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

WEDNESDAY, April 7th“   Lk. 24: 13-35   “That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred.”

THE ROAD TO EMMAUS by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

1. GRACE.  BEG FOR AN OVERFLOWING JOY! Why? The Lord Jesus is truly risen from the dead, Alleluia!

2. LET’S TAKE A WALK WITH JESUS! 

Try now to imagine the scene. Let your contemplative mode kick into high-gear! It is afternoon on that first Easter Day. Two disciples of Jesus are taking a walk away from Jerusalem. What is their mood, you might ask. Well, in Ignatian terms: DESOLATION! Confusion, depression, disorientation, questioning, doubts, darkness, hopelessness, dreams crashed!!! There we have the state of affairs with these two forlorn individuals. One of these individuals is named Cleophas. The other has no name because that anonymous individual is YOU. Yes, you! You are called to be in this scene and on this journey.

3. WHERE ARE THEY GOING???

They are headed towards a small town or hamlet with the name EMMAUS. It is approximately eight miles distant from the city of Jerusalem. Apparently there is a small cottage there that they are heading towards. They are leaving Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified just a couple days earlier. They are in much turmoil and confusion about this event! As they walk and head towards their destination, they talk. It is not a conversation that is easy; rather, they seem to be debating and even arguing as they try to make sense about what happened to Jesus that Friday! They cannot seem to make heads or tails about this event and about Jesus whom they hoped would be their solution in life!

4. THE GOOD-NATURED STRANGER! 

While in this state of desolation, as they walk, talk and argue, a stranger comes out of nowhere and walks with them. He engages them in conversation and asks them what they are talking about. He walks at their pace and is very interested in them – who they are, what they are saying, what they are feeling. They are surprised that he is the only one in Jerusalem who doesn’t know about these events, about what happened to Jesus of Nazareth! As they open up their hearts and express their grief and sorrow, the stranger simply listens. The two are impressed by this stranger! He walks with them, listens very attentively, seems to really know them, care for them, and love them, even though this man is a complete stranger! Have you ever met a stranger like this in your life?

5. THE STRANGER SPEAKS! 

After listening to the interior struggles of these two, it is the stranger’s turn! He opens his mouth and speaks about these happenings. He takes Scriptures that they have heard before and interprets them related to this “Jesus of Nazareth” – to all these events and what happened to him. They never heard anybody speak with such clarity on the topic of Jesus, especially related to His Passion, death and apparent Resurrection, for some actually claimed that he had come back to life! As this stranger talks, something is happening to the two disciples: their desolation is being transformed into consolation! It is as if a thick and dense cloud is being lifted from their minds and hearts, and they start to feel light and joyful! Life now has meaning again as their confusion dissipates and clarity enlightens their path. Why this change? For the simple reason that this good-natured and intelligent stranger has come to walk with them, listen to their grief, and talk to them in a kind, clear and meaningful way. Have you ever met a stranger like this? Would you like to meet a stranger like this? Would you like to ask this stranger about Jesus and then listen to his conversation and explanation of who Jesus is and what happened to him? This stranger loves you! He wants to walk with you and talk with you in your life, where you are at. He knows you, cares for you, and wants to listen to you always, in any place and at any time. You simply have to invite Him and He will come!

6 ARRIVAL AT EMMAUS AND THE STRANGER! 

After this enlightening walk and conversation, the two disciples arrive at their destination – the town of Emmaus and their little house! However, their mood has been transformed; they have gone from desolation to consolation! His walk and talk, his gentle demeanor, his ability to listen and respond with great intelligence and insight, his overflowing kindness, in a word, his understanding, compassion and charity have moved them to the very depths of their being! So profound is the transformation in both of them that they do not want to separate from this stranger who has already become their good friend!  As they arrive at their destination, the stranger walks on, as if he has an appointment somewhere further down the road. Nonetheless, they will try; they invite him to come into their humble little abode and stay with them. They earnestly long for his fellowship and friendship!

7. STAY WITH US, BECAUSE THE NIGHT IS APPROACHING…

These are the words they address to the stranger! The stranger responds almost as if he were waiting for – better yet – longing for this invitation! He accepts immediately! There is a deep message at this point for you and me and the whole world: FREEDOM AND INVITATION!  Jesus, being the Son of God, has given us freedom to use, and not to abuse. He will not force, coerce or violate our freedom; rather, He respects it! God wants to be loved, but love cannot be forced, it has to be given with total freedom. Adam and Eve abused their freedom, and so did the fallen angels, by sinning against God instead of loving God! We too are free! To receive and return God’s love, or to reject God’s love by living in a state of sin.

And also INVITATION! Like in Emmaus, Jesus wants to be invited into your home. In other words, Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart and waiting for a response, waiting for you to listen, to hear, to open your heart and receive Him – better yet, to warmly welcome Him! The Book of Revelation insists upon this point: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Whoever opens the door, I will enter and dine with him and he with Me.” (Rev. 3:20) Right now, Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart and He is waiting for your response. What will it be??

8. SITTING AT TABLE. 

Now they sit down at table. The stranger (who is Jesus all the time, but they still do not recognize Him) carries out very important gestures that He actually did just three days earlier – on Holy Thursday night in the Cenacle or Upper Room. It centers around the one word BREAD! He took bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it! These four verbs: taking, blessing, breaking, and giving are key words in history and will be until the end of the world! These were the same words that Jesus said on Holy Thursday at the Last Supper and first Mass. That’s right! These are the words used over bread every time that Holy Mass is offered! Classical Catholic commentaries agree that Jesus was celebrating another Mass for these forlorn disciples – indeed, how good God truly is! Once again, it is time for us to renew our faith, our love and our fervent devotion for the most Holy Eucharist! With Saint Thomas we can say: “My Lord and my God!” Or if you like: “O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine!” Be present in awe and adoration at this place, this happening and great mystery of God’s Presence among us! Emmanuel means “God with us”.

9. EYES OPENED TO SEE AND RECOGNIZE HIM! Only now are the eyes of the disciples opened to recognize that this stranger is really not a stranger at all, but He is Jesus, their Lord, God, and Savior—the WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE! How often, like these disciples have we been blinded from seeing and recognizing Jesus who is present always, but very clearly in the “Real Presence”, meaning the Eucharist??? Dogmatic Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium from Vatican Council II speaks about the various ways that God makes Himself present, especially in the context of the Liturgy, especially in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass! These are the specific ways. In the Word of God. In the people united in prayer (“Where two or more are gathered in my Name, there I am in their midst.” Mt. 18:20). Also, God is present in a very special way in the Gospel proclaimed. It is Jesus who is speaking to us through the Gospel, which means Good News! In the priest-minister, Jesus is present. The priest works and officiates as Alter Christus – indeed, as another Christ! Still more Jesus becomes truly and substantially present in the Consecration at Mass: “This is my Body… This is my Blood… Do this in memory of me.” Then the culminating moment happens when those who are well-disposed receive Jesus in Holy Communion and become thereby living and burning tabernacles of the Lord Most High!!! Afterwards, Jesus stays with us in the Tabernacle so that we can come to visit Him and be His friend!

