The Shepherds and the 3 Wise Men Christmas 2017

Consider the Humble Sacrifice that the Shepherds and the 3 Wise Men made in their long journey to adore the Christ Child.

Only the Humble Shepherds and the Wise Astrologers followed the Star to Bethlehem.

He was the King of Kings much greater than they were. No Journey was too long because any trouble they had was infinitely worth the sacrifice.

When they saw, the Christ Child, they bowed down before him. Where was Everybody ?? Who could understand then that the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes was the Hidden Incarnate Word of God -- The Man God made of Real Flesh and Real Blood.

He came quietly and lovingly. Only the Humble and the Wise could see the Humble Jesus Christ lying in a Manger.

The Rest of the World was extremely indifferent about the Birth of Jesus Christ amidst humble surroundings.

Look at how God has never stopped honouring the Shepherds and the 3 Wise Men for honouring His Son in Bethlehem.

The Humble Sacrifice of their long journey is praised in Sacred Scripture.

In the Blessed Sacrament, Jesus Christ comes to us even more humbly than He did before. His Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist is an "Awesome Wonder".

Let us never forsake Jesus Christ specially on Christmas Day.

Credits and References :

The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist
Worthy is the Lamb
by Missionaries of the Blessed Sacrament
Page 4 of 6
Year 1996



 

Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows September 15 2017

Introduction :

Our Lady was subject to pain and suffering throughout her life. Yes, certainly she was without sin but she was human like the rest of us and was not protected from painful human emotions.

Think for instance of the three days she spends looking for Jesus Christ and the disappointment which she expresses when she discovers that he had not told her that he would remain in the temple. This one incident reminds us that Jesus Christ also grew in independence -- his teenage years were beginning.

As Julian of Norwich points out : it was not in fun that Christ died for us -- it certainly was not !!  The inexpressible pain and suffering of the Mother who walked with her Son towards the Hill of Calvary is best represented in Michelangelo's beautiful "Pieta".

The journey has come to an end, every humiliation and blow has pierced her heart to the very core ---- the "Sword of Sorrow" has come to fulfilment !!

Why I ask, did somebody so good and so holy have to suffer so much ?? The answer of course was for love. Christ suffered most because he loved most. His most perfect disciple, Our Lady who loved him more than anyone else willingly took on his suffering.

The model of "Our Lady of Sorrows", as represented in the "Pieta" head bowed in anguish, her body almost as lifeless as that of her dead son Jesus Christ is the model of hope and comfort for all those who suffer in this world.

Those who despair daily; the innocent victims of war-ravaged countries; the emaciated bodies in famine stricken countries; those who suffer mental torture; all those who suffer from the lack of love in our society.

Conclusion :

All can come and find solace and love in the embrace of this courageous and lovely lady. Her compassionate heart gives hope to all of us. She knows, she understands, for she is "Our Lady of Sorrows".

Credits and References :

The Heart that gives by Pat O'Leary
Pages 18-19
Don Bosco's Madonna Mumbai
September 2007
Vol-9, N0-5

 

Feast of the Queenship of Mother Mary 22nd August 2017

Introduction :

The small and simple young girl of Nazareth became Queen of the World. We contemplate the Mother of Christ crowned by her Son, in other words associated with his universal kingship as she is portrayed in numerous mosaics and paintings.

This is one of the marvels that reveals "God's Heart". Of course, Mary's Queenship is totally relative to Christ's Kingship. He is the Lord whom after the humiliation of death on the Cross -- the Father exalted above any other creature in Heaven and on earth and under the earth. (Phillipians 2:9-11).

Through a design of grace, the Immaculate Mother was fully associated with the mystery of the Son : in his Incarnation; in his earthly life, at first hidden at Nazareth and then manifested in the messianic ministry; in his Passion and Death and finally in the glory of his Resurrection and Ascension into Heaven.

The Mother did not only share the human aspects of this mystery with the Son. She also shared, through the work of the Holy Spirit within her, his profound intention, the divine will, so that the whole of her poor and lowly life was exalted, transformed, and glorified passing through the "Narrow Door" which is Jesus Christ himself. (Luke 13:24).

Yes, Mother Mary was the first person to take the "Way" to enter the Kingdom of God that Christ opened, a way that is accessible to the humble, to all who trust in the word of God and endeavour to put it into practice.

Conclusion :

In the History of the Cities and Peoples evangelized by the Christian Message there are many testimonies of public veneration -- in some cases even institutional of the Queenship of the Blessed Mother.

