Memorial of Saint John Neumann, Bishop

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5th    Mk. 6:45-53   “They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.”

Have our minds and hearts become blunted, obtuse towards Jesus’ Real Presence in Mass and Holy Communion? Has it become so commonplace that we take it for granted? We no longer appreciate the mystery and the miracle—the Greatest Miracle of Jesus’ Real Presence called down from Heaven by the words of the priest and the action of the Holy Spirit at the Consecration of bread and wine to the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ!!!

Yesterday we meditated on seven Old Testament Biblical Passages pointing to the Eucharist. Today we will meditate on eight New Testament references to the Eucharist! May the Holy Spirit set our hearts on fire anew for Jesus, our Beloved Lord and Savior, truly present in the the most Holy Eucharist and longing to be received by each one of us in Holy Communion!

PART TWO OF A TWO-PART MEDITATION

PART TWO:  JESUS TRULY IS THE BREAD OF LIFE.  FINAL EIGHT OF 15 BIBLICAL PASSAGES POINTING TO THE EUCHARIST… By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

NEW TESTAMENT REFERENCES TO THE EUCHARIST.

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

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

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

2) Jesus walks on water, showing His power over His own body, again preparing us for the miracle of the Eucharist. In Mt 14:22-32, Jesus walks on water and gives Peter the power to walk on water as long as he keeps his eyes on the Lord! If we truly believe in the Lord, we can carry out miracles. “Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief.” (Mk 9:24)

3) Finally, close to two thirds of Chapter 6 of John is the BREAD OF LIFE DISCOURSE. This magnificent preaching of Jesus teaches without stutter or stammer, with the greatest clarity, that if we want to live forever we must nourish ourselves on the Bread of Life: “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat of the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.” (Jn 6:53)

2. MATTHEW 26:26-28 / LUKE 22:19-20. THE INSTITUTION OF THE EUCHARIST. In the context of the Last Supper, Jesus celebrates the First Mass on that Holy Thursday night. In the same context, Jesus institutes and ordains the first priests; these are the Apostles. “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them saying, ‘Take and eat, this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’” In the Last Supper account of Luke 22:19, Jesus says to the apostles, “Do this in remembrance of me.” This is the institution of the priesthood. In awe and thanksgiving let us lift our hearts in praise to the Lord for this most sublime gift of the Eucharist! Let us beg for greater faith and love for the Eucharist, as well as implore the Lord for good and holy priests!

3. REVELATION 3:20.  JESUS STANDS AND KNOCKS.  “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” This short but challenging passage presents Jesus as a pilgrim-traveler knocking at the door. The owner can choose to leave the door shut and ignore the traveler’s knock or he can open the door to the weary traveler and invite him to supper. The Eucharistic Lord is knocking at the door of your heart now! What is your response???

4. I CORINTHIANS 11:17-34. THE EUCHARISTIC ABUSE.  This passage in the Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians explodes! Unfortunately, in this early Christian Community there were members who were abusing the Eucharist. The more affluent were eating and drinking, even getting drunk, and neglecting the poor. Then after this scandal, they would be eating and drinking the Body and Blood of the Lord, and Saint Paul says, to their own condemnation. This Biblical passage gives us the foundation for the importance of receiving the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Jesus, in the state of grace. Otherwise, we could be eating and drinking, not for our salvation, but for our own condemnation!

5. LUKE 24:13-35. THE DISCIPLES ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS.  A beautiful and heartwarming Easter passage offers us a summary of Holy Mass in miniature. Two disciples, walking away from Jerusalem after Christ’s crucifixion and death, are in the depths of desolation until a stranger joins them. That “stranger” is the risen Jesus, unrecognized by them. The journey on the way to their little cottage talking with Jesus and listening to Him is the Liturgy of the Word. “Jesus said to them, ‘Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter His glory?’ Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”

The Breaking of the Bread in the little cottage in Emmaus is the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Approaching their destination, they urge Jesus to stay with them. Sitting down at the table, he takes bread, gives thanks, breaks the bread, and gives the bread, only it is no longer bread, it is His Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist. “Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’” One key interpretation: when we live and walk without Jesus, we live and walk in utter darkness, desolation, and sadness. However, once we allow Jesus to walk with us in His Word in Sacred Scripture, and dwell within us in His Body and Blood in the Eucharist, Jesus, the Son of God and the Light of the World, breaks through the clouds and shines on our path, the clouds of sadness dissipate and we experience an overflowing and abundant joy!