10. HE DISAPPEARS, BUT STILL REMAINS!!! This seems to be paradoxical! How can Jesus leave and remain at the same time? A miracle indeed! In Jesus’ glorified Body, He disappears from their midst. Nonetheless, He stays with them in the Eucharistic species – in the consecrated Host. Jesus said: “Behold, I will be with you always even until the end of the world.” (Mt. 28:20) Now that their eyes are opened, their joy has no limits; it is overflowing in torrents! You would think they would be tired after walking eight long miles along a dusty path!!! Quite the contrary! They are renewed and energized. In a certain sense, they are reborn! All of this came about as a result of this stranger who came to walk with them, listen to them, talk with them, and encourage them. Then finally, sit down at the table and “break bread” for them! This stranger was really Jesus – the Risen Lord Jesus. This encounter with the Risen Lord Jesus has radically transformed their lives. They are completely convinced Jesus truly lives and they will give their lives totally to Him, making Him known throughout the whole world! And they will not wait! They hurry back right then to Jerusalem to recount the Good News of having met the Lord Jesus. As they recount the whole incident, it is apparent something has occurred in them for their hearts are burning within them, like a blazing fire! All of this is related to Jesus’ presence, His explaining the Word of God to them with great clarity, and finally His breaking bread for them.

Why not enter into dialogue with Jesus? Why not walk with Him, talk to Him, listen to Him and love Him. Also, why not go where there is “Breaking of Bread” and receive Him willingly into the depths of your heart, so that like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, your heart will be set on fire – and you can set the whole world on fire for love of the Lord Jesus Christ! Amen.

May this be our prayer: “STAY WITH US, LORD, because night is approaching.”

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

TUESDAY, April 6th    Jn. 20: 11-18   “Jesus said to her, ‘Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

Part 1: Mary Magdalene… from a Homily by Pope Gregory the Great                                                         

Part 2: THE MAGDALENE… by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

PART 1: Mary Magdalene… from a Homily by Saint Pope Gregory the Great

At first she sought but did not find, but when she persevered it happened that she found what she was looking for. When our desires are not satisfied, they grow stronger, and becoming stronger they take hold of their object. Holy desires likewise grow with anticipation, and if they do not grow they are not really desires. Anyone who succeeds in attaining the truth has burned with such a great love. As David says: My soul has thirsted for the living God; when shall I come and appear before the face of God? And so also in the Song of Songs the Church says: I was wounded by love; and again: My soul is melted with love.

Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek? She is asked why she is sorrowing so that her desire might be strengthened; for when she mentions whom she is seeking, her love is kindled all the more ardently.

Jesus says to her: Mary. Jesus is not recognized when he calls her “woman”; so he calls her by name, as though he were saying: Recognize me as I recognize you; for I do not know you as I know others; I know you as yourself. And so Mary, once addressed by name, recognizes who is speaking. She immediately calls him Rabboni, that is to say, teacher, because the one whom she sought outwardly was the one who inwardly taught her to keep on searching.

℟. On her return from the Lord’s tomb, Mary Magdalen told the disciples that she had seen the Lord.* Blessed is she who deserved to be first with the news that Life had risen from death.

℣. While she was there, weeping, she saw her beloved, and then told the good news to the others.* Blessed is she who deserved to be first with the news that Life had risen from death.

PART 2: THE MAGDALENE…  By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

We are in the Octave of Easter! Once again, let us beg for most intense joy! The reason for this joy is JESUS RISEN FROM THE DEAD! “This is the day the Lord has made, let us be rejoice and be glad in it.” (Ps. 118: 24)

Let us listen once again to the words of Pope Francis is his Apostolic Exhortation Joy of the Gospel: “The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew.” (Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis, #1)

Now let us consider the great honor the Risen Lord bestowed upon Mary Magdalene. Tradition and common sense tell us the Risen Jesus first appeared to His Mother Mary!

The Magdalene was the second person to see and touch the Risen Lord Jesus! Her intense love for her Master bountifully repaid!

1. THE MAGDALENE.  Mary Magdalene did not always live the life of a saint, quite the contrary! Mary Magdalene had lived a disordered, sinful life – that of a loose woman. Men had taken advantage of her and she allowed herself to be taken advantage of! When God is absent from our lives we are weak, vulnerable and easily prone to slipping and falling into sin. What happened to Mary Magdalene could easily happen to every one of us without the grace of God! Once Saint Philip Neri saw a bum/street person lying in the gutter of the streets of Rome. He made a comment that has become universalized in many languages: “There go I, save the grace of God!” (In Italian: “Eccome, senza la gracia de Dio!”) Let us continue to rejoice in the Risen Lord Jesus, but remain vigilant, watching constantly over our thoughts, feelings, and the movements of our hearts. In other words, we must never let down our guard because we are living in the combat zone, in mortal battle! Let us never fall into the sin of presumption – meaning, presuming on our own strength to walk the straight and narrow path. Rather, “Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.” (Ps. 124:8)

2. MAGDALENE AND THE DEVILS.  An additional note on the Magdalene! Before her conversion to a deep love and devotion to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene had seven devils within her soul! Jesus actually performed an exorcism, expelling these evil spirits from her soul! Let us rejoice in the Risen Lord with Magdalene. At the same time let us be alert for the devil is prowling about our soul seeking an inroad – the devil never sleeps and never goes on vacation. He is at work in all times and in all places, especially when we are in a state of desolation! Saint Peter compares the devil to a lion: “The devil is like a roaring lion on the prowl looking for whom he can devour. Resist him, solid in the faith.” (1 Pt. 5: 8-9) Let us pray that we will experience joy and consolation in the Risen Lord Jesus. Joy is a powerful tool to upset, overcome, and defeat the devil.   

3. GOD’S INFINITE MERCY, MAGDALENE, AND SINNERS.  One essential point for meditation with respect to the Magdalene is God’s infinite mercy. In the Diary of Saint Faustina, Jesus states clearly that His greatest attribute is His Infinite Mercy! The sin that hurts God most is lack of trust in His mercy. The greatest sinners can become the greatest saints if they simply trust in His Infinite Mercy. We see that this is true. Some of the great sinners indeed did become great saints because they trusted in God’s mercy: Saint Peter, the Good thief, and Mary Magdalene are clear cases of sinners becoming great saints because they trusted more in God’s mercy than in their own moral misery – another term for sin! Now turning to you and me! Like Magdalene, we too are sinners. Even if we have fallen over the cliff and are hanging from a precipice between heaven and earth, if we turn back to the Lord with all of our heart, His merciful and loving Sacred Heart will be wide open to receive us! Saint Pope John Paul II’s invitation was clear: “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ.”

4. TRUE CONVERSION.  Pope Francis stated in one of his homilies that we must follow Christ in three distinct ways: with our mind, with our heart, and with our feet! We must know God, love God, and finally show that we love God with our feet – namely, by the way we live and act. We must “talk the talk and walk the walk!” Otherwise we fall into hypocrisy. Mary Magdalene’s conversion was authentic. Viewing the film of Mel Gibson, The Passion of the Christ, we can see that as clear as the noon-day sun! The writer presents Jesus and Our Lady of Sorrows, but also, in scene after scene who appears with Mary is Magdalene. She is there with Our Lady step by step almost the whole film. On the Way of the Cross, the Magdalene is seen accompanying the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Magdalene is present during the crucifixion of Our Beloved Savior – she remains with the Virgin Mary at the foot of the cross during the whole course of Jesus’ bloody Passion until Jesus’ dying breath and beyond. Like the Magdalene’s encounter with Jesus, may our Daily Holy Hour have a life-changing impact on our lives! Like Magdalene, let us pledge our whole selves to renouncing our sinful past and renewing our commitment to follow Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary totally and without any reservation!