Today, however let us as children of the Catholic Church above all renew our devotion to the One whom Jesus Christ bequeathed to us as Mother and Queen.

Credits and References :

A World of Brothers and Sisters by Emeritus Pope Benedict 16
Pages 18-19
Don Bosco's Madonna, Mumbai
August 2012 Vol -14, N0-4




 

Becoming An Apostle of Divine Mercy

Apostles of Divine Mercy :

What is an Apostle of Divine Mercy ??

APOSTLE -- is derived from the Greek meaning one who is sent or MESSENGER.

OF DIVINE -- meaning of course of God.

MERCY -- or misericordia  in Latin which is made up of 3 smaller words.

MISERIS -- miserable.

COR -- heart or love.

DARE -- to give.

So, an Apostle of Divine Mercy is one who brings the message of God's Love to the miserable. For, no one that is aware of God's existence and love could ever be miserable. Unfortunately, the world is full of miserable people.

The Message of Merciful Love :

Formerly, in the Old Testament the Holy Spirit spoke through the Prophets, today he speaks continuously. Jesus Christ to the Mystic Carmela Carabelli, Milan, May 1968.

The Messages are in the words of "Jesus" himself in the form of conversations with Mamma Carmela profound words of wisdom, words of counsel, and tremendous comfort and answers to questions we never ask because we don't know who to ask.

"I ask your help, as a beggar asks alms, will you help me ?? Jesus Christ Milan, 1969".

Jesus Christ asks for New Apostles :

My beloved daughter, I wish you to find new apostles to make a wide distribution of my message. I want to enter into each family to convert the hardest hearts. Take my Image to Hospitals, Hospices, Schools, Homes, and to the ends of the earth if you can.

Speak now to the whole world of my message of "Merciful Love". I will help you find new apostles. They will be my new elect and the beloved ones of my Heart and they will have a special place therein.

I will bless their families and I will deputise for them in directing their affairs if they give time to me. I will carry out in full that which I have told you in the Gospel. To him who seeks first the Kingdom of God and His Justice all the rest will be given in abundance.

And I say to you : " To anyone who propagates confidence and love towards my Mercy, I will give a hundred fold in this life and the next."

From the message of Merciful Love, Milan 27th April 1969.

History behind the message of Merciful Love :

The Message of Merciful Love, was received by Carmela Carabelli during a period which lasted some ten years from 1968 to 1978. It began in the Year that Rome had at last accepted new information on the "Revelations to the servant of God" Sister Helena Faustina  Kowalska and issued the first of two Decrees by which the Process of Beatification was formally opened on her behalf. The date was 31st January 1968. This was thirty years after the death of Sister Faustina.

In this same year in the north of Italy in the City of Milan, a widow with a large family who had given her whole life to works of mercy and charity in her city was praying one evening when she heard a voice, it said "You will be another witness to my Divine Mercy, I will bless you and give you special graces.

I ask your help as a beggar asks alms, Will you help me ?? I want you to find new Apostles, and once again spread my message of "Merciful Love" to the ends of this Earth."

Mankind keeps losing sight of the meaning of life. On the 12th of April 1969, the eve of Low Sunday, Jesus Christ spoke to her of the Feast of Mercy "a day of great forgiveness and reconciliation".

On the 22nd of March 1970, Sister Faustina herself gave a message to Carmela and her Prayer Group. (The Mother of Divine Love Prayer Group), she said it is not the first time that I come among you but it is the first time that I wish to speak, I am Sister Faustina and I ask you to make with particular devotion the Novena of Divine Mercy, so that all Men will begin to believe in the mystery of salvation, which is contained in the Devotion to the Divine Mercy.

Credits and References :

Divine Mercy Publications
P.O. Box 2005
Dublin 13, Ireland

Apostles Prayer :

Merciful Jesus Christ, We believe in thee and we trust in thee. Come to the aid of our weakness and our incapacity. Grant that we may be able to make thee known and loved by all men, and that confident in the immensity of thy love we may be able to combat the evil which is in us and in all the world, for thy Glory and our salvation Amen.

Nihil Obstat

Pietro Santoro

Bishop of Termoli

This beautiful prayer was inspired by Jesus Christ himself to Mamma Carmela on 22nd of April 1969 in Milan.

