Memorial of Saint John Vianney, Priest

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

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 4th   Mt. 15: 21-28   “She said, ‘Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.’ Then Jesus said to her in reply, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed from that hour.”

The Blessed Virgin Mary, who was the greatest creation of God, chose to be small in the eyes of all, and thus glorified God all the more!

On the Humility of the Blessed Virgin Mary… Excerpt from “Introduction to True Devotion to Mary” by Saint Luis de Montfort…

1. It was through the Blessed Virgin Mary that Jesus came into the world, and it is also through her that He must reign in the world.

2. Because Mary remained hidden during her life she is called by the Holy Spirit and the Church “Alma Mater”, Mother hidden and unknown. So great was her humility that she desired nothing more upon earth than to remain unknown to herself and to others, and to be known only to God. (“Alma Mater” comes from two Latin words meaning “nourishing or bountiful mother.”)

3. In answer to her prayers to remain hidden, poor and lowly, God was pleased to conceal her from nearly every other human creature in her conception, her birth, her life, her mysteries, her resurrection and assumption. Her own parents did not really know her; and the angels would often ask one another, “Who can she possibly be?”, for God had hidden her from them, or if He did reveal anything to them, it was nothing compared with what He withheld.

4. God the Father willed that she should perform no miracle during her life, at least no public one, although He had given her the power to do so. God the Son willed that she should speak very little although He had imparted His wisdom to her.

Even though Mary was His faithful spouse, God the Holy Spirit willed that His apostles and evangelists should say very little about her and then only as much as was necessary to make Jesus known.

5. Mary is the supreme masterpiece of Almighty God and He has reserved the knowledge and possession of her for Himself. She is the glorious Mother of God, the Son who chose to humble and conceal her during her lifetime in order to foster her humility.

He called her “Woman” as if she were a stranger, although in His heart He esteemed and loved her above all men and angels. Mary is the sealed fountain and the faithful spouse of the Holy Spirit where only He may enter. She is the sanctuary and resting-place of the Blessed Trinity where God dwells in greater and more divine splendor than anywhere else in the universe, not excluding His dwelling above the cherubim and seraphim. No creature, however pure, may enter there without being specially privileged.

6. The saints have said wonderful things of Mary, the holy City of God, and, as they themselves admit, they were never more eloquent and more pleased than when they spoke of her. And yet they maintain that the height of her merits rising up to the throne of the Godhead cannot be perceived; the breadth of her love which is wider than the earth cannot be measured; the greatness of the power which she wields over One who is God cannot be conceived; and the depths of her profound humility and all her virtues and graces cannot be sounded. What incomprehensible height! What indescribable breadth! What immeasurable greatness! What an impenetrable abyss!

7. Finally, we must say in the words of the apostle Paul, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has the heart of man understood” the beauty, the grandeur, the excellence of Mary, who is indeed a miracle of miracles of grace, nature and glory. “If you wish to understand the Mother,” says a saint, “then understand the Son. She is a worthy Mother of God.” Hic taceat omnis lingua: Here let every tongue be silent.  END

Whereas we give greatest Glory to God in acknowledging our smallness, and allowing Him to do everything for us!

Christians are Small People… by Servant of God Madeleine Delbrel (+1964)

The law of Christ may only be lived by people who are gentle and humble of heart. It is this gentleness and humility which are the characteristics of Jesus Christ in His filial love for God and His fraternal love for human beings.

Whatever their personal gifts, Christians are small people. Small people, whatever their place in society, their jobs, their possessions, their class, their race, whatever the development and power of the human sciences, whatever the discoveries concerning the prodigious evolution of the human race and its history – in spite of all this, Christians remain people who are small.

Small in God’s presence because God created them and they depend on Him.  Whatever the journeys that mark their lives and their fortunes, they came from God and they are going to God. They are gentle like weak, loving children, close to their Father who is strong and loving. They are small because they know that they are in God’s presence and they know only a few things, can do only a few things, and are limited in their love and in their knowledge.

They do not argue about the will of God in the events that happen, nor do they argue about what Christ has commanded them to do, so that in these events they may themselves, for their part, do the will of God.

They are gentle like the trusted and active performers of a work, the enormousness of which is hidden from them, while yet they know their own particular task.

Copyright 2021 Oblates of the Virgin Mary / St. Peter Chanel Church, Hawaiian Gardens, CA

Tuesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

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

TUESDAY, AUG. 3rd   Mt. 14: 22-36   “He said, ‘Come.’ Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’”

Reflection:

That is me and that is you. We have faith in Jesus, but in turbulent times we doubt. This is what it means to be childlike. We really cannot manage on our own, but we know to whom we can turn. Let us thank God every time He reminds us how much we need Him. Without Him we can do nothing; with Him, nothing is impossible!  

