Catholic Commentary

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I want to share my Catholic Faith with inquirers, believers and non-believers. Many people are searching for the Truth and a God they can believe in. If there is no one to teach you, how can you learn? Learn to know God and you will love Him; then you will want to serve Him; we serve Him by serving others!

New Table of Contents 

Tavares, Florida Stats 

The population of 32778 is 14,570.

That's #7027 out of all 42,305 zip codes.

88% of the population is white, which is 14 points more than the national average.

The average household income in 32778 is $33,221, which is $3,523 more than the typical average.

This contributes to the average house being worth $92,400. When the survey was done in 2000, that represented a difference of 17% from the typical value.

Men make up 47% of the population, and the typical age in this part of FL is 54.1.

Stats about: Tavares, FL

Population: 14,570
Number of Households: 8,072
Average House Value: $92,400
Average Income per Household: $33,221
Elevation: 66 ft

Population Breakdown:

Population Chart

My Reviews from Yelp 

Here's what Yelpers have to say about Active Life in 32778

Lake Idamere Park (Tavares)  
"By far the coolest playground in Central Florida! This park's playground BLOWS AWAY Orlando's Lake Eola playground and any other I've been to in Florida. It..." more
Mount Dora Bicycle Festival (Mt Dora)  
"I've been wanting to go to this festival for over 6 years and counting, and there was never quite the right time. So this year we decided to make the..." more
Mission Inn Resort & Club (Howey-in-the-Hills)  
"This is one of our favorite spots to get away for a couple of days and relax. It's about 35 minutes from Orlando and it offers a variety of activities for..." more
Gold's Gym (Mount Dora)  
"It's strange for me to write a positive review of a Gold's Gym. I'm not normally a fan, as I've never really enjoyed the smell of stale sweat and urine...." more
Trimble Park (Mount Dora)  
"Located on the Mount Dora chain of lakes is Trimble Park, specifically between Lake Carlton and Lake Beauclair. We were only able to spend a short time in..." more
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My religious or spiritual background 

I was ordained a deacon in 1987 and served in four parishes in New York City, before retiring to Florida. Before and after ordination I taught Religious Education to children and adults. I would love to share the Faith with you.

TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS PROPERS 

IN ENGLISH

Each day I post the Daily Mass propers that are used for the Extraordinary Form of the Mass (1962 Traditional Mass of Blessed John XXIII)

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Catholic Faith on Wikipedia 

Here is a short rundown of the Roman Catholic Church. There are many more pages on the Internet that will explain how the Church is set up and its hierarchical structure.

The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church. With more than a billion members, over half of all Christians and more than one-sixth of the world's population, the Catholic Church is a communion of the Western, or Latin Rite Church, and 22 autonomous Eastern Catholic Churches, comprising a total of 2,795 dioceses in 2008. The Church's highest earthly authority in matters of faith, morality, and governance is the Pope,Schreck, pp. 158?159. currently Pope Benedict XVI, who holds supreme authority in concert with the College of Bishops, of which he is the head.Code of Canon Law, canons 331 and 336Teaching with Authority, by Richard R. Gaillardetz, p. 57 The Catholic community is made up of an ordained ministry and the laity; members of either group may belong to organized religious communities.Schreck, p. 153.

The Church defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity.Barry, pp. 50?51. It operates social programs and institutions throughout the world, including Catholic schools, universities, hospitals, missions and shelters, as well as Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Charities that help families, the poor, the elderly and the sick.Barry, pp. 98?99.

The Church believes itself to be the continuation of the Christian community originally founded by Jesus upon the apostles, among whom Simon Peter held the position of chief apostle. The Church also believes that its bishops, through apostolic succession, are consecrated successors of these apostles, and that the Bishop of Rome, as the successor of Peter, possesses a universal primacy of jurisdiction and pastoral care. Some historians of Christianity support this view while others disagree.

Church doctrines have been defined through various ecumenical councils, following the example set by the first Apostles in the Council of Jerusalem.Schreck, p. 152. On the basis of promises made by Jesus to his apostles, described in the Gospels, the Church believes that it is guided by the Holy Spirit and so protected from falling into doctrinal error.Barry, p. 37, pp. 43?44.

Catholic beliefs are based on the deposit of Faith (containing both the Holy Bible and Sacred Tradition) handed down from the time of the Apostles, which are interpreted by the Church's teaching authority. Those beliefs are summarized in the Nicene Creed and formally detailed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Formal Catholic worship is termed the liturgy. The Eucharist, commonly called the Mass in the Latin Rite, while in the Eastern Rites it is called by names such as the Divine Liturgy (in the Byzantine Rite), the Holy Qurbana (in the West Syrian and East Syrian Rites), Qiddase (in the Ethiopian Rite), Anaphora (in the Coptic Rite), is the center of Catholic worship. It is one of seven sacraments which mark key stages in the lives of believers.

With a history spanning almost two thousand years, the Church is "the world's oldest and largest institution"O'Collins, p. v (preface). and has played a prominent role in the history of Western civilization since at least the 4th century.Orlandis, preface In the 11th century, a major split, sometimes called the Great Schism, occurred between Eastern and Western Christianity. Those Eastern churches which remained in, or later re-established, communion with the Pope, form the Eastern Catholic churches and those which remain independent of papal authority are usually known as Orthodox churches. In the 16th century, partly in response to the rise of the Protestant Reformation, the Church engaged in its own substantial process of reform and renewal, known as the Counter-Reformation.

Although the Church maintains that it is the "One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church" founded by Jesus and in which is found the fullness of the means of salvation, it also acknowledges that the Holy Spirit can make use of other Christian communities to bring people to salvation. It believes that it is called by the Holy Spirit to work for unity among all Christians, a movement known as ecumenism.Kreeft, pp. 110?112. Modern issues facing the Church include secularism, abortion, euthanasia, birth control, and sexual ethics.

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  • Reply
    deaconjohn deaconjohn Dec 30, 2008 @ 9:39 pm | in reply to John Z
    Yes it is a small world. I'm amazed sometimes as how so many people have things in common, although my life has been a roller coaster, for sure. I love being a deacon and will never "retire" until I pass over to the Promised land! Have a blessed New Year
  • Reply
    Colleen Colleen Dec 30, 2008 @ 9:27 pm
    What a lot of love and time and work you have done! Well done. God bless you.
  • Reply
    John Z John Z Dec 28, 2008 @ 12:47 am
    Interesting. You left the Navy in 1962. I signed-up in 1962. You were a Truck Driver. I just retired from the Big Rigs last July......small world.
    Still working as a Deacon, God Bless You!
  • Reply
    JohnCassian JohnCassian Dec 26, 2008 @ 9:05 pm
    Great work. I like it.
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Mary, Our Mother 

My Xanga Blog

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TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

Chapter One

BY

ALFRED W. WILLIAM AND ELIZABETH,

THE "BLUE ARMY BETTY"

Posted with their permission by Deacon John G.

"The mouth of the just man utters WISDOM AND HIS TONGUE SPEAKS WHAT IS RIGHT!" Ps. 36/30

CHAPTER I

The Mayor Of Innsbruck, Austria used to insist: "To convey a message you must tell a story."

Didn't Jesus tell parables--stories--to convey His Message? Here is a short one with a message.

"I don't believe it!" So spoke the hotel manager, as the fair lady, a guest at the hotel, complained: "I was thrown out of bed twice, as a freight train passed just now in front of the hotel, shaking the building. And you don't believe me? Are you calling me a liar?" She fumed. "Look here, you lie down on this bed right now, when the next freight train passes, I can assure you, you'll get thrown out of this bed."

"Ridiculous!" the manager insisted. She just shoved him on the bed. In the meantime, the fair lady's husband, who picked up a couple of sandwiches downstairs, returned to the room and wanted to know: "What on earth are you doing in my wife's bed?"

"You won't believe this," answered the hotel manager in his fine yiddish brogue. "I am waiting for a freight train!"

The message: People just don't want to believe!

By the way, Innsbuck, Austria is one of the most beautiful cities in the Alps.

Deacon John G.

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY 

Chapter One

Starting today I will be posting some Scripture commentary so that together we can grow in our faith and love for the Lord in our Catholic Religion!

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zachary, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elizabeth. And they were both just before God, walking in all the commandments and justifications of the Lord without blame. And they had no son, for that Elizabeth was barren: and they both were well advanced in years. And it came to pass, when he executed the priestly function in the order of his course before God, According to the custom of the priestly office, it was his lot to offer incense, going into the temple of the Lord. And all the multitude of the people was praying without, at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
And Zachary seeing him, was troubled: and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him: "Fear not, Zachary, for thy prayer is heard: and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son. And thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness: and many shall rejoice in his nativity. For he shall be great before the Lord and shall drink no wine nor strong drink: and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And he shall convert many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias: that he may turn the hearts of the fathers unto the children and the incredulous to the wisdom of the just, to prepare unto the Lord a perfect people." (Luke 1:5-17)

THE PROMISE OF THE REDEEMER: By announcing to Zachary that his holy son should precede the Redeemer, the angel foretold the speedy advent of the Messiah. The words of the angel testified that the redeemer was God: "He shall," said Gabriel, alluding to the son of Zachary, "convert many . . .he shall go before Him." Now, who is meant by "Him?" The Lord God is meant; and therefore the Redeemer, before whom John was to go, must be the Lord God Himself.
[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]

"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

I love hearing about angels, don't you? The Scripture story above is just one of many stories about angels in the Bible. I have a personal devotion to the angels, especially my Guardian Angel. Did you know that there are nine choirs of angels?
1. Seraphim
2. Cheribim
3. Thrones
4. Dominions
5. Powers
6. Virtues
7. Principalities
8. Archangels
9. Angels
Did you know that each of us has an Angel assigned by God at conception, to guard, guide and enlighten us throughout our life on earth and when we die to be with us in heaven for all eternity? That's one of the reasons why I want to go to heaven, to see the angels and thank them personally for taking care of me on earth. How about you?

TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

CHAPTER II:

Our Blessed Mother appeared in Knock, Ireland in 1879. Somehow Our Lady never said a word--strange, she did not speak--. However Mary spoke at ALL the other apparitions. How come?
Said one gracious Irish Sister: "You see it's this way:
"The reason Our Blessed Mother never spoke at Knock because--I hate to say it--'You can't tell the Irish anything, they know it all, so what's the use of telling them.' "
Now please, I didn't say it--a lovely Irish Sister said it. But really, the vision in Ireland was seen by all the people in Knock at that time. They saw besides Our Lady, St. Joseph, St. John, the Lamb of God and the Altar, and Our Blessed Mother wore a beautiful crown on her head.
So, this wonderful detailed vision speaks for itself--no words are needed. Indeed this gracious Irish Sister spoke with 'tongue in cheek.' Yes, the Irish have a good sense of humor.
Millions of people from all over the world have visited Knock, many wonderful books have been written about this marvelous vision, many remarkable cures have taken place there.
Why don't you check it out--go there--.
You may obtain books regarding this unusual apparition by contacting TAN Books and Publishing, Inc. www.tanbooks.com
(Reprinted by Deacon John G. with permission.)

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY 

Chapter #2

Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry, Folio 43v -
The Archangel Gabriel Appears to Zachary the Musée Condé, Chantilly.

But the angel said to him: "Fear not, Zachary, for thy prayer is heard: and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son. And thou shalt call his name John." (Luke 1:13)

The power of persevering prayer: Zachary and Elizabeth had probably prayed for many years that they might have a son. Their prayers seemed to be offered up in vain, but nevertheless they persevered in laying the great desire of their hearts before God. At last they were heard, and received from God much more than they had asked for. They had asked for a son who might succeed his father in the priestly office, and they received a son who was to become a great Saint, a prophet of God, and the precursor of the Divine Redeemer. This was the rich reward of their perseverance in prayer.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Have you persevered in prayer? Or do you give up after awhile or think that God does not hear you or even want to give you what you want.?
This chapter is a good lesson for us to always persevere in prayer because as Our Lord said in a parable, the woman nagged the judge until he gave her what she wanted!
Not that we are nagging God because He already knows what we what and need. God will never give us something that will cause us to loose our salvation but sometimes He gives us something to teach us a lesson. Like when the Israelite's kept nagging God for a king. God said I'm your king, but they wanted a temporal ruler, so God gave them what they asked and then came all the troubles including wars and disobedience, etc.
Speaking about perseverance, I prayed for over 20 years that we would have a home that we could call our own, and God answered my prayer by allowing us to purchase a condo in Florida with the help of my children and others. At the time we had no money or credit, so I consider it a real miracle. We had to leave our roots in New York but at least we had a roof over our heads to grow old in!
So keep praying and look for an answer to come, but not always in the way you you want!
Deacon John

CHAPTER III: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

One day a very serious minded padre, with a delicate sense of humor, referred to the Scriptures in his own peculiar way, emphasizing a delicate point. The passage was from the book of Genesis 3rd Chapter, 9th Verse:
"When they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, the man and his wife (Adam and Eve) hid themselves from the Lord God among the trees of the Garden. But the Lord God called the man and said to him,
"Where are you?"
And Adam said: "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid."
Then God said: "Who told you that you were naked? You have eaten then of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat."
The man said: "The woman you placed at my side--SHE DONE ME IN--she gave me fruit from the tree and I ate."
Then the Lord God said to the woman, "Why have you done this?"
The woman said: "The serpent deceived me and I ate." (In the next several Verses, God told them of their punishment, and promised them a Redeemer.)
The 21st Verse continues:
"The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them."
* * *
Once you begin to read the Bible, whether the Old Testament or the New Testament, you can hardly put it down, it's so interesting, and it's TRUE, and so important to our daily life. It's the difference between Life and Death: Eternal Life and Eternal Death: Hell or Heaven! Surely you can obtain a Bible most anywhere--but if you wish you can obtain one very reasonably at www.tanbooks.com.
* * *
Reprinted with permission by Deacon John G.

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #3 

And they were both just before God, walking in all the commandments and justifications of the Lord without blame. (Luke 1:6)

STEADFASTNESS & TRUE JUSTICE: Zachary and Elizabeth are models of steadfastness in what is right. They lived in an evil time when most of the Israelites, and even most of the priests, had grown lax in the service of God, and no longer worshiped Him in their hearts. But in spite of the evil example of those around them, Zachary and Elizabeth remained true to God, and faithfully observed His commandments. Zachary and Elizabeth were not only just in the eyes of men, as were the hypocritical Pharisees, but were "just before God."
Many people think it is enough to appear righteous in the eyes of the world. This may be sufficient to save us from being put into prison, but it will not prove enough to obtain for us an entrance into heaven. He who wishes to be just before God, and to dwell with Him one day in heaven, must observe all God's commandments, and must do His will in all things as Zachary and Elizabeth did.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

History seems to always repeat itself! I guess that's because we humans never seem to learn from our mistakes and from history. Even today we see how much the world has abandoned God, that is the True God, who gave us the 10 Commandments! By the way, they are not ten suggestions as some say. We really need to get back to basics. Turn on the TV and you'll see what the world thinks, i. e. violence, adultery, killing, from the unborn to the elderly, etc., etc.
Are there good people out there like Zachary and Elizabeth? Yes! But like most holy souls, they are not on a grand stand! They live quiet lives, doing the best they can, obeying God's Commandments as best they can, and most importantly praying and worshiping Almighty God on the Sabbath.
When Our Lady appeared to the children of Fatima, she said the penance and sacrifice God wants of us is to live our state in life in grace. That's how we will get to Heaven! Loving God and loving our neighbor as ourselves by being good and obeying the Ten Commandments and living the Beatitudes. I'll talk some more about Christ's Beatitudes later on.
God Bless+
Deacon John

CHAPTER IV: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

Beloved Pope John XXIII, while he was still an Archbishop, visited Paris. He was invited to an important banquet, right across from his Excellency there sat a very fastidiously dressed Mademoiselle -- only trouble was, she was mostly out than in -- certain parts of her garment were missing. So naturally, the future "his Holiness" took a double-take as he saw this vision of immodesty sitting across from him.
Said one Rev. Msgr., "Isn't it a shame at every special dinner you go to, there is always just one dressed, rather un-dressed! What will his Excellency say about this vision!"
Sure enough, at the end of the dinner it happened:
Apples and oranges were passed as a last course of the banquet. His Excellency with all dignity said to Mademoiselle:
"My daughter you must eat an apple," placing a juicy red apple in front of her plate.
Realizing that something is going wrong here, she replied, "No thank you, I have sufficient -- I don't want an apple --."
"But, my daughter you must eat an apple, it has been written . . ."
"Your Excellency, why do you insist I should eat this fruit?"
"You see my dear, it was not until Eve ate an apple, she finally realized she was immodestly dressed."
So answered the beloved future Pope John XXIII.

There are some wonderful books about Pope John XXIII, you can obtain them in most book-stores or again go to www.tanbooks.com.

Reprinted with permission by Deacon John G.

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #4 

But the angel said to him: "Fear not, Zachary, for thy prayer is heard: and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son. And thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness: and many shall rejoice in his nativity. For he shall be great before the Lord and shall drink no wine nor strong drink: and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb." (Luke 1:13-15)

ABSTINENCE FROM STRONG DRINK: St. John the Baptist abstained from wine and strong drinks throughout his whole life. You ought, while you are young, to abstain from all strong drinks, and especially from spirits. Such drinks ruin the health of both the soul and body of the young.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

My mother (my father died when I was about 5 years old) never told me if an angel appeared to her announcing my birth! How about you? But it could have happened because we are all called to be John the Baptists! I just happen to have his name (I don't know if I was named after him or John the Evangelist) but each of us has that calling to "proclaim Jesus Christ!" Do you? And how about your life-style? Can other people look at your life and say "there is a Christian?" Do you drink a little too much? How about drugs? Do you live a chaste life? How about worship? When is the last time you went to confession? It's not easy following Jesus! The way of Satan is much easier but his way leads to hell whereas Our Lord's Way leads to eternal happiness. Oh, and also to be with your loved ones too. I want to see my mother and father again, don't you? Then lets stay on that narrow path to God's Kingdom and say "Begone Satan!"
God love you.
Deacon John

CHAPTER V: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

Once upon a time, there was this gracious lady of sorrow, dressed all in black--she was in mourning--. With tears on cheek she pleaded to her pastor:
"Father, I want you to funeralize my DOG."
After getting over his shook-upness, he spoke in his neat south-american spanish accent brogue:
"Woman, you wish for me to have a funeral for a dog? Please, go away from me woman, for I do not provoke! How can I have a funeral for a dog--the people will say, 'The Catholic Church has gone to the dogs.' "
"But Father," she insisted, "This was a good hound-dog, he even went to church with me, though he stayed outside and waited for me patiently." The priest just shook his head.
"Well then, Father," she dried her tears, making room for more to come, "Can I take him to the protestant Minister and have him funeralized there?"
"Sure, si, si, go right ahead, that is good," answered the padre much relieved.
"One more thing, Father, Is it o.k. to give him some money?" she wanted to know.
"Why sure, he has to eat too."
"Is it alright to give him $500.--?"
"Madre Mia--woman, go away from me woman--for I do not provoke! Why you not tell me thees ees a Catholic dog!"

(Reprinted by Deacon John G. with permission)

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #5  

Seeing Angels?

And Zachary said to the angel: "Whereby shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." And the angel answering, said to him: "I am Gabriel, who stand before God and am sent to speak to thee and to bring thee these good tidings. And behold, thou shalt be dumb and shalt not be able to speak until the day wherein these things shall come to pass: because thou hast not believed my words, which shall be fulfilled in their time." (Luke 1:18-20)

THE DOUBT OF ZACHARY; THE SIGN GIVEN HIM:
The angel said to Zachary: "Thy prayer is heard." Zachary ought to have known by these words that the speaker was a messenger sent by God, for God alone can see the heart, and it was from Him alone that the angel could have known what Zachary had prayed for. Nevertheless, Zachary would not fully believe the good tidings. He and his wife being old, it was so unlikely they should have a son that he asked for a sign. His request was granted. At that very moment he lost both speech and hearing, becoming (according to St. Ambrose, Maldonatus and others) deaf as well as dumb. We shall see in chapter IV that his friends had to make signs to him, because he could not hear them. This deafness and dumbness were meant to serve a threefold purpose:

1. They were to be a sign by which Zachary should know that the angel's message had come from God, and would surely be accomplished;

2. they were a punishment of the holy man's passing doubt, for a willful doubt is a sin. However, we may assume that Zachary's doubt was not quite willful, but rather the result of surprise and want of consideration, and that therefore his sin was only venial;

3. this particular mode of punishment was to be the means of keeping secret the revelation made to Zachary. It had been revealed to him that his son should go before the Redeemer, and that therefore the Redeemer would soon come. Zachary's impulse, in the joy of his heart, would have been to announce to all pious Israelites the good news that the day for which they all longed and the hour of salvation were at hand. Now, however, he was struck dumb, and according to the degrees of God's wisdom, the great secret could not just yet be disclosed to the world.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Have you ever wondered what you would do if an angel appeared to you? I sometimes wish that I could see angels like some Saints did. Padre Pio saw his Guardian angel and others too. I can't wait to get to Heaven to see them. I have a strong devotion to the Angels and have prayed the Chaplet of Saint Michael every day for about 38 years. I also pray the Angelus 3 times a day and the Guardian Angel prayer after it. It goes like this:
Angel of God, my Guardian dear,
To whom God's love commits me here,
Ever this day be at my side,
To light and to guard,
To rule and to guide. Amen.

Try it, you'll love it!
Blessings+
Deacon John

CHAPTER VI: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

The Cleansing of the Temple
Painting by Giordano (1632-1705)

Silence can be beautiful--but there comes a time--when injustice is done, a wrong is perpetrated, one must speak up.

If we are silent, then:

*
Silence condones--the wrong!
*
Silence encourages--the wrong!
*
Silence approves--the wrong!
*
Silence speaks very loudly!
*
Silence at times does cover up evil!

Didn't Christ Himself speak out, even in anger, in the Temple. Yes, there is such a thing as a 'just anger'--at the proper time and place.

* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #6 

Annunciation

And the angel answering, said to her: "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35)

THE INCARNATION OF THE SON OF GOD (the third article of the Creed).
The Son of God, who is also called "the Word," became incarnate, i.e. flesh or man by the power of the Holy Ghost, being "conceived of the Holy Ghost," i. e. having no human father--St. Joseph being only His foster-father or legal father [in the eyes of the law]--, and "born of Mary the most pure Virgin." St. John (1:18) says: "The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us." When the Son of God became man, He did not cease to be God, for that would have been quite impossible, but He assumed the human nature unto His Divine Person. There are, therefore, two natures in Jesus Christ, the divine nature and the human nature, but there is only one person in Him, the person of God the Son. Jesus Christ is therefore God and Man, the Son of God and the Son of David, the true Emmanuel, i. e. God with us.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

One of my favorite prayers is the Angelus! The Pope asked all Catholics to recite this prayer three times a day i. e. morning, noon and evening. Why? I guess to remind us that Jesus, the Word, came down from Heaven and became one of us, a human person, in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was a miraculous Conception by the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary gave Jesus all his blood and DNA. No human father was involved.
Here is the prayer:

An angel of the Lord declared unto Mary; and she conceived by the Holy Spirit. Pray a Hail Mary . . .

Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to thy word. Pray a Hail Mary . . .

And the Word was made Flesh (genuflect) and dwelt among us. Pray a Hail Mary . . .

Pray for us O holy Mother of God, that we may be worthy of His promises.

Let us pray:
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O God, Your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Your only Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross, be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Have a blessed Advent!
Deacon John

CHAPTER VII: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

There are so many things in life we question--we cannot understand. Why does God do this, why doesn't He do that, how can He allow these things to happen. Particularly in our daily lives, we just can't understand this or that.
In the Good Book--in the Scriptures it clearly states--:
"We know in part--we prophesy in part." (I Cor. 13:9) St. Francis de Sales explains further:

* "If we would KNOW ALL
* we would UNDERSTAND ALL
* and FORGIVE ALL!

How true--we think we know it all--but we just don't!

To meditate on the above can make a great difference in our understanding and tolerance.

It's amazing in how many situations the above quotation fits like a glove.

There is an old Indian saying--a Prayer--of much wisdom:

"Grant that I may not criticize my

neighbor until I have walked a mile

in his moccasins."

Indeed if we would and could walk a mile in someone else's shoes then we'd know and be amazed and understand and FORGIVE!

Often we judge someone falsely, or at a given set of circumstances, (circumstantial evidence) we judge so quickly. We think we know the whole story, but we just don't.

Father Timothy Murphy of Cape Coral, Fla. would say:

"There we go again--judging--you shouldn't judge anyway!" Good thinking Father Murphy.

Books on St. Francis de Sales, particularly "Introduction to a Devout Life" you can obtain in most book stores--or again go to www.tanbooks.com.

* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #7  

THE SON OF GOD

"He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Most High. . . And And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:32, 35)

PROOF OF OUR LORD'S DIVINITY taken from the angel's words. Firstly, Gabriel said that Jesus was the "Son of the most High" and the "Son of God." Secondly, he said that Jesus should "save His people from their sins." Now, God alone can redeem from sin; therefore Jesus must be God.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

The age old question is "Who is Jesus?" Who do you say He is? What do you know and believe about Jesus the Christ?
I struggled with that question 40 years ago when I was just retuning to the Faith. I had read a book by a Protestant minister who denied the divinity of Christ. It shook my faith. So I started searching for the truth. I read lots of books and commentaries but just couldn't find the answer to my doubts until: One evening I was over at a friends home with a group of people and saw a bible on the windowsill. I picked it up, opened it randomly and came to this Scripture reading: John 14:8 Philip saith to him: "Lord, shew us the Father; and it is enough for us." Jesus saith to him: "Have I been so long a time with you and have you not known me? Philip, he that seeth me seeth the Father also. How sayest thou: Shew us the Father? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I speak to you, I speak not of myself. But the Father who abideth in me, he doth the works. Believe you not that I am in the Father and the Father in me?"

There it was! The answer to my prayers; all my doubts left me; I now knew and believed that Jesus is the Son of God, True God and True Man! And from there my Faith grew as I discovered the Blessed Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; Triune Godhead, Three Persons in One God!
What a grace! Thank You Lord!

Deacon John

CHAPTER XIII: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

On the lighter side:
Once upon a time there took place this very important Melon-Eating Contest. A top prize of $3,500 (35 - $100.-- bills) will be awarded to the winner.
The stack of money was lying there on the table--on the ready--. The judges very formal, very serious, very stern supervised the entire proceedings, while the contestants eating melons, till they were blue in the face, dropping out of the contest one by one, as they couldn't eat any more.
Finally there were just two men left--both of them on the heavy side: 250 lbs. plus--looking at each other, wondering who will die first, considering all that they ate.
Presently one of the last contestants whispered to his spouse, sitting along side of him, urging him on just to take another bite, the heavyweight admitted to his mate: "If I eat another bite, I'll die."
One of the judges, very disturbed, cried out:
"Unfair--you are not permitted to convey secrets to anyone during this contest--! You must tell us, my dear woman, what the contestant said to you."
The little lady--after a long pause--with a straight face answered:
"My husband said, he wants some ice-cream on top of the melon." The other remaining contestant exclaimed: "I give up--you win--I quit!"
As the fine bundle of money was placed before the heavy-weight-champion, he said: "Could anyone change a hundred dollar bill--two fifties will do."
He divided the money into two neat stacks of $1,750.-- each and told the amazed congregation, while someone came running with a dish of vanilla ice-cream:
"I'll have to take a rain-check on this ice-cream. I'll eat no more--so then actually we both stopped eating at the same time--it's a dead heat. It is therefore right and just that we divide the purse!"
His loving wife was ready to crown him.
Yes, TRUTH must be served!

* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #8  

FIAT

And Mary said: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to thy word." And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:38)

FULFILLMENT OF THE PROPHECIES: This chapter relates how those prophecies were fulfilled which foretold, firstly, that the Redeemer would be born of a virgin; and secondly, that He would be a descendant of David.

Mary co-operated in our salvation by giving her consent to become the Mother of the Savior. The angel of the Lord was sent to Mary in order to procure this consent. The time had arrived, and the Son of God was ready to descend from heaven and become Man. It only remained for her, whom God the Father had chosen to be the Mother of His son, to give her consent to be so. The angel of God therefore explained this great mystery, and waited for her answer, on which depended the salvation of the world. While meditating on that decisive moment, St. Bernard uttered this prayer to Mary:

"Now, O Virgin, thou hast heard what is to be, and how it is to be. Both mysteries are exceeding joyous and wonderful. But the angel awaits thine answer, for it is time for him to return to God who sent him. We too, O Mary, our Queen, we who are weighed down by the divine sentence, we wait for thy speech, thy words of mercy. For behold the price of our redemption is offered to thee; and as soon as thou dost accept it, we shall be saved. We were all created by the eternal word of God, and yet, behold, we die! But if thou wilt speak one little word, we shall live! Speak then, Oh, speak that decisive word. Adam and his unhappy children, banished from Paradise, beseech this of thee! David and all our holy fathers--thy fathers too--beseech thee! The whole world, prostrate before thee, looks to thee and beseeches! On thy words depend the comfort of the afflicted, the deliverance of the condemned, the salvation of the children of Adam! Hesitate not, O Virgin! Speak, O Mary, that sweet word of consent, which we who are on the earth, and under the earth, now wait for!"

Mary, as you know, did utter that decisive word of compliance: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word!" By these glorious and precious words she pronounced the longed-for consent. Our Redemption began from the moment in which Mary acknowledged herself to be the handmaid of the Lord, and became the Mother of God! It is therefore reasonable, just, and right that all Christians should honor Mary as the "cause of our joy," in the words of her Litany, and should venerate her as the "Mother most pure," through whom our Redeemer was given to us. The Feast of her Annunciation is kept on March 25th.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Did you ever think: "What if Mary said "no" to the angel of the Annunciation? Imagine that the Lord God, who created the universe, would obey a simple young maiden, who was about 14 years old. Jesus would NOT have come to us through her! But because God is All-knowing, He knew that Mary, whom he created and chose to be His Son's earthly Mother would say "Fiat!" "Yes!" "Be it done to me according to thy word!"
What's more, God was so sure that Mary would say "Yes" that he created her Immaculate at her conception! That's what the Immaculate Conception means, "conceived without sin". Each of us have been conceived with Original Sin, because of the sin of Adam & Eve. When we are baptized, that sin is erased but the effects of it are with us all our lives, that's why we fall into sin often. It takes grace to not sin. Mary was "full of grace!" She was free from the effects of sin. She never sinned!
Me, I'm a sinner and need to go to confession often. As a matter of fact we just had a Penance Service at the local parish where a number of priests heard confessions. It was wonderful to know my sins were forgiven. Bishop Fulton Sheen used to say that these days "everybody thinks they are immaculate." Take a look around you and see the sins of the world. The TV, the magazines, many books are full of sinful desires and temptations. It's not easy living in this world free from sin. I try to go to confession at least once a month, but every day I ask God to forgive me of any sins I have committed. Try it! God loves a repentant sinner! There will be joy in Heaven for you!
Blessings+
Deacon John

CHAPTER IX: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

Mary, Jesus & St. John the Baptist

This very unhappy 'atheist' said one day: "What did your God make us for anyway? Just to have us suffer--what for? Watching people complain about their pains and aches . . .?"
Somebody quoted him the answer from the Catechism: "God made us to love Him, to serve Him, to obey Him--and to be with Him in Heaven for all Eternity."
This answer however didn't do anything for this atheist.
I wondered just how could one answer this 'sparkplug's' difficult question, to keep him happy . . .
Here is what I finally came up with--in my quiet private meditations. It actually came to me in the middle of Mass when the "Our Father" was publicly recited:

Jesus taught us to pray:
"Lead us not into Temptation!"
Now, God the Father must evidently 'lead us into temptation,' at one time or another, otherwise Jesus would not have included this invocation in this all important prayer. That is good thinking.
(As a matter of fact, for years now, I have been waiting patiently for a good sermon on these very words of Jesus our Lord: "Lead us not into Temptation." I am still waiting.)
So here goes my own thoughts on the Subject:
Almighty God lead Adam and Eve "into Temptation," when He allowed them to be tested, to see if they were worthy to live in Paradise, in all happiness, being in the company of Almighty God, forever.
God gave them just one commandment--not Ten--simply to OBEY. They failed the test.
God is LOVE and also He is JUST. Now came the 'justice' of God--the punishment, the sufferings . . .
The same is true, when God led the Angels into 'Temptation.' They were tested, so to speak; are they worthy to continue their happiness and joy and power and glory for all Eternity?
It has been revealed--in private revelation--that one third of the Angels did not 'pass the test'--failed and were, according to God's Justice put into hell. The unforgivable sin was: "We shall not serve!"
Just what the exact "Test" was, we know not. But it is believed, opined, they were to adore the Second Person of the Holy Trinity as Man in the Blessed Sacrament, under the appearance of bread and wine. However one third of the Angels would not. They refused!
Lucifer--Satan--then the chief of the fallen Angels was the instrument (in the form of a snake) to "test" Adam and Eve. We know what happened. We all know the outcome.
Suffering, pain, and hardships followed the great fall.
So, Mr. Atheist, the reason you have to listen and watch and see all this suffering and pain and agony going on in the world is because: first the Angels, then Man, likewise did not obey Almighty God, who gave us all these wonderful things--on a silver platter, freely--which we really did not earn. Free gifts from our Creator!
Instead of appreciating all these wonderful gifts, we all, in effect slapped God's face in return. The offense is like a worm spitting into the face of the Creator!
In God's Justice: "God Demands Reparation" - - -
Then the Second Person of the Holy Trinity--Jesus as God Man--came to earth through Our Blessed Mother, to pay the debt owed God the Father--suffering on the Cross, laying down His life for us in payment to give us all a 'new lease on life,' to obtain complete future happiness for all eternity--if we but pass our individual 'Tests.'
So, we continue to pray:
Please God the Father:
"LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION!"
AMEN
* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #9 

The Hail Mary

And the angel being come in, said unto her: "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." (Luke 1:28)

THE ANGELIC SALUTATION (the Hail Mary). A pious writer (Ludolphus) says about this salutation: "Mark well: God the Father entrusted the angel with this salutation, sending it by Him to the Virgin. Therefore, never can she be addressed in words more honorable, more pleasing, or more agreeable to her."

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

How many Hail Mary's do you say each day? I know I say quite a few. I start the day with three of them and then we have the Angelus 3 times a day, that's another nine; then of course the Rosary which has 50 plus Hail Mary's! I really love this prayer! Why? Because it's the words of the Angel Gabriel to Our Lady announcing the Incarnation of Jesus Christ! If you have a Bible handy, read those words again in Luke Chapter 1. You will marvel at the meaning and depth of the Message that God the Father sends to this humble young maiden who has been chosen to bear the Son of God! Besides, that's what we are celebrating now during this Advent Season, the Incarnation of Our Lord in Mary's womb by the power of the Holy Spirit. It gives us a lot to meditate on during these 25 days leading up to Christmas!
God Bless+
Deacon John

CHAPTER X: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM  

Here is another difficult topic. It is the greatest Mystery, as any theologian will tell you:
How can you explain THE HOLY TRINITY--THREE PERSONS IN ONE GOD? Surely only in eternity will we begin to understand this Mystery. However Saints have tried to give us an explanation. For instance St. Patrick would show his Irish converts a three-leaf clover--three leaves and one clover. Three in one! Electricity is a good analogy. It gives light--heat--and power! Three substances one electricity.
(Just to keep the record straight: Science knows what electricity can do--but no scientist can tell you exactly WHAT ELECTRICITY REALLY IS.)
Here is a different, new explanation by A. Jackson, of happy memory, a Catholic Evidence Guild member of New Orleans, La. (one of my peers of long ago; we were together 14 years in this study and speaking Apostolate. Archbishop Rummel gave us a license to speak in public about the Catholic Church and its teachings.)
Here is Jackson's way of telling it:
Supposing you travel away from your home, several days journey. No one knows you, you know no one. Indeed you are lonely. You check into a hotel, the bell-boy (rather bell-person) takes you up to your room, puts the key on the dresser, you give the person a tip. Once again you are all alone. As you pick up the key, you look up and there is a mirror. For the first time in many days you see a familiar face--your own--. This image is begotten of you--.
You feel good, yes, there is a love between you and your image, true this love has existence.
Now here is the analogy:
Follow closely:
So to speak - - - you are God the Father.
Begotten of the Father your image is God the Son.
The love that is between you and your image has existence, that LOVE is God the Holy Spirit.
THREE IN ONE!
This unusual comparison has quite a bit of merit, since the explanation is not with inanimate matter, but it is a personal, human exposition.
Good thinking Jackson--God rest your soul.
* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #10 

THE ANGELUS

And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14)

THE ANGELUS: Besides the Hail Mary, thrice repeated, the Angelus contains:
1. the message of the angel;
2. the consent of Mary;
3. the result of her consent, namely, the Incarnation of the Son of God.
It therefore reminds us of the beginning of our Redemption and on the part Mary had in it. The words which it contains and which are repeated by us three times every day, are more important, more significant and more precious than any other words that human lips can utter, with the exception of the "Our Father."

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Do you pray the Angelus? The Pope had asked all Catholics to pray it 3 times daily! Why? To remind us of who we are followers of and why and how Jesus came to earth to save us. It's a beautiful prayer. I recite it in the morning when I awake, at noon, and at 6pm. I also add the Guardian Angel prayer to it. That was requested by Our Lady in one of her apparitions. Mary wants us to have a strong devotion to the angels. She is the Queen of Angels! Today (December eight) is her Solemn Feast of the Immaculate Conception! Mary was conceived in the womb of her mother Anne without the stain of Original Sin because she was chosen by God to be the Mother of Jesus from all eternity. She is the unstained Vessel that carried the Son of God in her pure womb. She gave Jesus her Immaculate Blood and all his genes and DNA. Jesus is God and would not allow anything unpure to carry Him for those nine months, confined in the womb of Mary. Think about that! Why not give Mary a gift of saying the Angelus from this day on . . .
Blessings+
Deacon John

CHAPTER XI: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

SECRETS OF A GOOD SALESMAN--Rather Sales-Person.
This is a very fine point, lately; one must be careful in this matter of sex-equality: there are no more man-holes--only person-holes!

One top-salesman put it this way, whose success in selling was phenomenal:
"It isn't so much WHAT you say--it's how you say it!" This one could sell you the Brooklyn Bridge. So one day I went with him to listen to his sales-presentation. I was surprised, a very ordinary talk, nothing extraordinary. I thought the sales-pitch was very incomplete--yet he made the sale at once. I could hardly believe it. He reminded me again: "It isn't what you say--it's how you say it."
He also insisted: "You have to read over and over again your prospectus, at least once a month--or you'll forget."
'The rapidity with which we forget is astonishing!'

One day a very successful salesman was being honored at a grand dinner. He was to give the key-note speech. By the time he came to speak he had been given many drinks toasting his success. When he finally was introduced by the master of ceremonies, he staggered to his feet, looking blurry-eyed at this large audience, as they awaited expectantly to hear words of wisdom. Finally after a long embarrassing pause, he said all tongue-tied: "I s-h-e-e people."
"That's it: SEE PEOPLE--the words of wisdom."
The master of ceremonies spoke quickly, as he placed the honored speaker on his chair safely, and continued:
"The reason our champion salesman succeeds is because he sees many people on his route and we the mediocre ones just don't see enough people. That's the difference between success and failure!"

* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #11  

And Mary said: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to thy word." (Luke 1:38)

THE VIRTUES OF MARY: The story we just heard shows forth especially Mary's faith, chastity, and humility. Firstly, the angel announced to her something stupendous, namely, that God was about to become Man, and that she, without losing her virginity, was to be His Mother: and Mary confidently believed what was told her. Secondly, she had made a vow of virginity, in the full persuasion that the state of virginity was a far higher one and far more pleasing to God than that of maternity. This being perfectly true, God combined the two in her case and gave her the glory of both states. Lastly, her humility has been shown forth. She was troubled by the angel's respectful manner of salutation, and, in spite of all he had said, she still called herself the handmaid of the Lord. "God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble." (James 4:6.) Mary, in real humility, abased herself; therefore God raised her to the highest dignity.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.] (1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Humility is the key to success! I've learned that over my 72 years on this planet. Pride gets me nowhere! The greatest act of humility is to give in to God's Will. "Be it done to me according to Thy word!" said Mary. She had planned to dedicate her life in praising God, in prayer and in a chaste life. God had other plans for her, plans way beyond what she could do by herself. She not only kept her chaste life but also became the Mother of Jesus, the Mother of God!
Unlike us, Mary was sinless and stayed that way through her whole life. We on the other hand, born into sin, start sinning at the age of reason. Today that age is getting younger and younger. Again the answer is humility. When we acknowledge that we are sinners and confess our sin, we do so in humility. If we deny we are sinners and don't confess/regret, be sorry, we are full of pride. Lucifer, the devil, Satan was full of pride. He was cast into Hell because of it. Hell was made for him and his renegade angels who became demons. We were made for Heaven, but we can't get there unless we repent of our sins. That's some of the first words of Jesus Christ as He went about His three years of ministry: "Repent, the kingdom of God is at hand!"
It's so simple, really. No matter what sin you or I have committed, God will forgive us if we are sorry, repentant. Catholics should go to confession; all others should get on their knees and ask God to forgive their sins in tears and in humility!
God bless your efforts, I pray for you every day!
Deacon John

CHAPTER XII: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM  

MEDJUGORJE, Yugoslavia (Pronounced: Medjugorje, the last J is like an "ie" sound like in Maria.)
May we say right in the beginning, regarding the happenings of MEDJUGORJE--whatever the decision of the Church is--we abide in holy obedience, - - -
We have both seen (Elizabeth & I) the teen-agers as they were in ecstasy, seeing Our Blessed Mother. We have seen the expression on their faces--I was just 4 to 5 feet away from them--looking hard at their countenance. No actors could perform--what we saw--!
Perhaps many of the readers of this book have seen Video-tapes of the Medjugorje visionaries--what you saw--we saw in person! It gives one the chills--words can hardly describe it all. - - -
And if the devil is responsible for all this (as some would like us to believe) then the devil has been converted!
The millions of Rosaries that have been prayed and offered up, the fastings of bread and water by the multitude, the millions of confessions, the change of lives by uncounted people from all over the World who have visited there--my God what else do you want to prove the validity of this phenomenon.
Some self-rightous soul has written a book against Medjugorje, perhaps well intended. But--wittingly or unwittingly--you are trying to stop all this good which we just enumerated here. What are you accomplishing?
The Archbishop of Split, Yugoslavia believes whole-heartedly in the apparitions of Our Lady to 6 teenagers (now some are already in their twenties) [30's & 40's] right from the beginning of the visions, June 24, 1981, occurring, strange enough, practically daily to these youngsters; at that time 10 to 17 years of age. These apparitions have continued for years [24]. In fact they are happening right now, as these pages are being written.
Many very favorable books have been written on this subject, by the clergy and laymen. Even a Lutheran Minister wrote articles in a newspaper type format, very well done. He is writing now a book on Medjugorje. His name: Wayne Weible. A good fellow [now a Catholic].
The Message of Our Blessed Mother:
PRAYER--PENANCE--SACRIFICE--REPARATION--DAILY ROSARY--7 OUR FATHERS, 7 HAIL MARY's (a custom of the local people). One addition: Our Lady is asking to partake only of BREAD & WATER ESPECIALLY ON FRIDAYS, to make up for abortion, dope, and many other things that are going wrong in the World.
Do you suppose the devil would be promoting all these spiritual goods? How ridiculous can you get?! - - -
In the entire town of Medjugorje and the surrounding area, there is simply no cooking on Fridays (the women are having a field-day) only BREAD & WATER IS SERVED to one and all!
The pastor there told us--in his part of the world there are no serious sins committed. People come from every continent, yes to confession! He says he has to import 35 priests on a Sunday afternoon to hear confession! Mamma Mia! Anything else you want to know?
When we saw the visionaries speak to Our Lady, "Vicka," one of the outspoken girls was moving her lips, but no sound came from her mouth. I was standing just 5 feet from her. But later, when she recited the Rosary in the church with the people, her voice was as strong and loud, you could hear her in the back of the church (without a loudspeaker).
Our Lady is also defining "PEACE" "Which must begin within each individual's own heart!" - - -
Yes, we are convinced.

* * *
You may get books on Medjugorje from www.marianland.com/catalog01.html.

For updates and the latest Messages from Medjugorje, go to http://www.mej.com

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #12 

Eve and Mary

And the angel being come in, said unto her: "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." (Luke 1:28)

COMPARISON BETWEEN EVE AND MARY: Eve was the mother of all mankind, according to the flesh: Mary is the spiritual Mother of all the faithful. Both entered life without the stain of sin, and in a state of grace; but Eve lost grace, while Mary, on the contrary, preserved it and increased it by corresponding with it. Eve thoughtlessly allowed herself to be deceived by the devil, without asking herself whether it were a good or an evil spirit who spoke through the serpent; but Mary pondered, and asked herself whether the salutation of the angel came from God or not. Eve conversed with the devil, for the ruin of man: Mary with Gabriel, for the salvation of man. Eve sinned by unbelief: by pride, wishing to be as God: Mary was humble, calling herself the handmaid of the Lord. Eve was disobedient to God: Mary gave herself over entirely to His will. Eve consented to sin: Mary to God's will. Eve, by her pride, degraded herself, and brought sin and death on all mankind: Mary, by her humility, was herself exalted, and through her Divine Son gave grace and life to the world. As far as she could, Mary paid the debt owed by Eve to the human race. Eve was the mother of the curse: Mary of the blessing. She is the true Mother of the living, the new and better Eve. These striking contrasts are, of course, the result not of accident, but of the action of the mysterious wisdom and counsel of God, and they teach us to value God's merciful Providence.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

What a contrast! I love the hymn Ave Maria but did you notice that Ave is Eva reversed? Yes, Mary reversed the curse that was brought upon us humans by the fall of Adam and Eve. It's explained above much better than I can say it but the thought that comes to my mind is from Scripture:

Gen 3:15 I will put enmities between thee and the woman, and thy seed and her seed: she shall crush thy head, and thou shalt lie in wait for her heel.

Right in the beginning of the Bible, God is already telling us about Mary; that the devil and Mary will be adversaries; that there will be a war between Satan and Jesus; that she will crush the devils head (meaning that God has given her the power to defeat the devil); and that we (her heel) shall also be involved in this supernatural struggle. We will be tempted and tormented by the evil one but by consecrating ourselves to Mary's Immaculate Heart she will protect us from harm. Where is Jesus in all this,you ask? He is God and has already won the battle! He saved us by suffering and dying for our sins! He has opened the gates of the Father's Kingdom for us. All we have to do is what our Lady said at Cana: "Do what my Son tells you!" (John 2:5)
Blessings+
Deacon John

CHAPTER XIII: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

On the lighter side:
Once upon a time there took place this very important Melon-Eating Contest. A top prize of $3,500 (35 - $100.-- bills) will be awarded to the winner.
The stack of money was lying there on the table--on the ready--. The judges very formal, very serious, very stern supervised the entire proceedings, while the contestants eating melons, till they were blue in the face, dropping out of the contest one by one, as they couldn't eat any more.
Finally there were just two men left--both of them on the heavy side: 250 lbs. plus--looking at each other, wondering who will die first, considering all that they ate.
Presently one of the last contestants whispered to his spouse, sitting along side of him, urging him on just to take another bite, the heavyweight admitted to his mate: "If I eat another bite, I'll die."
One of the judges, very disturbed, cried out:
"Unfair--you are not permitted to convey secrets to anyone during this contest--! You must tell us, my dear woman, what the contestant said to you."
The little lady--after a long pause--with a straight face answered:
"My husband said, he wants some ice-cream on top of the melon." The other remaining contestant exclaimed: "I give up--you win--I quit!"
As the fine bundle of money was placed before the heavy-weight-champion, he said: "Could anyone change a hundred dollar bill--two fifties will do."
He divided the money into two neat stacks of $1,750.-- each and told the amazed congregation, while someone came running with a dish of vanilla ice-cream:
"I'll have to take a rain-check on this ice-cream. I'll eat no more--so then actually we both stopped eating at the same time--it's a dead heat. It is therefore right and just that we divide the purse!"
His loving wife was ready to crown him.
Yes, TRUTH must be served!

* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #13 

Divinity of Jesus Christ

And Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda. And she entered into the house of Zachary and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost. And she cried out with a loud voice and said: "Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1:39-43)

THE DIVINITY OF JESUS CHRIST: Elizabeth, inspired by the Holy Ghost, testified to the Divinity of Jesus when she called Mary the Mother of God; for, if Mary is the Mother of God, her Son must be God.

MARY IS THE MOTHER OF GOD: The Holy Ghost has called her so by the mouth of Elizabeth. The dignity of the Mother of God is inconceivably high, for, as Mother of God, Mary is nearer than any other creature, nearer even than the highest angel, to the Blessed Trinity. Mary, being nearest of all creatures to God, who is the source of all dignity and grace, holds the highest place amongst all creatures in the kingdom of God, and is the Queen of all Saints.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Lots to think about here. Our Lady was the first Christian to do a visitation! And she brought Jesus with her (in her womb).
I had a home-bound ministry years ago, when I lived in Queens, New York. After Mass on certain days I would do a "visitation", bringing Jesus (in the Eucharist) to someone who couldn't get to Mas because of illness or old age. I really loved do that! I would read some scripture to them, give a little meditation, pray the 'Lord's Prayer' together and then give Holy Communion. It was a simple ritual but very grace filled, not only for the recipient but for me too! Some of the folks became my dear friends too and I would visit them on other occasions. See how Our lady teaches us! She is a good model to follow because she was "full of grace!"
Blessings+
Deacon John

CHAPTER XIV: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

Once upon a time, there was this very unhappy citizen, in a large city, his car was parked in a 'difficult' neighborhood, he had just made a delivery. As he returned to his auto, he looked, he didn't believe his eyes: all four tires and wheels were gone--disappeared.
"Mama mia! What am I going to do now? How can I get home?"
In his glove-compartment he found a black chalk. He wrote these words on the back-window of his car:

"Dear Thief:
"Thank you for stealing my 4 tires and wheels!
"If I should be unfortunate enough to go to hell--I expect to see you there.
"And please, remind me there in hell--to knock the hell out of you."

