Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

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

TUESDAY, June 15th   Mt 5: 43-48    “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father….”

BEING A WOUNDED HEALER IN A WOUNDED WORLD by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

As a result of Original Sin, the sin that our first Parents, Adam and Eve, committed at the beginning of human history, a moral, spiritual and physical tsunami descended and exploded on all of humanity. The effects of Original Sin and this tsunami will be felt until the end of the world, and is felt by all of us and individually and in many ways.

THE ORIGINAL SIN AND OUR WOUNDED HUMAN NATURE.  In a very real sense, the entire universe has become a gaping wound in all of the individuals who constitute and compose the human family. In what ways are we wounded? Put better: in what ways are we not wounded? Our whole being, while essentially good, limps with wounds. Let us venture to give the list: our body is prone to sicknesses which terminate in the eventual death of the body. Our mind is impaired and has difficulty in discovering the truth, and much less retaining the truth. Emotionally we are a wreck: sad, depressed, nervous, confused, worried and fearful, anxious and tense—we all experience the whole gamut of a disorderly array of emotions that wreak havoc within us. Moral and spiritual wounds are at the heart of the matter. God seems at times to be very distant, and worst of all, due to Original Sin, we are wounded morally, and we wound our relationship with our loving, kind and merciful God due to ingratitude, which St. Ignatius of Loyola says is the essence of sin.

O HAPPY FAULT.  Saint Augustine says that God allows evil only to bring good out of evil. The classic example is that God allowed Adam and Eve to commit the Original Sin starting this moral tsunami. However, as a result of this, God the Father willingly and lovingly sent His only begotten Son, Jesus the Lord, into the world to show us the Way to the Father, and to suffer and die on the cross and after the third day rise from dead to open up the gates of heaven and attain for us eternal life.

SOURCES OF HEALING AVAILABLE TO US.  On a very positive note, in this short essay we would like to offer a number of concrete, practical and accessible ways in which we can work on our inner healing so that we can heal others. In other words, may we all become wounded healers so that we can be a source of healing in a wounded and broken world. It must be said before offering a list of positive sources of healing that it is Jesus who is the ultimate source of healing. Saint Peter in his letter says: “That by His wounds (Jesus’ wounds) we are healed…” quoting the Prophet Isaiah. Therefore, let us first and foremost turn to Jesus and He can heal us. He is the Divine and Perfect Physician. Let us expose our wounds to Him and He will heal us.

WAYS THAT WE CAN UNDERGO PERSONAL HEALING

1. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM.  The first powerful source of healing at the start of our life is when we receive the Sacrament of Baptism. The graces and blessings are indeed numerous. However, of paramount importance is the fact that the gaping wound of Original Sin has been washed clean from the soul and a deep healing has taken place in the inner depths of that person. The healing has taken place by the first encounter with Jesus the wounded-healer. For this reason, Baptism should be done as early as possible.

2. FERVENT PRAYER.  Every time we apply ourselves to faith-filled, fervent, and frequent prayer, once again Jesus, the Divine-Physician, intervenes as the Wounded-Healer. Healing might not take place at the speed that we desire, nor even the manner we expect. Nonetheless, God’s healing power is operative in fervent prayer.

3. ANOINTING OF THE SICK.  This is actually one of the seven Sacraments that has as one of its basic functions that of healing. At times, after receiving this Sacrament, there is actually a physical recovery and strengthening, if this serves for the person’s eternal salvation. However, the inner healing of the soul is of greater importance. Actually, even if the terminally ill person were in a coma-state, and they were to have desired to confess their sins to the priest with true sorrow, then the Anointing of the Sick serves to heal the soul of these sins. What a great Sacrament and how little we really understand it!

4. THE MOST HOLY EUCHARIST.  Indeed, every one of the seven Sacraments has a specific Sacramental grace that differentiates it from the others. The specific Sacramental grace and effect of the most Holy Eucharist is that of NOURISHMENT. If you like, what a nourishing meal does to the body, the most Holy Eucharist does to the soul. However, given that Jesus is truly present Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in every consecrated Host, He actually has healed many people through the worthy reception of the Eucharist as well. We pray with the Centurion: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should come to my house, but only say the word and my soul will be healed.” (Lk 7:6-7) May we say this prayer at the Mass with greater faith and devotion!

5. THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION: THE TRUE SACRAMENT OF HEALING. Once again referring to the specific Sacramental effects, the Sacrament of Confession or Reconciliation has as its specific effect that of healing, most especially the healing of the soul. The priest, being the minister of this wonderful Sacrament, represents Jesus, the Divine Physician who came to save us and to heal us. We bring our spiritual leprosy to the Divine Physician and He heals our wounded, leprous soul, just as we see time and time again Jesus healing the lepers in the Gospels. The Prophet Isaiah offers us these most consoling words: “Though your sins be like scarlet, I will make them as white as the snow.” (Is 1:18) The most wounded soul can be healed if we have trust and true repentance.

6. FORGIVENESS.  Many, all too many people, carry within their hearts gaping moral and spiritual wounds for the simple reason that they have been hurt by somebody and rather than forgiving, they are holding on to resentments and harboring grudges. Until this individual is able to come to terms with their lack of forgiveness and take the first step in striving to forgive, they will be a living, walking and gaping wound oozing out moral pus. In other words, to forgive is to truly set the captive free, and that captive is you and me!  Jesus came to break the bonds of our moral slavery! As the poet Alexander Pope expressed with such poignant precision: “To err is human; to forgive is divine.” Allow Jesus to heal you by forgiving right now!!!

7. LOVING KINDNESS.  We live in a world immersed in egotism and selfishness where many are only interested in their own plans and projects, without giving an ounce of concern for others. But we have all experienced in our life, especially when we have been in a profound desolation, some person God has sent to us with a smile, a kind word, a kind gesture, a token of friendship, words and expressions of encouragement. Consequently, as a result of this encounter with this really KIND person, our state of soul is transformed from deep desolation to an over-flowing consolation. The storm-clouds dissipate and the sun comes shining into our souls. In other words, loving-kindness and human compassion can be a most powerful source of healing!

8. BECOMING THAT KIND-MERCIFUL GOOD SAMARITAN.  On the flip side of the coin, when we have been living a selfish and egotistic life and make the decision to go out of our selfish-shell and seek the good of others through kindness, than we too are being healed by our loving others. Might seem paradoxical, but it is real! In other words, love always heals—both those who receive it and those who give it!!!

9. VISITING THE SICK AND THE SUFFERING.  Of great importance in the modern world of Utilitarianism—in which a person has value inasmuch as they are economically productive—is the importance of visiting the sick, the suffering, the abandoned, and the dying. Again, there is a double-healing in this mutual encounter. For example, a Eucharistic minister who visits, attends, encourages, and converses with an abandoned and sick person is doing a gesture that is highly pleasing to God. In this visit, great healing is taking place—not always on a physical level, but on a moral, spiritual and emotional level! It might even happen that you are the Eucharistic minister and are not really feeling good yourself—physically or emotionally—but after you visit with this sick person, who is much worse off than you are, and you give the person Holy Communion, pray with this person, talk with them for at least a short while, and end by leaving them with a radiant smile on their face, both the minister and the sick person are healed. Once again love transforms; love strengthens; love heals; love saves. God is love!

9. MOTHER MARY: HEALTH OF THE SICK.  It is recorded in the life of Saint Therese of Lisieux that she prayed in a special way in front of a small statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The future saint had been sick for a while and there seemed to be no apparent remedy. Therefore, she had recourse to Mary through this little statue. Saint Therese noticed that the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary actually smiled at her and she was immediately healed of her ailment. How often has it been recorded in the History of Catholicism that Our Lady has come to the rescue of many sick people and healed them, especially in Lourdes, France! One of her many titles is “Health of the Sick”. These of course are physical healings. Many more unrecorded spiritual healings, the conversion of many sinners, has become a reality through the powerful presence and intercession of Mary under the title of “Health of the sick.” Let us bring our many ailments to Mary and she will help us!

