To help you pray the Rosary I offer you meditations, many of which are excerpts of my homilies or meditations on other pages on this site. I hope these will make your praying of the Rosary more fruitful.

General Items on the Rosary

Mary needs your Rosary

The Rosary - Contemplating Christ with Mary

story about the power of the Rosary

Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation

Jesus came because Mary surrendered to God

Mary’s “Amen”

Mary Full of Grace

Saying “Yes” to Jesus’ invitation to allow Him into our Lives

mp3 meditation (quality reduced for 56k dial-up modems)

2. Mary Visits Elizabeth

Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit, Most Blessed of all women

3. The Birth of Jesus

Now I know why You had to do it - a Christmas Parable

The Word Became Flesh and Lived Among us

Christmas - Mystery of God's love

Epiphany of our Lord, January 6^th

Jesus’ birth Revealed to the Nations by a Star because Jesus is Savior of All 2007

mp3 meditation: Jesus is Born (quality reduced for 56k dial-up modems)

mp3 meditation: Baby Jesus surrounded by the animals (quality reduced for 56k dial-up modems)

mp3 meditation: Baby Jesus, the Wise Men and Herod (quality reduced for 56k dial-up modems)

4. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple - the New Priesthood and Pure Sacrifice of the Eucharist 2010

Related Homilies: St Joseph, Man of Faith and Patron of the Church

stories about family

5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

The Holy Family, and encouragement for the Family by Pope John Paul II

The Holy Family of Nazareth - Difficulties conquered by Love

Related Homilies: St Joseph, Man of Faith and Patron of the Church

stories about family

Luminous Mysteries -Mysteries of Light

1. The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan

Sons and Daughters of God our Father since our Baptism

Like Jesus you were anointed with the Holy Spirit at Baptism

Sharing in the Salvific Effects of Jesus’ Cross through Baptism 2009

2. The Wedding at Cana

Mary interceded at the Wedding at Cana and continues to be our Advocate

Cana - God wedded to us in the New Covenant, Mary is our Queen 2007

Related Homilies: Excerpts of Wedding Homilies

3. Jesus’ Proclamation of the Kingdom

The Beatitudes

Jesus’ Prescription for Happiness - the Beatitudes

4. The Transfiguration

Jesus is the Promised Messiah. Listen to Him even as He predicts his Passion and Death! 2006

The Transfiguration, look beyond present suffering to the presence of God

Jesus’ Transfiguration and Overcoming Negativity

We live by faith not sight, and we treasure experiences of God’s personal love

5. The Institution of the Eucharist

Faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and Eucharistic Miracles

When we eat this bread and drink this cup...

The Eucharist and the Priesthood were born during the Last Supper

The Eucharist calls us to love and serve the Lord in others (homily excerpt) 2008

We meet Jesus at Mass like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus 2008

Eucharist prophesied by the prophet Malachi 2010

Looking back after Calvary...

Jesus our Healer, healing through the Mass and sacraments

Let Jesus Feast With You!

Four Presences of Jesus when we celebrate the Eucharist

Alexandrina lived only on Jesus in the Eucharist for thirteen years

On Pope John Paul II’s Letter on the Eucharist, Ecclesia de Eucharistia

The Eucharist: Jesus living in us and we in Jesus - Little Nellie of Holy God

The Eucharist and St John Bosco

Jesus is the center of time, BC- AD; is Jesus in the Eucharist the center of your life? 2007

mp3 meditation Part 1 (quality reduced for 56k dial-up modems)

mp3 meditation Part 2 (quality reduced for 56k dial-up modems)

Stories about the Eucharist

Sorrowful Mysteries

1. The Agony of Jesus in Gethsemane

Gethsemane

2. The Scourging at the Pillar

Jesus’ suffering revealed by the Shroud of Turin

Scourging in the movie The Passion of the Christ

3. The Crowning with Thorns

Jesus’ suffering revealed by the Shroud of Turin

4. Jesus Carries his Cross

Jesus’ suffering revealed by the Shroud of Turin

1. The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus

The Passion of Jesus shows us up as sinners and heals us

The Passion of Jesus moves us to Repentance

Gethsemane and Crucifixion

Blood and water from the side of Christ symbolizes Christ giving us the sacraments from the Cross

The sacrificial agape love of Jesus and the miraculous crucifix of Limpias

The Sudarium, the Face-Cloth of Christ

Largest Known Relic of the True Cross in Santo Toribio, Spain

mp3 meditation: Seven Last Words of Jesus (1,2,3) (quality reduced for 56k dial-up modems)

mp3 meditation: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (4) (quality reduced for 56k dial-up modems)

mp3 meditation: Jesus on the Cross Thirsting for our Love (5) (quality reduced for 56k dial-up modems)

Do you love me?

