Today's meditations all come from the story of our Lord's passion and some of the events leading up to it.
I found myself fixated on the story of the Anointing at Bethany and consulted the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture for a deeper explantion.
The woman of Bethany pours the contents of her alabaster flask (perfumed oil) onto Jesus' head while He reclines at table. This takes us back to the Old Testament where the high priests of Israel were anointed with oil on the head since the time of Moses (Leviticus 8:12) as were the kings of Israel in the time of the monarchy (1 Samuel 10:1). Both traditions lie in the background of Israel's hope for the Messiah -- the "premier" Anointed One to come.
Then there's the fuss over how the woman chose to use the expensive oil. Certainly, it was an expensive luxury item. But that only goes to show the abundance of her generosity. She recognized that Jesus of Nazareth was more precious still. The extravagance of the gift speaks volumes about the worth of the Recipient.
But the significance of her gesture extends further. Not only an act of devotion, it is also an act of preparation. Jesus says the anointing was to prepare Him for burial. Even though this probably wasn't the woman's intention, she unknowingly played a part in the fulfillment of a divine plan. It is God, knowing that Jesus will be buried in haste, who arranged by His providence for this anointing to take place beforehand. WOW! This helps to explain why Jesus attaches such tremendous significance to the woman's gesture.
This woman definitely had an extravagant love for Jesus. Consider that she gave her best to the Lord. It is doubtful whether the woman had any possession more valuable than a flask of perfumed oil imported from a distant land. Yet because nothing could be more valuable than the life of Jesus laid down for us, only such a gift was suitable to acknowledge this. Consider too that she gave it ALL to the Lord. Nothing is held back. She could have poured out a small amount and still made a memorable impression. But her generosity was unrestrained by any desire to save something for herself.
Little wonder that the woman of Bethany is remembered for her loving deed. Every believer is urged to make such a response to Jesus. It is when disciples like you and me offer all that we have, holding nothing in reserve, that the world comes to learn how precious Jesus really is.
Mary, help me to give all for Jesus!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Class Notes for Week 4 (Tina & Ruth's notes)
Tina's Notes from Father class at beginning of 4th week.
Example of a Saint this week is St. Jean Vianney - who Mary helped a lot. Was entrusted to Mary/essentially consecrated to Mary in his mother’s womb. Had a statue of Mary from his Mom – always would kiss the feet of the statue of Mary before starting any work. At age of 4 he would use it in the field to keep up with his older brother without being tired – would throw statue ahead of him and work toward it.
Consecrated himself to Mary as her slave at age 26 – did the St. Louis de Montfort Consecration.
Thirsted for mortifications:
Sacrificed never to enjoy the fragrance of a flower
Never to taste fruit
Only drink a few drops of water in the summer heat
Wouldn’t brush away a fly bothering him
Kneeling, would not rest elbows on the bench
Looking Back - Some Review of Week Three:
Page 170: 2nd last paragraph: “We should often repeat, from the depths of our heart: “Dear Mother. . . or that injury.” - -- always recourse to Mary ----
Or say St Faustina’s simple prayer – “Mary, lead me, guide me.” Say this whenever we are going to do anything, or suffer anything etc…
Page 194: Effects of the True Devotion: some notes
1. Contempt of self = Humility…
2. Mary’s faith - Mass every Saturday devoted to Mary – after Jesus died on the Cross on Friday she still had faith on Saturday that He would be raised when a lot of His disciples waivered & despaired
3. Keep on perfect path – not be one extreme or the other
4. We don’t have to keep all the burden on our own shoulders – Jesus and Mary are there to help
5. Communicated to you the soul & spirit of Mary
6. Transformed into likeness of Jesus
7. Give great glory to God
Per Bob & Penny Lord: A mystic revealed to them that there is a greater jubilation in Heaven when a soul that is consecrated to Mary through St. Louis de Montfort’s Total Consecration dies.
