Our new study on The Echo of God" by Fr. Lance Harlow will begin at the end of February 2011.
Here is the new blog site:
http://echoofgodbookstudy.blogspot.com
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
FEAST of Our Lady of Lourdes*
February 11
WORLD DAY of the SICK
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us on our Consecration Day
and especially for the sick and suffering among us!
“All the shrines of Mary,
scattered throughout the world,
have become above all
centers of devotion to the Eucharist,
as if the Mother of Jesus had appeared,
here or there,
in order to lead the faithful to the
adoration and love of her blessed Son.”
Pope Bl. John XXIII
Thursday, February 10, 2011
"Echo of God" Blog Opportunity.... Are you interested?
As we come to the end of this book study I am offering a new one for you to consider.
This new blog will begin soon and continue through Lent.
We will divide the book into sections ranging from 2 to 10 pages per day. At the end of each section are application questions. If you choose to participate we will ask that you post on the questions of your choice daily or as often as you feel led to do so. You can read and post answers, questions and comments at your own pace.
The entire purpose of the blog is to help each of us to grow in our love for Jesus and His and our mother, Mary.
The book is a commentary for beginners on St. Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort's True Devotion to Mary authored by Fr. Lance Harlow.
St. Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort's Treatise on the True Devotion to the Holy Virgin has influenced innumerable Christians since its discovery in 1842. These include Mr. Frank Duff, the founder of the Legion of Mary; Blessed (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta, and his Holiness Pope John Paul II; not to mention the thousands of priests, religious and laity who live their consecration to Jesus through Mary. The Echo of God is a most valuable study guide for understanding and living the lifestyle of true devotion with its simple explanation and application of Grignion de Montfort's inspired principles of Marian spirituality--which is always Christocentric! This book contains the full text of True Devotion complete with commentary, Scripture references and application questions. it is ideal for individual or prayer group study.......
The Echo of God is a work which is long overdue and will assist any reader who finds difficulty in appropriating Montfort's sublime teaching on the role of Mary in the formation of saints for the latter times.
The book is 230 pages including notes. Cost per book is $20.
Copies are available at Expressions of Faith in Dubuque.
We will start this blog if at least five people are interested. I will be setting up the blog site as soon as interest is shown.
http://www.stcharles-church.org/echo.htm
http://www.echoofgod.com
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Char: Divine Mercy in my Soul
Char asked that I post this for her:
I wondered if there would be an entry in the Diary, Divine Mercy in my Soul, telling of Jesus speaking to Sr. Faustina about His Mother, so, using the "Thematic Concordance to the Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska," I checked all the paragraphs under the heading, "Mary, Mother of God." I found these two entries:
#32 Jesus: Go to the Superior and ask her to allow you to make a daily hour of adoration for nine days. During this adoration try to unite yourself in prayer with My Mother. Pray with all your heart in union with Mary, and try also during this time to make the Way of the Cross.
# 1560 Jesus: "...ask My Mother and the saints for help."
Char listed a long list of paragraph numbers for other references to Mary. If you would like the list let me know and I will mail it to you.
I wondered if there would be an entry in the Diary, Divine Mercy in my Soul, telling of Jesus speaking to Sr. Faustina about His Mother, so, using the "Thematic Concordance to the Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska," I checked all the paragraphs under the heading, "Mary, Mother of God." I found these two entries:
#32 Jesus: Go to the Superior and ask her to allow you to make a daily hour of adoration for nine days. During this adoration try to unite yourself in prayer with My Mother. Pray with all your heart in union with Mary, and try also during this time to make the Way of the Cross.
# 1560 Jesus: "...ask My Mother and the saints for help."
Char listed a long list of paragraph numbers for other references to Mary. If you would like the list let me know and I will mail it to you.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
1. Consecration Note: Special Mass offered at St. Mary's 2. Corrine's note
1. For those of you in my area, Father Parker is offering a special Mass on Friday evening Feb. 11th at 7:00. Everyone is invited but it is especially for those who will be making their Consecration on that day.
(St. Mary, East Dubuque, IL.)
Schedule for the evening will be:
6:30 Rosary
7:00 Mass
7:30 Consecration Ceremony
Father knows that some people from our group will be there and there is another group in the parish who will also be making the consecration.