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

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

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

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

Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5th    Mk. 6:34-44   “When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said, ‘This is a deserted place and it is already late. Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat.’ But he said to them in reply, ‘Give them some food yourselves.’”

Three points to begin our reflection:

1) Jesus heart is moved with pity for them, for they are like sheep without a shepherd; and he begins to teach them many things. That is us! That is the Liturgy of the Word in every Mass. The priest reads the Gospel and breaks open its meaning for our lives in the homily.

2) When the disciples tell Jesus to let the people go so they can get something to eat, Jesus tells them to feed the people themselves, knowing full well it is beyond their ability to do so. This is for us as well. Jesus gave us the priesthood to change bread and wine into His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the most Holy Eucharist, to nourish us on our way to our eternal home, Heaven.

3) Jesus also gave us good priests like Fr. Ed to continue opening our minds and hearts to the riches of the Eucharist so we will want to receive Jesus, providing we are in the state of grace, at least every Sunday, and hopefully every day! Let us delve into these riches!!!

PART ONE OF A TWO-PART MEDITATION – Part One today, Part Two tomorrow.

PART ONE:  JESUS TRULY IS THE BREAD OF LIFE.  SEVEN OF 15 BIBLICAL PASSAGES POINTING TO THE EUCHARIST… by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

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

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

OLD TESTAMENT REFERENCES TO THE EUCHARIST.

1. GENESIS Chapter 3:6. THE FORBIDDEN FRUIT.  In this chapter we encounter Adam and Eve, our first parents, who were commanded NOT to eat the fruit of the tree in the middle of the Garden of Eden. They disobeyed by eating this fruit—first Eve, then Adam. This we call ORIGINAL SIN. Death entered the world through the sin of disobedience of our first parents by eating the forbidden fruit.

2. JOHN Chapter 6:35-54. THE BREAD OF LIFE DISCOURSE.  Death came about by eating and disobedience. To the contrary, eternal life will come about by eating and obedience. The eating this time must come from the fruit of the tree of Calvary, which is the Body and Blood of Jesus. The Son of God Himself asserted: “I am the Bread of life. Whoever eats my Body and drinks my Blood will have eternal life and I will raise him up on the last day.” (Jn 6:35, 54) In a clear and unequivocal fashion, Jesus states that our salvation, our eternal life, depends upon eating Himself.

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

4. EXODUS Chapter 14:21-28. THE CROSSING OF THE RED SEA. The clear symbolism in this passage is that the Jews passed from slavery to freedom led by Moses their leader. They were freed from the oppression and slavery of the Egyptians. Their passage was through the RED SEA. In a parallel sense, sin is slavery in our lives. By shedding His RED BLOOD on the cross on Calvary that Good Friday, Jesus attained for us the true freedom of the sons and daughters of God. By receiving His Body and Blood we are strengthened, purified, and made strong so as to cross from this life to eternal life in heaven.

5. EXODUS Chapter 16:4. THE MANNA IN THE DESERT. The Israelites were famished from their long journey through the desert. God, through the instrumentality and leadership of Moses, rained down bread from heaven called manna—a word meaning “What is this?” Without eating, we are all destined to die on a human and natural plane. Likewise, if we do not nourish our souls with the Bread of Life, we are destined to die and perish for all eternity. The Manna in the desert is a symbol or type of the Holy Eucharist. Actually, Jesus in the Bread of Life discourse makes reference to Moses and the manna in the desert: “I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which one may eat and not die.” (Jn 6:48-50)

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

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

TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW…

PART TWO:  JESUS TRULY IS THE BREAD OF LIFE.  FINAL EIGHT OF 15 BIBLICAL PASSAGES POINTING TO THE EUCHARIST… By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

Monday after Epiphany

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

MONDAY, JANUARY 3rd    Mt. 4:12-17, 23-35   THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS

“He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.”