5. PIETA.  When Jesus is taken down from the cross and placed in the arms of His Beloved Mother Mary, the Magdalene is present. She shares in all the sorrows of Mary. In the film of Mel Gibson, Our Lady and the Magdalen wiped up with towels the pools of Precious Blood that poured forth from Jesus’ Body during His brutal scourging. Now Magdalene contemplates the crucified Body of Jesus in the arms of Mary. She accompanies Our Lady to the tomb where the Body of Jesus will be buried before the Sabbath rest. Once again, we see true faithfulness, a heart-felt conversion of heart, when Magdalene stays with Jesus and Mary in these most trying moments of suffering, death and seeming defeat! May our lives be characterized by love and faithfulness to God until the end, no matter how dark and turbulent the storms!

6. EARLY SUNDAY MORNING AND THE TOMB.  Friday night has passed and so has Saturday night. The Magdalene decides to rise early Sunday morning to visit the tomb where Jesus is buried, so she can show her respect and love by anointing the Body of Jesus with special oils. However, upon arriving, the Magdalene notices something strange, out of place you might even say! The tomb of Jesus had been covered with a huge stone; now the stone has been rolled back! Drawing close to see this phenomenon, Magdalene sees angels at the tomb! Turning around, Mary Magdalene sees a man she doesn’t recognize and she thinks this man is the gardener. With courage, she asks the gardener to give her the Body of Jesus. To Mary’s surprise, it is not the gardener! When Jesus cries out “Mary,”… she recognizes Him and responds “Rabboni!” – meaning teacher!

7. Jesus sends her to the Apostles, so that Mary Magdalene can become “An Apostle to the Apostles”.  She runs, filled with Easter joy, to tell the Good News that she has seen the Risen Jesus! Indeed, Jesus is no longer dead but has risen from the dead! Death could not hold Jesus bound. Jesus broke the bonds of death by the power of His Love! Jesus has truly risen, Alleluia! Enter into this scene and rejoice with Mary Magdalene as she meets Jesus who truly rose from the dead, never to die again. Jesus came to bring us life and life in abundance. Jesus is THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE! Beg Jesus to give you intense joy and life in abundance in this life, as well as in the next!!

8. FAILURE TO RECOGNIZE JESUS. An interesting note about the Resurrection appearances is that they fail to recognize Jesus. He appears to them but their eyes are blinded from seeing and recognizing the Lord. This happens on more than one occasion. The Magdalene believes that Jesus is the gardener! She hopes that this “gardener” will tell her where the body of Jesus is so that she can take it away.

9. EMMAUS Later in the afternoon that same day, two of the disciples are heading to a village called Emmaus. Discouraged, depressed, in a real state of desolation, they are walking away from Jerusalem, from the Church. They were hoping that Jesus would be the one to truly set them free! Now their hopes have been dashed. A “stranger” comes and walks with them. He listens to them and speaks with them as friends do! He explains the Scriptures to them, opening their minds to the truth. It is not until He sits down with them at table, takes bread, blesses it, breaks it and gives it to them that they finally recognize this is Jesus! Like Mary Magdalene, their eyes – blinded, prevented from seeing and recognizing the Lord – are opened!

10. FAILURE TO SEE AND RECOGNIZE JESUS. Jesus appears to the fishermen. After they have fished all night without catching anything, the stranger on the shore, who truly loves them and cares for them, tells them to cast the net on the other side of the boat. What an enormous catch!!! Only then does “Eagle eye” John recognize Him exclaiming, “It is the Lord!”

DO WE FAIL TO RECOGNIZE THE LORD??? Now let us apply this reality to ourselves with humility and sincerity. How often has the Lord been truly present in us, in our lives, and like Magdalene, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, like the fishermen, we have failed to recognize Him? Could it be true that we also suffer from spiritual blindness?

Maybe the Lord is before our eyes, is among us now, and we simply do not see Him. Indeed, God is truly present everywhere; we cannot escape from His Presence, even though at times we might try to hide from Him! Pray for spiritual eyes to be able to see and have a more constant awareness of the presence of God in your life! As Saint Paul says in one of his letters: “In Him we live and move and have our being.”

Let us end with a colloquy/prayer to Jesus the Lord, His Mother, and God the Father:

Lord Jesus, I praise and thank you for dying on the cross and rising to new life for me. May I look to your countenance as I encounter you in daily prayer and rejoice constantly in your Presence. 

Holy Mary, Mother of the Risen Lord, cause of our joy, pray for me now and at the hour of my death.

God the Father, I praise and thank you for so loving me that you gave your Only Begotten Son for my Redemption on the Cross, renewed each time I receive Him in Holy Communion! May I honor, love and obey your Holy Will in my life!

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

MONDAY, April 5th    Mt. 28: 8-15   Alleluia Verse: “This is the day the LORD has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.”

• On this Monday of Easter Week, we want to begin preparing for the Feast of Divine Mercy which we celebrate next Sunday. Fr. Ed Broom gives an excellent and succinct explanation of the extraordinary Divine Mercy Promise of Jesus for every practicing Catholic, as well as any non-practicing Catholic who desires to return to the faith! There couldn’t be a better time!
• This is like ending the celebration of the Easter Octave with a show of Fireworks! Whether or not we are familiar with the Divine Mercy Promise dictated to Saint Faustina by Jesus, let us all read the explanation and follow the instructions carefully so as to attain Jesus’ most extravagant gift of Divine Mercy! If it sounds too good to be true, remember that it is Jesus the Son of God, who can neither deceive nor be deceived, who is making the promise!

GOD’S GREATEST ATTRIBUTE: HIS DIVINE MERCY by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

The Second Sunday of Easter is Divine Mercy Sunday. Among the most important highlights in the Pontificate of Saint Pope John Paul II was the end of April in the year 2000. This great modern saint accomplished two extraordinary feats on the same day. He carried out the first canonization of the new millennium. It was the raising to the altar of Saint Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938)—known as the Secretary of Divine Mercy. Then the Holy Pontiff proclaimed the Second Sunday after Easter to be Divine Mercy Sunday.   According to inner sources, this was the happiest day in the life of Saint Pope John Paul II. He felt that one of his primary missions entering into the new millennium was the indispensable need to promote the message of Divine Mercy. Now it was done.

Therefore, let us present a succinct summary of some of the most salient points of the Doctrine of Divine Mercy promoted by Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska and officially proclaimed by His Holiness, Saint Pope John Paul II.

TEN CONCRETE WAYS TO LIVE OUT THE DOCTRINE OF DIVINE MERCY:

1. BE MERCIFUL AS YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER IS MERCIFUL.  When somebody offends you, the natural reaction is to seek to get even or to get revenge. But this is not the Heart of Jesus. As He hung on the cross, Jesus’ first word was that of mercy: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.” (Lk. 23:34) Let us try to forgive immediately; this is most pleasing to the Heart of Jesus and a sure means to attain God’s mercy for us. The key to victory is to forgive right away. The Bible teaches us to not allow the sun to go down on our anger.