Someone once asked me, “But what happens when the ‘unthinkable’ happens?” Further proof that our loving God is managing our affairs for a greater good that we could ever imagine! Even if we have to wait until we get to heaven to see it, the best is yet to come! That is not a pious platitude. That is God’s truth! “Blessed is she who believed that the word the Lord spoke to her would be fulfilled.” (Lk. 1:45)

HOPE AND TRUST IN OUR LOVING FATHER by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

We must have a firm, solid, staunch faith and trust in God in all times, places and circumstances. However, if our faith and trust in God is never put to the test by the fire of trials and tribulations, then it usually does not grow. In nature, plants and trees that have weathered the inclement climate of strong winds, raging tempests, rain, sleet and snow will be the most robust when future inclement weather descends.

Similarly with the followers of Christ—trials, tribulations, afflictions, contradictions, sufferings, and setbacks can serve to fortify and make robust our interior life.   

In the midst of the turmoil and tempests that we all experience, we must fervently beg for hope and trust in God, now more than ever. It is proven in nature that in a tornado there is actually calm in the eye of the tornado. Likewise with a hurricane—there is calm in the eye of the hurricane. In a storm raging out on the ocean, in the depths and bottom of the ocean, there is a real calmness and tranquility. Likewise it should be in our personal spiritual lives. A tendency towards laziness, complacency, and even lukewarmness can visit all of us in our spiritual life. God does not want tepid and mediocre followers. Quite the contrary, God most ardently desires fire, fervor, and passion in our heart towards Him. This will only happen when we truly believe that God is our calm in the midst of life’s trials. He is our tranquility in the depths of our heart and soul when the storms of life threaten to overtake us.

This being the scenario, what are some potent reasons for our depositing our hope and trust in God?

1. GOD’S OMNIPRESENT, PROVIDENTIAL CARE. 

Even in the midst of the most difficult situations that can exist in the world, God is always present, God never ceases to exist. In truth, God can never fail to exist and be present to us. Quite the contrary! Saint Paul quoting the Greek poet states: “In God we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28) Jesus says that our Heavenly Father loves us so much, that He actually has you and me in His loving hand, and nobody can snatch us from the loving hand of our Eternal Father. (Jn. 10:19)

2. GOD LOVES US AND PUTS US TO THE TEST. 

If God really loves us, which He certainly does always, He puts us to the test, like Abram who was tested to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. (Gen. 22:1-19) Also, Jesus tested Peter by sending him out with the other Apostles in the boat to cross the lake, even against their will. (Mt. 14:22-33) Then Jesus came walking on the waters and challenged Peter to come to Him walking on the waters, saying “Come.” Leaving the comfort of the boat, Peter actually did walk on the waters of Lake Galilee, at least for a short time, but then he began to lose heart and sink. Why did Peter sink? The response to that question is the response to our own many questions, doubts, and fears: Peter lifted his eyes, his gaze from the Person and the eyes of Jesus, to the waters surrounding him. That is our problem. Instead focusing our eyes on the Problem-solver—that is, Jesus our Lord, God and Savior—we focus more on the problem in front of us. When we focus more on the problem than on the Problem-solver, we sink in the tumultuous waves of our own fears, doubts and insecurities. Therefore, in the midst of the many tempestuous storms that we experience—and there are often more than one—let us focus less on the problem and more on the Problem-solver: Jesus our Lord, God and Savior!

3. LORD, SAVE ME! 

As Peter was quickly sinking beneath the waves, he cried out: “Lord, save me!” Jesus stretched out his hand, gently rebuking Peter for his lack of faith, and lifted Peter out from the surging waves. Then Peter walked again on water beside Jesus, entered the boat with Jesus, and the boat arrived safely and securely at the shore with speed and graceful ease! Like Peter, when it seems as if the world is caving in on us from all different sides, angles, and situations, then we must cry out with all of our heart and with dauntless faith: LORD, SAVE ME!!! The gentle voice of Jesus will be heard in your heart, and His gentle but firm and loving Hand will save you from drowning in the surging waves of your many doubts, fears, and insecurities. What a short but powerful prayer: LORD, SAVE ME!

4. THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD, THERE IS NOTHING I SHALL LACK. (PSALM 23)

Another enormous lifesaver in the midst of the storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes of the human drama is the beautiful, consoling, comforting prayer Psalm 23—the Psalm of the Good Shepherd. Probably the most known and loved of all of the 150 Psalms, the Psalm of the Good Shepherd can prove to be a real Lifesaver! When you are cast into a deep state of desolation, and it seems as if life can be compared to a dark, damp, dreary, endless and depressing tunnel, why not leave the tunnel and open your Bible to the passage of the Good Shepherd—Psalm 23. Very calmly, very slowly, very prayerfully read this passage, once, twice, or even three times. Allow this beautiful Psalm, through a real spiritual osmosis, to penetrate, permeate and absorb your whole being. Allow one of the words or concepts to captivate and enthrall your heart; relish that word or phrase; repeat it and allow it to fill you with a peace and joy that surpasses all understanding. “The Lord is my Shepherd; there is nothing I shall lack.” Maybe these are the words that touch you most. With these words there is no need to fear because the Good Shepherd takes me to green pastures and nourishes my soul.

