FrancisFernandez

InConversationwithGod

Meditationsforeachdayoftheyear

Volume4Part1OrdinaryTimeWeeks13–18

SCEPTERLondon

This edition of In Conversation with God – Volume 4 Part 1 is published: in England by Scepter (U.K.) Ltd., 21 Hinton Avenue,HounslowTW46AP;e-mail:scepter@pobox.com.ThisisatranslationofHablarconDios–VolIV,firstpublishedin1989byEdicionesPalabra,Madrid,andin1991byScepter.

Withecclesiasticalapproval©Original—FomentodeFundaciones(FundaciónInternacional),Madrid,1989©Translation—Scepter,London,1991©Thisedition—Scepter,London,2011Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthisbookmaybereproduced,storedinaretrievalsystemortransmitted,inanyformorbyanymeans,electronic,mechanical,photocopyingorotherwise,withoutthepriorpermissionofScepter(U.K.).Coverdesign&setinEnglandbyKIPIntermedia.

ISBN-13(e-book:Kindle)Volume1Part1978-0-906138-84-7Volume1Part2978-0-906138-85-4Volume2Part1978-0-906138-86-1Volume2Part2978-0-906138-87-8Volume3Part1978-0-906138-88-5Volume3Part2978-0-906138-89-2Volume4Part1978-0-906138-90-8Volume4Part2978-0-906138-91-5Volume5Part1978-0-906138-92-2Volume5Part2978-0-906138-93-9Volume6Part1978-0-906138-51-9Volume6Part2978-0-906138-68-7Volume7Part1978-0-906138-63-2Volume7Part2978-0-906138-72-4ISBN-13(printed)Volume1978-0-906138-20-5Volume2978-0-906138-21-2Volume3978-0-906138-22-9Volume4978-0-906138-23-6Volume5978-0-906138-24-3Volume6978-0-906138-25-0Volume7978-0-906138-36-6Completeset978-0-906138-19-9

INCONVERSATIONWITHGODiOrdinaryTimeWeeks13-18iQuickAccesstoContents

CONTENTSScheduledUseofVolume4inOrdinaryTimeTHIRTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARA1.LoveforGod1.1Godalonemustbelovedabsolutelyandunconditionally.Uprighthumanaffections.1.2ThereisnolimitormeasuretotheloveofGod.1.3HowtheloveofGodisshown.THIRTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARB2.DeathandLife2.1Thedeathwemustavoidandfear.2.2Sin,thedeathofthesoul.Itseffects.2.3Thelifeofthesoultobeesteemedaboveallelse.THIRTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARC3.Don’tlookback3.1Thedemandsofourvocation.3.2Theproofsoffidelity.3.3VirtueswhichsupportusinourjourneytowardsGod.THIRTEENTHWEEK:MONDAY4.TheValueofonejustman4.1Forthesakeoftenjustmen,Godwouldhaveforgiventhousandsofinhabitantsofthetwocities.4.2OurparticipationintheinfinitemeritsofChrist.4.3Wemustbeaslightsintheworld.THIRTEENTHWEEK:TUESDAY5.God’ssilence5.1Godalwayslistenstothosewhoturntohimforhelp.5.2TrustinGod.5.3WhenGodseemstokeepsilent.THIRTEENTHWEEK:WEDNESDAY6.Missedopportunities6.1TheLordsometimespresentshimselftousinawaydifferentfromwhatwehadexpected.6.2DetachmentifwearetoseeJesusanddohisWill.6.3Lookingathumanlyunfavourablecircumstanceswiththeeyesoffaith,andfindingGodinthem.

THIRTEENTHWEEK:THURSDAY7.TheinfinitevalueoftheMass7.1ThesacrificeofIsaac,animageandfigureoftheSacrificeofChristonCalvary.7.2Adorationandthanksgiving.7.3Expiationandatonementforoursins.THIRTEENTHWEEK:FRIDAY8.Habitualmortifications8.1Mortificationsaretheresultoflove,andintheirturntheynourishlove.8.2Mortificationsthatmakelifemorepleasantforotherpeople.8.3Othermortifications.AspiritofmortificationTHIRTEENTHWEEK:SATURDAY9.Newwine9.1Preparingoursoulstoreceivethedivinegiftofgrace.Newwineskins.9.2Contritionhealsusandpreparesustoreceivenewgraces.9.3SacramentalConfession.FOURTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARA10.Helpingotherstocarrytheirburdens10.1Christ’sexample.10.2Theburdenofsinandofignorance.10.3WeshouldturntoChristwhenlifebecomesdifficult.FOURTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARB11.‘Mygraceissufficientforyou’11.1Godgivesushishelptoenableusovercomeallobstacles,temptationsanddifficulties.11.2Ifyouwantto,youcan.11.3Meansweshoulduseintimesoftemptation.FOURTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARC12.Asariverofpeace12.1OurLordcomestobringpeacetotheworld.12.2Violenceandanxietyhavetheirrootsinmen’shearts;theyareconsequencesofsin.12.3Peacebeginsinthesoulwithanactofcontrition.FOURTEENTHWEEK:MONDAY13.FindingChristintheChurch13.1Itisnotpossibletolove,followorlistentoChristwithoutloving,followingandlisteningtotheChurch.

13.2IntheChurchweshareinChrist’sLife.13.3Faith,hopeandlovefortheChurch.FOURTEENTHWEEK:TUESDAY14.Theasceticalstruggle14.1Manybattlesarewagedeachdayinmen’shearts.OurLord’sconstanthelpinthestruggle.

14.2DailyeffortwhichisbothcheerfulandhumbleisnecessaryifwearetofollowChrist.14.3Beginningagainmanytimes.FOURTEENTHWEEK:WEDNESDAY15.‘GotoJoseph.’15.1Joseph,sonofJacob,afigureofStJosephthevirginalSpouseofMary.15.2StJoseph’spatronageovertheuniversalChurchandovereachoneofus.15.3IteadIoseph....GotoJoseph.FOURTEENTHWEEK:THURSDAY16.TheSupernaturalMissionoftheChurch16.1TheChurchproclaimsthemessageofChristandcarriesonhisworkintheworld.16.2TheChurch’smissionisofasupernaturalorder.16.3Christiansmanifesttheirunityoflifebyencouragingworksofjusticeandmercy.FOURTEENTHWEEK:FRIDAY17.Prudentandsimple17.1OurLord’sexampleofthesetwovirtues.17.2Seekingadvice.17.3Falseprudence.FOURTEENTHWEEK:SATURDAY18.LoveforTruth18.1WeshouldtalkaboutGodandGod’steachingclearly,firmlyandfearlessly.18.2Actingaccordingtoone’sconscience.18.3Alwaystellthetruth:inwhatisimportantandinwhatseemssmall.FIFTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARA19.Theparableofthesower19.1Theseedandthepath.LackofinteriorrecollectionpreventsunionwithGod.19.2Therockygroundandthethorns.19.3Correspondencetograce.Bearingfruit.FIFTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARB20.Loveandvenerationforthepriesthood20.1Thepriest’sidentityandmission.20.2Thepriest,astewardofthemysteriesofGod.20.3Howtohelppriests.Prayingforthem.FIFTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARC21.TheGoodSamaritan21.1Thefirstexpressionofcharityistobringourneighbourclosertothefaith.21.2Sinsofomissionintheareaofcharity.Jesusistheobjectofourcharity.21.3Practicalandrealcharity.Ourownneedshavetotakesecondplacetothoseofothers.FIFTEENTHWEEK:MONDAY

22.Parentsandtheirchildren’svocation22.1CompletefreedomtofollowChrist.22.2Therecomesatimeforeveryonewhentheyhavetoleavehomeandparents.22.3Wantingthebestforone’schildren.FIFTEENTHWEEK:TUESDAY23.SorrowforSin23.1InspiteofallChrist’smiracles,someJewishtownsdidn’tdopenance.23.2Thefruitsofsorrow.23.3Sorrowisagiftwemustaskfor.FIFTEENTHWEEK:WEDNESDAY24.OurFather,God24.1Godisalwaysbyourside.24.2ImitatingChrististhewaytobetruechildrenofGodtheFather.24.3UnionwithChrist,aconsequenceofdivinefiliation.FIFTEENTHWEEK:THURSDAY25.OurLord’syokeislight25.1JesusChristfreesusfromtheheaviestburdens.25.2Wehavetobereadyforsorrow,difficultiesandobstacles.25.3Facingadversityinasportingway.FIFTEENTHWEEK:FRIDAY26.OurLord’sPassover26.1TheJewishPassover.26.2OurLord’sLastSupperwithhisdisciples.ThetruePaschalLamb.26.3TheMass,centreoftheinteriorlife.FIFTEENTHWEEK:SATURDAY27.Hewillnotcrushthebruisedreed27.1ThegentlenessandmercyofChrist.27.2Jesusgivesnooneupforlost.27.3Ourbehaviourtowardsothershastobefullofcompassion,understandingandmercy.SIXTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARA28.Thecockleoffalsedoctrine28.1Therelevanceoftheparableoftheweeds.28.2Wehavetogivedoctrinebyeveryavailablemeans.28.3Wehavetosmotherthecockleingoodseed,andnotmissasingleopportunity.SIXTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARB29.Restandrecreation29.1Sanctifyingrestandrecreation.29.2TheChristianattitudetorecreation.29.3ObservanceofHolyDays.

SIXTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARC30.Martha’swork30.1TheLordiswelltakencareofinBethany.30.2WorkingwiththeknowledgethattheLordisbyourside.PresenceofGodintheworkplace.30.3Workandprayer.SIXTEENTHWEEK:MONDAY31.Faithandmiracles31.1TheneedforgooddispositionsinordertoreceiveChrist’smessage.31.2Wantingtoknowthetruth.31.3Purifyingtheheartsoastoseeclearly.Allowingourselvestobeledinmomentsofobscurity.SIXTEENTHWEEK:TUESDAY32.ThenewfamilyofJesus32.1OurunionwithChristisstrongerthananyhumanbond.32.2Asenseofdetachmentandpersonalresponsibilityinordertofulfilthedemandsofourvocation.32.3Mary,theMotherofthenewfamilyofJesus.SIXTEENTHWEEK:WEDNESDAY33.Humanvirtues33.1Humanvirtuesactasthefoundationforthesupernaturalvirtues.33.2JesusChristpossessedallthevirtuesinaperfectway.33.3Theneedforhumanvirtuesintheapostolate.SIXTEENTHWEEK:THURSDAY34.BrokenCisterns–theeffectsofsin34.1Sinisthegreatestdeceptionmancanfallpreyto.34.2Theeffectsofsin.34.3Thestruggleagainstvenialsins.LoveforConfession.SIXTEENTHWEEK:FRIDAY35.Thevirtueoftemperance35.1Thedignityofthebodyandallcreatedthings.35.2 Through the exercise of temperance man becomes more human. Detachment from worldlygoods.

35.3Somemanifestationsoftemperance.SIXTEENTHWEEK:SATURDAY36.TheNewCovenant36.1ThecovenantofSinaiandtheNewCovenantofChristontheCross.36.2TheHolyMassasrenewaloftheCovenant.36.3LovefortheHolySacrifice.SEVENTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARA37.Thegreatnet

37.1ThenetisanimageoftheChurch,containingasitdoesboththejustandsinners.37.2TheChurchiswithoutsin.37.3Thefruitsofsanctity.SEVENTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARB38.Faithfulnessinlittlethings38.1Jesusteachesustosanctifytemporalrealities.38.2DrawingclosetotheLordthroughthefaithfulfulfilmentofourduties.Thevalueoflittlethings.38.3WhateverGodmayaskofusiswithinourreach.SEVENTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARC39.Learningtoask39.1Weshouldprayfrequentlyaboutourdivinefiliation.39.2WeshouldaskforspiritualandmaterialgoodsinsofarastheybringusclosertoGod.39.3TheprayerofAbraham.SEVENTEENTHWEEK:MONDAY40.Leaveninthedough40.1Christians,likeleavenindough,arecalledtotransformtheworldfromwithin.40.2Goodexample.40.3UnionwithChristmakesusapostles.SEVENTEENTHWEEK:TUESDAY41.ThefriendsofGod41.1FriendshipwithJesus.41.2JesusChrist,theperfectmodeloftruefriendship.41.3Fosteringfriendshipwiththepeoplearoundus.Apostolateandfriendship.SEVENTEENTHWEEK:WEDNESDAY42.Thetreasureandthepearlofgreatvalue42.1AdivinevocationissomethingofimmensevalueandaproofofspeciallovebyGod.42.2Godplaysapartinthelifeofeveryperson.42.3GenerosityinresponsetoGod’scall.SEVENTEENTHWEEK:THURSDAY43.Christ’sPresenceintheTabernacle43.1Godlivesinourmidst.43.2ChristispresentintheTabernacle.43.3DevotiontotheBlessedSacrament.ThehymnAdorotedevote.SEVENTEENTHWEEK:FRIDAY44.Withouthumanrespect44.1HavingthecouragetofollowChristineveryenvironment.44.2Overcominghumanrespectispartofthevirtueoffortitude.44.3Theneedofgoodexampleinthisarea.

SEVENTEENTHWEEK:SATURDAY45.Knowingwhentospeak45.1ThesilenceofJesus.45.2Speakingoutwhennecessary,withcharityandfortitude.Avoidingthesilenceofconsent.45.3Courageandstrengthinordinarylife.LivingtothefullthedemandsoftheFaith.EIGHTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARA46.Themessianicgoods46.1Themultiplicationoftheloaves.46.2ThemiracleisafigureoftheHolyEucharist,inwhichtheLordgiveshimselfasfood.46.3WeshouldlookforourLordinCommunion.EIGHTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARB47.TheBreadofLife47.1MannaisthesymbolandfigureoftheHolyEucharist,whichisthetruespiritualfood.47.2Thebreadoflife.47.3WereceivethesameChristineveryCommunion.EIGHTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARC48.ToberichbeforeGod48.1OnlyGodcanfillourheart.48.2TakingadvantageofthenoblethingsoftheearthsoastowinHeaven.48.3GooduseoftimewithrespecttoGod.Detachment.EIGHTEENTHWEEK:MONDAY49.Christianoptimism49.1ToberealisticinasupernaturalwayistorelyalwaysonthegraceofGod.49.2AChristian’soptimismistheresultoffaith.49.3OuroptimismisrootedintheCommunionofSaints.EIGHTEENTHWEEK:TUESDAY50.Menoffaith50.1FaithinChrist.Withhim,wecandoeverything.50.2Whenfaithdiminishes,difficultiesseemgreater.50.3Jesusalwayscomestoouraid.EIGHTEENTHWEEK:WEDNESDAY51.Thevirtueofhumility51.1ThehumilityoftheSyrophoenicianwoman.51.2Theactivenatureofhumility.51.3Theroadtohumility.EIGHTEENTHWEEK:THURSDAY52.‘YouaretheChrist’52.1ConfessinthiswaythedivinityofJesusChrist.52.2Christ:perfectGodandperfectMan.

52.3Christ:theWay,theTruthandtheLife.EIGHTEENTHWEEK:FRIDAY53.LoveandtheCross53.1Thegreatestmanifestationoflove.53.2Themeaningandfruitsofsuffering.53.3Seekingoutmortifications.EIGHTEENTHWEEK:SATURDAY54.Thepoweroffaith54.1ThegreatestmiraclesoccurdailyintheChurch.54.2Thegreatertheobstacles,thegreaterthegrace.54.3Faithwithdeeds.IndextoquotationsfromtheFathersandPopesSubjectIndex

INCONVERSATIONWITHGODiOrdinaryTimeWeeks13-18i

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ScheduledUseofVolume4inOrdinaryTime

Volume4Volume4Volume4Part1Part2Part2beginswithbeginswithendswithYearCycle13thWeek19thWeek23rdWeekononon2012B1July12August15September2013C30June11August14September2014A29June10August13September2015B28June9August12September2016C26June7August10September2017A2July13August16September2018B1July12August15September2019C30June11August14September2020A28June9August12September2021B27June8August10September2022C26June7August15September

THIRTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARA

1.LOVEFORGOD

1.1Godalonemustbelovedabsolutelyandunconditionally.UprighthumanaffectionsareraisedandennobledwhenweloveGodaboveallotherloves.OverandoveragainJesusteachesusthatGodhastobetheprincipalobjectofourlove.Wemust

lovecreaturesinasecondary,subordinateway.IntheGospeloftheMass.[1]Hetellsusinwordsthatleavenoroomfordoubt:Hewholoves fatherormothermorethanmeisnotworthyofme;andhewholovessonordaughtermorethanmeisnotworthyofme.AndHecontinues:Hewhofindshislifewillloseit,andhewholoseshislifeformysakewillfindit.God alone is to be loved absolutely and unconditionally. Everyone and everything else is to be

lovedbyusinthemeasureinwhichtheyarelovedbyGod.OurLordteachesustruelove.Heasksustolovefamilyandneighbour,butnoteventheselovesshouldweputbeforetheloveofGod,whichmust always be given an overriding priority. All other earthly loves are enriched, purified andencouragedtogrowwhenweloveGod.Ourheartexpandsandourcapacityforlovingincreases.Wefindourselvesabletoovercomealltheobstaclesandlimitationsofself-centrednessthatarepresentinallofuscreatures.ThepurelovesofthislifeareraisedandennobledstillmorewhenweloveGodfirstandmostofall.ToloveGodthewayHewantsustolovehim,wehavetogosofarastoloseourownlife,thatof

theoldman.Wehavetodietothosedisorderedtendencieswhichinclineandinduceustosin.Wemustdietothatsometimesbrutalegocentricitywhichleadsmantoseekhimselfineverythinghedoes.[2]Godwantsustopreserveallthatishealthyanduprightandtrulyhumaninournature,allthatisgoodandhumanlycharacteristic ineachunique individual.Nothinggenuinelyhuman,of thepositive,oftheperfectible,willbelost.Thelifeofgracewillpermeatethewholeofman’snatureandelevateit.InthiswaythepersonalityoftheChristianwholovesGodisrichlyenhanced.Themoreamandiestohis selfish ego, the more truly human he becomes, and so much the better is he prepared forsupernaturallife.TheChristianwhostrugglestodenyhimselffindsheislivinganewlife,thelifeofJesus.Grace

respectswhatischaracteristicineachoneofusatthesametimeasittransformsus,sothatwecometohavethesameattitudesandsentimentsthatChristhimselfhasconcerningmenandevents.SeeingthingsasHedoes,webegintoimitatehisdeeds.Inthiswayanew,simple,naturalbehaviourisborninus, encouragingus tobebetter.Weare filledwith the samedesiresasChrist:ouroneobjectivebecomes that of fulfilling thewill of the Father. That, then, is the real expression of love and itsclearestmanifestation.Remainingwhathe is,by thehelpofgrace theChristianbecomes identifiedwithJesusinsofar,paradoxically,ashedivestshimselfofhimself.MydesireistodepartandbewithChrist,saysSaintPaul.[3]LoveofGodcannotbetakenforgranted.Ifwedonotnurtureandtakecareofit, itdies.Onthe

otherhand,difficultiessetitablazeandconfirmusinitifourwillholdssteadfastlyinGod.LoveofGodisnourishedinprayerandinthereceptionofthesacraments,intheconstantstruggleagainstourdefects, in the unceasing effort tomaintain a living presence ofGod throughout thewhole of ourworkingday,inourrelationswithothers,inourtimesofrest...TheEucharistaboveallmustbethespringatwhichourloveofGodisperpetuallyrefreshedandstrengthened.Inaway,tolovethusisalreadytopossessHeavenonearth.