Holy Name of Jesus… by Saint Bernard

The whole of the spiritual life consists of these two elements. When we think of ourselves, we are perturbed and filled with a salutary sadness. And when we think of the Lord, we are revived to find consolation in the joy of the Holy Spirit. From the first we derive fear and humility, from the second hope and love.

But, let us see how all this comes to pass. “Call upon me in the day of trouble, says the Lord; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me” (Ps 50:15). There is nothing which so restrains the impulse of anger, calms the swelling of pride, heals the wound of envy, represses the insatiability of luxury, smothers the flame of lust, quenches the thirst of avarice, and dispels the fever of uncleanliness—as the Name of Jesus.

For when I pronounce this Name, I bring before my mind the Man, who, by excellence, is meek and humble of heart, benign, sober, chaste, merciful, and filled with everything that is good and holy, nay, who is the very God Almighty—whose example heals me, and whose assistance strengthens me. I say all this, when I say Jesus.  End of Saint Bernard

We offered this Meditation on Christmas Day. We offer an Ignatian Repetition of this powerful meditation with the challenge for us to put it into practice in the New Year!

JESUS MEEK AND HUMBLE OF HEART, MAKE MY HEART LIKE UNTO THINE by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

“Jesus meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto thine.” Though short in words and length, this is one of the most renowned prayers addressed to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Prayer can be lifted up to the Lord Jesus, contemplated in His Sacred Heart, in any time, any place, any circumstance and irrespective of our moods, be they good or bad!

As surprising as this may seem, only once does the Lord Jesus describe the characteristics of His most Sacred Heart to be found in the Gospel of Saint Matthew. The Lord says:  “Come to me all of you who find life burdensome and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Mt 11:28-30)

As baptized Christians all of us, irrespective of age, culture, living circumstances, and even our past life, are challenged to follow in the footsteps of Christ; if you like: to the imitation of Christ.

Of all the virtues that Jesus preached, practiced and lived out to the highest degree, charity wins first place. However, the virtue of humility has a very prominent place in the Life of Christ. Humility should be a virtue that characterizes our life pattern.

What is humility? This virtue of humility is not easy to define, much less is it easy to practice. A working definition for humility might be the following: “A humble person recognizes that all the good he has done and will do comes from God. On the contrary, the humble person recognizes that the evil he has done is his own doing.” Saint Teresa of Avila will go so far as to define humility in one word: TRUTH!!! Humility is the truth as to who we are, what we do, and what God sees in us! Saint Teresa of Avila will remind us that humility is walking in the truth.

Saint Augustine, the Doctor of Grace quoted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, has this to say about humility: “Should I know myself I would know you, O Lord. Only when humans acknowledge their bad news, will they become ready, glad, grateful recipients of the Good News.” (CCC # 2540)

Even the greatest of God’s creation, the Blessed Virgin Mary, endowed with so many graces, acknowledged that all that she had was a pure gift from God. In her Magnificat Mary proclaims: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. The Almighty has done great things in me and holy is his name.” (Lk 2: 47,49)  Mary attributes all the good that she has done to the goodness of God Himself.

Therefore, given that the virtue of humility has such powerful effects on the person who embraces it and practices it, as well as those who are in contact with those who are truly humble of heart, let us expound upon ways in which we can attain the virtue of humility.

ROAD-MAP AND SIGNPOSTS FOR THE VIRTUE OF HUMILITY…

1. BEG FOR THE GRACE.  Saint Ignatius of Loyola in the Spiritual Exercises constantly invites us to imitate the beggars. That is to say: let us beg for the grace to attain the virtue of humility. The Blind Bartimaeus begged for sight; we will beg for humility.

2. ACCEPT CORRECTIONS.  Even though it really does go against the grain. None of us enjoy receiving corrections—in theology called fraternal corrections, due to our inherent pride. However, when God allows someone to correct us, instead of bristling and becoming defensive or even attacking, we should humbly listen, strive to correct within us what needs to be corrected, and submissively accept the person who meted out the correction. Ouch!

