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Aug 13 – Homily – Fr Angelo: Find Your Unity in Christ

apostolate — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:54:53 +0000

Homily #080813 ( 08min) Play – Fr. Angelo Geiger explains that all conflict should be resolved in the Spirit of Christ through the Church for forgiveness and so find true unity.
Ave Maria! Mass readings
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Holy Mary, Mother of God

Sr. JosephMary f.t.i. — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 07:00:07 +0000

Ave Maria Meditations

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

MARY, you are the Mother of God because you are the Mother of Jesus Christ, the true Son of God. You could not be the Mother of His divine nature, which has existed before all time and from all eternity, but you brought forth Jesus after He had assumed human nature in you.

The Archangel Gabriel recognized this dignity of Divine Motherhood when he said, “The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee; and therefore the Holy One to be born of thee shall be called the Son 01 God” (Luke 1,35). And Elizabeth exclaimed, “And how have I deserved that the Mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1,43)

Since God was pleased to choose you as His Mother because of your humility, help me to be truly humble of heart, that like you, I may be pleasing to God and may deserve to be exalted in heaven. Banish all pride and vanity from my heart and let me ever seek the glory of God in all things.

MARY, to understand how great you really are as Mother of God, I would have to understand the greatness of God Himself. Your dignity surpasses that of all saints, for they are only God’s ser?vants, while you are His Mother. No. angel or saint could ever say to Jesus, “You are my Son,;’ Your dignity on that account is nearly infinite, since-you are so closely united with the infinite Good. God could not create a greater Mother than His own. Conscious of this dignity, you exclaimed, “Henceforth all gen?erations shall call me blessed” (Luke 1,49).

Sweet Mother of God, I admire your dignity, which was the greatest ever bestowed upon a human being. Each day of my life I wish to thank God for the graces and privileges He has bestowed upon you to make you what you are.

MARY, because you are the Mother of God, I can pray to you with full confidence. Jesus would hardly refuse you any request that was in keeping with God’s will, for if He grants the request of the Saints, who are only His servants, how can He refuse His own Mother whom He loves so tenderly? I am sure Jesus is pleased to have you ask Him for anything, since He wants to be generous to us for your sake. Is not this in some measure a reward for the human nature you have given him?

Mother of God, since God was pleased to choose you as His Mother, and since He was very generous to you in making you worthy of this dignity, I con?fidently hope that He will be generous to me if you pray for me. I entrust my salvation to your care. Never let me fail to invoke your intercession in all my needs, for Jesus will refuse you nothing because we both can call you “Mother.”

Fr. Lawrence Lovasik

?Such is the ineffable union existing between Jesus and Mary: she is His Mother;? He is her Son. This union is indissoluble and as Jesus is at the same time the Son of God, come to save the world, Mary is intimately associated in this vital mystery of all Christianity. All her greatness is founded on this special privilege of her divine Motherhood.

Blessed Columba Marmion

We recall that Mary’s mediation is essentially defined by her divine motherhood. Recognition of her role as mediatrix is moreover implicit in the expression “our Mother,” which presents the doctrine of Marian mediation by putting the accent on her motherhood…. In proclaiming Christ the one mediator (cf. 1 Tim. 2:5-6), the text of St. Paul’s Letter to Timothy excludes any other parallel mediation, but not subordinate mediation. In fact, before emphasizing the one exclusive mediation of Christ, the author urges “that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all men” (2:1). Are not prayers a form of mediation? Indeed, according to St. Paul, the unique mediation of Christ is meant to encourage other dependent, ministerial forms of mediation…. In truth, what is Mary’s maternal mediation if not the Father’s gift to humanity?…Mary carries out her maternal role in constant dependence on the mediation of Christ and from him receives all that his heart wishes to give mankind.
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Pope John Paul II – Audience Oct 1, 1997

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Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Sr. JosephMary f.t.i. — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 22:00:14 +0000

Ave Maria Meditations

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will.” (Lk. 2:14)

MEDITATION

At Bethlehem the angels announced two things: Glory to God and peace to men; the one corresponds to the other. No one glorifies God as much as that little Babe lying on the straw. He alone, being the eternal Word, can give God the perfect, infinite praise that is worthy of Him. And no one more than Jesus, our Savior, brings peace to men; making reparation for sin, He reconciles man with his Creator and establishes a new covenant between them: the Creator will become Father, and man, will become a son.

Something similar is verified in our daily life. Those who obey God’s law enjoy peace; observing the divine law they also glorify God. The glory of God corresponds perfectly to the peace of men. But we are treating of that peace which comes only from Jesus, from His grace, peace which we will seek in vain elsewhere.

