Mary’s motherhood is a divine source of heavenly splendor drawing God’s people to seek her intercessory grace without end. She lovingly takes her sons and daughters by the hand and leads them to her Son Jesus Christ – the only begotten Son of God. Becoming aware that she is chosen by God and blessed among women, Mary responds in total humility saying “Behold the Handmaid of the Lord” (Luke 1:38). She is from the people, a pure woman also called to go the pilgrim way of faith. Already filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit, Mary says “yes” to the divine Word and became the eternal mother of Jesus in the Incarnation. Impeded by no sin, she devotes herself totally to the person and work of her Son, under Him and with Him, by the grace of almighty God, serving the mystery of our redemption from sin…
God’s promises to Abraham brought trials too. When called to take his family to an unknown land, Abraham had no time to prepare or dwell on all that might happen on the long journey ahead. An enduring friendship was at the heart of his relationship with God. He shared everything in his heart – all his hopes, fears and doubts. Time and again, God assures Abraham that He would keep his promises. And in every place where God came to him, Abraham built an altar of remembrance. When great fear of an enemy threatens, God said “Do not be afraid, I am your shield.” God’s promises do not come without setting the table with his commands. He tells Abraham that “I am God – walk before Me and be blameless.” Then Abraham falls to the ground covering his face. God makes it known that in order for his promises to…
Do Whatever He Tells You to Do These are Mary’s last recorded words in Scripture. At the wedding feast at Cana, she is the first to notice that the wine has run out. Rather than turn to the family, Mary brings the problem to her son, Jesus. No one knows that Mary is working behind the scenes to ensure that the joy of the feast continues without interruption. Blessed Mary knows that by drawing the love of her Son, she will, in essence, be letting Him go. If the miracle happens, Christ’s work to carry out the will of God begins. The appointed hour Christ speaks of comes into their being. The hour of his Crucifixion. Old Simeon’s warning of the sorrow that would pierce her heart re-enters Mary’s mind. Knowing this, Mary turns to the waiters and says “Do whatever He…
The Apostle Peter is no stranger to suffering and tests of faith that come with the Christian life. Only the Apostle Peter knows how it feels to deny Christ under pressure. Filled with overwhelming regret, the remorse at refusing his discipleship three times buckles him. Yet it is in these moments of sorrow that Peter gives us a beautiful prayer asking for God’s intervention. In a cry for Christ he pleads “Save Me Lord.” Just days before, Peter proclaims Christ as the Son of the Living God with conviction. Recognizing that his Father in heaven had revealed this truth by grace, Christ gives Peter the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. A few hours later, Peter denies that he even knows Christ. How he wished he could have relived that test of faith all over again. But as God’s grace strengthens him, Peter becomes…
The Fiery Letters of St. John St. John is well known as the “Disciple whom Jesus loves.” Despite his many beloved qualities, Christ gives the son of Zebedee a unique nickname – calling him the “Son of Thunder” (Mk. 3). He knew that coupled with St. John’s loving nature was a fiery temperament. The Letters of John reveal why this name is so fitting. They were written at a time when the Church was experiencing a great crisis in faith led by outside attack against the Gospel. John’s Letters are like exploding cannon balls. Their words strengthen the faith of the Christian community to trust God and not to fall for the devilish traps set by the deceivers. One thing was clear. The assault on the Church would not go unanswered. Not on a Son of Thunder’s watch. John’s Letters Concisely Deal with Those Attacking…
