Fifth Sunday of Easter

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

SUNDAY, May 2nd   Jn. 15: 1-8   “By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”

• Mary produced the greatest Fruit – the Son of God made man! She was the first and greatest disciple of Jesus. Anyone who honors Mary, honors Jesus, the son of Mary!
• What are we willing to do in the Month of May—Mary’s month, to honor her? Fr. Ed Broom gives us an inspiration for each day of the month!

MARY’S MONTH – A GIFT FOR MARY EVERY DAY OF MAY

One of the great lovers of the Blessed Virgin Mary was the great Saint John Bosco, who believed in entrusting all to Mary. This towering giant of a saint lived most of his life in the Northern Italian City of Turin where he founded an Oratory for abandoned youth living in the time of the Industrial Revolution.

OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS. Among the many titles given to Mary, the title that most impressed the great Saint John Bosco was that of OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS. In time of dire need, Bosco would have recourse to Mary, Our Lady Help of Christians, and she would come to his aid. An interesting Ecclesial note: the Vatican II document titled Lumen Gentium, Chapter VIII invokes Our Lady as Co-Mediatrix, Co-Redemptrix, as well as Co-Adjutrix—meaning, Our Lady as Helper.

THE YOUNG AND MARY. Saint John Bosco, excellent educator, lover of Mary, and patron of the youth, was convinced of the importance of the young cultivating a loving, tender, and filial devotion to Mary—Our Lady Help of  Christians. So as to conquer their imperious passions, so violent at times in the prime teen years, Bosco insisted on frequent Confession, frequent and fervent reception of Holy Communion (innovative for his time), as well as a strong devotion to Mary.

MAY IS FOR MARY: BOSCO’S PROJECT. So ardent and fervent was the devotion Saint John Bosco had for Mary, especially in the Month of May which is the Month of Mary, that the youth-educator encouraged the boys in his Oratory to offer some special gift, sacrifice, or prayer to Mary every day in the month of May. Indeed, love is measured by our willingness to sacrifice for the loved one. Jesus on the cross and Mary underneath the cross are our most transparent and sublime examples. They suffered all of this with us in mind! 

31 DAYS OF MAY AND 31 OFFERINGS. This being the case, we would like to offer concrete suggestions as to what you might be able to offer to Mary each day in May as a sign of your love and devotion to your heavenly Mother. As a side-note: May is not the only month that we can pay our tribute and homage to Mary. Indeed, in any time, place, or circumstance, Our Lady’s Heart rejoices when we think of her and offer her something from the goodness of our heart.

SACRIFICES TO GIVE TO MARY IN THE MONTH OF MAY…

1. CONSECRATION UPON RISING. Upon rising every day, pray your Act of Consecration to Mary, but on your knees and with renewed fervor and devotion.Try to pray it with all your heart! If you have forgotten the words, here they are:

Mary, my Queen and my Mother, I give myself wholly to you. To show my devotion to you, I consecrate to you this day, my eyes, my ears, my mouth, my heart, my entire being without reserve. Whereas I am your own dear Mother, keep me and guard me as your property and possession. Amen.

2. IMAGE/STATUE/ PAINTING. Why not purchase an attractive and inspiring representation of Mary. It could be an image, statue, painting, Icon—whatever helps to enhance your love and devotion to Mary who is truly your Mother.

3. HOLY CARDS. Purchase some small holy cards of Mary and give them out. Like Kolbe and the saints, be an Apostle of Mary.

4. MEMORIZE THE LITANY. This might take some time, mental effort, and will-power, but why not strive to memorize the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Fill your mind with these beautiful, poetic, and mystical epitaphs to honor Mary.

5. CONSECRATION OF YOUR FAMILY. A beautiful gesture, so pleasing to Jesus and Mary, would be to consecrate your family to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the month of May.

6. INVITE THE PRIEST AND FRIENDS. Why not make it a formal Consecration! Purchase attractive pictures of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary to enthrone in your home. In a formal ceremony, invite the priest to bless and consecrate your family to the two Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and invite friends to this joyful celebration! What a beautiful example and witness!

7. MAY PROCESSION. With the permission of the Pastor of your local Church, organize a Marian-May Procession. This could consist of praying the Rosary in a public manner—either in the Church or some place near the Church. Have the children, the youth, the families, as well as the elderly walk in procession praying the Rosary and singing Marian hymns.

8. CROWNING. Of course the climax of the May Procession is the crowning of Mary as Queen. If possible, choose a little child to place the crown on Mary’s head and sing to Mary the appropriate hymn of Hail Holy Queen.

9. MAY NOVENA. Make a Novena to Mary sometime in May. This could consist of the Rosary or the Mass for nine consecutive days, or both!