3. SPIRITUAL DIRECTION.  Nobody can direct themself adequately for the simple reason that we all have blind spots. For that reason, Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint John of the Cross, Saint Ignatius of Loyola and many other saints insist upon the indispensable necessity of having a spiritual director to pave the way and help us through the meandering valleys, briars, thickets, and potholes on the road to heaven. Humility requires that we submit our judgment to someone with more experience in the spiritual life—that is to say a good spiritual director.

4. CONFESSOR.  Somewhat related to that of Spiritual Direction is that of having a regular Confessor to whom we can lay bare our conscience and the state of our soul. We should always submit in humble obedience to the advice of our Confessor. These are stepping stones to growth in humility.

5. ACCEPT ADVICE.  If it is our determined purpose in life to make our own decisions at all times and places, without consulting others for frequent and adequate advice, then we are paving the way for us to fall into many pitfalls, many holes, and maybe even off the cliff. Accepting advice from others is not easy, but often very necessary and helpful to grow in truth and humility.

6. ACCEPTING HUMILIATIONS.  Most of us will cringe at the mere notion of the following but it is a sure means of growing in humility: humbly accepting when God allows us to be visited by humiliations. Come they will, there is no doubt; however, to accept them demands God’s grace and accepting the grace that comes through these humiliations.

7. HUMBLE SERVICE TOWARDS OTHERS.  At the Last Supper, not only did Jesus serve the Apostles, but He also knelt down, girded Himself with a towel and humbly washed their feet. This was a chore of a slave in the times of Jesus. Once we put ourselves not in front, but in the back, ready and willing to serve others, then we will have made huge strides advancing in the virtue of humility.

8. TEMPTED TO PRIDE: CALL TO MIND OUR PAST FAILURES.  The devil never goes on vacation and often he will attempt to puff us up with pride. A most efficacious remedy when the winds of pride are buffeting at the doors of our heart is to call to mind the many times that we have fallen morally, sinned seriously, and God has so quickly and mercifully forgiven us!!! When we feel tempted to elevate ourselves in pride, we should remember our own moral misery and this will maintain us in humility.

9. CONTEMPLATE THE LIFE OF CHRIST: OUR WAY, TRUTH, AND LIFE.   Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen preached on the humility of Christ in three different aspects of His Life and Presence. The Life of Christ can truly serve as a model for us, but most especially in the realm of the virtue of humility. The following are the three different aspects or dimensions of humility in the Life of Christ.

1) INCARNATION.  By this is meant that Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, actually became man. This indeed was a huge humiliation—the lowering, the debasing of Himself for love of us.

2) THE PASSION OF CHRIST.  Sheen with his typical eloquence preaches on the astounding humility of Christ that manifested itself with stunning clarity in all of the dimensions of His Passion—His Agony in the Garden, Scourging at the Pillar, Crowing with thorns, Carrying of the Cross, bitter Crucifixion, the insults launched at Him from the cross up until His dying breath. Every aspect and detail of the Passion of Jesus reflected a most profound humility.

3) JESUS’ PRESENCE IN THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS AND BLESSED SACRAMENT.  A still greater, widespread and universal manifestation of Christ’s humility is related to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Blessed Sacrament in His REAL PRESENCE. How often is Mass offered on Sundays and huge numbers decide not to even show up. Then there are those who show up but do not pay attention to what is going on in Mass. Worse yet, there are Catholics who attend Mass but receive Holy Communion unworthily in the state of mortal sin. Finally, there are Churches, Chapels, Sanctuaries, where Jesus is truly present in these sacred places, and nobody comes to even make a short visit. Not only is this painful to Jesus, but it is also very humiliating. Jesus willing undergoes this humiliation for love of us and as an example of the virtue of humility.

10. FREQUENT SACRAMENTAL CONFESSION.  Finally, it must be mentioned that the well-prepared and assiduous practice of frequent Confession can definitely be a springboard for launching us into the deep ocean of humility. Having to examine our conscience and recognize our sins is humbling enough. However, then to go to the priest—face-to-face or behind the screen—and admit our moral failures is hard, but it is a sure path to growth in humility.