Page 195: #4. – a, b, and c,
“Our Blessed Lady will fill you . . . …in herself”
We will not have to approach Jesus alone, but with Mary
Clothe ourselves with her merits– in a very tangible & external way with Scapular & Miraculous Medal
….Always go to Mary, always go to Mary per St Jean Vianney
Page 242 (Optional part on the on the Rosary): 1st full parag: “People are often quite unaware . . .… Rosary . . …Indulgences. This is because…”
On Indulgences:
Per the Church in the Catechism # 1471- Indulgence is either partial or plenary Remission of temporal punishment due to sin.
- When we sin there are 2 consequences:
1. Guilt (removed before God’s eyes in Confession)
2. Temporal Punishment due to sin (the Penance can remove part or all of this punishment depending on our disposition of soul/Charity toward God)
- Cannot apply an Indulgence to another living person – only ourselves or deceased person
- Partial Indulgence/partial remission if we visit the Blessed Sacrament for the purpose of Adoration.
- Plenary Indulgence when done for at least ½ hour – with condition that we go to Confession a week before or after, say prayer for Holy Father’s intention
- Plenary Indulgence if recite the Rosary in a Church
- Partial Indulgence when said under all other circumstances – in a car, walking, at home, as a family, etc.
- For clarification - 5 Decades are sufficient for obtaining the Indulgence
- Other devotions that can obtain a partial Indulgence – kiss the Scapular, make a sign of the Cross, genuflect
Page 248: Spiritual Motherhood – 2nd paragraph: “A mother’s love . . .…sacrifices.” The most perfect of mothers is the Mother of God – she is constantly praying for us & interceding for us. St Alphonsus Ligouri said when we have a devotion to her it is a sign that we will someday behold the face of God in Heaven. Mary’s Protection of us from demons – she is “terrible as an army in battle array” – She will especially help us at the hour of our death. When we wear the Scapular & Miraculous Medal we are wearing her armor in an exterior way.
Page 249: 1st full paragraph: “It is the teaching of our Holy Faith that no one can merit the gift of final perseverance.” We have to pray for it
Page 269: 2nd paragraph: “The Consecration of the Scapular . . . symbol of surrender, of service and devotion.”(all to Christ thru Mary by wearing the scapular)
Not worshipping objects by wearing Scapular – don’t others keep a picture of their children, husband, wife, in their wallet etc? reminds us of someone we love dearly - our Blessed Mother - by wearing of the scapular…
Week 4 -- Looking ahead
Page 271
1st page/paragraph is a great and simple catechesis – ultimate purpose of our existence is to know, love and serve Jesus.
2nd paragraph: “Here on earth two of the principle ways . . . Cross and Communion.” And Mass says it all – it is both.
“It is through the Mass that we accomplish our principle duties toward God - adoration, propitiation, petition, and thanksgiving.”
4 things Fr. Parker sums up by ACTS; A = Adoration
C = Contrition
T = Thanksgiving
S = Supplication
Page 273 – Bottom of page: the indented quote – and towards the end - “It is to be greatly lamented that many show such little esteem for this saving Mystery, (the Mass) which makes heaven glad and preserves the whole world.” (If the Mass wasn’t being offered, the world would have been destroyed long ago.) ”O the blindness . . …into a disregard of it.” With pure Devotion to Mary the blindness dissipates – we can see the infinite value of spiritual things and the Mass and the hardness of our hearts is softened and God’s grace can get in to the soil is more able to produce fruits….
Page 286: Father Parker wrote in his notes– “great distinctions and clarifications”
Middle of larger paragraph towards the top: Mary is not God - “What I say absolutely of Jesus Christ, I say relatively of Our Lady”. . . .to end of paragraph: “ All that is fitting to God by nature is fitting to Mary by grace. . . … same subjects, servants and slaves.” Keep this in mind as we read…
Page 303: Father has this double underlined: Great summary: “Christian perfection consists:
1. Desire (thru Mary desire will increase)
2. Self denial
3. Suffering – pick up Cross
4. In doing – follow Him
Page 315: Bottom - 14 rules to carry cross.... 1st. -- don't produce more crosses for yourself by sin.
Page 324: The 12th rule – there are 3 kinds of complaints about created things that God may use to afflict you:
1st: Natural or involuntary – NOT a sin
2nd – rational – tell hardship to a superior or physician – Not a sin
3rd – complain of others to rid self of suffering or to take revenge: This IS a sin
Page 328: Clever: Effort is required to become a saint; Effort is required to imitate Christ; Effort is required to grow in holiness
1 – “See how Noah, a just man . . .