5. MOTHER OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE.

If surrounded by an atmosphere of gloom and doom, we must also lift up our eyes, our mind, and our heart to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Many are the encouraging titles for Mary, titles that can really lift our spirits: Mary is our life, our sweetness, and our hope; the Star of the Sea, amidst the storms; the Cause of our Joy; the Gate to Heaven; Our Mother of Consolation; Our Mother of Perpetual Help! Many more are the titles of Mary our Mother. However, why not turn to Mary in her motherly, loving presence at the Wedding Feast of Cana. (Jn. 2:1-12) The couple run out of wine. Being first to capture this embarrassing situation, Mary turns to Jesus and says: “They have no more wine.” In this unfortunate circumstance, the festivities would be over. Then Mary says to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you!” Miracle! Water transformed into wine, and the best of all wines, through the power of Jesus and the maternal presence of Mary, and the power of her intercession. Therefore, in the midst of your fears, doubts, insecurities, sadness, and many questions, lift up your mind, your heart, and soul to Mary. Beg her to turn to Jesus and ask Him to transform your water into the most splendid and exquisite wine. If you trust in Mary, it will indeed happen!

Copyright 2021 Oblates of the Virgin Mary / St. Peter Chanel Church, Hawaiian Gardens, CA

Monday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

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

MONDAY, August 2nd   Mt. 14: 13-21   When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and He cured their sick.”

• This is the prelude to the miracle of the Multiplication of the loaves and fishes. Notice two movements of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
• First, Jesus went to a deserted place to grieve over the death of John the Baptist, who was His cousin, as well as His precursor: “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” (Jn. 1:26-27)
• Second, when Jesus saw the crowd, His heart was moved pity for them and He cured their sick. Jesus’ Heart is moved with pity for us as well, for our physical infirmities, but especially our spiritual infirmities!
• It is one thing to have physical infirmities, and even die of them. If we accept them as God’s permissive will and offer them for the salvation of our soul, as well as the souls of family members and others, we gain more in eternal life that what we lose in this life! We have greater sanctity and honor in heaven for docility to God’s will and the souls we helped save that otherwise might have been lost for all eternity!
• However, if we suffer the spiritual infirmity of living in a state of mortal sin, and do nothing to save ourselves, possibly even taking others with us by our bad example, we risk eternal damnation. Jesus said. “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Mt. 10:28)
• Here is a question and a proposed answer. Why do Catholics stop going to Mass? They may give many reasons or no reason, but a reasonable and likely answer is that they are violating one or more of the commandments and have not gone to Confession for a long time.
• Perhaps we could prayerfully consider approaching family members and friends who are away from the Sacraments, and simply ask if they would consider returning to the Sacraments, starting with making a good Confession, and then receiving Jesus again in Holy Communion. For He is loving and merciful and desires you to come home to Him.
• Then ask them to at least read this consoling article by Fr. Ed and give them a copy.

TEN WAYS CONFESSION SETS US FREE! By Father Ed Broom, OMV

Sadness, confusion, disorientation, darkness, anger, and often bitterness—all of these words describe the soul living in the state of mortal sin. In fact, Jesus says that sin is slavery. (cf Jn. 8:34)

FILM: THE MISSION AND AN IMAGE OF SIN  

In the film The Mission one character, portrayed by Robert De Niro, for murdering his brother is given the penance by a Jesuit priest of carrying with him a cumbersome ball of his possessions. Wherever this man who committed fratricide goes, he has to drag with him on a rope this truly burdensome baggage. After having carried out this penance for days, even climbing a mountain with it, falling down and rising again, the priest agrees that he has done sufficient penance. The priest draws close to the sinner and with a sharp knife cuts and severs the rope tied to the baggage and it cascades all the way down to the bottom of the mountain—freedom!

This slice from the film The Mission displays in one graphic scene a powerful image of what sin is like in our lives, but also the powerful effect in the soul of the sinner who repents and turns back to God through a good sacramental Confession. One of the effects of sin is a binding slavery that is like carrying a heavy weight wherever we go. The weight becomes heavier and heavier, almost to the point of being unsupportable. But then comes the transforming moment—a good sacramental Confession. By making this well-prepared, honest, and sincere Confession the bonds of sin are broken, split asunder, and freedom is experienced—the freedom of the sons and daughters of God!

