Cup of Bitterness

[Diary 1453]

Today is the Feast of the New Year. I felt so bad in the morning that I barely managed to go to the next cell to receive Holy Communion. [225]I could not go to Mass because I felt so sick, and I made my thanksgiving in bed too. I wanted so much to go to Mass and then to confession to Father Andrasz, but I felt so bad that I could go neither to Mass nor to confession. And because of this my soul suffered a good deal. After breakfast, the Sister Infirmarian [Sister Chrysostom] came along and asked, "Sister, why didn't you go to Mass?" I answered that I couldn't. She shook her head disdainfully and said, "Such a great Feast Day, Sister, and you don't even go to Mass!" and she left my cell. I had been in bed for two days, writhing in pain, and she hadn't visited me; and when she did come, on the third day, she did not even ask if I were able to get up, but asked irritably why I hadn't got up for Mass. When I was alone, I tried to get up, but I was seized again with sickness, and so I stayed in bed with a calm conscience. Yet my heart had plenty to offer the Lord, joining itself spiritually to Him during the second Mass. After the second Mass, Sister Infirmarian returned to me, but this time in her capacity as infirmarian, and with a thermometer. But I had no fever, although I was seriously ill and unable to rise. So there was another sermon to tell me that I should not capitulate to illness. I answered her that I knew that here one was regarded as seriously ill only when one was in one's last agony. However, knowing that she was about to give me a lecture, I replied that at the present time I was in no need of being incited to greater zeal. And once again, I remained alone in my cell.

My heart was crushed with sorrow, and bitterness flooded my soul, and I repeated these words: "Welcome, New Year; welcome, cup of bitterness." My Jesus, my heart is eager for You, and yet the gravity of my illness prevents me from participating physically in the community prayers, and I am suspected of being lazy. My sufferings are becoming greater. After dinner, Mother Superior [Irene] looked in for a moment, but she left very soon. I intended to ask to have Father Andrasz come to my cell to hear my confession, but I restrained myself from making the request for two reasons: first, not to give occasion for murmuring, as had happened above in respect to Holy Mass; and secondly, because I would not even be able to make the confession, since I felt I would burst into tears like a little child. A while later, one of the sisters came along and again reproved me: "There's some milk with butter in the oven, Sister; why don't you drink it?" I answered that there was no one to bring it to me.

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".

Blind Bartimaeus [October 29, 2012]

The Sunday Gospel [October 29, 2012]

Mark 10:46-52

46They came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. 47On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” 48And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” 49Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, he is calling you.” 50He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. 51Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” 52Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

Reflection

“Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” ~ v. 47

In the Gospel today, Mark tells us something very important about faith.

First of all, faith does not depend on a great amount of knowledge. The blind man Bartimaeus, probably did not know Jesus very well. He only heard that he was the Son of David and that he cured some people somewhere. But this knowledge gave him great hope. He felt that Jesus could cure him too. And so when he heard that Jesus was passing by, he called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!”

Surely, Mark also wants to tell us that our faith should be bold and courageous, like the faith of Bartimaeus. When we pray, we should approach God with the same kind of confidence and trust.

There is another important point: the story also tells us that we must persevere when we pray and never give up. This is what Bartimaeus did. He continued to call out to Jesus, and so Jesus called him to himself and cured him.

Finally, we learn that when we pray, we must ask God for specific things. Again this is what Bartimaeus did. When Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” he answered, “Rabboni, I want to see.” Hearing this, Jesus gave him just what he asked for, his sight.

There is still one more important point. When Bartimaues cried out to Jesus, the people scolded him and told him to be quiet. Isn’t this ironical! Those who had eyes did not see. They did not realize that Jesus really wanted to heal people like this. And the one who was not able to see was the one who was much more aware of who Jesus was, and so understood his power to heal.

It goes without saying, then, that Mark is also trying to tell us about the importance of awareness and the need to know who we are.

Here we might ponder a few questions for a while. How aware are we of our own self? How aware are we of the way we react to people? How aware are we of the presence of God in our heart and in the hearts of people around us?

Let us pray for wisdom and awareness. May we be like Bartimaeus, who knew who he was, a pitiful man before Jesus, the Son of David. And may we also know the powerful saving love of Jesus, who heals us of all our ills.

Reflection Credits: 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/).