2 – “Moses made an ark . . .– material things
3 – “Solomon, the wisest . . .-
Page 333: "We have to John Wayne it".... 1st full paragraph: “Why therefore, do you fear to take up the Crosss, through which. . .In the Cross . .”
- Who stood firmly at the side of Christ at the Cross on Calvary? – Mary - and St John per tradition of the church - because he had a Marian devotion. If we grow close to Our Lady we will have greater strength to bear our crosses and different things that happen to us in life.
Fruits: Page 336:
Supplementary readings: Bottom of page and into 337 – Effects of God’s Love
Middle of last paragraph: Sacrificial fruits: “Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of labors . . . fails and falls.”
Page 337: 2nd full paragraph: “Love is swift, sincere, pious, pleasant, . . …trusting and hoping always in Him".
We are becoming more perfected through this.
Page 337: 5th meditation: from this to page 360 – supplementary –if we have time…
Don’t get discouraged if we can’t get to the supplementary readings
Father then blessed and gave out Scapulars (and enrolled us if not already) and Miraculous Medals.
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Ruth's Notes .......Week 4 Consecration to Mary
Saint of the Week with a great love for Mary ---- St. John Vianney St. John Vianney had a great love for the Mother of God and received the example of love from his mother who also had a great devotion. She consecrated her children to Mary at birth. St. John’s mother gave him a small statue of Mary and he carried it with him always. Mary helped him in all that he did. Devotion of Mary – consecrated himself as a slave of Mary through this same devotion (St. Louie de Montfort) at age 26. His thoughts and prayers went to Mary at least once every waking hour.
Review: p. 179 “Dear Mother .....” near bottom of page. This reminded Fr. Parker of St. Faustina who said, “Mary lead me, guide me” Fr. Parker said that this is a great prayer to memorize and say hourly.
p. 194 Effects of True Devotion ... 1-7 he reviewed.
p. 242 Indulgences: Father talked about indulgences and referenced the CCC 1471. Sin has 2 consequences guilt ( confession removes this) punishment (penance removed some of this) Must be rightly disposed ... truly repentant.
Church as power to bind and loosen. If meet the requirements you have to be properly disposed, etc. for any indulgence.
Partial Indulgence: Adoration. If more than 1⁄2 hour can gain a plenerary indulgence. Rosary: Plenary if said in church. Parcial otherwise.
p. 248 Mother’s love is the most practical thing in existence...... Mother’s love is also capable of great sacrifices. ..... “She is “terrible as an army in battle array”
p.249 It is the teaching of our Holy Faith that no one can merit the gift of final perseverance. Etc. (Pray for this.)
p. 269 The Consecration of the Sapular has no other meaning than this. Carmel’s Habit is a symbol of surrender, of service and devotion. When it is received we are reminded that it is a symbol of the yoke of Christ and the burden that is light when carried with Mary’s help.
Week Four
p. 271 (Cross & Communion) ..knowing, loving and servicing Our Lord Jesus Christ ...ultimate purpose of our existence. .... “Jesus is so little loved, because He is so littleknown!” ..... Here on earth, two of the principal ways in which we can come to know and love Jesus are the Cross and Communion. .... The Mass ...... It is through the Mass that we accomplish our principal duties toward God – Adoration, Propitiation (contrition), petition and thanksgiving (ACTS)
p. 273 eyes are open when devoted to Mary
p. 286 We are slaves of Jesus ... What I say absolutely of Jesus Christ I say relatively of Our Lady. .... All that is fitting to God by nature is fitting to Mary by grace ......
p. 303 Christian perfection consists: In willing ...., In self-denial ..., In suffering ,,, In doing
p. 315 (14 rules) (Alcoholism is an example of a cross people take up on our own. p. 324 12rh Father talked a lot on this section.
p. 328 (Talked about second paragraph) See Noah...... Effort is required to grow to holiness, to be a saint. “Begin now” die to self requires effort.
p. 333 !st paragraph ........ Why, therefore, ....... John Wayne it “take up cross” Mary was close to cross John was close to Mary, close to Jesus.
p. 336 Love knows no boundaries (emphasized last full paragraph) Love is swift ..... (3rd paragraph)
p. 337 - 360 Supplemental if time permits or read it after the consecration
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Linda: 8th Rose (Sent via email to Ruth)
What a wonder this entire spiritual journey is.