THERE IS MORE MERCY IN CHRIST THAN SIN IN US!

MERCY & CONFESSION 

Pope Saint John Paul II, Saint Faustina Kowalska, as well as the Angelic Doctor, Saint Thomas Aquinas, unanimously agree that mercy is the greatest attribute in the Heart of Jesus the Savior. Mercy is God’s infinite love forgiving the sinner.

There has been abundant catechesis on how to prepare for Confession, booklets on the Ten Commandments, as well as books written on the Sacrament of Confession. However, possibly not enough has been said on the many wonderful effects that are produced in the person who makes a good Confession.

This short article will focus on ten wonderful and uplifting effects that are produced in the soul of a good penitent.

1. HEALING   

The specific sacramental grace of the Sacrament of Confession is healing. Jesus is the Divine Physician. Sin wounds the soul! What cancer, leprosy, and disease is to the body, sin is to the soul. Every time we make a good Confession, Jesus, the Divine Physician, with His gentle, tender, and loving Hand touches our soul, pours out His Precious Blood, and there is a healing. During His public life, Jesus healed the blind, deaf, mutes, paralytics, lepers, and even raised the dead. Still now, through His Mystical Body the Church, Jesus continues to heal His sick members through the priests in the confessional. It is true that Jesus saves us and heals us! Right now Jesus wants to heal your moral wounds!

2. FREEDOM FROM SLAVERY

As mentioned above in the scene from the movie The Mission, sin is interior slavery. Confession reverses the slavery and communicates true freedom—the freedom of the sons and daughters of God. To break the bonds of our past bad habits, our powerful addictions, our bad impulses and actions, we need a powerful remedy. That remedy is direct contact with the Blood of Jesus, poured forth on Calvary that first Good Friday, and now applied to every soul who makes a good Confession. Instinctively we appall physical slavery and all that this entails. Should we not have an even greater abhorrence and repugnance for the interior slavery of sin and seek freedom as soon as possible? Why not try Confession!

3. FROM CONFUSION TO PEACE

Another negative effect of living in sin is a lack of peace and living in a state of constant confusion. Saint Augustine defines peace as “the tranquility of order.” Sin is total disorder—the tower of Babel within. A good Confession results in putting into practice the words of Saint Ignatius of Loyola as one of the purposes of the Spiritual Exercises, “To order the disordered.” Therefore, if you really want to experience a profound peace in the depths of your soul, why not try to make the best Confession in your life? Your disorder will give way to order, and peace will follow!

4. FREEDOM FROM A CONSCIENCE FILLED WITH GUILT

Living with guilt is truly hell on earth! People can go crazy or be driven to suicide due to a guilty conscience. Lady Macbeth was seen constantly washing her hands. This was an unconscious desire to be freed from the guilt of bloodshed and murder. She could not live with a guilty conscience that turned out to be a moral executioner. For that reason Shakespeare truly asserted: “Conscience does make cowards of us all.” Could it be that many people have recourse to medicine, taking pills to try to assuage and suppress the guilt that they are bearing in their conscience? Why not try Confession and experience the purity of an innocent conscience? With respect to Confession, never forget: it is free of charge. Also, there are no negative side-effects that often come about by taking medicine.

5. JOY: REJOICE IN THE LORD

Saint Thomas Aquinas states that all people are called to experience happiness or joy. If we look around us—at work, at school, on the road or freeway, we all too often find a lusterless, bland, and sad environment. Why is this the case if all are called to live in joy? The reason is this: many are looking for joy in all the wrong places. Still more, many confuse pleasure with joy. Pleasure can be bought and does not last. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit! Sin produces sadness in the soul. Only God can give us true joy. For this reason, Saint Paul reminds us: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again, rejoice in the Lord.” (Phil. 4:4) Our Lady in her powerful hymn of praise, the Magnificat, echoes the same sentiments: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; and my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” (Lk. 1:46-47)

Catechists have told me over the years that when a child is waiting to make their first Confession, they experience fear and anxiety, but after confessing, they leave the confessional radiating joy. Do you want to experience constant joy? Why not make it a habit to go to Confession frequently!

6. THE PASCHAL MYSTERY: FROM DEATH TO LIFE

If we have the misfortune of committing a mortal sin, we lose the grace of God and His Friendship. However, we should never give in to despair—that is the worst of sins! Like the Prodigal Son, we should return to the home of our loving Father and launch ourselves into His loving arms and He will forgive us. Saint Therese of Lisieux stated boldly that even if she committed all the worst sins in the world, she would run and launch herself with boundless trust into the Father’s arms! She said the Father’s arms are like an elevator to heaven! The great Saint Augustine, who lived a sinful life into his early thirties, stated that a good Confession is a Lazarus experience. If you remember, Lazarus died and Jesus raised him from the dead, summoning him from the tomb after he was buried for four long days. (Jn. 11:1-44) By making a good Confession, we are summoned to leave the tomb of our sins and come back to a life of grace and joy!