2. HONOR AND VENERATE THE IMAGE OF DIVINE MERCY.  Jesus told Saint Faustina Kowalska that He wanted an image of Divine Mercy to be painted. Then He told the saint the He wanted this image to be venerated in the entire world. See if you can purchase an attractive image of Divine Mercy. Have it blessed by a priest and then enthroned in your home.  Make sure the image is enthroned in a prominent place. This is very pleasing to the Heart of Jesus. By doing so, you are saying implicitly to all who enter your home that Jesus is the King of your home, your family, and your heart

3. CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY.  Get in the habit of praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Short and easy to memorize, this Chaplet can be prayed in any time and any place. Jesus told Saint Faustina to pray if frequently. If done, this will result in a constant raining down from Heaven of God’s infinite mercy upon the world at large. You can pray the Chaplet by yourself, with others, in the family, in front of the Blessed Sacrament, in the car, even while waiting in line in the Supermarket.

4. MERCY HOUR.  Call to mind, if possible, the Mercy Hour. This is 3:00 p.m. This was the Hour when Jesus from the altar of the cross breathed forth His spirit into the hands of His Heavenly Father. “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” (Lk. 23: 46) At this Hour, Jesus told Saint Faustina to make the Stations of the Cross or to visit the Blessed Sacrament. If due to absorbing occupations this was impossible, then Jesus told the Saint—as well as us—to call to mind the passion and suffering of Jesus and be united to Jesus’ last agony and moments. If done, through union with Jesus’ suffering, whatever we ask of the Father, if it is His will, it will be granted. Some wise individuals set an alarm on their watches or phones as a reminder—not a bad idea!

5. THE DYING.  The most important moment in our life is the moment that we are dying. How we die, meaning the state of our soul, will determine our destiny for all eternity. Therefore, we should pray constantly for the dying throughout the world. However, if you have a chance to be present when somebody is dying, then pray for them very fervently. Most especially pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for them, so that they will die in God’s grace and be saved for all eternity. Jesus promised Saint Faustina that if a person is dying, and another person prays the Chaplet for them at that time, then that dying person will attain salvation.

6. CONFESSION AND GOD’S MERCY.  God’s mercy is channeled most fully and efficaciously through the Mystical Body of Christ and through the Sacraments. Each Sacrament communicates a specific grace. The Sacrament of Confession communicates God’s infinite mercy. In every Sacramental Confession, the Precious Blood of Jesus shed on Calvary on Good Friday, descends into the soul of the penitent and washes them clean. The better the preparation for Confession, the more abundant the graces of healing and mercy! Get into the habit of frequent Confession.

7. GET TO KNOW THE MESSAGE OF DIVINE MERCY—THE DIARY!  Without doubt, one of the best ways in which we can become familiar with the message of Divine Mercy would be to purchase the Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska. Then get in the habit of reading and meditating on at least one number daily (there are 1828 numbers or entries). Beyond a shadow of a doubt, the Diary is a gold-mine of spiritual riches and treasures. Then share what you have read with others. A sure way to grow in our faith is to share our faith with others.

8. HOLY MASS AND DIVINE MERCY.  The two rays that emanate from the Divine Mercy image have a deep symbolic meaning and interpretation. When the Sacred Heart of Jesus was pierced with the lance on the cross, Blood and Water gushed forth. The light colored ray symbolizes the two Sacraments of purification and healing: Baptism and Confession. The red ray emanating from the Heart of Jesus symbolizes the most Holy Eucharist. May we all have an ardent yearning to receive the most Holy Eucharist frequently and with fervor! May these words of the Psalmist characterize our own yearning: “As the deer yearns for the running streams, so my soul yearns for you, my God.” (Psalm 42:1)

9. DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY AND THE WONDERFUL PROMISE.  Jesus promised that those who attend Holy Mass on the Sunday after Easter, which is Divine Mercy Sunday, and receive the Holy Eucharist with a good disposition – meaning they are not in the state of mortal sin, can receive the extraordinary grace of forgiveness for all their sins, as well as remission from all temporal punishment due to their sins, including past sins. This is an extraordinary grace and gift and we should take advantage of this free gift. This also means we should make a sincere Sacramental Confession close to the Solemnity of Divine Mercy Sunday. If we were to die that day, we would go straight to Heaven. “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His mercy endures forever.” (Ps. 136:1) And if we don’t die, punishment due for our sins up to that point is forgiven, and we only accrue punishment for sins committed from that day going forward. An extraordinary grace and gift!

10. OUR LADY OF MERCY.  One of Our Lady’s many titles is that of “Our Lady of Mercy.” Actually, in the prayer that we say at the end of the most Holy Rosary, the Hail Holy Queen, we cry out to Mary in these words: “Hail Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope….” In our moments of trial, let us lift our gaze to Mary. When we fall, let us cry out to her and she will help to lift us up. May the words of Saint Bernard in the Memorare inspire us to place our trust in Our Lady of Mercy: “Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided.”

Let us all meditate upon, pray over, cherish and love the greatest of all of the attributes of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus— His Divine Mercy. Let us not only understand in our mind Divine Mercy, but also live it in our lives. One more important step: let us make the decision, in imitation of Saint Faustina Kowalska, to become true Apostles of Divine Mercy. When all is said and done, the eternal salvation of our immortal soul, and the souls of all, depend upon relying on and trusting in Divine Mercy. Let these words echo day and night in our minds, hearts and souls: JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU! JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU! JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU!!

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

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

SUNDAY, April 4th    Jn. 20: 1-9   “Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.”

The Resurrection and Mary…

San Francisco Auxiliary Bishop Robert Christian (+ 2019) and Rector of the Seminary:

“The reason for giving special tribute to our Blessed Mother on Saturdays is one we have meditated on especially during the seasons of Lent and Easter. On Holy Saturday, when Jesus lay in the tomb, with His apostles gripped by fear, Mary alone maintained faith in her Son. It is said that the Church’s unfailing faith was found only in Mary during the time of the Crucifixion and Jesus’ burial. It was a tenacious clinging to what her Son had revealed, a clinging made steadfast by virtue of the fullness of grace that she enjoyed.”

Mary’s faith, therefore, is a perfect exemplar of the belief of the entire Church. In fact, her faith is an instantiation of the belief of the Church throughout the centuries.

JESUS IS RISEN, ALLELUIA! By Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

GRACE TO BEG FOR:  Beg for the grace of INTENSE AND OVERFLOWING JOY—because Jesus has truly risen from the dead and He wishes to share with us freedom from sin that gives us Peace, Joy, and Eternal Life in Heaven.                                                                                       

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Ps. 118:24) Alleluia!!! The celebration of Easter is the Solemnity of all Solemnities in the Church Liturgical Year, the most sublime and glorious of all Feast-days, the day that gives true meaning to all human existence. It is a day of immense and over-flowing joy.