In conclusion, friends in Jesus and Mary, the virtue of humility is indispensable on our highway to Heaven. To be sure, in Hell is Satan, the devils and all those who died imbued with pride—the opposite vice opposed to the virtue of humility. But then in Heaven are all those who embraced humility. In truth, they recognized the absolute greatness of God, their total dependence on God, and their gratitude to God for all His abundant Gifts! Let us close, striving for humility by meditating on the words of Saint Peter: “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”  (I Peter: 5:5) May Our Lady, the humble servant of the Lord, attain for us a truly humble heart, a truly humble spirit and style of life!

The Epiphany of the Lord

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

SUNDAY, JANUARY 2nd    Mt. 2: 1-12    Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord   “Thus it has been written through the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”(Mt 2:5-6).

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

OVERVIEW OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON: RELISHING OUR TEN BEAUTIFUL GIFTS! By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

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

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

OTHER GRACES AND BLESSINGS FROM THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.  Of course the very heart and center is the Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem—House of Bread. However, Jesus through His Mystical Body, the Church, constantly floods us with so many graces and blessings. This being the case, let us review and relish once more the other blessings and gifts showered upon us this Christmas Season.

CHRISTMAS SEASON BEGINS WITH THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS—SAINTS AND GREAT BLESSINGS!  The week following Christmas is traditionally called the “Octave of Christmas” —an eight-day feast which begins on the Nativity, December 25, and continues to January 1, the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. During this time the Church Calendar presented a series of extraordinary saints for our admiration and imitation, and for their power of intercession. Therefore, let us renew our love and thanksgiving for these beautiful Christmas super-saints, our brothers and sisters, and intercessors before Christ. May they pave our way to Jesus and Mary in this life and in Eternal Life!

1. DECEMBER 26^TH—FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY. Also, in the overall context of the Christmas Season, the Church celebrates the Feast Day of the Holy Family—Jesus, Mary and Saint Joseph. We lift up our eyes, minds, and hearts to the Model and the Best of all earthly families—Jesus, Mary and Saint Joseph. Jesus was the perfect Son; Mary, the perfect Mother and spouse; and Saint Joseph was the perfect spouse and Father. The Holy Family teaches us countless lessons, but we will offer two. First, the necessity of Silence and Prayer. The Holy Family spent time every day in silence and prayer where they had a deep encounter with God. May we cherish silence that leads us to deep prayer and union with God! Second, the Law of Work. Mary worked hard in the home of Nazareth, thereby loving God and her family. Saint Joseph and Jesus worked long and arduous hours at the Carpenter shop, thereby providing for the sustenance of the family. May we learn the importance of hard, methodical, orderly, and systematic work in our daily lives, following in the footsteps of Jesus, Mary and Saint Joseph!

2. DECEMBER 26^TH—SAINT STEPHEN.  In 2021, the Feast Day of Saint Stephen was omitted in favor of the Feast of the Holy Family. However, it is still efficacious for us to honor this great Saint in our mediation today! A man full of faith and love for the Word of God, zealous to preach and denounce evil and hypocrisy, imbued with the Holy Spirit and thereby possessing an indomitable and courageous spirit, Saint Stephen is called the Protomartyr. The reason for this title is that he was the first in the early Church to shed his blood for Christ and for the truth. One saint can motivate others to be saints. While dying, in imitation of the Master, Jesus the Lord, Saint Stephen forgave his persecutors, thereby living out the Gospel of Mercy so dear to the Heart of Jesus. Who was there condoning the martyrdom of Saint Stephen? None other than the fiery, future Apostle, Saint Paul. Some have commented that the prayers and mercy of Stephen were the catalyst for the conversion of Saul to Saint Paul. Let us beg to to be imbued and permeated with the spirit of Saint Stephen, whose physical death was his birthday into heaven!