I love reading all the comments, questions and answers, in the blog.
I think I signed up but still can't figure out how to post.
Today: pp 211 Eighth Rose
during this study I have been attempting to seek out the definitions of words said or spoken and then when one actually thinks on these words that one may not really understand what they mean - how often are they not entirely what one thinks they mean!
so too the heresies
reading from the EWTN Library re: Albigensian
reading about St. Dominic 2nd paragraph on pp 211 and then in the EWTN several pages down about that blessed Saint and the Holy Mass!
The paragraph begins with: "It was the morning of the 13th of September, 1213. The thousand
men on the Catholic side, drawn up in ranks with Simon at their head,
heard Mass in the saddle. The Mass was sung by St. Dominic himself."Then in response to Fr.Bob Gross and his reference to Fr. Robert J. Fox, may he rest in peace.Fr. Fox book "Eucharist:Heaven & Earth Unite"After reading just the first chapter, which took me some length of time. I never, never again can approach the Mass with out awe and that is an understatement. To think of the saints present Holy Mary protecting - united with her son the Priest - think of the Priest "In persona Christi". It is almost too much to take in - then to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. Often tears of grateful thanks are present - I know the grace given to one unworthy except through grace.Todays reading in the "Magnificat" pp388 Sat 29th MorningO higher than the cherubim, More glorious that the seraphim, Lead their praises, alleluia! Thou bearer of the eternal Word, Most gracious, magnify the Lord, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!then"On earth, the Blessed Virgin offered her life in that obedient service which is true worship of God. In heaven, she leads the song of eternal praise which rises like incense before th throne of God."Yes, Mary always leads us to JesusLindaFriday, January 28, 2011
Franciscan University Presents: Marian Doctrine and Devotion
If you get EWTN, there's a great program coming up on Marian doctrine and devotion.
Father Peter John Cameron, OP joins host Father Michael Scanlon, TOR and Franciscan University theology professors Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn to discuss questions about the Blessed Virgin Mary's instrumental role in the life of faith.
Sunday, February 6 at 9 p.m. (CST)
Tuesday, February 8 at 12:00 noon (CST)
Thursday, February 10 at 4:00 a.m. (CST)
Father Peter John Cameron, OP joins host Father Michael Scanlon, TOR and Franciscan University theology professors Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn to discuss questions about the Blessed Virgin Mary's instrumental role in the life of faith.
Sunday, February 6 at 9 p.m. (CST)
Tuesday, February 8 at 12:00 noon (CST)
Thursday, February 10 at 4:00 a.m. (CST)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Mediatrix of all Graces...
I want to thank Fr. Parker for his good answer to your concern Ruth in the recent reading from St. Louis de Montfort. One other thought to consider as well is that St. Louis is taking seriously the title of Mary, Mediatrix of all Graces. If Mary is the Mediatrix of all Graces then where she is then Jesus is present as well. Where Jesus is Mary is also present.
This is one point that Fr. Robert Fox helped me with when we think about the Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart of Mary. Their hearts are one. Their hearts beat with God the Father's will. The union of Mother and Son is so profound that it makes sense that Mary would be the Mediatrix of all Graces. It doesn't take anything away from the Lord Jesus, it rather shows that his love unites, it forms, and it makes perfect the love that show him in our daily living. Christ's love perfects the love that the Blessed Virgin Mary gives to all of her spiritual children. That's what makes her intercession so powerful. That's why the Evil One cowards in the presence of the Lovely Lady of Heaven!
Those are my thoughts. May Our Lady always keep us on the way to heaven!
Reply to Posting: Reply to Kim's Posting - Jan. 24th "Week 2 Day 2 Question"
I am posting this reply to a previous posting here, rather than as a "comment", because I think it is very helpful.
