of the Sacrament of Baptism which washes away the stain of Original Sin, the effects of original sin remain such that our human nature is impaired, damaged, and inclined towards evil. Indeed, if that evil tendency or proclivity is not checked, but given free reign, the wolf will conquer the lamb, slavery will reign over liberty, and addictions become the commonplace in such a person. 

This being the present state of affairs, let us point out the seven wolves that are lurking within and the lambs that must be fed, cultivated, and bred to reign as the ultimate victors in the battle. These are the SEVEN CAPITAL SINS and the SEVEN OPPOSING VIRTUES.

For clarity, simplicity and ease in explaining, we will present the seven capital sins and the opposing virtues. Following will be a brief explanation on how the capital sins can be conquered in your soul; and this means the lamb will conquer the pernicious and vicious wolf always ready and on the prowl to attack!

1. GLUTTONY VS. TEMPERANCE.

2. LUST VS. CHASTITY.

3. AVARICE (GREED) VS. GENEROSITY.

4. SLOTH (LAZINESS) VS. DILIGENCE.

5. ENVY (JEALOUSY) VS ADMIRATION / GRATITUDE.

6. ANGER VS. MEEKNESS.

7. PRIDE VS. HUMILITY.

Now categorically and in an orderly fashion, we will give a brief explanation of each of the Capital Sins—the wolf lurking within and the opposing virtue to be practiced. The whole purpose or thrust of this essay is to enhance our self-knowledge so that in all honestly we come to know and then come to terms with our primary weaknesses—so we can conquer the wolf and allow the lamb to dominate. This heightened self-knowledge or self-awareness will prove a huge advantage in our battle for purity and liberty, and the salvation of our immortal soul in the long run!

Many of the classical writers in ascetical and mystical theology insist upon the indispensable need for self-knowledge. The historian asserts: “He who does not know history is condemned to repeat the same errors.” Socrates stated: “A life not examined is a life not worthy living.” The Desert Fathers have a famous two-word axiom: KNOW THYSELF!

Even athletes—baseball-players, boxers, etc., will study their own actions, as well as their opponents’ actions, so as not to make the same mistakes that cost them the prior game.

If you like, this simple analogy can prove quite useful. Superman had incredible strength. However, he had one potential weakness: KRYPTONITE. If exposed to this element, his energy and strength were drained and sapped from his body, and he became as weak as everybody else. Likewise, Samson’s strength was in his long locks of hair, and Achilles in his heel.  When Samson’s hair was cut he was weak, same with Achilles when an arrow pierced his heel. This essay can help you to name it, claim it, and tame it! We must name our weakness, claim this self-knowledge as indispensable, and then tame the wolf by inviting the lamb to live within!

What Wolf do you need to tame, and what Lamb do you need to invite to live within you?

I. CAPITAL SIN: GLUTTONY.

The Capital Sin of Gluttony can be defined as such: “Gluttony is a disordered desire to eat and drink.” The key word is disordered. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, relying on the wisdom of Saint Thomas Aquinas, asserts that sin is against reason and is a disorder. Saint Ignatius states that we are called to order the disorder in our lives so that we can discern the will of God.

Ask yourselves this question: “Do you live to eat or do you eat to live?” If you live only to eat, then Saint Paul calls this “The god of the belly.” We call this the Capital Sin of Gluttony—the wolf from within.

OPPOSING VIRTUE—TEMPERANCE.

The opposing virtue to the Capital Sin of Gluttony is that of Temperance. This virtue can be defined as: “The proper and ordered use of created goods.” Saint Ignatius in Principle and Foundation reminds us that we are called to use created goods and not to abuse them. The virtue of temperance is using food as a means to have energy, strength, and stamina in order to faithfully carry out the obligations of our state of life. We must strive to conquer the wolf within—eat to live healthily, not live to eat only to satisfy our carnal pleasure!

A PRACTICE TO ATTAIN TEMPERANCE: Leave the table a little hungry. In other words, stop eating before you feel full.