Easter 2017 -- The Resurrection

Introduction :

It was barely dawn on the third day after the burial of Jesus Christ and he rose. No stone could keep him in the tomb. History was changed forever because of this.

Mary, His Mother kept watch through the long hours of that sorrowful Sabbath. Jesus Christ loved his Mother so much ........ tradition has it that he visited her before any other human eye would see him.

There must have been very few words spoken. There was an unspeakable joy when love knew no bounds. Mary suffered with her son and now she shares his joy.

When the Women, came in the morning they were puzzled finding the tomb open. The Angel simply said "Do not be Afraid". I know you have come to see Jesus of Nazareth. He is not here, he has risen !!

Poor Mary of Magdala stood outside the empty tomb ..... but when Jesus Christ called out to her, her joy knew no bounds. She ran and told his friends ........ He has risen and I have seen him.

The Apostles, paralyzed with fear and overcome by sadness were huddled together in the upper room. Suddenly they found Jesus Christ in their midst : "Peace be with You" He said "It is I. Do not be afraid".

See a Spirit has no flesh and bones like I have.

They still could not believe their eyes so to convince them ...... he decided to eat some grilled fish with honey. looking around, he said : "Receive the Holy Spirit, whose sins you forgive, are forgiven".

Thomas, one of the Apostles was not with them when Jesus Christ visited the Apostles. He was adamant and wanted to put his fingers into the wounds of Christ.

Christ visited again, after some time and said to Thomas ...... "See my hands and my feet ....." Thomas could only say : My Lord and My God !!

Towards morning, Jesus Christ visited the Apostles again and they had caught a large quantity of fish during the night. So, when they saw him they knew it was the Lord Jesus Christ. He immediately called them ashore and had breakfast with them which consisted of baked fish and baked bread.

Conclusion :

Jesus Christ was seen quite a few times after the resurrection but today he is alive among his successors; namely the Vicar of Christ and the Bishops and Cardinals of the Catholic Church.

He promised to be with his apostles and he continuously keeps this promise down the centuries through his "Real Presence" in the Holy Eucharist where he remains with us Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity 24-7-365.

He is truly "The Good Shepherd" in the Blessed Sacrament in more ways than one.

Credits and References :

The Most Holy Rosary
The Glorious Mysteries
Pages 1-6
Don Bosco's Madonna Mumbai
The Salesians of Don Bosco
Rev, Fr. Edwin D'Souza S.D.B.





 

Good Friday 2017

The Cross and Suffering

Introduction :

Saints who understood and realized the mystery of suffering, embraced the cross with love and joy.

They not only accepted suffering willingly and bore it patiently but rather clamoured for more.

Saint Paul, who suffered much during his missionary journeys, exclaimed "Far be it for me to glory except in the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ in which is Salvation, Life, and Resurrection".

The celebration of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ during Lent and specially during "Holy Week" invites us to reflect and to understand the "Mystery of the Cross".

We are called upon to unite our pain and suffering with the "Suffering Messiah" and offer ourselves unreservedly to the Eternal Father.

That is what, we are expected to do at every mass which is a "Memorial of the Sacrifice of Calvary".

What does a Memorial of the Sacrifice of Calvary Mean ??

It is not a mere remembrance or a representation of Calvary. Rather it is a "'Re--Presentation of Calvary".

The Sacrifice of Christ on Calvary and the Sacrifice of the Mass is "One Single Sacrifice". The Victim is one and the same : The same Christ now offers the Sacrifice of the Cross through the ministry of Priests; only the manner of offering is different".

"In His Divine Sacrifice, which is celebrated in Holy Mass, the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and is offered in an unbloody manner".

( Catechism of the Catholic Church N0 -- 1367)

To understand a little more of this sacrifice mysteriously made present, we must realize that the Sacrifice of Calvary is the "One Single Sacrifice".

There are not many sacrifices.

The Sacrifice of Calvary offered two thousand years ago and the sacrifices of Mass offered in our churches yesterday, today, and tomorrow; Masses offered all over the world are numerically one and the same "Sacrifice of Calvary".

Conclusion :

The Bread and Wine are "Symbols" of our offering. The tiny drop of water mixed with wine does not remain separate, but it mingles itself and becomes one with the Wine.

So, Our Sacrifice though insignificant becomes one with the "Sacrifice of Jesus Christ and has an infinite value".

Let us contemplate the "Holy Sacrifice of the Mass" by standing with Mary at the Foot of the Cross.