1.2ThereisnolimitormeasuretotheloveofGod.TheChristianisraisedtotheorderofgracesothatheloveswiththeloveofGodhimself,whichis

given tohimas an ineffablegift.[4]This is the essenceof charity.TheChristian receives it first atbaptism.Hecanpreparehimselfforitsaugmentationthroughprayer,thesacramentsandgooddeeds.ThisloveofGodisinfusedintheChristian’ssoul.Itshouldbetheruleofallhisactions.Justas

theobjectswemakearejudgedtobefinishedandperfectinsofarastheyconformtothepreconceivedplanstowhichwework,soanyhumanactionwillbeuprightandvirtuousifitconformstothedivineruleoflove.Ifitdepartsfromit,itwillnotbegoodorperfect.[5]Allourdeedscanbeweighedandmeasuredbythisrulebecausethesoulingracedoesnotreceivedivineloveassomethingforeigntoit.Charitydoesnotdestroy.Itbringsorder, imposingonitsrecipient thatunityof lovewhichissocharacteristicoftheloveofGod.Henceitperfectsandelevatesourwill.Charity,withwhichweloveGod,andinGodweloveourneighbour,comestofruitionpreciselyto

theextentthatweuseit.Themorewelove,thegreatercapacitywehaveforloving.Andifit(i.e.love)doesnotpossesscompletelywhatitloves,itcannothelpbeingweary,inproportiontotheabsenceofthat which is not possessed ... Until this possession be achieved, the soul is like an empty vesselwaitingtobefilled,or likeahungrymancravingfood,or likeasickpersonsighingwretchedly forhealth,orlikeonesuspendedintheairwithnothingtoleanon.[6]ThereisnolimitormeasuretoGod’slove.Heexpectsustolovehimwithallourheart,withall

oursoulandallourmind.[7]WecanalwaysgrowinloveofGod.Hetellshischildren,eachoneindividually,Ihavelovedyou

withaneverlastinglove;thereforeIhavecontinuedmyfaithfulnesstoyou.[8]WepraytoGodtoconvinceusthatthereisonlyoneabsolutelove,andthatthisLoveisthesource

ofallupright,nobleloves.HewholovesGodwillloveallofGod’screaturesmoreandbetter.It iseasytolovesome;withothersitismoredifficult.Wedonotfindthemattractive,theyhaveoffendedusorhavedoneuswrong.Only if I loveGodseriouslycan I loveothercreaturesashischildren,andbecauseHehascommandedme.Jesushasalsoestablishedhowweare to loveourneighbour–notwithfeelingsalone,butwithdeeds...Iwashungryinthepersonoftheleastofmybrothers.Didyougivemetoeat?DidyouvisitmewhenIwassick?[9]Didyouhelpmetocarrytheburdenwhenitwastooheavyformetocarryitalone?ToloveourneighbourinGodisnottogoaboutbyalongandcircuitousrouteinordertolove

him.LoveofGodisashort-cuttoourbrothers.OnlyinGodcanwereallyunderstandandloveallmen, immersed even as they are in their errors and we in ours, and in spite of those things thathumanlyspeakingwouldtendtoseparateusfromthemorleadustopassthembywithoutaglanceintheirdirection.1.3HowtheloveofGodisshown.OurloveofGodismerelyaresponsetoHislove.Helovedusfirst.[10]OursistheloveGodplaces

inoursoulssothatwetooareabletolove.Thatiswhyweaskhim,Lord,givemethelovewithwhichyouwantmetoloveyou.WecorrespondwiththeloveofGodwhenweloveothers;whenweseeinthemthedignityproper

tothehumanperson,madeasithasbeenintheimageandlikenessofGod,createdwithanimmortalsoulandcalledtogiveglorytoGodforalleternity.Loveistoapproachthatwoundedmanwecomeacrossonourjourneyeachday;itistobinduphiswounds,restorehimtohealthandtakecareofhiminallthings.[11]Wemustexertourselvesonhisbehalf,makingaseriouseffortinordertobringhim

toGod.SeparationfromGodisalwaysthegreatestofevils,andthosethusseparatedfromhimareinneedofourhelpandoururgentattention.ApostolateisawonderfulsignofourloveforGod,andisthewaytolovehimmore.Loveisfrequentlyshownbyaresponseofgratitude.Toillustratethis,OurLordrelatestheparable

ofthedebtors.Havingdoneso,HeasksSimonthePhariseewhichofthetwodebtorsHehasspokenaboutwouldlovetheirgenerouscreditorthemore.[12]Jesususestheverbtolovehereasasynonymfortobegrateful.InthiswayHeshowsuswhereinliestheessenceoftheaffectionmanowestohisprincipalcreditor,God.Etymologyalsohelpstothrowlightonthedeepmeaningof theEucharist;eucharist in its derivation is thanksgiving for the gift of Lovewhich the Blessed Sacrament itselfconveystous.WecorrespondwiththeloveofGodwhenwefightagainsteverythingthatseparatesusfromhim.

Weneedtostruggleeveryday,ifonlyinlittlethings.Weshallalwayscomeupagainstobstaclesthatstand between us and God: defects of character, selfishness, laziness that would prevent us fromfinishingourworkwell...WeloveGodwhenourwholelifeisanunceasingsearchforhim.Itissometimessaidthatnotonly

doesGodnotseekus,butcanhidehimselffromussothatweshouldseekhim.Infact,wehavenotfartolook.Wecanfindhiminourwork,inourfamily,inourjoysandoursorrows...Heasksusforour affection. He places in our heart the desire to seek him, and constantly encourages us in oursearch.IfwecouldonlyunderstandhowmuchGodlovesus!IfwecouldonlysaywithSaintJohn:SoweknowandbelievetheloveGodhasforus![13]Ifwecould,itwouldbemuchsimplerandeasierforustolovehimasweought.OurwholelifehastobecomethisconstantseekingafterJesus,ingoodtimesandinthosethatseem

bad,inourworkandinourleisure,inthestreetandinthebosomofthefamily.Thisquestistheonlyonethatcangivemeaningtoourlives.Wecannotcarryoutthistaskofoursalone.LetusgotoMaryandbeseechher,Mother,donotleaveme!LetmeseekyourSon,letmefindyourSon,letmeloveyourSon–withmywholebeing.Rememberme,myLady,rememberme.[14]TeachmetoholdfasttohimasmyfirstLove,HewhomIloveforhimself,absolutely,aboveallotherloves.What am I to thee, Lord, that thou shouldst command me to love thee; yea, and be angry and

threatentolayhugemiseriesuponmeifIlovetheenot?IsitperhapsofitselfnogreatmiseryifIdonotlovethee?[15]

THIRTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARB

2.DEATHANDLIFE2.1Thedeathwemustavoidandfear.This Sunday theLiturgy speaks to us about death and life. The FirstReading[16] teaches us that

deathhadnoplace in the initialplanof theCreator:Goddidnotmakedeath,andhedoesnot takedelight in thedeathof the living. It is theresultofsin.[17] JesusChristaccepted itasanecessityofnature,asaninevitablepartofman’sfateonearth.JesusChristacceptedit...inordertoovercomesin.[18]Thehumanheart recoils inanguishfromdeath,[19]butwearecomfortedby theknowledgethatJesusannihilatedit.Hehasdestroyeddeath.[20]Itisnolongertheeventthatmanmustfearaboveallelse.Ratheritis,forthebeliever,thenecessarystepfromthisworldtotheFather.The Gospel of theMass shows us Jesus arriving once more at Capharnaum,[21] where a large

crowdhadgatheredexpectantlytomeethim.Jairus,oneoftherulersofthesynagogue,waswaiting.His needwas great and sowas his faith.His daughterwas at the point of death.Therewas also awomantherewhohadspenteverypennyshehadtryingtofindacureforalongillness.BoththesepeoplefeltanurgentneedtomeetJesus.Thehealingofthiswoman,whohadplacedallherhopeinhim,takesplaceonthewaytoJairus’house.Jesushasstoppedtoconsolethewoman.Meanwhile,theyinformtherulerofthesynagogue:Your

daughter isdead.Why trouble theMasterany further?But Jesus takesPeter, JamesandJohn tobewitnesses of the miracle He is about to perform. They come to Jairus’ house, and He sees theconfusionandthepeoplethereweepingandwailing.WhenHeenters,Hesays,Whydoyoumakeatumult and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping. And they laugh at him ... They failed tounderstand that forGod real death is sin,which kills the divine life of the soul. For the believer,bodilydeathislikeasleepfromwhichweawakeinGod.ThatishowthefirstChristianslookedatit.SaintPaulurgedtheChristiansatThessalonicanottobeofanyothermind:Wewouldnothaveyou

ignorant,brethren, he exhorted them,concerning thosewhoare asleep, that youmay not grieve asothersdowhohavenohope.[22]Wecannot lament likethosewhoexpectnothingafter this life.ForsincewebelievethatJesusdiedandroseagain,evenso,throughJesus,Godwillbringwithhimthosewhohavefallenasleep.[23]HewilldoforuswhatHedidforLazarus:OurfriendLazarushasfallenasleep, but I go to awake him.When the disciples thoughtHemeant a natural sleep, Jesus clearlyexplains:Lazarusisdead.[24]WhendeathcomesweshallcloseoureyesonthislifeandawakeintherealLife,alifethatlastsforever.Atnighttherearetears,butjoycomeswithdawn,wepray in theResponsorialPsalm.[25]Sin is realdeath. It is thedreadfulseparationofmanwhenhebreaksawayfromGod.Comparedtothis, theotherseparation,thatofthebodyfromthesoul, istemporaryandeventrivial.Hewhobelievesinme,thoughhedie,yetshallhelive,andwhoeverlivesandbelievesinmeshallneverdie.[26]Death,whichwastobethelastenemy[27]isinfactourally.Ithasbecomethelaststepafterwhich

wefindourselvesinthedefiniteembraceofOurheavenlyFather.Hehasbeenwaitingforusfromalleternity, and has destined us to remain with Him forever.When you think about death, do not beafraid,inspiteofyoursins.ForHealreadyknowsthatyoulovehimandwhatstuffyouaremadeof.Ifyouseekhim,Hewillwelcomeyouasthefatherwelcomedtheprodigalson;butyouhavetoseekhim.[28]Lord,youknowthatIseekyoudayandnight.

2.2Sin,thedeathofthesoul.Itseffects.Thechildisnotdeadbutsleeping,JesustellsJairus.Formenshewasindeeddead.Therewasno

wakeningher.ForGodshewasasleep,becausehersoullivedonunderthedivinepowerandherfleshshouldresttilltheresurrection.ThusthecustomaroseamongChristiansofcallingthedead,whomweknowwillriseagain,bythenameofsleepers.[29]Bodilydeathisnotanabsoluteevil.Don’tforget,myson,thatforyouonearththereisbutoneevil,

whichyoumustfearandavoidwiththegraceofGod–sin.[30]ThelackofGod...isdeathtothesoul.[31]WhenamanfallsintogravesinheislostforhimselfandforGod.Itisthegreatesttragedythatcouldbefallhim.[32]HeisradicallycutofffromGodbythetotallossofdivinelifeinhissoul.Heloseswhatevermeritshehasacquired throughouthis lifeand is in thisstateunable toacquirenewones.Insomewayheissubjecttotheslaveryofthedevil,andhisnaturalinclinationtowardsvirtueisdiminished.Thissituationissogravethatbyallmortalsins,eventhoseofthought,menaremadeinto‘childrenofwrath’(Eph2:3)andenemiesofGod.[33]Byfaithweknowthatasinglesin,evenavenialsin,butafortioriamortalsin,isadisordergreaterthanthemostdisastrouscatastrophethatcouldlaywastethewholeworld,sincethegoodofgraceinasinglesoulisgreaterthanthenaturalgoodofthewholeuniverse.[34]Sinnotonlyharmsthepersonwhocommitsit,butharmsalsohisfamily,hisfriends,thewholeof

theChurch.One can speakof ‘a communionof sin’,wherebya soul that debases itself through sindragsdownwith itself theChurchand, insomeway, thewholeworld.Inotherwords, thereisnotasinglesin,noteven themost intimateandsecretone, themost strictlypersonaland individualone,thatexclusivelyconcernsthepersoncommittingit.Withgreaterorlesserviolence,withconsequencesof greater or lesser harm, every sin has repercussions on the entire ecclesial body and the wholehumanfamily.[35]WeshouldoftenaskGodnevertoletuslosethesenseofsinanditsseriousness.Weshouldnever

putoursoulindangerorgetusedtoseeingsinaroundusasbeingoflittleimportance.Letusatoneforourownfaultsandforthoseofallmen.AttheendofourlivesmayGodbeabletosayofus,hehasnotdied,heissleeping.ThenHewillawakenustoLife.2.3Thelifeofthesoultobeesteemedaboveallelse.Jesuspaidnoattentionatalltothosewholaughedathim.Onthecontrary,Heputthemalloutside

andtookthechild’sfatherandmotherandthosewhowerewithhim,andwentinwherethechildwas.Takingherby thehandHesaid toher, ‘Talithacumi’,whichmeans‘Littlegirl, Isay toyou,arise’.Andimmediatelythegirlgotupandwalked;forshewastwelveyearsold.Andimmediatelytheywereovercomewithamazement.TheevangelistshavehandeddowntousaseeminglysmallbutsignificantlyhumantouchofJesus–

andhetoldthemtogivehersomethingtoeat.Jesus,perfectGodandperfectMan,isalsointerestedinthosemattersthatrelatetoourlifehereonearth.ButHeisfarmoreinterestedinwhateverconcernsoureternaldestiny.SaintJeromecommentsonthesewordsofOurLord:Thechildisnotdead,butsleeping.Hepointsoutthatboththingsaretrue.ItisasthoughHeweresaying,‘Sheisdeadforyou,butsleepingforme’.[36]Ifweloveourbodilylife,howmuchmoreshouldweesteemthelifeofthesoul!TheChristianwhotriestofollowChristcloselydetestsmortalsinandwillhabituallyavoidgrave

faults,althoughnobodyisconfirmedingrace.Therecognitionofourownweaknesswillleadustoavoidtheoccasionsofmortalsin, includingevenremoteoccasions.Thelifeof thesoul iswortha

lot!Loveforthelifeofgracewillmoveustoanassiduousmortificationofthesenses.Weshallnottrustourselves,orourexperience,orthelengthoftimewehavealreadyspentfollowingChrist.Weshalllovefrequentconfessionandcompletesincerityinspiritualdirection.Tosafeguardthelifeofthesoulwemustkeepupthestruggleatsomeremovefromtheborderline

betweenwhat is serious andwhat is less serious, betweenwhat is forbidden andwhat is permitted.Deliberatevenialsinscausehavocinsoulsthatarenotstrugglingsincerelytoavoidthem.Theydonot,itistrue,utterlydestroythelifeofgraceinthesoul,buttheycertainlyweakenit.Theymakeitmoredifficulttopractisethevirtues,andrenderthegentlemotionsoftheHolySpiritlesseffective.Ifwedonotreactfirmly,venialsinsmakeusliabletomoreseriousfalls.LetusaskourMothertheBlessedVirgintoobtainforusthegiftofesteemingthelifeofthesoul

aboveallhumangoods,even thatofbodily life itself.Shewillhelpus toreactwith truecontritionagainst ourweaknesses and errors.We can saywith the Psalmist:Thy eyes shed streams of tears,becausemendonotkeepthyLaw.[37]Maintainingandincreasingthelifeofthesoulismoreimportantthanthedeathofthebody.

THIRTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARC

3.DON’TLOOKBACK3.1 The demands of our vocation: promptness in self-giving, detachment, not imposingconditions...TheReadingsoftheMasstodayhelpustomeditateonourvocation,aswellasontheserviceto

Godandmendemandedbyit.TheFirstReading[38]tellsushowElijahissentbyGodfromHorebtoanointElishaasaprophetofYahweh.ElijahleftthemountainandfoundElishaashewasploughing;hepassedneartohimandthrewhiscloakoverhim,asasignthatGodwantedhimtodedicatehimselfto his service. Elisha responded forthwith and wholeheartedly, leaving nothing behind that mightcausehim to regrethisdeparture.He took thepairofoxenwithwhichhehadbeenploughingandslaughteredthem.Hebuiltafirewiththewoodofhisplough,cookedtheoxenandgavethemeattohismen,whoateit.HethengotupandwentafterElijah...IntheGospel,[39]SaintLuketellsusofthreedifferentmenwhohaveitinmindtofollowOurLord.

ThefirstapproachedJesusasHeandhisfriendsaregoinguponwhatwillbethelastlongjourneytoJerusalemandCalvary.Itseemsthatthisnewdiscipleisonewhocouldscarcelybebetterdisposed.Iwillfollowyouwhereveryougo,hetellstheMaster.Atthissignofgenerosity,inordertomakesurethenewcomerknowswhathe is lettinghimself in for,OurLordpointsout thekindof lifehecanexpectifhegenuinelywantstofollowhim.ThemissionofChristisaconstantcomingandgoing,ofpreachingthegospelinseasonandoutofseason,andbringingsalvationtoall,andthedisciplewillbe followingonewhohimselfhasnowhere to layhishead. Suchwill be the life of all thosewhofollow him. They will have to be detached from everything that might hold them back, and theirdedicationwillnecessarilyhavetobetotal.The second would-be disciple is called directly by Our Lord. Follow me, He tells him. This

potentialdisciplewelcomestheinvitationtofollowtheMasterclosely,butnotrightaway.Hethinksanother timemight be better as there is still some family business to be attended to ...He doesn’trealise thatwhenGodcalls, thebest time isnow, notwithstanding the circumstances surrounding avocation, for they might lead to an all-too-human rationalisation to find grounds for postponingone’sdedication.Godhashigherplansforthediscipleaswellasforthosewhowouldapparentlybedisadvantagedbyhisleavingthem.Fromalleternity,everythinghasbeenpreparedbyGodsothathischoiceandhistimingisforthegoodofallconcerned.TheanswertoChrist’scallmustbeprompt,cheerfulandunconditional,andbeinstinctivewithaspiritofdetachment.[40]WhenJesuspassesclosetousweshouldnotputoffourdedicationtohim.IfHepassesby,perhapswewillnotfindhimwhenwe try later on to catch up. Our Lord goes on his way. It is a serious matter to succumb to thetemptationtoputthingsoff,toprocrastinatewhenChristcallsus.[41]Godcallseachoneofusinspecialcircumstances.Inourprayertodayletusconsiderwhetherwe

are responding promptly, with detachment, unconditionally, to the particular vocation Christ hasgiventoeveryoneofus.3.2Theproofsoffidelity.SaintLukealonementionsthethirddisciple.Hewantstoturnbackandtakehisleaveofthepeople

athome.Perhaps,since itwillbe the lastopportunity,hewants tospenda littlemore timewithhisfamily.HeseemstohaveputhishandtotheploughandquitesincerelytowanttofollowtheMaster.