7. CURATIVE AND PREVENTIVE MEDICINE

Confession is like a medicine that heals the wounds of our soul. However, Confession can also serve as a means to prevent future falls! I remember once when I was coming down with a cold and a friend suggested that I take a couple tablets of Airborne, which I did. What a blessing! The cold that was about to overtake me for probably ten days to two weeks was halted in its tracks! The same can be said of frequent Confession! If we commit a mortal sin, we should run to the confessional as soon as possible. Moreover, frequent Confession, even of venial sins, can serve as a remedy to prevent us from falling into the spiritual sickness that we call sin! We all know from experience, better to prevent a fall and a break, than to heal from one!

8. AN ACT OF HUMILITY TO CRUSH OUR PRIDE  

As a result of Original Sin we are all infected with the Capital Sin of Pride and we often are motivated by pride and self-love. Making a good Confession can help us grow in the opposite virtue that is essential for holiness and so pleasing to God: humility. In the Diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul, Jesus revealed to Saint Faustina the three essential qualities of a good Confession: transparency (total sincerity and openness), humility, and obedience to the Confessor who represents Christ. It is important when we confess, that we do not confess the sins of our husband (or wife), neighbor, or others! Nor should we rationalize, justify, or gloss over our sins. Rather, humility means we tell it exactly like it is!

9. GROWTH IN SELF-KNOWLEDGE

Another huge blessing that flows from a well-prepared and well-confessed Confession is an increase in self-knowledge. The Greek philosopher Socrates stated: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” A noteworthy historian interjects: “He who does not know history is condemned to repeat the same errors.” Ignatian spirituality insists constantly on the importance of self-knowledge, knowing oneself and the movement of the spirits in one’s life.

Saint Ignatius asserted that one should never, ever leave off the daily Examen Prayer which is directed at self-knowledge and the awareness of God’s constant presence in our life. The desert Fathers had a short but extremely important axiom: “Know thyself.” For that reason, the person who examines their conscience well, confesses well, and consults the priest-confessor sincerely, will definitely grow in self-knowledge. By knowing themselves—their virtues as well as their sins—they can avoid falling into many future sins and avoid future tragedies!

10. FERVENT AND EFFICACIOUS HOLY COMMUNIONS

Another exceedingly important effect of a good Confession is more efficacious and fervent Holy Communions. These two Sacraments that we should receive frequently are intimately interconnected. A simple analogy could be useful: try to imagine your front room glass window pane. You have failed to clean it for more than a year. Consequently, the window has become smeared and sullied by dust, dirt, and smog, put simply, the polluted environment. So the day comes when you decide to do house cleaning and on the list is to clean that front window. You go to the store to buy Windex—a powerful and efficacious window spray. There you are, generously spraying the window, then with a dry newspaper you rub and rub. What do you notice? The window is now clear and sunlight is pouring through the window! Before, the window was half opaque; now it is completely transparent and the light of the sun can penetrate and inundate the house!

The same can be said with our soul which is like a window pane. Sin sullies, besmirches, and dirties our soul. With Confession, our dirty soul is cleansed with the Precious Blood of the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Our soul becomes pure, clean and transparent. Then when we receive Holy Communion, Jesus, who is truly the Light of the world, explodes and radiates light until the light of His Presence inundates the entire room of our soul. For that reason Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world” (Jn. 8:12); then He said, “You are the light of the world.” (Mt. 5:14) Thus, the end result of frequent and worthy reception of these two sacraments, Confession and Holy Communion, is holiness! We are able to obey and put into practice Jesus’ command: “Be holy as your heavenly Father is holy.” (Mt. 5:48) And, with Jesus, we become a light to others!

CONCLUSION

Pope Saint John Paul II made this comment with respect to Our Lady and the Sacrament of Confession. He said that the Marian Sanctuaries—Lourdes, Fatima, Guadalupe, etc.—are spiritual clinics. In other words, we go to Marian Sanctuaries to meet Jesus, the Bread of Life in Mass and Holy Communion, but we also meet Jesus who is the Healer of our heart, mind, and soul in Confession! Indeed, the confessions lines are long in these Marian sanctuaries!

Let us turn to Our Lady whom we invoke as our “Mother of Mercy” and “Health of the Sick” to help us live our life to the maximum by having frequent recourse to the Sacrament of Confession, the true expression of the loving and merciful Heart of Jesus!

Copyright 2021 Oblates of the Virgin Mary / St. Peter Chanel Church, Hawaiian Gardens, CA

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

SUNDAY, August 1st   Jn. 6: 24-35   “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.’”

Catechism of the Catholic Church:

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.”