Lamb of God

St Margaret of York, Eucharistic Martyr, martyred on Good Friday

Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection

Meet the Risen Jesus in the Galilee of your daily life

Roll away the Stone and meet the Risen Jesus

Jesus Risen is the Light of the World 2008

mp3 meditation: Jesus is Risen (quality reduced for 56k dial-up modems)

Related Homilies: Trust, Surrender, Believe, Receive

Faith in the Resurrection enables us to endure suffering

Belief in the resurrection (excerpt of funeral homily)

The Sudarium, the Face-Cloth of Christ

First Appearance of Jesus to his mother Mary

Look beyond present suffering to the presence of God

Excerpts of Funeral Homilies

We meet Jesus at Mass like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus 2008

2. The Ascension

Ascension

Jesus Continues to be Present in his Church after his Ascension 2006
Waiting in Prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit

3. Pentecost

Pentecost - Let us fly!

Renewed by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost - one person’s experience

Living as authentic followers of Jesus will help many to come to follow Jesus 2006

mp3 meditation: Pentecost (quality reduced for 56k dial-up modems)

Related Homilies: How can we receive the Holy Spirit to raise us up? 2006

4. The Assumption of Our Lady into Heaven

Assumption of Our Lady into Heaven

The Assumption of Our Lady and her house in Ephesus

Mary the Ark of the Covenant Assumed into Heaven intercedes for us 2007

Related: Four Marian Dogmas

5. The Coronation of Our Lady as Queen of Heaven and Earth

Mary our Queen 2007

Ireland’s Queen

AN HOUR WITH JESUS!

The Last Supper: Sample I mp3

The Last Supper: Sample II mp3

The Seven Last Words of Jesus mp3

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? mp3

Jesus on the Cross Thirsting for our Love mp3

Jesus is Risen mp3

Pentecost mp3

Jesus, Prince of Peace mp3

Meditation and Prayer for Peace mp3

Introduction to the Rosary mp3

Third Joyful Mystery of the Rosary mp3

SERMON ON THE MOUNT

And raising his eyes toward his disciples he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours” (Lk 6:20).

Prepare for Mass: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

If Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some among you say there is no resurrection of the dead? If the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised, and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins. Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.

Prepare for Mass Sunday February 14 2010 is the Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time Year C
February 14 2010 – (2/14/2010)
Sunday Sunday Sunday

Listen to the Readings

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Jer 17:5-8
Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
1 Cor 15:12, 16-20
Lk 6:17, 20-26

---

Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD,
whose hope is the LORD. Woe to those who do not.

---

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. “Blessed are you who are poor,
for the kingdom of God is yours.

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He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: it fears not the heat when it comes; its leaves stay green; in the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit.

BLESSED ARE YOU WHO

are now hungry,
for you will be satisfied.

Blessed are you who are now weeping,
for you will laugh.

Blessed are you when people hate you,
and when they exclude and insult you,
and denounce your name as evil
on account of the Son of Man.

Rejoice and leap for joy on that day!
Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.

For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way.

BUT WOE TO YOU WHO ARE

rich,for you have received your consolation.

Woe to you who are filled now,
for you will be hungry.

Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will grieve and weep.

Woe to you when all speak well of you,
for their ancestors treated the false
prophets in this way.”

GOD BLESS YOU

FISHERS OF MEN

WHAT’S THE POINT?

In today’s gospel, Jesus tells the fishermen, Peter, Andrew, James and John, to cast their nets into the lake. Though they had fished all evening and caught nothing, they did as he said and pulled in a haul of fish that nearly sunk their boats. This miracle convinced them that Jesus was the Christ and they left everything to follow after Him. Jesus told them they would no longer fish for fish but for men. They would be the ones to carry on the message of Christ. Thanks to their obedience, we have heard the Good News.