In conclusion we are all wounded, from the moment of our conception with Original Sin and during our life we are wounded constantly and end up by wounding others. Either we become wounded-wounders or wounded healers. If we do not seek out healing, especially from God, then we end up by wounding more and more people in our walk through life. However, if we allow Jesus, the Wounded Healer to heal our wounds, then we can truly be wounded-healers in a broken and wounded world. Let us go to Jesus because “by His wounds we are truly healed.” 

Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church

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

MONDAY, June 13th   Mt 5: 38-42   Alleluia Verse: “A lamp to my feet is your word; a light to my path.”

PERMANENT FORMATION IN THE MODERN WORLD by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

A Century ago, Spiritual Directors, writers, and the classic books would frequently encourage the practice of both spiritual reading, as well as Lectio Divina. Undoubtedly, these would be efficacious tools to robust one’s spiritual life.

Even more insistent on the importance of methodic and well-planned spiritual reading would be part and parcel of the Rule for most Religious Orders and Congregations. Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Saint Anthony Mary Claret, Venerable Bruno Lanteri (Founder of the Congregation of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary), not to mention the great woman Doctor of the Church, Saint Teresa of Avila, were all keenly aware of the importance of the practice of spiritual reading.

Even more poignantly, the conversion of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, obviously the work of God’s grace, came about at least partially through the reading of good books; in the case of Ignatius, the lives of the saints.

Now more than ever, we must take advantage of the present moment, the times in which we live and the tools at our disposal to advance and progress in our spiritual journey.

The practice of spiritual reading will persist as a perennial and efficacious practice until the Lord decides to call all to Judgment. However there are many sources of learning, growth and sanctification at our finger tips that we should not be ignorant of nor discard!

Without going into minute detail, let us present the multiple sources of spiritual enlightenment and nourishment that can indeed bolster our spiritual life from mediocrity to fervor and saintliness. Now is the day of our salvation and a chief enemy is that of procrastinating—putting off until tomorrow the good that we can and should carry out in the present moment. In a word, what we do not do now, will not be done tomorrow or perhaps ever! Here comes the list!

1. SPIRITUAL READING.   Get in the habit of good spiritual reading, the classics. Read the Bible, the Fathers of the Church, the Doctors of the Church, the lives of the saints and their writings, as well as Encyclicals and Church Magisterial Teachings.

2. CATHOLIC RADIO PROGRAMS AND TALK SHOWS.   Many of us find ourselves stranded in our cars, and at times for hours in a day. Instead of capitulating to frustration and anger, why not use that time to pray a Rosary or two, and then listen to some good Radio Programs. Suggestions? Relevant Radio or EWTN. Radio in Spanish—Radio Guadalupe or El Sembrador. If you choose the right Programs, this can serve for your ongoing Permanent formation.

3. PODCASTS.  You are taking a walk in the park for half an hour and you want to relax and learn something new. Why not put on the headphones and listen to a 25 minute Podcast on some timely spiritual topic. Indeed, this will enrich your spiritual life and help you so that you can defend your Catholic faith more vigorously—like Saint Stephen in the Acts of the Apostles!

4. BLOG ARTICLES.  One of my favorite past-times is to spend some quality time in silence composing a relatively short blog article, usually between 1,500 and 2,000 words.  (Actually, that is what I am doing right now!!!) These articles are simple, spiritually sound, informative, easy to read and not time consuming. They can be read in ten minutes or even less. Then you can always go back to them for future consultation and formation. 

5. YOUTUBE SEA OF INFORMATION.  With respect to the YouTube world there is literally a world of information at our fingertips. Of course, there is much to be avoided like the plague. However, there are many recorded talks that can truly enrich our spiritual lives.

6. DVD’S.  Even though many may consider DVD’s technology of the past, we should not deny the fact that in the past 30 years many DVD’s have presented marvelously the lives of the saints.