Let me know if you will be attending this special Mass. Hope you can each celebrate your Consecration in a special way.
2. Corrine made the following comment on the last post and I think it is very important, important enough to copy here......
"I was encouraged to read on page 361...intro. to week five....."We may feel unworthy in proceeding with this Consecration..." "Nothing would please the devil more, than to make you miss the Consecration through feelings of inadequacy or guilt. And nothing would please Our Lord and Our Lady more than a humble admission of your inadequacy..." Jesus...that others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should...grant me the grace to desire it."
(St. Mary, East Dubuque, IL.)
Schedule for the evening will be:
6:30 Rosary
7:00 Mass
7:30 Consecration Ceremony
Father knows that some people from our group will be there and there is another group in the parish who will also be making the consecration.
Let me know if you will be attending this special Mass. Hope you can each celebrate your Consecration in a special way.
2. Corrine made the following comment on the last post and I think it is very important, important enough to copy here......
"I was encouraged to read on page 361...intro. to week five....."We may feel unworthy in proceeding with this Consecration..." "Nothing would please the devil more, than to make you miss the Consecration through feelings of inadequacy or guilt. And nothing would please Our Lord and Our Lady more than a humble admission of your inadequacy..." Jesus...that others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should...grant me the grace to desire it."
Length of Consecration and Consecration Day notes
St. Louis de Montfort's Way:
Total Consecration
Friday, February 11 is the day you should make your consecration to Jesus through Mary.
This is a voluntary consecration and is something that you are encouraged to renew every year. Each time you go through the preparation period you will learn more and understand more about Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary.
If you decide to make your consecration on Friday, and I hope you all do, continue to prepare yourself between now and then and be prepared to make it a very special and memorable day.
Print out the consecration.
On Friday, if possible attend Mass and then take some quiet time to make your consecration. Begin and end your Consecration time with Marian prayers. Consider bringing flowers to church to place near Mary's statue as a symbol of your love and of Mary's special place in your heart. Light a candle if possible to symbolize your consecration to Mary and of Jesus being the Light of YOUR World. Light a cangle asked Mary to keep you close to Jesus.
If you can't attend Mass at least spend as much time in Eucharistic Adoration as possible prior to making the consecration. Place yourself in the presence of God no matter where you end up making the consecration.
Here is a link that gives you the consecration and ideas on how to celebrate your consecration day: http://www.fisheaters.com/totalconsecrationmontfort.html
I know that you will have a couple days left of your reading after making the consecration on Feb. 11th. I forgot that our book includes 35 days of preparation not 33 day as is normal but we want to make the consecration on this Marian feast day. Make your consecration on Friday and read ahead if you can. If not just read ahead just continue reading after the consecration until you finish the book.
If you are like me, you will have the desire to go through the book again at a slower pace.
If people are interested I will offer another blog on the book "Echo of God" which is designed to help beginners live out the consecration.
I pray that you have a blessed final week of preparation in this journey to Jesus through Mary.
=============
Information about the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes: http://www.wf-f.org/OurLadyofLourdes.html
=============
Top Ten Reasons
Why We Should Consecrate Our Lives
To Jesus Through Mary
1. To emulate the sanctity of our previous Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, who selected the de Montfort Consecration (True Devotion) for his own Marian Spirituality
2. To provide the easiest, safest, fastest, most secure, and surest path to Jesus and to our own salvation
3. To obtain Our Lady's help in bringing us from our own unworthiness to the level of conversion, holiness, and perfection in our lives needed to enable us to become saintly
4. To turn our lives over completely and without reservation in service to Jesus through Mary to reflect our love and our trust in them now and for all eternity
5. To obtain special graces and protection under Our Lady's sheltering mantle
6. To help bring others to Jesus through Mary for their conversion, holiness, and perfection through this total consecration devotion
7. To hasten the day of the Triumph of Our Lady's Immaculate Heart and the day when Mary and Jesus will reign in all hearts
8. To fulfill Our Lady's request for individual consecration of our lives to her Immaculate Heart, as given to us through Sister Lucia during the Fatima apparitions
9. To become an effective counter-force to the legion of evil so prevalent in the world by offering up our prayers, sacrifices, and sufferings to Jesus through Mary
110. To renew our Baptismal promises and to evangelize the world to Jesus through Mary
http://www.ourlady33.com/main.htm
Ruth's Notes: Week 5 ... from previous parish preparation session
Week 4 and 5 reading are great reflections for Advent and Lent.