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” (Lk 5:8).

Prepare for Mass: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Prepare for MassSunday February 7 2010 is the Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time Year C
February 7 2010 – (2/7/2010)
Sunday Sunday Sunday

Listen to the Readings

---

Is 6:1-2a, 3-8
Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 7-8
1 Cor 15:1-11
Lk 5:1-11

---

Whom shall I send? Send me. Put out into the deep and lower your nets. Do not be afraid. From now on you will be catching men.

---

Isaiah
I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne,
with the train of his garment filling the temple.
Seraphim were stationed above. They cried one to the other,
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts!
All the earth is filled with his glory!”
At the sound of that cry, the frame of the door shook
and the house was filled with smoke.Then I said, “Woe is me, I am doomed!
For I am a man of unclean lips,
living among a people of unclean lips;
yet my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”
Then one of the seraphim flew to me,
holding an ember that he had taken with tongs from the altar.He touched my mouth with it, and said,
“See, now that this has touched your lips,
your wickedness is removed, your sin purged.”

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,
“Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?”
“Here I am,” I said; “send me!”

In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been ineffective.

Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.
After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon,
“Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.”
Simon said in reply,
“Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing,
but at your command I will lower the nets.”
When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish
and their nets were tearing.

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said,
“Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.”

Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid;
from now on you will be catching men.”
When they brought their boats to the shore,
they left everything and followed him.

Fishers of Men Video

GOD BLESS YOU

Shaking the Foundations : 5th Sunday in OT

Grace shakes us to the foundations, provoking in us a keen awareness of our own sinfulness, and offering us the liberating power of the forgiveness of our sins. Once transformed by God's grace, we are sent out on mission and through our mission, we share with others the Grace that we have received.

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Original audio source (Podcast.mp3)

What Are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit?

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are listed in Isa 11:2-3. The Douay-Rheims translation reads as follows:

“And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the spirit of wisdom, and of understanding, the spirit of counsel, and of fortitude, the spirit of knowledge, and of godliness. And he shall be filled with the spirit of the fear of the Lord ...”

They are given to us at our Baptism and strengthened in the Sacrament of Confirmation. Their purpose is to make us docile to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. He works in us through these gifts and each one helps us to progress towards holiness.

It can be difficult to distinguish between the different gifts of the Holy Spirit because they are so much alike. For help, I turn to the Modern Catholic Dictionary, by Fr. John A. Hardon:

• Wisdom: It makes the soul responsive to God in the contemplation of divine things. It allows our minds to penetrate the very essence of divine truths.
  
  Understanding: It is given to the mind for grasping revealed truths easily and profoundly. It gives insight into the meaning of what a person believes.
  
  Counsel: It enables a person to judge promptly and rightly, as by a sort of supernatural intuition, what should be done, especially in difficult situations.
  
  Fortitude: It gives a person a special strength of will. This gift confers an extraordinary readiness to undergo trials for love of God or in fulfillment of the divine will.
  
  Knowledge: It gives a person the ability to judge everything from a supernatural viewpoint. The object of this gift is the whole spectrum of created things insofar as they lead one to God. Through infused knowledge the faithful can see the providential purpose of whatever enters their lives.
  
  Godliness (or “Piety”): It produces an instinctive filial affection for God and devotion toward those who are specially consecrated to God. It is a ready loyalty to God and the things of God.
  
  Fear of the Lord: A solemn respect for the almighty power and glory of God. It fills us with reverence for Him and dread of offending Him who loves us so completely.

I pray that the Spirit will arouse these gifts within you as you contemplate your role and mission in the Church.

Pax Christi,
phatcatholic

IHS FEBRUARY 2010

FEBRUARY

San Pedro Bautista

San Pedro Bautista was sent in 1581, as missionary to the Philippines, where he built a house of prayer in San Francisco del Monte in Quezon City, staying there in 1696-1699. The provincial house of the Franciscans in the Philippines still exist in that place.

Born in Spain in 1542, San Pedro joined the Franciscans of San Gregorio Magno Province where was ordained and devoted himself to preaching and teaching, especially among the poor and less fortunate.