10. MAY 13th. On this day honor the recently canonized saints (May 13, 2017)—Francisco and Jacinta Marto. Read about their lives and let them inspire you! Consecrate your children to their prayers and protection. Read with your children an age appropriate story of the apparition of Our Lady to the three children of Fatima or watch the classic 1952 movie, The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima.

11. READ ABOUT MARY. It will be very pleasing to the Blessed Virgin Mary if you find a good book on Mary to read during the month of May. Spend ten minutes a day reading about Mary. Knowledge of Mary generates love for her. A great suggestion is The Glories of Mary by St. Alphonsus Liguori with little vignettes of Mary well suited for daily reading.

12. SHARE MARY. Why not buy a good book on Mary for a friend to read? Who knows? Maybe through this reading the friend will come to a deeper knowledge and love for Mary, and thereby arrive at a deeper conversion of life.

13. CONFESSION. Our Lady wants us to have a pure heart, meaning she wants us to cleanse our souls from sin. Why not find some time during the course of the month of May to prepare yourself to make a good and deep Confession. As the prophet Isaiah reminds us: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they will be made as white as the snow.” (Is 1:18) Then why not sweep your interior house clean with monthly Confessions, if you don’t already do so.

14. MAKE ROSARIES. A wonderful Marian Apostolate is that of making Rosaries! If you have the time and the talent, with good will and effort, why not make Rosaries in honor of Mary so as to promote its recitation!

15. FORM A ROSARY GROUP—“THE ROSARY-MAKERS!!!” Better yet: gather a group or team of Marian-helpers dedicated to making Rosaries to be distributed and spread. First pray the Rosary, then make the Rosaries.

16. MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS. Mothers, strive to present Mary as a model for your daughters, especially in the way they dress. May you and your daughters aspire to imitate in all ways the modesty and purity of Mary!

17. THE BLOCK FAMILY ROSARY. This used to be a practice years ago. By this we mean pray the Family Rosary in your block or neighborhood. It can also be done among a group of friends who live within driving distance. Every week meet and change the home and family where the Rosary is prayed. It is a great way to foster family unity and sanctity, as well as foster wholesome family friendships. “The family that prays together, stays together.” (Rosary Priest, Father Patrick Peyton) *Note, in this time of Covid, make it a Virtual or Zoom block Family Rosary!

18. MARIAN HYMNS AND SONGS. Get to know at least some of the classical Marian hymns and songs. Then sing them to rejoice the Heart of Mary!

19. NAME YOUR CHILD! Give your child the name of Mary or a name related to Mary—Lourdes, Fatima, Marian, Marisa, Mara, Marie, etc. Having Mary’s name also means having Mary’s more abundant protection.

20. MASS AND HOLY COMMUNION. This practice might be the most demanding, but the most efficacious by means of grace: to attend Mass and receive Holy Communion daily during the course of the month of May. As such, you will skyrocket in grace, in honor of Mary, the full of grace.

21. MIRACULOUS MEDALS IN MAY FOR MARY. Once again, we invite all to purchase Miraculous Medals—a good quantity. Then, like Saint Maximilian Kolbe, give them out when the chance presents itself.

22. BE A MARIAN CATECHIST. Go a step further, utilize the Miraculous Medal as a tool to teach about Mary. The two sides of the Medal lend itself to an excellent Marian catechesis. An ardent desire of our hearts should be to make Mary known and loved.

23. SACRIFICE. Offer some small sacrifice daily to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for the conversion of poor sinners. Our Lady of Fatima lamented: “Many souls are lost because too few offer prayers and sacrifices for them.”

24. FASTING IN HONOR OF MARY. With the permission of a good Confessor or Spiritual Director, you might undertake some form of fasting in honor of Mary. Many saints had the habit of fasting to honor Mary. Jesus tells us: “Some devils are cast out only by prayer and fasting.” (Mt. 17:21)

25. SATURDAYS AND MARY. Saturday is the day Mary is honored in the Universal Church. On all the Saturdays in the month of May, pay honor and tribute to Mary, whose Yes brought us so great a Savior, by participating in Mass, Holy Communion, and the Holy Rosary.

26. HOLY ROSARY. It has not been mentioned until now. Mary wants us to pray the Rosary as often as we can. However, in the month of May, the recitation of the Rosary should be promoted all the stronger! What about a Rosary every day to honor Mary!

27. TEACH THE ROSARY.  Many people—and these are Catholics—do not know how to pray the Rosary. To honor Mary in the month of May, why not give out Rosaries and Rosary pamphlets, and offer to teach others how to pray the Rosary. One of the easiest ways to teach the how to of the Rosary is to pray the Rosary with the individual who does not know how to pray it.

28. MARIAN CONSECRATION. If you have not formally consecrated yourself to Jesus through Mary, then the month of May would be a perfect time to make this formal consecration.