7. IMAGES/SPIRITUAL PAINTINGS.  No matter the age or epoch that we find ourselves in, there are paintings, sculptures, Icons that have perennial value for spiritual edification. Images of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Images of Divine Mercy, paintings, statues or even icons of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus can help us immensely as a means to lift our mind, heart, and soul to God, the Creator of all authentic beauty.

8. TELEVISION.  Once again, TV can be interpreted in the light of being a two-edged sword. Unfortunately, much filth is spewed out from the ugly mouth of the TV channels. However, there are channels and Programs that have done immense good and will continue to do immense good.  Just to mention one: EWTN. Thanks to Mother Angelica’s genius, tenacity, perseverance and spiritual life, there exists today the most famous Catholic TV Network in the world—EWTN—ETERNAL WORD TELEVISION NETWORK. Graces in abundance and conversions have flowed from EWTN.

9. RETREATS/CONSECRATIONS.  Over the past few years, Spiritual Retreats and programs of Consecration to Mary, to Saint Joseph, etc. have proven to be incredible spiritual skyrockets, catapulting many to a deeper spiritual life and commitment to a truly pure sanctity of life.

10. CONVERSATIONS.  It is true that books, articles, YouTube videos, Podcasts, DVD Movies, TV, as well as Radio programs can be very efficacious tools to help us to grow more robust in our spiritual lives. However, the saints of the past have strongly recommended the real importance of being engaged in spiritual conversations. Imagine eavesdropping on a conversation between Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross. Try to picture yourself listening to Saint Margaret Mary Alaqoque talking to her Spiritual Director, Saint Claude de la Colombiere about her messages that she received from the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Try to imagine being present when Saint Faustina Kowalska opened her mind and heart to her spiritual director, Blessed Michael Sopocko.  No doubt, once we are engaged in conversations on spiritual matters, our own spiritual life takes wing and starts to soar into a much more lofty spiritual atmosphere.

Friends in Jesus, Mary, and Saint Joseph, the angels and saints, let us picture our life as a journey and the end is our eternal Home. Let us utilize all of these expressive signposts to help point us on the sure and secure pathway to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Indeed these two will be our refuge in time and for all eternity.

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

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

SUNDAY, June 12th   Jn 16:12-15   SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY Alleluia Verse: “Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; to God who is, who was, and who is to come.”

We are temples of the Blessed Trinity by virtue of our Baptism: “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” We have a thrice Holy God who created us out of love, to love God in return, and to be with God for all eternity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Let us meditate on this with great Gratitude and Joy!

CALLING TO MIND THE GRACES OF OUR BAPTISM by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

The Christmas season ends with the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Jordan River in his 30th year, given by Saint John the Baptist. The clouds were rent asunder, the dove alighted upon Jesus, and the voice of the heavenly Father could be heard clearly: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” (Mt. 3:13-17)

The Baptism of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ summons all of us who have received the great gift and grace of the Sacrament of Baptism to renew our baptismal promises. Listen and meditate on the profound but simple words taken from the Catechism of the Catholic Church on the Sacrament of Baptism:

“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door that gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and the word.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1213)

Spiritually and supernaturally, it all started at the moment of our own baptism when the minister poured water on our forehead and pronounced the words: “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

The graces were a deluge, to say the least. Listen to all that happened the day and moment of your Baptism! Transformed into a son or daughter of God, brother or sister to Jesus Christ, intimate Friend of the Holy Spirit, temple and icon of the Blessed Trinity—all of these personal graces we received in relationship to the Blessed Trinity when baptized.

However, more graces and gifts descended upon us in an invisible but very real way. Following are the many virtues that our soul was imbued with in the moment of our Baptism: the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity; then the moral or cardinal virtues of justice, temperance, prudence, and fortitude. And at the same time we received the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, knowledge, understanding, counsel, fortitude, piety and fear of the Lord.

If that were not enough, in the moment of Baptism we became members of the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ, exorcised of the presence of the malignant enemy (the devil). Also, with Baptism we receive the right and privilege to the many heavenly inspirations that come from God’s spirit, and if we live out our baptismal promises, one day eternal life in heaven will be ours! How generous our good God is!