The man simply sat in his vehicle, he just waited to see what else would happen--for better or for worse. He was an ex-prize-fighter, a heavy-weight no less. Yes indeed, he prayed to St. Anthony:

"Something is lost that should be found--please St. Anthony look around."

After several hours a teen-ager approached his car, knocked on the window and told him:
"I know who stole your wheels--I'll get him to bring them back to you." And the young man was gone.
Sure enough, the tires and wheels were back in short order.
"Thank you St. Anthony!" After one receives the lost articles, one must give to the poor 'the promised amount of money'--or you will not find your lost article next time!
Yes, St. Anthony pays off like a good slot-machine!

* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #14 

Blessed Virgin Mary

Unknown Master, Flemish Visitation.
Groeninge Museum, Bruges

And Mary said: "My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed." (Luke 1:46-48)

VENERATION OF THE MOTHER OF GOD: In the Magnificat Mary said prophetically: "From henceforth all generations shall call me blessed." This prophecy has been fulfilled in the Catholic Church, for our holy Church honors Our Lady by special feasts and special devotions. How would it be possible not to pay honor to her whom God raised to such a high dignity, and praised in such a manner by the mouths of Gabriel and Elizabeth! Our Veneration of the holy Mother of God is well founded both on Holy Scripture and on reason.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Yes, all generations will call Our Lady "Blessed", because she is our Mother too; and what child does not honor his or her mother? But there is more to this honor because here is a Mother who was and is a virgin for all eternity too! Did you know that the birth of Jesus was miraculous? After nine months in Mary's womb, in that cold stable on Christmas morning, Jesus was born miraculously; one instant He was inside His Mother Mary and the next instant He was in her arms!
There's a beautiful Advent prayer that has been recited by the Church in its Divine Office called Matins for hundreds of years. It goes like this:
Receive, O Virgin Mary, the word which hath been communicated to thee by the Lord through the angel: thou shalt conceive, and bear a son, who shall be both God and man: That thou mayest be called blessed among all women.
Yea, thou shalt bear a son, and shalt suffer no detriment in thy virginity: thou shalt be with child, and shalt become a mother, remaining ever a virgin undefiled.
Glory be . . .

I pray this prayer every day of Advent in "The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary!" You could too!
Blessings+
Deacon John

CHAPTER XV: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

Picture: The Late Bishop Hnilca with the Late Pope John Paul II

Regarding OUR LADY OF FATIMA teaching program, may I share this incident with you:
In my apostolate with the U.S. Pilgrim Virgin Statue, explaining the story and message of Our Lady not only in the churches but also in the parochial schools, this time I had before me students of the 3rd grade, about 9 years of age.
The point in question was to convey to the children, that Our Lady of Fatima is the same Mother of God, as Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of La Salette, and so forth.
I could see, the children somehow didn't catch it; they thought they were all different "Ladies."
Finally I used this simple example, I told them:
"Supposing Our Blessed Mother Mary would come from Heaven and appear to you all, right here in this classroom in this town. Now, what is the name of this town?"
"Lake Charles," answered one little girl.
"What state are we in?" I wanted to know, to prove a point.
"Louisiana" was the quick answer.
I summarized it all saying: "So then we would call Mother Mary, 'Our Lady of Lake Charles, La'."
One little girl--yes 9 years old--raised her hand and wanted to know: "How come you are so dumb? You don't even know what town we are in--you don't even know what state you are in."
"Well--you see, my dear, I am not as smart as your daddy is."
"Oh," she answered, "My daddy he ain't that smart. You know what my Mama says, she say--he kinda stupid. I don't want to say it--but you kinda stupid too!" - - -

. . . 'Out of the mouths of children' . . .

* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #15 

Hail Mary . . .

And she cried out with a loud voice and said: "Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb." (Luke 1:42)

IT IS ON ACCOUNT OF HER DIVINE SON THAT WE HONOR MARY: When the Holy Ghost, by the mouth of Elizabeth, said: "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb (Jesus)", He testified to the close connexion that lies between the veneration of the Mother and the worship of the Son. It is because Mary is the Mother of God that she is so full of grace, and entitled to the love and veneration of all who love and worship Jesus; and all the honor which we pay to her, returns to her Divine Son. On the other hand, those who despise and depreciate Mary depreciate thereby our Lord Jesus Christ. The Church has added St. Elizabeth's words (Blessed is the fruit of thy womb) to the Angelical Salutation, to prove that the veneration of Mary is inseparable from the veneration and worship of Jesus Christ.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]

(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Yes, when we pray the Hail Mary, we are quoting Scripture! The first part of the prayer is from St. Luke, Chapter 1, verse 28: "Hail, [Mary] full of grace, the Lord is with thee"; the second part is from verse 42: "Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb [Jesus]".
Then we ask Our Lady to "pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death!" We certainly need someone to be our advocate at the Judgment; who else is better than Jesus' Mother! She might even open the back door for you to let you in to Heaven :-)
What's so wonderful about this prayer, the Hail Mary, is that when it is prayed in the Holy Rosary, it becomes a miniature Gospel where we can meditate on the Mysteries of the life of Jesus and Mary. After each Hail Mary recited we could add some scripture verse or insert the Mystery like "Jesus was born in Bethlehem," etc. This way the Rosary becomes a powerful contemplative prayer to help us grow in spirituality. Try it, you will get to love it!
Blessings+
Deacon John

CHAPTER XVI: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

Actual photo of Fatima Witnesses

Many of us have seen the "Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima" movie, either on T.V. or in the movie-theaters, also these High School students I instructed one day did see the film as it was shown in their auditorium.
During my question-period on the subject, one of the students came up with a very good point and question on this delicate observation:
As you will recall from the movie, the sun was spinning in the sky for--about 10 minutes, while all colors of the rainbow covered the countryside. Then suddenly the sun loosed itself from its position and came down towards the earth. The people thought it was the end of the world, they fell on their knees, asking God's forgiveness; all at once the sun stopped, and returned to its position in the firmament.
Many people were suddenly healed, a woman cried out: "My husband, I can see you!" She had been totally blind.
Throwing away his crutches, a teen-ager yelled out: "Mother, I can walk again!"
It had been raining from the night before, right up to noon, when the great miracle began to take place. Of course, these 100,000 people standing mud-deep in the rain, were all wet to the skin. They all were awaiting the miracle--which was foretold months ago to the Three Fatima Children by Our Lady.
You can imagine the joy of the multitude--but now they realized they were all perfectly dry and clean, as if they had just stepped out of a dry-cleaner. (Of course they were all muddy, falling on the ground on their knees, asking God's forgiveness, as the sun seemingly came down upon the earth.)
In fact one 'devils advocate,' a Msgr. questioned this miracle, stating, perhaps the people were mass-hypnotized. Said one by-stander:
"Was the earth and the clothing hypnotized too--as the earth & clothing was suddenly dry? - - - (Tah-tah-tah-)
This incredible Miracle of the Sun was seen within a radius of some 15 miles from Fatima, Portugal. The rest of the world did not see it! Headlines and pictures appeared in the news-papers in Lisbon, the capital. The New York Times simply reported that an unusual event occurred at Fatima, Portugal, on Page 27. (Seemingly not believing one ounce of it all.)
So, one of the High-school students asked this very good question: "How did God do this? All this was seen by the people living near there and the rest of the world did not see it--well then how is this possible?"
"You know very well--God can do all things," I told him "So then, some day, when you get to Heaven--make sure you'll make it--get Jesus into a little corner and just ask Him! 'How did you do that?' He'd be very glad to tell you."
Again--if you don't want to believe this Miracle of the Sun, that's your tough luck! - - -

* * *
There are indeed many, many books written on this subject of Fatima. The champion and advocate on the Fatima Message has been "The Blue Army"--World Apostolate of Fatima--Washington, N.J. 07882. You may obtain books from them, especially the ones written by: Mr. John M. Haffert, [RIP+] founder of this marvelous organization. Or, contact www.tanbooks.com.

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #16 

The Visitation

And Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda. (Luke 1:39)

PROMPT SERVICE: Mary went to Elizabeth in haste, because her loving sympathy and desire to be of assistance impelled her to go to her cousin with as little delay as possible. Her example teaches us that we should never be dilatory in the performance of any good work. Let us never put off till tomorrow what we can do today.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

This Mystery of the Visitation is the Second Mystery of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. That's why I said before that the Rosary is a miniature Gospel! And more so because it lets us home in on the story and meditate on it. You say "you don't know how to meditate?" It's so simple. First read the story in the Gospel. The Visitation story is in St. Luke, chapter 1, starting at verse 39. Now place yourself in the scene. You could be behind a tree or just there as a visitor. Think about the words that are exclaimed by Our Lady and her cousin St. Elizabeth. Picture yourself as part of the scene and what would you say if Our Lady spoke to you. Think about the two infants in the wombs of Mary and Elizabeth and what are they thinking. Why did St. John the Baptist jump in his mother's womb? What was Jesus, the God-Man doing at this time? There's so much to think about, that before you know it, the ten Hail Mary's you were reciting will be over and you have to start the next decade. Enjoy praying! It is our communication with God!
Blessings to all+
Deacon John

CHAPTER XVII: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

Once upon a time--to be exact on November 11, 1967. The Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, arrived from Fatima, Portugal in Columbus, Ohio. It was blessed originally--on May 13, '67 by Pope Paul VI, of happy memory, when he visited Fatima.
In the fall of the same year it was brought by the Bishop of Fatima himself as a gift to the U.S.A., when Archbishop John Carberry received it in grand procession at the Cathedral in Columbus.
Thousands of people were waiting, inside and outside at the Cathedral for the arrival ceremonies of the official "U.S. Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima." There were headlines in the secular newspapers (I still have a copy) with pictures on the front page. The local T.V. Station had given us a half hour Sunday afternoon--A-1 time--to explain about it all--fantastic--!
A very mean-looking man was walking up and down in front of the Cathedral steps with a large sign on his chest, chained around his neck. In large print it declared words from the Bible:
"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image." Exodus, 20. Chapter 4. Verse.
In those days I was in charge of the seminar, awaiting the Statue's arrival. Jack Messmar, a great devotee of Mary, was actually singularly responsible that the Statue was brought to Columbus, Ohio; his 13 children were all there too--so little Jacinta, the youngest came running to me, telling me the bad news. What are we going to do?
I went down the steps of the Cathedral to the man with the chain and pulled on it, he fell one way I the other, he was ready to come after me, but the older sons of Jack Messmar intervened, they held him, the police came took him away. The newspapers made quite a story of this incident . . .
The irony of it all: yes, there is such a quotation in the Bible, and the man was quite correct in his statement on his sign.
So, then, why do we Catholics have statues and why do we have this Statue of Our Lady traveling all over this country for more than 20 years? - - -
Please won't you read the next chapter--it'll explain it all in full detail. Tah-tah-tah-!

* * *
You may obtain books on Fatima Statues and Statues as well from: "The Blue Army" Washington, N.J. 07882.

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #17 

Humility & Pride

"Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Because he that is mighty hath done great things to me: and holy is his name." (Luke 1:48-49)

THE HUMILITY OF MARY: Although Mary was the Mother of God, she hastened to visit her cousin, to congratulate her and minister to her. And when Elizabeth received her so reverently, and praised her as Mother of God, Mary called herself God's handmaid, and gave all the glory to Him, magnifying His power, His mercy and His truth.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Oh! To be ever so humble! "Jesus, meek and humble of Heart, make my heart like unto Thine!" A beautiful prayer that's good to say when we are either full of pride or ready to take some revenge. Our Lady imitated Jesus 100%. She was humble right from the beginning and even to her Dormation. As we have seen it was especially at the Annunciation and Visitation that she showed this humility, but there were many other times in her life that this virtue was seen. How about when Joseph, her spouse, wanted to divorce her when he saw that she was with Child. How about the time Mary came to where Jesus was preaching and Jesus said "who is my mother? All those who do the Will of my Father in Heaven!" Or at the wedding feast of Cana when Jesus said to her: "Woman, what is that to me and to thee? My hour is not yet come." [John 2:4] After Mary had said "Son, they have no wine!" She immediately told the waiters to do what Jesus would tell them. Amazing. And at the foot of the Cross, watching her Son dying a horrible death. What humility! In all these instances, any other person, whether man or woman, would be distraught, argue back or have a fit! Mary was free from Original Sin! That's the difference. Our fallen nature would be full of pride and rebellion!
So the lesson I have learned from Mary is to try to imitate Jesus and be humble of heart. It doesn't always work with me but that's why the Lord gave us the Sacrament of Confession.
There's a beautiful prayer taught to us by St. Peter that I say often: O God, who resist the proud, and bestowest Thy grace on the humble; grant us the virtue of true humility, which Thy Only-begotten Son showed to the faithful an example in Himself that we may never provoke Thee to anger by our pride, but rather receive through humility the gift of Thy grace. Amen.

CHAPTER XVIII: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

Why do Catholics have Statues & Pictures?

In the book of Exodus, the second book in the Old Testament, in the

25. Chapter--18. Verse, God is speaking to Moses: "Make two Cheribims (Angels) of beaten gold for the two ends of the propitatory." (Statues of Angels.)

26. Chapter--1. Verse, God is again speaking to Moses: "The Dwelling itself you shall make out of sheets woven of fine linen twined and of violet, purple and scarlet yarn, with CHERUBIM EMBROIDERED ON THEM." (Pictures of Angels.)

26. Chapter--31. Verse, God is again speaking to Moses: "You shall have a veil of woven violet, purple and scarlet yarn, and of fine linen twined, with Cherubim embroidered on it."

It is interesting to read in detail the building of the Temple of God, as Solomon, in all his glory, is carrying out the construction of it: King III. (2 Chronicles Protestant Bible).

"The wings of these Cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits and the stood on their feet, and their faces were inward . . . and he made the veil of blue . . . and fine linen, and wrought Cherubim thereon . . . And all the walls of the Temple round about he carved with divers figures and carvings . . ."

So, it may be surprising to one and all just how many statues and pictures there are in the first celestial structure, the Temple of God!

21. Chapter--8. Verse, Book of Numbers, God is speaking once again to Moses: "Make a seraph and mount it on a pole, and anyone who has been bitten (by a snake) looks at it, he will recover." Moses accordingly made a bronze serpent (bronze stature) and mounted it on a pole . . . (This very symbol to this day is a Doctor's emblem, called the 'CADUCEUS').

When the chosen people of God made a golden calf and adored it. this then was out of order. Also, when they would adore the images of Baal, the god of the heathens, this was forbidden.

As it was told in the last chapter, God gave us the 10 Commandments telling us in the 20. Chapter 4. & 5. Verses:

". . . You shall not bow down before them or worship them."

To summarize: In other words, if we were to ADORE statues--this then would be out of order. Certainly we are not going to ADORE a piece of clay or wood or whatever a statue is made of.

We have Fatima statues, etc., reminding us how Our Blessed Mother looked, when she visited the three children of Fatima. Almighty God honored Mary first--this is why we honor her--and likewise honor the Saints.

* * *

You may wish to check these quotations in your Bible.

* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #18  

THE MAGNIFICAT

(Luke 1:46-55)

THE MAGNIFICAT: Our Lady's canticle of praise is called the "Magnificat," because in Latin it begins with that word. This canticle of praise is always sung at Vespers, and we ought to join in it with devotion and joy, in thanksgiving to God for the gift of His Son, and for all the great graces of Redemption.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

I love this prayer of Our Lady. She exclaimed it at the Visitation in response to St. Elizabeth's question: "Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord." (Luke 1:42-45).
See what I mean about praying the Rosary! When we meditate on the Mystery, these beautiful images come into our mind, a miniature Gospel!
I've been praying the Magnificat for many years, sometimes three times a day: When I pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary; when I pray the Legion of Mary prayers (I'm an auxiliary member) and when I pray Vespers with the Liturgy of the Hours, the official Prayer of the Church.
Some Saints suggest that we also pray it at Holy Communion time, when we have Jesus in our hearts just like Mary did.
Try it, you'll love it!
Deacon John

CHAPTER XIX: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

Our Blessed Mother requested at Fatima--we should say this beautiful, all-important prayer after each "Glory be to the Father" 5 times on the Rosary:
"Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy."

AND--Our Lady furthermore requested 6 times at the 6 Fatima apparitions to recite the ROSARY DAILY!

I asked one beloved Msgr. one day: "Do you say the Rosary, Msgr.?"
"Oh, yes indeed!" He answered.
"How often, Msgr., if I may ask."
"At least once a year, always at a funeral." Mama mia! Our Lady wished that we'd say the Rosary EVERY DAY!

Lately, Mother Mary even recommended--to make up for those people who don't want to recite any Rosaries--to recite the entire 15 decade Rosary daily! - - -

A certain Mrs. Noelie Williams--God rest her soul--used to pray 4 five-decade Rosaries every day.
"How can you get yourself to recite that many Rosaries daily?"
She simply answered: "You just make up your mind to do it and that's it--no problem!"

* * *
You may obtain beautiful & inspiring books on the Rosary by contacting: "The Blue Army" Washington, N. J. 07882. Also from www.tanbooks.com.
* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #19 

United with the Lord

"And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1:43)

HUMILITY IN RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION: Elizabeth was quite right to consider it a great and undeserved honor that the Mother of her Lord should enter her house. How much greater and more undeserved is the grace which is given to us of receiving our Lord Himself into our hearts in Holy Communion! Then, indeed, we ought to think and say: "Whence is this that my Lord and my God should come to me!"

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Yes, this is a great grace! Who would ever think that our loving God would come to us in the form of a small white Host! But then again who would ever think that He would decide to save us by coming as an Infant in a stable in Bethlehem! When we receive Jesus in Holy Communion, we are receiving the God-Man into our bodies and souls. The Blessed Virgin Mary carried Him in her womb for nine months; we can carry Jesus in our hearts and souls every day of our lives! How? Daily Mass! It's the greatest gift we have on this planet earth! At every moment throughout the world, a priest is celebrating a Mass and saying the words: "This is my Body; This is my Blood." At that moment the Holy Spirit changes the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ! Believe it! It will get you to Heaven!
Blessings+
Deacon John

CHAPTER XX: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

Science and the Rosary:

May I retell this important incident--which proves a point!!!
Over a hundred years ago a university student found himself seated in a train by the side of a person who seemed to be a well-to-do peasant. He was praying the Rosary and moving the beads in his fingers.
"Sir, do you still believe in such outdated things?" asked the student of the old man.
"Yes I do. Do you not?" asked the old man.
The student burst out in laughter and said:
"I do not believe in such silly things. Take my advice. Throw the Rosary out through the window, and learn what science has to say about it."
"Science? I do not understand this science? Perhaps you can explain it to me," the man said humbly with some tears in his eyes.
The student saw that the stranger was deeply moved. So to avoid further hurting the feelings of the man, he said:
"Please give me your address and I will send you some literature to help you on the matter."
The old gentleman fumbled in the inside pocket of his coat and gave the young man his visiting card. On glancing at the card, the student bowed his head in shame and became silent. On the card he read:
"Louis Pasteur, Director of the Institute of Scientific Research, Paris."

-- -- --
The more a scientist discovers the marvelous laws of nature--the more he will accept the existence of God. Simply because every law has a LAW-GIVER. And who is this law-giver, except Almighty God!
* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #20 

Zachary

But the angel said to him: "Fear not, Zachary, for thy prayer is heard: and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son. And thou shalt call his name John."
(Luke 1:13)

THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD: His promise to Zachary: "Thy wife shall bear thee a son," was faithfully kept. The punishment of dumbness pronounced on Zachary, because of his doubt, was accompanied by the promise that his dumbness should cease on the day when all that the angel had foretold came to pass. This promise also was exactly fulfilled, for the moment Zachary asserted that the child's name was John, his tongue was loosed, and he was able once more to speak. The instant that he obediently executed the angel's command: "Thou shall call his name John," speech was restored to him.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Zachary was a devout Jewish priest who did his duty. But is that all a priest or even a deacon, is supposed to do? I think not. The priesthood has changed with the New Covenant. Jesus Christ, the High Priest, has instituted a priesthood of total service and sacrifice. Now the priest marries the Church, the Body of Christ, and gives himself totally as a chaste spouse. Always "on call", he serves God's people night and day, never thinking of himself, actually putting himself second to others needs. His first duty is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Each day he celebrates the "Last Supper" and offers his and our intentions to the Father through Christ Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Awesome! A priest's dignity is beyond comprehension. He is an "alter Christus" another Christ! In that image he will imitate the Lord is His total sacrifice in saving souls. He will preach, baptize, anoint and forgive us our sins in the name of Christ. I doubt that the world could go on for another minute without the holy priesthood offering the Holy Sacrifice each day!
Me? I'm a deacon, ordained to serve and assist the priests in their ministry. Sure, I can baptize and witness marriages, but I cannot offer the Mass or hear confessions, or even anoint with the Sacrament of the Sick. But I'm happy because God has called me to what I love to do, serve the holy priesthood.
Blessings+
Deacon John

CHAPTER XXI: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM  

THE WARNING . . .

At Fatima, Our Blessed Mother gave us first that beautiful PROMISE:
"In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph--Russia will be converted--and a period of Peace will be given to the World!"
But Our Lady also gave us the other side of the coin. (As in the Scriptures--there is heaven & hell.)

Mary said at Fatima in 1917: "If my requests are not granted:
1. "Another more terrible war will come in the pontificate of the next Holy Father. (The second World War 1939 to 1945.)
2. "Entire nations will be destroyed.
3. "The good will be martyred and persecuted.
4. "The Holy Father will have much to suffer. (Consider the mental sufferings of Pope Paul IV, the Physical sufferings of Pope John Paul II; he was shot 5 times on May 13, 1981--on the Fatima anniversary date of May 13, 1917, when Our Lady appeared the first time at the Cova.)
5. "Russia will spread her errors throughout the World." And Russia has spread her communistic venom throughout the World!
It seems lately, in recent years, Our Blessed Mother is telling us in various ways, in recent apparitions:
"The time is NOW!
"Repent NOW!
"Come back--COME BACK HUMANITY!"
"Sufferings will come SOON!"
Our Lady is saying all this with tears in her eyes. Consider the many weeping Madonna-Statues throughout the World. Bishops have declared these copious weepings as believable!
In Japan the Bishop of Akita declared publicly that Our Lady's statue wept there 101 times! (See below for explanation.)
Many Bishops have examined these phenomenon and found them to be authentic.
Books have been written on this subject, perhaps the most outstanding is the one by the famous author: Father Albert Hebert, S.M. from New Orleans, La--"The Tears of Mary and Fatima--WHY?"

* * *
You may obtain Father Hebert's book and other books on Mary from www.alibris.com and www.tanbooks.com.

The latest Book "Akita" by John Haffert cab be obtained from www.101foundation.com.
(Note: In Akita, Japan, on September 28, 1981, Sister Agnes (main seer) suddenly felt the presence of the Angel at her side during the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. She did not see the Angel in person, but a Bible appeared open before her eyes and she was invited to read a passage (Genesis 3:15) . . . the voice of the Angel was heard explaining in sort of a preamble that the passage had relationship with the tears of Mary, then continued:
"There is a meaning to the figure one hundred and one. This signifies that sin came into the world by a woman and it is also by a woman that salvation came into the world. The zero between the two signifies the Eternal God Who is from all eternity until eternity. The first one represents Eve, the last the Virgin Mary.")
+++

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #21 

Zachary cont.

