News - September 2020

We must fear God out of love, not love Him out of fear.

“But He replied, ‘More blessed still are those who hear the Word of God and keep it!’” Luke 11:28

Is not true that we become lax after receiving special graces? Even though Mother Mary was blessed to be the Mother of God, she never became complacent, but she worked hard to confirm God's graces by treasuring the Word of God and putting it into practice. Saint Jerome, who translated the entire Bible, also stands before us as one who faithfully kept the Word of God. May each one of us who hear the Word of God, make every effort to ponder over it and put it into practice.

The Word of God is the light for the intellect and fire for the will, so that man can know and love God.

“Adore the Lord in the splendour of His holiness. Tremble before Him, all the earth.” Psalms 96:9

The Psalmist reveals that an important duty of human beings is to adore the Lord. Adoration unites us with God. Sadly, very few people are ready to offer God the loving adoration He deserves. Let us humbly ask His forgiveness for our pride in refusing to adore Him, and let us offer Him our heartfelt adoration in fear and trembling together with the holy angels who continually stand in the Lord’s presence.

The true success of our lives consists in knowing and doing the will of Jesus, in doing whatever Jesus tells us.

“The Lord will give strength to His people, the Lord blesses His people with peace.” Psalms 29:11

The source of all our strength is the Grace of our Lord. When we are filled with His grace, we will experience tremendous peace in our lives. When we approach our Lord with humility and trust, He will strengthen us. Therefore, whenever we are tired, worried or depressed, let us run towards Him for strength and Grace.

One who associates with the good will go to Heaven with them.

“For the Son of man Himself came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

Many times, our soul gets entangled in all sorts of foolish and harmful ambitions, but our Lord reminds us of our true mission of humble service. Those who understood this mission, like Saint Vincent de Paul, worked tirelessly to serve our Lord in fervent prayer and active service. Now let us ask ourselves: 'Did I love and serve God and my neighbor to the best of my ability today?' If not, then let us never be discouraged, but keep striving to make greater progress in the path of humility and service.

No one is to be called an enemy, all are your benefactors, and no one does you harm. You have no enemy except yourselves.

“Every moment of my life is in Your hands, rescue me from the clutches of my foes who pursue me.” Psalms 31:15

Sometimes, we may feel that human beings are very insignificant and unnoticed in this vast world, but our Heavenly Father knows each one of us personally. He is the only one who can be with us from the beginning of our life till the very end. Let us, therefore, entrust our life completely to our Lord and Saviour so that every moment of our life may be in His hands.

Actions speak louder than words; yet we are full of words but empty of actions. Therefore we are cursed by the Lord, since he himself cursed the fig tree when he found no fruit but only leaves. 

“The Lord is my strength and my shield, in Him my heart trusts. I have been helped; my body has recovered its vigour, with all my heart I thank Him.” Psalms 28:7

The Psalmist drew strength and courage from the Lord during all his battles. In our life too, we battle everyday against our human weaknesses and against the Devil. It is our Lord who will give us strength and victory to those who trust in Him. Even if we fall, God will help us to rise again. Therefore, with a firm heart, let us trust in God and fight the good fight, and in every circumstance, wholeheartedly give Him thanks!

Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you.

“Lord, You have lifted me out of Sheol, from among those who sink into oblivion You have given me life.” Psalms 30:3

Very often we forget the blessings of the Lord. Instead of turning to God our Creator and giving glory to Him, we turn to creatures, seeking glory from them and giving glory to them. As a result, we fall into darkness and into the depths of Sheol. However, the Lord’s mercy is so great that He shows us His unfailing love and mercy whenever we call to Him. He lifts us out of the darkness and gives us a new life. Let us never tire of glorifying Him so that may remain with Him forever.

Those who love to be feared fear to be loved, and they themselves are more afraid than anyone, for whereas other men fear only them, they fear everyone.

“Yet do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you; rejoice instead that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20

The Lord warns us that we should never rejoice in miracles or great works performed through us by God. This kind of joy would breed pride. Many Saints performed great miracles in the Name of Jesus, but in all circumstances, they kept their eyes fixed on the Crucified Christ who died for them. Following the example of the Saints, let us have this holy joy of being redeemed by His mercy, the joy that constantly overflows from the heart of a true disciple of Jesus.

Wisdom enters through love, silence, and mortification. It is great wisdom to know how to be silent and to look at neither the remarks, nor the deeds, nor the lives of others.

“Let Your face shine on Your servant, save me in Your faithful love.” Psalms 31:16

Just as we need the light of the sun to help us see our way in this world, we need the light of Christ to guide us on our path to our Heavenly Homeland. Without this Heavenly Light radiating from the Face of Christ, we will not be able to see our way and we are overcome by darkness. Therefore, let us look ever more closely at the Face of Jesus Crucified, and allow Him to light up the darkness of our lives!

Life is a talent entrusted to us so that we can transform it and increase it, making it a gift to others. No man is an iceberg drifting on the ocean of history. Each one of us belongs to a great family, in which he has his own role to play.

“For I tell you, if your uprightness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 5:20

The uprightness of the Scribes and Pharisees was merely an outward show, and Jesus tells us that this superficial uprightness will never get us into the Kingdom of Heaven. Saint Matthew learnt that true uprightness is not something external, but is within the heart, and was thus transformed into a faithful Apostle of Christ. Let us also aim to be upright in God’s sight, striving to live by the greatest commandment, which is love of God and love of neighbour.