Ruth,
In regards to your email. All of the quotes from St. Louis De Montfort's spiritual classic must be taken in context of his whole work, True Devotion to Mary.
The purpose of the Consecration is to give ourselves to JESUS through Mary. Perhaps there is a misconception that we need to be consciously thinking of Our Lady at every moment when speaking to Jesus. This is not necessary. We make an act of the will inviting Mary to intercede for us throughout our pilgrimage of life. We make a permanent decision of asking Mary, as our spiritual mother, to take all of our prayers, works, joys and sufferings and then give them to Jesus.
When the Magi came to worship the Christ Child, they focused on Jesus BUT Mary was there also (Mat. 2:11). We may not be conscious of Our Lady at every moment, but that is okay. I always read St. Louis in the context of his whole work, not just isolated phrases by themselves.
Saints, spiritual writers and even Fr. Corapi have said, "everyone is not called to have this true devotion to Mary. I wish they were." EVEN the great Pope John Paul II had to re-read St. Louis' work before he accepted it interiorly.
Perhaps the words of Bl. Jacinta may help. She said that the hearts of Jesus and Mary are so close it is hard to separate them. They are together.
God bless you! You are on the right road. The works and words of St. Louis are fully accepted by the Church. We are on solid ground.
Fr. Parker
Monday, January 24, 2011
Week 3, Day 2 - Questions
Today was interesting, but difficult.
Mary will be the only means we will use in going to God . . .
We must never go to our Lord except through Mary . . .
We must never be without her when praying to Jesus . . .
Beware, chosen soul, of thinking that it is more perfect to direct your work and intention straight to Jesus or straight to God. Without Mary, your work and your intention will be of little value . .
I can't help but think that by following today's suggested devotion, I'm eliminating God/Jesus/the Holy Spirit from my daily prayers, thoughts, intentions, sacrifices, petitions. No more direct access? No more "Our Father." No more "Come, Holy Spirit."
Jesus Himself invites us to come to Him: "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest." Should I not respond to this directly?
Didn't Jesus die so that we might have direct access to the Father? So that we might become adopted children, heirs to the Kingdom . . . ?
I'm having a little trouble with the absolute nature of the suggested devotion, seemingly excluding God. Yes, the ultimate end is God and communion with Him, and I have no problem praying to and through Mary, but exclusively??
Mary, forgive me, but I'm having trouble understanding this. Please help me.
Is anyone else having trouble with today? Or does anyone have some answers to my questions?
Thanks.
Mary will be the only means we will use in going to God . . .
We must never go to our Lord except through Mary . . .
We must never be without her when praying to Jesus . . .
Beware, chosen soul, of thinking that it is more perfect to direct your work and intention straight to Jesus or straight to God. Without Mary, your work and your intention will be of little value . .
I can't help but think that by following today's suggested devotion, I'm eliminating God/Jesus/the Holy Spirit from my daily prayers, thoughts, intentions, sacrifices, petitions. No more direct access? No more "Our Father." No more "Come, Holy Spirit."
Jesus Himself invites us to come to Him: "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest." Should I not respond to this directly?
Didn't Jesus die so that we might have direct access to the Father? So that we might become adopted children, heirs to the Kingdom . . . ?
I'm having a little trouble with the absolute nature of the suggested devotion, seemingly excluding God. Yes, the ultimate end is God and communion with Him, and I have no problem praying to and through Mary, but exclusively??
Mary, forgive me, but I'm having trouble understanding this. Please help me.
Is anyone else having trouble with today? Or does anyone have some answers to my questions?
Thanks.
Mary - prefigured in the O.T. and Our Mother's significance
Another little extra: If you have extra time, you might enjoy this presentation. I was surprised when I found it to be a talk on Mary and her prefigurements in the Old Testament and her role in our lives. I guess I did not pay close attention to the first part of the title. The presentation is a little heady but easy to follow. ... If you listen to this please let us know what you think.
Shadows of the Virgin: Holy Women of the Old Covenant
http://instituteofcatholicculture.org/media.htm#virgin
There is a second presentation but I have not listened to it yet. (Need more laundry to folder.)