2. CAPITAL SIN: LUST.

A concise definition of the Capital Sin of Lust is the following: “Lust is a disordered desire for sexual pleasure.” As a result of Original Sin, one of the strong disordered tendencies is viewing a person as an object to be used, rather than as someone to be valued for their innate dignity that comes from the Creator, and even more from the Sacrament of Baptism. Jesus warns us to look beyond the mere act of Fornication or Adultery. He warns us to avoid even lusting after a woman in our heart. The standard is high, but the grace of God is more than sufficient if we correspond to it.

OPPOSING VIRTUE—CHASTITY / PURITY.

The opposing virtue to the Capital Sin of Lust is that of chastity or purity. So as to contemplate God in this life, as well as in the Kingdom of Heaven, one of the key requirements or conditions is that of purity. The words of Jesus exemplify this truth in one of the eight Beatitudes: “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they will see God.” (Mt 5:8)

A PRACTICE TO ATTAIN PURITY: Contemplate daily a beautiful painting, icon or picture of the Blessed Virgin Mary with your physical eyes and the eyes of your soul.

3. CAPITAL SIN: AVARICE / GREED.

 A short and to the point definition of Avarice, also defined as Greed, is the following: “Avarice is a disordered desire for material things or possessions.” The philosophical system or terminology would be that of Materialism and Consumerism. Our life is focused more on what we have than who we are. In other words, our possessions can end up possessing us.

OPPOSING VIRTUE—GENEROSITY.

The opposing virtue to the Capital Sin of Avarice is that of Generosity. Generosity is mastered by the art of giving. The proverb of Saint Paul characterizes the thrust of his life: “There is more joy in giving than in receiving.” The saints lived the Gospel of generosity to a point that would shock a person dominated by materialism, as in the case of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta who coined this pithy maxim: “We must learn to give until it hurts.”

A PRACTICE TO ATTAIN GENEROSITY: Every month check your closets, wardrobe, or garage and give to the poor something that you really do not need.

4. CAPITAL SIN: SLOTH / LAZINESS

What is sloth? It is nothing more than laziness, indolence, lack of effort needed to carry out our daily obligations. You might even call it spiritual, mental, and physical inertia in our person, once again, as a result of Original Sin. This sloth can manifest itself in resistance to physical work, mental efforts, and spiritual activity—putting off or neglecting prayer.

OPPOSING VIRTUE—DILIGENCE.

A diligent person manifests readiness and willingness to work hard with their body, their mind, and their soul. They are not daunted or overcome by difficulties, rather they work through the difficulties. One of the best examples is Saint Joseph the Worker.

A PRACTICE TO ATTAIN DILIGENCE: Imagine a typical day in the Carpenter-shop with Jesus and Saint Joseph. See yourself there with them, working side by side with them the whole day! No time for laziness! Rather you accomplish hard, methodical, systematic work with their help and all for the honor and glory of God! Now ask them to assist you to do your daily work with the same diligence to glorify God!

5.  CAPITAL SIN: ENVY (JEALOUSY)

A dangerous and pernicious Capital Sin that if not overcome through grace, can bring with it many very serious, noxious consequences. This we see most clearly in the murder of Abel at the hands of his brother Cain, a result of unbridled anger fed and nourished by envy. 

Envy is a step worse than jealousy. Jealousy is sadness in our heart because we recognize that somebody has something that we do not have. Envy descends deeper into the pit of evil because we rejoice when something bad happens to that person. Truly ugly!

OPPOSING VIRTUE—ADMIRATION AND FRATERNAL CHARITY.

Instead of putting down the person you envy, admire and compliment that person on their talents, successes, and triumphs. Moved by the good spirit, you will come to a keen awareness that the gifts they have come from the Author of all good—God Himself. A key Biblical passage to conquer envy in all shapes and forms is from Saint Paul: “Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.” (Rom 12:15)

A PRACTICE: Every night, look back on your day and find something to thank God for, remembering how He has blessed you!

6. ANGER. 

This Capital Sin is a transient impulse of passion that can be brought on by multiple factors. All too often our anger is manifested by an attitude of impatience, and this impatience can be expressed against others, ourselves, and even at times against God. Anger often has as its root cause, pride. We’re angry because we want things done our way, in our time, and according to our concept of perfection. If not held back or checked, anger can wreak havoc in our life, the lives of those around us, and the lives of a host of others.

OPPOSING VIRTUE—MEEKNESS.