"And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt, go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways:" (Luke 1:76)

THE DIVINITY OF JESUS CHRIST: Inspired by the Holy Ghost, Zachary in his canticle of praise and thanksgiving testifies to the divine nature of the Redeemer. If John was to be the prophet of the "Highest," and to go before the face of the "Lord," then is the Savior of whom this was foretold both Lord and Highest, or, in other words, God.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

The Canticle of Zachary (St. Luke1:68-79) is prayed by the whole Church in its Liturgy of the Hours at Lauds (Morning Prayer). I've prayed it daily since 1983, when I was introduced to this official prayer of the Church during my formation to being ordained a deacon. Would you like to be united with all the priests, deacons, Brothers & Sisters in prayer? This would be a great way to do it. Many lay folk are discovering the beauty of these prayers which are mainly made up of the Psalms, some Scripture and some Saintly meditation. There are four volumes to the Office (corresponding to the Seasons of the Church year) but you can purchase a one volume edition which covers it all too. Once you start using this wonderful prayer, you will grow in your knowledge of the faith and obtain much grace and indulgences. Try it! I think you will fall in love with the Psalms as I did, and remember, these were the prayers that Our Lord uttered in his short 33 years of His ministry, especially from the Cross: i. e. "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Psalm 22)
God bless your efforts+
Deacon John

CHAPTER XXII: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM  

Why is the Mother of Jesus Weeping?--Why does Mother Mary weep?--Just as Our Lady wept at the foot of the Cross because of Jesus' sufferings--for the sins of the world--. So today, history is repeating itself--so to speak--again Mary weeps because we are not listening and she knows Almighty God is deeply offended--and she knows what is to be--what is in store--the punishment of mankind--so many souls are lost for all eternity!
Yes, Mary weeps not for Jesus' sufferings--but she weeps for us, her children. Didn't Jesus also weep at Gethsemane? And again He wept over the destruction of Jerusalem! - - -
Somehow people forget that Mary's body is in Heaven--not only her soul! In fact from the New Testament on, we know that the many Saints' bodies are not in Heaven--only their glorified souls--! Although a number of their bodies have been miraculously preserved here on earth, as St. Bernadette from Lourdes, France; St. Clare at Assisi, Italy dead over 700 years, and many more.
Yes, Mary is in Heaven body and soul--so Jesus & Mary are really the only ones in Heaven with body and soul--! (From the New Testament on.)
So this matter of weeping then is really possible--it is not just a sort of make believe vision--.
Considering the many recent apparitions, the many copious weepings of Statues of Our Lady, and actual weepings of Mary in so many apparitions, one wonders why so? - - -
Our Lady is [was] appearing to Father Gobbi in the Marian Movement of Priests--Our Lady Speaks to her Beloved Priests--: You may have read this in those pages where Mother Mary is telling us--MARY IS PREPARING US FOR THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST--! - - -

__ __ __
P.S. Not so long ago it happened--it was reported in the Catholic newspapers and periodicals: In Hungary a woman had an apparition of Our Lady and this woman said:
"Our Blessed Mother was weeping so violently, I could hardly understand what She was saying!"
* * *
The Marian book: "Our Lady Speaks to Her Beloved Priests," THE MARIAN MOVEMENT OF PRIESTS--you may obtain the book from:
http://www.mmp-usa.net/
* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #22 

Birth of John the Baptist

Now Elizabeth's full time of being delivered was come: and she brought forth a son. And her neighbors and kinsfolks heard that the Lord had shewed his great mercy towards her: and they congratulated with her. (Luke 1:57-58)

THE FRIENDLY SYMPATHY of their neighbors and relatives with the joy of the aged couple is worthy of praise. Zachary and Elizabeth rejoiced that God had heard their prayer and had given them a son; and their friends really and sincerely shared their joy. He who possesses true brotherly love rejoices at the happiness of his fellow creatures. Those who are envious do not know what love means, being full of nothing but selfishness.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

The birth of a child is really a beautiful event! Especially when the child was such a gift from God and unexpected! The parents of John prayed for many years to have a child and God answered their prayers. Of course having a child in your old age is not easy but they had many friends, especially the Blessed Virgin Mary, to assist them. It's a good lesson for us. We need to reach out and help those women who are pregnant or have just delivered a baby, even if they are not blood relatives. We are all brothers and sisters in God's eyes and really need to take care of each other. I spent many days praying in front of an abortion mill, trying to save women from killing their babies. Some did turn around but it was quite sad to see the ones who committed this atrocity. Imagine killing your own child, that gift that God has given you? By the way, if any one reading this did have an abortion, please ask God to forgive you, ask the child who is in heaven now, to forgive you, and forgive yourself, so that one day you can be reunited with that baby in heaven! And why not give the child a name and ask God to baptize your baby. Every day I ask God to baptize all the babies who have been aborted, "that by the blood they have shed", He will baptize them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit+
I was over 40 years old and my wife was 38 when our last child, Elizabeth, was born. She was a surprise gift from God but I knew that exact moment when she was conceived. The reason I say she was a surprise gift is because my wife had lost two children who were still-born and the doctors did not think she could carry a baby full term. It was a real miracle for us and added much joy to our family. Please allow your child to live. He or she is a Gift from the Lord!
Blessings+
Deacon John

CHAPTER XXIII: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

Now comes the difficult subject--stepping on thin ice--where Angels fear to tread:

1. Our Lady said at Fatima: "More souls go to hell because of sins of the flesh, than for any other reason." Sins against the 6th Commandment.
2. Our Lady continued on this subject: "Styles and fashions will be introduced which will offend My Son very much." ('Consider the immodest attire'--! 'Her glory is her shame'--!)
3. Jesus said (St. Matthew 5/27): "You have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Thou shalt not commit adultery.' But I say to you that anyone who so much as looks with lust at a woman has already committed adultery with her in his heart . . ." (So then: What right does it give anyone to be an occasion of sin in their outlandish indecent mode of dress?)
4. Our Blessed Mother also reminded us at Fatima, as we know this to be true from the Old Testament: "War is a punishment from God for sins." (Mainly due to the sins of the flesh?)

If one considers the submissive life-style in today's generation: PORNOGRAPHY--IMMODESTY OF DRESS--X-RATED PICTURES IN THEATERS & T.V.--ABORTION (again it's a sex-related offense)--DRUGS--SUGGESTIVE SHOWS WITH INNUENDOS AGAINST THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT--NEWS-PAPERS, MAGAZINES, THE PRESS TOTALLY DISREGARDING GOD'S LAWS--AS IF THERE IS NO GOD--:

It all adds up to:

How much can we offend Almighty God before He strikes back--as He has done in the past--allowing wars and calamities to chastise us all. Shall we remain silent about all these horrible offenses against our Creator

REMEMBER

Silence condones!

Silence approves!

Silence encourages!

Silence speaks very loudly!

Thank God there are still people who stand on their 'hind legs' and object to all these offenses and are diligently working in the service of Almighty God--the religious as well as faithful laymen and laywomen.

5. Our Lady at Fatima also said: "People must amend their lives and ask pardon for their sins. They must not offend Our Lord anymore for He is already too much offended!"

* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #23 

John in the wilderness by Carravaggio

And the child grew and was strengthened in spirit: and was in the deserts until the day of his manifestation to Israel. (Luke 1:80)

HOLY YOUTH: John spent his youth leading a hermit's life in the desert, till he was thirty years old. Far from the turmoil of the world, he served God with prayer, fasting and contemplation, and grew daily in grace and virtue. Great fortitude was required to lead such a severe and self-denying life for so many years, and therefore the Evangelist says about him that he was "strengthened in spirit." His angelic and innocent youth prepared John for being a worthy preacher of penance and precursor of the Redeemer. O, how lovely a thing is youth passed in innocence!

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Oh, I wish I could say the same! My youth was not too innocent. Actually I had a lot of suffering in my early years. At about 11 I somehow got rheumatic fever and an enlarged heart with something called Sydenham's chorea (also known as "Saint Vitus Dance") and is a disease characterized by rapid, uncoordinated jerking movements affecting primarily the face, feet and hands. At one point I was placed in an oxygen tent with a 107 degree temperature. The doctors told my mother I would not live too long. God had other ideas for me cause I'm still here at almost 72 years old now! The great "miracle drug" penicillin was given to me three times a day and little by little I came around and was cured!
But there were months and months of being in hospitals and convalescent camps that really kept me from having a childhood like other kids. I wasn't allowed to play any sports, go hiking and even in school I was placed in a special class for sickly kids. In High School, I was given an elevator pass, which was really special. My education was really a mess too, as I missed so much schooling in those years. Religious education was another thing that was out of my young life. When I made my Confirmation, I was in a wheel chair, in the Sacristy, reading a comic book. When it was my turn to be confirmed, someone wheeled me out to the Bishop, who anointed me, and then I returned to the Sacristy. I missed out on a lot of party's and good kid fun stuff.
So what I'm saying is that due to my sickness, I also did not get into all the trouble that the other kids in the neighborhood did. But I'm not a saint either cause actually, I didn't think about God too much either. The funny thing was if I did do something bad, a sin, I would worry that my father (who had died when I was about 6 years old) was seeing me from heaven and I resolved to be better.
It wasn't until I was about 29 years old that I started to think about God and started to read the Bible and changed my life style (conversion). Then came the fasting, prayer and contemplation, like John the Baptist. Then came years of penance and spiritual growth until God in Christ through Our Lady called me to serve as a deacon. By then I was in my 40's and after 4 years of formation, was ordained at the age of 50 as a Permanent Deacon. God is so wonderful! He makes something out of nothing. He certainly made me what I am and what I will always be, His servant and slave for His greater glory.
Thanks for reading this.
Blessings+
Deacon John

CHAPTER XXIV: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

Therese Neumann

Therese Neumann the Stigmatist and Mystic--her case for canonization is open in Rome. Many miracles happened since her death.

Here is my story, yes, a true story: It was in June 1929--a long time ago--at the Christian Brother's Boarding School: Pensionat St. Joseph, Strebersdorf, Vienna, Austria. Our Physic teacher, a Christian Brother, came into the class-room to give us our final test before graduation, we were shaking in our boots. If we didn't pass we wouldn't graduate! - - -

But lo and behold, the Brother pulled out a secular newspaper from Vienna (it was not a religious paper) and read to us a certain article in it. He put the paper aside and solemnly said:
"If you should forget everything I ever taught you in Physics, so be it--but I want you to remember what I just read to you in this newspaper!
"Most of you will stay here in Vienna--one of you will go to Romania, one to Yugoslavia, one (yours truly) will go to America--wherever you go, wherever you are I want you to follow these astonishing true events in the newspapers, magazines, books--many books will be written about all this."
And somehow we never did get that fearful examination--the time was up and Brother graded us according to our past tests. This event I remember only too well.
It was now 1937, 8 years later--I found myself aboard a ship, the "Matsonia" a passenger luxury liner going from San Francisco to Honolulu, Hawaii; it was announced on the loud-speaker there would be Mass in the lounge Sunday morning at 11 a.m., only one Mass.
Including the crew there were about 900 people aboard. I wondered, how are they all going to fit into that small lounge, since 25% of the people in this country are Catholic--there must be about 225 Catholics aboard.
To my utter amazement there were exactly 9 passengers at the Sacrifice of the Mass and 3 crew-members: the executive officer, the deck-steward, who was the altar-boy, and yours truly.
Somehow this lack of attendance shook me up so much--I recall--I was standing at the after-deck of the ship that night, just thinking. - - - It was my time of that big temptation--to give up my Faith. (It seems each person one time in his life is tempted in some manner--as the devil works over-time.) This was my dark hour of the soul. How can these 12 people be right and all these hundreds of them be wrong? - - -

Late that night I finally turned in, went down to the 'glory-hole,' the crew's quarters, I picked up a magazine, just to have something to read--I knew I couldn't sleep--. . .
It was the "Ken" Magazine, issue June 18, 1936. I still remember--in the center-spread there it was: pictures and detailed account about THERESE NEUMANN, the stigmatist: this recalled to me--the article in the Vienna newspaper which the Christian Brother had read to us 8 years ago!
The article stated, since Christmas of 1927--9 years ago--Therese Neumann has been unable to eat:--no food, not even water, or any liquids could she consume, it just wouldn't go down. She tried to eat at the repeated requests of her worried mother--but to no avail--. The Doctor informed the family, Therese had the Stigmata, she is a mystic, science cannot explain this mysterious phenomenon. Her only source of nourishment is the daily Holy Communion!
On an average of 30 Fridays of a year, Therese would undergo the passion and sufferings of the crucifixion of Our Lord. Her stigmatized palms, feet, and side would gush forth blood, as she visualizes and experiences the actual passion and crucifixion of Jesus. And she quotes the very words of Our Lord in the exact Aramaic dialect as Jesus spoke them from the Cross. This phenomenon begins Thursday evening about 11:30 p.m. and continues to 3 p.m. Friday (when Jesus expires).
Doctors who have examined Therese on Good Friday, stated that her heart stopped beating. She would revive again on Sunday morning (at Jesus' Resurrection). Believe it or not. - - -
Truly this incredible story goes on and on. I read then every book and article I could get my hands on--yes my Faith was restored!
I had the privilege on June 18, 1962 to visit Therese Neumann with Roseline, my daughter for one hour and 15 minutes! Since I speak the language we discussed many things, including Austria's independence from Russia and "The Do You Know" Fatima leaflet. She requested to add the signed pledge to the leaflet. So far 35,000,000 of these leaflets have been distributed in 7 languages. - - -

Therese Neumann died exactly 3 months later on September 18, 1962.

* * *
You can obtain books about Therese Neumann at any religious book store or from www.tanbooks.com.
* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #24 

THE BENEDICTUS

And Zachary his father was filled with the Holy Ghost. And he prophesied, saying:
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel: because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people.
And hath raised up an horn of salvation to us, in the house of David his servant.
As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, who are from the beginning.
Salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us.
To perform mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy testament.
The oath, which he swore to Abraham our father, that he would grant to us.
That being delivered from the hand of our enemies, we may serve him without fear:
In holiness and justice before him, all our days.
And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt, go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways:
To give knowledge of salvation to his people, unto the remission of their sins.
Through the bowels of the mercy of our God, in which the Orient from on high hath visited us:
To enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death: to direct our feet into the way of peace." (Luke 1:67-79)

THE BENEDICTUS is the name given to Zachary's canticle of praise. It is a splendid song of thanksgiving for the blessing of redemption, and is therefore daily recited by the priests of the Church in their office at Lauds. In this prayer Zachary exhibits a truly priestly mind. He does not think of himself or of his own happiness, or of the honor which are brought to him by the birth of such a son. His thoughts are occupied by the salvation which God had prepared for the whole world; and he regards his son only in the light of the prophet and precursor, whose birth heralded the near approach of the Saviour.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Because this Canticle proclaimed by Zachary starts with "Blessed" it is called the "Benedictus!" I've been praying it now for over 25 years and the Holy Spirit has engraved it into my mind so that I can repeat it often in contemplation. Thank you, dear Lord!
As you know the story of Zachary, the father of St. John the Baptist, I won't repeat it here but just want to point out that when he lost his ability to speak, Zachary must have also lost his hearing too because in St. Luke 1:62 it says: 'And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.'
If he wasn't deaf, then they would have just asked him what name would he want the child called and Zachary would have wrote it down.
So when he said "John", 'immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed: and he spoke, blessing God.' St. Luke 1:64.
It's an amazing story and a good lesson to us: Do what God wants and don't hesitate or turn back, especially if the Almighty is calling you to a great deed! But always get spiritual guidance and be obedient to the director because God will honor your obedience more than if you decide to go it alone. Obedience to the Church gives great glory to God! Amen.
Blessings+
Deacon John

CHAPTER XXV: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

"Just WHY do you have CONFESSION the Sacrament of Reconciliation?"

This seems to be the big stumbling block to many people who would enter the Church except they cannot accept or understand Confession. - - -

In our "Evidence Guild Apostolate" we used to give this brief answer" (perhaps the answer is a bit different than the catechism gives it.)
When Jesus gave us the Sacrament of Baptism--which forgives all sins Our Lord could have told us, when you sin again, simply be baptized again and have your sins forgiven. But Jesus said in St. John's Gospel: (Chapter 20; 21. Verse) Speaking to the Apostles:
"Peace be to you! As the Father has sent me, I also send you." When He had said this, He breathed upon them.
"Receive the Holy Spirit:
WHOSE SINS YOU SHALL FORGIVE,
THEY ARE FORGIVEN THEM;
AND WHOSE SINS YOU SHALL RETAIN,
THEY ARE RETAINED."
(In the Protestant Bible, the word "remit" is used instead of "forgive.")
This is then why St. James in his Epistle said: (Chapter 5 Verse 16): "Confess, therefore, your sins to one another . . ." Even Priests and Bishops and Cardinals and the Pope--confess to each other!

May I give this example: Supposing a penitent comes to St. Peter and tells him, now that Jesus gave Peter the power to forgive sins--please, then, forgive my sins. Of course Peter has to tell the penitent, "Just what are your sins. Jesus gave me two powers: to forgive and not to forgive--I must know what the sins are to make a judgment!" (that's a verbal Confession).
The penitent might tell Peter, he had stolen 100 dinarius, silver coins. Peter might tell him, yes, your sins are forgiven, but you must return the silver coins. The man may tell Peter, "Oh no, I won't return the money."
Naturally St. Peter would simply say:
"No problem: your sins are then not forgiven!"
You see, many people forget that the Priest has two powers in the confessional: to forgive and not to forgive. Of course in order to exercise their power the people have to tell their sins just as a judge has to know the offense committed in order to make a judgment.
May I tell you this true story that happened years ago:

I was going to the Panama Canal on a United Fruit Co. Ship, one of the passengers was a Missionary from the Latter-Day-Saints persuasion. He asked me the very question, just why do we have confession? I simply told him because it's in the Bible--Jesus gave us that Sacrament. He said--show me! After much looking through the Gospel of St. John, I finally found it and showed it to the Missionary. Surprisingly he said:
"I have read this passage in the Scriptures many times, maybe over a hundred times--but it never occurred to me: It could mean exactly as you say--the quotation is very clear on Confession." Wow! - - -
And please, don't let's forget the quotation in St. Matthew's Gospel, 16. Chapter, 18. Verse: (Jesus is speaking to St. Peter and His Church): "Whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven, And whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven."

* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #25 

FEAST DAYS

And it came to pass that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost. And she cried out with a loud voice and said: "Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord." And Mary abode with her about three months. And she returned to her own house. Now Elizabeth's full time of being delivered was come: and she brought forth a son. (Luke 1:41-45, 56-57)

BIRTHDAYS AND FEAST-DAYS: The Church celebrates the nativity of St. John the Baptist on June 24th. In the case of other Saints it is not the day of their birth, but the day of their death which is solemnized, this last being the day of their entry into the glory of heaven. The nativity of only two Saints is celebrated, namely, that of our Lady (September 8th), because she was conceived without the stain of sin, and that of St. John the Baptist, because he was filled with the Holy Ghost before his birth, and was thereby cleansed from original sin. We all come into the world the children of wrath, infected by the taint of original sin, and for this reason Catholics do not celebrate their natural birthday so much as the day of their supernatural birth, or their feast day, i. e. the feast of the Saint whose name they received in Baptism. On our feast-day we should thank God not only for having given to us and preserved the life of our body, but also for that supernatural and eternal life to which we were born again in holy Baptism, being hereby made members of His holy Church and heirs of heaven. The name of a Saint was given to us in Baptism, in order that he whose name we bear may intercede for us with God, and that we may have a model before us to imitate.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

So that is great advise above, especially for those who are going bring more children into this world: when you pick out a name for your child, pray about it first, and then God will put a name into your head, especially some Saints name. Choose the first one that comes to mind because a Saint said once that the first inspiration is from God and the second from the devil to confuse you.
I love my name of John, although I don't know for sure which John I was named after, John the Baptist or John the Evangelist! I love them both and have a little of their virtues in me. I love to proclaim Christ and I also love to blog about Christ.
Now my middle name is simpler: Peter and my confirmation name, which I picked out, is Paul. So I have the Big Three: John, Peter, Paul as my intercessors before the Throne of God! I do invoke them every day and I am sure they are praying for me. What a joy it will be (soon) when I get to Heaven and meet them in person. Of course I want to meet all the Saints, especially those who I am devoted to; this could take all eternity to meet them all! :-)
Have a Blessed Christmas+
Deacon John

CHAPTER XXVI: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

The doubter says: "All we need is the Bible--why do we need TRADITION? The Bible is enough! - - - (Once again--here is a short Catholic Evidence Guild platform answer.)

In the Acts of the Apostles, 8. Chapter--30. Verse we read:
"Phillip, running up, heard the Ethiopian, a eunuch--reading (the Scriptures) the prophet Isaias and he said: "Dost thou understand what thou art reading?"
But the Ethiopian said: "Why, how can I, unless someone shows me." And he asked Phillip to sit with him and to explain it."

Indeed there are many things in Scripture, which are difficult to understand, some of it seemingly contradictory--it takes a teacher to EXPLAIN! - - -

We know that St. John the Evangelist--who wrote the 4th Gospel--lived to a very ripe old age. His disciple was St. Polycarp, who was faithfully with St. John for scores of years in his apostolic preaching and teaching.
Now it's self evident that St. Polycarp, hearing for--many years the same sermons and explanations given by St. John, that he would know, remember, verbatim, which the Apostle repeated so many times in his journeys.
NOW--St. Polycarp wrote down many things in his apostolic work. These writings are not, of course, the Bible, however these writings are the beginning of TRADITION--explaining many things which the Bible does not fully explain.
And so, the writings of 'the Doctors of the Church' throughout these many centuries--expounding, explaining the Bible and it's teachings--this is the TRADITION of the Church. Therefore--our Faith is based on the BIBLE & TRADITION!
Tradition is simply the handing down of beliefs, customs, etc. from generation to generation to this day. - - -

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #26 

NATIVITY

Grotto of the Nativity in the Church at Bethlehem.

And it came to pass that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David. To be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child. (Luke 2:1-5)

DIVINE PROVIDENCE: The Prophet Micheas (Old Test. LXX) had foretold that the Saviour would be born at Bethlehem. But how was it likely that this prophecy would be fulfilled, seeing that she who was chosen to be the Mother of the Divine Saviour dwelt at Nazareth? The Providence of God directed that the pagan emperor of Rome should order all his subjects to be enrolled, and that this decree should be executed in Judea at the very time when the Birth of the Redeemer was at hand. Obedient to authority, Mary and Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem to inscribe their names in the city from which originated their royal race, and thus, unwittingly, the Roman emperor was made to take a part in the fulfillment of the prophecy that the redeemer would be born in Bethlehem, the city of David.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

It's amazing how God's Will is done! Not only was Bethlehem the city of David but the meaning of the name Bethlehem is "House of Bread!" And who is the Bread of Life? Jesus, of course, who said "I am the Bread that comes down from Heaven!" And so we eat the "Bread" which has been changed into Christ's Body & Blood. (transubstantiation).
Here is a short explanation: In Roman Catholic theology, transubstantiation (in Latin, transsubstantiatio, in Greek, (metousiosis)) is the change of the substance of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ occurring in the Eucharist while all that is accessible to the senses remain as before.
In other words, at the Consecration in the Holy Mass by the Priest, the bread becomes the Body of Christ and the wine becomes the Blood of Christ. We see the bread and wine with our senses i. e. eyes, nose, and hands or tongue, but supernaturally, hidden under this veil, it is Christ's Flesh and Blood.
Now I always say that God, in His mercy, knows that we are not normally cannibals and we would revolt from seeing the Flesh and Blood, so He hides it under the appearance of the bread and wine. Isn't that wonderful! Then as you eat Jesus Body the Species stays with us as long as a regular piece of bread would stay in our body, maybe about 15 minutes. That's another reason why we should spend some time praying and thanking Almighty God for this great Gift after receiving Holy Communion. Allow Jesus to talk to you at this precious moment in time. Oh, the angels are in wonder as they see us mortals receiving Our Lord and they can't. They must cry when they see so many of us refusing to go to Mass for this great Sacrament! Remembering that Jesus said: "You must eat My Flesh and drink My Blood to have eternal Life", [see St. John 6:53-58] I pray that all peoples will one day believe and receive Christ the Lord in the Holy Eucharist!
God love you+
Deacon John

CHAPTER XXVII: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

For many years ARCHBISHOP FULTON J. SHEEN visited New Orleans, LA in a yearly "forum" held at the auditorium to packed audiences. It was in 1948, I believe, when he gave his first presentation.
The subject:
"God Has a Sense of Humor."
Bishop Sheen developed this topic as only Fulton J. Sheen could develop it!
For instance, the occasion of the marriage feast at Cana. Imagine the pros and cons of the waiters and steward. Where did this wine suddenly come from? "It's Water--we just filled the jars with Water--. No it's Wine--taste it--it can't be--it is--!"
You can just imagine and see Jesus and Mother Mary sitting at the table, a distance away from the water-jars--no--wine-jars saying nothing, taking it all in, holding back the laughter--sitting there as if they just swallowed a canary, watching the whole procedure in happy silence. It certainly must have tickled their funny-bone. . .
One can see again and again--sort of reading between the lines--of the Scriptures, indeed God has a sense of humor! - - -
* * *
You can obtain this treasured book: "THE HUMOR OF JESUS" go to: http://www.alba-house.com/.

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #27 

INFANT JESUS

And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them and the brightness of God shone round about them: and they feared with a great fear. And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be to all the people: For, this day is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest: and on earth peace to men of good will. (Luke 2:9-14)

THE DIVINITY OF JESUS CHRIST: Jesus Christ is true Man, born of the Virgin Mary, the child of Mary, the son or descendant of David. But He is also true God, the Son of the Highest, as was announced to the Blessed Virgin by the angel. He shows Himself to our sight as Man, for in the crib we can see nothing but a little child. But He reveals Himself as God to our hearing, for His angels come and announce that this little Child in the crib is the Saviour, Christ the Lord Himself. Therefore let us fall on our knees before the crib, and adore the Child there, saying: "I believe in Jesus Christ, His (the Almighty Father's) only Son, our Lord."