Quotes from St. Maximilian Kolbe:

“God dwells in our midst, in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar.”

“He remains among us until the end of the world. He dwells on so many altars, though so often offended and profaned.”

“The culmination of the Mass is not the consecration, but Communion.”

“Lord, you come to me and unite Yourself intimately to me under the form of nourishment. Your Blood now runs in mine, Your Soul, Incarnate God, compenetrates mine, giving courage and support. What miracles! Who would have ever imagined such!”

“If angels could be jealous of men, they would be so for one reason: Holy Communion.”

BREAD OF LIFE AND THE GATE TO OUR SALVATION by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

PRINCIPLE AND FOUNDATION.  Today that we celebrate the memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola, we call to mind his fundamental and essential reflection on the Purpose of our existence, in “Principle and Foundation (#23 Spiritual Exercises): “Man is created to praise God, reverence God, serve God and by means of that to save his soul.” Put succinctly: Man is to praise the Triune God and to save his immortal soul.

This being the case, we should utilize the most efficacious means to arrive at our eternal salvation—that is to say: to get to heaven. Take this analogy: means of transportation. If you wanted to travel from Los Angeles to New York, you could use various means of transportation: walk, skateboard, bike, car, Jet-Plane. Obviously, the plane is the quickest and most efficacious means of transportation. Therefore, if we are seeking the quickest and the most efficacious means of transportation to wing our way to heaven, it is through the Gospel message for the next three Sundays: living out the Bread of Life Discourse. (Jn. 6:25-59)

Jesus teaches with utmost clarity that for us to live we must eat, we must nourish ourselves, but most especially, nourish our immortal souls. Jesus teaches: “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, 56) Jesus repeats this message time and time again emphasizing the supreme importance of this gesture.

MEANING. Let us spell out the meaning with great clarity. For us to attain and live out our Principle and Foundation and achieve eternal salvation, we must go to Mass, participate in Holy Mass, and receive Jesus, the Bread of Life faithfully, frequently and fervently. (The 3 F’s!)

SACRAMENTAL THEOLOGY: DISPOSITIVE GRACE.  Sacramental Theology teaches clearly that the Eucharist is God and has infinite value and grace because it is Jesus Himself. However, the graces received by the individual person depends upon his disposition of soul. Such that one could even be receiving the Body of Christ to the detriment of his soul or his own condemnation as expressed in the Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians. (I Cor. 11: 17-34)

Therefore, let us offer a few concrete suggestions to help us during the course of our lives to upgrade our reception of Holy Communion. Let us always strive to receive Jesus, the Bread of Life, with greater faith, fervor and frequency such that Holy Communion will transform us into saints; in the words of St. Paul: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Gal. 2:20)

CONCRETE PRACTICES TO IMPROVE OUR RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION:

1. CONFESSION.  If we clean our windows with WINDEX, then the light of the sun can penetrate and permeate with light the whole room. So it is with our soul; the cleaner and more pure the soul, the more abundant will be the light, peace and joy that will inundate our souls upon the reception of Holy Communion. Make good confessions and your Communions will become more fruitful.

2. COME EARLY BEFORE MASS.  None of us would arrive late for a World Series game, a Graduation Ceremony, or to receive the winnings of a Lotto ticket of ten million dollars. But we can easily slip and slide into Mass five to ten minutes late. By doing so we disturb Mass, the priest, and we will be distracted the whole Mass.

3. INTENTIONS.  The Parish priest has his intention for the Mass—a living or deceased person in a family. However, you can offer your own intentions in every Mass. In theology, this is called living out the Common Priesthood of the faithful. The book of Hebrews in the Bible defines the priest as the person who goes before God and offers gifts and sacrifices in reparation for sins. What are some intentions you might offer? Limitless! However, three could be very pleasing to God.

a) THE DECEASED/SOULS IN PURGATORY. The souls in Purgatory are saved. However, they need prayers, sacrifices, and especially Masses and Communions to purify their souls so that they can have access to heaven. Then, in gratitude, they will pray for you!

b) CONVERSION OF SINNERS (FAMILY MEMBERS). We all have in mind many of our loved ones who have drifted away from God and whose eternal salvation is in jeopardy. Offer up your Masses and Holy Communions so that these lost sheep, these prodigal sons and daughters will return.

c) PERSONAL HEART-TRANSPLANT.  We are all in need of our own personal conversion. Why not, upon receiving Holy Communion, beg for a transformation of your life. Let Holy Communion become your own personal Heart-transplant. No better way to become like Jesus than to receive Him into your very heart in Holy Communion.

4. RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION THROUGH THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY.  St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta offers this prayer: “Immaculate Heart of Mary, give me your Heart, so that I can love more fully the Heart of Jesus.” If we receive Holy Communion through the Heart of Mary, then Jesus will be received with the best of dispositions, with great love.