San Pedro is the recognized founder of the hot springs in Los Banos, Laguna. He determined its medical element and promoted it among the sick persons. He was also first to organize a parish choir in the Philippines. He did not only organize them, but taught them how to use musical instruments made in bamboo. He became known in building the liturgical life of the people where ever he was assigned. He also strongly defended the rights of the indigenous peoples of Zambales. He affirmed their basic human rights and taught the slave drivers to recognize God's dignity in their lives. It was a firm, moral stand that opened the people's minds on the value of life.

On their way to the Philippines, San Pedro and his companion missionaries stopped over in Mexico and spent three years there evangelizing the natives.

In 1592, San Pedro, obedient to King Philip II's civil mandate, was sent as ambassador to Japan. His diplomatic mission succeeded and he won favors with the Japanese authorities. He received permission to stay on in Japan and to build a church and friary in Kyoto. He labored zealously and his companions in mission, converted many to the faith

Their success in making converts and establishing churches and hospitals caused them to become a threat to a community leader, Hideyoshi. A fierce persecution broke out and in 1596, Christians were rounded up and thrown in jail. Along with the mission-companions. San Pedro was forced to make a long and horrendeous march to NAgasaki. They died by crucifixion in 1597.

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The CFC Logo

The CFC logo has three (3) elements: the concentric circles, the cross, and the dove. The CFC logo stands for who we are and what we are for.

THE CONCENTRIC CIRCLES

These stand for 2 wedding rings, one on top of the other. They depict Christian marriage, where two have become one. They stand for the unity between husband and wife, a unity manifesting itself in mutual love and service. The ring also point to our family life ministry. The family is to be the focus as well as the foundation of our work.

THE CROSS

This stands for the cross of Christ. The central position of the cross states that Christ is at the center of our lives and of our work. The cross is also an empty cross. It shows that Christ is risen. By his death and resurrection, Christ conquered sin and death, and won for us our salvation. Finally, the cross stands for the radical Christian life we are called to. It is a life where we are to take up the cross of Christ (Mt. 16:24).

THE DOVE

The dove represents the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit Who is our guide, our counsellor, our advocate. He is the Spirit of truth. He is the source of power and strength for the Christian life.
The dove also indicates the charismatic dimension of our spirituality. We are to pursue our work of renewal with the full use of all charismatic gifts at our disposal (1 Cor. 12:4-11).

THE CONCENTRIC CIRCLES, THE CROSS AND THE DOVE

The circles also stand for the globe or the world. Christ is at the center. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Our work is to participate in the fulfillment of God's plan: to bring all things in the heavens and on earth into one under Christ's headship (Eph. 1:10).

Also depicted is the establishment of CFC worldwide family, the one global community under the lordship of Christ. The circles also suggest the ever widening network of renewed families in Christ. The light and life of Christ radiates outwards and touches the lives of more and more people. CFC is an evangelistic movement, intending to bring Christ to all people and to all places.

CFC is a work of Christ which raises up Christian couples and establishes Christian families committed to the work of evangelization and winning the world for Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The CFC Arch

The VISION STATEMENT is placed prominently on top of the arch to emphasize its being the priority calling of CFC. Etched in stone and cradled by the letter “V”, it signifies the“PERMANENCE AND FINALITY” of the message for all CFC members.

The rest of the “VISION STATEMENT” is broken into 7 parts representing the membership in the 7-man International Council – the top group of people symbolizing the top leadership.

Below the “VISION STATEMENT” is the icon of CFC: “the OVERLAPPING RINGS, the DOVE and the CRUCIFIX.” It rests on top of the arch opening, symbolizing the entrance to a heavenly home – God’s kingdom – through the “EYE of the NEEDLE.”

The two columns on both sides of the ARCH carry the full weight of the “VISION.”

The left column holds aloft the symbol of the Bread of Life, the body of Christ, and the fish which reminds every CFC member of the multiplication of the loaves and fish – a miracle Jesus performed. The right column is symolic of the Fruit of the Vine and the Blood of Christ, which was shed for all who believe. The “COLUMNS” represent the“MISSION STATEMENT”: Building the Church of the Home and Building the Church of the Poor.