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

It's a great Mystery why God chose to come into the world as a babe in Bethlehem. When we get to Heaven we will certainly find the answer to that question and many other questions too. Actually, eternal life is infinite, because we will be in God and God is infinite. So it will take an eternity to find all the answers to our many questions. But then again, maybe we will be so happy that we wouldn't need any answers.
Jesus came into this world, that He created with the Father and the Holy Spirit, to suffer for our sins. It took a God to redeem us! And He suffered right from the beginning of His birth, by being unwanted by the world, alone with His Mother and Foster-father in a cold cave/stable, in total poverty, not even a bed to lay on, just some straw in a manger. Then we have Herod, who sought to kill Him, and the slaughter of the Innocents, which we celebrate tomorrow. Then the fleeing to a foreign country, Egypt, a strange land with strange customs and languages. Then finally returning to Israel to live a secluded life working as a carpenters Son.
Yes, Our Lord started suffering right from the beginning, He embraced the Cross early to teach us that lesson of what life is all about. I can relate to some of those experiences of the Lord. My childhood had much suffering i. e. my father died when I was about 5 years old, we were very poor after that, I was very sick and spent a long time in hospitals, we had to move many times because of no work or money in family. But you know what? The graces came down and we survived and it all made better humans out of us. We learned how to love and be compassionate to others humans who were suffering. It's all a blessing as we imitate the Holy Family and especially Our Lord Jesus Christ!
God love you+
Deacon John

CHAPTER XXVIII: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

Again and again, one of the difficult questions are asked about PREDESTINATION: "GOD KNOWS WHETHER I GO TO HEAVEN OR HELL, SO WHAT'S THE USE?"
While I was with the Catholic Evidence Guild in New Orleans, LA, we studied this subject at length--in fact for 6 months--learning about the Thomistic theory, the Jesuit theory, quotations from the Scriptures . . . At the end of it all, I was more confused than ever.
One day this very question was asked on the Catholic Question Box Radio Program, with Msgr. Herman Lohmann the answer-Priest. This was Msgr.'s explanation:
"Here we are on the 22nd floor of the Old Jung Hotel, looking down on Canal St. There I see one of my boys, my parishioner, crossing the street, reading a newspaper walking against the red light. I had told him"
"Do not walk against the red light crossing a street."
He disobeyed.
A car was coming down Canal St, at a fair speed, traveling towards the green light. The way my boy is walking against the light, he will be hit and get killed. Sure enough that's what happened.
Now, I knew ahead of time this was going to happen. Actually, it's neither here nor there that I knew before time of this outcome.
Again, that Almighty God knows all things and knows the past, present and future and knows all things ahead of time--it is His Prerogative!
Let's consider:

1. God gives us FREE WILL and He will not take that away from us. Nor will He stop our actions, choosing between good or evil.
2. Almighty God WILLS all men to be saved! We know this to be true from the Old Testament, the Scriptures.
3. God gives us all SUFFICIENT GRACES to be saved, we know this from St. Paul's epistles.

The word PREDESTINE, APPEARS IN THE SCRIPTURES AS FOLLOWS: (Romans, 8. Chapter, 30. Verse.)

* "Those He foreknew He PREDESTINED
* Those He predestined He justified
* Those He justified He called
* Those He called He glorified."

The bottom line is--those He foreknew--so it's up to us! Don't let's 'goof-up'! We make the choice between Heaven or Hell.

Thank you, Msgr. Herman Lohmann, of happy Memory!

* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #28 

Why?

For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son: that whosoever believeth in him may not perish, but may have life everlasting. For God sent not his Son into the world, to judge the world: but that the world may be saved by him. (John 3:16-17)

THE LOVE OF GOD: The Eternal Son of God became Man, and hid His Omnipotence and Majesty under the form of a poor, helpless child. He, the Lord, took the form of a servant, and became like to us in all things, sin only excepted. Why did He become Man? Why did He suffer and die? Why did He wish to redeem us? It was because He loved us with an infinite and divine love. "God so loved the world, as to give His only-begotten Son, etc." "Let us therefore love God, because God first loved us" (I John 4:19).

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

That's the big question on many peoples minds: Why did Jesus have to suffer and die? It's not an easy question to answer, but here is what I have learned over the years of reading many commentaries and the lives of the Saints: The Three Divine Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, One God i. e. a Triune Godhead, was always there in eternity. So Jesus was with the Father as they sent the Holy Spirit to create the world and its inhabitants. God made humans in His own image, an everlasting soul and infused it into the bodies of Adam and Eve. They were to live in Paradise, totally happy with everything they needed and could even talk to God. But they were tested and God allowed Satan, a fallen angel, to tempt them. They fell (Original Sin) and were banished from Paradise and the world became a place of suffering and toil. By the sweat of their brow they had to now work for their food, shelter and clothing. Even childbirth became a suffering with labor pains, all because sin entered the world. But God had a plan. He knew that all this would happen and His plan was that His only-begotten Son would take on a human form and become a God-Man, because it took a God to redeem us. Nothing else would satisfy for our sins, which were many. So God chose a woman, Mary, to be His Son's Mother, and kept her free of sin to be the pure tabernacle that would carry the Body of Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit, the Body, Blood, and Soul of Jesus was formed in Mary's womb and instantaneously joined to the Divinity. This is called the Incarnation and hypostatic union. Nine months later, as the normal term of pregnancy ended, Jesus the Christ was born in a miraculous way in Bethlehem. So that is what Christmas is all about, the Redeemer and Savior of all mankind came to earth to save us by His life. death and Resurrection. Then the gates of Heaven were opened and we once again became God's children through our baptism which takes away the sin of Adam and Eve (Original Sin.)
To be continued . . .
Deacon John

CHAPTER XXIX: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

"God loves a cheerful giver--happy people He loves especially," said Father in his Sunday morning sermon . . .
The bottom line is: Do not complain! - - - This may be easier said than done. - - -

God was very displeased with the Israelites after their successful flight from their bondage of the Egyptians. Yahweh, as the Hebrews called Almighty God, allowed them to wander through the desert--in a circle--for 40 years, because of their continuous complaining.

God even sent serpents to chastise them--in fact none of the people who escaped Egypt were privileged to enter into the Promised Land--only their offspring were finally permitted to enter their promised goal.

The troublesome hindrance of their parents was the grumbling, and complaining, and disobedience. - - -
It seems certain people never complain--others always complain, - - - Complaining is their way of life. Unwittingly they get into the habit of lamenting - grumbling - whining - murmuring - complaining - continuously. At the end of the day they may end up with some 75 complaints of various kinds (if ever they keep track of it). Amazing! "Can't I talk?" they say.

Now, Jesus also complained--remember the Gospel story--Jesus in the Temple complained and got angry, made a whip, driving out the ones who desecrated the Temple!
Yes, there is such a thing as 'just anger' and complaining is in order. Yahweh also complained as we read in the Scriptures, many times when the Israelites misbehaved, disobeyed.
The opposite of complaining: being obliging - agreeable - gracious - courteous - yielding - accommodating - LOVING--!
As Jesus put it so beautifully:
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself!"
Of course, observing this Commandment--then one will not complain. - - -

* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #29 

NATIVITY

And it came to pass that when they were there, her days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born son and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger: because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:6-7)

CHRISTMAS: According to tradition our Lord was born in the night between the 24th and 25th of December. Christmas, or the Nativity of our Lord, is therefore kept on the 25th of December, and on this great Feast three Masses may be said by each priest.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

So I hope your Christmas was wonderful and full of blessings! We had a quiet Christmas Day. After the morning Mass, which was so beautiful, with the carols being sung by the choir and the decorations and all the colors. But what was more important than all the trimmings was the fact that Our Savior came down from Heaven once again at the Consecration and was truly present on the altar before us. Just as Jesus' divinity was hidden in that new-born Babe, here was Christ hidden under the appearance of a white host. and we took Him into our heart!
As I was saying, after the Mass we went to my daughters house, where she cooked us a nice Christmas dinner and after that we sat around and exchanged gifts. There were 6 of us, My wife, Marianne, my son John, my daughter Ann and my grandson, Jordan. We also got calls from our other children and grandchildren, who live in New York and Penn. I was so happy to hear from them, we miss all the grandkids up there too.
So life goes on, and each day we meditate on the fact that Jesus, our God, came down to earth, to become a man like us in everything except sin. He spent a short time on earth, 33 years, suffering and dying for our sins. And on the third day He rose again from the dead and ascended back to the Father, opening the Gates of Heaven for us! These are powerful thoughts that we should keep in our minds each day! Jesus, send us Your love and Your grace!
God love us!
Deacon John

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #30 

GLORY!

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest". . . (Luke 2:13-14)

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST: Our redemption began at the birth of Jesus Christ. For this reason the angels rejoiced and sang: "Glory to God!" The unbelief and disobedience of man had robbed God of the honor due Him. Jesus Christ restored the honor of God by being obedient to His heavenly Father, even unto death on the cross, and by teaching the one true faith in God and the one true worship of God.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

That's what our life on earth is all about i. e. to give glory to God! Easier said than done! Life can be very unpleasant sometimes. Sickness, poverty, loss of family, etc. can make us say: "Why me?" Yet Christ taught us that in all these trials and tribulations we can still give glory to God! How, you ask? Well, first, by accepting our state in life (resignation, as Christ resigned Himself to the Father's Will to suffer and die), second, to offer everything to the Father through Christ (sacrifice, as Christ said on the Cross: "Father, into your hands I commend My spirit), third, to persevere in prayer (asking the Father to grant you your needs (Our Father, who art in Heaven . . . give us this day our daily bread . . . lead us not into temptation . . .). Staying close to the Angels and Saints will also help us and show us that they too went through many trial but had joy in their hearts and sang everyday: "Glory to God! One of my favorite antiphons is:
Keep in mind that Jesus Christ has died for us
and is risen from the dead.
He is our saving Lord,
He is joy for all ages.

If we die with the Lord,
we shall live with the Lord.

If we endure with the Lord,
we shall reign with the Lord.

Deacon John

CHAPTER XXXI: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

As you go through life you meet some wonderful people of God. One of them is my very aunt, Cilli Tante, from Gallbgunn, near Vienna, Austria--my home-town--.
One day, walking with her cane she fell going to church. A helpful farmer, after getting her on her feet again said:
"Cilli Tante, you should stay home and not go to church every day, at your age of 87--you can hardly see!"
She answered with much indignation:
"I go to church every day, for those who don't go to church on Sundays--like you!" - - -
For over 40 years Cilli Tante would sit in the last pew in her church and would lead the Rosary before Mass--every day--.
She gave her life to God, helping everyone who would ask, she was the "Cilli Tante" to one and all, even helping in the hard farm-arbeit, taking care of her mother, till she died. In all the years I knew her she never complained--always cheerful--. She never married, though she had many proposals from wealthy suitors, farmers.
Cilli Tante died at 89 years of age--and very strange:
At the funeral I picked up a red rose from her casket before it was lowered into the grave, and took the rose with me to America, kept it under two pieces of cellophane. You may not believe this--but it's true: After about 6 months, as I examined the rose I found drops of blood all around the rose-pedals. Just what that means--I know not!
May God rest her soul--she has earned her reward in Heaven. - - -

* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #31  

"Glory to God"

And there were in the same country shepherds watching and keeping the night watches over their flock. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them and the brightness of God shone round about them: and they feared with a great fear. And the angel said to them: "Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be to all the people: For, this day is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest: and on earth peace to men of good will." And it came to pass, after the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: "Let us go over to Bethlehem and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath shewed to us." And they came with haste: and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child. And all that heard wondered: and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. (Luke 2:8-20)

PEACE TO MEN OF GOOD WILL: Our Lord Jesus Christ has brought peace to man by reconciling earth to heaven, and winning pardon and grace for us. This peace on earth, which leads to the eternal peace of heaven, can only be obtained by those men who are of good will, i. e. by those who are willing to believe the doctrines of Christ, and who correspond with His grace. The shepherds were men of good will; they believed the angel, and hastened to obey his injunctions. It is in this way that we should obey the inward admonitions of grace to do what is right. If we do this, we shall one day be with Jesus in heaven.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

There's an old saying: "Do the first thought that comes to mind, that's from your Guardian Angel. The second thought follows is from the devil."
God is always first and always wins. Even with mankind, who always want to do their own thing, or play God, like cloning and artificial insemination, etc., God wins because each of these are sinful and the people who do these acts will have to stand in Judgment for what they have done. Life is short, here today, gone tomorrow. How can people be so dumb that they think either they will just die and become ashes or that there is no judgment? If we have any fear of God, fear of being thrown into hell for all eternity. It's no joke!
We must stop tempting God! We must become like "little children" again, in the sense that we listen and obey Our Father in Heaven. He gave us Ten Commandments to guide our lives. They are not Ten Suggestions! If we break one commandment we break them all.
1. Thou shalt not have strange Gods before me.
Today the gods of materialism have taken over and that's why there is so much crime and murders, especially abortions. People worship mammon instead of the True God.
2. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain.
Everywhere God's name is blasphemed! On the TV, in the movies and especially at our work and sports, the Holy Name of Jesus is used as a curse. Shame on us!
3. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.
Sunday is our Sabbath day because it is the day Christ rose from the dead. We celebrate the pascal mystery i. e. the life, death and Resurrection at every Mass said throughout the world. But our churches are empty, and those who go are usually the elderly, who have been given the grace to prepare for their own death. But where are the young? Come back now! Don't wait because you never know when your day will come to be judged.
4. Honor thy father and thy mother.
God wants us to take care of the elderly, not put them aside or in nursing homes, or even to cause them to die. It's happening all over the world: Direct Euthanasia! We are a sick society!
5. Thou shalt not kill.
Oh, the 50 million babies that have been slaughtered in the name of choice! We are a murderous society which will destroy itself unless we stop murdering our babies.
6 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
The TV and movies glorify this sin. Our children have been brain-washed to think it is ok to have sex outside of marriage or when married to have an affair. Disease is rampart and some of it, like aids, is a punishment from God because of infidelity!
7. Thou shalt not steal.
Even in big corporations, those who already have plenty are being caught stealing. How many are not caught? People have lost their morals and their consciences are dead.
8. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Everyone seems to lie these days. From our so called leaders, who promise us peace and prosperity to the store keeper who overcharges you for what you purchased. We must stop lying to each other. As Our Lord said, "say yes or no, everything else is from the devil."
9. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife.
Marriages are made in heaven! Jesus said "let no man asunder what God has brought together." It also means that marriage is forever, so divorce is also wrong except for infidelity or that the marriage was annulled (which means that it was never a marriage anyway). Keep your eyes where they belong and stop having fantasy's about someone else's wife or husband!
10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house nor anything that is his.
We are a greedy race. We want what the other guy has. But instead of buying it ourselves, we take it from them. A person has a right to his own land, home, and work. Those who take it away from them will have to answer to God for what they have done.

Our Lady of Fatima said that "most people go to hell because of the sin of impurity!"
May the Divine Mercy be in our souls!
Deacon John

CHAPTER XXXII: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

MARY'S MIRACLE:
This book was not intended to be an autobiography, however happenings have come about in my life that brings up "Gems" of facts, which are indeed worth re-telling:
I was just four years old, I stayed in the country on a farm, near Vienna, Austria, with my Grandmother and Aunt. Dad was in the service on the Russian front in the first World War, Mother in Vienna, employed with Dr. Fischer and Dr. Neumann, dentists. Food was scarce, because of the war shortages, so I stayed in the country on a farm--good thinking--.
We kids were playing one day with little pebbles of lye, which the farmers use for mixing purposes. We were throwing these pebbles into the air, just to see who could throw them highest, and lo and behold a handful of this lye rock substance fell into my eyes.
Someone ran for water to wash out the eyes, the lye started to bubble and burn more than ever. Result--I couldn't see. - - - I was blind. Of course, in those days in the war-years, there were no quick ambulances--as you have them in this country. Cilli Tante, my aunt took me in a little wagon to the hospital two towns away.
The Doctors declared, sorry the boy can't see--you should not allow children to play with rocks of lye! - - -
You can imagine the mental agonies of my aunt and grandmother, with a blind boy on their hands--they had not as yet informed my Mother in Vienna. (Communications in those days were not as they are today.)
After a time in the hospital, Cilli Tante came again with her little wagon to take me home. On the way, my aunt stopped at a way-side shrine "Denkmal" as they are called in Austria, praying to Our Blessed Mother for a cure. It all seemed so hopeless. - - -
I remember this happening too well. I was waiting patiently in that little wagon, on the other side of the country road. All at once I cried out:
"Cilli Tante, Cilli Tante--ich kann wieder sehn!"
"Cilli Tante, Cilli Tante--I can see again!"
Just imagine the joy of one and all!
After I came to America 10 years later, at the Stamford High School, in Connecticut, at an eye examination I was prescribed glasses--a slight correction of vision.
Many many years later, Dr. Wahlig of Queens, N.Y. after examining my eyes said:
"How old are you now? 60, you say - - -. You have the eyes of a 19-year old!"
Isn't true that every reader of these pages, who prayed to Our Lady could tell a heart-warming story of receiving direct and immediate help from Our Blessed Mother at some time of their lives.

* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #32 

CHRISTMAS TREE

And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we saw his glory, the glory as it were of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

THE CHRISTMAS TREE represents Jesus Christ, who is the true tree of life in the newly restored paradise. He that eateth of this tree shall live. The burning tapers on the tree are meant to show that Christ is the light of the world, "full of grace and truth." The various fruits and sweets hanging on the branches symbolize the rich gifts and blessings brought by Jesus Christ to the children of men. The latter too are accustomed to give presents to each other, because on this day God has given to the world His only Begotten Son and with Him everything else.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

I can't figure people out sometimes! They spend all kinds of money decorating for Christmas and buying an expensive tree and on December 26, they throw the tree out on the street and take down all the decorations! Strange, didn't they ever hear the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas?" Actually this holy season does not end until the "Baptism of the Lord", which is celebrated this year on January 11. That's when all the decorations are taken down in our Roman Catholic churches. Lets see, that's sixteen days after the celebration of the Birth of Christ! And here is another gem: In the official 'Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary' of the Roman Breviary, the prayers do not change to Ordinary Time until February 2, which is the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple! So the Church really does not stop celebrating the Birth of Our Lord for 39 days! I think this is so great because I really love this time of the year and hate to see it go away till next year.

When I was a youngster, living in New York City, my Mom always waited until Christmas Eve to buy our tree. My Dad had died when I was about 5 or 6 years old and Mom had to do the whole thing herself as a single parent with three kids. She worked as a waitress, so you know money was tight. So on Christmas Eve, she would take us in tow and look for a tree we could afford and drag it home (no car). Then she would put us 3 kids to bed and after we fell asleep, all by herself, she would set the tree up and put the gifts around its base and fill the stockings we had hung up.
Christmas morning we would wake up and run to the living room to see this great spectacle of a beautiful decorated tree with all the gifts underneath. Who could ever forget those times and experiences! Who would throw out the lovely pine tree that was just purchased and gave so many children such happiness? I guess that's why I get so upset when I see those poor pine trees sitting at the curb or near the dumpster, dying now because they were not giving out any more Christmas Cheer! :-(
Think about it!
Deacon John

CHAPTER XXXIII: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM  

(The Nativity)

Every once in a while one hears this erroneous statement: "Mary is not mentioned very much in the Bible."

I just cringe inside, I am ready to explode, when I hear this falsehood.

One Monsignor countered with: "The truth of the matter is, Our Blessed Mother is mentioned more often in the Bible than even the Blessed Sacrament! Now this is not taking away from the Blessed Sacrament. But facts are facts."

Let's prove this point. May I share this incident with you:

One day this negative statement about Mother Mary was made in a sermon in church. Yours truly's time came to speak after the services, I was to speak about Mary--Our Lady of Fatima--etc. as the U.S. Pilgrim Virgin Statue was beautifully enshrined on the side of the main altar.

In prudence how could I counter this false statement without offending. What am I going to say? Blessed Mother help me! Holy Spirit inspire me! "Veni Sancte Spiritus."

This is finally what I came up with:

"What have we here?--I notice your beautiful stained glass windows, with such expressive faces, just fantastic. I also noticed from the plaque of one of the windows, they all come from Innsbruck, Austria--mein Mutterland, my land of birth--. In fact many of the admirable windows throughout America come from Innsbruck, Austria!

1.
The first very beautiful window is the Visitation. Our Lady is speaking to Elizabeth. Mary is saying among many things: All generations will call me blessed!" (Good thinking.) And then Mary comes up with this inspiring lengthy 'Magnificat.' And you know what? It's all straight from the Bible. St. Luke 1/38. - - -
2.
The next beautiful window is the Annunciation. The Angel announcing to Mary that she is to be the Mother of Jesus--the Mother of God--. Again it's right from the Bible: St. Matthew 1:18, and from St. Luke 1:26.
3.
The third window is all about Jesus' birth. You notice Mother Mary is right in the middle of it all. (Good thinking). After all, where would a birth be without a Mother? However Our Lady isn't saying a word. She is just taking it all in. And again it's straight from the Good Book--the Bible, the Gospels--: St. Matthew 1:18-25, and from St. Luke 2:1-7. The visit of the Magi . . .
4.
The fourth window, you notice The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. And of course Our Blessed Mother is there again, with Simeon saying: "And your own (Mary's) soul a sword shall pierce." Yes, again, from the Scriptures: St. Luke 2:22-38.
5.
The next window--the Flight into Egypt--. You see Mother Mary is riding a donkey, no less. They had no limousine in those days. Heading for Egypt. St. Matthew 2:13-15.
6.
Look at this window with the remarkable expressive faces--the Finding of Jesus in the Temple--His Mother is saying: "Son, why have you done so to us?" . . .St. Luke 2:41-52. He was subject to them--(for 30 years)!
7.
What a beautiful window of the Wedding Feast at Cana. In fact this "little" incident in the Life of Jesus summarizes this delicate matter of Mary's Intercession! Our Lady asks and Jesus does it, even though He said: "My hour has not yet come." Nevertheless Jesus changes water into wine! . . .St. John 2:1-11.
8.
Have you looked closely at this huge rose-window in back of the church? The Crucifixion--Mother Mary at the foot of the Cross, and Jesus is saying to John (no! it's St. John. Leaving out the honored title of SAINT just about tears me up!): Jesus said "Behold Thy Mother." And to His Mother: "Behold Thy Son." St. John 19:26.
9.
Please take note, also during Jesus' 3-year Ministries, Our Blessed Mother is mentioned in the Gospels, for instance: In St. Mark 3:32: "Behold Your Mother and brethren are outside seeking thee." And Jesus takes this opportunity to remind us of the importance of "accepting the Will of God"--to have Faith and to Believe in the Son of Man--the Son of God--(the Son of Mary)--.
10.
On the other side of the church you see the magnificent stained glass window of the Decent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and Mary, who is specifically mentioned as being with the Apostles who awaited the Holy Spirit. - - -
11.
Next you notice the glorious picture of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. In the very first book of the Bible, in Genesis 3:15, the Second Eve--Mary-- was promised to us from the beginning: God is speaking: "I will put enmities between you and the woman, and your seed and her seed; She shall crush your head, and you shall lie in wait for her heel." Had any kind of corruption either of body or soul ever been achieved in Mary, this triumph would not have been complete.
12.
The last window--Mary's Coronation as Queen of Heaven--. Have we forgotten the words in the Apocalypse of St. John, Chapter 12, Verse 1.: "And a great sign appeared in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars."
13.
And don't forget the unforgettable words in the Old Testament. Isaias is speaking the Word of God in 7:14: "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold a VIRGIN (MARY) shall conceive, and bear a Son, and His name shall be called Emmanuel. (God with us.)" - - -

Indeed this is just an outline--there is more, much more to it, than summarized here--just read the Bible slowly carefully, it will speak for itself, in this matter of Our Blessed Mother's position in the plan of God.

* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #33 

CIRCUMCISION

And after eight days were accomplished, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called JESUS, which was called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. (Luke 2:21)

WHY JESUS SUBJECTED HIMSELF TO CIRCUMCISION: Our Lord was without sin, so He stood in no need of circumcision. But He submitted to the rite for the following reasons:
1. According to the prophecies the Redeemer was to be a true Israelite and son of Abraham. To be such, and to be recognized as such, circumcision was necessary.
2. By His Incarnation our Lord took upon Himself the sins of mankind, so as to make satisfaction for them. For this purpose He shed His Precious Blood for the first time in His circumcision, and showed us thereby that He was come to redeem us by His Blood. Therefore the name of Jesus, or Savior, was given to Him at His circumcision.
3. By voluntarily obeying the law and submitting Himself to the rite of circumcision, He wished to give us an example of obedience to the divine law.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Imagine Our God having to shed His Blood, even as an Infant! What a great Mystery! Only in Heaven will we understand the why's and what's. But one thing we do know, Christ was obedient! Obedient to His Father's Will and obedient to the Law of Moses.
So the lesson here is for us to be obedient to the Holy Father, the Pope, and the Magisterium that is united with him. Too many Catholics today do not follow the teachings of the Church, especially in regards to morality. Too many Catholics are using birth-control! Too many Catholics are for abortion! Too many Catholics are living with another in sin and not getting married! Too many Catholics do not go to Confession yet receive the Eucharist while in mortal sin! Our Lady complained about this to Fr. Gobbi in a locution. She said "If you saw the number of sacrilegious Communions that I see, you would shed tears of blood also!"
What do we do? Well for one thing, we need to pray very hard and offer reparation for these sacrileges. And we can be a good example to others by our life-style, our state in life. If you are married, if you must regulate your childbearing, use the Natural Family Planning that is available. Many parishes have classes on the "Ovulation Method." Try it and see how your marriage become stronger and faithful to each other.
If you are single, do not have sex before marriage. Save your virginity for your spouse! Stay away from occasions of sin, like clubs and bad movies, drugs and drunkenness.
Above all, consecrate yourselves to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary each day and ask God for His gifts of the Holy Spirit. That way you will be given strength to overcome the vices and temptations of the world. We have to live in the world but we don't have to be worldly!
God bless your efforts+
Deacon John

CHAPTER XXXIV: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM  

Archbishop Joseph Francis Rummel of New Orleans, LA, of happy memory, told this unusual story--on himself--to a large priestly audience. He was the object of this humorous incident.
Those who knew his Excellency will remember he was always very formal and perfection personified, everything had to be according to protocol.
This unusual tale just about brought the house down:
His Excellency told his distinct audience--he was on his usual yearly Visitation to this particular Convent. The Extern Sister showed him around the cloistered Convent, as is the custom.
The little Sister, very humbly and very efficiently said:
"Your Excellency, each room is dedicated to the Blessed Mother in her various titles. Now this first room honors Our Lady of Guadalupe. You notice the lovely picture of the Virgin of Guadalupe on the wall.
The second room is dedicated to the Virgin of Fatima, you will notice the beautiful picture of Our Lady of Fatima." Finally, she came to the last room.
The Archbishop squinted, with his poor eye-sight at the picture on the wall--in fact he had two operations on his eyes not long ago--saying:
"Dear Sister, what Virgin is this?"
"Oh, your Excellency, that's no Virgin--that's Reverend Mother Superior."
Yes indeed, it brought the house down. - - -

* * *
P.S. Of all the many, many Bishops I worked with in my apostolate, all over the country--Archbishop Joseph Francis Rummel was my favorite!
* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #34 

THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS

That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth: And that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:10-11)

THE NAME OF JESUS is the sweetest of all names; for if that blessed name did not exist, neither would there exist for us pardon, or grace or eternal happiness. It is the object of our faith, our hope and our love. Moreover the name of Jesus testifies to the divine nature of the Redeemer; it not only means Savior, but Divine Savior, and says to us: "Yahweh, God, is our salvation and deliverance!" Thus St. Paul writes: "In the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, or under the earth" (Phil. 2, 10).