God condemns no one

[Diary 1452]

When the clock struck twelve, my soul immersed itself more deeply in recollection, and I heard a voice in my Soul: Do not fear, My little child, you are not alone. Fight bravely, because My arm is supporting you; fight for the salvation of souls, exhorting them to trust in My mercy, as that is your task in this life and in the life to come. After these words, I received a deeper understanding of divine mercy. Only that soul who wants it will be damned, for God condemns no one.

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 Ambition of James and John [October 21, 2012]

The Sunday Gospel [October 21, 2012]

Mark 10:35-45

35Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36He replied, “What do you wish [me] to do for you?” 37They answered him, "Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” 38Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39They said to him, “We can.” Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; 40but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. 42Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. 43But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; 44whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. 45For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Reflection

"The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." ~ v. 45

Jesus has intimated for the third time to his disciples that they are going to Jerusalem where he will be condemned and killed , in the manner of the mysterious Suffering Servant of God who “through his suffering shall justify many” (Isaiah 53:11). With a touch of irony, Mark records that at this solemn and sorrowful occasion, the Zebedee brothers are still lost in their political illusion of a religious triumphalism. They ask Jesus a share of power and profess to merit it by their resolve to stick with Jesus through thick and thin.

Jesus takes the occasion to inculcate a lesson on power and authority on the two brothers and the other ten disciples who behave no better, getting jealous of the two. Power is shown by a person’s ability to stoop down and serve; the greatest among Jesus’ followers are those who forget their position so as to minister to the needs of all.

Mark may have liked to put before his readers two pictures. On one side is the despotic Herod Antipas who makes his importance felt by living in a grandiose palace, taxing the people and deciding the fate of his servants. On the other side is Jesus who mingles with the poor and the outcast, who pays taxes, and is later brought to trial before the high priests and rulers.

The lines are clearly drawn. When the disciple aims for power and takes side with the oppressors, he betrays his master. When the disciple who has been given the power and authority in the community turns to be a proud despot, looking for influence, he destroys the Church, turning it merely into a socio-political organization. When the Christian community allows itself to be blinded by the fascination of power and the strength of structure, it is no different from pagans. It cannot be like that with Jesus’ disciples.

Paul describes “positions” as “charisms,” gifts of the Holy Spirit for the service of Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:27-31). “Power” in the Church comes from service, and this, in a sense, is not determined  by “positions” or “offices.” St. Augustine, reflecting on his position as bishop, wrote: “What I am with you gives me joy, what I am for you frightens me. For with you, I am a Christian; for you I am a bishop. The former is grace, the latter is an office. The former is salvation, the latter is temptation.

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta once gave a press conference to a group of European journalists, some of whom were atheists. They were in a hurry to leave but she bade them to stay for a prayer. All stayed, including the unbelievers. A journalist curtly remarked that one seemed able to resist her orders: “Her voice seemed not to belong to this world.” She stood no longer as a frail old woman but a woman of God who reflected his goodness. There lay her authority.

Reflection Credits: Fr. Gil A. Alinsangan, SSP; On the Way to the Cross

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

The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy

[Diary 723] 

+ Today, I heard these words: The graces I grant you are not for you alone, but for a great number of other souls as well... And your heart is My constant dwelling place, despite the misery that you are. I unite Myself with you, take away your misery and give you My mercy. I perform works of mercy in every soul. The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy. My mercy is confirmed in every work of My hands. He who trusts in My mercy will not perish, for all his affairs are Mine, and his enemies will be shattered at the base of My footstool.

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 Rich Man [October 14, 2012]

The Sunday Gospel [October 14, 2012]

Mark 10:17-30

17As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.19You know the commandments: ‘You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.’” 20He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” 21Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25It is easier for a camel to pass through [the] eye of [a] needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 26They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” 27Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.” 28Peter began to say to him, “We have given up everything and followed you.” 29Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel 30who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.

Reflection

“The word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword.” ~ Hebrews 4:12, 1st Reading

What a vivid image! God’s word is razor sharp, able to cut through our innermost thoughts. It can expose the inner motives and desires of our hearts. Most of us would cringe at the thought of such a weapon. So it is good to know that this isn’t the whole picture.

If we want a fuller picture, we need to look at today’s Gospel reading. A wealthy man asks Jesus how he can gain eternal life. Jesus recounts the commandments, and the man is sure he has kept them. What is he still missing? This is when Mark gives us a vital detail. Jesus looked at him, “loved him,” and told to give his money to the poor and then come follow him (Mark 10:21).