HISTORICAL REALITY.  The rock-foundation of Christianity is that of Easter Day and all that flows from it. Every Sunday, after the Readings and the homily, all stand to profess our faith, the Creed, in which we pray with firm hope and faith: “Jesus suffered, died, and rose from the dead…” After the Consecration in Holy Mass, we acclaim: “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.” Jesus died on Good Friday and was buried, but on the third day He rose from the dead! This gives total and complete meaning to our short human existence on earth. Saint Paul expresses it succinctly: “If Jesus is not risen from the dead, then our faith is in vain. Let us eat, drink and be merry.” (1Cor 15:14, 32) In other words, life has no real meaning aside from the historical reality of the Resurrection—that Jesus really and truly rose from the dead on the third day as He promised.

CATHOLIC TRADITION: JESUS FIRST APPEARS TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.

For countless years, the Church has always maintained that the first to experience the joy of Jesus’ Resurrection was the Blessed Virgin Mary. In fact, in the midst of the darkness of Jesus’ death and burial, on Holy Saturday Our Lady was the only light shining in the darkness. Even Jesus’ best friends were scandalized, confused, and uncertain about the future. Not true with the Blessed Virgin Mary! She alone had faith! No one suffered more than Mary, aside from Jesus Himself, such that Mary is given as one of her titles, Queen of Martyrs; at the same time, no one experienced more joy than Our Lady at the Resurrection of Jesus. Her heart was pierced with the lance on Good Friday, but her heart exploded with the joy of Jesus truly risen from the dead on Easter Sunday!

FRUIT OR GRACE TO BEG FOR.  With the Blessed Virgin Mary, from the depth of our heart and with great and intense fervor we want to beg for a very special grace as we celebrate Jesus who truly rose from the dead—the grace of JOY, AN OVERFLOWING JOY that reaches to the ends of the earth, in time and in eternity! Actually, in the Spiritual Exercises, Saint Ignatius insists that we beg for this grace, beg for the fruit of JOY, but even more, an intense and overflowing JOY! It is because Jesus has truly risen from the dead and will never die again, and He wishes to share with us freedom from sin, and peace, joy, and eternal life in heaven! This is the reason for this intense and overflowing joy!

BIBLICAL PASSAGES AND JOY.  The Bible, the Word of God, offers us countless passages and reasons why we should be overflowing with joy. Just a few verses:

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

 “My soul does magnify the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Lk 1: 46-47) (From Mary’s Magnificat)

“The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” (Jn 20:20)

CONTEMPLATION OF JESUS APPEARING TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. 

BEG FOR THE GRACE.  Let us now beg for the grace to imagine and contemplate that first early Easter morning and Jesus’s first Apparition which was to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Let us beg most fervently that we will attain, through the intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a most intense joy, a joy that will overflow into our relations with others! Our joy is not meant to be kept to ourselves but to be shared with the whole world.

1. THE FAITH OF MARY.  Though the others fell into confusion, sadness, and even doubt, Our Lady never doubted for an instant that Jesus would rise from the dead. Even in the midst of her most intense sorrow at the foot of the cross and at the tomb, there was always hope burning in the depths of her heart. So it should be with us. In the midst of our sorrows, there should always be at least a glimmer of hope because we believe in the purpose and meaning of the Glorious Resurrection of Jesus rising from the dead! Talk to Mary and beg her for a deep, dynamic, and vibrant faith and hope in the Risen Lord Jesus!

2. IMAGINE MARY DEEPLY ABSORBED IN PRAYER AND HOPEFUL WAITING. Our Lady is deeply absorbed in prayer, in contemplation, and in expectant waiting for the coming and appearance of Jesus. Unite your prayer with the prayer of Mary. Accompany Mary in these moments preceding the Apparition of the Risen Lord Jesus. Contemplate the poise, the dignity, the humility, the purity, the nobility of Mary, the Mother of the Risen Lord. Join your Heart with Mary’s Heart and pray with her as she awaits the coming of the Risen Jesus.

3. THE SUN RISES AS JESUS THE SUN OF GOD APPEARS TO MARY.  As the first streaks of the morning sun beam through the windows, Jesus appears to Mary. Strive to contemplate His appearance and the overflowing joy of Mary. As the sun rises so does Jesus the Sun of God rise and appear to Mary, also known as the Morning Star. Saint Ignatius highlights that one of the chief actions of the Risen Lord Jesus is that He comes to console. Now contemplate Jesus consoling Mary, the Sorrowful Mother who is now overflowing with joy as she contemplates her Risen Son. Be present with Mary and derive great fruits of Joy at this Glorious Easter reunion!

4. TEARS OF JOY.  Contemplate the beautiful countenance of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and your Mother too. Her intense sorrow is transformed into superabundant joy. Jesus told the Apostles that no one would be able to take their joy from them. Contemplate Mary as tears well up in her eyes and flow down her cheeks. These are tears of consolation; these are tears of joy! Mary turns and looks at you with great love as you share this moment with her. Now talk to Mary and share with her all that you are: your joys and sorrows, your failures and successes, your fears and doubts, your plans and projects, your dreams, your past, your present, and your future. Mary is never too busy to listen to you, to speak with you and advise you, to console you, to bring you closer to Jesus, the Risen Lord.

5. SHALOM!!!  The word of greeting traditionally was SHALOM—which means Peace be with you! You can imagine with what great love this word issues from the mouth and Heart of Jesus—Shalom, peace be with you! Jesus is the Prince of Peace and Mary, the Queen of Peace.

6. HIS WOUNDS.  Jesus shows Mary His wounds—in His hands, His feet, and His open side revealing His Sacred Heart. This was the Heart that Mary, His Mother, formed within her most pure womb for nine months. Mary heard the Sacred Heart of Jesus beating within her inmost being. With Mary, you are invited to contemplate these wounds of Jesus. These wounds, caused by the hammer blows in His hands and feet, and the lance piercing His side and Sacred Heart, are clear signs of Jesus’ infinite love for all of humanity and His love for you and me. Both the Prophet Isaiah and Saint Peter refer to the wounds of Jesus: “He was wounded for our offenses… like a lamb led to the slaughter He opened not His mouth… and by His wounds we are healed.” (Is. 53: 5, 7) Have no fears nor inhibitions; bring your wounds to Mary and to Jesus. Beg both Jesus and Mary to heal your wounds. Either we will be wounded wounders or we will be wounded healers. Let us bring our wounds to Jesus and Mary so that we will be wounded healers in the midst of a wounded and broken world.

7. REDEEMER AND CO-REDEMPTRIX.  Jesus is the Redeemer of all of humanity. His Incarnation, life, suffering and death on the cross, and Resurrection were precisely for this purpose: to save as many souls as want to be saved. That being said, Jesus purposely chose Mary, His Mother to collaborate with Him in the redemption of the world. Contemplate your Redeemer, now risen in Glory bearing the wounds of our Redemption and next to Him is Mary, the Co-Redemptrix. Beg both Jesus and Mary for the grace of your own salvation, and to work with them for the salvation of a multitude of souls. Pray for the grace to love what Jesus and Mary love most in the whole created universe—the conversion and salvation of souls!