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

The Name of Jesus is more powerful than you can imagine! Keeping it on your lips will chase away the demons that attack us daily! This beautiful Name was first spoken by the Archangel Gabriel who told Our Lady: "Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father: and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever. And of his kingdom there shall be no end." (Luke 1: 31-33)
And so, when Our Lord was born, in obedience to the Archangel, He was named Jesus!
Now, one of the big complaints of Our Lady in her apparitions is the fact that people use Our Lord's Name in vain! This of course, is a sin against the Third Commandment: 'You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.'
Oh, most people don't realize that they are even saying the Name of Jesus. It has become part of our culture, unfortunately. You hear it in the movies all the time and even on TV. It's so sad.
Here's some suggestions on honoring this Holy Name:
When you hear someone use Our Lord's Name in vain, offer reparation and say a little prayer like: May the Holy Name of Jesus be praised!
If someone says to you in a worldly way: "Jesus!" Say out loud to them: "is the Lord!" to complete the sentence and honor Jesus.
When you go to Mass or/and pray the Rosary, add the intention: "I offer this Mass/Rosary in reparation for the blasphemies committed against the Holy Name of Jesus."
Check your own tongue too, in case you have been in the habit of using Our Lord's Name when talking street talk. Our tongues were made to praise God, not curse Him!
And finally, teach your own family, especially your children to honor Our Lord's Name and only use it in loving prayer!
Jesus, Mary, I love You; Save souls!
Deacon John

CHAPTER XXXV: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

The "DO YOU KNOW":
Once upon a time--way back in 1952 I was on a week-end retreat at Manrisa House, a Jesuit retreat home near New Orleans, LA. During the silent meditation time, one afternoon--I was thinking about a composition I had to write for the Catholic Evidence Guild speaking platform program. The subject: "The Message of Our Lady of Fatima."
Rather than write a running composition I simply decided to enumerate one by one the many words spoken by Our Lady, and summarizing her main requests. I called it simply: "Zero 1960."
The first words were: "DO YOU KNOW the requests of Our Lady of Fatima?"
In 1955, three years later, I attended a solemn Novena to Our Lady of Fatima at the Immaculate Conception Shrine (crypt in those days) in Washington, D.C., near the Catholic University. One of their Professors gave the homily. It was very beautiful on Mary--but not on the Fatima Message!
That did it! Right then and there, I decided to put into action my "Zero 1960" into a leaflet form for distribution on a large scale.
Then later--Marie Voelker, known as "the Maid of Orleans," a very devout apostle of Our Lady and Jesus, presented my leaflet to Archbishop Joseph Rummel of New Orleans, to obtain the imprimatur.
His Excellency was very pleased with it, but he threw out the title "Zero 1960" and simply named it the first words of the leaflet: "Do You Know."
Later on Bishop Burke of Buffalo, NY also a wonderful Marian Bishop, gave the imprimatur in 6 languages: French, Italian, German, Polish, Hungarian, and Spanish.
And--56 Bishops in the U.S.A. and 12 Bishops in Canada gave specific authorization to distribute the "Do You Know" in their respective dioceses, encouraging parishioners. In fact Archbishop Rummel of New Orleans sent me a personal letter, enclosing a $385.--check, made out to the Franciscan Fathers, Kenosha, WI, requesting 200,000 "Do You Know" Leaflets for his diocese!
The Fatima Shrine, Youngstown, NY was in those days the champion in its distribution, with Father Charles Barlasina, a tireless priest of the Barnabites; Father died practically a martyr--he was killed by a thief . . .
At that time--1960--11,000,000 leaflets were distributed. The price was "FREE--or 3 for 1 cent." One Sister in Texas wrote in her letter, "please send me 10,000, the free kind." Yes, the order was filled.
The Sunday Visitor, The Register, Immaculate, Marian Helper's Bulletin, Fatima Findings, Soul Magazine, and many more published the "DO YOU KNOW" verbatim, again encouraging the readers to avail themselves of the leaflets for mass-distribution. It ended up also in foreign countries, that finally 35,000,000 were distributed.
The Franciscan Fathers & Brothers, Kenosha, WI (now in Libertyville, IL) printed over 25,000,000 of them. The Blue Army, Washington, NJ printed the rest.
Mr. John Haffert, founder and lay-leader of THE BLUE ARMY encouraged to renumerate the sequence of the leaflet in the exact order of the apparitions as they happened--as Our Lady of Fatima spoke to the children.
Here is the leaflet [next posting]--also--after Therese Neumann (as you read in Chapter XXI)--insisted to add to the DO YOU KNOW the sign-up pledge.
--DO YOU KNOW--
* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #35  

The Presentation

Image of Christ Presented to the Temple
from "Holidays of the Church" by Martin Winkler

For thus saith the Lord of hosts: Yet one little while, and I will move the heaven and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land. And I will move all nations: AND THE DESIRED OF ALL NATIONS SHALL COME: and I will fill this house with glory: saith the Lord of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts. Great shall be the glory of this last house more than of the first, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place I will give peace, saith the Lord of hosts.
(Haggai 2:7-10)

And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord:
(Luke 2:22)

THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD: By the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, the prophecy of Haggai was fulfilled.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

This is, of course, the fourth Mystery of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, and one of my favorite meditations. In obedience to the Law of Moses, Mary and Joseph travel to Jerusalem to present Jesus, Mary's first-born Son, to God the Father. But here is the mystery; Simeon, an old man, who was waiting for the Messiah to come and was promised through the Holy Spirit's inspiration that he would see the Lord before he died, recognized Jesus and asked to hold Him in his arms. Then Simeon prophesied: "Behold this child is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel and for a sign which shall be contradicted. And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed." (Luke 2:35)
Yes, right in the beginning, with Jesus still an Infant, Our Lady begins her calling as the Sorrowful Mother. The Church has even listed and promoted them as the Seven Sorrows of Mary:
1. The prophecy of Simeon.
2. The flight into Egypt.
3. The loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple.
4. Jesus and Mary meet on the Way of the Cross.
5. Jesus dies on the Cross.
6. Jesus is placed in Mary's arms.
7. Jesus is buried in the tomb.

These alone are powerful meditations and certainly will answer Our Lady's request in one of her apparitions: "Think about the Passion of Jesus." I think that if we do that, we would vow to never sin again!
Bless you+
Deacon John

CHAPTER XXXVI: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM  

Picture is of Theresa Neumann with Stigmata

At this point, it is only right and just, I must give special CREDIT to Mrs. Noelie C. Williams, my wife who died in 1973, we were married exactly 30 years. We had two children after the Doctor told Noelie, if you have any children you will die.
"We'll find out about that," was her answer.
Marie was borne (caesarian section) in perfect health on the Feast-day of the Little Flower.
Roseline (also caesarian section) in perfect health was borne on the Fatima Anniversary date:--May 13th!
Noelie was like a walking Encyclopedia of the Catholic Faith. She worked for years in the Catholic library in New Orleans. It was she who read books after books on Fatima--only to find out that each blessed book leaves out some very important requests of Our Lady of Fatima's Message.
SHE was then the researcher--the worker behind the scenes--. I got all the glory and the credit. - - -
We compiled then many points of the DO YOU KNOW Fatima leaflet. By the way, it was Noelie who insisted that I visit Therese Neumann in Germany (it seemed an impossible situation to make the trip, but she insisted) I obtained then that wonderful Message and consoling words from Therese Neumann. I saw her June 18, 1962. She died exactly 3 months later.

* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #36 

Old Simeon

And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon: and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel. And the Holy Ghost was in him.
And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. (Luke 2:25-26)

JESUS IS THE MESSIAH: The Holy Ghost revealed Him as such to Simeon, who, full of joy, greeted Him as the Savior of all men, and the Light of revelation to the Gentiles.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Years ago when I was reading one of the books of the tremendous 4 volumes of the 'City of God', which is the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, told by her, word by word, to Venerable Mary of Agreda, I came across this scene. It was explained so beautifully by Our Lady, who of course was there in person. One of the things Mary of Agreda wrote was that old Simeon was a retired priest of the Temple, and that's why he was always there, praying and waiting for the prophecy to be fulfilled. It's always amazing how these writings on Mary fill so many blank spots that are in the Holy Scriptures. As a matter of fact, the 'City of God' is full of Scripture and every chapter is backed up with a quotation from either the Old Testament or the New Testament. I believe that these writings, along with the Holy Bible, really shaped my faith and kept me orthodox in my beliefs. What a blessing is was to read those books! If you get a chance, try to get your hands on some of the writings of Venerable Mary of Agreda. www.tanbooks.com has a great selection!
Happy reading!
Deacon John

CHAPTER XXXVII: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

It was May 13, 1955--many years ago--when Austria suddenly unexpectedly received its full independence from the Russian yoke. To this day, historians, newspaper reporters cannot understand just what happened and why it happened. - - -
East Germany, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, including Austria, were all under the dominion and occupation of Communistic Russia.
How come this one country only--Austria--received its full Independence?
The President of Austria made a statement on this matter at the 25th Anniversary of Austria's Independence from Russia, in 1980. Also Therese Neumann, the stigmatist and mystic, who is up for canonization in Rome, made this statement when she was asked:
"How can you explain this unbelievable happening?"
She said: "Certainly, certainly, it was the prayer of the people in Austria--the daily Rosaries which the people prayed, that God gave the Gift of Freedom to them."
Yes the President of Austria made a similar statement, crediting the daily Rosary and Almighty God's intervention!
The Independence of Austria was God given--not Russian given!
Why should Russia give up the Jewel-Box of Central Europe, the central listening-post of all of Europe. It doesn't make sense that the World-conquerors for atheism would give up such a treasure so easily. There must be a real explanation for this "miracle."
Pater Petrus was the Rosary-Priest who signed up the people to pray the daily Rosary. He told us, that in 1955 he had some 700,000 signatures, people who promised to pray the Rosary.
Now, Austria's population is only 7,000,000. So 700,000 is just 10% of the people who evidently fulfilled heaven's request to pray the Rosary daily, as Our Lady requested it at Fatima!
As you can see, God accepted the efforts of 1 out of 10!
Strange--the few can do the impossible! Remember, if the Prophet in the Old Testament could find 10 good people--Sodom and Gomorrha would have been saved.
So--there is hope in the World. It is the opinion of many Priests and holy people--that even now, the minority, the good people of God are holding back the wrath of God, considering all the evil that's going on in the World. - - -

Books on "Therese Neumann the Stigmatist" may be obtained from www.tanbooks.com.

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #37 

Anna the Prophetess

Rembrandt. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. c. 1627/28.
Oil on panel. Hamburger Kunshalle, Hamburg, Germany.

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser. She was far advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. And she was a widow until fourscore and four years: who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day.
Now she, at the same hour, coming in, confessed to the Lord: and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel. (Luke 2:36-38)

JESUS IS GOD: Anna, by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, testified to this, when she extolled the Child as "the Lord," and joyfully announced that in this Child God had revealed Himself as the Redeemer.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

See, you never know who God will use to bring His Message to His people. Anna was a holy woman who spent all of her time in the Temple. Of course she was restricted as to where she could go in the Temple because of the ritual laws that separated the men from the woman. But here she was in the outer area watching Mary and Joseph bring the Child to the Temple in accordance to the Law of Moses. And when Simeon, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, recognized Jesus as the Messiah, Anna too was enlightened and she too prophecized about Jesus as the Redeemer!
In our days, it seems that God is using many holy women to proclaim His Messages around the world. We seem to be in a time of direct intervention of the Almighty into our lives. The Messages point to the return of Jesus as our King, to reign in our hearts and the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This reign will usher in a time of peace and brotherhood. Let us hope that it all happens soon in this crazy world of ours!
Blessings+
Deacon John

CHAPTER XXXVIII: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

It is self-evident from the quotations of the Bible, as stated in these previous chapters:
Almighty God encourages us to make statues. He does not forbid us to make statues and honor them. - - - To adore them is out of order! - - -
Why then would God tell us to make graven images of Angels and to honor them? And Almighty God tells us to make pictures! - - -
It was in 1531 Our Lady appeared to Juan Diego at GUADALUPE, what is today the outskirts of Mexico City (which is now the largest city in the World.)
To think that America was discovered in 1492--just 38 years later already Mary appears in the Americas!
Many books have been written on this subject, telling in detail the human-interest, heart-warming story of Our Blessed Mother's apparition there. However Our Lady left her picture on the mantle--tilma--of Juan Diego!
This miraculous image is located, beautifully enshrined over the main altar at the Guadalupe Basilica, Mexico City. The mantle, or tilma, as the local people call it, is actually of a cactus substance, which should decompose, according to scientists in 45 years. To this day, after 450 years, the mantle and picture is intact, miraculously preserved. Believe it or not. - - -
In fact, some years ago, four eye doctors, including my own doctor, Dr. Charles Wahlig who was a wonderful devotee of Guadalupe, examined the eyes of this picture, they found, to their amazement, when applying lights and their instruments--they were looking into the depth of a human eye!
They took photographs of the pupil of the eyes--there you see--again believe it or not--the picture of Juan Diego. He is up for canonization in Rome. [He is now Blessed Juan Diego.] Pope John Paul II also visited there--to see for himself!
This incredible apparition resulted in the biggest sudden conversion in the history of the Church: In 2 years, after the apparition, over 7,000,000 Indians were converted, and the custom of those days, of killing maidens and offering them up to their gods was immediately abolished!
This confirms, as stated before, the approval from the Scriptures to venerate--not adore--pictures!

* * *
You can obtain books on GUADALUPE at www.tanbooks,com.

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #38 

The Holy Ghost

And the Holy Ghost was in him. And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost . . .
And there was one Anna, a prophetess . . . And she was a widow until fourscore and four years: who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day. Now she, at the same hour, coming in, confessed to the Lord: and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel.
(Luke 2:25-26; 36-38)

FAITH IS A GIFT OF GOD: It was only by the help of the Holy Ghost that Simeon and Anna were enabled to recognize in the Child Jesus the Divine Savior of the whole world, of Gentiles as well as Jews.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

The Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit) is the Divine Love proceeding from the Father and the Son and as we say in our very feeble minds, is the Third Person of the Most Blessed Trinity! Yes, the Church teaches us that there is One God and in the One God are Three Divine Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. We know this from Scripture when Jesus, at His ascension into Heaven, told the Apostles to proclaim the Holy Gospel throughout the world, baptizing in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, And the Church has been obeying that mandate from Our Lord for two thousand years!
It's very important that we have a loving relationship with the Holy Spirit. He teaches us how to pray and fills us with Divine grace. He gives us gifts to strengthen our Christian life and calls each one to some "Work of God," not necessarily in the Church. The world needs all sorts of professions, such as doctors, nurses, farmers, business people, etc., to keep it running. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us our vocation. Prayer to the Holy Spirit will bring down many graces and insights, especially when reading the Bible. I consecrate myself to the Holy Spirit every day, and ask for the Seven Gifts.
Try it, see how your faith will grow and you will also grow in the love of God and neighbor!
Deacon John

CHAPTER XXXIX: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

"Father, what happens to the souls of babies who die before they are baptized?"
What a difficult question--since the Church has not declared herself on this vexing question--.
Let me share with you this true story--then you decide--:
It all started at Hotel Dieu Hospital in New Orleans. A very holy priest was dying of a terminal illness. A little lady, a daily communicant, Miss Noelie Cire, was also at the hospital visiting her mother who too was dying. Noelie visited Father, prayed with him consoling him, then one day she asked Father this very question stated above:
"What happens to the souls of babies who die before they are baptized?"
Surprisingly, Father simply said:
"If I die first I'll tell you--if you die first you tell me!"
Some answer!
Soon after, this holy priest did die--and--Noelie Cire had this most unusual dream:
Father gave answer to this very difficult question, he said:
"You see, my dear it's this way: when a man and woman stand at the Altar, taking their marriage-vows, they imply explicitly or implicitly if they have one child or ten children or more--all of them will be positively baptized--. This is then accepted by Almighty God as a DESIRE--for any future baptisms.
"As you know, there are three kinds of baptism:
"Baptism of Water. (The usual manner of baptizing.)
"Baptism of Blood. (Giving one's Blood in case of a martyr.)
"Baptism of Desire. (Desiring to be baptized but unable to do so.)
"In the case of a normal baptism by water, it is not the desire of the baby, but rather the desire of the parents to partake of this Sacrament. So the, the DESIRE of the parents really counts!
"In other words, then, if a baby dies before being baptized, the baptism of DESIRE of the parents is sufficient--God so accepts it as a full baptism!" - - -
Noelie answered, "But Father, if that's the case, how come we all don't know about this consoling situation? Why is it kept hidden?"
"You see, my dear," Father continued:
"If this was generally known--people would be very lax in having their children baptized Sacramentally, which is very important also."
Noelie Cire admitted after:
"I would never in a million years think of, or come up with this terrific answer."
Speaking about Baptism of DESIRE & BLOOD--strange but true--here are the exact words spoken by Our Lady in the Book:
"Marian Movement of Priests"--"Our Lady Speaks to her Beloved Priests." Under the heading: 'The Smallest of My Children' (page 398, Sept. 8, 1983, Feast of the Nativity of Mary) Our Blessed Mother said:
"To Me, little ones are all those infants who, already conceived, are to be put to death purposely while still in the wombs, of their mothers. The love and the anxiety of your heavenly Mother, and of the Church, for their salvation, with the innocent BLOOD being spilled by those who despise and disobey the Law of God, are a BAPTISM OF BLOOD AND DESIRE SAVING ALL OF THEM!!!"

* * *
You may obtain the above mentioned book by writing to: Rev. Albert G. Roux, National Headquarters, P.O. Box 8., St. Francis, Maine, 04774 or see www.mmp-usa.net (And give Father Roux my best regards!)

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #39 

Two Holy People

And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon: and this man was just and devout . . . And she was a widow until fourscore and four years: who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day.
(Luke 2:25; 37)

GOOD WORKS: Simeon and Anna obtained the great grace of faith in our Lord's Divinity by a faithful observance of the law, by fasting and prayer, and a great inward desire for His coming.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

And isn't this the way we are to regulate our spiritual lives? Fasting and prayer, and a great desire for Our Lord to establish His kingdom on earth!
Our Lady keeps reminding us to fast in her many apparitions around the world. She quotes her Divine Son Jesus, who said that certain demons can only be exercised by fasting and prayer. What demon have you got that you want to rid? Gambling, drinking, drugs, porn, are the hard core demons some of us struggle with. But there are many others too, hidden from the eyes of the world, inner demons that can hold us back from becoming holy like Simeon and Anna. Everyone of us has something to hide and would not share with our closest spouse or friend. But we can tell Jesus because He already knows what possesses us! Confession of the soul is the best medicine and the only way to rid ourselves from these secret demons that torment us [Sacramental Confession]. Along with fasting (Mondays and Wednesdays are requested by Our Lady), the Holy Rosary and daily Mass will keep us from falling back into our old bad habits and then we will grow in holiness to serve the Lord with a pure heart!
Blessings+
Deacon John

CHAPTER XL: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

Tell me--you as a layman--(not as a priest would explain it to me):--HOW CAN YOU POSSIBLY EXPLAIN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT?--How can the Body and Blood of Christ be in so many places, all over the World? - - - All at one time--How is it possible? Is there any other comparison, analogy, in the workings of Almighty God that such a Mystery takes place?
Strange you should ask me--of all questions--this particular one! You see for the last two and a half years this very question--rather questions--have been my quiet meditations. - - -
It all started, when one day, I received Holy Communion and the thought struck me--it was a violent feeling: Our Lord is here in the Blessed Sacrament, multiplying into so many Hosts, in the next Church down the street, in the Old Country, Austria, where I come from, in so many churches all over the World--how can it be? Is there any comparison--analogy--in the workings of Almighty God--is there anything like it?
Please be patient, and try to follow what I am trying to convey: Of course, first of all, it is a deep MYSTERY--truly, only in eternity will we begin to understand it all. However, Almighty God has given us a brain to brain with--so let's use it--.
Let's look at some of the quotations of the Bible--the Scriptures--and see how it will all add up:

1. "Book of Exodus 1. Chapter, 26. Verse: "Let us make man in our image and likeness."
2. Psalm 81, Verse 6: "I said, you are gods: all of you sons of the Most High."
3. St. John, 10. Chapter, 34. Verse: Jesus is speaking: "Is it not written in your Law, 'I said you are gods.' If he called them gods to whom the word of God was addressed, and the Scripture cannot be broken, do you say of him whom the Father has made holy and sent into the world, 'Thou blasphemest,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God?' "
4. St. Matthew, 6. Chapter, 9. Verse: When Jesus told us HOW to pray, He did not say: "My Father" but "Our Father who art in heaven . . ." (Think about that!)
5. St. Paul's Epistle: "Do you not know, you are the temple of the Holy Spirit, if anyone destroys that temple him God will destroy, for holy is the temple of God that temple you are!" I. Corinthians 6/19.
6. St. Paul Epistle, Chapter 11, 7. Verse: "Man is the image and glory of God."
7. St. Paul, Romans Chapter 8, Verse 16: "The Spirit himself gives testimony to our spirit that we are sons of God! But if we are sons, we are heirs also, heirs indeed of God and joint heirs with Christ."

Considering all these many quotations--what do you come up with? Yes--we are made "according to the image and likeness of God!" So then--at birth, or rather when we are conceived--at the time of conception, our soul is, as St. Paul puts it: "the image & glory of God."

Furthermore, considering these many words from the Bible--God is, in a way of speaking, multiplying Himself in the Blessed Sacrament! - - -

P.S. And--when we die--our souls finally return to God--who created us in the first place. The cycle is completed. Of course, unrepentent disobedience to God, can and will bring us up against the justice of God--into hell. Yes, Almighty God is all love and forgiveness, also there is the Justice of God--which we cannot overlook!

* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #40 

Happy Death

"Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace:
Because my eyes have seen thy salvation . . ." (Luke 2:29-30)

BELIEF IN JESUS CHRIST DRIVES AWAY ALL FEAR OF DEATH: Simeon now rejoiced at the prospect of death. Such a sensation was hitherto unknown in Israel. "Pius Israelites closed their eyes in death, weary of life and submissive to God's will; not altogether hopeless, but full of horror of the future. Death was a thing to be feared, and each new day of life which was granted was looked on as a gain" (Grimm). But all at once every thing was changed. Holy Simeon had seen the Savior, and was now ready to die joyfully. In fact, he did die very soon after; a pious tradition even goes so far as to say that he died before he left the Temple. He was thus the first to take the joyful news to Limbo that the Savior was born and the day of salvation at hand.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

A happy death! Imagine that! I only heard of one person in my life who died like that. It was a Sister in my childhood parish of St. Joseph, who died in her sleep, ever so peaceful. What a way to go! Say your night prayers, get into bed, and wake up in Heaven! Wow! That's my kind of death. We could pray for that too. And St. Joseph is the one Saint who could obtain this grace for us; he's the patron Saint of the dying.