Peace is the tranquility of order. Order is established by the law and will of God. Those who respect this order fully possess the plenitude of interior peace; those who depart from it, even in a slight degree, lose their peace in proportion to their deviation from it. Peace is the refreshment and repose of the soul in the midst of the struggles and sorrows of life, but this is not the only reason for which we should try to obtain and possess it. We should desire it above all because it gives glory to God.

The angels promised peace “to men of good will”. Our will is “good” when it is upright, docile and resolute. It is upright when it is sincerely and entirely oriented toward good; docile when it is always ready to follow every indication of God’s will; resolute when it is prompt to adhere to the will of God, even though difficulties and obstacles arise, and sacrifices are required. The Lord is continually urging us to generosity and abnegation in all the circumstances of life, even the smallest ones. We must give ourselves to God without hesitation, certain that if God asks anything of us, He will also give us the strength to carry out His wishes. Such was the conduct of the shepherds; as soon as they heard the message of the angel, they left all, their flocks and their rest, and “came with haste [to Bethlehem] where they found … the Infant lying in the manger” (Lk. 2:16). They were the first to find Jesus and to taste His peace.

Time passes and does not return. God has assigned to each of us a definite time in which to fulfill His divine plan for our soul; we have only this time and shall have no more. Time ill spent is lost forever. Our life is made up of this uninterrupted, continual flow of time, which never returns. In eternity, on the contrary, time will be no more; we shall be established forever in that degree of love and glory (that we have attained at life’s end). If we possess only a slight degree of love, that is all we shall have throughout eternity. No further progress will be possible when time has ended.

Therefore, while we have time, let us work good to all men. We must give every moment its full amount of love, and make each passing moment eternal, by giving it value for eternity, This is the best way to use the time given us by God. Charity allows us to adhere to God’s will with submission and love and thus at the close of life we shall have realized God’s plan for our soul; we shall have reached the degree of love which God expects from each one of us and with which we shall love and glorify Him for all eternity.

(Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, O.C.D.)

Look at Christ Jesus. All His life is consecrated to the glory of His Father Whose will He always accomplishes: “I seek not My own will but the will of Him that sent me”(Jn.5:30, 6:38). He seeks only that. At the moment of achieving His life here below, He says to His Father that He has fulfilled His mission: “I have glorified Thee on the earth” (Jn 17:4). The desire of His Divine Heart is that we too should seek the glory of His Father.

(Blessed Columba Marmion)

Gloria in altissimis Deo, et super terram pax in hominibus bonae voluntatis.

Gloria in excelsis Deo
et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis
Laudamus te
Benedicimus te
Adoramus te
Glorificamus te
Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam
Domine Deus, Rex caelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens
Domine fili unigenite, Jesu Christe
Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius patris
Qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis
Qui tollis peccata mundi suscipe deprecationem nostram
Qui sedes ad dexteram patris miserere nobis
Quoniam tu solus sanctus
Tu solus Dominus
Tu solus Altissimus, Jesu Christe
Cum Sancto Spiritu in gloria Dei Patris.
Amen.

English:
Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace to people of good will
We praise you
We bless you
We adore you
We glorify you
We give thanks to you for your great glory
Lord God, Heavenly King, God Almighty Father
Lord Only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father
You who take away the sins of the world have mercy on us
You who take away the sins of the world hear our prayer
You who sit at the Father’s right hand, have mercy on us
For you alone are holy
You alone, Lord
You alone the Most High, Jesus Christ
With the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father.
Amen.

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Medal of St. Benedict

Sr. JosephMary f.t.i. — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:01:58 +0000

Ave Maria Meditations

The Jubilee Medal of St. Benedict

This old and powerful sacramental deserves an in-depth treatment, as it gives a kind of practical incarnation of the main purpose of this book. This medal has long been regarded as especially efficacious in protecting its wearers against demonic attacks, and securing a number of special graces. Let us take a closer look at the inscriptions on its two sides.

On the front of the medal we find St. Benedict holding a Cross in one hand, and the Rule of St. Benedict in the other. At his sides are the words “Crux S. Patris Benedicti” (“The Cross of the Holy Father Benedict”), and below his feet: “Ex S M Casino MDCCCLXXX” (“From the holy mount of Casino, 1880”). On that date, Monte Cassino was given the exclusive right to produce this medal, and special Jubilee indulgences were added. Still on this front side of the medal we find inscribed in a circle the words: “Ejus in obitu nostro presentia muniamur” (“May his presence protect us in our hour of death”).