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

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

5. JANUARY 1^ST—SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD & WORLD DAY OF PEACE. What an excellent way to start off the New Year by celebrating the greatest of all of the titles and privileges bestowed on the Blessed Virgin Mary—Mary, the Mother of God. Indeed, Mary is the Mother of God, but she is also the Mother of the Church, and our Heavenly Mother. May we entrust our lives totally and unreservedly to her maternal care and protection. “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.” (The Hail Mary – 2nd Part)

6. SEASON OF CHRISTMAS CONTINUED—JANUARY 2^ND —THE EPIPHANY: THE STAR AND THE WISE-MEN. A key Feast in the context of the Christmas Season is that of the Epiphany, meaning “The manifestation of Jesus to the whole world.” The Wise Men followed the star that led to Jesus. I once saw a catchy and appealing bumper sticker with these words: “Wise men still find Jesus in the arms of Mary.” Mary and Jesus are inseparable. At Cana, Mary’s last recorded words were: “Do whatever He tells you!” (Jn 2:5) This is the best advice in the world; take it as your New Year’s motto and action-item! The Wise Men brought three gifts; let us give the symbolic and practical meaning and interpretation of these gifts for us.

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

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

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

10. JANUARY 9^TH—THE BAPTISM OF JESUS AND OUR BAPTISM. Every year the Christmas Season concludes with the Baptism of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. Jesus’ Baptism should be a time in which we examine our own life, examine our own conscience, to see if we are truly living out our own baptismal commitment. This entails our renouncing Satan and all his pomps, the allurements of the world, and all that is within us and outside us that leads us on the pathway of sin. In other words, the Sacrament of Baptism challenges us all to honestly pursue a life holiness, to desire to become a great saint. As Jesus challenges and commands us unequivocally with these words: “Be holy as your heavenly Father is holy.” (Mt 5:48) Consider our transformation at our Baptism: Son or Daughter of God, Brother or Sister to Jesus Christ, Intimate Friend of the Holy Spirit, recipient of the three theological virtues of faith, hope and charity, the moral virtues, and the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, sanctifying grace, and the right to inherit eternal life—all of these Gifts and many more are poured into our soul in the very moment of our Baptism. From then on it is incumbent upon us, with the help of our parents and godparents, to live out the sublime Gift of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism!

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

The Octave Day of Christmas Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

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

SATURDAY, January 1st    Lk 2: 16-21   SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD.   “The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.”

At the moment of her conception in the womb of her mother, Saint Anne, Mary was preserved from the stain of original sin, and remained sinless her whole life. Thus the poet Wordsworth called Mary “our tainted nature’s solitary boast”! Mary is the Daughter of God the Father, the Mother of God the Son, and the Mystical Spouse of the Holy Spirit. Mary is also our dear Mother. All that Jesus suffered on the cross, Mary suffered in her heart, for love of us and our eternal salvation.

MARY IS TRULY OUR LOVING MOTHER by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

Saint Therese of Lisieux, a young Carmelite saint who died at the tender age of 24 years, loved the Blessed Virgin Mary very much and she was known to have said: “It is true that Our Lady is Queen of Heaven and earth, but at the same time she is more Mother than Queen.” This is the wonderful topic that we would like to address in this short exposition on the Blessed Virgin Mary, “God’s Masterpiece of Creation.” (Saint Louis de Montfort)

MARY AS MOTHER.  In all truth it can be asserted that Mary is indeed the Mother of God. Mary is also the Mother of the Church, which is the Mystical Body of Christ. But of great importance to each and every one of us, Mary is our own loving Mother.

MARY’S TITLES AND PRIVILEGES.  Mary indeed has many titles, for example, Mystical Rose, Tower of David, Tower of Ivory, Ark of the Covenant, Virgin most pure, Virgin most holy, Gate of Heaven, Morning Star, and many other poetic, mystical, as well as Biblical titles. Nonetheless, of all the titles and privileges that can rightly be given to Mary, the greatest of all of these is this: MARY IS THE MOTHER OF GOD!

MARIAN DOGMAS.  Up to this point, the Church has officially declared four Marian dogmas, a truth revealed by God through the Church that must be accepted. They are: Mary’s Immaculate Conception, Mary’s Divine Maternity, Mary’s Perpetual Virginity, and finally, Mary’s Assumption into heaven. Of these sublime Marian privileges or Marian dogmas, the greatest and most sublime is Mary’s Divine Maternity—which means that Mary was chosen by God to be His Mother; Mary is truly the Mother of God. This we celebrate every year on Christmas, as well as to start off the New Year on January 1st.

