Fr. Ed Broom, OMV Oblates of the Virgin Mary

Catholic Ignatian Marian Spirituality

OUT OF THE ABUNDANCE OF THE HEART THE MOUTH SPEAKS!

Jesus said that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks and that every word that comes from our mouth we will have to render and account and St James  chapter 3 clearly challenges us to use our tongue for the honor of God.   Below are ten helpful suggestions! Let us read and try to apply to our daily life of speech!!!


  1. PRAY: THE HOLY SPIRIT.   Look at the Apostles!  Before Pentecost they fled and Peter even denied Jesus with his tongue. After the 1st Novena of Pentecost, there is a radical transformation.  Peter  launches a Pentecost homily and converts 3000!!!! How??? Prayer to the Holy Spirit.   A short but potent prayer:  “ Come Holy Spirit, come, through the Heart of Mary.”
  2. THINK!  St James says we should be quick to listen and slow to speak  Next, avoid impulsivity!   Think before you speak!  How often have we spoken on there spur of the moment, without reflection, have hurt the person and have to pay  for the consequences!  The Imitation of Christ asserts:  “Few have regretted for having maintained silence, many for having spoken out of time!
  3. GOLDEN RULE! Remember this precious and powerful rule of Jesus:  “Do to others what you want them to do to you.”  We can apply this to speech:  “Say to others what you want them to say to you!”
  4. SILENCE!  Mothers have often taught their children this axiom:  “If you do not have anything good to say, then do not say it!”  Good advice!
  5. AGITATED????  In moments of agitation, it is best to avoid speech. Better to retire to your room, pray a part of the Rosary, then  enter into conversation calm and collected!   In agitation, the bad spirit works on us and that also means our speech!
  6. ENCOURAGEMENT!  Learn  words of encouragement.  We all need affirmation, support, and encouragement.   Be a BARNABUS!!!!   Barnabus was one of the latter apostles and his name means, “Son of encouragement”. Why not form a “Barnabus” club!!!
  7. PARDON!  When it does happen, that you fail in your speech, thereby hurting your neighbor, muster up enough humility and courage to express two very difficult words: I’M SORRY!!!! Shakespeare hit the nail on the head:  “To err  is human to forgive is divine,”
  8. SPIRITUAL READING!  It might be that we arrive at interior vacuum; we have little to say of real value!  Form Thia habit of good spiritual reading— a half an hour a day—- and many  holy, edifying, and sanctifying thoughts in your mind and heart will be transformed into words and serve to truly sanctify others!!!  Ignatius in the CONTEMPLATION TO ATTAIN LOVE  says that love is expressed by giving!  Why not share the spiritual treasures of your heart with others!
  9. HOLY COMMUNION REMINDER!!!!  Remember that with the same tongue you receive the Eucharistic Lord, the “Lord of Lords and King of Kings” you speak. Hopefully our speech will reflect WHO we have just received on our tongue and in our hearts!
  10. MARY AS MODEL!   Turn to Mary and beg for her powerful intercession to help you in your speech. Imagine Mary talking to Joseph, Jesus, St Elizabeth, and others.  What love, attention, kindness, meekness, humility, discretion, joy….  Surely, Mary who said “Yes” to the Word of God, will attain for us the grace to express clearly, convincingly, charitably every word that comes from our mouth.  “  My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”


Father Ed Broom, OMV, is Associate Pastor of St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary and was ordained by Saint John Paul II on May 25, 1986. Fr. Ed teaches Catholic Ignatian Marian Spirituality through articles, podcasts, a radio show, retreats and spiritual direction.

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LET THE CHILDREN COME TO ME!


Jesus said “Let the little children come to me… and  “Unless you become like a child you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.” It is worthy of note that the Blessed Virgin Mary in Fatima, Lourdes, LaSalette chose to appear and speak to children.  Today there are many enemies in the path of children leading wholesome, holy and happy lives.   Therefore, let us propose some clear and concrete actions we can take to save the child from danger and put into practice the words of Jesus, Our Savior, who had a very tender heart and special place in His Heart for children.