29. HOW TO CONSECRATE? There ae various formats. Saint Louis de Montfort with True Devotion to Mary. Fr. Mike Gaitley’s 33 days to Morning Glory. Or Consecration to Mary through the Mysteries of the Rosary by yours truly Fr. Ed Broom, O.M.V.

30. THINK, PRAY, SPEAK. In the Month of May, why not make a concerted effort to control your tongue and your speech? Avoid any words or conversations that might hurt the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. How? Like Mary, first ponder in your heart,  then proceed to speak. These three steps—Think, Pray, Speak—can help you to avoid many mistakes and even sins!

31. MARIA COGITA, MARIA INVOCA. This is a short Latin phrase known far and wide by the Oblates of the Virgin Mary in their loving devotion to Mary. The words mean: Think about Mary and Invoke Mary. Why not during the course of the month of May strive to live constantly in the presence of Mary, think often about her loving and maternal presence, and invoke ever so often her Holy Name!  

Optional Memorial of Saint Joseph the Worker

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

SATURDAY, May 1st   Jn. 14: 7-14     FEAST OF SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER   “And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

“There are many saints to whom God has given the power to assist us in the necessities of life, but the power given to Saint Joseph is unlimited: It extends to all our needs, and all those who invoke him with confidence are sure to be heard.” Saint Thomas Aquinas

It has been said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! To honor Saint Joseph the Worker, whom God the Father charged to provide for Our Blessed Mother and Jesus, let us pray and strive to improve our work ethic with the help of the following meditation.

WORK TO SANCTIFY YOUR SOUL by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

Work is good for us! Why? Jesus taught us the importance of work by spending most of His time on earth in Nazareth with Mary, His Mother and Saint Joseph, His foster-father. Among the many activities that Jesus carried out was that of work. True! Saint Joseph taught Jesus the hard and demanding work of a carpenter. No electric helps back then!  Sawing, sanding, nailing, measuring and adjusting wood to construct tables, doors, chairs, etc. This indeed was hard-work!

In my private meditations, I have often imagined Jesus and Saint Joseph arriving home after a hard-day’s work. Imagine them. Exhausted, drenched with sweat, their hair filled with saw-dust, their hands grimy and calloused. This was not on one occasion, but day after day.

This being the case, in a world where the importance of the work-ethic has largely gone by the wayside, many choose the easy-path – instead of working hard, they hardly work, cutting corners wherever they can. Thus laziness and indolence are all the more prevalent.

We would like to present positive reasons why we should truly value work in its many dimensions, shapes, and forms and embrace the work ethic all the days of our short lives on earth. Saint Paul says, “Work out your salvation in fear and trembling.” Saint Albert Hurtado stated: “There are two places to rest while on earth: the cemetery and heaven.” Let us work hard in this short stay on earth and then we can rest forever in heaven with Jesus, Mary and good St. Joseph!

Following are some reasons to motivate us to embrace a more serious work ethic so as to perfect our lives on a human level, but even more on a spiritual level. Here are five specific points to motivate us.

Imitation of Jesus and Mary. At Nazareth, where Jesus spent most of His life on earth, He lived the family life, which consisted of loving and obeying His parents, prayer to His heavenly Father, but also daily work, and His work was hard—that of a carpenter. Therefore, one very clear reason for work is to imitate Jesus, Mary and St. Joseph; they are our models in everything and that includes dedication to work. The three of them were hard workers, orderly and methodical, for the honor and glory of God. Such should be our work ethic!

Charity Toward Others. Another reason for hard work, and the positive effect of work well-done, is that it can be turned into a service of love toward others. An industrious wife and mother spending long hours in the kitchen preparing, cooking, and cleaning is indeed very hard work, but it is also an act of service and charity towards her family, as well as an act of love for God. Saint Paul reminds us to purify our motives: “Whether you eat or drink do all for the honor and glory of God.”

Avoid the Many Temptations of Sin.  Saint John Bosco, the well-known patron of the young, experienced a mortal fear every year at the same time. Vacation time for the young! Why? For the simple reason that many of his young boys would leave the Oratory, where they worked hard all year at study, sports and other activities, and now they would return to a home where they had too much free time and not enough to do. The proverb rings so true: “Idleness is the workshop of the devil.” If a young person does not have anything to do, the devil will give him plenty to do in great abundance. Hard work and diligence in work is the key means to conquer the devil and his allies. This is true for adults as well!

