"Pasterka"

Merry Christmas Everyone!

[Diary 182]

I learned that certain people have a special gift for vexing others. They try you as best they can. The poor soul that falls into their hands can do nothing right; her best efforts are maliciously criticized.

+Christmas Eve.

Today I was closely united with the Mother of God. I relived her interior sentiments. In the evening, before the ceremony of the breaking of the wafer, I went into the chapel to break the wafer, in spirit, with my loved ones, and I asked the Mother of God for graces for them. My spirit was totally steeped in God. During the Midnight Mass ["Pasterka" or Shepherds' Mass], I saw the Child Jesus in the Host, and my spirit was immersed in Him. Although He was a tiny Child, His majesty penetrated my soul. I was permeated to the depths of my being by this mystery, this great abasement on the part of God, this inconceivable emptying of Himself. These sentiments remained vividly alive in my soul all through the festive season. Oh, we shall never comprehend this great self-abasement on the part of God; the more I think of it, [unfinished thought].

Source: DIARY, Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy in My Soul © 1987 Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M.  Stockbridge, MA 01263.  All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.

Note: If you like my post then consider buying the Book "Divine Mercy in my Soul" from the Marians of the Immaculate Conception website. The owner of this blog have no other intention but to spread and proclaim the "Divine Mercy".

Mother of the Lord [4th Sunday of Advent - December 23, 2012]

The Sunday Gospel [4th Sunday of Advent - December 23, 2012]

Luke 1:39-45

39During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 40where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, 42cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord* should come to me? 44For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

Reflection

The reasons why Luke included the Visitation scene are significant. Not only did he want to show the close link between Jesus and John but also the inherent superiority of the Lord even at this early point in their existence. At its most obvious level, the Visitation is a sharing of joy and faith, something to which we Catholics are not accustomed. At Christmastime, we gather for the Christmas Mass but seldom talk with each other about the implications of the Incarnation. Each of us has a private theology of it which, regrettably, we keep private. We share food, time, presents with others. But the deepest, most personal and most memorable gift we have to share with others is our faith.

Point: Our relationship with the Lord is a spiritual extension of the Incarnation. To include others within it is a great gift at Christmas.

Reflection Credits: Fr. S. Joseph Krempa, Daily Homilies

Source: The Reflection is from Bro. Abel Navarro (you can visit his blog at http://myblogabelnavarroabel.blogspot.com/).

I am always in your heart

[Diary 78]

Once when I was being crushed by these dreadful sufferings, I went into the chapel and said from the bottom of my soul, "Do what You will with me, O Jesus; I will adore You in everything. May Your will be done in me, O my Lord and my God, and I will praise Your infinite mercy." Through this act of submission, these terrible torments left me. Suddenly I saw Jesus, who said to me, I am always in your heart. An inconceivable joy entered my soul, and a great love of God set my heart aflame. I see that God never tries us beyond what we are able to suffer. Oh, I fear nothing; if God sends such great suffering to a soul, He upholds it with an even greater grace, although we are not aware of it. One act of trust at such moments gives greater glory to God than whole hours passed in prayer filled with consolations. Now I see that if God wants to keep a soul in darkness, no book, no confessor can bring it light.

Source: DIARY, Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy in My Soul © 1987 Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M.  Stockbridge, MA 01263.  All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.

Note: If you like my post then consider buying the Book "Divine Mercy in my Soul" from the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception website. The owner of this blog have no other intention but to spread and proclaim the "Divine Mercy".

The one to come [3rd Sunday of Advent - December 16, 2012]

The Sunday Gospel [3rd Sunday of Advent - December 16, 2012]

Luke 3:10-18

10And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?”11He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two tunics should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” 12Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” 13He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.”14Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” 15Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah.16John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire.17His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” 18Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.

Reflection

Every age in human history grappled with evil and suffering. An explanation given by one school of thought in the Old Testament was this: In the beginning, the principle of good and evil fought with each other. The principle of evil won. This explains why the power of evil is so evident in the world. But this situation will not last forever. A time will come when the principle of good will overpower and destroy evil.