Shadows of the Virgin: Holy Women of the Old Covenant
http://instituteofcatholicculture.org/media.htm#virgin
There is a second presentation but I have not listened to it yet. (Need more laundry to folder.)
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Week 2, Day 7, pg.138 Intimate Conversation
There is so much that I need to take little parts.
This struck me..........
"the interior life is an elevated form of intimate conversation which everyone has with themselves as soon as they are alone, even amongst the noise of a great city. From the moment a man ceases to converse with others, he begins to converse interiorly with himself about what preoccupies him the most." pg 139 "As soon as a man seriously seeks truth and goodness, this intimate conversation with himself tends to become conversation with God. He converses with himself about what he should do to live a good life."...and placing confidence in God, not self..... "Little by little, instead of seeking himself in everything, instead of tending more or less consciously to make himself center, man tends to seek God in everything and, as a substitute for his own egoism, he focuses more on God and neighbor."
So why would I waste my time thinking about how I was hurt, or be judging someone, or more of the thoughts from my pride and my self-love.. If I am talking to God I can't be sinning at the same time. Mary, my Mother, come to my aid!
This struck me..........
"the interior life is an elevated form of intimate conversation which everyone has with themselves as soon as they are alone, even amongst the noise of a great city. From the moment a man ceases to converse with others, he begins to converse interiorly with himself about what preoccupies him the most." pg 139 "As soon as a man seriously seeks truth and goodness, this intimate conversation with himself tends to become conversation with God. He converses with himself about what he should do to live a good life."...and placing confidence in God, not self..... "Little by little, instead of seeking himself in everything, instead of tending more or less consciously to make himself center, man tends to seek God in everything and, as a substitute for his own egoism, he focuses more on God and neighbor."
So why would I waste my time thinking about how I was hurt, or be judging someone, or more of the thoughts from my pride and my self-love.. If I am talking to God I can't be sinning at the same time. Mary, my Mother, come to my aid!
Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos
In our parish meeting Father highlighted Blessed Seelos because of his great devotion to Mary.
| The official website is devoted to the heroic & miraculous life of the “Cheerful Ascetic,” Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, C.Ss.R. (1819-1867). He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in the Solemn Jubilee Year 2000. Father Seelos possessed great mystical gifts due to his intense prayer life. His dedication to ministry with cheerful holiness makes him still an outstanding model for clergy, religious and laity alike. As an itinerant preacher and lifelong friend of the poor and destitute, Seelos was a spiritual father to tens of thousands. Despite his early death at age 48, so profound was his missionary zeal that sickness, persecution, and even the upheaval caused by a civil war could not stop him. Blessed Seelos' Top 10 Practical Guide to Holiness 1. Go to Mass with deepest devotion. 2. Spend a half hour to reflect upon your main failing & make resolutions to avoid it. 3. Do daily spiritual reading for at least 15 minutes, if a half hour is not possible. 4. Say the rosary every day. 5. Also daily, if at all possible, visit the Blessed Sacrament; and toward evening, meditate on the Passion of Christ for a half hour. 6. Conclude the day with evening prayer & an examination of conscience over all the faults & sins of the day. 7. Every month make a review of the month in confession. 8. Choose a special patron every month & imitate that patron in some special virtue. 9. Precede every great feast with a novena, that is, nine days of devotion. 10. Try to begin & end every activity with a “Hail Mary.” |
Week 3: Parish Meeting Notes (from previous Consecration preparation)
At our weekly meeting, Father started the session with the Consecration prayers for this week and then he went right into a review of the previous week's readings.
He told us not to be scared. This session really focused on seeing ourselves as the sinners we are. The goal was increased sorrow for past sins and greater focus on avoiding sin and for having true contrition. This past week was good catechesis on sin.
In reviewing the past week he referred to the following:
p. 107 referred to the increased sorrow which is our goal and the value of that true sorrow.
"Do not spend all of your time just examining your conscience, but also try to spend a considerable amount of time with view to increasing your sorrow for the sins you have committed. the remainder of the week could be thus used, until you make your confession. Remember that the degree of contrition can also, if intense, not only take away the guilt of in, but also remit all temporal punishment due to those sins."
p 109 Father referred to God's love of the sinner and hate of sin. God hates sin for what it does to us. Our soul needs to be nourished at least once a week at Mass.... Church in its wisdom mades Mass a requirement.