ButOurLord’scallisalwaysurgent.Theharvestisgreatandthelabourersfew.Someharvestsarelostbecausethereisnoonetogatherthemin.Totemporise,tolookback,tostartputtingconditionsonourproposedcommitment,allcometothesamething.Jesustellsthisprospectivedisciple,Oncethehandislaidontheplough,noonewholooksbackisfitfortheKingdomofGod.The new task of the one who is called is compared to driving the Palestinian plough. It is an

implementnoteasytodirect,particularlyinthehardsoilofthefieldsbesidetheSeaofGalilee.Afterhavingoncegrippedthehandleoftheploughthereisnolookingback.OnecannotturnbackwhenGodcalls.Tobefaithful,andhappyaswell,wemusthaveoureyesfixedonJesus.[42]Oncetheeventhas started, the runner doesn’t think of other things. His only concern is getting to the tape andwinningtherace.Theploughmanhasafixedpointtowardswhichhedirectstheplough.Ifhelooksbackhecannotopenupastraightfurrow.Attimesthetemptationtolookbackcomesfromourownlimitations,orfromanenvironmentthat

ispatentlyhostiletotheobligationsonehastakenon;thetemptationmightevenbeprovidedbythebehaviourofthosewhoshouldbeanexampleandareanythingbut.Becauseofthewaytheylivetheyseemtotellusthatbeingfaithful isnotoneof thebasicvalues.Atother timesthetemptationcouldspringfromalackofhope,whenweseeholinessjustasfaraway,asremoteanobjectiveasever,inspiteofalloureffortstokeeponstruggling.Afteraninitialenthusiasm,thedubieties,hesitationsandanxietieshavebegun to takeeffect.Youareworriedabout your studies, your family, your financialsituationand,aboveall,bythethoughtthatyouarenotreallyuptoit,thatperhapsyouareofnouse,thatyoulackexperienceinlife...Iwillgiveyouasuremeansofovercomingsuchfears,whicharetemptationsinsinuatedbythedevil

or thatcomestraight fromyourownlackofgenerosity!Despise them:eradicate thoserecollectionsfromyourmemory.TheMasteralreadypreachedthispoignantwarningtwentycenturiesago:‘Noonewho looks behind him ...’ [43] In such situations, instead of allowing ourselves to be filled withunprofitableregretswemustonthecontraryresolutelyfixoureyesonChrist.Befaithful,Hetellsus.Onyougo!AndwheneverwelookatJesuswecontinuetomakegoodprogressonourjourney.Thereisneveranyrealreasonforlookingback.[44]Looking back, Saint Athanasius tells us, is a sign of our having regrets, and indicates that

reawakeningofourlongingsforthethingsoftheworld.[45]ItissymptomaticofthelukewarmnessthatfindsitswayintotheheartsofthosewhohavenotsettheirsightsfirmlyontheLord.ItistheresultofournotallowingGodandthenobleraspectsofourvocationtofillourheart.Lookingbacknostalgicallyatwhatwehave leftbehind,vainly imaginingwhatmighthavebeen,

could result in breaking the ploughshare against a stone, or at least making it inevitable that thefurrow,themissionentrustedtous,doesnotcomeoutstraight.InthesupernaturaltasktowhichGodiscallingallofus,itissoulsthatareatrisk.WewanttohaveeyesforChristalone,andforallnoblethingsinhim.Wecansayinthewordsof

thisday’sResponsorialPsalm:OLord,itisyouwhoaremyportionandmycup...Youwillshowmethepathoflife,thefullnessofjoyinyourpresence,atyourrighthandhappinessforever.[46]Thepathoflifeisourownparticularvocationwhichwemustcontemplatewithloveandthanksgiving.3.3VirtueswhichsupportusinourjourneytowardsGod.ThroughSaintLuke,theHolySpirithaswilledtotransmittousthewordsaddressedtothesethree

disciplessothatwecanapplythemtothecallingweourselveshavereceivedfromGod.Mancan actuallybedefinedbyhisvocation.Eachhumanbeing is andhas inhimselfwhatGod

createdhimfor.Themeaningandpurposeofhumanlifeistoknowandfreelycarryoutthedivine

Will.Man findshisultimate fulfilmentor is lostaccording towhetherhecarriesout inhis life thespecificplanGodhasforhim.[47]Wehaveallofusreceivedavocation,acalltoknowGodandfindinhimthesourceoflife.WeareinvitedtoastateofintimacywithGod,toapersonalrelationshipofprayer.WeareaskedtomakeChristthecentreofourlife,andtofollowhim.ThedecisionswemakearetobemadewhiletakingintoaccounthisWill.Wearecalledtoseeourfellowhumanbeingsaspersons, as God’s children. So we are required to overcome selfishness and to live fraternity,carryingoutafruitfulapostolateandhelpingotherstofindGod.Ourcallingistodoallthisinourownlives,intheveryconditionsandcircumstancesinwhichGodhasplacedus,fulfillinginallwedothespecificmissionwhichisdevisedforandcorrespondstoeachindividualpersonally.[48]Fidelity to our particular vocation means responding to the successive calls God makes on us

throughoutour life.Normally it isamatterofbeingfaithful in thesmall thingsofeachday.It isaquestionoflovingGodinourwork,andinallthejoysandsorrowsthatformpartofeverylife.Wemust firmly set aside everything that might lead us to where we would be unable to find Christ.Fidelity is based on a number of essential virtues, without which it would be difficult, not to sayimpossible,tofollowtheMaster.HumilityteachesusthatwearelikethegreatstatueintheBookofDaniel.[49]Wetoohavefeetofclay.Prudenceandsincerityaretheconsequencesofhumility.Charityand fraternitypreventour tendency toegocentricity, from turningus inonourselves.Thespiritofmortification leads us to temperance and sobriety, and helps us to struggle against softness andcomfort-seeking.Ithelpsustoavoidbeinginvolvedinthesearchforcompensationswhichareboundto turnsourbecause theyleadusawayfromChrist.Thespiritofprayer leadsus to lookuponandtreatGodasafriend,ourclosestFriendofall.Hewhoneverstopswalkingon,andpressesforwardallthetime,saysSaintTeresa,mayreachhisgoallate,butgetstherejustthesame.Givingupprayerseemstomeexactlythesameaslosingyourwayandgettinglost.[50]WetellGodthatwewanttobefaithful.Wewantnothingmorefromlifethantofollowhimingood

times and in bad. He is the pivot uponwhich ourwhole life turns, the centre uponwhich all ouractionsconverge.Lord,withoutyouourlifewouldbelikeamachinethatisbreakingdown,badlyoffbalanceandgrindingtoahalt.Aswefinishourprayer,letusturntotheVirginmostfaithful,ourMotherMary.

THIRTEENTHWEEK:MONDAY

4.THEVALUEOFONEJUSTMAN4.1Forthesakeoftenjustmen,Godwouldhaveforgiventhousandsofinhabitantsofthetwocities.HolyScripturedepictsAbraham,ourfatherinfaith,asajustmaninwhomGodrejoicedinsucha

specialwaythatheconfidedtohimthepromiseoftheredemptionofallmankind.TheLettertotheHebrewsspeakswithemotionandjoyaboutthisholyPatriarchandaboutallthejustmenoftheOldTestamentwhodiedwithouthaving receivedwhatwaspromised,butwhohadseen itandhailed itfromafar.[51]This isacomparison,commentsSaintJohnChrysostom, taken fromnavigatorsat sea.Whentheyseeafaroffthecitytheyaremakingfor,althoughtheyhavenotyetentereditsharbour,theyburstintoexcitedcheers.[52]AlthoughinthislifethePatriarchsandthejustofoldtimesdidnotcometopossesstheredemption

thathadbeenpromised,ortoshareintheunionthatwecannowenjoywiththeOnly-begottenSonofGod,Yahwehtreatedthemasintimatefriendsandconfidedfullyinthem.BecauseoftheirfaithandtheirfidelityHeoftenoverlookedtheerrorsmadebysomanyothersoftheircontemporaries.ManymenofthosegenerationsweresavedbecausetheywerefriendsofthosefriendsofGod.WhenGodproposedthedestructionofSodomandGomorrahonaccountofthemanysinscommittedthere,Hecommunicated this thought toAbraham.[53]Abraham felt that he shared the responsibility of thosepeople:ThenAbrahamdrewnearandsaid,‘Wiltthouindeeddestroytherighteouswiththewicked?Supposetherearefiftyrighteouswithinthecity;wiltthouthendestroytheplaceandnotspareitforthesakeofthefiftyrighteouswhoareinit?’.AbrahamisfullofconfidenceinGod.AndGodreplies,‘IfI findatSodomfiftyrighteousinthecity,Iwillsparethewholeplacefortheirsake’.But itwasimpossibletofindthosefiftyrighteousmen.AndAbrahamhadtoreducehisoriginalnumberofjustmen:’Supposefiveofthefiftyrighteousarelacking?Supposeforty-fivearefoundthere’...AndGodsaystohim,’Iwillnotdestroyit ifI findforty-fivethere’.Buttherewerenotforty-fiveeither.AndAbrahamwentonintercedingwithGod:‘Supposefortyarefoundthere...thirty...twenty...?’Finallyitwasclearthattherewerenoteventenjustmeninthatcity.ThelasttimeAbrahammadehispetitionGodhadsaid:’ForthesakeoftenIwillnotdestroyit’.Godwouldhaveforgiveneverybodyinthewhole place out of love for ten justmen! Such is the value in God’s eyes of saintly souls. He ispreparedtogotoanylengthsforthem.Scriptureoftenspeaksofsolidarityinevil,inthesensethatthesinsofsomecancauseharmtothe

wholecommunity.[54]ButAbrahamturnsthetermstheotherwayround:heasksGodwhoesteemsthejustice of the saints so highly, that it may be the saints who cause blessings to come down uponeveryone,eventhoughmanyaresinners.AndGodacceptsthisapproachofthePatriarch’s.WecanmeditatetodayonGod’sjoyanddelightwhenHeseesusstrugglingtobefaithfultohim.

WecanmeditateonthevalueouractionsmayhavewhenwedothemforGod.Thisistrueofevenourmostinconspicuousactions,deedsthatwemaythinknobodyseesandthatapparentlyhavelittleinthemoftranscendence.Godsetsgreatstorebythosewhostruggleforsanctity.God’sdelightisinthesaints;it isfortheirsakethatHepoursouthismercyandhisforgivenessonotherswhomayhavedonenothingthemselvestomeritit.Itisawonderfulbutatthesametimearealmystery,thatGodsodelightsinthosewhojourneytowardssanctity.

4.2OurparticipationintheinfinitemeritsofChrist.Thepropheticutterancethat:throughthedeathofonemanallwillbesaved[55]wastobefulfilled

with the coming of JesusChrist. InChrist themystery of human solidarity attains an undreamt offullness.Nothinghasbeenoreverwillbe–theextentofthisisinfinite–sopleasingtoGodastheoffering–theholocaust–thatJesusmadeofhis lifefor thesalvationofall,andwhichreacheditsculminationonCalvary.Fortheretotakeplaceonearth,withinahumansoul,anactofloveofGodofinfinitevalue,itwasnecessarythatthathumansoulshouldbethesoulofadivinePerson.SuchwasthesouloftheWordmadeflesh;itsactofloveacquiredsuchavaluewithinthedivinePersonoftheWord,andthuswasabletomakeinfinitesatisfactionandattaininfinitemerits.[56]SaintThomasAquinas teaches that JesusChristoffered toGodmore thanwasdemandedas just

compensationfortheoffencescommittedbythewholeofmankind.Andthiscameaboutthroughthegreatness of the love with which he suffered; through the dignity of the Life that he offered insatisfactionforallmen(foritwasthelifeofGod-made-Man);throughtheenormityofthepainthathesuffered...[57]ThecharityofthesufferingChristwasgreaterthanthemaliceofthosewhocrucifiedhim,andbecauseofitChristwasable,throughhisPassion,tomakesatisfactionevengreaterthantheoffenceofthosewhocrucifiedhimandputhimtodeath.TosuchanextentwasthisthecasethatthePassion of Christ was in itself sufficient and superabundant satisfaction for the sins of those whocrucifiedhim.[58] It satisfied too for the sins of themenof all times, for both original sin and thepersonalsinsofallsouls,asthoughadoctorweretoprepareamedicinebywhichallinfirmitiescouldbecured,eventhosewhichhadstilltocome.[59]JesusChristhasgivenfullsatisfactiontotheeternalloveoftheFather.[60]TheChurchhasalways

taughtthis.[61]TheloveofChristdyingforusontheCrosswasmorepleasingtoGodthanallthesinsofallmentogethercaneverdispleasehim.InsofarasweidentifyourwillwithGod’sWill,wetakeuponourselvesthemeritsofChrist.WeofferreparationtoGodbymakingourowntheloveandthemeritsofhisSon!ThematchlessvaluethatasingleholymanorwomanhasinthesightofGodisbasedonthis.Althoughmanysinsarecommittedeachday,thereareatthesametimemanysoulswhoinspiteoftheirwretchednessdesireonlytopleaseGodwithalltheirstrength.Itdoesnotmatterifourlivesdonotcauseanyoutwardstir,ifwemakenoapparentmarkonthe

worldoritshistory;whatdoesmatterisourdecisiontobefaithful,toturnallthedaysofourlifeintoanofferingmadetoGod.IfweknowhowtosetoureyesonGodourFather,andtotreathimwiththesame trust and friendship as Abraham did, we will never become pessimistic, even though ourconstantendeavourstoserveGoddonotshowanyexternalresultsthatcanwinacclaimorthatwecanprideourselveson.Howastutelycunningthedeviliswhenhetriestofilloursoulswithpessimismasweregardourapparentlyscantyachievements.Ontheotherhand,howveryhappyGodis,whenHeperceivesourconstantdailystruggle,ourconstantendeavourtobeginagain!’Nam,etsiambulaveroinmedioumbraemortis,nontimebomala’–thoughIshouldwalkthrough

thevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,noevilwillIfear.Neithermywretchednessnorthetemptationsoftheenemywillworryme,‘quoniamtumecumes’–foryou,Lord,arewithme’.[62]Youhavealwaysbeenpresentinmylife,Lord.4.3Wemustbeaslightsintheworld.For the sakeof ten Iwillnotdestroy it.Ten justmenwouldhavebeenenough!Peoplewhoare

reallyholymorethanmakeupforallthecrimes,theabuse,envy,lackofloyalty,betrayal,injustice,selfishness ... of all the inhabitants of agreat city. Ifwe areunitedwith the redeeming sacrificeofJesusChrist,Godwill lookwithspecialcompassiononourrelatives,friends,acquaintances...who

haveperhapsstrayedfromthepathoutofignorance,orerror,orweakness...orbecausetheydidnotreceivethegracesthatwehavereceived.WeshouldtryoftentocarryonthesamekindoffriendlyandpleasantbargainingwithJesusthatAbrahamcarriedonwithYahweh!‘Look,Lord’–wewillsayto him – ‘this person is better than he seems.He has good intentions.Help him!’And Jesus,whonevertheless knows the real situation,willmove that personwith his grace out of regard for ourfriendshipwithhim.Godpaysspecialattentiontothepetitionsofthosewhoarehisownintheworld;totheprayersof

children,whopraywithaheartthatknowsnomalice,andtheprayersofthosewhomakethemselveslikechildren; to the supplicationsof the sickwhomHeholdscloser tohisheart; to theprayersofthosewhohavetoldhimcountlesstimesthattheyhavenootherwillthanhis,thattheywanttoservehiminthemidstoftheirnormaleverydaytasks.ThosewhostrivetobeunitedtoChristtrulysustaintheworld.And that union is not generally shown in external deeds that attract attention.There areincomparablymoreevents thansuchvisibleactionswhoseimportancetosocietyremainshiddenforthetimebeing.Thereis,forexample,theimmensemultitudeofsoulswhohavespentthewholeoftheirexistencegivingthemselvesforothersintheanonymityofthehome,thefactory,theoffice.Therearethosewhohaveconsumedthemselvesinanonymityamidtheprayingsocietyofthecloister;thosewhohave immolated themselves in thedailymartyrdomof protracted illness.Theday that everything isbroughtoutintothepublicgazewhentheLordcomesagain,everyonewillseethedecisiverolethatthe humble and the inconspicuous have played, in spite of all appearances to the contrary, in theunrollingof thehistoryof theworld.And thiswill alsobea causeof joy for theblessed,whowillderivefromitathemeofeverlastingpraiseoftheGodwhoisthreetimesHoly.[63]SaintPaulsaystothefirstChristiansthattheyshineaslightsintheworld,[64]enlighteningallmen

with the lightofChrist.God looksdownfromHeavenonourearthanddelights in thosewho liveordinary,normallivesbutareconsciousofthedignityoftheirChristianvocation.Godisfilledwithjoy asHe contemplates ourwork,which is nearly always small and of little account as theworldvaluesit,solongaswetrytobefaithful.

THIRTEENTHWEEK:TUESDAY

5.GOD’SSILENCE5.1Godalwayslistenstothosewhoturntohimforhelp.ThroughouttheGospelsweseeJesusbehavinginawaythatisbothnaturalandsimple.Hedoesnot

ask for vociferous acclamation from those who follow him. He works miracles without fuss orostentation,avoidingpublicity insofarasHe isable.Hecharges thepeopleHehascurednot togoroundtellingeverybodyaboutthegracetheyhavereceived.HeteachesthattheKingdomofGoddoesnot comewith dramatic display. By the parables of themustard-seed and the leaven hidden in thedough Hemakes clear to everyone the mysterious power of his words.We see him also silentlylistening to pleas for help towhichHe later accedes. The silence of Jesus during his trial beforeHerodandagainbeforePilate is filledwithasublimegrandeur.Weseehimstanding in frontofaclamorous,excitedcrowdwhobringinfalsewitnessestotrytocatchhimoutinhisspeech...Wefindparticularly impressiveGod’ssilenceasHestands in themidstof theuproarof themilling throngwhohavebeenarousedtofurybyhumanpassion.ThatsilenceofJesusisneitherindifferencenoranattitude of disapproval towards some poor creatures who offend him; He is full of mercy andforgiveness. JesusChrist always hopes for our conversion.God knows how towait.He hasmorepatiencethanwehave.HissilenceontheCrossisnotsimplyareservingofhisebbingstrength,thebettertocontrolhis

angerandutterafinalcondemnation.Itistheever-forgivingGodwhohangsthere.Heopenswidethecompassionatechannelofanewanddefinitiveeraofmercy.Godalwayslistenstothosewhomakethedecisiontofollowhim,eventhoughsometimesitmayappearthatHeremainssilent,thatHedoesnotwanttolistentous.Heisalwaysattentivetoandconsiderateoftheweaknessesofhiscreatures...butitissothatHecanforgivethemandhelpthemtoriseuphigher.IfattimesHekeepssilentitissothatourfaith,ourhopeandourlovemaygrowmoremature.InthescenedescribedintheGospeloftoday’sMass,[65]wecancontemplateJesusweariedaftera

dayofintensehardworkpreaching.Hegotintoaboatwithhisdisciplesinordertocrosstotheothersideofthelake.Whentheyhadbeenonthewatersometime,agreatstormarose,ofsuchviolencethatthemountingwavesthreatenedtoswamptheboat.Meanwhile,OurLord,utterlyexhausted,hadfallen asleep.Hewas so tired that not even the crashingof thewaves against the sides of the boatcausedhimtowakeup.Atamomentofsuchgreatperil,itseemsalmostasifJesusisnotthere.ItistheonlypassageintheGospelwhereweseehimasleep.TheApostles,mostofwhomwereseasonedfishermen,realisedimmediatelythattheirbestefforts

couldnotsucceedinholdingtheboat’sheadtothewind,andwerehorriblyawarethattheirliveswereindanger.SotheywenttoJesusandwokehimup,shouting:SaveusLord,weareperishing.Jesustriedtoreassurethem:Whyareyouafraid,Omenoflittlefaith?Heaskedthem.Itisasifhe

had said, ‘Don’t you realise that I am with you, and that this should give you an unwaveringsteadfastnesseven thoughyouaresurroundedbydifficulties?’ThenHeroseandrebuked thewindsandthesea;andtherewasagreatcalm.Thediscipleswereovercomewithamazement,withpeaceandwithjoy.TheywereabletoseeforthemselvesyetagainthattowalkwithChrististowalksafely,eventhoughHemaykeepsilentandseemnot tobethereatall.Andtheysaid:Whatsortofman isthis,thateventhewindsandtheseaobeyhim?HewastheirLordandtheirGod.Lateron,whentheHolySpiritcameintotheirsoulsonthedayofPentecost,theyrealisedthattheywouldoftenhaveto

liveinthemidstoftroubledwatersandthatJesuswouldalwaysbeinhisboat–thebarqueofPeter,theChurch.AttimesHewouldapparentlybeasleepandsilent,andtothatextentapparentlyabsent,butHewould always be as attentive to them as ever, and at the same time just as powerful.Hewouldnever abandon them to their own devices. They understood it well, when soon afterwards, at thebeginningoftheirapostolicmission,theysawthemselvesbesetbypersecutionandfeltthebitternessof being misunderstood by the pagan society in whose midst they carried out their activity.Nevertheless,theMastergavethemstrength,keptthemafloatandencouragedthemtoembarkuponyetmoreapostolicenterprises.HedoesthesamewithusnowasHedidthenwithhisfirstfollowers.5.2TrustinGod.OurLord’sbeingasleepwhilsthisdisciples,strugglingwitheverynerveandsinew,feltthemselves

abouttobeoverwhelmedbythestorm,hasoftenbeencomparedtothesilenceGodmaintainsaswelabour. It will frequently seem that God is paying no heed and is indeed unconcerned about thedifficultiesthatthreatenandassailindividualsandtheChurchitself.Whenthehurricaneragesandwefindourselvesfacedwithsimilarsituations;whenallourefforts

seemtobeachievingnothing,wemustfollowtheexampleoftheApostles,turntoJesusandputallour trust in him: Save, Lord; we are perishing. Then we will feel the effectiveness of his infinitepowerandwillbefilledwithconfidenceandserenity.Whyareyouafraid,Omenoflittlefaith?Hesaystohisfollowers,whenHeseesthemovercome

with anxiety and convinced that they are sinking.Why are you afraid if I amwith you?He is thecertainty of certainties. It is enough to be with him in his boat, where He can see us, for us toovercomeallthefearswehaveandthedifficultieswemayencounter,whenweareoverwhelmedbymeagreresultsandworry,bytrials,byasenseofbeingmisunderstoodandbytemptations.Alackoftrustfulcertaintyonlymakesitsappearancewhenourfaithisweak.Suchweaknessdoesbringwithita lack of trust. Precisely at suchmoments wemay forget that the greater the difficulty, themorepowerfulGod’shelpwillbe.ThiswillalwaysbethecasewhenwestrivetolivefullyourvocationasChristians, whatever our situation ... in our family life, in our daily work ..., in carrying out ourapostolate.Jesuswantstoseeusfilledwithhispeaceandserenity,atalltimesandinallcircumstances.Donot

beafraid, it is I,He says tohisdisciples,whoare terrifiedbyhuge seas.OnanotheroccasionHesays:Itellyou,myfriends,donotfear.[66]FromthemomentofhisentryintotheworldHeshowedwhathispresenceamongmenwouldbe like.Themessageof theIncarnationbeginspreciselywiththesewords:Donotbeafraid,Mary.[67]AndtheAngeloftheLordwastosaytoJoseph:Joseph,sonofDavid,donotfear.[68]TotheshepherdsHewouldsayonceagain:Benotafraid.[69]Wecannotbeafraidofanything.EventheholyfearofGodisaformof love; it isnothingbut thefearof losinghim.Complete trust in God, using whatever human means are necessary in each situation, gives an

incomparablefortitudeandaspecialkindofserenity to theChristian,whatevermayhappentohimandwhatever the tribulations hemay have to face up to. The consideration of our divine filiationfrequentlyeachdayleadsustospeaktoGod,notasifwewerespeakingtosomebodyfarawaywhoisasindifferentasheisremote,whoiscoldandinattentivetous,butwiththeconsciousnessthatwearetalkingtoafatherwhoisconcernedabouteverymovementmadebyhischildren.WewillcometolookonhimastheFriendwhoneverletsusdownandwhoisalwaysreadytohelp,and,ifnecessary,to forgive.Close tohimwewill learn tounderstand thatevery tribulationandalldifficultiesbringbenefits tousmen ifweknowhow to accept themwith faith, ifwedonot turnourbacksonhim.