Eternity and Eternal Recompense. The Word of God teaches us constantly that we will get our reward or punishment on the quality of our lives—how we utilize our time, treasures and talents. Look at the lives and example of the saints, how hard they prayed, but also how hard they worked. The motto of Saint Benedict was Ora et Labora, which translated is “pray and work.” The great Doctor of the Church, patron of moral theologians, and great lover of Mary, St. Alphonsus Ligouri, made a private vow which consisted simply of not wasting a moment of his life. Honestly, all of the saints strive to live the spirit of this private vow of Saint Alphonsus. Life is short and time indeed is of the essence. A modern Chilean and Jesuit Saint, who died in his early fifties of pancreatic cancer, Saint Alberto Hurtado expressed it succinctly: “There are two places to rest: the cemetery and heaven.”

A Good Example to Others.  We all know how true it is that we often follow the example of others, be it for good or for evil. The Hispanics have a proverb: “El ejemplo arrastra”—translated: “Example drags or pulls!” Drags us down or pulls us up. As a child I actually hated Saturday mornings for the simple reason that my father made me and my older brother, and eventually the younger ones, work and work hard. I indeed hated Saturdays. However, I do have to admit that while we boys worked hard, we saw our Dad working harder. In all honesty, he worked harder and better than his sons. In other words, he preached the work ethic, not so much by words, but by the power of example, his own hard work-ethic.

The question for each one of us is how can we become a better worker for the benefit of our family and a better worker with God in the salvation of immortal souls? Let us pray to Saint Joseph the Worker to inspire us with one or two concrete proposals and the grace to carry them out with his help! If we are sincere, St. Joseph will never fail to answer this prayer.

Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter

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

FRIDAY, April 30th   Jn. 14: 1-6   “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.”

• Jesus came to save us so that we might live with Him forever in the Glory of Heaven.
• What is the glory of Heaven? The Holy Spirit inspired Saint John the Evangelist to pen these words: “Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. (Rev. 21:1-2)
• “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’” (Rev. 21: 3-4)
• This is the “place” Jesus is preparing for us, “so that where I am you also may be.” Therefore, let us walk as closely as we can with Jesus in our earthly sojourn every day, but especially on Fridays – the day we commemorate His Passion and death for our eternal salivation!

10 WAYS WE CAN WALK WITH JESUS ON FRIDAYS by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

If we really love Jesus as Our Lord, God, Savior and friend, then we should have a firm desire to follow Jesus in His public life where He performs miracles, casts out demons, and preaches simple but profound sermons. However, if we are not to be one of those proverbial fair-weather friends—meaning faithful only when the sun shines, then we must be willing to walk with the Lord in His sufferings, His Passion, His crucifixion and the shedding of His Precious Blood.

Therefore, we offer for your reading, pondering, prayer and meditation, ten specific ways that you can walk close to Jesus in His Passion to console Him, comfort Him, accompany Him. Here is the list of ten!

1. Read the Gospel Passion Narratives

Go to the most authentic sources to meditate upon and to contemplate the Passion narratives. These would be the four Gospels: Matthew Chapters 26 & 27, Mark Chapters 14 & 15, Luke Chapters 22 & 23, John Chapters 18 & 19. Pray, read, meditate, ponder, reflect on and contemplate the love that Jesus had for you and for the whole world.

2. Meditation through Film

Fridays are the most opportune time to view the classic movie of Jesus’ suffering directed by Mel Gibson, The Passion of the Christ. However, do not view it simply as a Hollywood rendition, some ordinary movie. Rather, view it as a prayer, a contemplation, a tool to walk step by step with Jesus as did Mary, His Sorrowful Mother. What scenes moved you most? Talk to Jesus and Mary about them.

3. Another Movie: Miracle of Marcelino.

The touching movie Miracle of Marcelino definitely can help you to enter into the Passion, suffering and death of Jesus with the love and heart of a child. Jesus stated: “Unless you become like a little child, you cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Mt. 18:3)

Now it is your turn: try to talk to Jesus in a simple and childlike manner. Console Jesus with your words and your presence. Thank Jesus and tell Him from the depths of your heart how much you earnestly desire to love Him more and more every day, aware of how much He loves you and willingly suffered for you!

4. The Way of the Cross                                                                            

One of the most efficacious practices of devotion and piety for centuries is to make, better said, to pray, The Way of the Cross. Walk with Mary and the Magdalene on the Via Dolorosa that culminates in the Crucifixion of Jesus, which He underwent for love of you and love of me! How precious you are in the eyes of Jesus in that He suffered all of His Passion and death for the salvation of your immortal soul!

5. The Five Sorrowful Mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary

Take each of the Sorrowful Mysteries and contemplate them with great depth—beginning with the Agony of Jesus in the Garden, Scourging at the Pillar, Crowning with Thorns, Carrying of the Cross, leading up to Jesus’ Crucifixion and death.

6. Meditate on the Seven Last Words of Jesus from the Cross, Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, for many years in New York City would give his famous Sermon on the Seven Last Words of Jesus from the Cross. What are they?