8. LISTEN ATTENTIVELY TO THEIR CONVERSATION.  Imagine now that you are seated at table next to Jesus and Mary. What do you think the risen Lord and His mother are talking about? Imagine the love between them. What might Jesus say to His mother? What might Mary say to her Son? Imagine their conversation. Listen to the tone of their voices. Contemplate their faces. Behold the two best communicators the world has ever known! Enter into their hearts. Draw close to them as your Best Friends.

9. WHAT ABOUT YOU?  The Risen Lord Jesus looks kindly and attentively at His Mother, whose eyes are overflowing with joy, and now they both turn to you and ask you to open up your heart to them. These are three questions they might ask you and you can respond to them now. Never forget, they are the best of listeners. 1) Do you love God with all of your heart, mind, and soul? If not, would you like to? 2) Jesus and Mary look at you with love, and comment: “We both suffered much for the salvation of souls, as this was the will of the Heavenly Father. Tell us about your sufferings… 3) Tell us what is most heavy on your heart right now… “Come to us all you who are weary and heavy of heart and we will give you rest. We are meek and humble of heart. You will find rest for your soul… our yoke is easy and our burden is light.” Contemplate the Risen Lord Jesus and Mary, Mother of Jesus, Mother of the Church, and your Mother—talk to them in your own words. Fear nothing! Speak to them with trust and confidence!

10. JESUS’ MESSAGE TO MARY AND TO US. In a relatively short time, Jesus will ascend to be seated at the right hand of God the Father. He will not leave the Apostles nor the nascent Church alone as orphans. He promises that He will be with us until the end of time. He promises to send the Paraclete—the Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier, the Sweet Guest of our soul. However, Mary will also have an essential role in the Church. Among the many titles of Mary are the following in her relationship to the Church: Mother of the Church; First disciple of Christ; Queen of the Apostles; Mother of Consolation; Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! We can imagine Jesus talking to Mary and encouraging her in her role as Mother, as Consoler, as Teacher, as Contemplative, as anchor of hope for the early nascent Church. As you listen to the words of comfort, light, and instruction that Jesus gives to His Mother, beg both Jesus and Mary to enlighten you as to how you can be a source of light, energy, and strength to build up the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ.

Beg for the fruit of this most-consoling contemplation of the Risen Lord Jesus appearing to Mary the Mother of God, the Mother of the Church, and your Mother. The fruit of this contemplation is that of JOY! Not simply joy, rather a most intense joy! Never forget that true joy can only be attained in an authentic relationship of Friendship with Jesus, Mary, St. Joseph, and the angels and the saints. A joy that no one can take from us! Saint Paul warmly exhorts us: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again: Rejoice in the Lord!” (Phil 4:4) Mary teaches us: “My soul rejoices in God my savior.” 

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

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

SATURDAY, April 3rd    Mk. 15: 46-47   “So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid.”

Introductory Points… followed by MEDITATION POINTS BY FR. ED BROOM, OMV

Where was Jesus on Holy Saturday?

• On Holy Saturday the Church waits at the Lord’s tomb in prayer and fasting, meditating on His Passion and Death, on His Descent into Hell, and awaiting His Resurrection.
• We pray this in the Apostles Creed: “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead.”
• From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

CCC 636: By the expression “He descended into hell”, the Apostles’ Creed confesses that Jesus did really die and through his death for us conquered death and the devil “who has the power of death” (Heb 2:14).

CCC 637. In his human soul united to his divine person, the dead Christ went down to the realm of the dead. He opened heaven’s gates for the just who had gone before him.

CCC 635. Today a great silence reigns on earth, a great silence and a great stillness. A great silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began. . . He has gone to search for Adam, our first father, as for a lost sheep. Greatly desiring to visit those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, he has gone to free from sorrow Adam in his bonds and Eve, captive with him – He who is both their God and the son of Eve. . . “I am your God, who for your sake have become your son. . . I order you, O sleeper, to awake. I did not create you to be a prisoner in hell. Rise from the dead, for I am the life of the dead.”  (Ancient Homily for Holy Saturday)

Where was the Mary on Holy Saturday?

• Fr. Ed Broom reminds us that certainly the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus, was reliving all that Jesus suffered for love of mankind, but for love of each one of us individually—a precious soul to be saved from eternal death!
• According to the mystic Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich, late Friday night the angels accompanied Mary along the entire Way of the Cross reliving His Passion and death, with the angels pointing out to Mary the places where Jesus’ precious Blood fell to the ground so Mary could gather it up.
• Fr. Ed also reminds us of the teaching of the Church that from His death and burial on Good Friday until His Resurrection Easter Sunday morning, the unfailing Faith of the Church resided in one person, the Blessed Virgin Mary!  

MEDITATION POINTS FOR HOLY SATURDAY:

Christ did His part to save us, now we have to do our part – daily conversion of life! There are Two Meditations to choose from as an Examination of Conscience to help us better imitate Christ by growing in virtue so as to attain eternal life: 1) Characters in the Passion of the Lord Jesus Christ by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV 2) Stations of the Cross by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV.

I. CHARACTERS IN THE PASSION OF THE LORD JESUS by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV

Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen presented the meditation of the Passion of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in more than one way. Two of the most noteworthy ways that Sheen presented the Passion of Christ were the following: 1) A profound meditation and reflection on “The Seven Last Words of Jesus from the Cross.” 2) Sheen also presented a masterpiece depicting the Characters in the Passion of Christ. Sheen portrays the different attitude, profile, virtue or vice of the many people who were involved in the Passion, suffering and death of Jesus on the cross.

“The Characters in the Passion of Christ” can definitely serve as a means for an excellent examination of conscience for each and every one of us. Most certainly, we will be able to discover and identify ourselves with many of the characteristics of the characters in the Passion—some positive and worthy of praise, others negative and worthy of repudiation.

Therefore, let us enter with courage into the Passion of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by both meditating on and contemplating the characters or persons who were involved in the Passion and death of Our Lord. Hopefully, we will be deemed among the loyal friends of Jesus, those who brought deep consolation to His wounded and bleeding Heart!  

We will choose some of the characters in the Passion of Christ. Our short essay is not exhaustive but will give us at least a taste of the wide gamut of personalities of those who were present at the death of Jesus; it will portray different attitudes that will touch us in many ways and quite possibly motivate us to conversion!

CHARACTERS IN THE PASSION OF THE LORD JESUS.

1. KING HEROD.  Jesus was shuffled to the presence of King Herod and his court. In the presence of this King, Jesus never opened His mouth to the questions of King Herod. This wicked King represents a sensualist, a Hedonist, a man given over to the desires of the flesh. Jesus would not open His mouth because He would have only been mocked, derided and ridiculed all the more. To these types of people Jesus would assert: “Do not throw your pearls to the swine.” Today there are many sensual, hedonistic people who have given themselves over totally to the desires of the flesh! Jesus said to Nicodemus:  “The flesh profits nothing; it is the spirit that gives life.”  (Jn. 3: 6)

2. PONTIUS PILATE. This Roman Procurator represents many today. Basically, Pilate represents the typical coward. Claudia, his wife, had a dream of the innocence of Jesus. Pilate discarded this element of truth.  He wanted to please the crowd. Pilate was a “people pleaser more than a God pleaser!” How often do we act and react so as to please people, so as to be liked and applauded to our detriment for rejecting God’s will and doing what is pleasing to the Lord. Often human respect goes beyond respect for God!