5. THANKSGIVING.  If invited to a meal, we do not eat and run. That would be rude. Rather, we stay, linger and not only do we enjoy the food, but even more the company! Likewise, the Eucharist is the Sacrifice of Calvary renewed, but also the Eucharist is in the context of a Sacred Meal. After Mass, spend some time in thanksgiving. Actually, the word Eucharist means Thanksgiving. In the words of the Psalmist: “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His mercy endures forever.” (Ps. 136:1) Spend quality time thanking, praising, worshiping, and loving the Lord. These moments or minutes after receiving Holy Communion are the most precious in all of our week.

A MODEL FOR US.  St. Charbel Makhlouf, who was a Lebanese Maronite monk, can serve as a model and a powerful example for us. This holy man of God knew the source and summit of his holiness: in Mass and Holy Communion. In his monastery St. Charbel was given permission to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at 12 noon. The reason for this midday Mass? St. Charbel so ardently desired to spend all of the morning in preparation for Holy Mass; then after Mass and Holy Communion, he strove to spend the rest of the day, evening and night—in praising and thanking Jesus for Mass and Holy Communion.

Let us all starting now make a concerted effort to prepare our hearts for Mass, to participate fully, actively and consciously in Mass, and make excellent thanksgivings after Mass. If done, Jesus’ promise is sublime: eternal life! Jesus, the Bread of Life and our Savior and Redeemer, stated unequivocally: “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.”  Let us not walk, skateboard, skip and jump, bike, nor even drive on our way to eternal life. Let us zoom, soar and sky-rocket our way through the clouds by frequent, faith-filled, fiery and fervent receptions of Holy Communion—Jesus, the Bread of Life!

Copyright 2021 Oblates of the Virgin Mary / St. Peter Chanel Church, Hawaiian Gardens, CA

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest

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

SATURDAY, July 31st   Mt. 14.1-12  “Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, ‘This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.’”

Today, we will do an Ignatian repetition to honor this great Saint and Martyr John the Baptist, who was beheaded for defending the indissolubility of Marriage! Let us each ask ourselves this question: How willing are to stand up for and defend the Truth as taught by Christ in His Holy Church???

INTRODUCTION:

I. JOHN THE BAPTIST ABOUT JESUS… Mt. 3:11-12

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

“His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (cf Mt. 25:31-46)

II. JESUS ABOUT JOHN THE BAPTIST… Mt. 11:7-15

Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John:

“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:

‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way before you.’

And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.”

III. JESUS ABOUT US… Mt. 11:11

“Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Pope Saint Leo the Great: “Christian, remember your dignity!”

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST POINTS THE WAY TO CHRIST! A GLORIOUS EXAMPLE WORTHY OF IMITATION!!! By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

“I am the voice crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord.’” Again: “I am not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Great Prophet.” Then, “He must increase, and I must decrease.”  And, “I am not even worthy to unfasten his sandal-straps.” All of these expressions resound from the voice and heart of the same person: SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST! Speaking of this person, Jesus exalts him to a sublime degree: “Of all men born of women, none is greater than John the Baptist.”

The lessons that the great Saint John the Baptist can teach us are many. These lessons in virtue can easily motivate all of us, in this precise moment, to abandon a life of sin or mediocrity and pursue a life of heroic virtue, to pursue a life of great holiness. Chapter V of the Dogmatic Constitution of Vatican II Lumen Gentium commands us to holiness of life. This chapter is the Universal Call to Holiness. Jesus stated it succinctly and unequivocally: “Be holy as your heavenly Father is holy.” (Mt. 5:48)

Therefore, let us learn from the person of the great Saint John the Baptist to abandon a life of tepidity, lukewarmness and apathy and allow the fire of the Holy Spirit, and the example and prayers of Saint John the Baptist, to ignite an ardent flame within us.

1. MARY AND SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST. 

There is an intimate connection and bond of holiness between Mary and Saint John the Baptist. Mary visited John when he was still in the womb of his mother, Saint Elizabeth. Mary’s word, and the silent presence of Jesus in her womb, caused John the Baptist to leap for joy in the womb of his mother and be filled with the Holy Spirit, resulting in his sanctification. Our Lady’s presence and word can also sanctify each and every one of us.

2. THE PRO-LIFE SAINT. 

In a world characterized by loss of respect for life from the moment of conception until natural death, it is worthy of note that the parents of John welcomed him in their old age. Beyond the normal age of child-bearing, Elizabeth said YES to life and brought forth Saint John the Baptist. Every child in the womb is precious and a true gift from God, endowed with a special mission.