Blessedbethehardshipsofthisearth!Poverty,tears,hatred,injustice,dishonour...Youcanendureallthingsinhimwhostrengthensyou.[70]AndSaintTeresa,withthewell-triedexperienceofthesaint,haswrittenforus: If youhave trust inhimandareofanencouragingheart– forHisMajesty isagreatfriendofthosewithsuchanattitude–donotbeafraidthatyouwillwantforanything.[71] theLordlooksafterthosewhoarehisown,evenwhenHeappearstobeasleep.5.3WhenGodseemstokeepsilent.SomeChristianswhoappeartofollowChristsolongaseverythinghappensthewaytheywantturn

awayfromhimwhentheyhavemostneedofhim:whentheirchild,theirhusbandortheirwife,theirbrother or their sister falls sick ...; in times of financial stress;when they are hurt by calumny ordefamationandsomeof their friends turn theirbackson them,or if in theirown interior life theylose those agreeable feelings that at othermoments havemade self-surrender and apostolate seemrelativelyeasy.Perhapsnow,asaveryspecialgracefromGod,agracethatpurifiestheirintentionsandtheirhearts,suchfeelingsdisappearandgivewaytodrynessandtoacertainfeelingofsadness.Then,itispossibleforthemtothinkthatGodnolongerlistenstothem,orthatHeiskeepingsilent,asthoughHewereneutralasregardstheirpredicamentorindifferenttotheirconcerns.ItispreciselythenthatwemustsaytoJesusevenmoreforcefully:Lord,saveus,weareperishing!Heneverfailstorespond.Healwayspaysattentiontous.PerhapsHeiswaitingforustopraywithgreaterintensityandrectitudeofintention,andforustoabandonourselvesstillmorecompletelyintohisstrongarms.Ineverytribulation,intimesofdifficultyandtemptation,wemustturntoJesusimmediately.Seek

his face who ever dwells in real and bodily presence in His Church. Do at least as much as thedisciplesdid.Theyhadbutlittlefaith;theyfeared;theyhadnotanygreatconfidenceandpeace,butatleasttheydidnotkeepawayfromChrist...Donotkeepfromhim,butwhenyouareintrouble,cometohimeverysingleday,askinghimearnestlyandperseveringlyforthosefavourswhichHealonecangive.AndasHeontheoccasionspokenofintheGospelblamedindeedthedisciplesbutdidforthemwhat theyasked, soyoushould ‘trust inhisgreatmercy’.ThoughHediscernmuch infirmity inyouwhichoughtnottobethere,yetHewilldeigntorebukethewindsandthesea,andwillsay:‘Peace,bestill’–andtherewillbeagreatcalm.[72]Oursoulwillbefilledwithserenityeveninthe

midstoftribulation.With thisnewpeace thatOurLordbrings toourheartswewill setoffconfidently to fightonce

again in those battles of peace – the external battles and those of the soul.Wewill joyfully acceptthoseannoying things thatactuallyserve topurifyus,andwewillbecomemoreunited tohim.Weshouldnotforgeteither,insuchcircumstances,thatGodhasplacedanAngelbesideustolookafterus,tohelpusandtocarryourprayersthemoreeasilyintohispresence.Wheneveryouareinneedofanything,orarefacingdifficulties,whethergreatorsmall,invokeyourGuardianAngel,askinghimtosortthematteroutwithJesus,ortocarryouttheparticularserviceyoumayrequire.[73]

THIRTEENTHWEEK:WEDNESDAY

6.MISSEDOPPORTUNITIES6.1TheLordsometimespresentshimselftousinawaydifferentfromwhatwehadexpected.Jesuscametotheothersideofthelake,tothecountryoftheGadarenes,inthelandoftheGentiles.

[74]Hewas looking,perhaps, foraquietspot inwhich to rest forawhilewithhisdisciples. Itwasthere thatOur Lord cured two demoniacswho came out tomeet him. Therewas a herd of swinefeedingnearby;thedevilsbeggedhim,ifHecastthemoutofthosetormentedmen,tosendthemintotheherdofswine.OurLordpermittedjustthat.Sotheycameoutandwentintotheswine;andbehold,thewholeherdrusheddownthesteepbankintothesea,andperishedinthewaters.Theherdsmenfled,andgoingintothecitytheytoldeverything,andwhathadhappenedtothedemoniacs.Andbehold,allthe city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave theirneighbourhood.Theybeggedhimtoleavethatplace.Itwasagreatopportunitythosepeoplemissed;theyhadGod

himselfamongthemandwereunabletorecognisehim.PerhapsHeneveragainpassedthroughthatregion. They had him so close to them!And they asked him, the onlyOnewho could give themeverythingthatwasgood,toleavethem!HowinhospitabletheworldsometimesistowardsitsGod!Veryoften,formanypeople,itismaterialgoodsthatmatter.ItisnotunusualtoseehowpeopletrytobuildasocietyinwhichasfarastheyareconcernedGodisnotpresent.Theymakenoroomforhim.ItisasifGodwereofnorelevanceinthesphereofman’sjointprojects.[75]TheveryOnewhogivesmeaning toeverything isexcluded. It isGodwho throws lightupon themeaningofpain, joy, life,death,work...Withouthimnothingisworthwhile.ExclusionofGod, ruptureofourunionwithGod,disobedience toGod: throughout thehistoryof

mankindthishasbeenandstillis,inallitsvariousforms,sin.ItcangoasfarasavirtualdenialofGodandhisexistence:this is thephenomenoncalledatheism.[76]At theheartofmanyattitudes thatleadmen to reject or exclude supernatural truth can be found a radical and practicalmaterialism,wherebythegoodsof thisworldareesteemedaboveallelse.This iswhatpreventsusfromseeingGod’sactionineverythingaroundus.WesaytoJesusthatwewanttoplacehimatthepeakofallhumanactivity,throughdoingourwork

conscientiouslyeachday.Wewanthimtoenterfullyintoourlivesandintothelivesofourfamilies.Wewanthimtogivemeaningtowhatweareandtowhatwehave:toourintellect,totheloveofourhearts,toourfriendships,tothecleanloveofeachoneinaccordancewithhisparticularvocation.Wetellhimthatwewanttobeeverwatchfullikethesentry,sothatHecanenterintooursouls,evenwhenHepresentshimselftousinawaywehadnotexpected.6.2DetachmentifwearetoseeJesusanddohisWillevenwhenitdoesnotcoincidewithours.In spite of themiracle theyhadheard of from the swineherds and in spite of having seen those

unfortunate men freed and saved from the demons, the Gerasenes still refused to make Jesuswelcome.Wecanimaginewhatgoodthingswouldhavefilledtheirhomesandstillmoreespeciallytheirsouls!Buttheywereblindtospiritualgood.Itisjustthesamewithsoverymanypeopletoday.Somanypeoplehavetheirownplansfortheirownwell-beingthatonlytoooftentheylookonGodsimplyassomeonewhowillhelpthemtocarryoutthosesameplans.Thetruestateofaffairsisjusttheopposite.Godhashisplans forourhappiness,andHe iswaiting forus tohelphimaccomplish

them–andletusbequiteclearaboutit:wecannotimproveonGod’splans.[77]SomeChristians, because they are excessively attached to their own ideas and their ownwhims,

moreorlesstellJesustogooutoftheirlives.TheymaydothispreciselyatthosemomentswhenHeisclosesttothem,andwhentheyneedhimmost.Theymaydothiswhentheyareovertakenbyillnessorfrustratedbysetbacks;whentheyhavelostsomematerialthingstheyprobablyneededtolosesoastobepreparedtoreceivethesupremeGoodwhenHecomes,veryoften,alongpathsquitedifferentfrom those they were expecting. Perhaps they hoped He would come in triumph, and instead Hepresentshimself to themquietly in themidstof ruinor failure–not in the typeof failurebroughtaboutbyourownindolencebecausewehavefailedtousetherightmeansortoputinthenecessaryamountofstudy,(whichinanycaseshouldleadustomakeanactofcontritionandtostartagainwithafirmresolution).It is,rather, thekindoffailurethatweexperiencewhensofaraswecanseewehaveusedallthehumanandsupernaturalmeansnecessarytoproducesuccess.Hesometimescomesalongtotallyunexpectedpaths.HowveryoftendoesGod’slogicfailtocoincidewithman’slogic!ItisthemomentforustoembracehisholyWill:Isthatwhatyouwant,Lord?...Thenit’swhatIwantalso.[78]Timeandagainwhenconfrontedwithanunexpectedreversewehavemadethisourprayer,repeatedinathousanddifferentways!IthasbeensaidthatGod’splanisallofapiece.Perhapsthelossoftheirlivestock,thedetachment

thatsuchmaterialdeprivationdemanded,couldhavebeenthebeginningof theconversionof thoseGentiles;perhapstheywouldhavebeentheveryfirstGentilestoreceiveBaptismafterthedispersionbroughtaboutbythefirstpersecutioninJudaea.Attheendofourlives,andsometimeslongbeforeit,wewill seehow those separate events and fragmentedcircumstanceswhich seemed tobenomorethanloosepieceswithoutanyparticularmeaning,dovetailtogether.EverythinginGodworksforgoodwiththosewholovehim.[79]IfwearetodiscoverGod’sWillineverythingthathappensinlife,evenintheleastpleasantthings

– in those things that have harmed us or annoyed us; if we are to follow Christ whatever thecircumstances,we must be thoroughly detached from ourselves, from our intellectual talents, ourhealth,ourgoodname,ournobleambitions,ourtriumphsandoursuccesses.Iwouldalsoinclude...thehighidealsthatleadustoseekonlytogiveglorytoGodandtopraise

him.Wecanensureourdetachmentbytailoringourwilltothisclearandpreciserule:‘Lord,Iwantthisorthatonlyifitpleasesyou,because,ifnot,I’mnottheslightestbitinterested.’Byactinginthisway,wearedealingamortalblowtotheselfishnessandvanitythatlurkineveryconscience.Atthesame timewewill find true peace of soul through this selfless conduct that leads to an evermoreintimateandintensepossessionofGod.[80]We have to purify our hearts of any disordered love (very often a disordered love of self and

excessiveattachmenttothethingswehaveorwouldliketohave,toourownideasandopinions,totheplanswehavemade forourownhappiness ...) ifweare tohavemore trust inGodourFather.ThenwewillbeabletoseethingsclearlyandwillbeabletointerpretcorrectlythethingsthathappentousandalwaysbeabletofindGodinthem.6.3Lookingathumanlyunfavourablecircumstanceswiththeeyesof faith,andfindingGodinthem.Ifthatslaughterofthepigshadnothappened,theswineherdswouldprobablynothavegonetothe

town,anditsinhabitantswouldnothavelearnedthatJesuswasthere,soclosetothem.IfthewomanwhocameacrosstheMasterinCapharnaumhadnotbeenillforsuchalongtimeandhadnotspenteverypennyshehadondoctors,perhapsshewouldneverhaveapproached theMaster to touch the

hemofhisgarment,andwouldneverhaveheardJesus’consolingwords–themostimportantwordsshe was to hear in her life – which were worth far more than all her sufferings and uselessexpenditure...Whatseemsamisfortunetousisperhapsnotsodreadful;sinistheonlyabsoluteevil,andfromit–withlove,withhumilityandwithcontrition–wecandrawoutthemostsweet-tastingeffectsofanewencounterwithChrist,[81]anencounterinwhichthesoulisrejuvenated.Behind those apparent evils (illness, exhaustion, pain, financial ruin ...) we always find Jesus,

smilingatusandholdingouthishandtohelpusbearthatsituationandgrowinternally.Howgratefulthatlepermusthavebeenforhavingsufferedthesorryburdenofhisdisease,foritwaswhatledhimtoChrist!Themisfortunesofthislifeareaconstantcalltoourheart,whichsaystous:TheTeacherishereandiscallingforyou![82]Butifwearemoreattachedtoourownplans,health,life...thanwearetoGod’sWill–sometimesmysteriousandincomprehensibletousatthebeginning–wewillcometolookonmisfortuneasonlythelossofsomethingthat,beingonlypartiallyandrelativelygood,wehaveperhapstreatedasabsoluteanddefinitive.WhatagreatmistakewewouldmakeifwefailedtoseeJesusvisitingusatthoseverymoments!Goddisposeseventswithalogicquitedifferentfromourown,insuchawaythat,sometimeswith

sorrowandatotherswithdelight,weshoulddetachourselvesfromeverythingelsesothatHemayfillourentireexistence.WeshouldoftenthinkabouttheinneractionofGodwithinus.Hedisposeseventheleastofhappeningsinordertomakeushappy.Hearrangeseverythinginsuchawayastomake detachment from ourselves and from our future plans easy ..., so that we become saints. InGod’seyesasinglesoulisofgreatervaluethanthewholeuniverse,andthemarvelsthatGodworksinthesecrecyofourlivesare,byfar,moreextraordinarythanallthesplendidwondersofthematerialcosmos.[83]IfthoseGentileshadunderstoodwhowasintheirmidst,iftheyhadperceivedthewonderworkedinthosetwomenwhowerefreedfromthedevil,whatwouldtheirfinancialmisfortunehavematteredifthroughittheyhadcometorecogniseJesus?TheywouldhavebeensogratefulandwouldhaveinvitedJesusintotheirhousesandorganisedagreatbanquetbecausetheMasterwaswiththemandbecausetwolostmenhadbeenrestoredtothem.Ifwelookatthelesserorgreatermisfortunesofthislifewiththeeyesoffaithwewillalwaysend

upgiving thanksfor them.For thatsickness, for thehumiliationweweremade toendurewhenweleastlookedforit,forhunger,forthirst,forthelossofemployment...‘Thankyou,Lord!’wewillsaytohimfromthedepthsofourhearts–’becauseyouhavepresentedyourselftomewhereIleastexpectedyou!’LetusaskOurLady,whoexperiencedsomanyhardships,somuchanguish,somuchsorrow,to

teachusnottomissthoseopportunitiesofmeetingChristinthemidstofthe–humanlyspeaking–mostunfavourablecircumstances.

THIRTEENTHWEEK:THURSDAY

7.THEINFINITEVALUEOFTHEMASS7.1ThesacrificeofIsaac,animageandfigureoftheSacrificeofChristonCalvary.WereadintheBookofGenesis[84]howGodwantedtoputAbraham’sfaithtothetest.Hehadbeen

promisedthathisdescendantswouldbenumerousasthestarsofheaven.ThePatriarchhadseentimepasshimbyandwasnowagreatage;hiswifewasbarren.ButheneverthelesscontinuedtobelieveGod’sword.Yahwehhadannounced tohim thathewouldhavea son, andAbrahambelieved in hopeagainst

hope.Whenatlastthechildcameintotheworld,hecalledhimIsaac.Andaftertheboyhadgrownandbecome the cherished reward of that trust of his,God, the Lord of life and of death, commandedAbrahamtoofferhiminsacrifice:Takeyourson,youronlysonIsaac,whomyoulove,andgotothelandofMoriah,andofferhimthereasaburntofferingupononeofthemountainsofwhichIshalltellyou.But at the verymoment that hewas about to sacrifice his beloved son theAngel of theLordstoppedhim.And thePatriarchheard thesewordsfilledwithabundantblessings:Because youhavedonethis,andhavenotwithheldyourson,youronlyson,Iwillindeedblessyou,andIwillmultiplyyour descendants as the stars of heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore. And yourdescendantsshallpossessthegateoftheirenemies,andbyyourdescendantsshallallthenationsoftheearthblessthemselves,becauseyouhaveobeyedmyvoice.TheFathersoftheChurchhaveseeninIsaac’ssacrificeanannouncementofthefuturesacrificeof

Jesus.Isaac,theonlysonofAbraham,thebelovedson,carryinghisbundleofwoodonhisshouldersup themountain where he is to be sacrificed, is a figure of Christ, the Only-begotten Son of theFather,theBeloved,whocarrieshisCrossonhisshouldersuptoCalvary,whereHeoffershimselfasasacrificeofinfinitevalueforallmen.In theMass,after theConsecration, theRomanCanon remindsusof thisoblationofAbraham’s,

whenhegivesuphis son.He isour father in faith.Bepleased to lookupon theseofferingswithaserene and kindly countenance, we say to God the Father, and to accept them, as once you werepleasedtoacceptthegiftsofyourservantAbelthejust,thesacrificeofAbraham,ourfatherinfaith,andtheofferingofyourhighpriestMelchizedek...[85]Abraham’sobedienceisthegreatestexpressionofhisunconditionalfaithinGod.Itwasbecauseof

this faith that he regained Isaac, and after having offered him in sacrifice, received himback as asymbol.HereallydidconsiderthatGodisabletoraisemenfromthedeadbyhisownpower;forthisreasonhereceivedhimbackandthewholeepisodeisanimageofwhatwastocome.[86]OrigenpointsoutthatthesacrificeofIsaacmakesusmoreclearlyunderstandthemysteryofthe

Redemption.The fact that Isaac was compelled to carry the wood for the holocaust is a figure ofChristwhowasmadetocarryhiscrossonhisshoulders.Butatthesametime,carryingthewoodfortheholocaust is the taskofapriest.SoIsaacwasbothvictimandpriest ...Christ isatoneandthesametimeVictimandHighPriest.Indeed,accordingtothespirit,HeoffersthevictimtohisFather;accordingtotheflesh,HehimselfisofferedonthealtaroftheCross.[87]ForthisreasoneachMasshasaninfinite,immensevaluethatwecanneverfullyunderstand.Itcausesthewholeheavenlycourttorejoice.Italleviatesthepainofthesoulsinpurgatory.Itdrawsdownalltypesofblessingsuponearth,andgivesmoreglory toGod thanall thesufferingsofall themartyrs together,moreglory than thepenancesofallthesaints,thanallthetearsshedbythemsincethebeginningoftheworldandallthat

theymaydotilltheendoftime.[88]7.2Adorationandthanksgiving.AlthoughallofChrist’sactswere redeemingacts, there ishowever inhis lifeaneventwhich is

uniqueandstandsoutaboveallothers,and towhichallothereventsaredirected. It is themomentwhentheobedienceandtheloveoftheSoncombinetooffertotheFatherasacrificethatknowsnobounds; this boundlessness is due to thedignityof theOffering andof thePriestwhooffers it onCalvary.ItisHewhoremainsintheMassastheprincipalPriestandastheVictimtrulyofferedandsacramentallyimmolated.IntheHolyMass,theeffectsthatrelateimmediatelytoGod,suchasadorationandthanksgivingare

alwaysproducedininfiniteplenitude.Theydonotdependonthedegreeofourattention,oronthefervour of the priest. In each Mass there are infallibly offered to God adoration, reparation andthanksgiving of limitless value, because it is Christ himself who offers theMass and in it offershimself. Thus it is impossible to adoreGod in a betterway, or to give greater recognition of hissovereigndominionoverallthingsandallmen.Itisthemostcompletefulfilmentoftheprecept:YoushallworshiptheLordyourGodandhimonlyshallyouserve.[89]It is impossible tomakeamoreperfectreparationtoGodfor thefaults thatarecommitteddaily

thanbyofferingorparticipatingwithdevotionintheHolySacrificeoftheAltar.[90]ItisimpossibletoofferhimgreaterthanksforthegiftswehavereceivedthanthroughtheHolyMass:WhatshallIrendertotheLordforallhisbountytome?IwillliftupthecupofsalvationandcallonthenameoftheLord.[91]WhatatremendousopportunitytheMassisforustothankGodforallthegoodthingswe receive, since we no doubt sometimes forget to thank God for the many, many gifts He hasshowereduponus;thesamemayhappentousashappenedtothoseleperswhomJesuscured...Adoration,reparationandthanksgivingareinfallibleeffectsofthesacrificeoftheMassthatrefer

toGodhimself,[92]foritisHehimselfwhooffersandisoffered.WhatagreathonouritisforprieststolendChristtheirvoiceandtheirhandsintheEucharisticsacrifice!WhatgrandeurofprivilegeisthatofthefaithfulwhoareabletotakepartinsuchagreatMystery!Tell Our Lord that from now on, every time you celebrate or attend Mass, and every time you

administerorreceive theSacramentof theEucharist,youwilldosowithgreater faith,withamoreburninglove,justasifitweretobethelasttimeinyourlife.Andbesorryforthecarelessnessofyourpastlife.[93]7.3Expiationandatonementforoursins;beggingGodforallourneeds.OnMountMoriah, Isaac the beloved only son ofAbraham,was not in the event sacrificed; on