"The moral virtues grow through education, deliberate acts, and perseverance in struggle. Divine grace purifies and elevates them."
(Later note: Echo of God is another good book that we just came across .... see more information on this book in a future post.)
Morning Offering of the Apostleship of Prayer
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart: the salvation of souls, reparation for sin and the reunion of all Christians. I offer them for the intentions of our Bishops and of all Apostles of Prayer, and in particular for those recommended by our Holy Father this month.
Notes ... Embrace crosses and make sacrifices are emphasis of these sections
p. 298 - last paragraph To really know Jesus must understand the cross
In the Cross is salvation, our key to heaven, a medicine for our ills, treasure to pay debt of sin, proves our love for God, we find Christ, we come to know Christ.
"Throw away the Cross, and you will throw away Christ and your key to heaven, .....
p.299 2nd paragraph, last line: ...the answer is quite simply that without the Cross, there is no salvation.
Those who have carried a heavy cross well will find themselves very close to Christ.
p. 309 last paragraph
"which even angel had not learned" = angels can't suffer and take up cross like we can. They can't suffer and offer suffering to Jesus. They can't receive communion as we can. These are GREAT privileges.
Parts of cross: willing to surrender to God is precious ..... sacrifice with patience ... gives us more courage with Mary
Emphasis = union with Christ
God is in us during this time.
==========
Side discussion:
Father talked about Our Lady of Kibeho: http://www.insidecatholic.com/feature/apparition-in-africa-our-lady-of-sorrows.html
At this approved apparition Mary speaks to the children in very familiar terms telling them that she wants them to be like children with her, to run to her, to talk with her and play with her. She wants us to say rosary daily to cleans our hearts and show love for her. Rosary is best way to show her our love. Meditating on life of her son. Mary said "Ask for strength and knowledge of God's will & help. Mary will teach us to pray. Be bonded to Mary (bondage)
Fr. John Hardon talks about seven first statements of Hail Mary and 3 last invocations.
CCC 1839
Virtue necessary for holiness ..grow through perseverance with help of Mary.
Week 5: Continued
p. 376 Breaks down our consecration ... helps us prepare for consecration.
p. 392 12 Maxims ... review over and over again.
p. 396 Take up cross ... copy and post these.... converse with God while conversing with others... always have a conversation going on with God no matter what the circumstance. Takes practice. #10 mortify body ... don't make self comfortable in all situations.... offer discomforts to the Lord.
p. 404 If you put too much on a plate it will be too heavy to life. DON'T make too many faith commitments that you can't follow through with. Satan will even use this to discourage you.
p. 415 #11 Holy Communion with Mary ... Receive Jesus as Mary would. Let her welcome Jesus into your heart at communion.
p. 419 BE HUNGRY, BE HUMBLE (hungry for God and souls) double "h"s hungry - humble.
============================
After the consecrations keep reading books about Mary and about her apparitions.
Recommended book by our pastor: God Alone: The Collected Writings of St. Louis Marie De Montfort[Illustrated] [Paperback] St. Louis Marie De Montfort (Author), Louis-Marie Grignion De Montfort (Author)
(Later note: Echo of God is another good book that we just came across .... see more information on this book in a future post.)
============================
Pray some type of morning offering each day ... offering day through Mary to Jesus.
Example:Morning Offering of the Apostleship of Prayer
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart: the salvation of souls, reparation for sin and the reunion of all Christians. I offer them for the intentions of our Bishops and of all Apostles of Prayer, and in particular for those recommended by our Holy Father this month.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
RE: third heaven
While reading the meditations, I've noticed 3 or 4 times a mention of a third heaven that St. Paul visited. I've never heard about this before. It may be mentioned in Revelations which I have never read all the way thru. Has any one heard of this before?
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Deacon's response to Kim's Question
Hi Ruth!