In Sacred Scripture, Jesus describes two characteristics of His Sacred Heart—meek and humble. (Mt 11:29) Contrary to common opinion, meekness is not weakness, quite the opposite! Meekness is powerful emotion under the control of faith and reason. One of the most famous saints known far and wide for his meekness is Saint Frances de Sales; he fought hard against his fiery temperament to acquire that virtue, and so can we!

A PRACTICE: A daily prayer to help us acquire meekness is the following: “Jesus meek and humble of Heart, make my heart like unto thine.”

7. PRIDE.

At the root of all sin is that of pride. Pride can be defined in many ways. However, a concise and clear definition of pride might be the following: “Pride is a disordered love for self.” In other words, the proud person places himself at the center of attention. He is number one! He wants to be recognized and applauded in what he considers his excellence and greatness! The saying rings so true: Pride comes before a fall! In every one of our sinful actions, pride is behind that action in one form or another.

THE OPPOSING VIRTUE— HUMILITY. 

A person imbued with the virtue of humility recognizes the following: All the good that I do physically, intellectually, morally, spiritually, and totally is due to God’s grace and God’s work in my life. In the words of the Psalmist: “Not to us, not to us, but to Thee, O Lord, the honor, glory and praise.” (Ps 115:1)

A PRACTICE: Every single day go out of your way to do something kind for someone or say something kind to someone, without expecting anything in return.

So, my friends in the Lord and His Mother Mary, we have come to the conclusion of our essay on the Capital Sins that we all have rooted within our fallen nature. It is incumbent upon us, through serious prayer, examination of conscience, as well as adequate spiritual direction to discern which of the Capital Sins is our predominant one, and what might be our second most dominant. Then, with the help of God’s grace and our good will and effort, work to conquer those Capital Sins by practicing the opposite virtues so your soul will shine like the stars in firmament at night!

THE WOLF AND THE LAMB. As in the opening story, we all have the wolf and the lamb hidden in the inner recesses of our heart, our mind, and our soul. We must have a humble and clear perception of this dual reality. With God’s grace and our generous effort, we can conquer the wolf within us, so that the lamb, who is a symbol of Jesus Himself, “The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (Jn 1:29), might shine forth brilliantly in our lives. May Mary, the Mother of the Lamb, help us to overcome evil and allow holiness to conquer and reign in our lives!

Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 11th    Mk. 1: 21-28   Alleluia Verse:  “Receive the word of God, not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God.”

Jesus commands an unclean spirit to come out of a man, and with a loud cry the bad spirit obeys! The people are astounded! They ask, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” Jesus came to heal us as well!

There are Two Parts for our Meditation today:

Part One: JESUS OUR HEALER by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

Part Two: What particular VICE am I ready to be healed of this year???

PART ONE: 

JESUS OUR HEALER by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

One of the principal activities that Jesus exercised in His Public Life was that of Healer! Jesus, the Healer, the Divine Physician of our lives came into a wounded, suffering, broken world.

RECOGNITION…

There is no way any one of us can be healed unless we first recognize that we are wounded and in dire need of healing. The Spanish have a saying: “No hay peor ciego que no que ver; no hay peor sordo, que aquel que no quiere oir.” Translation: “There is no worse blind man than the one who does not want to see; no worse deaf man than the one who does not want to hear.” Sad to say, many of us are willfully blind and deaf, and we fail to admit this reality!

JESUS HEALED THE WOUNDED WHO TRUSTED IN HIM…

Time and time again in the Gospels, we witness Jesus healing the sick, the diseased, and the wounded. However, there were conditions! They were especially two: recognition of their wounded state, accompanied with unlimited trust that Jesus the Divine Physician could heal them.

For our meditation, let’s look at a few examples. The Blind Bartimeus to whom Jesus gave sight to his eyes when he implored the Lord in humility and trust: “Lord I want to see!”

Then, there is the woman with the bleeding or hemorrhage. Her desire for healing and her faith in Jesus was so great that she believed if she could only touch the hem of His garment, she would be healed. Her healing was immediate corresponding to her faith.