3. DESERT-EXPERIENCE. 

Saint John the Baptist did not launch himself into a flurry of activity right away, nor did Jesus! Jesus spent His formative years in the family of Nazareth. According to tradition, Saint John the Baptist spent long years in the desert preparing himself for his great mission. He was called to prepare the way of the Lord, but he first had to prepare himself. How important the lesson of the Baptist for us? To be successful Apostles, we must prepare ourselves by means of prayer, penance, and self-discipline. The more exact and demanding the preparation, the more abundant the apostolic fruits!

4. SILENCE. 

In the desert, far distant from noise and clatter, and the cacophony of strident protests, the Baptist settled in silence, propitious for listening attentively to the Word of God. What a powerful lesson. Pope Benedict XVI, speaking to seminarians in New York, commented on how difficult it is today to hear the voice of the Lord because of the reality of being bombarded by so many alien noises. May Saint John the Baptist help us to cherish silence! “Speak, O Lord, for your servant is listening.” (1 Sam 3:10)

5. PENANCE. 

To soar to the heights in the spiritual life like an eagle, we need two wings: the wings of prayer and penance. In a world imbued with hedonism, sensuality, gluttony, drinking bouts, and the philosophy of pleasure, the lifestyle of the Baptist is a countersign and very counter-cultural! No elegant, gourmet dining for the Baptist! Quite the contrary, his nourishment was locusts and wild honey, being fed from God’s gratuitous gifts of nature.

6. A SIMPLE, FRUGAL LIFE-STYLE. 

How much time, energy, and money are wasted on luxurious buying and having, related to wardrobe. Saint John the Baptist challenges us to look deeply into our own buying and having with respect to our wardrobe and dress! How did the Baptist dress? Quite simply: he donned a camel’s fur garment and wore a leather belt around his waist. He had no need for a closet to store extra clothing! Let’s examine our wardrobe and buying sprees from the perspective of the Baptist.

7. HIS PREACHING STYLE AND METHOD. 

The preaching style of the Baptist and his message were simple, direct, and to the point. He did not mince nor waste words. The very essence of his preaching could be summarized in one simple word: CONVERSION! Very similar to the first preaching of Jesus: “Be converted; the Kingdom of God is at hand.” (Mk. 1:15)

8. HIS DISCIPLES. 

A very interesting note is that of his close disciples; who were they? Actually, some of the Apostles that Jesus chose were already being formed and taught by Saint John the Baptist. Among these were Saint John the Evangelist, as well as Saint Andrew. John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and said, “The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” Hearing this, John and Andrew left the Baptist to follow Jesus. (Jn. 1:20, 36-38) What profound humility in the Baptist, allowing his disciples and friends to leave him so that they could follow in the company of Jesus! The Baptist considered himself a mere sign—paving the way and pointing to Jesus! What an example for us!

9. HIS MISSION. 

Saint John the Baptist had no identity-crisis. He knew with utmost clarity who he was, where he was called to be, and exactly what his mission entailed. Baptisms! The latter part of his life, he was called to the Jordan River where he would summon the people to a life of conversion and then he would baptize them. A culminating moment in his life is when Jesus enters the scene at the Jordan River and asks to be baptized by John the Baptist. Despite his feelings of unworthiness, the Baptist humbly submits to the request of Jesus and baptizes the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. In this moment the profound mystery of the Blessed Trinity becomes manifest. The voice of God the Father is heard, Jesus enters into the waters thereby sanctifying all future waters used to baptize, and the Holy Spirit becomes manifest in the presence of the Dove.

10. HIS GLORIOUS GRAND FINALE! 

The Grand Finale of the life of SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST was his glorious death. He was martyred. The primary reason for the glorious death of Saint John the Baptist was his courage in denouncing publicly the adulterous, incestuous and scandalous actions of King Herod. The cowardly and wicked king had actually taken the wife of his brother, Philip, and made her his own. The Kingdom was muted, but not John the Baptist. He raised a clarion voice of denunciation: “It is not right for you to live with her!” (Mt. 14:4) For this, John was incarcerated. On the occasion of the birthday of the wicked King and a lascivious dance by his step-daughter, Herod made a rash promise to give the girl whatever she asked for. Her mother, filled with hatred for John, promptly told her to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. King Herod sent executioners to the prison and John was decapitated. This great saint died to defend the indissoluble character of Holy Matrimony and the evil of divorce and adultery. He lost his physical life but gained Heaven for all eternity!

His miraculous conception, his prayerful and penitential preparation in the desert, and a life spent calling for repentance and conversion of life, ultimately leading to the glorious death of Saint John the Baptist, can most splendidly serve as a model for all of us who yearn for a life of authentic holiness. May we ardently desire to live out his virtues: prayer, penance, silence, humility, detachment, mission, love for Jesus, love for the truth, and  undaunted courage to face evil and deceit with a willingness to die for the truth, should the Lord give us the grace! Great and Glorious Saint John the Baptist, pray for us!