The reverse side of the medal is where the real exorcistic force reveals itself. In the center is a Cross. The Cross, which St. Benedict so loved and often used as a powerful exorcism, is the sign before which even Dracula shrinked. The vertical beam of the Cross bears the letters C.S.S.M.L., and the horizontal beam, the letters N.D.S.M.D. These are the first letters of the words: CRUX SACRA SIT MIHI LUX, May the Holy Cross be a light unto me, NON DRACO SIT MIHI DUX. And may the Dragon never be my guide. The four large letters at the corners of the Cross, C S P B, stand for CRUX SANCTI PATRIS BENEDICTI: The Cross of the Holy Father Benedict.

We are not through yet. In addition to the “Pax” (“peace”) motto at the top, we find the following letters in a circle around the margin of this side: V.R.S.N.S.M.V.: S.M.Q.L.I.V.B. It almost looks masonic; except, of course, the Benedictines are quite willing to tell you what the letters stand for, and they are enough to make any secret society get the shakes: VADE RETRO SATANA; NUNQUAM SUADE MIHI VANA. Get behind me, Satan; Never suggest vain thoughts to me. SUNT MALA QUAE LIBAS; The cup you offer is evil; IPSE VENENA BIBAS! Drink the poison yourself!

This richly indulgenced medal can be worn around the neck, or be attached to one’s Rosary, or simply kept in a pocket or purse. The pious intention of wearing such an object, together with the Church’s powerful blessing and intercessory power, make it into an unspoken prayer which has been shown to be of great help in maintaining holy purity, bringing about conversions, protecting against inclement weather and contagious disease.

Prayer To St. Benedict

O glorious St. Benedict, sublime model of all virtues, pure vessel of God’s grace! Behold me, humbly kneeling at thy feet. I implore thy loving heart to pray for me before the throne of God. To thee I have recourse in all the dangers which daily surround me. Shield me against my enemies, inspire me to imitate thee in all things.

May thy blessing be with me always, so that I may shun whatever God forbids and avoid the occasions of sin. Graciously obtain for me from God those favors and graces of which I stand so much in need, in the trials, miseries and afflictions of life.

Thy heart was always so full of love, compassion, and mercy towards those who were afflicted or troubled in any way. Thou didst never dismiss without consolation and assistance any one who had re-course to thee. I therefore invoke thy powerful intercession, in the confident hope that thou wilt hear my prayers and obtain for me the special grace and favor I so earnestly implore (mention it), if it be for the greater glory of God and the welfare of my soul. Help me, O great St. Benedict, to live and die as a faithful child of God, to be ever submissive to His holy will, and to attain the eternal happiness of heaven. Amen.

Origin And Explanation Of The Medal

St. Benedict (born at Nursia, Italy, in 480) had a profound veneration for the holy Cross and for our Saviour Crucified. In virtue of the Sign of the Cross, he wrought many miracles and exercised great power over the spirits of darkness. In consequence of the great veneration in which St. Benedict was held from the early Middle Ages, it followed that a Medal was struck, one side of which represents St. Benedict holding the Cross in one hand and the Holy Rule in the other. Around the image of St. Benedict are these words in Latin “May his presence protect us in the hour of death.” St. Benedict has ever been the patron of the dying, because of the circumstances attending his own most glorious death, for he breathed forth his soul while standing in prayer before the Most Blessed Sacrament.

The reverse of the Medal shows the image of the Cross. Around the margin are the initials of Latin words which form verses supposed to have originated with the holy Father Benedict himself. The English translation is: “Be gone Satan! Suggest not to me thy vain things. The cup thou profferest me is evil; drink thou thy poison.” In the angles formed by the arms of the Cross are the letters C.S.P.B., signifying “Cross of the holy Father Benedict.” The letters on the Cross itself have this meaning: “May the holy Cross be my light; let not the dragon be my guide.”

Use

No special way of carrying or applying the Medal is prescribed. It may be worn about the neck, attached to the scapular or the Rosary, or otherwise carried about one’s person.

Often it is placed in the fields, the foundations of buildings or attached to automobiles to call down God’s blessing and the protection of St. Benedict. No particular prayer is prescribed, as the devout wearing itself is a continual silent prayer.

The Medal of St. Benedict is one of the Sacramentals of the Church, and as such it must be used. The value and power of the Medal must be ascribed to the merits of Christ Crucified, to the efficacious prayers of St. Benedict, to the blessing of the Church, and especially to the faith and holy disposition of the person using the Medal.

The following is a partial list of the many pious purposes of the Medal of St. Benedict.

1. It wards off from both the soul and the body all dangers arising from the devil.

2. The Medal is powerful in obtaining for sinners the grace of conversion.

3. It obtains protection and aid for persons tormented by the evil spirit, and in temptations against holy purity.

4. It procures assistance in the hour of death.

5. It has often proved an efficacious remedy for bodily sufferings, and a means of protection against contagious diseases.