These two columns reflect both our EVANGELISTIC role in the life of the Church and our FAITH IN ACTION as we serve God through the least, the lost and the last among our brethren.

Under the Church of the Home Column are the various CFC Ministries: Family & Social Under the Church of the Poor Column are our movements: Gawad Kalinga and Isang Milyong Bayani (1 Million Heroes). The base of the Tower / Arch is rooted on the solid foundation and cornerstone value of CFC: Pro-God, Pro-Family, Pro-Poor and Pro-Life.

This is the CFC Victory Tower, a solid structure where the CFC man-on-guard keeps an eye on the ground yet having a wide range of vision that reaches far and wide.

This tower upholds our commitment to putting action to our faith, being victorious despite criticism, and empowering us to hold dear the mission of being one and united as brothers and sisters in the work of Jesus Christ who modeled a life with a bias for the poor.

This is the CFC Mission Arch as we build our own home in the near future. This edifice is the entrance gate to CFC – the community focused on following Christ. CFC imitates Christ in fulfilling His Mission: “Bring Glad Tidings to the Poor.”

CFC Vision and Mission

CFC GLOBAL VISION

FAMILIES IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

RENEWING THE FACE OF THE EARTH

Moved by the Holy Spirit, one with the Catholic Church, blessed to witness to Christ’s love and service, Couples for Christ is a united global community of family evangelizers that sets the world on fire with the fullness of God’s transforming love.

CFC GLOBAL MISSION

BUILDING THE CHURCH OF THE HOME AND

THE CHURCH OF THE POOR

We are Couples for Christ. We are committed to live in God’s righteousness and holiness, evangelizing people through a life of love and service; we shall work for the renewal of families that will serve God and build generations of Christian leaders; and, we shall pursue Total Christian Liberation through social justice, respect for life, and work with the poor.

CFC GLOBAL GOALS

1. EVANGELIZATION AND FORMATION

To strategically locate in the world to evangelize peoples and inculcate a way of life based on Gospel values.

1. FAMILY RENEWAL

To strengthen and defend the family as a basic unit of society and of the Church in accordance with God’s plan.

1. TOTAL CHRISTIAN LIBERATION (Justice, Life, and Poor)

To help the least of our brethren based on Matthew 25:40, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”

1. EFFECTIVE / EFFICIENT GOVERNANCE

To provide effective and efficient support services to fulfill the vision and mission of CFC.

CFC Theme 2010

"Fullness of Life in Christ"
Colossians 2:6-7

Freedom From Human Regulations Through Life With Christ

⁶Since you have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord,
live in union with Him,
keep your roots deep in Him and build your lives on Him,
and become stronger in your faith,
as you were taught. and be filled with thanksgiving.
(Good News Bible version).

--
CFC UGNAYAN MULTIMEDIA CENTER
COUPLES FOR CHRIST

click to read CFC Statement

IHS JANUARY 2010

A Daily Prayer and Scripture Guide 2010

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH

in

HIS

STEPS

JOURNAL

Deeply Rooted in Christ

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JANUARY

St. Arnold Janssen is the father, leader and founder of the Society of the Divine Word (S.V.D.) Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters (SSps), and Holy Spirit Perpetual Adoration Sisters (SSpSAP).

Born in Goch, Germany in 1837, St. Arnold was ordained a priest in 1861, became chaplain and director of the Ursuline convent in Kempen in 1873, and led the diocesan Apostleship of Prayer as Director in 1874.

Following St. Paul's exhortation to the Philippians, "Have this in mind, which was in Christ Jesus", St. Arnold built up the spiritual ideal that the best form of devotion to the Heart of Jesus is to make our wishes conform to those of His heart. Like Jesus, we should live our lives not for our own honor and glory, but according to God's will and for His glory.

St. Arnold considered this mandate for himself and his missionary society, teaching his followers that sanctification is God's work, but it requires human cooperation. He once remarked: "An essential feature of surrender to God is to desire to have His will concerning us fulfilled in every regard... then God will enlighten us to sanctify and enable us to do all things in Him Who strengthens us".