Calvary,Jesusreallysufferedanddiedforallofus,propeccatis,onaccountofoursins.Thisfruitofexpiationandatonement also reaches the souls of thosewhohave precededus andwho are beingpurified inPurgatory, awaiting the awardof theweddinggarment[94] so as to be able to enter intoHeaven.The Eucharistic sacrifice effects, of itself and of its own power, the forgiveness of sins; but it

bringsthisaboutina‘mediate’way...Forexample,apersonwhowithoutattendingthesacrifice,asksGod to change his life and to lead him to Confession, will obtain this grace only by virtue of hisfervourandhispersistence...butifhehearsMasswiththisobjective,itiscertainhewilleffectivelyobtainthisfavoursolongashedoesnotplaceanyobstaclesinitsway.[95]When Jesus Christ offers himself to his Father He prays for all men. He always lives to make

intercessionforthem.[96]WhatbettermomentcanwefindthanduringtheHolyMasstoapproachhim

andaskforwhatwesobadlyneed?EachMass is offered by the whole Church, who in her turn makes supplication for the whole

world.EachtimetheHolyMassisoffereditisthebloodoftheCrossthatpoursdownlikerainupontheworld.[97]TogetherwiththeChurchweprayinaspecialwayforthePope,forthebishopofthediocese,forourownprelateandforourbrothersandsisters,forallthosewho,holdingtothetruth,handonthecatholicandapostolicfaith.[98]AswellasthegeneraleffectsoftheMasstherearealsootherparticulareffectsforthosewhotake

partintheHolySacrificeandforthoseforwhoseintentionitwascelebrated.Forthepriestthereisaveryspecial,irrenounceableeffect,asitdependsonhismeritoriouswillthattheMassisbeingsaid;theservers,thechoir ...andallthedevoutparticipantswhoarepresentatthesacrificealsoshareintheseparticulareffects,eachoneaccordingtohisorherdispositions.Allgatheredherewhosefaithanddevotionareknowntoyou.Forthemweofferyouthissacrificeofpraise…forallwhoaredeartothem:fortheredemptionoftheirsouls,inhopeofhealthandwell-being.[99]AswellastheeffectsofthepraiseandoftheadorationthataregiventoGod,theHolyMassalso

produces fruits of remission for our sins, and of impetration for all our needs. These are ofthemselves capableof being infinite andunlimited, butmaybe finite and limited according toourdispositions.This iswhy thepreparationofoursoul toattendandpartakeof thisuniqueSacrifice,and the moments of thanksgiving and recollection once the sacred action is over are so veryimportant. Are you there, the holy Curé d’Ars asks, with the same dispositions as Our Lady onCalvary,realisingthatyouareinthepresenceofGodhimselfandarepresentattheenactmentofthatverysamesacrifice?[100]Let us ask Our Lady to intercede for us so that our celebration of or our participation in the

EucharisticsacrificemaybecomeforusthefountainatwhichourdesiresforGodaresatisfiedandeverincreased.

THIRTEENTHWEEK:FRIDAY

8.HABITUALMORTIFICATIONS8.1Mortificationsaretheresultoflove,andintheirturntheynourishlove.IntheGospeloftoday’sMass[101]SaintMatthewtellsusthatafterhehadrespondedtoJesus’call,

hepreparedameal forHiminhisownhouse.All theotherdisciples,andmany taxcollectorsandsinnerswhowereperhaps life-long friendsofhis, came to themeal.When thePharisees saw this,they said:Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? Jesus heardwhat theyweresaying andHe himself answered them.He told them that it is not thosewho arewellwho need aphysician,but thosewhoaresick.ThenHemakeshisownsomewordsof theProphetHosea:[102]Idesiresteadfast loveandnotsacrifice.OurLorddoesnot refuse toaccept thesacrificesoffered tohim.Heinsists,however,thatsuchsacrificesmustbeaccompaniedbythelovethathasitsorigininaheartthatisgood,foritischaritythathastogivelifetoallofaChristian’sactions,andparticularlytohisworshipofGod.[103]ThosePharisees,whofaithfullyfulfilledtheLaw,didnotaccompanytheirsacrificeswiththesweet

fragranceofcharitytowardstheirneighbourorwithloveofGod.ElsewhereOurLordwastosayinthewordsoftheProphetIsaiah:Thesepeoplehonourmewiththeirlips,buttheirheartisfarfromme.DuringthatmealinMatthew’shouseitbecomesobviousfromtheirquestionsthattheydonotintheleastunderstandtheotherguests,andthattheymakenoefforttobringthemanyclosertoGodortotheLawwhichtheythemselveskeepsofaithfully.Theirsisanarrowoutlook,andthereisalackofloveintheirwayofjudging.Tousedifferentwords,Yahwehhadalreadysaidtothechosenpeople,whosettoomuchstoreuponcertainexternalformalities:Iprefervirtuetoausterity.ThatiswhywemustcultivatepenanceandmortificationasaproofofourtrueloveforGodandfor

ourneighbour.[104]OurloveforGodisexpressedinouractsofworship.Butitisalsoshownineachofouractions

throughouttheday,particularlyinthesmallmortificationsthatshouldinformeverythingwedo,andthatcarryuptotheLordourdesiretoforgetourselvesandpleasehimineverything.If, deep down, we do not have this disposition, the mere fact of repeating certain acts will be

valueless,becausetheywillbebereftofanyrealmeaning;thelittlesacrificeswetrytooffertotheLordeachdayhavetheirorigininlove,andintheirturnnourishthislove.ThespiritofmortificationthatGodwants isnotsomethingnegativeor inhuman.[105] It isnotan

attitudeofrejectingwhatisgoodandnobleinusingandenjoyingthegoodthingsofearth.Itisratheramanifestation of supernaturalmastery over the body and over all created things – overmaterialthings,humanrelationships,work...;mortification,whetheritisvoluntarymortificationorwhetheritisthatothertypeofmortificationthatcomeswithoutourseekingit,isnotsimplyprivation:ratherisitamanifestationof love, for tosufferneed is something thatcanhappen toanybody,butknowinghowtoendureitbelongstogreatsouls.[106]Itbelongstosoulswhohavelovedmuch.Mortificationisnotsimplymoderation.Itisnotjustamatterofkeepingoursensesundercontrol

andofavoidingthedisequilibriumthatfollowsupondisorderandexcess.Rather,itistrueself-denial.Itmakesroominoursoulsforsupernaturallife,whichisaforetasteoftheglorythatistoberevealedtous.[107]8.2Mortificationsthatmakelifemorepleasantforothers.

Idesiremercyandnotsacrifice...Itisbecauseofthisthatourmortificationshouldbelived,morethananywhereelse,inthosethingsthataffectourrelationshipsanddealingswithotherpeople.Ourattitude should be always one of mercy, just like Our Lord’s attitude towards the people He meteverywhereHewent.Ourmortificationreceives its impulseanddirectionfromtheregardwehaveforthosewithwhomweareindailycontact,whetherathome,atworkorforanyotherreasonawayfromhome.Itleadsustomakethingsinthislifemorepleasantforthem.Inparticularitleadsustohelppeoplewhoarehavingtobearevengreaterphysicalormoralsufferings;wewilldolittleactsofserviceforthemordepriveourselvesofsomesmallcomfortifwecanhelptheminthatway.Ourspiritofmortificationwillleadustoovercomeanylackofoptimismwhichwouldnecessarily

affectotherpeople.Wewillendeavourtosmileevenwhenwehaveourowndifficulties.Wewilltrytoavoideverything,howeversmall,thatmayannoythoseclosesttous,toforgiveothersandtofindexcusesforthem...Inthiswaywewilldietoself-love,whichissodeeplyrootedinourbeing.Wewilllearntobehumble.Thishabitualdispositionthatmakesusacauseofjoyforotherscanonlybethefruitofaprofoundspiritofmortification,becausemanymaynot findgivingup foodanddrinkandasoftbedtoodifficult...Butbearinganinsult,awrong,orhurtfulwords...thisissomethingtobebornenotbymanybutbyfew.[108]Aswellasinthesemortificationsthatrefertocharity,Godwantsustoknowhowtofindhiminall

those thingsHe allows to happen, and that cango against our likes andpreferences andupset ourplans. These are known as passive mortifications. They can take the form of serious illness; ofproblemsthatariseinthefamilyandforwhichthereseemstobenoeasysolution;ofamajorsetbackatwork ...butperhapsmoreoften, indeedprobablyeveryday,wecomeupagainst little things thatannoyusandthatwehadnotexpected,whetheratwork,inourfamilylifeorinthecarryingoutoftheplanswehavemadeforaparticularday...TheseareopportunitiesfortellingGodthatwelovehim,preciselythroughacceptingthoseverythingswemayhaveshiedawayfromattheoutset.Whenweacceptthatparticularreverse–beitgreatorsmall–withlove,andofferittoGod,weexperiencepeaceandjoyinthemidstofsorrow.Whenwedonotacceptit,oursoulbecomesasthoughoutofharmonyandsad,orelseweexperienceaninnerrebelliousnessthatonlyservestoseparateusfromGodandfromotherpeople.Another field of mortification in which we can show our love for God is in the exemplary

fulfilmentofourduty,byworkingintensely,forexample;bynotleavingunpleasanttasksforlater;bystrugglingagainstmentallaziness;bytakingcareoflittlethings–order,punctualityandsoon;byfacilitating the taskof someonewhoworksalongsideus;byofferingup the tiredness that allhardworkbringswithit.Bytheselittlevictoriesoverourselves,whilstweworkandinourrelationswithotherpeople–on

everypossibleoccasion–weareable toshowthatweloveGodaboveall things,andinparticularthat we love him more than ourselves. By means of these mortifications we raise ourselves uptowardshim;bynotdoingthem,weremainrootedtotheground.Thoselittlesacrificesweofferupthroughoutthedayprepareoursoulsforprayerandfilluswithjoy.8.3Othermortifications.Aspiritofmortification.Godasksusforsacrificeofferedupwithlove.Mortificationisnotforthebattlefront,wherethere

exists an imminent danger of falling into sin. Mortification belongs rather to the open field ofgenerosity, because it is amatter of knowing how to deprive ourselves of something it would bepossiblenottodepriveourselvesofandstillnotoffendGod.ThemortifiedsoulisnotthesoulthatdoesnotoffendGod,butthesoulthatloves.SaintPaulremindedthefirstChristiansinCorinththatto

livelikethis,withanhabitualspiritofmortificationisfollytothosewhoareperishing,buttouswhoarebeingsaveditisthepowerofGod.[109]OurloveforGodmovesustocontrolourimaginationandourmemory,andtogetridofuseless

thoughtsandmemories.Itenablesustocontroloursensitivity,ourtendencytohaveagoodtimeasthe foremost reason for being alive. Mortification leads us to overcome our laziness from themomentwegetup.Itpreventsusfromallowingoursightandothersensestowanderuncontrolled.Itleadsustobesoberandtemperateinmattersoffoodanddrink,andtoavoidalwaysgivingintoourwhimsand impulses ... Itmay leadus topractisecorporalmortifications, althoughalwayswith theopportuneadvicereceivedinspiritualdirectionorinConfession.At timeswewill concentrate on somemortifications rather than on others.Wewill always pay

specialattentiontothosemortificationsthathelpusimproveinthefulfilmentofourdutiestowardsGod,inourdutiesofstateandinlivingcharitybetter.Wemayevenfinditusefultonotedownsomeofthemortificationsweproposeforourselves, tolookoverthelistsometimeduringtheday,andthentoaskourGuardianAngelforhelpsothatwewillactuallyputthemintopractice.Ifwebearinmindthetendencyeverymanandeverywomanhas toforget thingsandtoput thingsoffforsometimelater,wewillrealisethatweneedtousethemeansifwearenotjusttoneglectsuchresolutions.Thoselittleactsofrenunciationthroughouttheday,manyofwhichwewillhaveforeseenandlookedfor,bringusclose toChrist andconstituteapowerfulweapon toenableus toacquire, first inonefieldandtheninanother,theactualhabitofmortification.Theyarehumanstratagemsthatcanonlybesubstitutedforwithdifficulty,givenournaturaltendencytoresisttheCrossandtotrytoforgetaboutit.ThepromiseJesusmadebecomesarealityforthemortifiedsoul:Hewholoseshislifeformysake

willfindit.[110]Thisisthewaytofindhiminthemiddleoftheworld,inandthroughourdailywork.ThefriendtoldhisBelovedthatHeshouldpayhimtheamountdueforthetimehehadservedhim.TheBelovedtookintoaccountthethoughts,desires,tears,dangersandtoilthatthefriendhadsufferedforloveofhim.ThentheBelovedaddedeternalblisstotheaccount,andgaveHimselfaspaymenttohisfriend.[111]

THIRTEENTHWEEK:SATURDAY

9.NEWWINE9.1Preparingoursoulstoreceivethedivinegiftofgrace.Newwineskins.Jesuswasteaching,andhislistenerswellunderstoodwhatHesaid.Thosepeoplewhowerethefirst

to hear thewords of theGospel of today’sMass all knew about patching garments; theywere allaccustomedtoworkinthecountryandtheyknewwhathappenedwhennewwine,madefromrecentlyharvestedgrapes,waspouredintooldwineskins.Itwasthroughthesesimplewell-knownimagesthatOurLordtaughtthemostprofoundtruthsabouttheKingdomHehadcometobringtosouls:andnooneputsapieceofunshrunkenclothonanoldgarment,forthepatchtearsawayfromthegarmentandaworsetearismade.Neitherisnewwineputintooldwineskins;ifitis,theskinsburst,andthewineis spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but newwine is put into fresh wineskins , and so both arepreserved.[112]Jesusmakes itclear thatweneed to receivehis teachingwitha freshandyouthfulspirit: thatwe

havetowanttoberenewed.Justasthestrengthofthefermentationofnewwinecausesoldreceptaclestoburst, so themessage thatChristwasabout tobring to thisearthwas tobreakdownall typesofconventionalism, routineand inertia.Later the apostleswere to thinkback to thosedays they spentbesideJesusandseethemasthestartingpointoftheirreallife.Theydidnotreceivehispreachingasjustonemore interpretationof theLaw,but ratherasnew lifewhichsurgedupwithin themwithaquiteextraordinaryimpetusandwhichdemandednewdispositionsofthem.Throughout these twentycenturies,whenevermenhavecome face to facewith Jesus, something

has moved within them, and broken down old and worn out attitudes. The Prophet Ezechiel hadalreadyannounced[113]thatGodwouldgranttohisfollowersanotherheartandHewouldgivethemanewspirit.TheVenerableBede,commentingonacertainpassageoftheGospel,[114]explainshowtheapostleswouldhavebeentransformedatPentecostandatthesametimefilledwiththefervouroftheHoly Spirit. Thiswas to happen later in the Church to every one of hermembers, once they hadreceivedBaptismandConfirmation.Thosenewwineskins–acleanandpurifiedsoul–shouldalwaysbefull;foremptytheyaredevouredbymothandrust;fullofgracetheyarepreserved.[115]Thenewwineofgraceneeds thesoul topossesscertaindispositionswhicharebeingconstantly

renewed: determination to start time and again on the path of sanctity, which is a sign of inneryouthfulness, of that youthfulness possessed by the saints, who are people in love with God.WedisposeoursoulstoreceiveGod’sgiftofgracewhenwerespondtotheinspirationsandsuggestionsof theHoly Spirit as they prepare us to receive new graces. Then, ifwe have not been altogetherfaithful,whenwe go toOur Lord asking him to cure our souls,we can saywith SaintAmbrose,Remove,LordJesus,therottennessofmysins.Whilstyouholdmeboundwithbondsoflove,curewhatissickwithinme...Ihavemetaphysicianwholivesinheavenandpoursouthismedicineonearth.OnlyHecancuremywounds, forHehimselfhasnone;onlyHecan remove sorrow frommyheart,wannessfrommysoul,forHealoneknowsmyinnermostsecrets.[116]Onlyyourlove,Lord,isabletopreparemysoultoreceivemorelove.