It’s this look of love that cut through the man’s confusion and exposed his real self. Jesus saw his sincerity, but also saw the “one thing” that stood in his way: he was too attached to his wealth (Mark 10:21). Jesus’ “look” wasn’t one of harsh scrutiny. It was an inviting look. It was a warm and compassionate look that saw the man’s strengths and weaknesses and offered him the grace to become the disciple he wanted to be.

It’s unfortunate that the rich man “went away sad” (Mark 10:22). But you don’t have to follow his footsteps! Every day, Jesus, the living Word of God, looks on you with the same penetrating gaze. He sees everything in you – the good, the bad, and the ugly – and he loves you intensely.

So take a moment now to let Jesus search you. As you do, you’ll discover that he sees so much goodness in your heart – goodness that you take for granted or didn’t even know was there. Of course he sees areas that need to change. But he is so happy with everything else that he is more than eager to make you those changes.

Prayer Response

Lord Jesus, nothing in me is hidden from you. Thank you for looking on me with such love.

Reflection Credits: the WORD among us

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

For great is the power of God's mercy

[Diary 1652]

Adore, my soul, the mercy of the Lord,
O my heart, rejoice wholly in Him,
Because for this you have been chosen by Him,
To spread the glory of His mercy.

His goodness no one has fathomed, no one can measure,
His compassion is untold.
Every soul that approaches Him experiences this.
He will shield her and clasp her to His merciful bosom.

Happy the soul that has trusted in Your goodness
And has abandoned herself completely to Your mercy.
Her soul is filled with the peace of love.
You defend her everywhere as Your own child.

O soul, whoever you may be in this world,
Even if your sins were as black as night,
Do not fear God, weak child that you are,
For great is the power of God's mercy.

+ J.M.J.

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".

Marriage & Divorce [October 7, 2012]

The Sunday Gospel [October 7, 2012]

Mark 10: 2-16

2The Pharisees approached and asked, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” They were testing him. 3He said to them in reply, “What did Moses command you?” 4They replied, “Moses permitted him to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.” 5But Jesus told them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. 6But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female. 7For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother [and be joined to his wife], 8and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. 9Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” 10In the house the disciples again questioned him about this. 11He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; 12and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

13And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” 16Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them.

 Reflection

“They are no longer two but one flesh.” ~ v. 8

In the Gospel today, the Pharisees ask Jesus what he thought about marriage. Moses allowed Jewish men to divorce. Did he agree with that? In answering them, Jesus excuses what Moses did. Moses only allowed divorce because of the great pressure the Jews put on him. Also, the law that allowed divorce was only given for a time, since the people were not ready for anything more perfect. (Dt. 24:1) However, Jesus tells them what the ideal is. “At the beginning of creation God made them male and female; for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and the two shall become as one. They are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore let no man separate what has joined.”

When the disciples question him later about this, Jesus tells them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and the woman who divorces her husband and marries another commits adultery.”

In Mark, we see Jesus rejecting the idea of remarriage after divorce. In fact, he calls it adultery. He sees marriage not only as a bond between a man and a woman, but also a bond between them and God. This of course requires lifelong fidelity. Jesus’ argument goes back to God’s will, which is engraved in nature. When a man leaves his father and mother and joins himself to his wife, they become one body. (Genesis 2:24)

There are two other points of view, which present a less severe approach to marriage. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus is seen as permitting divorce in the case of adultery. (Mt. 19:9) Paul’s view (the “Pauline privilege”) was that when a Christian and a pagan marry, if the pagan wanted a divorce, the Christian was no longer bound. (1 Corinthians 7:15)

The issue of marriage and divorce has become complicated in modern society – even more complicated when one considers the way different cultures and various religious groups look at marriage. But, lest marriage be seen as merely a matter between the married couple, it is good to keep in mind Jesus’ views. The ideal is indissolubility. That was God’s original intent. One cannot err in trying to be faithful to that ideal.

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/).

There is no misery that could be a match for My mercy

[Diary 1273]

Jesus: My daughter, do you think you have written enough about My mercy? What you have written is but a drop compared to the ocean. I am Love and Mercy itself. There is no misery that could be a match for My mercy, neither will misery exhaust it, because as it is being granted-it increases. The soul that trusts in My mercy is most fortunate, because I myself take care of it.

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".