" God loves the sinner, but hates the sin." "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
p.111 Feelings have nothing to do with sorrow. God rewards us with consolations but we shouldn't need them as we grow. Spiritual life is a journey. In Confession make a commitment not to sin again.
Father read the first paragraph on this page.
p. 113 "The "penance" that the priest imposes on us, in confession, has a very special efficacy for making satisfaction for our sins." ...... "if you feel you could do more penance than that which the priest gives you, then tell him so and ask for additional penance."
Father reinforced that we can ask for harder penance if we are ready for it and it is very beneficial to do so with the right intention....that being to make reparation for our sins. He also stressed that obedience is important so if the priest says "no" to more penance it is important to be obedient.
p. 117 Father said that next to the first paragraph he wrote "YICKS!" . That first paragraph is like "shock treatment". We must remember that Mercy is who God is... Mercy is loves second name.
Father encouraged us to be courageous and to stick with this. The fruits are that it is bringing us closer to Jesus through Mary.
p. 125 quoted " Nor does progress in the spiritual life consist in the grace of consolation, but rather in the humility, self-abnegation and patience with which you endure its withdrawal ..... willingly continue in those holy things despite the dryness and anguish of mind which you feel once the grace of devotion has been withdrawn." ... Don't function on feelings. Consolations are gifts that can spoil us so that we are prideful and can only operate when in consolation. The withdraw of consolations can test our real love.
p. 132 Great advantage .... Consolation and Desolation both important
"I know your hidden thoughts, and that it is of great advantage for your salvation that, at times, you should be left without consolation, in case you become puffed-up by much success, and so take vain pleasure in yourself, thinking yourself to be that which you are not. That which I have given, I can also justly take away and once again restore, when it shall please me."
We should always be seeking to please God. Don't dread purgatory because of pain and punishment but dread purgatory because of the pain our sin causes God.
"It is when you think I am far from you that I am often nearest" is a quote from a saint referring to God.
Fr. Parker than proceeded to tell us he is going to try to give us the example, at each meeting, of a saint with true devotion to Mary. This month he talked on St. Francis Xavier Seelos. When Fr. Seelos was in seminary Mary appeared to him and told him to become a missionary to the US. He came from a very Catholic family, a family with great devotion to God and who loved Mary. He wrote a letter to his mother thanking her for the great devotion she gave him to Mary. Each year he visited one shrine dedicated to Mary. Would enter a church and sing before statue of Mary. Total love of Jesus and trusted totally in Mary's intercession. (My next post will be about St. Seelos.) Father blessed us with a first class relic of St. Seelos.
Week #3 Knowing Mary .... Overview of week follows. (Always have Mary edit our prayers to Jesus making them what they should be. She, as mother, knows our needs and what we should be praying for.)
We went through some of the upcoming readings and Father highlighted the following which we underlined in our books.
p. 142 "grace to know Mary better" earnestly beg for this
p. 143 Father read the first 7 lines of the paragraph under the heading "Devotion Takes Time to Grow"
p. 144 "Where Mary is, there also is God!"
p. 151 middle of last paragraph "to believe sincerely without spiritual pleasures; to suffer joyfully without human consolation; to die continually to myself without respite; and to work zealously and unselfishly for thee until death as the humblest of they servants."
p. 154 Come to Jesus through Mary ..... read end of 3rd paragraph "The world was unworthy, says St. Augustine, to receive the Son of God directly from the Father's hands. He gave Him to Mary in order that the world might receive Him through her. The Son of God became man for our salvation; but it was in Mary and by Mary. God the Holy Ghost formed Jesus Christ in Mary; but it was only after having asked her consent ..."
p. 159 first paragraph, first line "God the Son wishes to form Himself and, so to speak, to incarnate Himself in His members, every day, by His dear Mother." Mary bore and formed Christ in her womb... She bears and helps shape us if we allow her.