  1. YES  TO THE GOSPEL OF LIFE AND NO TO THE CULTURE OF DEATH!  These words were expressed by Blessed John Paul II  in his immortal encyclical  “Gospel of Life”. First and foremost, we must reject abortion in all forms as well as the contraceptive mentality.  If a child is prevented from being conceived and  killed before he is born there is no child to be formed in society. Pray for the unborn child and be his voice who cannot be heard!
  2. BAPTISM.  Parents should baptize their child as soon as possible! Unfortunately, for many, the social aspect of the “Baptism party” and the lack of money for it, can easily delay and block the grace of baptism, thereby preventing the child from becoming a son/daughter of God.
  3. PRAYER!  A child  is truly a “Human sponge”. The nature of a sponge is to absorb. A little child can sit in front of t.v or the computer and absorb vulgarities and ugly scenes that are all to easily engraved in the memory. Teach your child to pray a soon as possible.  How inspiring to hear from the lips of little children the words:  “Dear angel of God, my guardian dear….. Hail Mary… Our Father…. Jesus I love you….  Parents pray for your children, teach them to pray and pray with them!!!!
  4.  FIRST COMMUNION & CATECHISM.  Enroll them in catechism as early as possible so that they can receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus as soon as possible.  Negligence, delay, procrastination on the part of parents in this area is deplorable!!!!
  5. SACRIFICE! Train your children when they are small to offer up little sacrifices so as to console the Wounded Heart of Jesus and the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary. Do not underestimate the ability and generosity that a child might have. Remember the heroic sacrifices of  the children of Fatima: Blessed Jacinta Marto and her brother Blessed Francisco.  A sacrifice offered with great Love and prayer could save a soul for all eternity!
  6. MOVIES/DVDS. A picture is worth more than a thousand words.  Why not expose your children to good movies.  There are so many bad ones, but you purchase the good ones!  Bad images are easily impressed in the mind; however, the same can be said with good images!  Why not create an environment for Ignatian contemplation for children, by exposing them to good scenes and good images.  A few suggestions: Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Lourdes and the old classic Marcellino Pan y vino. As such, we are forming Christian-catholic holy minds in our children!
  7. HOLY PICTURES, STATUES, RELIGIOUS ART, STAIN GLASS WINDOW.   By exposing our children to these sacramentals, once again we are filling their minds with holy thoughts and disposing them for contemplative prayer, even as children. Either the imagination can be used for evil or for good.  Our desire is that the minds of children be filled with all that refers to God and the salvation of our soul!
  8. TELL BIBLE STORIES.  Parents should get into the habit of praying with their children as they put them to  bed. In addition, why not tell a Bible story or an anecdote from the life of a saint.  Consequently, the last thoughts of the day of the child will be of God or God’s friends, the saints!   Great way to end the day!
  9.  DAILY COMMUNION.  After your child has made his first Holy Communion, it would be an excellent practice to take him to Mass and Holy Communion on a daily basis. If not 7 days a week at least a few days a week.   The greatest action a person can do on earth is to receive Jesus, “The Bread of Life” with faith, love and devotion in Holy Communion. Parents, why not make Mass and Holy Communion the very center and heart of your day and of the day of your child/children! Jesus’ promise is eternal life!  (Jn 6. Bread of Life discourse.)
  10. CONSECRATE TO MARY.   Consecrate your child to Mary on the day of his Baptism. Renew this consecration often. Start every day by consecrating yourself, family and children to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. We must always seek two special havens, oases, refuges from the tempests and storms of life: the SACRED HEART OF JESUS AND THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY!

In conclusion, for parents, the most precious gifts that God has given to you are your children. You procreated with God to bring them into existence.  You must collaborate with God to bring them to heaven! May God bless you and help you with this most noble enterprise!!!!


Father Ed Broom, OMV, is Associate Pastor of St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary and was ordained by Saint John Paul II on May 25, 1986. Fr. Ed teaches Catholic Ignatian Marian Spirituality through articles, podcasts, a radio show, retreats and spiritual direction.

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REJOICE IN THE LORD: 10 REASONS FOR REJOICING!