I'm completely in favor of going "to Jesus through Mary" in all things. But I think it's one thing to go "to Jesus through Mary" with a "Marian spirit," that is, a spirit of Marian trust in Divine Providence, and another thing to feel "forced" to invoke Mary's help in all of our prayers. If we entrust to her our hearts, and ask for her guidance, I believe we can be assured of her help even when we do not invoke her name explicitly. And certainly she would not want to us focus on her to the detriment of our relationship with Christ, and through Him, with the Most Holy Trinity.
Obviously, Marian devotion can go too far (i.e., "mariolatry"....idolatrous WORSHIP of Mary) but it can also be overstated. The things written below (in Kim's note) are worded too strongly in my opinion (i.e., "only" and "never" are strong words....too strong for the subject matter, I believe). I believe the late Holy Father, Pope Paul VI, has some words for us to think about in our Marian devotion in his Apostolic Exhortation, Marialis Cultus:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_p-vi_exh_19740202_marialis-cultus_en.html
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_p-vi_exh_19740202_marialis-cultus_en.html.
In particular, reading through "Part II" of the Apostolic Exhortation may help you come to a better understanding of where the CHURCH (and not simply private devotional practice, which can easily fall into grave error) would put us in relation to Marian devotion.
I probably could say a lot more but I'll cut it off there. In short, I will say this: If it doesn't sit well with you
spiritually, it's probably because it's not spiritually sound. I hope that's helpful. Obviously, some of this you're already familiar with, but sometimes things are worth repeating, even if they're elemental. I hope you are well. God bless you!
Pax Christi,
Deacon D.
Ruth's note: We are on solid ground as St. Louis de Montmort's writings are all approved by the Church but it is good that the questions were raised and answers sought so that we can properly understand the material in its proper context. This is a good example of searching for answers when something doesn't sit right. There are answers. We just have to search for them sometimes. I want to thanks all those who contributed answers in an effort to help us better understand going to Jesus through Mary. You can see that even those who answered looked at the question/problem from different perspectives and brought us more ideas to think about and chew on. (Please ask God's blessings on all who have helped us with this question. Hail Mary, full of grace ......)
I'm completely in favor of going "to Jesus through Mary" in all things. But I think it's one thing to go "to Jesus through Mary" with a "Marian spirit," that is, a spirit of Marian trust in Divine Providence, and another thing to feel "forced" to invoke Mary's help in all of our prayers. If we entrust to her our hearts, and ask for her guidance, I believe we can be assured of her help even when we do not invoke her name explicitly. And certainly she would not want to us focus on her to the detriment of our relationship with Christ, and through Him, with the Most Holy Trinity.
Obviously, Marian devotion can go too far (i.e., "mariolatry"....idolatrous WORSHIP of Mary) but it can also be overstated. The things written below (in Kim's note) are worded too strongly in my opinion (i.e., "only" and "never" are strong words....too strong for the subject matter, I believe). I believe the late Holy Father, Pope Paul VI, has some words for us to think about in our Marian devotion in his Apostolic Exhortation, Marialis Cultus:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_p-vi_exh_19740202_marialis-cultus_en.html
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_p-vi_exh_19740202_marialis-cultus_en.html.
In particular, reading through "Part II" of the Apostolic Exhortation may help you come to a better understanding of where the CHURCH (and not simply private devotional practice, which can easily fall into grave error) would put us in relation to Marian devotion.
I probably could say a lot more but I'll cut it off there. In short, I will say this: If it doesn't sit well with you
spiritually, it's probably because it's not spiritually sound. I hope that's helpful. Obviously, some of this you're already familiar with, but sometimes things are worth repeating, even if they're elemental. I hope you are well. God bless you!
Pax Christi,
Deacon D.
Ruth's note: We are on solid ground as St. Louis de Montmort's writings are all approved by the Church but it is good that the questions were raised and answers sought so that we can properly understand the material in its proper context. This is a good example of searching for answers when something doesn't sit right. There are answers. We just have to search for them sometimes. I want to thanks all those who contributed answers in an effort to help us better understand going to Jesus through Mary. You can see that even those who answered looked at the question/problem from different perspectives and brought us more ideas to think about and chew on. (Please ask God's blessings on all who have helped us with this question. Hail Mary, full of grace ......)