• “Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing.” (Lk. 23:34)
• “I thirst!” (Jn. 19:28)
• “My God, My God why have you forsaken me?” (Mt. 27:46)
• “Woman behold thy son; son behold thy Mother.” (Jn.19: 26-27)
• “Amen I say to you: today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Lk. 23:43)
• “Into your hands I commend my spirit.” (Lk. 23:46)
• “It is finished!” (Jn. 14:30)

Kneel or sit before a Crucifix and slowly repeat these seven words, these seven short sentences. Pray over them; relish them, take them to heart; memorize them; live them out in your life.

7. Meditate and Contemplate the Seven Sorrows of Mary

Among the many titles attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary is that of Our Lady of Sorrows. This pious devotion, starting with the Franciscans, has been to pray over and contemplate the Seven Sorrows of Mary.  Saint Pope John Paul II in his Apostolic Letter, The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Rosary, exhorts the lovers of Jesus and Mary to “contemplate the Face of Jesus through the eyes and Heart of Mary.” 

Mary willingly suffered in the depths of her Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart what Jesus suffered physically in His Sacred Body, His Sacred Flesh, which Mary gave to Him in His Incarnation. Therefore, these are the seven sorrows of Mary:

• Prophecy of Simeon in the Temple. (Lk. 2:34-35)
• Flight of Joseph, Mary and the Infant Jesus into Egypt. (Mt. 2:13-18)
• The Loss and Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple. (Lk. 2:41-51)
• Jesus meets Mary on the Via Dolorosa—on the Calvary walk. (4th Station of the Cross)
• Jesus is crucified with Mary present. (Jn. 19:16-37)
• Jesus’ Crucified Body is taken from the Cross and placed in the arms of Mary. (La Pieta)
• Jesus’ Crucified Body is taken from the arms of Mary and buried. (Jn. 19:38-42)

Spend some time with Our Lady of Sorrows, and through her eyes and heart contemplate the sufferings and sorrows of her Son Jesus. Strive to console both!

8. Contemplate Jesus on the Cross— The Crucifix

Now in the silence of your room, spend some time simply gazing at Jesus hanging on the cross for love of you, your family, and the salvation of your immortal souls. Then rise and with love, tenderness, and devotion kiss the wounds in His hands; kiss the wounds in His feet; kiss the wound in His side from which flowed Blood and Water. Tell Jesus how much you really love Him, and how you desire to love Him more and more every day of your life until you die and pass from time into eternity!

9. Read a Good Commentary

There are many on the Passion of Christ. But truly worthy of reading and meditation is the Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, a German Mystic and Stigmatist. Any legitimate source that we can utilize to enhance our knowledge and love of Jesus in His Passion is worth pursuing!

10. “Repent and Believe in the Good News” (Mk. 1:15)

This was the first preaching of Jesus in His public life. These are the words that the priest might have pronounced when he imposed ashes on your forehead on Ash Wednesday, at the commencement of the Season of Lent. These words of Jesus, inscribed in ashes on our forehead, set in motion Lent and the daily challenge for every follower of Christ.

That is to say, we are all called on a daily basis to be converted from sin. How? Jesus invites and challenges us to change our mind-set; as Saint Paul says to “put on the mind of Christ” (Phil 2:5), to have a fresh way of thinking, feeling, and acting. Our daily conversion comes about through a firm determination in the depths of our soul to renounce sin and to contemplate and imitate Jesus who is truly the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Therefore, if we sincerely want to follow Jesus Christ in His Suffering, Passion and Death, we must make a concerted effort to put to death all that is earthly, carnal, base and sinful in us. Then we must aspire to what is noble, pure, holy and worthy of praise in the eyes of God.  

May Our Lady, the Mother of God, the Mother of the Church, and Our Lady of Sorrows intercede for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

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

THURSDAY, April 29th   Jn. 13: 16-20   “When Jesus had washed the disciples’ feet, he said to them: ‘Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.’”

• Jesus had more to say about this as recorded by the evangelist: “When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them. ‘You call me Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.’”
• “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
• Jesus’ perfect disciple in all things was His Blessed Mother Mary! Let us learn from Mary. Let us place ourselves in the school of Mary and Immaculate Heart of Mary!

LET US LEARN TO LIVE AND LOVE THROUGH MARY! By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

Mary is the quickest, shortest, easiest path to Jesus. We can call her the shortcut! We are all called to holiness—meaning to be saints. Jesus said: “Be holy as your heavenly Father is holy.” (Mt. 5:48) This is a command! Therefore, the Holy Mother of God, Mary most holy can help us in our joyful pursuit of holiness which ends in heaven.