Here is a prayer to Our Lord to prepare us for the day we die:

O Jesus, while adoring Your last breath, I beseech You to receive mine. Being uncertain whether I shall have command of my senses when I depart from this world, I offer You even now my last agony and all the sorrow of my passing. Since You are my Father and my Savior, I give back my soul into Your hands. Grant that the last beat of my heart may be a beat of pure love for You. Amen.
[From the book "Your Mass and Your Life"]

CHAPTER LI: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

The President of the United States sent a message of congratulations to the Teachers' Award ceremony in Florida. It was televised. The recipients gave excellent speeches of acceptance. Everything wonderful except one thing:
The name of God was never--never--mentioned. Not once!
"Well you see, it's against the Constitution."
"I BEG TO DIFFER WITH YOU!"

1. Remember at the inauguration ceremonies President Reagan and President Bush, both of them, closed their speeches with: "May God bless you and all the U.S.A." And--as the President took the oath of office--did he not use the name of God solemnly, putting his right hand on the Bible of God--" . . . So help me God."
2. The Constitution of the U.S.A. is based upon the Belief and Acceptance of Almighty God! You just read word for word, slowly, carefully the exact words of the Constitution--you'll see!
3. Have you all forgotten what is written on every dollar-bill--in fact on every denomination from a dollar to a thousand dollar bill: "IN GOD WE TRUST."
4. Have you also forgotten what's ENGRAVED on every coin, may it be a penny or a silver dollar: "IN GOD WE TRUST."
5. When the U.S. Supreme Court Justices take their oath of office--what happens then? That's right--there goes the Bible of God again--"So help me God." Mama Mia!
6. Look up the words of our National Anthem--again there goes the beautiful Name of God. Wow!
7. Yes, there is a separation of Church and State. But, there is no separation of God and State! This is exactly what the U.S. Supreme Court have forgotten--have overlooked--in its decisions about Prayer in Schools - Abortion--. This country is based upon the acceptance of God and His LAWS. Yes, the 10 Commandments are imbedded in each conscience, no matter what religion one accepts.
8. In Communist Russia, the U.S.S.R., there was a separation of God and State--but not in the U.S.A.! We believe in God, Russia's heads of government didn't. (Even though, it is validly reported that as of now: 60% of the babies borne, are baptized! in Russia.)
9. Yes, this is God's Country, AMERICA! U.S. Supreme Court, what have you done to God's Country? Also--what have WE done to God's Country? Look and see!
10. What really does 'No Prayer in School' mean: No acceptance of Almighty God's existence. - - -Evolution is ONLY a THEORY--not a fact! The existence of God is an obvious fact, accepted by every known tribe and race and nation in the history of mankind. "Only a fool says in his heart there is no God!" (Remember this quotation in the Scriptures?) - - -Psalm: 104.

* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #41  

Blessed Mother

And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord:
(Luke 2:22)

HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE OF MARY: Mary was without sin, therefore she needed no purification. Nevertheless she remained excluded from the Temple for forty days just as if she were an ordinary, sinful mother, and submitted to the law of purification which in no way applied to the most pure Mother of God. Her humility made her wish to appear in the eyes of the world as an ordinary, sinful woman. She wished, moreover, to give an example of obedience to the precepts of the law, her love of her fellow-creatures making her shrink from being a cause of offense and giving scandal by any neglect of the legal purification.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Could we be ever so humble as Mother Mary? I doubt it, because we were conceived in Original Sin and are never really free from any sin while we live out our lives here on earth. Oh, sure, there are times when we do something or act humbly but it does not last. For instance: We just went to Mass and humbly knelt to adore and receive Our Lord in the Eucharist. We had just beat our breasts in humility, confessing that we are sinners. We bow our heads in humility as we receive the priests final blessing and leave the church. As we approach our car in the parking lot we see a dent in the side. "What! Who did this? If I could get my hands on him . . ." We leave the parking lot in a rage speeding home and cutting people off. The nasty curse words pop out of our mouths at other drivers who are in our way. The whole day is one big pain now cause we can't get that dent out of our mind. Wow! What happened to the humility we had in church? See what I mean? Concupiscence: the effects of Original Sin play havoc on our souls and so we lose control. Thank God for the Sacrament of Penance that the Lord has instituted. We can go to confession and start over again.
There's an old saying that even a saint sins 7 times a day! How many times do we sin, then, who are not saints yet? Our Lady, she was free from all this because of her Immaculate Conception, no Original Sin in her and free from all sin every moment of her earthly life! Hail Mary, full of grace: pray for us sinners! Thank You!
Deacon John

CHAPTER LI-B: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

The basic difficulty of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision (Majority decisions) regarding:

1. Abortion--
2. Pornography--
3. Allowing pornographic phone-calls--(Internet)
4. No prayer in schools--

the real bottom-line difficulty is evidently: THEY DO NOT ACCEPT THE BELIEF IN THE EXISTENCE OF GOD.

Their decisions obviously indicate (as far as the U.S. Supreme Court is concerned):

* There is no God,
* Nor are there God's Laws.
* Nor are there 10 Commandments.

You may have also noticed to your surprise that the President of the U.S.A.:

1. is opposed to Abortion,
2. is opposed to the decision on Pornography,
3. is opposed to allowing pornographic phone calls (Internet).
4. is opposed to the Supreme Court's decision on no Prayer in Schools,
5. is opposed to its decision regarding flag-desecration. "Flag burning is dead wrong!" he said. We pledge allegiance to the Flag of the U.S.A., not to our President, nor to the Supreme Court, nor to anyone! - - -

Now the question arises: JUST WHO RUNS OUR COUNTRY? THE U.S. SUPREME COURT?

* * *
Of course this was written when President Bush was in office. The current elected President, Obama, is for the killing of the pre-born children and is now even exporting that belief onto other Countries. We need to pray for the conversion of our leaders!
Deacon John

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #42 

Candlemas Day

And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord: As it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord: And to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons: (Luke 2:22-24)

THE FEAST OF OUR LADY'S PURIFICATION, OR CANDLEMAS: We keep a feast on the 2nd of February, forty days after Christmas, in memory of our Lord's Presentation in the Temple. This feast has several names. First, it is known as the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord Jesus. Secondly, it is called the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. But the usual and popular name for this Feast is Candlemas-day, because on this day candles are blessed before mass, and there takes place a procession with lighted candles. Candles are blessed and lighted on this particular feast, because on it Simeon acknowledged and confessed Christ to be "the Light of the world."

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Candlemas Day is coming soon. I love the ritual of having candles blessed and then having a procession in the church. It really makes you feel like you are part of the great mystery of Catholicism and united with all the churches and people around the world. If your parish does not celebrate this ritual on the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple, why not ask your pastor to do it? I'm sure he would be delighted! Many pastors wait until they are asked to do something like this. My parish has started adoration all day on Thursdays because the pastor was asked to do it. Of course you need more than one person for this, so it's a good idea to plan ahead and get some signatures from other members and friends to ask the favor. Write it all out, explaining exactly what you would like him to do and put down the times and how many people will be there. Of course everyone could pray and ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten the pastor to grant your request.
Enjoy the Holiday!
Deacon John

CHAPTER LII: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM  

Every once in a while--you read something--it hits you like a ton of bricks. It's like hitting the jack-pot at Las Vegas or Atlantic City. - - -
You have been wanting to put into words this certain subject matter--but you would not, you could not, it just didn't jell in your mind. Suddenly there it is in black and white right before you.
May I share this with you:

Just before he ascended the gallows following the Nuremberg trials, Hans Frank, one of the top Nazis who controlled Poland and its atrocities, made a statement. He claimed he had little idea, until it was too late, that turning away from God could have such destructive and deadly consequences. "It was not only because of technical reasons and unfortunate coincidences that we lost the war," he said.
"It was not just ill luck and treason.
RATHER GOD HAS PASSED SENTENCE ON HITLER.
He has passed it on him and his system which we served in a state of mind HOSTILE TO GOD!"
He then implored that everything be done to warn others not to follow in his path.
"Not even one step," he emphasized, since the way he followed was "The way without God, the road from Christ, and in the final outcome the road to political stupidity, of disaster and death."
This was taken, with permission, from "the copy-right owner."
Considering these words spoken--I am just thinking out loud--wondering:
Our secular school system does not accept prayer to Almighty God. They do not accept the very existence of God. They ignore the Almighty, as if He does not exist, that He has nothing to do with NATURE, that's all around us, the Universe!
"It's the way without God." It's away from God! It's a way almost 'hostile' to God!
Could it be--because of this road of ignoring Almighty God, that our secular school-system is in such difficulties? And our Youth!
More money is needed they say--could it be "God is needed in our schools?"
Yes, let's repeat:--
There is a separation between Church and State. But there is no separation between God and State!
A previous Chapter brings out this point very clearly.
* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #43  

Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary

"And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed." (Luke 2:35)

THE DOLOURS OF MARY: Mary is, as the Holy Ghost foretold by the mouth of Simeon, the Mother of Sorrows, feeling in her own heart all the sufferings of her Divine Son. The dolours of Mary are usually enumerated as follows:

1. the prophecy of Simeon,
2. the flight into Egypt,
3. the loss of the Child Jesus for three days when He was twelve years old,
4. the meeting of Jesus, carrying His Cross,
5. the Crucifixion and death of Jesus,
6. the taking down from the Cross,
7. the Burial of Jesus.

Mary suffered for a longer time and more acutely than any of the holy martyrs, and therefore she is called the Queen of Martyrs.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

What can we add to this except to say that we are destined to suffer and die, that is our lot in life, but we can offer it all up for God's glory, especially through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary. Sufferings must come, why waste it? That's also why life is so precious, every moment of it. As we suffer, in union with Our Lord's sacred Passion, and Our Lady's sorrows, we atone for our sins and the sins of others, especially our family and ancestral sins. We can serve our Purgatory right here on earth! How? By being in a state of grace and prayer and suffering in patience, offering it all up! You say you don't have any suffering? Impossible! Every person has some sufferings, even if they are unseen by others. How about a tooth ache? A headache? Depression. Loss of work. Some family member or loved one died. Loneliness too is a suffering. There are many ways to suffer and each could be unique to you or me. Let us join the Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary in glorifying Almighty God with our suffering!
Blessings+
Deacon John

CHAPTER LIII: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

"It's not WHAT you say it's HOW you say it"--that makes the difference! These are the words of a very successful salesman, telling us the secret of his phenomenal success, (as already explained in a previous Chapter.)
Not only in selling is it important:
IT'S NOT WHAT YOU SAY--
IT'S HOW YOU SAY IT!
Also in the immediate family circle--between husband and wife, sister and brother, acquaintances, in ordinary conversation--it makes that great difference!--Think about it.
A mistake is made, a person is caught doing something wrong, perhaps a misunderstanding--now, "We'll let 'em have it"--! It gives one the privilege, the prerogative, the excuse, the right to give it to 'em! - - -
Now again, 'It's not what you say, but how you say it,' in correcting the (loved one). It can be spoken so offensively, so violently, resulting in hurt and hard feelings - resentments - it may be the beginning of separation - ending in calamities--divorce--.
Some people may live out a whole life-time and never learn HOW to say it--HOW to be kind in speech--HOW to answer gently--HOW to speak softly also in difficult situations--.
Somehow these words of St. Paul never sank in:
"Charity is patient,
Charity is kind;
Charity does not envy, is not pretentious,
Charity is not puffed up,
Charity is not self-seeking, is not provoked;
Charity does not rejoice over wickedness,
But rejoices with the truth;
Bears with all things,
"Believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Charity never fails, whereas prophecies will disappear, And tongues will cease, and knowledge will be destroyed. For we know in part and we prophesy in part . . . So there abide Faith, Hope, and Charity, these three; but the greatest of these is CHARITY." (I Corinthians 13/4.)
Oh yes, St. Paul doesn't give up so easily, he continues on this matter in Galatians 5/22:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is:
Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faith, Modesty, Continency. Against such things there is no law.
Let us not become desirous of vainglory,
Provoking one another, envying one another.
Brethren, even if a person is caught doing something wrong,
You who are spiritual instruct such a one in a spirit of meekness,
Considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
"Bear one another's burdens,
And so you will fulfill the law of Christ.
For if anyone thinks himself to be something,
Whereas he is nothing, he deceives himself . . .
Therefore, while we have time, let us do good to all men,
But especially to those who are of the household of faith."
St. Paul emphasizes all this, concluding with the words:
"See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hands."
(You notice--He doesn't use a typewriter.)
As a P.S. may I put in my two cents worth: One may wish to acquire that little something that "VIENNESE, Austrian GEMUTLICHKEIT!" The dictionary defines this:--Kindliness - Pleasant - Good-natured - Easy-going - Cheerfulness - Evenness of temper - Tenderness of feeling!
Auf Wiedersehn!
* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #44 

Sign of Contradiction

And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother: "Behold this child is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel and for a sign which shall be contradicted." (Luke 2:34)

THE "CONTRADICTION" OF JESUS: In what way has Simeon's prophecy that our Lord should be a "sign of contradiction" been fulfilled? Even when He was an Infant, He was persecuted by Herod, and had to flee. When He began His public life, He met with the greatest opposition, especially from the Pharisees and Sadducees. The inhabitants of Nazareth thrust Him out of their city. The Pharisees slandered Him and said He was in league with the devil; and, on the Feast of the Dedication of the Temple, the Jews wished to stone Him as a blasphemer. He was accused before Pilate of being a seducer of the people, etc.; and His enemies never rested till He was nailed upon the Cross. Even after His Resurrection the opposition to His doctrine and His Church continued. "Christ crucified, unto the Jews indeed a stumbling-block, and unto the Gentiles foolishness, but unto them that are called, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God" (I Cor. 1:23-24). And this contradiction on the part of the unbelieving will continue till Christ comes again to judge the world.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Yes, Jesus Christ was a contradiction! Why? Because He was not of this world. He came from the Father in Heaven. He is the God-Man! No one else in all of history can claim that title! Jesus came here on earth for one reason; to save us mortals from going to hell! Only He could open the gates of paradise, no mortal man could do that no matter how great they were.
Now, ask yourself, are you a contradiction? Do you live the radical Christian Catholic way of life? You know, of course that all eyes are on you. At work, at home, at the gym, at sports, at church; wherever you are, people are watching you. Why? Because you are supposed to be different. You follow Jesus Christ, who was different! Do you fast and pray? Do you avoid evil or immoral shows or places? Do you assist at daily Mass and receive Holy Communion? Do you confess monthly? Do you dress conservatively and with plain colors? Do you help the poor, the blind, the sick? The question is WWJD (what would Jesus do)? should be always on our minds as we try to live in this world gone mad and pray each day "Thy kingdom come; Thy Will be done" as we long for Almighty God to establish His kingdom of peace and brotherhood. Please God, may it happen soon!
Deacon John

CHAPTER LIV: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

Might I also share this with you--since it works like a charm:--
As I sit down to this electric typewriter, to continue writing these pages, I got into the habit of requesting some extra help; since every so often one gets stuck in a rut--it's like a mental block--seems like you can't remember your own name--indeed you need help.
So, (as Our Lady usually starts with words of wisdom)--I start out with a "Hail Mary" and the prayer: "Veni Sancte Spiritus"--"Come O Holy Spirit"--.
You see, we seem to forget that Our Lady is the Spouse of the Holy Spirit.
You don't have to be 'Charismatic' to get the point. But the truth is most of us forget these clear beautiful quotations in the Scriptures, as Jesus spoke, for instance:

1. "These things I have spoken to you while yet dwelling with you. But the ADVOCATE, THE HOLY SPIRIT, whom the Father will send you in my name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your mind whatever I have said to you." (St. John 14/25)
2. "For if I do not go, the ADVOCATE (HOLY SPIRIT) will not come to you, but if I go, I will send HIM to you." (St. John 16/7)
3. St. Paul puts it on the line, when he says: "You must know THAT YOUR BODY IS A TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, who is within--the Spirit you have received from God." (I Cor. 6/13) St. Paul continues in this vein: "Do you not know, that you are the TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT--if anyone destroys that temple, him God will destroy. For holy is the temple of God, and that temple you are."
4. Perhaps we over-look and don't realize how often the Holy Spirit is mentioned in the Liturgy of the Sacrifice of the Mass: At the profession of Faith, we pray: "By the power of the Holy Spirit He was born of the Virgin Mary."
5. Even in the words of Consecration, the Priest solemnly prays: "we ask You to make them Holy by the power of Your Spirit--by the working of the Holy Spirit."
6. Yes, we must remember to honor and invoke the Holy Spirit (the Holy Ghost as we used to call Him) as much as possible, as often as we can, because really He is the One who is right with us every moment. Lest we forget . . . !

"VENI - SANCTE - SPIRITUS"

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #45 

www.holynativityconvent.com/GreetingCards.html

For a CHILD IS BORN to us, and a son is given to us, and the government is upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of Peace. His empire shall be multiplied, and there shall be no end of peace: he shall sit upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom; to establish it and strengthen it with judgment and with justice, from henceforth and for ever: the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isa. 9:6-7)

THE TESTIMONY OF THE HOLY GHOST: There had been no prophets in Israel since Malachias; but as soon as the Messiah had appeared, the gift of prophecy was richly bestowed on those who believed. Zachary, Elizabeth, Mary, Simeon and Anna, all proclaimed the goodness of God, who had given His only begotten Son for the salvation of the world. "For four hundred years the spirit of prophecy had been dumb in Israel: it was a long and dreary winter, but it was followed by the most glorious spring-tide! Song filled the air; for He had come whose name was Wonderful! The angel Gabriel, Mary, Zachary, Elizabeth, the angel who spoke to the shepherds, Simeon, and Anna basked in the ray of salvation which streamed down from heaven. Heaven itself streamed down with it; and the sons of the earth lifted up their heads with a feeling of rapture, for the Prince of Peace had come and reconciled earth to heaven! The great God, the 'Father of the world to come' (Isa. 9:6) lay a little Babe in Mary's arms" (Friedrich Leopold, Count zu Stolberg). Thus was the advent of Jesus Christ, the Divine Redeemer, borne witness to in various ways.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Where are the prophets today? Who is calling us to repent? How many of God's chosen instruments have been slaughtered by abortion? What a bunch of fools we humans are! Just like so many rejected Christ when He came to save the world and open the gates of Paradise the first time; today the world is again rejecting His Second Coming, which many of us believe will be real soon. But you know what? Christ could come at any moment to take us from this world. In an instant, we could be in front of the Judgment Seat! Are you ready? Are you living a clean, decent, prayerful life-style of are you part of the madness of this world with its sex, war and murderous ways? Am I a prophet? We all are! If you are baptized in Christ, you are a priest, prophet, and king as you put on Christ, our Savior. Jesus Christ is the High Priest, the Prophet of prophets, and the King of kings! We imitate and follow Him in our Christian lives, proclaiming and living His holy Gospel; ready to give our lives for the spread of the kingdom; or are we? Think about it!
Deacon John

CHAPTER LV: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

Actual Photo of the Santarem Bleeding Host

You don't believe it?--That's your tough luck!"
When I went to Fatima, Portugal the first time, many years ago, I got shook up just before I reached there. We were on a bus-ride for about 2 & a half hours from Lisbon, when we stopped at a little town called (Santarem) not far from Fatima.
Here is the story as Father Joseph Cacella, of happy memory, told it. Father Cacella was actually the first one in this country, spreading the Message of Fatima on a large scale--beginning already in 1922. God love him and bless his soul. His headquarters were in the Bronx, 443 East 135th St. at St. Anthony's.

Here are the details of Father's favorite true story:
It was 700 years ago.
In 1247, a woman was worried about her unfaithful husband. In desperation she consulted a pagan sorceress, who advised the woman to bring her a consecrated Host. After receiving Holy Communion, the unfortunate woman removed the Host from her mouth and hid it in her shawl. On her way home, the townspeople noticed drops of blood coming from the shawl. Ashamed and confused she hid the Bleeding Host in a trunk.
During the night she and her husband were awakened by a brilliant light, coming from the place of sacrilegious hiding. She confessed her sin to her husband and both spent the rest of the night in adoration before Christ in the Eucharist . . .
The next morning the parish priest was notified and in solemn procession the Consecrated Host was brought to St. Stephen's church and enclosed in a small wax case.
To this day, you still see pictured in the stain-glassed windows of the Church, the events step by step as they unfolded 700 years ago.
When a light is placed behind the 700-year-old Host you can see distinctly stains of blood. After all these years the frail Host remains intact fresh blood covers it.
The Church gives its approval by permitting Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Knowing how careful the Catholic Church is in approving miracles . . . we know if there was any doubt about this miracle, it would not permit the possibility of an act of idolatry. There it is before us . . . a permanent, living miracle continued for 700 years! Believe it or not!

-- -- --
A little lady in New Orleans, LA by the name of Joan Carroll Cruz heard about this Miracle of the Sacred Host and other such miracles throughout the world. She took the difficult task to contact those many Shrines where these Miraculous Hosts are enthroned, requesting the Custodians of these Shrines to forward to her the detailed true stories of--these wonderful happenings. She put all this marvelous information in a book, with many pictures of these miraculous Hosts in their ciboriums. The name of this treasured book: "EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES"
P.S. You haven't lived unless you read this book. You might as well get hold of Cruz's companion book: "THE INCORRUPTIBLES," it gives you 103 Saints whose bodies never decomposed! Yes, believe it or not!
* * *
To obtain these books go to www.tanbooks.com.
Also on Mother Angelica's EWTN Television Station you will find a weekly Program entitled: "Eucharistic Miracles" by Bob & Penny Lord. It's excellent!

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #46 

The Wise Men.

And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country. (Matt. 2:12)

THE OMNISCIENCE OF GOD: He knew exactly the thoughts both of Herod and of the wise men. He knew that the latter, in their guilelessness, would show Herod the place where the Child lived, and He knew that Herod was resolved on the death of the Child. Therefore He bade the wise men return home another way.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Yes, you see, God is in control! He knows everything that will take place, even when we sin or disregard His holy Will.
We know the story so well; the angel appears to St. Joseph and tells him to take the Child and His Mother and flee to Egypt because King Herod was looking to destroy Jesus. Of course the three Magi did not know that, they thought Herod really wanted to worship Him too, but the sly old fox was lying through his teeth.
How many times has it happened to you, someone telling you one thing to deter you from your plans? How many times has someone 'stabbed you in the back', as the saying goes, to get ahead of you somehow? But no matter what anyone does to us, God already knows it. And He can make the situation turn around for the good. Herod was soon to die a miserable death, therefore allowing the Holy Family to return to Israel, but again, because of the threats to His life, Jesus grew up unnoticed in Nazareth and not Bethlehem.
I thank God for leading and caring for me all my life. I look forward to that wonderful day when I will finally be in His presence to sing His praises for all eternity!
God Bless+
Deacon John

CHAPTER LVI: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM  

RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION--properly--.
One of the biggest heart-breaks in my Pilgrim Virgin Visitation Program to the schools--in these 21 years--is to see and watch Catholic school-children receive Holy Communion.
What do I see, as I purposely watch the students--yes, grade-school and high-school students--return from the Altar after receiving the Precious Body of Christ:
Thank heavens, many do receive reverently, properly, but so many--I could cry inside--they return to their pews and start whispering, talking.
How difficult is it really to instruct the students:
Look--why don't you watch your teacher, your sisters, look at the grown people in back of church--how do they receive? What do they do?
NOTICE--They close their eyes, put their hands in front of their faces, meditating on what just happened. As little Francisco of Fatima put it, receiving Holy Communion:
"I don't know how, but God is inside me!" After receiving:

1. Close your eye-balls.
2. Ask Jesus, whatever you wish--help me to pass a test--or whatever, help my parents, my teacher, my sister . . .
3. Then, thank your God for coming to you.
4. Now--let there be that perfect silence, interior silence (just shut-up) and let Jesus talk to you! You may remember, oh goodness, I promised this or that, I forgot;

Jesus may ask you:

"Did you ever think to become a Priest? Did you ever think to become a Sister, a Brother? . . ."

And--keep your eyes closed during all that time. Let the congregation sing, if they wish, let it be a musical back-ground to your silent wonderful Meditation. There is a time to sing--there is a time to meditate--! To speak to your God and God speaks to you. - - -

Don't forget the P.S.: REMEMBER to receive Holy Communion in the STATE OF GRACE! Our Blessed Mother is complaining about this matter of receiving in the state of mortal sin--in Her book: "Our Lady Speaks to Her Beloved Priests"--in The Marian Movement of Priests--.

* * *

You may obtain copies of the book mentioned above at www.mmp-usa.net.

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #47 

The Adoration of the Magi - by Dutch painter Leonaert Bramer, circa 1633-35.