The Centurion’s servant was healed due to one thing: the faith of the Centurion. This healing was spectacular. The faith of the Centurion was so great that he felt himself unworthy for Jesus to enter his home. However, if Jesus would only utter a word, a mere word, the Centurion trusted that his servant would indeed be healed. And so it happened! Jesus healed the servant from a distance by His word alone. Of course this healing depended on the limitless faith of the Centurion, who was not even a man of the Jewish faith.

There are so many examples of Jesus healing, but one more:

The paralytic carried on the mat. This case is interesting because the healing came about by team effort. Obviously the paralytic could not move by himself and thus had to be moved by his friends. We do not have the number, but maybe four. In any case, all five trusted that Jesus, the Divine Physician, could heal this paralytic. The house where Jesus was engaged in preaching was packed to the gills. Unable to enter through the front door, with incredible ingenuity, the friends decided to cut an opening through the roof (we can only imagine the reaction of the owner of the house!) and lower him through the roof towards Jesus. Rejoicing immensely at the creativity, persistence, and perseverance of these men, Jesus said the man’s sins were forgiven, and then Jesus healed him of his physical condition of paralysis. Once again, healing came about through faith, confidence, and in this case perseverance.

WHAT ABOUT US? DO WE RECOGNIZE THAT WE’RE WOUNDED? 

Jesus earnestly desires to heal all of us, not in a crowd, but individually. However, this all depends on our willingness to admit that we are wounded, as well as having total confidence in Jesus the Healer, Jesus the Divine Physician.

SPIRITUAL WOUNDS

Among all of the wounds that we experience, spiritual or moral wounds are the most serious; these are the wounds that are present in the very depths of our soul.

The very origin of these wounds goes back to the first fall that we call Original Sin. Due to Original Sin all of us are wounded in mind, in soul, and even in body due to sicknesses. Only Jesus and Mary did not have this original wound. Jesus because He was God; He was the “Holy of holies”. Mary was preserved due to a unique privilege that we call The Immaculate Conception.

JESUS AWAITS US… TO HEAL US OF OUR MORAL WOUNDS, OUR MORAL SICKNESSES.

The arms of Jesus are open, we see this from the cross, to heal us of our moral wounds. The Father of the Prodigal Son (Lk 15:11-32) is waiting with his arms wide open to receive us home, irrespective of the many times we might have failed him. Saint Paul reminds us: “Where sin abounds, the mercy of God abounds all the more.”(Rom 5:20)

WHEN IS THE TIME?

Now is the time, the hour of salvation. The wounds of your soul can be healed as soon as you desire! This can happen today. God calls you now; better not put it off until tomorrow because, to be honest, tomorrow may not come. Who knows if we will have a tomorrow? That depends upon God’s providential will!

BUT HOW MAY WE BE HEALED? 

Jesus heals in many ways. However, morally and spiritually Jesus heals through the Church which is His Mystical Body. To be more specific, Jesus heals through the Sacraments, and most specifically through the Sacrament of Confession, sometimes called Penance, other times called Reconciliation, in which we experience His Infinite Mercy, a mercy that cannot even be described by words.

Why not head off to the Church that is nearest to you and seek out that little booth that we call the Confessional. Seek out a priest and ask him if he can hear your confession. Even if you do not remember the Act of Contrition, even though you do not remember the protocol or exact method, still go and simply ask the priest to lead you through the process, and he will be more than willing to help you through it all. Then after you have finished confessing your sins, you will hear these words of Jesus speaking through the priest, the wonderful and all-consoling words of Absolution: “I absolve you of your sins; go in peace!”

In that moment, once again as in the Gospels, Jesus is healing, but it all depends upon your trust and faith that the Divine Physician can heal you. As Jesus healed more than 2000 years ago, He can still heal today if we place our trust, our faith, and our confidence in His might and His words.

PART TWO (Editor’s Note):

What particular VICE am I ready to be healed of this year??? The one vice that keeps reappearing! There comes a point in our life when we say “Basta”, that is, “Enough”!

What is our “Basta” or “Enough” vice to eliminate this year? The necessary steps are 1) Beg Jesus and Mother Mary for the grace, 2) Know and practice the opposite virtue with alacrity and conviction, 3) Whether mortal or venial sin, confess it as soon as possible if we fall, and 4) No matter how many times we fall, always get up and begin again!