St. Paul in his letter to the Phillipians exhorts us to rejoice in the Lord: “I say to you rejoice,rejoice in the Lord…”(Phil 4:4)  In Mary’s hymn of praise, the Magnificat, the Mother of God’s Immaculate Heart resound praising God with these words:  “My heart rejoices in God my Savior…(Lk. 1:47)   True joy can only be found in God.  Indeed, only God is the ultimate source of joy in this life and in eternity. Therefore, we offer 10 clear reasons for true rejoicing.  I invite you to read and give thanks to God!

1. GOD CREATED YOU OUT OF LOVE!   This mere thought should lift your heart in hymns of joy. His love for you is eternal and immutable!

2. PRAYER!  At all times and places I can talk to this God who loves me so much. Actually, God anxiously awaits for me to talk to Him even now. Praise, thank and love God now for a few moments!

3. GUARDIAN ANGEL.  Right now, beside you is a good friend— your Guardian Angel. He is there to encourage you on your journey to heaven. Rejoice!  You are never alone!

4. DIGNITY. Through Baptism you have been transformed into a son/daughter of God. You call God your “Father” and He truly is. Rejoice in your exalted dignity. However, strive to live up to that standard!

5. DESTINY. GOAL CLEAR!  You know where you came from and know where you are heading:  HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  You know for certain that after patiently carrying your cross in this brief pilgrimage of life, God has a place prepared for you in heaven!

6. MERCY. Even though you may fall a million times a day, you know that your loving Father has his arms open to forgive you, love you and receive you into his embrace.  Remember the parable of the Prodigal Son.  (Lk 15).

7. BEST OF FRIENDS.  In heaven are the saints, but they are your best of friends.  Right now talk to three of your best friends— the saints in heaven.  There presence and prayer will fill you with joy.  They are praying for you and waiting for you in heaven!

8. TABERNACLE FRIEND.  An even better friend than the saints is waiting for your visit in the Tabernacle in His Real Presence. Talk to Him and He will fill you with joy.  Remember the words of the Psalmist:  “Look to the Lord and be radiant with joy!”

9. RECEIVE HIM.  Take one more step: go to Mass and receive Him with purity of heart, profound humility and burning charity and you heart will explode with joy.  Remember the disciples on the Road to Emmaus after listening to Jesus and meeting Him in the breaking of Bread.  They returned with their hearts filled with joy.   (Lk 24) Frequent, fervent, faith-filled Communions is a sure source of joy!

10. MARY.  Pray to Mary, love Mary, spread Marian devotion and she will fill you with joy. One of her titles in the Litany is “Cause of our joy.” 

In sum, may you be filled with joy.  “Rejoice in the Lord; I say it again: rejoice in the Lord!” (Phil. 4:4)

Father Ed Broom, OMV, is Associate Pastor of St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary and was ordained by Saint John Paul II on May 25, 1986. Fr. Ed teaches Catholic Ignatian Marian Spirituality through articles, podcasts, a radio show, retreats and spiritual direction.

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OBEDIENCE

Jesus was obedient even unto death and death on the cross; He Himself said that love is measured by the rule of obedience.   “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Actually the fourth  commandment obliges us to obey our parents, but it goes beyond our mere parents. Who else must we obey???  The following is a list for your personal examination of conscience.

1. GOD!  First and foremost we should always obey God.  St Thomas More said that he was the King’s loyal subject, but first God’s!  He chose death to remain faithful to obedience to God’s commandments.

2. PARENTS!   Have children ever heard the voice of God?  Yes!  Every time their parents tell them to do something, then they hear the voice of God and should obey.   The Bible promises a blessing to obedient children.  They will have a long life on the land of the living.  (Ecclesiastes 3).

3. TEACHERS!  St Paul states clearly that all lawful authority comes from God!

4. CATECHISTS.   In the Ecclesial context, obedience should be manifested promptly and readily to the catechist, who has been chosen by God to impart religious knowledge!

5.  PRIESTS/CONFESSORS.  If one has chosen a good confessor and the confessor give an order then this order should be carried out willingly.  It is all so clear in the Diary of Divine Mercy that St Faustina was keenly aware of Jesus speaking through her priest-confessor.

6 SUPERIORS.   In Religious Life there are usually three (3) vows: Poverty, Chastity, and OBEDIENCE.  When a Superior commands a subject to carry out and order then this order should be obeyed because the Superior is the voice of God.

7. SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR.   Not only should one be submissive and obedient to one’s superior and confessor, but also to one’s SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR.   This truth also is clearly taught in the Diary of St Faustina.

8 THE HOLY FATHER THE POPE.  Of primary importance should we listen to, pray for and obey the Holy Father , the Pope, who St Catherine of Siena calls,  “The Sweet Vicar of Christ on earth.” If not, the consequence is the free fall into the “Dictatorship of Moral Relativism”.  There will be more than 6 million popes on earth, who will all claim to be in the right, resulting in total  confusion and chaos!   Be very attentive and humbly obedient to all the teachings of the Pope— It is Jesus speaking to you and He is  THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE!

9.  CONSCIENCE, WELL FORMED IN THE LIGHT OF THE WORD OF GOD AND THE MAGISTERIUM OF THE CHURCH. We all must obey our conscience. However, with this stipulation!  It must be properly formed by knowledge of the Bible and the Bible must be interpreted by the Pope and the Magisterium with him.   Parents must form the consciences of their children under this light and perspective!

10. OBEY INSPIRATIONS!   This is more subtle!   The Holy Spirit blows where He wills.  This is where it is important that one have adequate Spiritual Direction, know his moral and mystical theology and have a magnanimous heart. The Holy Spirit will always challenge us to give more (Ignatius “Magis) of ourselves.   May we be open to God’s holy inspirations and respond with the Immaculate Heart of Mary:  “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word.”


Father Ed Broom, OMV, is Associate Pastor of St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary and was ordained by Saint John Paul II on May 25, 1986. Fr. Ed teaches Catholic Ignatian Marian Spirituality through articles, podcasts, a radio show, retreats and spiritual direction.

 

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WORK: THE POSITIVE FRUITS

Has anyone every asked you this question:  “Are you working hard or are you hardly working?”

Hopefully, you were quick on the the draw to respond:  “I am working hard!!!”  Hard and diligent work produces many positive fruits; here are some of them.


  1. PLEASES GOD!  Why?  Because He himself told us to work so as to earn our bread by the work and sweat of our brow. (Gen 3).
  2. EARN OUR KEEP!   St Paul states clearly to the Thessalonians:  “He who does not work, should not eat.”   You want to eat?  Then work hard!
  3. DEVIL TO FLIGHT!   When we do not work, St Bonaventure says, we are surrounded by an army of devils.  Whereas, at work, we put the devils to flight! Drugs, porn, alcoholism, gang activity— all of these are related to a lack of a work plan!
  4. CHARITY AND SERVICE.   By working well you are serving others: your community, your family, the church and the whole world!
  5. JOY AND SATISFACTION.  Hard work and work well-done is a reward in and of itself! Joy results!   We should add to our work joy.  God loves a joyful giver.
  6. GOOD EXAMPLE!   If your work hard, honestly and methodically  you are giving good example to others.  All of us are called to be shining light of good example to others. Jesus says, “Let your light shine before others so as to give glory to your Father in heaven. (Mt 5)
  7. TALENTS DEVELOPED.  The God-given talents are cultivated.  This is pleasing to God.
  8. OVERCOME THE CAPITAL SIN OF SLOTH/LAZINESS.   Remember the Parable of the Talents. (Mt 25). Two of the workers were hard-working and dedicated. The last was lazy and threw his talent in the ground.  We want to be the hard and industrious workers.
  9. JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH.   We follow in the footsteps of our three best models: Jesus, Mary, and St. Joseph.  All of theme worked hard to serve others and please the Heavenly Father.
  10. SALVATION.  St Paul says that we should “Work out” our salvation in fear and trembling.   Remember the immortal words of  St Father Alberto Hurtado S.J. (Chilean priest and saint).  “There are two places to rest:  “The cemetery and heaven.”  My friends, let us work hard now  and rest forever in heaven with the saints, the angels, with Mary and with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen


Father Ed Broom, OMV, is Associate Pastor of St. Peter Chanel Church in Hawaiian Gardens, California. He is a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary and was ordained by Saint John Paul II on May 25, 1986. Fr. Ed teaches Catholic Ignatian Marian Spirituality through articles, podcasts, a radio show, retreats and spiritual direction.

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