Given that it all started spiritually with Baptism, we are called to live out our own baptism by renouncing the devil and his seductions; also, we are called to renounce the world and its allurements, as well as the base promptings of our lower nature that we call the flesh. In a word, from Baptism we are all called to pursue a life of holiness, calling to mind the words of Jesus who said: “Be holy as your heavenly Father is holy.” (Mt 5:48)

What then might be some concrete ways that we can call to mind our baptism, or the baptism of our family members, and live out with greater energy and intent the responsibilities that flow from the great Sacrament of Baptism? We will offer five for your meditation, reflection, as well as practical application in your daily walk with the Lord Jesus who was baptized in the River Jordan leaving an example for us!

1. Baptism of Jesus.  Every year that we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus, the priest, in the context of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, blesses the people with holy water. At that point, we should renew our own baptismal commitment with faith, fervor and commitment to renounce sin and follow Jesus with a determined determination. We should strive to leave the dead leaven of sin and live in the holiness of the light of Christ, who indeed is the Light of the world.

2. Baptisms of Parents and Children. It could be a very powerful teaching and catechetical moment by parents—especially with the little ones—to celebrate the Baptismal date of their child the same way that they would celebrate their natural birthday. Indeed, baptism is our second birth. Why not buy a cake and light the candles—according to the number of years, and celebrate the spiritual birth of your child. However, this should all be done in the context of faith and catechesis. Parents can use this moment to explain what Baptism is, what it does to our soul, and the responsibilities that flow from the Sacrament of Baptism!

3. The Sign of the Cross. Making the sign of the cross with both faith and reverence can be an efficacious means by which our awareness of the Sacrament of Baptism is enhanced. The great Carmelite mystic, Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity’s basic charism was a keen and acute awareness of the most Blessed Trinity living in her soul through grace. Therefore, every time we make the sign of the Trinity and say: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” we can call to mind our dignity from Baptism, that we are sons and daughters of God the Father, brother or sister to Jesus Christ, and a close friend to the Holy Spirit. Indeed, how many sins would we avoid committing with our bodies—temples of the Blessed Trinity, if only we were aware of our dignity and our destiny. Not only are we living icons of the Trinity starting at Baptism, but our eternal destiny is to live in the bosom of the Blessed Trinity for all eternity!

4. Holy Water. Every Catholic-Christian family should have holy water in their homes. Better yet, would be to have holy water in a little holy water font in all the bedrooms. Therefore, upon coming or leaving, every member of the family could bless themself with holy water for protection against the evil spirits and for the grace to live according to the dignity that flows from our Baptism. Holy water is a “holy” reminder of God in our lives!

5. Parents & Godparents: Recall and Live Your Responsibility. Godparents of a baptized child or adult represent a much more extensive family—that we belong to the Church which is the family of God. Among the many roles of the godparents, let us highlight two primary roles: 1) Prayer—Godparents should pray for their godchildren, hopefully every day at least a Hail Mary, better yet a Rosary; 2) Good example—Godparents are called to live out the symbolism of the lighted candle—that is to say they are called to radiate the light of good example in all they say and do. Good example has a powerful influence on others; think of the example of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, as well as Saint Pope John Paul II—what burning torches in a world immersed in the darkness of sin! Parents have a more extensive and serious role and responsibility than the Godparents. True, parents must pray and give good example to their children, but they must go way beyond these two roles. Parents are also called to educate their children and in all aspects: character and human formation—the formation of their mind, heart, will and soul. In a word, parents should form their children to be excellent citizens of this world and future citizens of the kingdom of heaven.

In conclusion, let us call to mind our great dignity and our great destiny; and it all starts at the moment we received the Sacrament of Baptism. Dignity? We are temples of the most Blessed Trinity once baptized. Destiny? Our end goal in life is to be united with the Blessed Trinity forever in heaven. May Our Lady who is the Daughter of God the Father, the Mother of God the Son, and the mystical Spouse of the Holy Spirit attain for us the grace to live out to the fullest extent the Sacrament of Baptism in our lives!

Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle

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

SATURDAY, June 11th   Mt 10: 7-13   Alleluia Verse: “Go and teach all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, until the end of the world.”

How is Jesus with us always? In His Mystical Body the Church, especially in His Real Presence in the most Holy Eucharist.

CCC 1324. The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” “The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch.”

MARY AND LOVE FOR THE HOLY EUCHARIST! By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

One of the most famous quotations from the Documents of Vatican II, the Dogmatic Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium—which refers to the Liturgy, most specifically the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, is that the Mass is the source and summit of our life. In other words, the very high-point, pinnacle, apex, zenith of our earthly life becomes a reality with the celebration of Holy Mass.

At the moment of the Consecration in the Mass, when the priest pronounces the words, “Take and eat this is my Body; take and drink this is my Blood; do this in memory of me”, Jesus truly becomes present on the Altar in His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

Both the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist can be related and connected to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and in various ways. Let us present some ways for our reflection, prayer, and meditation.

1. MARY’S YES IN THE ANNUNCIATION AND OUR HOLY COMMUNION.

Saint Pope John Paul II offers us a brilliant, mystical, Eucharistic insight on the relationship between the Annunciation and our worthy reception of the Holy Eucharist. The former Holy Pontiff notes that when the Blessed Virgin Mary gave her consent to the Archangel Gabriel at the time of the Annunciation with the words: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word.” (Lk. 1:38), in that moment Mary was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and received Jesus into her womb and into the very depths of her most pure and Immaculate Heart. Saint Pope John Paull II makes this parallel. When we attend Mass and approach the altar to receive Holy Communion and respond by saying AMEN to the reception of Holy Communion, it is similar to the YES of Mary to the Archangel Gabriel. Both Mary’s YES and our AMEN result in receiving Jesus into our innermost being. Mary’s YES resulted in the Incarnation of Jesus in her Heart and her womb. Our AMEN results in Jesus descending into the very depths of our heart and soul in Holy Communion.

To conclude on this point: if we really have an ardent desire to receive Jesus with greater purity of heart, greater fervor, and greater love, then we should make the effort and strive to receive Holy Communion through the presence and intercession of Mary in the moment we receive our Eucharistic Lord. As Mary undoubtedly received Jesus with lively faith, profound humility, and burning love, so she can attain for us more efficacious Communions—Communions that will help us live out the Pauline expression: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Gal. 2:20)

2. THE VISITATION OF MARY TO ELIZABETH AND THE EFFECTS OF HOLY COMMUNION.

As a follow up to the Mystery of the Annunciation and Mary receiving Jesus by saying YES to God, we have the Mystery of the Visitation. What is the lesson that Mary teaches us in the Visitation related to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and Holy Communion? Simply this: Mary teaches us that receiving Jesus into our hearts should be a powerful motivation for all of us not to keep Jesus to ourselves in a selfish way. On the contrary, the reception of Jesus in Holy Communion should result in an explosion of fraternal charity and service in our heart in the sense that we cannot keep Jesus to ourselves, but feel the irresistible motivation to bring Him to others with our words and our deeds. Upon receiving Jesus at the Annunciation, Mary could not wait but went in haste to bring Jesus to her cousin Elizabeth who was with child, Saint John the Baptist in her womb. May we also go in haste to bring the love of Jesus whom we have just received to others!

3. THE VISITATION AND MARY AS PATRON OF EUCHARISTIC PROCESSIONS—CORPUS CHRISTI.

The Blessed Virgin Mary, after conceiving Jesus within her womb, traveled approximately 80 miles to visit her cousin Elizabeth in the town of Ain Karem. It was located in the hill-country, so Mary had to climb, to ascend in traversing the terrain. However, it is worthy of note that during this long journey of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which obviously took several days, she carried Jesus within her. So in a very real sense, Mary was a living Tabernacle; Mary was a living Monstrance; Mary was a living Sanctuary! Still more, it can be said that the Blessed Virgin Mary was also a living and moving Corpus Christi! Or if you like, Mary in her very being, with Jesus alive in her womb, was a living Eucharistic Procession! Immediately after receiving Jesus in Holy Communion, we too are a moving Corpus Christi, we too are a living Eucharistic Procession! Thus, Mary teaches us to receive Jesus in Holy Communion with lively faith, profound humility, and burning love that carries over into our daily lives and daily encounters!