For St. Arnold, the will of God and religious obedience were one. He once wrote: "Look upon the will of your superiors as the holy will of God and try to comply in all simplicity and sincerity." He would have been deeply grateful to read the new document on authority and obedience from the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life (May 2008): "to seek the will of God means to seek a friendly and benovelent will that desires our fulfillment... Obedience is not humiliation, but the truth on which the fullness of human persons is built and realized. Hence, the believer so ardently desires to fulfill the will of the Father as to make of it his or her supreme aspiration."

In His farewell conference in June 1908, the Founder concluded his recommendations for the future of the Mission House with these words: "May God's will be done; this most holy will must always be adored!"

St. Arnold died in 1909.

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For the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

from phatcatholic apologetics

Since today we celebrate the moment when Jesus Christ consented to be baptized, I thought I would share the words of Pope Benedict XVI in his book Jesus of Nazareth, where he explains why Jesus gave that consent:

• The act of descending into the waters of this Baptism implies a confession of guilt and a plea for forgiveness in order to make a new beginning. In a world marked by sin, then, this Yes to the entire will of God also expresses solidarity with men, who have incurred guilt but yearn for righteousness. The significance of this event could not fully emerge until it was seen in light of the Cross and Resurrection. Descending into the water, the candidates for Baptism confess their sin and seek to be rid of their burden of guilt. What did Jesus do in the same situation? Luke, who throughout his Gospel is keenly attentive to Jesus' prayer, and portrays him again and again at prayer -- in conversation with the Father -- tells us that Jesus was praying while he received Baptism (cf. Lk 3:21). Looking at the events in light of the Cross and Resurrection, the Christian people realized what happened: Jesus loaded the burden of all mankind's guilt upon his shoulders; he bore it down into the depths of the Jordan. He inaugurated his public activity by stepping into the place of sinners. His inaugural gesture is an anticipation of the Cross. He is, as it were, the true Johan who said to the crew of the ship, "Take me and throw me into the sea" (Jon 1:12). The whole significance of Jesus' Baptism, the fact that he bears, "all righteousness," first comes to light on the Cross: The Baptism is an acceptance of death for the sins of humanity, and the voice that calls out "This is my beloved Son" over the baptismal waters is an anticipatory reference to the Resurrection. This also explains why, in his own discourses, Jesus uses the word baptism to refer to his death (cf. Mk 10:38; Lk 12:50). (p. 17-18)

The Holy Father's entire meditation upon this scene blew me away when I first read it. If you have not read Jesus of Nazareth, I highly suggest it. As for my own meager offerings, I present the following links to past blog posts on baptism:

• On the Washing of Regeneration
• On Necessity and Wetness: Parts One -- Two -- Three
• Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation [an incomplete debate]: Parts One -- Two
• Eight Key Points, Part 5: Infant Baptism
• Repent, and Do What?
• On Baptism by Immersion

Pax Christi,
phatcatholic

PLSPRAY4US@GMAIL.COM

COME AND JOIN US!

INTERCESSORY PRAYER AND DEVOTION MINISTRY
An initiative of the Ladies of Cluster Paul and 3G Family Catechism Group

"I solemnly assure you,

the man who has faith in Me will do the works I do,
and greater far than these.

Why? Because I go to the Father,

and whatever you ask in My name I will do"
John 14:12-13

The Intercessory Prayer group is the initiative of the ladies of the Family Catechism Group and CFC-Cluster Paul tasked to be prayer warriors/intercessors to lift up others' and their needs to Jesus Christ through our Blessed Mama Mary. Prayer intercessors come to gather on agreed day, time and place of each week for an hour to conduct the Intercessory Prayer session.

The several areas of prayer that will be regularly lifted up: the Couples for Christ and its Family Ministries, CFC members and their families, the sick and the dying, those undergoing diferrent types of challenges in their lives, the Holy Catholic Church and her leaders, missionaries, all catholic communities, our country, and the ministries of the church. This ministry is open to anyone who feels led by God to intercede on behalf of others and dedicate one hour a week to praying for the many needs and request made known to us.

We want to enlist members who are willing to join the Intercessory Prayer group, Eucharistic Adoration and the Divine Mercy devotion. If you like to join this or if you have a prayer request, please email us...

plspray4us@gmail.com

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thnaksgiving, present your request to God."
Philippians 4:6

MOTHER MARY

MARY—WHO IS SHE IN GOD'S PLAN?