“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 Oblates of the Virgin Mary)

Tomorrow’s Meditation covers the Capital Sins and Opposite Virtues to help us discern what particular Vice we will beg for the grace to be free of by practicing the opposite Virtue in 2022!

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

Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

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

MONDAY, JANUARY 10th    Mk. 1: 14-20   “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Jesus spoke these few words to His first four Apostles, all fishermen: Simon and his brother Andrew; James and his brother John, sons of Zebedee. They all become fishers of men!

Jesus says these words to all His followers—to each and every one of us! Your Baptism, which you meditated upon yesterday, was your invitation to follow Jesus! This is the message of Baptism: “Come, follow Me!”

As the New Year begins, let us review and re-commit ourselves to answer the Call of the King! Don’t say, “I already know this”—are you putting it into practice??? Let this motivate us!

EXCERPT FROM THE 10 WEEK SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

WEEK SIX—GRACES TO BEG FOR:

1. Not to be Deaf to the Call of the King.

2. To Know Jesus More Intimately, Love Him More Ardently, Follow Him More Closely.

AT THIS POINT IN THE EXERCISES, WE FOCUS OUR EYES AND OUR HEART ON THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST!

We want to contemplate the Person of Jesus Christ so that we may fall in love with Him, which will lead us to imitate Him, and then follow Him.

MEDITATION (1 of 2): THE CALL OF AN EARTHLY KING (Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius #s 91-98)

91. THE CALL OF AN EARTHLY KING.   This will help us to contemplate the life of the Eternal King.

First Prelude.  This is a mental representation of the place.  Here it will be to see in imagination the synagogues, villages, towns where Christ our Lord preached.

Second Prelude.  I will ask for the grace I desire. Here it will be to ask of our Lord the grace not to be deaf to His call, but prompt and diligent to accomplish His most holy will.

FIRST PART

92. First Point.  This will be to place before my mind a human king, chosen by God our Lord Himself, to whom all Christian princes and people pay homage and obedience.

93. Second Point.  This will be to consider the address this king makes to all his subjects, with the words: “It is my will to conquer all the lands of the infidel. Therefore, whoever wishes to join me in this enterprise must be content with the same food, drink, clothing, etc. as mine. So, too, he must work with me by day, and watch with me by night, etc., that as he has had a share in the toil with me, afterwards, he may share in the victory with me.”

94. Third Point.  Consider what the answer of good subjects ought to be to a king so generous and noble-minded, and consequently, if anyone would refuse the invitation of such a king, how justly he would deserve to be condemned by the whole world, and looked upon as an ignoble knight.

SECOND PART

95. The second part of this exercise will consist in applying the example of the earthly king mentioned above to Christ our Lord according to the following points:

First Point.  If such a summons of an earthly king to his subjects deserves our attention, how much more worthy of consideration is Christ our Lord, the Eternal King, before whom is assembled the whole world.  To all His summons goes forth, and to each one in particular He addresses the words:  “It is my will to conquer the whole world and all my enemies, and thus to enter into the glory of my Father.  Therefore, whoever wishes to join me in this enterprise must be willing to labor with me, that by following me in suffering, he may follow me in glory.”

96.  Second Point.   Consider that all persons who have judgment and reason will offer themselves entirely for this work.

97.  Third Point.  Those who wish to give greater proof of their love, and to distinguish themselves in whatever concerns the service of the Eternal King and the Lord of all, will not only offer themselves entirely for the work, but will act against their sensuality and carnal and worldly love, and make offerings of greater value and of more importance in words such as these:

98.  ETERNAL LORD OF ALL THINGS

Eternal Lord of all things, in the presence of Thy infinite goodness, and of Thy Glorious Mother, and of all the saints of Thy heavenly court, this is the offering of myself which I make with Thy favor and help.  I protest that it is my earnest desire and my deliberate choice, provided only it is for Thy greater service and praise, to imitate Thee in bearing all wrongs and all abuse and all poverty, both actual and spiritual, should Thy most holy majesty deign to choose and admit me to such a state and way of life.