Credits and References :

"The Mystery of the Cross"
By Father Edward D'souza S.D.B.
Pages 8-9
April 2007, Vol -8, N0- 12
Don Bosco's Madonna, Mumbai
 

86th Anniversary of the appearance of Jesus Christ to Saint Faustina February 22, 2017

Introduction :

Everywhere you turn, people are talking about Divine Mercy !!  Hurricanes, Floods, Tsunamis, Global Warming, Earthquakes, and Fires.

Hardly an article can be written about any of these events without the thought of the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Today, marks a significant date for all mankind.

86 years ago on February 22nd 1931 Jesus Christ appeared to Saint Faustina as "The Divine Mercy" with a special mission for her. He told her to paint an image as she witnessed him with two rays of light streaming from his heart, one red and the other pale like water and to sign it "Jesus, I trust in You".

Jesus Christ spent the next seven years speaking to her about his mercy and asked her to record his words in a diary, which she aptly named "Divine Mercy in my Soul". He made known to her that it was her job to prepare the world for his final coming.

Saint Pope John Paul the Great, by Divine Providence was immersed in the message of Divine Mercy at an early age and commented that it was "His Job given to him by God to bring this message to the world".

He later said "I give thanks to Divine Providence that I have been enabled to fulfil the will of the Merciful Christ by instituting the Feast of Divine Mercy". ( This was said on a visit to Poland in the 21st Century.)

Saint Pope John Paul the Great is also known as the "Divine Mercy Pope" simply because of what he did to promote the Divine Mercy Message and Devotion all over the world from 1985 - 2005.

Pope John Paul the Great lifted the ban on dissemination of the Divine Mercy Message and Devotion in 1978/1979. 14-15 years later, precisely in 1993 he beatified Sister Faustina and in the year 2000 he canonized her. He was a pioneer as far as promotion of the Divine Mercy Message and Devotion is concerned.

The Divine Mercy Diary has more than 14 entries where Jesus Christ had requested that a Feast of Mercy be established in the church as a "Last Hope of Salvation".

Saint Pope John Paul the Great established the Feast as Divine Mercy Sunday during the canonization in Rome of Saint Faustina in the Jubilee Year 2000 as the First Saint in the new millennium !!

Saint Pope John Paul the Great personally championed the cause of the Divine Mercy Message and Devotion for 20 long years.

Jesus Christ told Saint Faustina that "From Poland will come forth a spark that will prepare the world for my final coming" ( Diary 1732). No doubt, this was Pope John Paul who not only established the Feast requested by Jesus Christ, but issued an "unprecedented special plenary indulgence and specified; as the duties of priests, the proclamation of that plenary indulgence to all humanity".

If this wasn't proof enough of God's Providence in the matter, Our Beloved Pope Saint John Paul the Great passed into heaven on the "Vigil of Divine Mercy Sunday" after celebrating that feast and participating in the requirements of obtaining the plenary indulgence !!

The Image of the Divine Mercy is central to the entire message of Divine Mercy and has a special importance by being displayed in churches, specially on the Feast of Divine Mercy.

Jesus Christ related several times the importance of the image on the feast. He said "I desire that there be a Feast of Mercy. I want this image, which you will paint with a brush, to be solemnly blessed on the First Sunday after Easter; that Sunday is to be the Feast of Mercy". ( Diary 49)

One day Saint Faustina said to Our Lord "They tell me that there is already such a feast and so why should I talk about it ??".

Jesus Christ answered "And who knows anything about this feast ?? No one !! Even those who should be proclaiming my mercy and teaching people about it often do not know about it themselves.

That is why I want the Image to be solemnly blessed on the First Sunday after Easter, and want it to be venerated  "Publicly" so that every soul may know about it". ( Diary 340).

Conclusion :

Catholic Churches throughout the world that have permanently installed "Divine Mercy Images" are benefiting greatly. Jesus Christ surely knew what he was doing when he gave us this image. It is exactly what mankind will need to maintain its hope in the years ahead with natural disasters that are inevitable.

If it is true that a picture has a thousand words or more, then this one has untold millions.

Jesus Christ said "The two rays denote Blood and Water, The pale ray stands for water which makes souls righteous. The red ray stands for the life of souls.

These two rays issued forth from the very depths of my tender mercy when my agonized heart was opened by a lance on the cross. Happy is the one who will dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him" ( Diary 299).

Credits :

Robert R. Allard
Director
Apostles of Divine Mercy