The coming of Jesus launched God’s Kingdom and the power to overcome evil. When Jesus shared the Spirit after his resurrection, he shared this power with those who believe and who allow this power in their lives. By becoming man, Jesus also showed that this power of God will continue through every person who believes in him. Despite the gravity of the evil present in our world, evil will not have the last say. Jesus promised that eventually good will reign.  The dominating presence of good is already being manifested in our culture. Yes, there is evil but it will never win over good. God has overpowered evil.

The challenge Christmas poses on us is this: Jesus wants to conquer evil. But he can only do so through people who believe in him, and who allow him to be the power in this world through their lives by living his values, mentality and lifestyle. Can we be generous enough to lend our whole being to God?

Reflection Credits: Fr. Magdaleno Fabiosa, SVD, the Word in other words, slightly adapted

Source: The Reflection is from Bro. Abel Navarro (you can visit his blog at http://myblogabelnavarroabel.blogspot.com/).

Before the Day of Justice I am sending the Day of Mercy

[Diary 1588]

Today I heard the words: In the Old Covenant I sent prophets wielding thunderbolts to My people. Today I am sending you with My mercy to the people of the whole world. I do not want to punish aching mankind, but I desire to heal it, pressing it to My Merciful Heart. I use punishment when they themselves force Me to do so; My hand is reluctant to take hold of the sword of justice. Before the Day of Justice I am sending the Day of Mercy. I replied, "O my Jesus, speak to souls Yourself, because my words are insignificant."

+ J.M.J.

The Soul's Expectation of the Coming of the Lord.
Source: DIARY, Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy in My Soul © 1987 Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M.  Stockbridge, MA 01263.  All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.

Note: If you like my post then consider buying the Book "Divine Mercy in my Soul" from the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception website. The owner of this blog have no other intention but to spread and proclaim the "Divine Mercy".

The herald’s voice [Second Sunday of Advent - December 9, 2012]

The Sunday Gospel [Second Sunday of Advent - December 9, 2012]

Luke 3:1-6

1In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, 2during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert. 3He went throughout [the] whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 4as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. 5Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, 6and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”

Reflection

Let us see how today’s Gospel gives us a great sense of hope.

When Jesus was born, the world was a mess. The Romans controlled the world, but as we know, they did not have a true image of God. Rather, they were in love with power. Palestine was also in a bad way. After the death of Herod the Great, the Romans divided the country into four sections in order to make it weak and dependent. And so there were four different rulers there: Pilate, Herod, Philip, and Lysanias. The Jewish church was no better, its leaders ruling through power and ambition.

In the midst of this, we read Isaiah’s prophecy. “A voice cries in the desert: ‘Prepare a way for the Lord … the winding ways shall be straightened and rough roads made smooth, and all mankind shall see the salvation of God.’” (Luke 3:4-6)

Now from a human point of view, these words seem unbelievable. How could anyone in his or her right mind believe that “all mankind shall see the salvation of God”? But if we look at Isaiah’s words from a supernatural point of view, we come to a different conclusion: God loves the world. He sees what a mess it is in and He takes pity in it. Not only that, to prove His love, He sends His only Son Jesus, to be a model for us of goodness and love.

In the Letter to the Romans, Paul writes these very encouraging words:”Since God did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up to benefit us all, we may be certain, after such a gift, that He will not refuse anything He can give” (8:32). God will not refuse anything He can give. When we look around at what is happening in society, we see many problems. But then we realize that God did miraculous things when Jesus was born. He made a virgin who never knew a man to conceive. He raised Jesus from death. And through the example of Jesus and his countless followers God brought about – and is still bringing about – tremendous changes in the world.

God can do anything because of His divine nature. And because of His love for us, He always seeks for ways by which He can help us. May our awareness of this love fill our heart with hope and joy and peace.

