''Seeing his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing near her, Jesus said to his mother, ‘Woman, this is your son.’ '' John 19:26
(Grace and Peace) There are times when only a Mother's presence can solve our problems. By her love, gentleness and compassion, Mary attracted millions of native Indians into the fold of Her Son. Today we remember our Lady, patroness of the Americas, who revealed herself to Juan Diego as the ever Virgin Holy Mary, Mother of the True God and Creator of all things, whose heart beats with unspeakable tenderness for those who suffered.“that grace and mercy await His chosen ones and that He intervenes on behalf of His holy ones.” Wisdom 4:15
(Grace and Peace) From the vast numbers of peoples from all nationalities, God carefully picks out those with a good heart and draws them to His Son, that they may have life. These are His chosen: to them He grants two great gifts - His mercy and grace. If they continue in His favour, there is no limit to the gifts He pours out on them. They are taught by Him to live holy lives, and in every trial, He proves Himself to be their strong defence.“Just as the eyes of slaves are on their masters' hand, or the eyes of a slave-girl on the hand of her mistress, so our eyes are on Yahweh our God, for him to take pity on us.” Psalm 123:2
(Grace and Peace) In the Bible we see many examples of people who won the Lord’s favour by their earnest look. One such example is the lame begg“It is good to wait in silence for Yahweh to save.” Lamentations 3:26
(Grace and Peace) Quite often, our first reaction to problems is to use all our strength to wrestle ourselves free from them. The result is also very often that we only sink deeper in the pit of worry, sadness or bitterness. On the contrary, if we silently wait for the help of God, we will see that every time, He comes faithfully to our help, lifting us up above the rocks of problems and distress that are seemingly higher and stronger than ourselves.“Wisdom consists entirely in fearing the Lord, and wisdom is entirely constituted by the fulfilling of the Law.” Sirach 19:20
(Grace and Peace) The greatest qualification a person can receive in the world today is not a degree from any human university, but acquiring learning in the ‘Fear of the Lord’. But is not the Fear of the Lord sadly the most unnoticed and unstudied of the sciences? To be truly wise, the Lord invites us to employ our heart, soul, mind and intellect in trying to master this Divine Science, which is a paradise of blessings, both in this world and the world to come.“What, then, will anyone gain by winning the whole world and forfeiting his life? Or what can anyone offer in exchange for his life?” Matthew 16:26
(Grace and Peace) In his youth, Francis Xavier was only concerned with his career and winning fame for himself. The above words of Jesus, which St. Ignatius repeatedly spoke to Francis Xavier finally pierced through the blindness of his heart, mind and soul. Deeply repentant, he abandoned everything to work for the one thing now which mattered most to him - the human soul. The price of one soul for Francis was now far more precious than gaining the entire world.“Now be patient, brothers, until the Lord's coming. Think of a farmer: how patiently he waits for the precious fruit of the ground until it has had the autumn rains and the spring rains!” James 5:7
(Grace and Peace) We all need patience if we are to bear the fruit of the Spirit. The farmer waits patiently for the fruit of the earth because he knows that the fruit needs the autumn and spring rains which will come at their appointed times. In the same way, God blesses the seed of the Spirit which has been sown in us with showers of grace which appear in due course in our lives - let us wait for these showers with patience!