3. PHARISEE, SCRIBES AND SADDUCEES.  Many of those who rejected Jesus and clamored for Jesus’ condemnation represent intellectual pride. These were the intelligentsia— the educated and Biblically erudite group. They were the spiritual know it alls!!! Confronted with a humble, less-educated carpenter from Nazareth who was like a magnet attracting countless masses by His words and deeds, was too much for them. Really it was their intellectual pride and their envy that blinded them from being able to see, recognize and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior! How many people today are blinded from knowing and accepting the Truth due to intellectual pride.

4. THE CROWD OR MULTITUDE WATCHING JESUS.  Many in this group are symbolic of the group of the CURIOUS!!! Many people look for novelty, innovations, fads and new modes to titillate and scintillate their curiosity. How perilous for those who live only for the pleasure and fireworks of the moment. How true the saying: “Curiosity killed the cat!”

5. CRUCIFY HIM!!! Then there are those in the world who actually have a mortal hatred for Jesus, for God and all that pertains to God. The Sadducees and chief priests below the cross, and the crowd before Pilate cried out: CRUCIFY HIM! There exists today a growing number of individuals who call themselves ATHEISTS! Who cultivate a diabolic hatred for Jesus and all that pertains to God. Their numbers in the modern world continue to grow!

6. SIMON OF CYRENE.  Returning from the fields and work, Simon of Cyrene was compelled to help Jesus to carry the cross. At first, Simon resisted and sought to avoid carrying the cross. But once he accepted the carrying of the cross, not only did he conform himself to this task, but he enjoyed helping Jesus carry the cross. Maybe this is you and me: at the outset we flee from the cross, but once accepted the yoke is easy and the burden is light.

7. VERONICA.  This valiant woman broke through the crowd and wiped the Sacred Face of Jesus with her veil. Jesus recompensed Veronica by allowing the impression of His Holy Face to be impressed on her veil. Are we courageous enough to go out of our way to help those who are suffering and in need?

8. THE EXECUTIONERS—WHO NAILED JESUS TO THE CROSS.    Although this may be painful to accept, every time we give consent to committing a mortal sin, then in a real sense we are responsible for the Crucifixion of Jesus, the nails penetrating His hands and feet.  However, by making a good Confession we extract the nails and allow the Risen Jesus to walk!

9. THE SOLDIERS BENEATH THE CROSS—DICE! Then, as Jesus hung on the cross in mortal agony, there were the soldiers beneath the cross shooting dice to see who could claim the garments of Jesus. These, with many in the crowd who were watching, represent an attitude of INDIFFERENCE OR APATHY. The Book of Revelation forcefully condemns this attitude in these earth-shaking words: “You are neither hot nor cold—I wish you were—but you are lukewarm. I will vomit you out of my mouth.” (Rev. 3: 15) Sad to say, there are huge numbers of so called Catholic-Christians who manifest an attitude of coldness, indifference, apathy, and lukewarmness towards the Lord, the Sacraments, and the Church. Perhaps, we belong to this group! If so, time to change!

10. THE BAD THIEF.  Despite the good example of Jesus and His most noble example of mercy and compassion, the bad thief ends his life by cursing Jesus. He also had the good example of the conversion of his companion thief! Still, he died with a cold, callous and cruel heart! There are those who, despite the many graces sent to them by God, simply become more hardened and callous. May God save us!

11. THE GOOD THIEF. On the other side of the coin, next to Jesus on the cross we encounter the Good Thief! He ends his life by repenting and begging Jesus for mercy. Always ready to forgive and express mercy, Jesus opens Heaven to this repentant thief with these most consoling words: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” And as Sheen reminds us: “And he died a thief because he stole Heaven.” Salvation is possible even until the last moment to those who repent!

12. THE CENTURION WHO PIERCED THE SIDE AND HEART OF JESUS.  This Centurion—Roman soldier after piercing the Sacred Heart of the dead Body of Jesus that hung on the cross, believed! He said: “Truly, this man was the Son of God!” The Blood and water that gushed from the Heart of Jesus can be an infinite source of conversion and salvation!

13. MARY MAGDALENE.  After having lived a sinful life of promiscuity, Magdalene was converted by the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. There at the foot of the cross, hugging the cross with disheveled hair, Magdalene shows her true love and devotion to Jesus. Sheen stated that Magdalene represents the true PENITENT! All are called to repent and believe. Perhaps there is some of the Magdalene in us???

14. SAINT JOHN THE BELOVED. Once again Sheen depicts Saint John as he stands underneath the cross as representing the PRIESTHOOD! A priest can be defined as a victim who offers prayers and sacrifices in reparation for sins and sinners. Jesus, the spotless Victim, hangs from the cross. Saint John stands with Mary at the foot of the cross, offering Jesus to the Eternal Father for the salvation of sinners and humanity. May priests imitate Saint John the Evangelist!

15. OUR LADY. There are many titles that can be attributed to Mary. However, Sheen calls Mary, as she stands at the foot of the cross for those long three hours, INNOCENCE! We all nailed Jesus to the cross by our sins. Mary, the INNOCENT ONE who never sinned, offers Jesus to the Father for the salvation of all of humanity.

16. THE CRUCIFIED JESUS. As Jesus hangs from the cross, we have the clearest depiction of LOVE INCARNATE. Saint Ignatius states that Jesus died on the cross essentially for two reasons: 1) To show us the ugliness of sin; 2) But especially to show us the greatness of His love for us. If you were the only person in the world, Jesus would have suffered all the most gruesome an excruciating details of His Passion and death for love of you and the salvation of your immortal soul!

17. THE ETERNAL FATHER. The film of Gibson, the Passion of the Christ, ends with a huge drop falling from Heaven. Interpretation? It is the TEARDROP OF GOD THE FATHER from Heaven. The Father weeps at the death of His Son and the sins of humanity. But the Father allows the death of His Son for love of us and our eternal salvation!!!

Conclusion, spend ample time meditating upon the Characters in the Passion of Christ. Which of these can you identify your own life with? May the Holy Spirit enlighten your mind to know the truth and the truth will set you free

2. STATIONS OF THE CROSS by Father Ed Broom, OMV

The Stations of the Cross is a book of the love of God for each and every one of us.  In it we can find all the virtues that we need to practice to arrive at perfection and to attain eternal life. Let us briefly go through the Stations prayerfully and allow the Spirit of God to move us to love and imitate Jesus.

WE ADORE YOU, O CHRIST, AND WE BLESS YOU, BECAUSE BY YOUR HOLY CROSS YOU HAVE REDEEMED THE WORLD.

I.          JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH

• Innocent people today are condemned to death, especially innocent babies in the wombs of their mothers.  Do you defend life?  Have you been absorbed by the “Culture of Death” mentality?
• Do you judge and condemn people in your life?  Jesus says, “Judge not lest you yourself be judged.”
• Is there some of Pontius Pilate in you?  He was a people-pleaser more than a God-pleaser.  Do you do things for the honor and glory of God or for your own honor and glory:  vanity and pride?
• Pilate was a coward.  Are you willing to speak up for the truth and live the truth, despite possible criticism?
• Are you a relativist? “What is the truth?”  Do you humbly abide by all the truths taught by the Catholic Church?
• Have you ever been falsely accused?  How did you take it?
• Have you ever falsely accused anyone else?