Speaking from the Heart of Christ
Dear Fellow Consecration Bloggers,
Yesterday's Daily Meditation (from the Legionaries of Christ) on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord was able to beautifully weave the perspectives of God the Father, Jesus, and Mary in relation to this important event in their lives. In it, we read about sacrifice, the Cross, Mary's fidelity to the law, how Jesus enters the Father's house for the first time, and so on . . . it seemed perfect for where we are now in our consecration preparation. Enjoy!
http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/articulo.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=734&id=32322&csearch=975
Yesterday's Daily Meditation (from the Legionaries of Christ) on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord was able to beautifully weave the perspectives of God the Father, Jesus, and Mary in relation to this important event in their lives. In it, we read about sacrifice, the Cross, Mary's fidelity to the law, how Jesus enters the Father's house for the first time, and so on . . . it seemed perfect for where we are now in our consecration preparation. Enjoy!
http://www.regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/articulo.phtml?se=363&ca=975&te=734&id=32322&csearch=975
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Ruth - Quote: What does it mean to become another Mary?
What does it mean to become another Mary?
If we become like Mary, then we are "blessed and highly favored."
We are overshadowed by the Holy Spirit.
We become the Ark, the dwelling place of God.
We give birth to Christ again in the world.
We become the spouse of the Holy Spirit.
We become the perfect disciple of christ.
We become an intercessor as she did at Cana.
We share in the sufferings of Christ and stand at the foot of his Cross.
Our hearts are pierced by a sword.
We are at enmity with the devil.
Is that not what we all long to become? Thus in becoming like Mary, we are totally and perfectly united in and with Christ and thus are transformed into Christ.
Take from p. 19: Total Consecration to Mary: The Theology & History of Marian Consecration. by Fr. Anselm Romb (Marytown Press)
If we become like Mary, then we are "blessed and highly favored."
We are overshadowed by the Holy Spirit.
We become the Ark, the dwelling place of God.
We give birth to Christ again in the world.
We become the spouse of the Holy Spirit.
We become the perfect disciple of christ.
We become an intercessor as she did at Cana.
We share in the sufferings of Christ and stand at the foot of his Cross.
Our hearts are pierced by a sword.
We are at enmity with the devil.
Is that not what we all long to become? Thus in becoming like Mary, we are totally and perfectly united in and with Christ and thus are transformed into Christ.
Take from p. 19: Total Consecration to Mary: The Theology & History of Marian Consecration. by Fr. Anselm Romb (Marytown Press)
Fr. Harlow's reply to Kim's question (Question dated 1/24)
Dear Ruth,
The webmaster of our website forwarded to me your question. Sorry, for the delay. Here is my response to your blogger's question:
The true devotion to Jesus through Mary is not intended to exclude praying directly to Jesus, the Father or the Holy Spirit. One can and should have direct access to God. What St. Louis promotes in true devotion is the concept of a greater humility by going through Mary first. His reasoning is (1) God proceeds through Mary in for Jesus' birth and humanity. (Jesus could have appeared on earth as a full-grown man, but rather chose to be dependent upon his mother). (2) To return to the Father one follows the same path, so to speak, Mary--Jesus--God because St. Louis understands that as being the most perfect way to go back to God, i.e., that is, one retraces the steps God laid out. (3) However, every person has immediate and direct access to Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit and one should go directly to them. It would be a theological error to say that one cannot go to them. One should not have any guilt or qualms about that; and that is not what St. Louis is saying. (4) He is saying, that it requires more humility for us to go through Mary (that is to rely on her help and prayers) and that the virtue of humility is pleasing to God because it is the chief virtue of the Trinity, Mary and all the saints. (5) The Trinity has given to some people as special charism or grace called, "true devotion to Jesus through Mary" by which they have a special affinity for this humility and want to please God so much that they turn to Mary to learn from her the virtue of humility (among others), but also to learn from her how best to please the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
So, in summary, St. Louis does not forbid direct access to the Trinity, nor would he. He does, however, promote the charism of "true devotion" as a gift given from God for those men and women whom Our Lady has chosen to receive that gift. These souls will have a special relationship with her and she will lead them to a deeper union with the Tirnity that they could not have received without her.
Fr. Lance W. Harlow
Author, The Echo of God; A Commentary for Beginners on St. Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort's True Devotion
Monday, January 31, 2011
Matthew 26 - Anointing at Bethany
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!
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!
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