"When the designated time had come, God sent forth His Son born of a woman." —Galatians 4:4

Catholics and the Orthodox maintain Mary is the most important human being in God's plan, except for her Son, the God-Man, Jesus. Others think that by honoring Mary we take away from the worship of Jesus. However, Catholics and the Orthodox say Mary will lead a person to Jesus, just as all good Christians try to lead their friends to the Lord. After all, Mary's last recorded words in the Bible were: "Do whatever He (Jesus) tells you" (Jn 2:5). What is Mary's part in God's plan? Does she mother, minister, and intercede today?

MOTHER'S DAY

"The angel answered her: 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; hence, the holy Offspring to be born will be called Son of God.' " —Luke 1:35

the teachings about Mary depend on two Biblical revelations about her motherhood. Mary is God's mother as she is the mother of Jesus Who is God (Lk 1:32, 35). She is also our Mother by adoption because Jesus told her to take John and the disciples of all time as her children (Jn 19:26).

Mary is not just the average person; she is God's mother, having conceived Jesus by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. If we understand God's holiness and the intimacy of the Holy Spirit with Mary in conceiving Jesus, we see that Jesus' incarnation presupposes that Mary was immaculate from the beginning of her life. Because Mary was free from sin, she was free from the wages of sin, that is, death (Rm 6:23). Thus her immaculate conception implies her assumption into heaven. This does not take away from the glory of her Son or imply she did not need to be redeemed (see Lk 1:47). In fact, it is an even greater victory for Jesus. Pope Pius XII taught: "Wherefore, the infinite dignity of Jesus Christ and His office of universal redemption is not diminished or lowered by this tenet of doctrine, rather it is greatly increased" (On the Immaculate Conception, p. 5). In the Bible, Mary is called "full of grace" and "blessed among women" (Lk 1:28, 42, 45). We have begun to appreciate how blessed and graced she was and why "all ages to come" shall call her blessed (Lk 1:48).

Because of Jesus' resurrection victory over death, her mothering is not stopped by her passing from this life to heaven. Mary's "unique," "preeminent," "singular," and yet very human place in God's plan of salvation is not only for two thousand years ago but for today (Vatican II, The Church, 53). While Jesus was hanging on the cross He told mother Mary to adopt John and the disciples of all time as her children. Mary obeyed her Son and she mothers us until the present day. Now we must obey Him by accepting and honoring her as our mother, thereby obeying the fourth commandment (Ex 20:12). This commandment carries with it the promise that it will go well with us and we will have a long life (Eph 6:3). This applies both to our natural parents and our adoptive mother. By honoring mother Mary we claim God's precious promises.

DON'T DESPISE PROPHECIES (1 Thes 5:20)

"Seek eagerly after love. Set your hearts on spiritual gifts—above all, the gift of prophecy." —1 Corinthians 14:1

We know Mary is still mothering us by what the Spirit has taught us concerning John 19:25-27 and also by the Spirit's gift of prophecy. For example, when Isaiah prophesied: "The virgin shall be with Child, and bear a Son, and shall name Him Immanuel" (Is 7:14), probably no one understood this to mean that a virgin would conceive without sexual relations. But the Spirit later revealed this through Matthew: "He (Joseph) had no relations with her at any time before she bore a Son, Whom he named Jesus" (Mt 1:23, 25). The Spirit has taken other Bible passages and given them a prophetic meaning concerning Mary (e.g. Gn 3:15; Rv 12:1). These prophecies have been tested by Christian communities across the world for centuries (see 1 Jn 4:1) and therefore are among the most confirmed and tested prophecies in the history of Christianity. They help us further appreciate Mary's special mothering role in God's plan of salvation. Micah prophesied, "Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne" (Mi 5:2).