Moreover, Mary was constantly communing or conversing with Jesus living within her. Thus Mary teaches us to continue—with faith, love, and devotion—visiting with, talking to, and adoring Jesus who is truly present in us after receiving Holy Communion, who is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament, who is truly present in the Tabernacle, who is truly present in the Monstrance! “O come let us adore Him!”

4. MARY GREETS ELIZABETH.

But it does not end there. Arriving at the home of Elizabeth and Zachary, Mary greets Elizabeth, most likely with the word SHALOM (PEACE). As soon as Mary speaks, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb, John the Baptist, leaps with joy and is freed from the bondage of Original Sin, all through the word of Mary and the silent presence of Jesus in the womb of Mary! Like John the Baptist, through Mary’s intercession may our encounters with Jesus in Holy Communion be moments of great joy, moments of deep conversion, moments of growing friendship with Jesus, our Eucharistic Lord! And may we bring this Joy to others!

In summary, there are so many lessons for us here—splendid lessons for all of us to meditate upon and try to put into practice in our daily lives. Let us pray over three. May Mary’s YES to receiving Jesus into her womb and her Immaculate Heart motivate us to receive Jesus with greater love, fervor, and frequency in Holy Communion! May Mary’s love for Jesus expressed in her love for neighbor, motivate us to bring forth the fruits of our Holy Communions in loving service of our neighbor! May Our Lady as the Living Tabernacle of the Incarnate Jesus draw us like a magnet to the Tabernacle to visit the Eucharistic Jesus, talk to the Eucharistic Jesus, entrust our cares to the Eucharistic Jesus, and love the Eucharistic Jesus with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength!

Friday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

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

FRIDAY, June 10th   Mt 5: 27-32   “I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

FIVE WAYS THE DEVIL ATTACKS MARRIAGE by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

Many of us will go on some type of vacation, but there is somebody who never goes on vacation and, for that matter, will never go on vacation. Can you guess who that might be? The devil! That is right, the devil! He works 25 hours a day, eight days a week, and 366 days every year. Indeed, he is one of the hardest workers in town! Father of lies and murderer from the beginning, Prince of this world, ancient serpent, Lucifer, Satan, demon, devil—all are names for the devil found in the Sacred Texts of Scripture.

The saints have coined other names highlighting different aspects of his evil intent; here are a few. Saint Thomas Aquinas calls the devil The Tempter; Saint Augustine calls him an angry dog on a leash—better keep your distance! Saint Ignatius, who gave us the Spiritual Exercises and the Rules for Discernment of Spirits (in part explaining the work of the devil in our lives), calls the devil the Enemy of human nature. Then on the Liturgical Feast Day of Saint Martin of Tours, this saint calls the devil “You bloody brute!” Finally, Saint Peter, in one of his letters calls the devil a Roaring Lion seeking to devour whom he can. (1Pt 5:8) We are called to resist him!

One of the primary attacks of the devil in modern society is launching his missiles against the oldest institution established by God, the family. As God willed and designed it from the start, marriage is the union between man and woman, husband and wife, united in a Sacrament that we call Holy Matrimony, open to having children and raising them in the love and fear of the Lord.

The devil knows clearly that if he can destroy the institution of the family, he can help to unravel and destroy the whole fabric of society. Historians tell us that once the family comes unraveled the society quickly decomposes! This being the case, what are some typical temptations that the devil launches against couples so as to weaken and eventually destroy the family? In this short essay we will present five of the most insidious but common temptations that the Father of lies and a murderer from the beginning—the devil (Jn 8:44)launches against the family.

1. Living Together/Free Union/Cohabitation/Trial Marriage

There are various titles for the many living arrangements of couples which also work against the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Two generations ago, a Catholic couple who chose one of those living arrangements stated above would be viewed as radicals and the source of blatant scandal far and wide.