II.         JESUS CARRIES HIS CROSS

• What is/are your cross/crosses?
• Do you recognize them as gifts from God?
• How do you carry your cross?
• Do you complain about the cross God has given you?
• Are you aware that others have crosses, maybe heavier than yours?
• Do you unite your cross to the cross of Jesus?
• Do you see value in the cross?
• Does suffering have value for you and in the eyes of God?
• Do you understand the cross is related to the Glory?
• Do you run away from the cross?

III.       JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME

• When do you fall into sin?
• Why do you fall into that sin?
• Are you trying not to fall into that sin?
• Do you know the root causes of your falls?

IV.       JESUS MEETS HIS SORROWFUL MOTHER            

• Who is Mary for you?
• Do you share your crosses with the Blessed Mother?
• What do you think went on in the Heart of Mary in this encounter?
• Do you have compassion for the suffering people of the world?
• Have you ever felt helpless in certain circumstances of your life?
• Do you turn to Mary in temptations, struggles and stress?

V.       SIMON OF CYRENE HELPS JESUS CARRY THE CROSS 

• Do you help people carry their crosses?
• Are you a Good Samaritan on the highway of life?
• Are you a Simon of Cyrene?
• Do you make your neighbors’ crosses even heavier?  How?
• Who is the person God is asking you to help now?
• Who has been the Simon/Simons who have entered your life?
• Have you thanked God for these many good people God has sent to help you to be where you are now?  Are you grateful?
• Do you resist or hold off doing the good God wants you to do?

Vl.      VERONICA WIPES THE FACE OF JESUS       

• Do you care about other people?
• Are you at times selfish?
• Are you aware of the Face of Jesus present in your soul through grace?
• Have you disfigured the Face of Jesus in your soul through sin?
• Have you crowned Him with thorns in your soul?
• Are you afraid to look into the Face of Jesus?  Why?  What have you done?  Peter looked into the eyes of Jesus and began his conversion.
• Do you long to see the Face of God in heaven?  Really?  How much?
• Do you encourage Infant Baptism so as to have the Face of Jesus in a baby’s heart as soon as possible?
• Do you try to avoid sin so as to retain the Face of Jesus in your soul?

VII.      JESUS FALLS THE SECOND TIME     

• When you fall, do you get up right away?
• Do you get discouraged and depressed after your fall?
• Do you really trust in the Mercy of God?
• Do you believe in the Mercy of God?
• Have you made other people fall into sin by your bad example?
• Have you made amends to help them to get up?

VIII.     THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM WEEP OVER JESUS

• Have you wept for your sins?
• Have you wept for the sins of your children?
• Have you wept for the sins of your relatives?
• Have you wept for the sins of your nation?
• Are your tears crocodile tears or real tears of sorrow and repentance?
• What does the beatitude, “Blessed are those who weep, for they shall be consoled” mean to you?

IX.      JESUS FALLS THE THIRD TIME           

• What can you do to avoid the near occasion of sin?
• Do you sin when you are tired and frustrated?
• How can you better cope with weariness?
• Will God always forgive you?
• Why do you refuse to get up right away after your fall?
• Do you pray for sinners, that they will get up and turn to God for mercy?
• Are you concerned for the salvation of the world?

X.       JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS      

• Are you aware of the stripping of Jesus as related to the sins against purity?
• Are you sorry for your sins against purity?
• Have you repented of them?
• Are you avoiding bad movies?  Bad shows?  Bad magazines?
• Are you associating with someone who might place you in danger of sins against purity?
• Do you dress modestly at all times?
• Do you speak and act with modesty and decency?
• What about your speech?
• Are you striving for greater purity of heart, mind, body, soul and intention?
• What does the beatitude, “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.” mean to you?

XI.      JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS      

• Try to imagine the nails going through the Hands of Jesus.  Nails going through His Feet.
• Are you aware that your sins and mine were the nails that pierced the Hands and Feet of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?
• Are people nailing Jesus to the cross even today?  How?
• Are you responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus?  How?
• What do you think was the greatest pain in the crucifixion of Jesus?
• Are there other Jesus’ being crucified even today in our world?  Who are these?

 XII.     JESUS IS RAISED UPON THE CROSS AND DIES   

• Jesus spoke seven times on the cross.  Which “word” strikes you most?
• Imagine the Blood of Jesus trickling down to the ground.  Do you realize that His Precious Blood was shed for you?
• What do you think were the sentiments of the Heart of Jesus as He hung upon the cross?
• Can you identify with one of the thieves?
• What went on in the heart of the apostle John as he stood beneath the cross?
• What about the Magdalene?
• What was the attitude of the soldiers who threw dice for the garments of Jesus?
• What about the crowd?
• What do you think happened to the centurion under the cross?
• Can you enter into the Sorrowful Heart of Mary in this moment?  How did she feel?
• How would you like to die?  A martyr?  A cancer victim?  Suddenly?
• Have you prayed for a happy death?
• Would you be ready to meet your maker now?  Why?  Why not?
• Why put off conversion when we know not when we are going to die?

XIII.     JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS AND PLACED IN THE ARMS OF HIS BLESSED MOTHER       

• They took the nails out of the Hands of Jesus.  Can you take those nails out, too?  How?
• Do you treat the Body of Jesus with respect in Holy Communion?
• How must Mary have felt holding her dead Son in her arms that first Good Friday?
• Can you imagine the bruised, bloody, wounded Body of Jesus?
• How do you receive Jesus into your heart?
• Look at the wounds of Jesus.  Are you wounded?  Do you bring your wounds to Jesus to be healed by His wounds?
• Do you take your neighbor down from the cross or keep him on the cross?
• What does the saying from Isaiah mean, “By His wounds we are healed.”?

XIV.    JESUS IS LAID IN THE TOMB    

• Why did Jesus die?
• Why was Jesus buried?
• You will die and be buried.  What does that mean to you?
• Are you really ready to die?
• Mortal sin is death.  What does that mean?
• What does the phrase mean, “Bury my sins, O Lord, with You in the tomb.”?
• What went on in the heart of Mary as they buried her Son and they rolled the stone to the tomb?
• How do funerals, burials, cemeteries affect you?  Do they speak to you about spiritual realities?
• Do you ever meditate on the 4 Last Things:  DEATH, JUDGEMENT, HEAVEN, AND HELL?  How often? How about ETERNITY? Forever, and ever, and ever!
• If death is so evident from the news, movies, and just life, why do people avoid thinking about death?
• Do you bury your sins in the Infinite Ocean of God’s Mercy?

CONCLUSION:  To meditate in depth on the Passion, suffering and death of Jesus is one of the most powerful means to understand the depth, width, height and enormity of the love God has for you and me.  “NO GREATER LOVE HAS A MAN THAN HE LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.”  If Jesus loves me so much, what am I willing to give and to suffer for Him?  Love is measured by the willingness to suffer for the loved one.

As you enter the confessional to confess your sins, do so as if this confession will be your LAST!

As you prepare to receive Holy Communion, do so as if the Communion you are about to receive is your FIRST, your LAST, and your ONLY Communion!