9.2Contritionhealsusandpreparesustoreceivenewgraces.TheHolySpiritconstantlybrings to thesoulnewwine–sanctifyinggrace–whichhas togrow

moreandmore.Thisnewwinedoesnotgrowold,butthewineskinscangrowold.Oncetheyteartheyare thrown into the rubbish bin and the wine is lost.[117] This is why it is necessary to constantly

restore thesoul, torejuvenate it; thereare timeswhenwefail to love,perhaps throughvenialsins,thatrenderthesoulunfittoreceivemoregraceandcauseittogrowold.Inthislifewewillalwaysbeawareofthescarsleftbysin–characterdefectsthatweareunabletoovercome,invitationsofgracewe do not respond to generously, impatience, routine in our life of piety, failure to showunderstandingforpeople...It is contrition that disposesus to receivenewgraces, that increasesour hope and enablesus to

avoidroutine.ItmakesaChristianforgethimselfandturntoGodonceagainwithastilldeeperactoflove.ContritionbringswithitanaversionfromsinandconversiontoChrist.Thisheart-feltsorrowisnot the sameas the stateofmindbroughtaboutby theunpleasant effectsofhaving sinned– thebreakdownoffamilyharmony,theendofafriendship.Itisnoteventhesameaswishingthatwehadnotdoneaparticularthing...Itisthedefinitecondemnationofanaction,theconversiontowardswhatisgood,towardsGod’sholinesswhichismanifestedforusinChrist.Itistheirruptionofanewlifeintothesoul,[118]alifefilledwithlovewhenitfindsitselfoncemorewithGod.Thisiswhyapersondoesnotknowhowtorepent,cannotbemoved tocontrition, ifhedoesnot relatehissins,be theylargeorsmall,toGod.BeforeJesus,allouractionstakeontheirtruedimension.Ifweweresimplytostopatourfaults,

withoutanyreference to thepersonwhohasbeenoffended,wewouldprobablyseek to justifyourfaultsandsinsandgive little importance to them.Ontheotherhandwemightfindourselvesfilledwith discouragement and despair in the face of so much error and omission. God teaches us toacknowledgethetruthofourlives,andinspiteofallourwretchednessanddefects,Hefillsuswithpeaceandthedesiretoimproveandtostartagain.Thehumble soul feels theneed toaskGod for forgivenessmany timeseachday.Each time she

separatesherself fromwhatGodhasexpectedofher, shesees theneed to return, like theprodigalson,withtruesorrow:Father,Ihavesinnedagainstheavenandbeforeyou;Iamnolongerworthytobecalledyourson;treatmeasoneofyourhiredservants.[119]AndOurLord,whoisclosetothoseofcontriteheart[120]willhearourprayer.Withthisspiritofcontritionthesoulisconstantlypreparedtoreceivethenewwineofgrace.9.3SacramentalConfession:ameansofgrowingininteriorlife.OurLord,knowingthatwewerefragile,leftusthesacramentofPenance,wherethesoulnotonly

comes away healed, but, if it has lost grace, rises with a new life. We must go to receive thissacramentwithasinceritythatiscomplete,humble,contriteandwiththedesireofreparation.Awell-madeConfessionpresupposesadeepexaminationofconscience–deepdoesnotnecessarilymeanlong in a time sense, especially if we go to Confession frequently – if possible in front of thetabernacle,andalways in thepresenceofGod. Inhisexaminationofconscience, theChristianseeswhatGod has expected his life to be andwhat in reality it has been.He sees the goodness or themalice of his actions, the omissions, the opportunities he has let slip ..., the gravity of the faultcommitted,thelengthoftimehehasremainedinitbeforeaskingforforgiveness.[121]TheChristianwhowantstohavearefinedconscience,andsogoestoConfessionfrequently,will

notbecontentwithaConfessionthatissimplyvalid,buthewillaspiretoagoodConfessionwhichisaneffectivehelptothesoulinitsaspirationtowardsGod.ForfrequentConfessiontoachievethisendweneed to take thisprinciple in all seriousness:without repentance there isno forgivenessof sin.This gives rise to the fundamental norm of anyone who goes to confession frequently – not toconfessanyvenialsinwithoutfirstseriouslyandsincerelyrepentingofit.Thereisa‘generalrepentance’.Thisispainanddetestationforallthesinscommittedinone’spast

life.Thisgeneralrepentanceisofexceptionalimportanceforfrequentconfession,[122]sinceithelpstohealthewoundsthatourweaknessesleftbehindthem,purifiesoursoulandmakesitgrowinloveofGod.Whenever necessary, sincerity will lead us to get down to those little details that enable us to

acknowledgeourweaknessesbetter:how?when?why?forhowlong?Wehavetoavoidinsubstantialand prolific detail just as much as generalisation.We need to say simply and delicately what hashappened,whatisthetruestateofoursoul.WehavetofleefromdigressionssuchasIwasn’thumble,Iwaslazy,Ilackedcharity:thingsthatareapplicabletoalmosteveryhumanbeing.Whenwepractisefrequent confession,we have tomake sure that it is always apersonalact inwhichwe askGod’sforgivenessforveryrealspecificweaknesses,andnotgeneralisations.Thissacramentofmercyisasurerefuge:initourwoundsarecured.Whatwasalreadywornand

growingoldisrejuvenated.Allourerrors,largeorsmall,arecured,becauseConfessionisnotonlyajudgementinwhichourtransgressionsareforgiven,butalsoamedicineforthesoul.Confessionthatisimpersonaloftenhidesapointofprideandofself-lovethatseekstocamouflage

ortofindjustificationforanythingthatishumiliatingandleavesus,humanlyspeaking,lookingbad.Perhapsitcanhelpustomakethisactofpenancemorepersonal,ifwearecarefulabouttheverywaywemakeourconfession:Iaccusemyselfof.\|.\|.,forthissacramentisnottowoefullyrelatethingsthathavehappened;itishumblyandsimplytoaccuseoneselfofone’serrorsandweaknessesbeforeGodhimself,whowillforgiveusthroughthepriestandwillinundateuswithhisgrace.’BlessedbeGod’yousaidtoyourselfafterhavingfinishedyoursacramentalConfession.Andyou

thought:itisasifIhadjustbeenbornagain.Youthencontinuedcalmly:‘Domine,quidmevisfacere?–Lord,whatwouldyouhavemedo?’Andyouyourselfcameupwiththereply:‘BythehelpofyourgraceIwillletnothingandnoone

come between me and the fulfilment of your most Holy Will: Serviam – I will serve youunconditionally!’[123]Iwillserveyou,Lord,asyouhavealwayswantedmeto:withsimplicity,inthemidstofalltheordinary,everydayeventsofmylife.

FOURTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARA

10.HELPINGOTHERSTOCARRYTHEIRBURDENS10.1Christ’sexample.JesusbehavedtowardspeopleinawayverydifferentfromthewaymanyofthePhariseesbehaved

towardsthem.Hecametofreemenfromtheheaviestoftheirburdensbytakingthemuponhimself.Cometome,allwholabourandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest.Takemyyokeuponyou,andlearnfromme;forIamgentleandlowlyinheart,andyouwillfindrestforyoursouls.Formyyokeiseasy,andmyburdenislight.[124]ClosetoChrist,alloureffortsandindeedallthosethingswefindmostdifficulttobearifweareto

fulfilGod’sWillbecomeevenpleasant.SacrificeofferedwithChristdoesnotbringwithitafeelingofharshrebelliousness,butratheroneofjoyfulgiving.Heboreuponhimselfoursorrowsandourweightiest burdens. The Gospels give us a constant example of his concern for all men. SaintGregorytheGreatwritesthateverywhereHeleftexamplesofhismercy.[125]Heraisesthedead,curestheblind,thelepers,thedumb,andfreesthosepossessedbythedevil...ThereareoccasionswhenHedoesnotevenwaitforthesickpersontobebroughttohim,butsays:Iwillcomeandhealhim.[126]Even at themoment of his own deathHe shows his concern for the people around him.He giveshimselfuptodeathlovingly;Heistheexpiationforoursins,andnotforoursinsonly,butalsoforthesinsofthewholeworld.[127]Wemust imitateOur Lord not only by avoiding causing unnecessaryworries to others, but by

helpingpeopletobeartheworriestheyalreadyhave.Wheneverpossiblewewillhelpotherstofulfiltheirhumantask.Wewillhelpthemtocarrytheburdensthatlifeitselfimposesonthem:Whenyouhavefinishedyourwork,doyourbrother’s,helpinghim,forChrist’ssake,sotactfullyandsonaturallythatnoone–notevenhe–willrealisethatyouaredoingmorethanwhatinjusticeyouought.This,indeed,isvirtuebefittingasonofGod![128]Weshouldnever think that anyactof self-denialor sacrificeoffered for thegoodof another is

morethanweshoulddo.Charityshouldstimulateustoshowourregardforothersinveryspecificways. It should lead us to look for opportunities of making ourselves useful, of lightening theburdensofothersandofgivingjoytoallthoseweareabletohelpinanyway,eventhoughweknowthatwewillneverdoasmuchasweshould.Weshouldalways try to relieveothers fromwhateverseems toweigh themdown, justasChrist

would have done in our place. Sometimes thiswillmean our doing some small act of service.Attimes itwillmeangivingawordofencouragementorofhope.Atotherswewillhelpsomeonetoglance up at theMaster so that he comes to see his situation in amore positive light; itmay be asituationwhichhadseemedtooverwhelmhimsimplybecauseuptillthenhehadfelthemustfaceitalone.Weshould thinktooof thoseaspectsofourbehaviourwithwhichsometimes,withoutreallymeaning to,wemake lifea littleharder forothers ...ourwhimsand fancies,our rash judgements,negativecriticism,alackofconsiderationforothers,anunkindword...10.2Weshouldbecompassionateandmerciful.Theburdenofsinandofignorance.Loveenablesustodiscoverinothersthedivineimageinwhoselikenesswehaveallbeenmade.

Weshouldrecogniseineveryonethetremendouspricepaidforhisransom–thepricelessnessofhisredemption–theveryBloodofChrist.[129]Thegreaterourlove,themoreweareabletoappreciate

ourneighbourand,asaconsequence,showconcernforhisneedsandsorrows.Thenweseenotonlyanotherhumanbeingwhoissufferingorhavingahardtime,weseeChristinthatperson,Christ,whoidentified himself with all men: Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these mybrethren,youdidittome.[130]Christmakeshimselfpresenttousthroughcharity.Heactsintheworldat everymoment through themembersofhisMysticalBody. It is for this reason thatour constantunionwithJesusenablesusalsotosay:Cometomeallwholabourandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest.CharityisthefullrealisationoftheKingdomofGodintheworld.IfwearetobefaithfulfollowersofChristwehavetoaskhimunceasinglytogiveusaheartlike

his, capable of feeling sorrow for all the evil that man drags along behind him. We should beparticularly sorry about the evil that is sin,which,more than anyother evil, dragsmandown andoverwhelmshim.Jesusalways respondedwithcompassionwhenHesawall the limitationsand theweaknessesofmen:Ihavecompassiononthecrowd...,[131] theevangelistsrecordin theirdifferentways.ChristwasmovedbyallthekindsofmisfortuneHeencounteredduringhistimeonthisearth.We know that He always looks with mercy on the mass of human wretchedness that has beenaccumulatedthroughoutthecenturies.IfwearetocallourselvesfollowersofChristwemustbearinourheartsthesamefeelingsofmercyastheMasterhad.Inourpersonalprayer,letusaskOurLordtohelpuswithhisgracetofeeltruecompassion,above

allforthosewhosuffertheimmeasurableevilofsin,forthosewhoarefarfromGod.ThenwewillbeabletounderstandhowitisthattheapostolateofConfessionisthegreatestoftheworksofmercy.ItisbydoingthisapostolatethatwegiveGodtheopportunitytopourouthisgenerousforgivenessonthatprodigalsonwhohaslefthisfather ’shouse.Ofwhatagreatburdendowerelievethepersonwhowasburdenedbysinandnowgoes toConfession!Whata true relief!Todaycouldbeagoodtimetoaskourselves:howmanypeoplehaveIhelped tomakeagoodConfession.WhoelsecanIhelp?We should try especially to lighten theburdensof peoplemore closely connected tousbecause

theysharethesamefaith,thesamespirit,thesametiesofblood,thesamework...SaintLeotheGreatsaid emphatically: Certainly look on everyone who suffers with a general benevolence, but beespeciallyconcernedaboutthosewhoaremembersofChrist’sBodyandareunitedtousthroughtheCatholic Faith. For we owe more to those who belong to us through the union of grace than tostrangersthroughthecommunityofnature.[132]As far as we can, let us relieve all those who carry the heavy burden of ignorance, especially

ignoranceoftheirreligion,whichtodayreacheslevelsneverbeforedescendedtoincertaincountriesofChristiantradition.Perhapsbecauseoftheimpositionsofasecularstateorbecauseoflamentabledisorientationandnegligence,crowdsofchildrenwhohavebeenbaptisedarereachingadolescencewithatotallackofthemostelementarynotionsoftheFaithandmoralsandevenoftherudimentsofpiety.Today,toteachtheunlearnedmeansabovealltoteachthosewhoknownothingaboutReligion;itmeans‘toevangelisethem’–thatistosay,tospeaktothemaboutGodandabouttheChristianlife.[133]WhatagreatweighthastobebornebythosewhodonotknowChrist,bythosewhohavebeendeprivedofChristiandoctrineorwhoareimbuedwitherror!10.3WeshouldturntoChristwhenlifebecomesdifficultforus,andlearnfromOurLadyhowtoforgetourselves.WewillfindthatnowayleadsmorecertainlytoChristandhappinessthanthatofasincereconcern

to free thosewhoarewearyandheavy-laden fromwhateverweighs themdown.Godhasdisposedthings in such away thatwe should learn to bear one another’s burdens: because there is nobody

withoutanydefect;nobodywhoissufficientuntohimself;indeednobodywhoissufficientlywiseuntohimself.[134] We all need one another. Living with other people requires that mutual help withoutwhichwewouldfinditdifficulttokeepgoing.Ifatsometimeweshouldfindourselveswrestlingwithaburdenthat isbeyondourstrength,we

should\pnotfailtolistentoOurLord’swords:Cometome.Only\pHecanrestoreourstrength,onlyHe can quench our thirst. Jesus says now and always: ‘Come tome, all who areweary and heavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest’.WecanbesurethatJesusconstantlyinvitesustocometohim,seesourdifficultiesandhascompassiononus.StillmoredoesHeofferushispromises,hisfriendship,thehope of goodness, of a healing remedy for our ills, of comfort; and still more does He offer usnourishment,bread,theverysourceofenergyandlife.[135]Christisourrepose.Our continuous conversation with Our Mother Mary teaches us to be understanding with our

neighbourinhistimeofneed.Therewasnothingthatshefailedtonotice,becauseeventhesmallestofcareswereimportanttothelovethatalwaysfilledherHeart.ShewillhelpustofollowthewaythatleadstoChristatthoseverytimeswhenourneedtounburdenourselvesonhimisevengreater:YouwilldrawstrengthfromittoputtheWillofGodfullyintopractice,andyouwillbefilledwithdesiresofservingallmen.Youwillbe theChristianyouhavesometimesdreamedofbeing: fullofworksofcharityandjustice,happyandstrong,understandingtowardsothersanddemandingonyourself.[136]

FOURTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARB

11.MYGRACEISSUFFICIENTFORYOU11.1Godgivesushishelptoenableustoovercomeallobstacles,temptationsanddifficulties.IntheSecondReading[137]oftoday’sMass,SaintPaulletsusseethedepthsofhishumility.After

speaking to the Corinthians about his labours for Christ and the visions and revelations he hadreceivedfromtheLord,hegoesontotellthemofhisweakness:tokeepmefrombeingtooelatedbytheabundanceofrevelations,athornwasgivenmeintheflesh,amessengerofSatantoharassme,tokeepmefrombeingtooelated.WedonotknowwithanycertaintywhatSaintPaulisreferringtowhenhespeaksofthisthorn in

theflesh.SomeFathersoftheChurch,(e.g.SaintAugustine)thinkitisaparticularlypainfulphysicalaffliction;others,(e.g.SaintJohnChrysostom)thinkthatheisreferringtothetribulationscausedhimbythecontinuouspersecutionsofwhichheisthevictim;andsome,(e.g.SaintGregorytheGreat)areof the opinion that he is referring to temptations that he finds particularly difficult to resist.[138]Whateveritis,itissomethingthathumiliatestheApostle,andthatinsomewayhindershisworkasabeareroftheGospel.SaintPaulhadaskedGodthreetimestoremovethisobstaclefromhim.Hereceivedthissublime

reply:My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. God’s help issufficientforhimtoovercomethatdifficulty;atthesametimewearegiventoknowaboutthedivinepowerthatenabledhimtoovercomeit.HebecomesstrongerwhenhereliesonGod’shelp,andthiscauseshimtoexclaim:ForthesakeofChrist,then,Iamcontentwithweaknesses,insults,hardships,persecution, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong. In our own weakness we tooconstantlyexperiencetheneedtoturntowardsGodanddrawonthestrengththatcomestousfromhim.HowoftenGodhassaidtousdeepinourhearts:Mygraceissufficient foryou,youhavemyhelptoenableyoutoovercomealltrialsanddifficulties.Perhapswesometimeshaveaparticularlyvividexperienceofloneliness,weaknessortribulation:

Ifso,seek thesupportofhimwhodiedandroseagain.Findyourselfashelter in thewoundsinhishands,inhisfeet,inhisside.Andyourwillingnesstostartagainwillrevive,andyouwilltakeupyourjourneyagainwithgreaterdeterminationandeffectiveness.[139]Even our frailty and ourweaknesses can be turned to good account. In his commentary on this

passage,SaintThomasAquinasexplainsthatGodcansometimesallowcertainevilsofaphysicalormoralorderpreciselysoastodrawfromthemagreater,morenecessarygood.[140]Godwillneverabandon us in the midst of temptation. Our very weakness helps us to have greater trust, to seekrefugeinGodmoreurgently,toaskhimforgreaterstrengthandtobemorehumble:’Lord,putnotyourtrustinme.ButI,Iputmytrustinyou’.Then,aswesenseinourheartsthelove,thecompassion,thetendernessofChrist’sgazeuponus–forHeneverabandonsus–weshallcometounderstandthefullmeaningof thosewordsofSaintPaul:‘Virtus in infirmitateperficitur’(2Cor12:9).IfwehavefaithinOurLord,inspiteofourfailings–or,rather,withourfailings–weshallbefaithfultoourFather,God;hisdivinepowerwillshineforthinus,sustainingusinourweakness.[141]11.2Ifyouwantto,youcan.Athornwasgivenmeintheflesh,amessengerofSatan,toharassme...ItseemshereasifSaint

Paulsenseshis limitations inaveryvividway,andat thesame timerelives theoccasionswhenhe

contemplatedthegreatnessofGodandthegreatnessofhisownmissionasanApostle.Sometimesinthe course of our lives we too have caught glimpses of generous aims, aims of sincerity, ofperseverance...,andyet,itseemsasthoughwehave,intheverydepthsofoursoul,asortofradicalinfirmity,alackofstrength,anobscureimpotence...,andthissometimesmakesusfeelsadandwesay‘I can’t’.[142]We can seewhatOur Lordwants of us in this or that situation, but perhapswe feelweakened and exhausted by the trials and difficulties facing us.Your intelligence – enlightened byfaith – shows you theway clearly. It can also point out the difference between following that wayheroically or stupidly. Above all, it places before you the divine greatness and beauty of theundertakingstheTrinityleavesinourhands.Your feelings, on the other hand, become attached to everything you despise, even while you

consider it despicable. It seemsas if a thousand trifleswereawaiting the leastopportunity, andassoonasyourpoorwillisweakenedthroughphysicaltirednessorlackofsupernaturaloutlook,thoselittlethingsflocktogetherandpileupinyourimagination,untiltheyformamountainthatoppressesanddiscouragesyou.Thingssuchastheroughedgesofyourwork;yourresistancetoobedience;thelack of proper means; the false attractions of an easy life; greater or smaller but repugnanttemptations;boutsof sensuality; tiredness; thebitter tasteof spiritualmediocrity ...andsometimesalsofear–fearbecauseyouknowGodwantsyoutobeasaint,andyouarenotasaint.Allowmetotalktoyoubluntly.Youhavemorethanenough‘reasons’toturnback,andyoulackthe

resolutiontocorrespondtothegracethatHegrantsyou,sinceHehascalledyoutobeanotherChrist,‘ipseChristus’!–Christhimself.YouhaveforgottentheLord’sadmonitiontotheApostle:‘Mygraceisenoughforyou’,whichisconfirmationthat,ifyouwantto,youcan.[143]Mygrace is sufficient for you.OurLord says thesewords directly to each one of us so thatwe

shouldbefilledwithfortitudeandwithhopewhenweseethetrialsthatawaitus.OurveryweaknesswillhelpustorejoiceatChrist’spower;itwillteachustoloveandtofeeltheneedtobealwaysveryclosetoJesus.Ourveryfailures,ourunfulfilledplans,willleadustoexclaim:WhenIamweak,thenIamstrong,forChristiswithme.Wheneverwearebesetbygreatertemptations,setbacksorweariness,thedevilwilltrytomakeus

strayfromthepathbycausingalackoftrustanddiscouragementtocreepintooursoul.ThisiswhytodaywemustlearnthelessonSaintPaulwantstoteachus:itisatsuchtimesthatChristisespeciallypresenttousandreadytohelpus;wehavejusttoturntohim.ThenwetoowillbeabletosaywiththeApostle:For the sake of Christ, then, I am content to put up with weaknesses, insults, hardships,persecutions,andcalamities.11.3Meansweshoulduseintimesoftemptation.Itwouldberashtodesiretemptationortoprovokeit,butitwouldalsobewrongtobeafraidof

temptation,asthoughOurLordwerenotgoingtogiveushishelptoovercomeit.WecanconfidentlyapplytoourselvesthewordsofthePsalm:Forhewillgivehisangelschargeofyou,toguardyouinallyourways.Ontheirhandstheywillbearyouup,lestyoudashyourfootagainstastone.Youwilltreadonthelionandtheadder,theyounglionandtheserpentyouwilltrampleunderfoot.Becausehecleavestomeinlove,Iwilldeliverhim;Iwillprotecthim,becauseheknowsmyname.Whenhecallstome,Iwillanswerhim;Iwillbewithhimintrouble,Iwillrescuehimandhonourhim.WithlonglifeIwillsatisfyhim,andshowhimmysalvation.[144]Atthesametime,OurLordasksustobepreparedfortemptationandtouseallthemeansatour

disposaltoovercomeit:prayerandvoluntarymortifications;fleeingfromtheoccasionsofsin,forwhoeverlovesdangerwillperishbyit;[145]leadingalifeofhardandconstantwork,carryingoutthe

duties of our work in an exemplary manner and simply changing our activity in order to rest;fostering a great horror for every sin, however small itmay seem; and, above all,making a realefforttoincreasewithinourselvesourloveforChristandforOurLady.Weareputtingupaneffectivestrugglewhenweopenoursoulinspiritualdirectionwheneverwe

are tempted tobeunfaithful.Tospeakabout it isalreadyalmost toovercome it.Hewhorevealshisown temptations to his spiritual director can be certain that God grants his director the grace heneedstodirecthimwell...We should never think that temptation is overcome by settling down to arguewith it, or even by

attackingithead-on...AssoonasitpresentsitselftousweshouldturnawayfromitanddirectourglancetowardsOurLord,wholiveswithinusandfightsatourside,whohimselfhasconqueredsin;letusembracehiminanactofhumblesubmissiontohisWill,ofacceptingthatcrossoftemptation...,oftrustinhimandoffaithinhisclosenesstous,atthesametimemakinganactofsupplicationthatHemaytransmithisstrengthtous.Inthiswaytemptationwill leadustoprayer, tounionwithGodandwithChrist;itwillnotbeloss,butrathergain.IneverythingGodworksforgoodwiththosewholovehim(Rom8:28).[146]Fromourtrials,ourtribulationsandtemptationswecandrawoutmuchgood,forinundergoing

themwewillshowOurLordthatweneedhimandthatwelovehim.Theywillsetusonfirewithloveandincreaseallthevirtueswithinus,forabirdfliesnotonlybytheimpulseofitswings,butalsobytheliftandresistanceoftheair:insomewaywehaveneedofobstaclesandsetbacksinorderthatourlove may grow. The greater the resistance to any progress along our way provided by oursurroundingsorbyourownweakness,themorehelpandgraceGodwillgiveus.AndourMotherinHeavenwillalwaysbeparticularlyclosetousatthosemomentsofgreatestneed:weshouldnotfailtoseekhermotherlyprotection.

FOURTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARC

12.ASARIVEROFPEACE12.1OurLordcomestobringpeacetoaworldthatlackspeace.ThisSunday’sLiturgycentresinaspecialwayonpeaceasbeingofgreatbenefitfortheindividual

soulandforsociety.IntheFirstReading,[147]theProphetIsaiahannouncesthattheeraoftheMessiahwillbe characterisedby its abundanceof thisdivinegift; itwill be likea torrentofpeace, likeanoverflowingstream.Itistobeanerathatwillgathertogethereverythingthatisgood:joy,happiness,consolationandtheprosperitypromisedbyGodwhenJerusalemwasrestoredaftertheBabylonianexile.As onewhom hismother comforts, sowill I comfort you. Isaiah refers in thesewords to theMessiah,thebearerofthatpeacewhichis,atoneandthesametime,graceandeternalsalvationforeachindividualandforthewholepeopleofGod.ThenewJerusalemisanimageoftheChurchandofeachoneofus.TheGospeloftoday’sMass[148]tellshowOurLordsentthedisciplesouttoannouncethecoming

oftheKingdomofGod.Wherevertheywentmiraclesoccurredtimeandagain:blindmenrecoveredtheirsight,leperswerecleansed,sinnersweremovedtorepentance.WherevertheywenttheycarriedwiththemthepeaceofChrist.Beforesendingthemoutonthatapostolicmission,OurLordhimselfhadchargedthem:Whateverhouseyouenter,firstsay,‘Peacebetothishouse’.Andifasonofpeaceis there,yourpeaceshallrestuponhim ...TheChurchwill repeat thismessageuntil theendof theworld.Nevertheless,aftersomanyyears,wecanstillseethattheworldisnotatpeace;itdesirespeaceand

clamoursforit,butitdoesnotfindit.Therearefewageswhentheword‘peace’hasbeenpronouncedsooften,andthereareperhapsfewageswhenpeacehasbeenfurtherawayfromtheworld.Even,ithasbeensaid,inmanynationsandcountries,thegeneralsituationhaslittletodowithpeace.Notthatthereiswar,oratleastwhatwegenerallyunderstandbywar,butthereiscertainlyalackofpeace.Race struggles. Class struggles. The struggle between ideologies and political parties. Terrorism.Guerrillawarfare.Kidnap and assassination attempts. Insecurity. Riots.Disputes. Violence.Hatredwhichbringsresentment,accusationsandrecriminations.[149]’Peace,peace’, theysay,when there isnopeace.[150]There isnopeace insociety,or in thefamilyorwithinsouls.What ishappeningfortheretobenopeace?Whyistheresomuchtensionandsomuchviolence?Whyareoursoulsbesetbysomuchanxietyandsomuchsadness,ifwhateveryonewantsispeace?Perhaps theworld is looking forpeacewherepeacecannotbe found;perhapsweareconfusing

peacewith a quiet life.Quite possiblywe think peace depends on external circumstances that havenothing to do with man himself. Peace comes from God and it is a gift of God that passes allunderstanding.[151]Itisgrantedonlytomenofgoodwill[152]–tothosewhostrivewiththewholeoftheirstrengthtolivetheirlivesinaccordancewithGod’sWill.Peace,andthejoythatcomeswithit,cannotbegivenbytheworld.Menare forever ‘makingpeace’and forevergettingentangled inwars.This isbecause theyhave

forgottentheadvicetostruggleinsidethemselvesandtogotoGodforhelp.Hewillthenconquer,andwewillobtainpeaceforourselvesandforourownhomes,forsocietyandfortheworld.If we do things in this way, you and I will have joy, because it is the possession of those who

conquer.Andwith thegraceofGod–whonever losesbattles–wewill beable to countourselvesconquerorsaslongaswearehumble.[153]Thenwewillbethebearersoftruepeace,andwewillcarry

itwhereverwegoasaninvaluabletreasure.Wewilltakeittoourfamilies,toourplaceofwork,toourfriends...tothewholeworld.12.2Violenceandanxietyhavetheirrootsinmen’shearts;theyareconsequencesofsin.In thebeginning, beforeoriginal sinhadbeen committed, everythingwasordered so as togive

glory to God and happiness to men. There were no such things as wars, hatred, anger, lack ofunderstanding, injustice ... Through that first sin, towhich personal sinswere subsequently added,manturnedintoabeingwhowasselfish,proud,mean,avaricious...Ifwelookatsinwewilldetectinit thecauseofall the failingsweseearoundus.BlessedJohnPaul IIpointedout thatviolence andinjusticehavetheirrootsdeepintheheartsofeachindividual,ofeachoneofus.[154] It is fromtheheart that come all the disorders that men are capable of committing against God, against theirbrothersandagainstthemselves,provokingfardownintheirconsciencesarent,adeepbitterness,alackofpeacethatisnecessarilyreflectedinthenetworkofsociallife.Butitisalsofromthehumanheart, from itsgreatcapacity to love, from itsgenerosity inbeingwilling toundergosacrifice, thattherecanarise–madefruitfulbyChrist’sgrace–feelingsoffraternityandworksofservicetomenwho ‘like a streamof peace’ (Is 66:12)work together for the constructionof amore justworld, inwhich peace brings with it the badge of citizenship and impregnates all structures of society.[155]Peaceistheconsequenceofsanctifyinggrace,justasviolence,inanyoneofitsmanifestations,istheconsequenceofsin.The whole future of peace is in our hearts,[156] for sin has not been so powerful that it could

completelyobliteratetheimageofGodinman,butonlysoilit,deformitandweakenit.Itwasabletowoundhissoulbutnotannihilateit.Itwasabletodarkenhisintellect,butnotdestroyit.Sinmanagedtoopenawayforhatred,butnottoeliminateman’scapacityforloving.Ittwistedman’swill,butnotto suchanextentas tomake rectification impossible.[157]This iswhy, althoughman tends towardsevil when he lets himself be led by his fallen nature, he can nevertheless, with the help of grace,overcomethosedisorderedpassionsandpossessandcommunicatetoothersthepeaceChristwonforus. It is then that the lifeofaChristianbecomesacheerful struggle toovercomeeviland to reachChrist.Inthatstrugglehefindssafetywhichisfilledwithoptimism.Ifeverheformsapactwithsinandwithhisownwretchedness,helosesthatfeelingofcertaintyandbecomesasourceofuneaseandevenofviolenceforhimselfandforothers.Asonewhomhismothercomforts, sowill Icomfortyou. It isonly inChrist thatwewill find the

peace thatwe somuchwant for ourselves and for those closest to us. Let us go to himwhen thedifficulties of life threaten the serenity of our soul. Let us go to the Sacrament of Penance and tospiritualdirectionif,becausewehavenotstruggledhardenough,worryandanxietyhaveenteredintoourhearts.12.3 Peace begins in the soul when we acknowledge all that separates us from God with aheartfeltactofcontrition.Spreadingpeace throughout theworldbystartingwith thepeopleclosesttous.Christ’spresenceintheheartsofhisfollowersis thebeginningof truepeace.Suchpeacebrings

withitrichfulfilment;itisnotmereeaseoflifeorabsenceofstruggle.SaintPaulaffirmsthatChristhimselfisourpeace;[158]topossesshimandtolovehimistheoriginofalltrueserenity.Thisstreamofpeaceinoursoul,anoverflowingstream.beginswiththeacknowledgementofour

sins,faults,negligencesanderrors.ThenifwearehumbleandwelookatChrist,hewilldisclosetoushisgreatmercy,asthoughhewerehiddenbehindaveilsayingtous:‘ThosearetheshortcomingsI

have takenuponmyself inorder toshowyou theFather’s love inaverypersonalway, through thislonelinessandsorrow.Hisloveistheonlylovecapableoffreeingusfromourwretchedness,ofturningitaround,sotospeak,andusingittowardsyoursalvation’.Thentherewillresoundintheearofourhearts,thewords:‘Yourfaithhassavedyouandhascuredyou.Goinpeace’[159]Thereisnopeacewithoutcontrition.There isnopeaceunlesswearedeeplysincerewithourselvesandacknowledgethose things inour lives thatseparateus fromGodandour fellowmen.There isnopeacewithoutdeep,undilutedsincerityinConfession.Withthisinteriorcalm,wewillfindthatbybeginningoverandoveragainandnevercomplying

withourdefectsandourshortcomingswewillbeabletogooutintotheworld,tothatspaceinwhichwe spend eachdayof our lives, and spread aroundus that peace that theworlddoesnot have andconsequentlycannotgive.Whateverhouseyouenter, first say, ‘Peacebe to thishouse’ ... It isnot simplyagreeting– it is

Christ’s peace that his followers have to take out into all the paths of the world.We will say toeveryone that truepeace is foundedon justice,on thesenseof the inviolabledignityofman,on theacceptance of an indelible and desirable equality of man, on the basic principle of humanbrotherhood, that is to say, on the respect and love due to eachman.[160] The peace of the worldbeginswithintheheartofeachindividual.TheChristianwholivesbyfaithisamanofpeacewhospreadsserenityaroundhim;peoplefeelat

easewithhimandotherswillseekhiscompany.LetusaskOurLady,aswefinishthesemomentsofprayer, to teach us to go humbly to the source of peace (the tabernacle, Confession, spiritualdirection)ifeverweseethatanxiety,fear,sadnessorworryareseekingawayofenteringintoourhearts.Reginapacis,orapronobis...oraprome.

FOURTEENTHWEEK:MONDAY

13.FINDINGCHRISTINTHECHURCH13.1Itisnotpossibletolove,followorlistentoChristwithoutloving,followingandlisteningtotheChurch.Everyone looks for Jesus. Everyone needs Jesus, and He in turn is always ready to have

compassion on all who approach him with faith. His most Sacred Humanity was like a channelthroughwhichallgraces flowed, foras longasHe remainedamongmen.This iswhy thecrowdstriedtotouchhim,forthereflowedoutofhimapowerthatcuredall.ThewomanwehearaboutintheGospeloftoday’sMass[161]alsofeltmovedtoapproachChrist.

To her physical sufferings –which had already lasted for twelve years –was added the shame offeelingherself impure according to the law.The Jews at that time considerednot only thewomanaffected by a sickness of this type to be impure, but also everything she touched. This iswhy sheapproachedJesus frombehindand touched justhiscloak, so thatpeoplewouldnotnoticeher.Shedelicatelytouchedthehemofhiscloak,sheapproachedwithfaith,shebelievedandsheknewshehadbeencured...[162]Thesemiracles–curesandthecastingoutofdevils– thatChristworkedwhilstHelivedonthis

earthwereaproofthattheRedemptionwasalreadyareality,notmerelyahope.Thepeopleweseecoming up to theMaster foretell, as itwere, the devotionChristianswould later have to theMostSacredHumanityofChrist.Later,whenHewasabouttogouptoHeavenandtakehisplacebesidehisFather,knowingthatwewouldalwayshaveneedofhim,Heestablishedthemeansbywhich,atanytimeorinanyplace,wewouldbeabletoreceivetheinfiniterichesoftheRedemption:HefoundedtheChurch,insuchawaythatwewouldeasilyseeitorfindit.WhenwelookfortheChurchwearelikethosepeoplewholookedfortheSonofMary.TobeintheChurchistobewithJesus; touniteoneself to thisflockis touniteoneself toJesus.Tobelongto thissociety is tobeamemberofhisBody.ItisonlyintheChurchthatwecanfindChrist–Christhimself–theverysameChristthatthechosenpeoplewaitedsolongfor.Those people who claim to approach Christ whilst leaving his Church to one side, and even

causingherharm,mayonedayget thesamesurpriseasSaintPauldidwhenhewasonhisway toDamascus:IamJesuswhomyouarepersecuting.[163]And, theVenerableBedereflects thatHedoesnot say ‘why are you persecuting my members, but why are you persecuting me?’ For He is stillaffrontedinhisBody,whichistheChurch.[164]PauldidnotknowuntilthatmomentthattopersecutetheChurchwastopersecuteJesushimself.WhenhespeaksabouttheChurchlateron,hedoessoinwords that describe her as the Body of Christ,[165] or simply as Christ;[166] and he describes thefaithfulasmembersofChrist’sBody.[167]It isnotpossible to love, followor listen toChrist,without loving, followingor listening to the

Church,becausesheisthepresence,atoncesacramentalandmysterious,ofOurLord,whoprolongshissavingmissionintheworldtotheveryendoftime.13.2IntheChurchweshareinChrist’sLife.NobodycansaythathelovesGodifhedoesnotchoosethewaytohim–Jesus–laiddownbyGod

himself.This ismy beloved Son ... listen to him.[168]We act illogically if we claim to be Christ’sfriendsandatthesametimespurnhiswordsandhiswishes.

ThosecrowdsofpeoplefrommanydifferentplacesallfindinJesussomeonewhospeakstothemwithauthority,whospeakstothemaboutGod.HehimselfisthedivineWordmadeflesh–theycomeface to facewith Jesus theMaster.Andwe in our day attach ourselves to himwhenwe accept theteachingoftheChurch:Hewhohearsyouhearsme,andhewhorejectsyourejectsme.[169]Moreover,JesusisourRedeemer.HeisthePriest;Hefullypossessestheoneandonlypriesthood

andHeofferedhimselfas thepropitiatoryvictimforsin.SoalsoChristdidnotexalthimself tobemade a high priest, butwas appointed by himwho said to him ‘Thou artmy Son’ ...[170]We uniteourselves toJesus,atoncepriestandvictim,whogiveshonour toGodtheFatherandsanctifiesuswhenwetakepartinthelifeoftheChurch;wedosoparticularlywhenwepartakeofhersacraments,whichare likedivinechannels throughwhichgrace flowsuntil it reachesour souls.Each timewereceivethesacramentswecomeintocontactwithChristhimself,thefountainofallgrace.ThroughthesacramentstheinfinitemeritsthatChristgainedforusreachmenofalltimesandare,forall,thefirmhopeofeternal life. In theHolyEucharist thatChristcommanded theChurch tocelebrate,werenewhisoblationandimmolation.Thisismybodywhichisgivenforyou.Dothisinremembranceofme.[171]Andonly theHolyEucharist guarantees tous theLife thatHehasgained for us:Whoevershalleatofthisbreadshallliveforever,andthebreadthatIshallgiveismyfleshwhichisthelifeoftheworld...[172]TheconditionforsharinginthissacrificeandbanquetstemsfromanotherofthesacramentsChrist

conferredonhisChurch–Baptism.Gothereforeandmakedisciplesofallnations,baptisingtheminthenameoftheFatherandoftheSonandoftheHolySpirit.[173]Hewhobelievesandisbaptisedwillbesaved...[174]AndifoursinshavecausedustobeseparatedfromGod,theChurchisalsothemeansbywhichourconditionaslivingmembersoftheLordisrestored:Ifyouforgivethesinsofany,theyareforgiven;ifyouretainthesinsofany,theyareretained.[175]ChristlaiditdownthatthisstronglinkwithhimshouldbebroughtaboutbythosevisiblesignsthatarethesacramentallifeofhisChurch.ThroughthesacramentswealsofindChrist.AlthoughtheremaysometimesbedissensionswithintheChurch, itwillnotbedifficultforusto

findChrist.MajoritiesandminoritiesdonotmattermuchwhenitisaquestionoffindingJesus:onCalvarytherestoodonlyhisMotherwithafewwomenandanadolescent,butthere,afewyardsaway,wasJesus!IntheChurchwetooknowwhereourLordis:Iwillgiveyouthekeysofthekingdomofheaven,HedeclaredtoPeter,andwhateveryoubindonearthshallbeboundinheaven,andwhateveryoulooseonearthshallbeloosedinheaven.[176]NotevenSimon’sdenialsofhimweresufficientforhimtorevokethosepowers.OurLord,onceHehadrisenfromthedead,confirmedthosepowersinasolemnway:Feedmylambs ...Feedmysheep.[177]TheChurchiswherePeterandhissuccessors–andthebishopsincommunionwithhim–are.13.3Faith,hopeandlovefortheChurch.IntheChurchweseeJesus,thesameJesusthecrowdswantedsomuchtotouchforthereflowedout

ofhimapower thatcuredall.Anybodywhobindshimself toChrist theTeacher, thePriestand theKingbyacceptingthedoctrine,thesacramentsandtheauthorityoftheChurch,belongstotheChurch.InacertainwaywemaintainthesamerelationshipwiththeChurchaswedowithChrist–bymeansoffaith,hopeandcharity.First of all faith, which means believing what on so many occasions is not so obvious. The

contemporaries of Jesus too saw amanwhoworked,who grew tired,who needed food,who feltpain,coldandfear...,butthatManwasGod.IntheChurchwehaveseenholypeoplewhooftenpassunnoticed,hiddenastheyhavebeenbyaveryordinarylife.Wealsoseeweakpeoplelikeourselves,

small-minded, lazy, self-interested. But if they have been baptised and remain in a state of grace,despitealltheirdefects,theyareinChrist,theyshareinhisverylife.Iftheyaresinners,theChurchwelcomesthemtoointohermidstasmemberswhoneedherstillmore.OurattitudetowardstheChurchalsohastobeoneofhope.Christhimselfassuredus:OnthisrockI

willbuildmychurch,andthepowersofdeathshallnotprevailagainstit.[178]Shewillbethefirmrockwherewecanseeksafetyagainsttheerraticlurchestheworldseemstomake.Shecanneverfailus,becauseinherwewillalwaysfindChrist.AndifweoweGodcharity,love;thatis,wemusthavethissamesentimenttowardsourMotherthe

Church,forno-onecanhaveGodforhisFatherwhodoesnothavetheChurchforhisMother.[179]Sheis theMotherwhogives life tous– that lifeofChrist’sbywhichwearechildrenof theFather.Amother is tobe loved.Onlybadchildrenremain indifferent,sometimeshostile, towards thepersonwhogavethemtheirverybeing.Wehaveagoodmother:thisiswhywearesohurtbythewoundsthatarecausedherbysomeoutsideandbysomeinsidetheChurch,andbythesicknessesthatothersofhermemberscansometimesundergo.Thisiswhy,asgoodsonsanddaughtersoftheChurch,wetry hard not to talk about theweaknesses of individuals, past or present, of this or that Christian,whetherornot theyhavebeenplacedinpositionsofauthority.Wetrynever tocriticise theChurchwhoisHolyandsomercifulthatshedoesnotdenyhermotherlycareeventosinners.Howcanweeverspeakabouthercoldly,harshlyorinsolently?Howcanweremainindifferenttoourmother?Wearenotandwedonotwanttobeindifferent.Whateverishersisours,andwecannotbeexpectedtotakeaneutralstance,likeajudgewhowillimpartiallyhearacaseagainstsomeone.Suchcanneverbetheattitudeofachildinrelationtohismother.WebelongtoChristwhenwebelongtotheChurch.Inherwebecomemembersofthebodyofhim

whomOurLadyconceived,gestated,andbrought intotheworld.This iswhytheBlessedVirginisMotheroftheChurch,thatistosay,MotherofthewholepeopleofGod,bothfaithfulandpastors.[180]ThelatestjewelthatfilialpietyhassetinthelitanyofOurLady,themostrecentcomplimenttotheMotherofChristisalmostsynonymous:MotheroftheChurchwesay.