THE MOST HOLY ROSARY. One of the most efficacious tools, or we might even call it spiritual weapon, that we should use to fight the good fight and run the good race so as to win the victory and prize of eternal life is the MOST HOLY ROSARY. Over the centuries, the saints and popes have strongly encouraged the faithful to pray the Rosary and to trust in Mary’s most powerful intercession. The prayer of Saint Bernard encapsulates this truth in his famous Marian prayer The Memorare, with these words: “Never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection was left unaided.”

MYSTERIES OF JOY, MYSTERIES OF LOVE.  In this short essay we will focus on how we can learn to live for God and love God, and be truly happy, by offering a few brief suggestions taken from the five Joyful Mysteries of the most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Rosary is a spiritual gold-mine for us to dig in to; let us dig in right now!

1. THE ANNUNCIATION (Lk. 1:26-38). Mary encounters God through His angelic messenger, the Archangel Gabriel. We offer three precious pearls to glean and polish from this profound encounter.

a) LISTEN AND TALK TO GOD. Mary teaches us the importance of silence in our life. Mary teaches us the importance of listening to God, especially through the Word of God. Mary teaches us the importance of talking to God—that means the real importance of prayer, of talking to God with fervor and devotion from the depths of our heart. Mary, teach me how to pray!

b) SAYING YES TO GOD IS THE KEY TO HAPPINESS. All of us are given freedom to choose between the good and the bad; we can use or abuse our freedom. Mary said YES to God in these words: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to your word.” (Lk.1:38)

This is a universal truth: we all want to be happy, in this world and always! Then why is it that many walk around with a sad face for the whole world to see??? The reason is very clear: they are saying NO to God somewhere in their life! Our Lady teaches us the key to true freedom and true joy: learning to say YES to God in all things! Starting today, through the intercession of Mary, let us learn to say Yes to God always!

c) MARY TEACHES US HOW TO RECEIVE JESUS IN OUR HEART. When she said YES to God, Mary conceived Jesus in her most pure womb and the depths of her most pure and Immaculate Heart. Saint Pope John Paul II makes a beautiful parallel between Mary’s YES to God and our AMEN when we receive Jesus in Holy Communion. The end result of Mary’s YES and our AMEN in Holy Communion is the reception of Jesus into our hearts. Let us beg, through the intercession of Mary, to say YES to God and receive Jesus with burning love in our hearts each Holy Communion.

2. THE VISITATION OF MARY TO ELIZABETH. Like the Annunciation, this Mystery is rich in teaching and growth in holiness for us if we talk to Mary and try to imitate her.

Let us take three lessons…

a) AVOID LAZINESS. Once Mary knew what the will of God was for her, she did not wait, or procrastinate, or put it off until tomorrow! Rather she went quickly or in haste to help her cousin Elizabeth! Let us avoid laziness in all times, places, and circumstances. The proverb is so true: “Idleness is the workshop of the devil.”

b) GREETING WITH JOY. Let us learn from Mary not to wait for others to greet us, but rather to greet others FIRST and with JOY! This is humility and charity—meaning, putting others first and valuing them for their innate dignity!

c) SERVICE IS SOURCE OF JOY. Mary went to visit her elderly cousin, Saint Elizabeth who was pregnant in her old age, so Mary could be of service to Elizabeth in her needs. Saint Paul teaches us: “There is more joy in giving than in receiving.” (Acts: 20:35) Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta said: “We must learn to give until it hurts.” Starting today, let us make a firm proposal: “I will look for opportunities to serve others in imitation of Mary, who went to visit and serve her cousin, Saint Elizabeth! If done, we will experience deep joy within our souls.

3. THE BIRTH OF JESUS IN BETHLEHEM.  In this mystery, we celebrate the most important birthday in the history of the world—the birth of Jesus that we call CHRISTMAS. The birth of Jesus separated the division of time into B.C. and A.D. The lessons that Mary can teach us are innumerable.  We will offer three!

a) LIFE IS A JOURNEY. Mary went on a long journey and arrived at her destination, Bethlehem. Our life is a journey towards heaven. Let us ask Mary, Saint Joseph, and of course, Jesus, to accompany us every step along the way in our journey towards our final destination, HEAVEN!

b) ACCEPTING TRIALS AND REJECTION. Mary experienced many trials, contradictions, and sufferings in her life, but she trusted God even more! Upon arriving, she experienced rejection: There was no room for them in the Inn! (Lk. 2:7) When we experience trials, sufferings, and rejection in our lives, we should run to Mary and seek refuge.  Immaculate Heart of Mary be my sure refuge!

c) POVERTY. Mary and the Holy Family chose to experience and live a life of poverty. One of the biggest obstacles in modern society is that of MATERIALISM—that means, being too attached to material things. If you like: Our possessions can possess us. Jesus was born of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the poor, cold, damp, bad-smelling stable (refuge for animals) of Bethlehem. Mary, please teach me that true happiness does not come from possessing things, but by allowing God to possess me!