Today, if a couple starts to live together in a so called Trial Marriage, it is almost universally seen as normal. Many young people state: “We’ve got to try it out first, see whether or not we’ve got chemistry. We have to see if we jive, if we’re compatible!” In the meantime they are willing to live outside of the state of grace, and thereby place in jeopardy their eternal salvation, not to mention the bad example given to children born to them. Couples living in this state are becoming a real epidemic; worse yet, the society is desensitized into believing that this is normal and OK! Behind the scenes in this scenario is none other than the devil, a liar and murderer from the beginning!

2. Same-Sex Unions

Even though same-sex unions have been legalized, that does not mean it is right. As in the case of abortion, which was legalized in the United States in 1973, same-sex unions being legalized does not mean that it is moral. What is legal is not always moral. Sacred Scripture teaches us going back to the Book of Genesis that God created man and woman, Adam and Eve, and said that a man should leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife. What God has united—between man and woman—let no man rent asunder. (See Gen 2:20-24)

3. Pornography Consumption

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus raised love, faithfulness, and purity to a much higher level. Jesus said: “You have heard that it was said, you shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Mt. 5:27-28)

One of the modern interpretations of this passage, as related to the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, is that even though a married man may not commit the act of physical adultery with another woman, still he can commit adultery in other ways—through his eyes, in his mind, and in the depths of his heart. Of course, one of the most common forms of modern adultery is that of married men (and sometimes women) who are viewing pornography. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, this is becoming more and more common, wreaking havoc in families and destroying families.

Once again, behind much of the porn industry is not simply one devil, but a huge multitude of demons! One of the most common phrases that tries to downplay the gravity of viewing pornography—especially in men—is the following: “Well, boys will be boys; men will be men.” At the same time families are being destroyed and children severely wounded and scarred by this all their lives!

4. Lack of Openness to Life

Years ago, couples would marry and long for children to come as soon as possible. This was the case even if, economically, the couple did not have an abundance, to say the least. Nowadays it is the opposite. Many couples get married and their mentality is to see how to avoid having children.

For many the philosophy is as such: let us get our home, our new car, our big-screen television, our vacation resort, and after all of these material commodities are purchased, then it is time to have a child or two—at most! In a society saturated by materialism, hedonism, ego-centrism, and utilitarianism, having the material things and a false sense of security prevails over bringing into the world a new little person with a soul and an immortal existence. This contraceptive, anti-life atmosphere is promoted and cultivated by the devil. Our God is a God of life. The devil is a liar and a murderer from the beginning.

5. Poor Communication 

It must be said on a social level that many couples, from the very beginning of their marriage, never really learned to dialogue; they never learned the all-important art of communication. Communication is an art that none of us are born with; it must be learned. Therefore, before arriving at the day of pronouncing faithfulness in good times and in bad, in health and in sickness, in riches and in poverty, until death do we part, couples should be aware of the dire need to communicate, to grow in the art of communication, and to do all in their power to never give up striving to improve in their communication skills.

Even in this process, the devil can insidiously worm his way into the lives of couples to block communication in the following ways:

1) The devil can convince a couple simply not to speak so as to avoid conflict.

2) The devil can tempt a couple to utter hurtful words that are like bee-stings!

3) The devil can work in such a way that one does all the talking and the other says nothing.

4. The devil can convince a couple to avoid talking to God. In truth, God helps couples to communicate well.

5) Finally, the devil can move a couple to talk more to another person (past boyfriend/girl-friend or even a new “friend” of the opposite sex) than to their own spouse, to the great detriment of their marriage.

In conclusion, it is incumbent upon all Christians to be keenly aware of the work of the devil who is bent on destroying humanity. One of his first attacks is on the Institution of Marriage and the Family—cradle of the child, the Domestic Church, as well as the future of humanity. Let us turn to the Holy Family—Saint Joseph, Mary and Jesus and beg for their intercession to help us become aware of the cunning attacks of the devil, to reject his temptations, and to foster all that is pure, noble, and worthy of praise!