COLLOQUY:

Blessed Mother Mary, help me to pray this prayer every day so that little by little my loving Lord Jesus may conform my heart, mind, body, and soul, my desires and intentions, to live in imitation of Him—Jesus Christ, my Eternal King.  Amen!

MEDITATION (2 OF 2): Now that we have laid the groundwork with THE CALL OF THE KING what does this mean for you and for me???

1. ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE.  We should be eternally grateful for GOD’S MERCY that we have received abundantly through the Sacrament of Confession. Confession heals us, renews us, strengthens us, reinvigorates our soul to fight the good fight and run the good race so as to win the merited crown that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords has prepared for His faithful soldiers.

2. CALL OF THE KING.  Let us beg humbly for the grace not to be DEAF to the Call of the King, Jesus Christ! He is calling each one of us and waiting for our response. Let us be like Samuel in the Temple… God was speaking to Samuel but he did not immediately recognize His voice. Finally, with the help of Eli, Samuel heard the voice of God and responded generously: “Speak, O Lord, for your servant is listening.” (1 Sam 3:10) May this be our response!

3. THE DYNAMIC.  After learning the purpose of our existence by meditating on Principle and Foundation—we are called to Praise, Reverence, and Serve God and thereby save our immortal soul, and after purifying our soul through a General Confession, now we are ready to listen and respond to God’s call with great generosity!

4. PURPOSE OF THE CALL.  Jesus is the Eternal King, much nobler and greater than any earthly king. He has this strong spiritual ambition—He wants to conquer the whole world to His most Sacred Heart. Unlike an earthly or temporal king who desires the conquest of worldly kingdoms, the Eternal King desires to conquer human hearts and souls for their eternal salvation. This enterprise of Jesus is very noble, and He wants to share this enterprise with us right now, if we are ready and willing. Are you ready??? Are you willing???

5. APOSTOLIC ZEAL.  The essence of the Call of the Eternal King is the pursuit of the salvation of immortal souls. Saint Thomas Aquinas states that one soul is worth more than the whole created universe! Why? The reason is clear and unequivocal! Jesus, Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, came into the world as a man and suffered His most bitter Passion on the cross, shedding every drop of His most Precious Blood, for one reason: to wash our sins clean and save our immortal souls for all eternity!

6. GOD LOVES SOULS!  If I truly and sincerely love God, then I should love what God loves. My heart should beat with the same love that beats in the most Sacred Heart of Jesus in His love for the salvation of immortal souls! BEG FOR THE GRACE!!!

7. BE PRACTICAL NOW!  In prayer with the Lord Jesus Christ, your Lord and your King, ask Him what are some practical ways that you can work with Him in His vineyard to save souls??? You probably will not have to go to another part of the world to exercise an active and efficacious apostolate. Most likely, your apostolate is right under your nose! Remember: “Charity begins at home.”

8. THE DYNAMIC OF THE CALL OF THE KING.  Remember the immortal words of Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: “FIRST COME, AND THEN GO.” For us to be good shepherds, we must first be good sheep of the Good Shepherd; that means good friends with Jesus. Nobody can give what they do not have. Therefore, for us to exercise a successful apostolate, saving souls with Jesus, these three practices are essential:

1) Spend time daily with Jesus in prayer—our daily Holy Hour.

2) Fervent Sacramental life—frequent Confession (at least monthly), and frequent Mass and Holy Communion, daily when at all possible.

3) Presence and help of Mary, our Mother—pray the Rosary daily. If you are not accustomed to this, begin by praying one decade per day, but each week add one more decade per day, until you are praying the full Rosary! Our Lady will help you, and Jesus and Mary will be most pleased!

COLLOQUY:

JESUS.  Help me, Lord, to love you more and more each day, and to love what you love, the salvation of immortal souls!

MARY.  Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope, help me to love Jesus with the most pure love in your Immaculate Heart!

End of Spiritual Exercises

FINAL PROPOSITION:

What proposal can I make right now to do my part for the salvation of souls for all eternity in the coming year?

One idea, accept every suffering of whatever kind in silence, unite it to Jesus on the cross, and ask Him to use it to save souls. If it is a particularly hard suffering, you can speak to Him as little Jacinta did: “This will save a lot of souls, right Jesus? Because this one really hurts!” A prayer He will never fail to answer!