4. THE PRESENTATION OF JESUS IN THE TEMPLE.  When Jesus was only 40 days old, He was presented in the Temple through the hands of the Blessed Virgin Mary and good Saint Joseph. Once again, we will offer three wonderful lessons from this Fourth Joyful Mystery.

a) OBEDIENCE. Mary and Saint Joseph obeyed God by presenting their first born son in the Temple of Jerusalem as prescribed by the Mosaic Law. If we truly want to experience joy in the depths of our soul, then we must learn to imitate Mary in the virtue of obedience. Those in the modern world desire all too often to follow their own will which leads to sadness and eventual destruction. Like Mary, may we learn to obey the Word of God, the Church and Magisterial teachings, and a well-formed conscience!

b) LIGHT TO ALL THE WORLD. Jesus in the arms of Mary is presented to the elderly Simeon who calls Jesus LUMEN GENTIUM—Light for the People. Mary teaches us that Jesus must be our true and overflowing Light. Mary, my Mother, give me eyes to perceive the Light of Jesus in the world, in my life, and in the circumstances of my life.

c) THE SWORD OF SORROW. The Prophecy of Simeon entailed announcing that Jesus would be a sign of contradiction, and that a sword of sorrow would penetrate the heart of Mary. The meaning may be difficult for us to understand, and possibly even more difficult to put into practice: the value of suffering. We must learn to offer our sufferings to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary and these sufferings will have infinite value! We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.”

5. THE FINDING OF JESUS IN THE TEMPLE. Present in this fifth and last Joyful Mystery is a hidden sorrow, but great joy. The sorrow, of course, is that Mary and Joseph lose Jesus for three long days. The joy, of course, is in finding Jesus. There is much for us to meditate upon in this Mystery. However, we will give three golden nuggets!

a) MANY PARENTS LOSE THEIR CHILDREN. Today many parents can identify very easily with this Mystery because they lose their children in that their children no longer want to practice their faith. This pierces their parents’ hearts. Mary teaches us not to give up hope, but to pursue our children through prayer, patience, and trust that they will find their way back to God. Saint Monica did this and her son, the wandering Prodigal Son of the 5th century, became the great SAINT AUGUSTINE.

b) JESUS AND MARY AS OUR TEACHERS. After three long days of sorrowful search’ Our Lady finally found her Son, Jesus. Where was He? Jesus was found in the Temple teaching the older men. Among the numerous lessons that we can glean is the following: Jesus and Mary must be our Teachers. PERMANENT FORMATION! One of the key struggles and failures in many adults is the unwillingness to study so as to grow in their faith; thus they remain stagnant and stultified in their faith. Jesus and Mary teach us the primary obligation parents have of transmitting their faith to their children. However, you cannot give what you do not have! Let us beg our Lady for the grace to really desire to learn our faith better so as to be better teachers to our children!

c) MARY PONDERS IN HER HEART. Upon finding Jesus, Mary and Joseph rejoiced even though they did not fully understand the words of Jesus: “Did you not know that I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Lk. 2:49) Mary for her part pondered these things in her Immaculate Heart. Mary teaches all of us the importance of praying, meditating, pondering in our hearts the Word of God, the circumstances in our life, and even the surprises and contradictions that we encounter all so often. Let us pray to Mary and beg her to attain for us a contemplative heart! Let us beg Our Lady for the grace to perceive God’s work in us always! For, In Him we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17: 28)

CONCLUSION.

We hope and pray that all will understand the call to JOY in our lives. This joy can be learned in the life, words, and example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, most especially through the mysteries of the Rosary starting with the JOYFUL MYSTERIES.

Our Lady teaches this lesson in her beautiful prayer that we call the Magnificat: My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit REJOICES IN GOD MY SAVIOR… By calling upon Mary let us learn that true joy comes through deeper and deeper union with God! AMEN!

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

WEDNESDAY, April 28th   Jn. 12: 44-50   “I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life.”

• The Easter Season is about celebrating the Light of the world, Jesus Christ!

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO BRING US JOY! By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

“If God is with us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31)

“Our help us in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.” (Ps. 124:8)

“The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.” (Ps. 23:1)

“The Lord is my Light and my strength.” (Ps. 27:1)

“Surely, I will be with you always, even until the end of time.” (Mt. 28:20)

“Have courage: I have conquered the world.” (Jn. 16:33)

“Rejoice in the Lord! I say it again: rejoice in the Lord.” (Phil. 4:4)

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Mt. 24:35)

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Lk. 1:46-47)

All of the above short but potent phrases come from the Bible, which is the living Word of God. No doubt, these words give courage, comfort, strength and abundant consolation. As a sequel to the topic of encouragement, let us offer ten short reasons why we should be rejoicing constantly even when plunged in a series of complications, contradictions and crosses.