MARY AS MOTHER: THE ROLE OF A MOTHER.  On a natural plane, a mother has these basic qualities. First and foremost, the nature of a mother is to give birth or give life to the child that she has nurtured in her womb. Second, a mother nurtures the child first within her womb, and then as her little child. Third, a mother is intent upon clothing her child, so as to protect them from the cold and from sickness. Fourth, a mother is always watchful to protect her child from danger and the possibility of getting hurt. Fifth, a mother is intent upon educating her child and in many ways: physically, intellectually, morally, and spiritually. Sixth, a mother will treat her child’s wounds after they have fallen and scraped their knee, kissing the wound for quick healing. Seventh, a mother listens to her child whenever they want to open up and express what is in the depths of their heart. Eighth, a mother has the courage to correct her child when her child has made some error or is moving in a dangerous direction. Ninth, a true mother comforts her child by her warmth, tenderness, concern, compassion, and loving care. Tenth and finally, the most important and characteristic note of an authentic mother is that she loves her child. It is a love without limits, irrespective of where the child is and what the child has done—her love is vast as the ocean! All of these maternal qualities can be attributed to Mary our Mother on a higher and more sublime plane. Let us now look at these motherly attributes and apply them to Mary as our Heavenly Mother. In the words of Saint Therese: “It is true that Our Lady is Queen of Heaven and earth, but at the same time she is more Mother than Queen.”

1. MARY AS MOTHER GIVES LIFE.  Mary is the full of grace from the very moment of her Immaculate Conception in the womb of her mother, Saint Anne. Grace is the supernatural life of the soul. Mary prays for us so that we will attain grace beginning with our Baptism; she prays for us so that this grace will grow and abound during our entire life; finally, she prays for us to have the grace of all graces, and that is to die in the state of grace, so that we will be saved for all eternity. Mary my Mother, attain for me life and life in abundance!

2. MARY AS MOTHER NURTURES OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE. Through a fervent prayer life in which we speak often and confidently to Mary, our loving Mother, she attains for us growth in our spiritual life. Once again, Mary, the full of grace, attains for us special insights in our intellect and touches of grace in our soul, so that we may grow and flourish like a healthy tree growing alongside an abundant and gushing stream.

3. MARY AS MOTHER HELPS TO CLOTHE US.  Adam and Eve, after committing the Original Sin, recognized their nakedness. On a spiritual plane, when we are imbued with sanctifying grace through Baptism, we are spiritually clothed with the most exquisite garment. Mary as our Mother prays for us that we will always be clothed with this garment of grace, and if we lose it due to mortal sin, Mary as our Mother prays for us so that we will recover grace through a good Sacramental Confession.

4. MARY AS MOTHER WATCHES OVER HER CHILDREN TO PROTECT THEM. Mary as Mother is keenly aware of the many dangers that her children are exposed to from within and from without. The devil, the flesh, and the world are in constant pursuit of our attention, as well as our soul. Mary as Mother has her careful, attentive, and watchful eye gazing upon us with love, and she warns us through grace and through inspirations of the dangers that encroach upon us.

5. MARY AS MOTHER EDUCATES US.  As a good mother strives to provide a good education for her children, so does Mary. Father Robert Fox, a true expert on Our Lady, most especially Our Lady of Fatima, pointed out that Our Lady of Fatima came in a very special way as TEACHER!!! The words and messages of Our Lady of Fatima turn out to be a superb and excellent teaching, an excellent catechism, a clear and poignant signpost on how to arrive at what is most important—our eternal salvation. Jesus and Mary are the best of Teachers; let us listen to them and obey their advice!

6. MARY AS MOTHER HEALS HER WOUNDED CHILDREN.  If a child falls off a bike into a mud-puddle and cuts their knee, their mother is the first one to run and succor the child. Lifting the child out of the mud, kissing the child, embracing the child, cleansing the child and changing their clothes, dressing the child’s wound, and finally giving the child some hot chocolate—these are all gestures of a loving mother. When we are wounded, Mother Mary comes to us speaking words of wisdom: Let it be… Do not worry… I am here to bring you healing. We should bring our gaping wounds to both Jesus, the Wounded-Healer, and Mary, the Mother of the Wounded Healer!