MOTHER OF THE CHURCH

"Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother: 'This Child is destined to be the Downfall and the Rise of many in Israel, a Sign that will be opposed—and you yourself shall be pierced with a sword—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare.' " —Luke 2:34-35

As the Spirit overshadows our understanding by teaching us His word and pouring out the gift of prophecy, we become more aware of how Mary continues to mother the church. The titles of Mary are usually prophetic statements about aspects of her mothering. As Sorrowful Mother, she has the gift to lay bare the thoughts of many hearts. As Our Lady Of Perpetual Help, she exercises a powerful intercessory ministry (Jn 2:3). As Spouse of the Spirit, she prays for a new Pentecost, as she prayed at the first outpouring of the Spirit (Acts 1:14). As Our Lady Of Lourdes, she heals her children. As Our Lady Of Guadalupe, she evangelizes and ministers to the poor. As Our Lady of Fatima, she asks us to accept Jesus' call to be peacemakers (Mt 5:9). All these ministries are aspects of motherhood. Mothers are primarily concerned about peace among the children in their family. Mothers live to lead their children to Christ. They intercede for, heal, and serve their children. They often minister the Spirit to their children. That same Spirit that Mary prayed for at the first Pentecost now teaches us to appreciate her mothering and to honor her as mother.

MARY'S MOTHERING IN MY LIFE

"Together they devoted themselves to constant prayer. There were some women in their company, and Mary the mother of Jesus." —Acts 1:14

As a youngster I came to know Mary as my mother. We prayed the family rosary each evening, and this prayer-time bore fruit in an exceptional family life. I stayed in touch with Mary throughout high school and college but almost forgot about her in graduate school. I no longer prayed the rosary daily, for I had become too sophisticated for such a simple prayer. My life was deteriorating gradually. My estrangement from Mary was symptomatic of a breakdown of my relationship with Jesus; I still went to church and prayed but had lost my first love (see Rv 2:4). I was compromised with the world and no longer loved Jesus with all my heart and soul (Mt 22:37). I was experiencing meaninglessness and powerlessness in my life. In l975, one year after my ordination to the priesthood and one week before Pentecost, after reading Acts 1:14 as I was preparing for the Sunday homily, I decided to gather some people to pray for the Spirit. The Spirit came in a torrential outpouring, and almost immediately the Spirit restored my relationship with Mary and my daily praying of the rosary. The first time I prayed in tongues was during the rosary. One of the most effective evangelistic outreaches I have ever witnessed was the result of a rosary procession. Also, the only time I have seen the Spirit renew a parish extensively was through the intercession of Our Lady of The Presentation.

MARY'S IMMACULATE HEART AND JESUS' SECOND COMING

"In turn He said to the disciple, 'There is your mother.' From that hour onward, the disciple took her into his care." —John 19:27

The Spirit is using Mary now to prepare the way for her Son's final coming. In 1917 at Fatima, Portugal, Mary prophesied that Russia could be converted and her immaculate heart would triumph. We hear of revival in Eastern Europe, Russia, and China. These events seem to be preparing for the miraculous fulfillment of the Fatima prophecies and a worldwide evangelistic explosion.

As the Lord's plan of salvation unfolds and culminates, the Lord seems to have commissioned Mary to prepare us for His second coming. Therefore, He asks us to dedicate ourselves to Mary's immaculate heart. The revelation of Mary's immaculate heart is one of the most confirmed prophecies of all time. Our dedication to her immaculate heart is a commitment to lay bare our hearts (Lk 2:35) and receive new hearts that are holy, immaculate, and pleasing to the Lord. It means that we accept Mary's mothering and agree to cooperate with her as she ministers the Holy Spirit to us, as she did with Elizabeth and John the Baptist (Lk 1:41). Great athletes or musicians dedicate themselves through strict obedience and extensive work to a professional coach or virtuoso. Likewise, to be holy we need to be discipled by others, especially our mother Mary. Wearing the scapular is a sign that we have decided to cooperate fully with Mary as she makes us disciples of her Son Jesus.

In conclusion, speak to Mary from your heart:

"Mother Mary, thank you for loving Jesus and being my mother. I dedicate myself to your immaculate heart. I ask you to pray for, teach, command, correct, and guide me. I commit myself to cooperate with and obey you so I will grow to love Jesus with all my heart and stand holy before Him when He comes a second time."

Nihil obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, July 14, 1998.
Imprimatur: Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 20, 1998.

The Nihil obstat and Imprimatur are a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free from doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil obstatImprimatur agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed. and