TEN SHORT REASONS TO REJOICE CONSTANTLY ON OUR PATHWAY TO HEAVEN!

1. HEAVEN. First and foremost, let us constantly remind ourselves as to our final destiny and the most consoling words of Jesus, Our Lord, God, Savior and Best Friend: “I am going to prepare a place for you so that where I am you also might be.” (Jn. 14:3) That place is Heaven. Reflecting on being with Jesus, Mary, the angels and saints in heaven should fill us with an overflowing joy and hope.

2. SAINTS. You are never alone in the least. In all times, places, and circumstances, your friends, the saints are present to you. They are ready and willing to lend a hand. Call upon them! Invoke them and they will turn to God to attain for you all the graces you need in the present moment.

3. JESUS IN THE TABERNACLE. Once again, you are never alone, but sometimes Jesus in the Tabernacle suffers loneliness because all too few come to visit Him. All the more reason for you to give Jesus some time visiting Him! He will fill you with joy in His Presence. In the words of the Psalmist: “Look to the Lord and you will be filled with joy!” (Ps. 16:11)

4. THE WORD OF GOD. How fortunate, better yet, how blessed we are to live in a time when we can have easy access to the Bible and even to have our own Bible! The Word of God gives light, encouragement, counsel, insight, correction, admonition, and serves as a sure bridge to unite time with eternity. If you find yourself down and in the dumps, pick up the Bible, the Word of God, read and meditate, and let God speak to your heart! “The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.” (Ps. 23:1)

5. CONFESSION. No doubt we are sinners. The just man falls seven times a day. However, how encouraging to recall the words of Saint Paul to the Romans: “Where sin abounds, the mercy of God abounds all the more.” (Rom. 5:20) Also: “God is slow to anger and rich in kindness and mercy.” (Ps. 145:8) If we fall: NUNC CAEPI!!! I will start again; I will get up and return to the loving embrace of my Heavenly Father, so beautifully presented in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, which can aptly be titled, the Parable of the Merciful Father! (Lk. 15:11-32)

6. SUNRISE AND THE LIGHT OF A NEW DAY. As the sun rises every day, we call to mind the many times during the course of the day that a Catholic priest lifts up Jesus, “The Sun of God”, in the Mass in the moment of consecration. Every time the Host is lifted, may Jesus, the Sun of God be the bright star rising in your heart!

7. FAITHFUL FRIENDS. We should call to mind faithful friends, that we might even call “The Good Samaritans” (Lk. 10:25-37), that the good Lord has placed on the Highway of our life to lift us up, orient us, direct us, possibly even correct us. How many of these good persons, friends indeed, has God purposely planted in our way to become for us sure signposts to God? “Let us give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His mercy endures forever.” (Ps. 136:1)

8. THE HOLY EUCHARIST. Of the greatest importance in our lives is the reality of the most Holy Eucharist. Remember the classic words: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. Every consecrated Host is truly and substantially the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God. Jesus rejoices most exceedingly when He enters into the depths of the heart of a person who truly loves Him. This should be our permanent goal: to receive Jesus, the true Bread of Life, as often as possible, fully aware that every Holy Communion received, should be received with greater fervor, devotion and love. The fire of our love for the Eucharistic Lord should never wane and be blown out but rather be transformed into a living conflagration—a wildfire of love for the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings!

9. THE COMPANY OF THE ANGELS. Sacred Scripture mentions three specific Archangels: St. Michael, meaning, Who is like unto God; St.Gabriel, Power of God; St.Raphael, Medicine of God. Only these three are named in the Bible among the countless number of angels in heaven. However, all these many angels in Heaven ardently desire to become your friends. They want to do all that is possible to help you arrive at your final destiny—Heaven. One of them is your Guardian Angel! Let us strive to be more aware of these Heavenly friends, and invite them especially to pray for us and pray with us, so as to inspire, protect, console, and point us always in the right direction towards Heaven.  

10. MARY: QUEEN OF THE ANGELS AND QUEEN OF THE SAINTS. Among the many titles given to Mary is that of Queen of the Angels and Queen of the Saints. We also cry out to Mary in these consoling words: “Hail Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope.” Saint Therese of Lisieux pointed out Mary’s relationship to us in these words: “Mary indeed is Queen, but she is more Mother than Queen.” What constant and overflowing joy we should experience, keenly aware of the fact that Mother Mary is always, like at the Wedding Feast of Cana, ready to pray and intercede for us, so that the bitter waters of our lives may be transformed into the sweetest and most exquisite of wines! Mother Mary, take me by the hand and place my hand in the Hand of Jesus, my Lord, God, Savior and Friend! Amen.

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