7. MARY AS MOTHER LISTENS TO US.  A true mother is ready to listen to what is in the heart of her child. On a much loftier plane, Mary as our Mother is always ready to listen to us, respond to our problems, and help us in our needs. The beauty of Mary as LISTENER is the simple but all-consoling fact that Mary is never too tired, occupied, absorbed, or if you like, too busy to listen to us whenever we want to talk to her. We should get in the habit of talking to Mary as often as our heart desires. Mary’s ears are always attentive to the supplications of her children. Moreover, not only does Mary listen to us with her ears, but also with her Immaculate Heart, and she understands us perfectly!

8. MARY AS MOTHER CORRECTS HER WANDERING CHILDREN.  A loving mother is not bashful or slow to correct an errant child. If there is a wandering and hungry wolf outside, the mother will keep her child inside and lock the door, especially if that child is curious and tends to wander. Fraternal Correction indeed is a dimension of the theological virtue of charity, which Saint Thomas Aquinas defines as: “Charity is willing the good of the other.” An example of Mary correcting her children is, again, in the Fatima messages. Mother Mary warned that most souls are lost due to sins of the flesh, and that many souls are lost due to a lack of prayer and sacrifice. Gently but firmly, Mary as Mother exhorts us, her children, to intensify our prayer life, to be willing to live a more sacrificial life, and to strive to live a life of greater purity. This reminds us of the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the pure of heart; for they will see God.” (Mt 5:8)

9. MARY AS MOTHER COMFORTS HER CHILDREN.  In the midst of the many sufferings, trials, tribulations, afflictions, and setbacks in this short life on earth, which is merely a short pilgrimage on the highway to heaven, Our Lady as loving Mother ardently desires to comfort us. Among the many consoling titles of Mary is Our Lady of Consolation. Still more, the Marian prayer that we say to conclude the most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary is that of the HAIL HOLY QUEEN. This consoling prayer starts with these words: Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, Our Life, Our Sweetness and Our Hope! Beyond a doubt, these few words are like a gentle dew descending upon the dry and parched desert of our soul. Indeed, in the sorrows, sadness, and failures that we all experience in life, which is a valley of tears, we should run to Mary as our Mother to comfort us. She will come quickly to soothe our sorrows with the comfort and consolation of her loving heart!

10. MARY AS MOTHER TRULY LOVES US, AND LOVES US INTENSELY!  A natural mother loves her children. However, human love has limits and it often wanes, declines, and can even grow cold. This is reality! Not so in the case of Mother Mary. The love of the most pure and Immaculate Heart of Mary never wanes, diminishes, or grows cold. It is a constant, intense, and faithful love. Mary as Mother loves us irrespective of where we are, what we have done and what we have failed to do. Her love for us is most pure and perfect. Possibly the best way to understand to a limited degree the love Mother Mary has for you and for me would be by meditating upon the words of the Doctor of Grace, the great Saint Augustine: “If you were to put all the love, of all of the mothers, of all times and places together, then the love that Mary has for you is much greater!” In other words, it is impossible to fathom the inexpressible, sublime, and ineffable love that Mary as Mother has for you!

In conclusion, we hope and pray that starting now you will experience the extraordinary power of the presence of Mary in your life, most especially as your Heavenly Mother. As Mother, she will attain life and life in abundance for you. As Mother, she will nurture and strengthen your spiritual life. As Mother, she will clothe you with the royal garment of sanctifying grace. As attentive Mother, she has her loving eyes fixed upon you at all times. As a good Mother, she will help you to be educated in the Gospel—the Good News of salvation that Jesus her Son taught. Wounded? Mary is also known as Health of the sick, and like Jesus, she will intercede as physician. Never too busy, Mary as Mother will lend you an attentive ear; she is the best of listeners. If you are a wandering sheep from the fold, Mary, as Mother of the Good Shepherd and aware of the presence and danger of the wolves, will bring you back to the fold. In the midst of the sorrows and failures of life, Mary is “your life, your sweetness, and your hope.” (From the Hail Holy Queen) Finally, Mary as Mother loves you intensely with her Immaculate Heart and desires that one day you will be with her forever in heaven to praise, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for all eternity. Amen.