6. Expectant mothers have obtained special assistance for a safe delivery.

7. In time of storms, tempests and other dangers on land and sea it has been found to be a protection.

8. Even domestic animals have been visibly aided by it when infected with disease.

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Jun 12 – Homily – Fr Ignatius: Pure Intentions

apostolate — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 11:45:27 +0000

Homily #120612 ( 06min) Play – When we do good works our intention should be to give glory to your Father in Heaven. What is to be avoided is if your intention is to be seen by men when you do good works.
Ave Maria!
Mass: Ordinary Form – Tuesday 10th Week of Ordinary Time
Readings:
1st Reading: 1Kings 17:7-16
Responsorial Psalm: 4:2-3, 4-5, 7-8
Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16

Audio (MP3)

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Jun 18 – Homily – Fr John Joseph: Giving Glory to God

apostolate — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 11:23:55 +0000

Homily #140618b ( 15min) Play – Fr. John Joseph on how we need to do good things for the glory of God and not for a reward in this life. This means, though, that sometimes we must do good publicly.
Ave Maria!
Mass: Wednesday 11th Week of Ordinary Time – Wkdy – Form: OF
Readings:
1st: 2ki 2:1, 6-14
Resp: psa 31:20, 21, 24
Gsp: mat 6:1-6, 16-18

Audio (MP3)

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Catholic Manhood – May 01 – Homily – Fr Matthias

apostolate — Tue, 01 May 2018 13:09:09 +0000

On the Feast of St. Joseph Worker (May 01), Fr. Matthias focuses in the homily on how St. Joseph’s life is an eloquent example of Catholic manhood and fatherhood.

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Joseph the Worker – Opt Mem

Readings: Tuesday 5th Week of Easter
1st: Act 14:19-28
Resp: Ps 145:10-11, 12-13, 21
Gsp: Jn 14:27-31

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St. Ignatius’ Three Categories of People – Jul 31 – Homily – Fr Matthias

apostolate — Tue, 31 Jul 2018 12:30:21 +0000

In the homily for the memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola (Jul 31), Fr Matthias speaks on the saint’s three categories of people. According to the holy founder of the Society of Jesus (aka, Jesuits), there are some who love their attachments to the exclusion of God; some who try to love both their attachments and God; and some who reserve all their love for God alone.

In which category do you fall?

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Ignatius of Loyola – Mem

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SHJ Desires What Every Heart Desires: To Be Loved – Oct 16 – Homily – Fr Alan

apostolate — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 12:55:33 +0000

In the homily for the memorial of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin (Oct 16), Fr. Alan talks about the Sacred Heart of Jesus (SHJ), and the key message from the revelations to St. Margaret Mary: the Sacred Heart desires to be loved, just like every human heart. He promised great graces to those who practice devotion to the SHJ, among them: final perseverance (thus, salvation). History has shown that neglecting the Sacred Heart of Jesus has disastrous consequences for society.

Ave Maria!

Regarding the Twelve Promises, see: “12 Promises from the Sacred Heart of Jesus” by Steven J. Rummelsburg, on CatholicExchange.com

Mass: St. Margaret Mary Alacoque – Opt Mem

Readings: Tuesday in the 28th Week in Ordinary Time
1st: Gal 5:1-6
Resp: Ps 119:41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48
Gsp: Lk 11:37-41

More on the Readings: http://dev.airmaria.com/r?m=1178&r=968

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Sacred Heart Revelation, Answer to Division in the Church – Oct 16 – Homily – Fr Alan

apostolate — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 11:38:58 +0000

In the homily for the Memorial of St. Margaret Mary Alocoque, virgin (Oct 16, 2019), Father explains how the Sacred Heart revelations given to St. Margaret Mary in 1673* point to the solution of today’s Church crisis.

Perhaps the one verifiable fact we can all affirm with certainty is that we all stand in need of God’s mercy. Fault-finding in others isn’t going to make us saints. If we humbly acknowledge our sins, we will open ourselves to the stream of mercy that flows from the Sacred Heart, and then unity in humility will emerge, and the crises in the Church will resolve themselves.

* The Sacred Heart revelations were given in 1673, not 1675 as stated in homily: “[St. Margaret Mary] Alacoque received several private revelations of the Sacred Heart, the first on 27 December 1673 and the final one 18 months later. The visions revealed to her the form of the devotion [to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.].” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Mary_Alacoque).

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Margaret Mary Alacoque – Opt Mem

Readings: Wednesday 28th Week of Ordinary Time
1st: Rom 2:1-11
Resp: Ps 62:2-3, 6-7, 9
Gsp: Lk 11:42-46

More on the Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/101619.cfm

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