And thou Bethlehem Ephrata, art a little one among the thousands of Juda, out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be the ruler in Israel: and his going forth is from the beginning, from the days of eternity. (Micheas 5:2)

FAITHFULNESS OF GOD: He caused the prophecy uttered by Micheas to be fulfilled, and, by a wonderful chain of circumstances, carried out His design that the Redeemer should be born at Bethlehem.
[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

God's Will was done! Since the beginning of time God in His Divine Providence planned this exact moment when Christ would be born in a stable in Bethlehem. And you know what, God also knew when you were born and when you will die. He wants you to be with Him in Heaven, so He has planned out your life experiences to that end, but we are the one's who deter the Will of God. We are the one's who say, like Satan: "I will not serve" or "I will not do this or that" or "I will worship God my way and not the way of the Roman Catholic Church!"
Why are we so stubborn? Cause of Original Sin; it's effects are still with us and cause us to rebel. We need grace to overcome these effects, we cannot do it ourselves. That's why Our Lord gave us the 7 Sacraments, like rungs on a ladder, they help us overcome sin and climb the ladder to Heaven.
Of course the greatest and center of the 7 Sacraments is the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, truly present in all the tabernacles of the world. The Magi worshiped Jesus in His Infancy; we can worship Jesus in His True Presence in our churches by adoring Him in the Blessed Sacrament. As the Magi knelt and offered gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, we can kneel and offer ourselves and our wills to Jesus, uniting our intentions with the offerings at Holy Mass for the glory of the Father in Heaven.
Think about it!
Deacon John

CHAPTER LVII: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

Not once--but twice have I read these same instructions from two different Saints--saying in effect the same thing: (Yes, in private revelation):

"It is of the greatest consolation to the Souls in Purgatory when the recipient of Our Lord in Holy Communion requests the Guardian Angel to bring the--Soul from Purgatory to the Altar--as one receives Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist!" - - -

Because of these 'instructions' it is a routine in my silent meditation time, after receiving Holy Communion--yes with eyes closed--:

"Please Jesus, allow my Guardian Angel to bring the following souls from Purgatory to me as my Jesus is Sacramentally in my being: My mother, my dad, my dear friends who all died yes, long time ago . . . I have a list of some 25 souls, people who were close to me in my life-time. And if they are already in Heaven, so much the better--they in turn perhaps can get other souls in Purgatory to obtain this singular privilege." - - -

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #48 

The Star

Saying: Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and are come to adore him. Then Herod, privately calling the wise men learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them; Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the East, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. (Matt. 2:2; 2:7; 2:9-10)

JESUS CHRIST IS GOD AND THE REDEEMER OF ALL MANKIND, OF JEWS AS WELL AS GENTILES: He proved Himself to be such by revealing Himself after His Birth, first to the Jewish shepherds by means of His angels, and then to the Gentile Magi by means of His star. He manifested Himself as the Omnipotent God, and the Lord of hosts (of the angels and of the stars).

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

And that's the Will of God! He revealed Himself to the world but the world rejected Him. He came as a Babe in arms, in humility, in poverty, in the cold of winter; the world wanted a knight in shinning armor, a rich king, a man of the world; so Christ was rejected, first by His own people and then by the pagan Romans. Today Jesus Christ is once again rejected by the world. He is banned from our schools and children's prayers; He is banned from our government, from our books and movies, from our every day life. Christ, the King of the Universe is banned by this singular world that is a drop in the ocean of the heavens above. How sad for us! When will it end? I believe, with many others, that soon God will intervene into our world and correct it's conscience. We will suffer a mini-judgment and be purified. All mankind will be given a second chance to change the way they live and worship and think about God. It will not be the "end of the world", but a new era, a new beginning. May it happen soon!
God Bless+
Deacon John

CHAPTER LVIII: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

Photo of Therese Neumann

St. Therese of the Child Jesus "The Little Flower" died in 1898. The same year Therese Neumann, the Stigmatist, was born.
Exactly 27 years later already in 1925 "The Little Flower" was canonized. On the same day, as the canonization process took place in Rome, St. Therese appeared to Therese Neumann in Konnersreuth, Germany, informing her that she will be cured of all her many ailments, blindness, internal sickness, bedsores, etc. However, Almighty God will send her in the future new sufferings (the Stigmata) and through these new sufferings countless souls will be saved!--Providing Therese Neumann will CONSENT to accept these sufferings--the Stigmata--.
Yes, Therese was cured immediately and two years later during Lent of 1927 she received the holy Stigmata. From Christmas of 1927 until she died September 18, 1962 she was unable to eat except receiving Holy Communion every day--living for 35 years, no food no drink, she could not even partake of water, except the Sacred Host daily. Believe it or not! 'Ripley's Believe it or not' carried this phenomenon in its pages; and they are willing to give you $5000.--, if you can disprove it . . .
Therese Neumann is up for canonization in Rome, miracles happened since her death, she being the intercessor in these wonderful cases. It is also reported that her body is incorrupt . . .
* * *
You may obtain books on "The Little Flower" and Therese Neumann from: www.tanbooks.com.

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #49 

Adoration of the Magi - 1481-1482 by Sandro Botticelli

When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, Saying: Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and are come to adore him. And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. But they said to him: In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet: And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, privately calling the wise men learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them; And sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come and adore him. Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the East, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him. (Matt. 2:1-11)

THE PROPERTIES OF FAITH: It is impossible not to admire the strong and living faith of the three wise men. They believed in the prophecy, from which they knew that the Redeemer would appear in Judea, and that His advent would be heralded by a star. As soon, therefore, as they perceived the wonderful star, they set off on the road to Judea. Full of a holy desire to behold and worship the the Saviour, they did not shrink from the dangers or difficulties of the long journey. Nor did they despond when the star disappeared, but traveled on courageously, and sought in Jerusalem further information as to the place where the Saviour was to be born. Here, however, their faith was severely tried; for nobody in Jerusalem knew anything about the Redeemer's birth. It was they who first brought the tidings of it to the city, and the tidings did not awaken feelings of joy, but of trouble. This might easily aroused within them doubts as to whether the sign in the heavens had deceived them; but they gave no place to such doubts, remaining firm in faith and unshaken by the opinion of others. They believed the prophecy of Micheas and the interpretation of it given by the chief priests and scribes, and, while it was still night, started for Bethlehem. No one from Jerusalem accompanied them; they traveled all alone to the city of David. One might have thought that all Jerusalem would have flocked with them to seek the Missiah; but no! Even the priests, doubtful and skeptical, remained behind, and left it to the Gentile kings to discover the new-born Saviour. This was by no means encouraging for the wise men, but they remained steadfast, and did not suffer their firm faith to be shaken. As a reward for their constancy, the wonderful star re-appeared, and led them to the house where the Child Jesus and His Mother had found a lodging. There, in a poor dwelling, they beheld a little Child with His poor and humble Maiden-Mother; and inspired by divine grace they threw themselves on their knees and, full of a living faith, worshiped this infant as their God and Saviour. "Would they have done this," asks St. Augustine, "if they had not recognized Him as the Eternal King?"

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Do we recognize our Savior Jesus Christ as our Eternal King? Do we, like the Magi, throw ourselves down upon our knees to worship Him, who came to save us? You ask: But Jesus lived 2000 years ago, how can I do this?
God has given us the answer: First in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, where we are truly present at the suffering and death of Our Lord at Calvary. Each Mass presents before us, although invisible, the reenactment of that moment in time, frozen for us, and allowing us to be at the foot of the Cross with Mother Mary and Saint John with the holy women, offering Christ, along with ourselves, to the Eternal Father in reparation, first for our own sins, and then for the sins of the world.
Second, Christs' True Presence, His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity continues to be present in that consecrated Hosts from the Mass and preserved in all the tabernacles of the world. Every Catholic church has a tabernacle in the sanctuary where Jesus Christ is truly present. There we can "throw ourselves down" in worship and spend some time with the Lord! He longs for us; He wants us near Him; He calls out to us; He loves us as a prisoner for our sake! Imagine that! And yet, our churches are empty or locked. Christ is once again abandoned, even by His own clergy, who sometimes ignore His True Presence. We need to show the world that we really believe in Christ, that He is alive, and that we are His adorers. May the Holy Spirit enlighten us with this gift of love and adoration.
Blessings+
Deacon John

CHAPTER LIX: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

TWENTY-FOUR "GLORY BE TO THE FATHER'S" NOVENA to St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, asking for necessary favors.

Origin of the NOVENA:
Father Putigan, a Jesuit, began the Novena to St. Therese of the Child Jesus on December 3, 1925, asking the glorious Saint for one great favor. For 9 days he recited the "Glory be to the Father" twenty-four times, thanking the Holy Trinity for the favors and Graces showered on St. Therese during the 24 years of her life on earth.
The priest asked St. Therese, that as a sign that his Novena was heard, he would receive from someone a freshly plucked rose. On the third day of the Novena, an unknown person sought out Father Putigan and presented him with a beautiful rose.
Father Putigan began the second Novena on Dec. 24th of the same year, and as a sign, asked for a white rose. On the fourth day of this Novena one of the Sister-nurses brought him a white rose saying:
"St. Therese sent you this."
amazed the priest asked:
"Where did you get this?"
"I was in the chapel," said the Sister, "and as I was leaving I passed the altar above which hangs the beautiful picture of St. Therese. This rose fell at my feet. I wanted to put it back into the bouquet, but a thought came to me that I should bring it to you."
Father Putigan received the favors he had petitioned of the Little Flower of Jesus, and promised to spread the Novena to increase devotion to, and bring her more honor.
In this fashion, from the ninth to the seventeenth of each month, those who want to participate in the 24--"Glory be to the Father's" Novena, should add to those of their own, the intentions of all who are at that time making the Novena, thus forming one great prayer in common.

THE NOVENA
The Twenty-Four "Glory be to the Father's" Novena can be said at any time. However, the ninth to the seventeenth of the month is particularly recommended, for on those days the petitioner joins in prayer with all those making the Novena.
Between the Glory Be's, say:
"St. Therese of the Child Jesus, pray for us."
St. Therese, the Little Flower,
Please pick me a Rose from the Heavenly Garden
And send it to me with a Message of love.
Ask God to grant me the favor I thee implore
And tell Him I will love Him
Each day more and more!"
TRY IT--IT WORKS

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #50 

Grace

And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them and the brightness of God shone round about them: and they feared with a great fear. And the angel said to them: "Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be to all the people: For, this day is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger."
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest: and on earth peace to men of good will." (Luke 2:9-14)

TRUE CORRESPONDENCE WITH GRACE: When our Lord was born, the angels sang: "Peace on earth to men of good will!" Now the Magi were men of good will. They co-operated with grace, and therefore obtained peace and salvation. How did the three wise men correspond with grace? It was grace which made them see the star and understand its meaning. No doubt many other wise men in the East understood that the star indicated the Birth of the Messiah; but they did not stir to obey its divine invitation to seek for the Messiah. But these three did obey the invitation of grace, and, leaving home and friends, undertook the far journey to Judea. By corresponding faithfully with this first grace, they obtained the further one of learning in Jerusalem the place where the Messiah was born. And because they believed the prophecy of Micheas and went to Bethlehem, God not only showed them the way to the Child's abode, but illuminated them interiorly, so that they understood the mystery of the Incarnation, and worshiped the Child Jesus with divine worship. They so faithfully preserved this faith in the Divine Saviour that, according to a trustworthy tradition, they were counted worthy to suffer martyrdom for their faith, and are venerated as Saints by the Church. All this should impress upon us the important doctrine that the more a man co-operates with the grace given to him, the more worthy will he be to receive further and greater graces from God.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

What is grace but the very life of God within our souls. We need grace to survive in this mortal life. Without grace we fall into our sinful nature. Because of Original Sin we tend to sin more often than to not sin. Our Lady was "full of grace." She never sinned! Not even a little venial sin. She was conceived Immaculate (Immaculate Conception) and stayed that way all her life. What a great grace that was. But it was in God's plan that Mary was free of sin so that her womb would be the pure tabernacle to carry the God-Man, Jesus Christ for nine months. But there was more to Mary's story that just giving birth to Our Lord; she was also chosen to be Co-Redemptrix, Mediatrix of all grace, and our Advocate with Jesus. Our Lady is the Dispenser of All Graces. Every grace that comes down from Heaven passes through Mary to us! That's why we should ask her to pray for us "now and at the hour of our death. Amen"
God Bless+
Deacon John

CHAPTER LX: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

Elizabeth's Quiet Meditations on the HOLY TRINITY:--
God the Father is seated on His Throne--and is the giver of every good and perfect gift.
At His right hand is His Son, through Whom we receive salvation and healing of our bodies and in Whom every need of our lives is met.
The Holy Spirit is the only member of the Trinity Who is here on earth and working in conjunction with the Father and the Son.
He is here to do anything and everything for us. Yes, the Holy Spirit is the answer. The Holy Spirit is here in such abundance that by His Presence alone, all may be healed physically and also spiritually--if we but ask and pray.
Jesus through the Holy Spirit performs.
If you could once grasp the concept of the Holy Trinity--then many things become clear. Very true it is a mystery. The Three Persons of the Holy Trinity, God the Father--God the Son--God the Holy Spirit--are a UNITY. They are co-existent, infinite and eternal. All Three were equally active in the work of Creation, and are equally active and indispensable in the work of Redemption. All Three work together as ONE--yet each has at the same time His own distinctive function.
God the Father planned and purposed the Creation and Redemption of man. (Of course, of women too).
God the Son provided and purchased at Calvary what the Father had planned in eternity. "God demands Reparation!" All that we receive from the Father must come through Jesus Christ, the Son--and that is why the heart of our Faith is a Person--the very Son of the very God.
When we pray, we come before the Father's Throne in Jesus' name.
The Holy Spirit is the 'power' of the Trinity. It was His power which raised Jesus from the dead. It is the same Resurrection--power that flows through our physical bodies today, healing and sanctifying us.
Yes, when we pray in the Name of Jesus, the Father looks down through the complete perfection, the utter holiness, the absolute righteousness of His only Begotten Son, because of Him the Price was paid in full for man's Redemption.
He is the answer to every need!
And let us not forget the words Jesus spoke to Philip, the Apostle, who asked Him: "Show us the Father."
Jesus answered: "Have I been with you so long--do you not know when you see me--you see the Father--the Father and I are ONE." THE FATHER--THE SON--THE HOLY SPIRIT! - - -

* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #51  

Chief Priests & Scribes

And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. But they said to him: "In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet: 'And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel.' " (Matt. 2:3-6)

THE INDIFFERENCE shown by the chief priests and scribes is almost inconceivable. They received through the wise men certain tidings of the wonderful star, and they knew accurately the prophecies about the Redeemer; but they did not co-operate with the grace received, and did not stir a foot to seek the Messiah. They showed the wise men where the Messiah was to be found, but they themselves remained at home. They waited for the Saviour to come to them; and when, later on, He did come to them, they would not receive Him, because He was poor and humble, but persecuted Him and nailed Him to the Cross!

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

The Blind leading the blind! Here was the promised One, foretold in Jewish Scriptures since the beginning of time and when He arrives, they reject Him! Here we are in the 21st Century and again, Christ is rejected by the religious leaders of the world, especially the Muslims and the Jews. But there are also scores of other's who reject Christ or at least, refuse to hear about Him. The Hindu's come to mind; they have been persecuting any one who calls themselves a Christian in India and other parts of the world. And then we have the atheists, especially in North Korea, China, Vietnam, and some parts of Africa; Christian's are arrested, imprisoned, tortured and even martyred because of their Faith in Jesus Christ! Will it happen here in the United States? On a smaller scale it has already started. New laws and regulations are popping up in different states going against the Church and belief of Christians. Prayer is being outlawed! Christian ideals are being tossed aside for immorality and even the murder of the unborn and elderly are sanctioned by sick minded atheists who want everything their way and no one else can be free to oppose them. Look for more persecution of the Catholic Church, which is their primary target. Hopefully, God will intervene soon and correct the conscience of the world!
Blessings+
Deacon John.

CHAPTER LXI: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

The following 12 Chapters will be of our special Prayers. Some of them you may know, others have added invocations and are very efficacious. We'd like to share these prayers with you. - - -

Grace before Meals, with an addition, from the Dominican Sisters:

"Bless us Oh Lord, and these Thy gifts,
Which we are about to receive from Thy bounty,
And may Thou Oh Lord, be the eternal food
of our souls,
Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Amen."
Thanksgiving after meals:
"We give Thee thanks for all Thy benefits, Almighty God,
Who lives and reigns forever,
And may the souls of the faithful departed,
Through the Mercy of God, rest in Peace. Amen."

* * *

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #52 

PRIDE

Then Herod, privately calling the wise men learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them; And sending them into Bethlehem, said: "Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come and adore him."
Then Herod perceiving that he was deluded by the wise men, was exceeding angry: and sending killed all the menchildren that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. (Matt. 2:7-8; 2:16)

PRIDE IS A CAPITAL SIN. Herod formed the cruel resolve to kill the Messiah; and it was his pride, ambition and envy which led to this horrible design. In order to attain more surely his evil end, he dissembled and lied to the wise men, saying that he also wished to worship the Child. Lies and hypocrisy have been from the beginning the weapons used against Christ and His Church.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

And it continues in our times! Especially with the MSM, who love to distort and mock Church teachings or what the Holy Father has said. Even Our Lady said to Fr. Gobbi: "TV is the eye of Satan!" Imagine what goes into people's minds and souls, cause "the eyes are the windows of the soul," especially with children, who have no defence like us and become brain-washed with media propaganda.
Today there is a cruel resolve from the MSM to kill Christ again, first by blocking Him out and by condoning abortions and euthanasia. Sex on TV is no longer moderated but now anything goes. Children are being taught that you can sleep with anyone at anytime. No wonder that sexual diseases are rampant! Aids is growing in leaps and bounds. Millions are infected and destined to an early and painful death. Worse is the fact that if you die in mortal sin, you could spend eternity in the fires of hell. Our Lady of Fatima said: "Most people go to hell because of the sins of impurity!" God help our children! May the Divine Mercy be in our souls!
Deacon John

[MaryVitamin] Our Lady & St. Catherine 

Mary Vitamin for July 14th

Topic: Our Lady and St. Catherine Laboure

Quote:
Father Dirvin from his book St. Catherine Laboure,
"On a Midsummer's night July 18, 1830, the eve of the feast of St. Vincent de Paul** 'Our Lady came to Paris. She came, not to the shadowy vastness of her Cathedral of Notre Dame, but to the narrow back street called the rue de Bac, to the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity."
St. Catherine Laboure, (Tan Books), 80.
Also available on line at EWTN.

Meditation:
St. Catherine Laboure was a child prodigy. She was always a model of prayer and grace to the people in her life. After the death of her mother she took over the duties of managing a large household and the staff that tended the farm. In addition to her heavy workload, she rose early before the rest of the household so that she could complete her morning chores and be free to walk to early Mass. She always showed great spirituality and prudence.

On the night St. Catherine was destined to see the Holy Mother of God, she received a second class relic of St. Vincent de Paul. Hours before the heavenly visit, St. Catherine clutched the small piece of cloth from the surplice of her holy Father (the founder of the order) and confided to this great Saint of Charity the many secrets of her interior life in a loving conversation.

The visit of Our Lady to St. Catherine in July 1830, was a visit for Catherine --not for the world. The two hour conversation between Mother and daughter centered on Catherine's vocation and the mission Catherine would live out for the glory of God.

One would have to conclude that the piety of St. Catherine Laboure was very pleasing to Our Lady.

Resolution:
Today, in imitation of the Marian saint Catherine Laboure, I will strive to deepen my relationship with one of my patron saints in heaven. I will try to converse with a saint the way I would speak to one of my friends.

(Patron saints index has biographical information on saints.)

Marian Vow:
"Spiritual progress - something to which members who profess the form of gospel life via the Marian vow are especially obliged - occurs in accord with the principles of a spiritual theology with distinctively Franciscan features and is lived in the light of the Immaculate, as a journey to the Most Holy Trinity through Her, with Her and in Her.
To achieve this there is need to read the lives of saints - particularly of Franciscan Saints - saints being a most secure means of bringing us to union with Christ, in which holiness consists, amid the changes of the times" (LG 7)."
Article 7 of the Statutes of the Marian Seraphic Pathways.

I give this resolution to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Thanks be to God for graces received.

Related sites: Castle of the Immaculate, MaryVitamin Twitter & AirMaria
**St. Vincent de Paul's feast day has been transferred to September 27th.

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"May the Lord grant all your prayers!" (Psalm 20)
Deacon John
http://www.google.com/profiles/deaconjohn1987

CHAPTER LXII: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

Revelations to Saint Faustina:

This devotion has been approved by his Holiness Pope John Paul II.
"A Novena to the Divine Mercy, which Jesus instructed me to write down and to make before the Feast of Mercy. It begins on Good Friday."
Our Lord's words recorded by Sister Faustina:
"I desire that during these 9 days you bring souls to the fount of My Mercy, that they may draw therefrom strength and refreshment and whatever graces they have need of in the hardships of life, and especially at the hour of death. The Feast of Mercy is to be celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter."
Jesus asks that the Feast of Mercy be preceded by a Novena. From Sister Helen-Faustina He required a preparation for its observance by means of a Novena consisting of the recitation of the Chaplet of The Divine Mercy.
The following day an inner voice taught her to say this prayer on ordinary Rosary Beads:
"First say one 'Our Father,' 'Hail Mary' and 'I Believe,' Then on the large beads say the following words:

'Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood,
Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son,
Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our
sins and those of the whole world.'
Then on the smaller beads you are to say the following words:
'For the sake of His sorrowful Passion
have mercy on us and on the whole world.'
Then in conclusion you are to say these words three times:
'Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One,
have mercy on us and on the whole world.' "
Jesus said later to Sister Faustina: "Say unceasingly this chaplet that I taught you."
* * *
You can visit the Marian Helpers Center at www.marian.org

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #53 

The Adoration of the Magi, oil painting by Albrecht Dürer, 1504; %u2026
(credit: Scala/Art Resource, New York)

And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him: (Matt. 2:10-11)

THE FEAST OF THE THREE MAGI, or the Feast of the Epiphany (Jan. 6th). The three wise men were the first Gentiles to whom our Lord manifested Himself as the Saviour of mankind; and as the representatives of the pagan world, which was sighing for its Redeemer, they offered their adoration to Him. We ought therefore, especially on this Feast, to thank God for the Christian faith, because our forefathers too were pagans; and we ought to praise the infinite love of God, who gave His only-begotten Son for the salvation of man.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Do you thank God for your Faith? I do, every day! But what if you feel that you don't have any or little faith? Well, like the apostles cried out to Jesus: "Lord, increase my faith!"
As a matter of fact, I also pray that each day in my Rosary on the first three beads, for an increase of Faith, Hope and Charity through the Immaculate Heart of Mary! Those are the three cardinal virtues that we need in our spiritual journey to Heaven. How could we live here on earth with all its trials and tribulations with out them.
We need Faith, to carry us through the tough times and to persevere and stay close to God amidst the storms; we need Hope to encourage us on in our struggle and have a goal, which is eternal life; we need Charity, to love God with all our hearts and souls and our neighbor as ourselves, because without love we can't get into Heaven. Hell is for those who hate God and their fellow man. And those who go there will hate for all eternity and suffer for it. Heaven is for those who love God and their fellow man. And those who go there will love for all eternity and enjoy heavenly bliss, eternal happiness!
I know where I'm going; how about you?
Deacon John

CHAPTER LXIII: TWO HEARTS OF WIT & WISDOM 

A prayer to THE MOTHER OF THE MOTHER OF GOD--!

To ST. ANNE: in suffering and in dire need!
"Dear St. Anne, I feel grateful to you as I pray to you with confidence
For I need your maternal love and powerful intercession.
St. Anne I want to invoke you for my bodily needs & failing health,
For so long, long, I have suffered in this distressful time of trial;
I cry to you, dear Grandmother of Jesus, take pity on me
And plead with God to cure me and give me health.
If it is not God's Will to heal me,
Then give me strength to bear my burden,
And offer it up to HIM, who suffered so much for us--for me--.
Give me grace to offer my sufferings to Jesus,
In reparation for my sins and those of others,
For the needs of this troubled world,
And for the release of the souls in Purgatory.
Cease not to intercede for me,
Above all, obtain for me the grace of one day beholding My God
Face to face and with You and Mary & Joseph and all the Saints,
Praising and blessing HIM through all eternity.
Amen."

* * *
You can obtain books on St. Anne from www.tanbooks.com.

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #54 

And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him: and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matt. 2:10-11)

THE SIGNIFICATION OF THE GIFTS OF THE WISE MEN: The gifts offered to the Child Jesus by the wise men are full of deep significance. "In Israel incense could be offered to God alone, and could be burnt only before Yahweh! Any human king of Israel to whom incense was offered was an abomination in the sight of God" (Grimm). So by offering incense to the Child Jesus the magi wished to express their worship of God hidden under the lowly form of a child. By the offering of gold they acknowledged Him as king. By the myrrh they desired to testify their veneration of the human nature of Jesus, which was destined to suffering, death and burial. They therefore offered gold to the king, incense to God, and myrrh to the man.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)

Right from the beginning of the Gospel story of Christ's Birth, we see the manifestation of the truth that Jesus is the God-Man, the Messiah and Savior of all humanity! The Wise men offered three precious gifts to the Lord and each one is a divine sign: Gold signifies the power of a king, Jesus Christ is the King of kings, Lord of lords; Frankincense signifies Jesus Christ as the High Priest, who offers Himself daily to the Eternal Father in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass; Myrrh signifies the Paschal Mystery, Jesus Christ's Death and Resurrection! The Gospels are true and it is important to believe what they contain. Otherwise, Our Lord will repeat His words to us upon His Return: "Will the Son of Man find any faith on earth when He comes again!"
Pray and ask the Lord to increase your faith. He will do it!
Blessings+
Deacon John

by deaconjohn

This is my short bio: born in NYC March 1937; Served US Navy 1954 to 1962; Married to Marianne in 1961, we have four children and 8 grandchildren; wor... (more)

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