p. 167 Mary knows what is best. She is our "broker". Trust her to bring prayers she knows are good to Jesus Father pointed out the following from top of p.167 "If, after having thus consecrated ourselves to Our Lady, we wish to help a soul in purgatory, rescue a sinner, or assist a friend by a prayer, an alms, an act of self-denial or an act of self-sacrifice, we must humbly request it of Our Lady, abiding always by her decision, which, of course, remains unknown to us."
p. 170 Mary enhances our prayers ......First half of first paragraph ..... emphasizing the "oratory for the soul"
p. 175 Father emphasized entire first paragraph and third paragraph on this page.
p. 183 read the 7 kinds of false devotees and false devotions
p. 189 5 characteristics of true devotion
p. 190 Mary's virtues
p. 191 Exterior Practices of the True Devotion
p. 198 read top paragraph
p. 201 read bottom paragraph
NOTE: 205-270 This is alot of extra reading. Read when convenient over the course of this consecration.......... shows value of the rosary and scapular.
Note: Purchase a "Brown Scapulars" for each person doing this and have a priest enroll you and any other family member who will wear one. Print the scapular enrollment prayer out so that your priest can enroll you properly. He might not have this available otherwise. Our pastor is going to enroll us next Monday in both the Brown Scapular and Miraculous Medal. (Ruth's note: If you are asking your pastor to enroll you bring the scapulars, metals and enrollment prayers with you. He may or may not use the prayers you bring but at least you will have tried to save him time.)
Scapular Enrollment prayers: here are two formats in case you have trouble printing the prayers.
Below are TINA's Notes from this same meeting: Week Three: Getting to Know Mary
Page 142: 2nd full paragraph: “For He alone knows Mary…church names after her.” Earnestly beg for the grace of knowing Mary.
Pg 143: Devotion takes time to grow – several stages. We are going to be the fruit of Mary’s work – consider that Jesus was the fruit of Mary’s womb.
We desire not consolations, but (on Pg 151 in the first full paragraph): I wish for no other than that which was thine:…humblest of thy servants.”
Pg 154: 2nd last parag: “The world was unworthy…in Mary and by Mary.”
Pg 159: 1st parag: 1st sentence and more: more or less a summary statement of True Devotion and Mary continues to bring Christ into the world through us.
Pg 167: very first full sentence: “If, after having thus consecrated ourselves…remains unknown to us.” This means that everything we do, we do though Mary. She is “our broker” per Fr. Corapi and spruces up our offerings and makes them better. We don’t have to continually say all the time< “Mary through you”, but have it in the background and back of our thoughts that, “Mary – you know and do what is best”.
3rd full parag: “Consecrating ourselves in this way, to Jesus…the stars lack brightness.”
Page 170, 1st parag: “We must always act…” Mary makes everything we do richer and better.
Page 175 has encouraging remarks for us who live in this time of the end of time. Top of the e[age: “Mary has produced together with the Holy Ghost…singular and extraordinary things.”
2nd full parag: (us) “These great souls….build with the other.
“With the one hand they shall fight…much glory for God alone.”
“This is what God revealed to St. Vincent…
Page 183: 7 kinds of false devotees
Page 189: Characteristics of True Devotion
Page 191: Exterior practices – Scapular and Miraculous medal. Next week Father Parker will have Scapulars and blessed Miraculous Medals for us. Have you been enrolled in the Scapular? Probably when you were little and in the early grade school years? If not attending these session it is good to be enrolled at this point of the consecration.
Page 198: Top of the page: The most terrible of all the enemies which God has set up against the devil is Holy Mary. Satan hates and suffers more from being beaten by Mary because he is defeated by her littleness and humility.
Page 201: Last parag: more encouraging words for us, “But the power of Mary…”
Read these when time permits:
Page 205 – 270 – Two parts. First part is on the Rosary Pages 205 – 243. (Promises on page 206 is good encouragement for when desolations come…)
Father Parker said we don’t have to read all of this at once, but read it as we can, if we can get it all done this week that is great. We can read it section by section, by divisions, by part, however we wish to read it, but again – if we don’t have time we don’t have to feel obligated to get it done in this 3rd week….
Page 243 – 270 is on the Brown Scapular.