Reflection Credits: Fr. John Seland, SVD, New Reflections on the Sunday Gospels

Source: The Reflection is from Bro. Abel Navarro (you can visit his blog at http://myblogabelnavarroabel.blogspot.com/).

Announcement of the Birth of Jesus [Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception - December 8, 2012]

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary [December 8, 2012]

Luke 1:26-38

28And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, 33and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” 35And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived* a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; 37for nothing will be impossible for God.” 38Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Reflection

[The angel Gabriel said to Mary], “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” ~ v. 28

“No, no,” said Catherine shaking her head. “The Immaculate Conception of Mary isn’t the conception of Jesus; it’s the conception of Mary.” Catherine was conducting the second RCIA inquiry session and dealing with a common … misconception. “Today’s gospel can be confusing because it’s the story of the virgin conception of Jesus and, of course, Christmas is in three weeks. But today we celebrate the conception of Mary!

“While her parents conceived her in the normal way, she was kept free from original sin from the very first moment of her life in the womb of her mother. It was God’s gift to her, seeing that she would become the mother of Jesus. That’s why the angel said she was full of grace. Baptism cleanses us of original sin, too, so we can be full of grace just like Mary. Then, in the sacrament of the Eucharist, we receive Jesus in our bodies and bring his presence to the whole world. Mary is a model for us all.”

Prayer Response

Holy Mary, pray for us. Your parents conceived you in love and your mother brought you forth in hope. May we rejoice together with you in the salvation won for us by your Son, Jesus.

Action Response

Find out the date of your baptism and circle it in your calendar. Plan a little celebration of your salvation on that day.

Credits: Fr. Paul Boudreau, Between Sundays

Source: The Reflection is from Bro. Abel Navarro (you can visit his blog at http://myblogabelnavarroabel.blogspot.com/).

The greatest sinners would achieve great sanctity, if only they would trust in My mercy

 [Diary 1784]

Today, in the course of a long conversation, the Lord said to me, How very much I desire the salvation of souls! My dearest secretary, write that I want to pour out My divine life into human souls and sanctify them, if only they were willing to accept My grace. The greatest sinners would achieve great sanctity, if only they would trust in My mercy. The very inner depths of My being are filled to overflowing with mercy, and it is being poured out upon all I have created. My delight is to act in a human soul and to fill it with My mercy and to justify it. My kingdom on earth is My life in the human soul. Write, My secretary, that I Myself am the spiritual guide of souls-and I guide them indirectly through the priest, and lead each one to sanctity by a road known to Me alone.

Source: DIARY, Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy in My Soul © 1987 Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M.  Stockbridge, MA 01263.  All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.

Note: If you like my post then consider buying the Book "Divine Mercy in my Soul" from the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception website. The owner of this blog have no other intention but to spread and proclaim the "Divine Mercy".

Watch and pray [First Sunday of Advent - December 2, 2012]

The Sunday Gospel [First Sunday of Advent - December 2, 2012]

Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

25“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

34“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise 35like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. 36Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Reflection

[Jesus said,] “Be careful … Be on watch and pray.” ~ v. 34, 36

Farmers hope for lots of rain right after they plant their corn. Once it sprouts and gets a good start, they hope for a “dry period.” The reason is to force the corn’s roots to grow downward in search of water, rather than stay on the surface. Unless the tap root of the corn grows downward to the “water level,” the corn will wither and die when the heat of summer sets in – it will have no way to draw up water.

Our prayer life is like that. God usually gives us a good start. Then God lets a “dry period” set in to force our prayer roots to grow downward to the faith level, rather than stay on the surface at the feeling level.

Why must prayer be primarily an exercise of faith rather than feeling?

Reflection Credits: Fr. Mark Link, SJ, Daily Homilies

Source: The Reflection is from Bro. Abel Navarro (you can visit his blog at http://myblogabelnavarroabel.blogspot.com/).