FOURTEENTHWEEK:TUESDAY

14.THEASCETICALSTRUGGLE14.1Manybattlesarewagedeachdayinmen’shearts.OurLord’sconstanthelpinthestruggle.Jacob’smysteriouswrestling-matchwiththeangelinhumanformonthebanksoftheRiverJabbok

marks a pivotal turning point in the Patriarch’s life. Up till then Jacob had behaved in an all toohumanway,relyingonpurelynaturalmeans.FromthatmomentonhewouldputhistrustaboveallelseinGod,whoreaffirmedinhimhisCovenantwiththechosenpeople.JacobwasabletowininthatcontestonlythroughthestrengththatGodgavehim,andthelessonto

belearnedfromthiseventwasthatGod’sblessingandprotectionwouldneverbewantinginanyofthedifficultiesthatweretocome.[181]TheBookofWisdomexpressesitthus:Inhisarduouscontestshegavehimthevictory,sothathemightlearnthatgodlinessismorepowerfulthananything.[182]For the Fathers of the Church this scene from the Old Testament is an image of the spiritual

struggle the Christian has to sustain against forces very superior to himself, and against his ownpassions and tendencies, which have inclined mankind towards evil ever since original sin wascommitted.SaintPaulwarnsus thatwearenot contendingagainst fleshandblood,butagainst theprincipalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against thespiritualhostsofwickednessintheheavenlyplaces.[183]Thesearetherebelangels,whohavealreadybeenvanquishedbyChrist,butwhowillnotceasetoincitemantowardseviluntiltheveryendofhislifeonearth.Everydaytherearecontestswithinourhearts,SaintAugustineteaches.Eachmanfightsagainstawholearmywithinhissoul.Theenemiesarepride,avarice,gluttony,sensuality,laziness...And,thesaintadds,itisdifficulttopreventthoseattacksfromwoundingus.[184]Neverthelesswecanbe certain of victory if we make use of the resources that God has given us, namely prayer,mortification,completesincerityinspiritualdirection,thehelpofourguardianangeland,aboveall,ofourMother,Mary.Moreover,ifHewhohasgivenhisverylifeforusistheJudgeinthiscontest,howcanwefailtoberightfullyproudandconfident?In theOlympicgames, therefereestationshimselfbetween the twoadversarieswithout favouring

eitheroneor theother,awaiting theoutcome. If therefereeplaceshimselfequidistant from the twocontenders, it isbecausehisattitudeisneutral.Inthestrugglewherewecomefacetofacewiththedevil,Christdoesnotremainimpartial;Heisentirelyonourside.Howcanthisbe?‘Youcanseethatfromthemomentweenteredthelists’– thesearewordsspokenbySaintJohnChrysostomtosomeChristiansonthedayoftheirBaptism–’HeanointeduswhilstatthesametimeHeboundtheotherinchains.UsHehas anointedwith the oil of gladness, and the devilHe has boundwith unbreakablefetterssoastobringhisassaultstonothing.IfIstumbleHeholdsouthishandtome:HeraisesmefrommyfallandHesetsmeonmyfeetagain.[185]However many temptations, difficulties or tribulations may assail us, Christ is forever our

safeguard.Hedoesnotleaveus.Heisnotneutral!Heisalwaysonourside.WecanallsaywithSaintPaul:Omniapossumineoquimeconfortat...,IcandoeverythinginChristwhostrengthensme,whogivesmethehelpIneedifonlyIturntohimandusethemeansHehasestablished.14.2DailyeffortwhichisbothcheerfulandhumbleisnecessaryifwearetofollowChrist.Amountaineerwasclimbingtowardsashelterhighuponthemountain.Thepathbecamesteeper

andsteeperandattimesitwasdifficultforhimtotakethenextstepforward;theicywindwhipped

against his face, but he was oblivious to this owing to the impressionmade on him by the greatsilencethatreignedallaroundandbythebeautyofthelandscape.Therefuge,whichwassimpleandrough-hewn,wasverywelcoming.Verysoonhenoticedsome

wordswrittenabove the fireplace,words thathe felt completely identifiedwith.Myplace is at thesummit, they said. That is our place also: at the summit, next to Christ, with a constant desire ofaspiringtosanctityintheplacewhereweare,eventhoughweareonlytoowellawareof thepoorclayofwhichwearemade,ofourshortcomingsandfailings.ButweknowtoothatGodasksustomakeasmallefforteveryday.Heasksustostrugglewithoutrespiteagainstthepassionsthattendtopull us down. He asks us never to form a pact with our defects or mistakes.What will make uspersevereinthisstruggleislove,adeeploveforChrist,whomweseekunceasingly.[186]TheChristian’sascetical strugglehas tobepositive,cheerful, constant, andbecarriedonwitha

sportingspirit, a spirit of energetic contest.Sanctity has the flexibility of supplemuscles.Whoeverwishes to be a saint should know how to behave in such a way that while he does something thatinvolvesamortificationforhim,heomitsdoingsomethingelse–aslongasthisdoesnotoffendGod–whichhewouldalsofinddifficult,andthankstheLordforthiscomfort.IfweChristiansweretoactotherwisewewouldruntheriskofbecomingstiffandlifeless,likearagdoll.Sanctityisnotrigidlikecardboard;itknowshowtosmile,togivewaytoothersandtohope.Itis

life–asupernaturallife.[187]In the interior strugglewewill alsomeetwith failures.Many such failureswill beunimportant;

otherswillbemoreserious,butouratonementandourcontritionwillbringusevenclosertoGod.Andifeverwesmashintosmallpieceswhatwefeltwasmostpreciousinourlife,Godwillbeabletomendthatverythingifwearehumble.Healwaysforgivesusandhelpsuswhenweturntohimwithacontriteheart.Wemustlearntobeginagainmanytimes;withnewjoy,withnewhumility,forevenifwehavecausedseriousoffencetoGodandhavedonemuchharmtootherpeople,wecanstilllatercome very close to God in this life and be happy with him in the next, as long as there is truerepentance,aslongaswemakeroominourlivesforpenance,humility,sincerityandrepentance–andbeginagain.Godallowsforourweaknessandalwaysforgivesus,butweneedtobesincere,torepent,andto

struggletoriseupagain.Thereisincomparablejoyinheaveneachtimewebeginagain.Throughoutour journey on earth we will have to do so many times, because there will always be faults,shortcomings, weaknesses and sins for us to recover from. May we never lack thestraightforwardnesstoacknowledgethisandtoopenoursoulstoOurLordintheTabernacleandinspiritualdirection.14.3Beginningagainmanytimes.RecoursetotheBlessedVirgin,ourMother.TheChristian’s daily strugglewill generally be specific andwill entail fighting on veryminor

matters. Fortitudewill be necessary in order to fulfilwith sincere effort our acts of piety towardsGod,withoutabandoningthemnomatterwhatpresentsitselfduringthecourseoftheday,andsoasnot to let ourselves be carried away by our state of mind at the time. The way we live charity,overcomingsuddenill-temper,makinganefforttobewarm,good-naturedandconsideratetowardsothers– thesewillbe important,aswillourefforts tofinishoff theworkwehaveoffered toGod,withoutskimpingortakinganyshortcuts,doingitaswellaswepossiblycanandusingthemeanstoreceivetheformationweneed...Therewillbemomentsofvictoryandofdefeat,of fallingandof risingagain.Wemust always

beginagain ...; it iswhatGodasksofallofus.Thestruggledemandsalovethat isvigilantandan

effective desire to seek God throughout the day. This cheerful struggle is the exact opposite oflukewarmness,whichischaracterisedbycarelessness,alackofinterestinseekingGod,lazinessandsadnessinfulfillingourobligationstowardsGodandotherpeople.InthisstrugglewecanalwayscountonthehelpofMaryourMother,whofollowsstepbystepour

journey towardsherSon. In theDivineOffice, theChurch commends every day to her priests thisAntiphonof theVirgin:Hail, lovingMotherof theRedeemer,gateofHeaveneveropen,starof thesea;assistyourpeoplewhohavefallenyetstrivetoriseagain...[188]Thispeoplethatfallsandstrugglestoriseupagainisourselves,iseachoneofus.Thechangethat

occurs each time we begin again, even though it may be in aspects that appear to be of littleimportance–theparticularexaminationofconscience,theadvicereceivedinspiritualdirection,theresolutions resulting fromour self-examination– isgreater thanwecanever imagine.Thinkhowmuch greater it will be when it is amatter of passing from the death of sin to the life of grace!Mankindhasmadewonderfuldiscoveriesandachievedextraordinaryresults in the fieldsofscienceandtechnology.Ithasmadegreatadvancesalongthepathofprogressandcivilisation,andinrecenttimes one could say that it has succeeded in speeding up the pace of history. But the fundamentaltransformation, the onewhich can be called ‘original’, constantly accompaniesman’s journey, andthroughalltheeventsofhistoryaccompanieseachandeveryindividual.Itisthetransformationfrom‘falling’to‘rising’,fromdeathtolife.[189]Eachtimewebeginagain,eachtimewedecidetostruggleoncemore,wereceivethehelpofOur

Lady,Mediatrixofallgraces.Wemustturntoherwithcompleteabandonmentwhenevertemptationsbecome stronger.MyMother! Mothers on earth look with greater love upon the weakest of theirchildren,theonewiththeworsthealth,orwhoistheleastintelligent,orisapoorcripple.SweetLady,IknowthatyouaremoreofaMotherthanallothermothersputtogether.And,sinceI

amyourson,sinceIamweak,andill,andcrippled,andugly...[190]

FOURTEENTHWEEK:WEDNESDAY

15.GOTOJOSEPH15.1Jacob’sson–afigureofSaintJoseph.Many Christians, conscious of the exceptional mission of Saint Joseph in the life of Jesus and

Mary, since theOld Testament is the forerunner of theNew Testament, have tried throughout thecenturies to find in thehistoryof theHebrewpeopledeedsand images thatprefigure themanwhowas tobe thevirginal spouseofMary.ManyFathersof theChurchhave seen in thepersonof thesame name, Joseph, son of Jacob the Patriarch, a prophetic announcement. When Pope Pius IXproclaimedSaintJosephpatronoftheuniversalChurchhegatheredtogetherthoseancientinsights.TheLiturgyalsogiveswitnesstothissameparallelism.Notonlydidthesetwomensharethesamename, but there are also to be found in their lives, interwoven in both cases with trials and joys,certainvirtuesandattitudeswhicharesimilarandcoincideinmanyinstances.JosephthesonofJacobandJosephthevirginalspouseofMarybothwenttoEgyptastheresultof

wholeseriesofprovidentialcircumstances.ThefirstJosephwenttherebecausehewaspursuedbyhisbrothers and handed over to strangers out of envy, circumstances that prefigure the betrayal thatChristwouldhavetoundergo.ThesecondJosephwenttoEgypthavingfledfromHerodinordertosavetheChildwhowastobringsalvationtotheworld.[191]JosephthesonofJacobreceivedfromGodthegiftofbeingable to interpretPharaoh’sdreams,

andwas thushimself forewarnedas towhatwouldhappen later.TheotherandgreaterJosephalsoreceivedGod’smessagesindreams.SaintBernardobservesthattheformerwasgiventounderstandthemysteriesofdreams;thelatterdeservedtoknowandtoshareinthemostsuprememysteries.[192]ItisasifthedreamsofthefirstJoseph,althoughexperiencedinhisperson,wereinfactfulfilledin

thesecondJoseph.NowJosephhadadream,andwhenhetoldittohisbrothers...hesaidtothem...behold,wewerebindingsheavesin thefield,andlo,mysheafaroseandstoodupright;andbehold,yoursheavesgatheredroundit,andboweddowntomysheaf...Thenhedreamedanotherdream,andtoldittohisbrothers,andsaid...andbehold,thesun,themoonandelevenstarswerebowingdowntome...,[193]ThesedreamsbecamearealitywhenhisfatherJacobwentdowntoEgyptwiththewholefamilyanddidindeedkneelbeforeJoseph,whowasbythengovernorof that land.Butat thesametimewecanseehisdreamprefiguringthemysteryoftheHolyFamilyofNazareth,thatmysteryinwhich Jesus, The Sun of Justice and Mary, praised in the Liturgy as shining Star, all bright andbeautiful, both submitted to the authority of the head of the household. We can think of it asprefiguringthemanydevoutChristianswhoturntothisgreatsaintandaskforhishelpinsomanyways.The first Josephwon the confidence and the favour of Pharaoh and became the overseer of the

granaries of Egypt. When famine ravaged the lands of neighbouring peoples and they came toPharaohtobegforwheatinordertostayalive,hesaidtothem:GotoJoseph;andwhathesaystoyou,do.[194]Whenthewholeofthoseregionswerefamished,Josephopenedallthestorehouses,andsoldtoallcomersfromEgypt’sempire...Moreover,alltheearthcametoEgypttoJosephtobuygrain,becausethefaminewassevereoveralltheearth.Now too the entireworld is ravaged by hunger, a hunger for doctrine, for piety and love. The

Churchbidsus:GotoJoseph.Inthefaceofallthenecessitiesthatwepersonallysuffer,shesaystous:GototheHolyPatriarchofNazareth.

Therearemomentsofgreatindecisioninourlives,momentsofuncertaintyandurgentneed.GotoJoseph,Jesussaystous.HewhoduringhislifewasentrustedwiththegreatmissionofcaringforMeandmyMotherinourbodilyneeds,hewhoguardedourverylivesatsomanytimesofcrisis,willcontinuetocareforMeinmymembers,whoareallthosewhosufferandareinanykindofwant.GotoJoseph;hewillgiveyouwhateveryouneed.15.2Saint Joseph’s patronage over theuniversalChurch and over each one of us.We shouldturntohiminanynecessity.Behold, a faithful and prudent steward whom the Lord set over his household.[195] The Liturgy

appliesthesewordstoSaintJoseph,afaithfulandwisefather,whopromptlyattendstotheneedsoftheChurch,thatgreatfamilyoftheLord.It isverypleasingtoJesusthatweshouldgettoknowJosephandaskforhishelp.Heistheone

JesuslovedsomuchwhilsthewasonearthandlovessomuchnowinHeaven.Heis theonefromwhomHelearnedsomuchandtowhomHetalkedfromthemomentHecouldlisphisfirstwords.JosephgovernedthehouseofNazarethwithafather ’sauthority.TheHolyFamilywasnotonlya

symboloftheChurch,butinacertainwaycontainedtheChurchwithinitselfasaseedcontainsthetree, and a spring contains the river. The holy house ofNazareth contained the foundations of thenascent Church. This iswhy the holy Patriarch considers specially entrusted to him the crowds ofChristianswhogo tomakeup theChurch, that is tosay, this immense familyspread throughout theearth,overwhich–becausehe isSpouseofMaryandFatherofJesusChrist–hepossesses, so tospeak,afather’sauthority.ThusisitsomethingnaturalandmostworthyoftheblessedJoseph,that,asoncehesuccouredalltheneedsofthefamilyofNazarethandsurroundeditinaholyfashionwithhisprotection,sonowheshouldemcompasstheChurchofJesusChristwithhisheavenlyprotectionanddefence.[196]ThispatronageoftheholyPatriarchovertheuniversalChurchisprincipallyofaspiritualorder;

butitalsoextendstothetemporalorder,asdidthatoftheotherJoseph,sonofJacob,whowascalledbythekingofEgyptsaviouroftheworld.SaintsandgoodChristiansofallcenturieshavehadrecoursetohim.SaintTeresatellsofthegreat

devotionshehadtoSaintJoseph,andofherownexperienceofhispatronage:IdonotrememberevennowthatIhaveeveraskedanythingofhimwhichhehasfailedtogrant.IamastonishedatthegreatfavoursGodhasbestowedonmethroughthisblessedsaint,andattheperilsfromwhichhehasfreedme,bothinbodyandinsoul.ToothersaintstheLordseemstohavegivengracetosuccourusinsomeofournecessities,butofthisglorioussaintmyexperienceisthathesuccoursusinthemall,andthattheLordwishestoteachusthatasHewashimselfsubjecttohimonearth,(for,beinghisguardianandbeingcalledhisfather,hecouldcommandhim)justsoinHeavenHestilldoesallthatheasks...If I were a personwriting with authority, I would gladly describe at length and in theminutest

detail,thefavourswhichthisglorioussainthasgrantedtomeandtoothers...Ionlybeg,fortheloveof God, that anyone who does not believe me will put what I say to the test, and he will see byexperiencewhatgreatadvantagescome fromhiscommendinghimself to thisgloriouspatriarchandhavingdevotiontohim.Thosewhopractiseprayershouldhaveaspecialaffectionforhimalways.IdonotknowhowanyonecanthinkoftheQueenoftheAngels,duringthetimeshesufferedsomuchwiththeChildJesus,withoutgivingthankstoSaintJosephforthewayhehelpedthem.[197]15.3IteadIoseph...GotoJoseph.WemustturntoSaintJosephandaskhimtoguardandprotecttheChurch,sinceheisherdefender

andprotector.Wemustaskhimtohelpour families in theirnecessities,and tohelpus inourownspiritualandmaterialneeds:SancteIoseph,oraproeis,oraprome...Prayforthem,prayforme.For themen andwomen of today, just as for those of any other age, Saint Joseph represents a

dearly loved and venerable figure, whose vocation and dignity we all admire, and for whosefaithfulness in theserviceofJesusandMarywethankhim.ThroughSaintJosephwegostraight toMary, and throughMary, to the source of all holiness, JesusChrist.[198]He teaches us to speak toJesuswithpiety,respectandlove:Joseph,blessedandhappyman,wesaytohiminthewordsofanancientprayeroftheChurch,whowaspermittedtoseeandheartheGodwhommanykingswishedinvaintoseeandhear,andnotonlytoseeandhearhim,buttocarryhiminyourarms,kisshim,clothehimandcareforhim...,teachustoreceivehimwithloveandreverenceinHolyCommunion;giveusagreatersensitivityandfinesseofsoul.SaintJoseph,ourFatherandLord:mostchaste,mostpure...YouwerefoundworthytocarrytheChildJesusinyourarms,towashhim,toembracehim.TeachustogettoknowGod,andtobepure,tobeworthyofbeingotherChrists.Andhelpustodoandtoteach,asChristdid.Helpustoopenupthedivinepathsoftheearth,which

arebothhiddenandbright;andhelpus toshow them tomankind, tellingour fellowmen that theirlivesonearthcanbeofanextraordinaryandcontinualsupernaturaleffectiveness.[199]Moreover,SaintJosephprovidesuswithamodelwhosesilentteachingwecanandshouldstriveto

follow.Inhumanlife,JosephwasJesus’masterintheirdailycontact,fullofrefinedaffection,gladtodenyhimselfthebettertotakecareofJesus.Isn’tthatreasonenoughforustoconsiderthisjustman,thisholyPatriarch,inwhomthefaithoftheoldcovenantbearsfruit,asamasteroftheinteriorlife?InteriorlifeisnothingbutcontinualanddirectconversationwithChrist,sothatwemaybecomeonewithhim.AndJosephcantellusmanythingsaboutJesus.Therefore,letusneverneglectdevotiontohim–’IteadIoseph’:‘GotoJoseph’–asChristiantraditionputsitinthewordsoftheOldTestament(Gen41:55).Amasterof interior life, aworkerdeeply involved inhis job,God’s servant in continual contact

withJesus–thatisJoseph.‘IteadIoseph.’WithSaintJoseph,theChristianlearnswhatitmeanstobelongtoGodandfullytoassumeone’splaceamongmen,sanctifyingtheworld.GettoknowJosephandyouwillfindJesus.TalktoJosephandyouwillfindMary,whoalwaysshedspeaceaboutherinthatattractiveworkshopinNazareth.[200]

FOURTEENTHWEEK:THURSDAY

16.THESUPERNATURALMISSIONOFTHECHURCH16.1TheChurchproclaimsthemessageofChristandcarriesonhisworkintheworld.JesusconsummatestheworkofRedemptionthroughhisPassion,DeathandResurrection.Afterhis

Ascension intoHeavenHe sends theHolySpirit so that his disciplesmaybe able to announce theGospel and to make the whole of mankind sharers in salvation. In this way the Apostles are thelabourerssentintotheharvestbytheowner,theservantssenttocallthosewhohavebeeninvitedtothemarriagefeast,theservantswhoarechargedwithfillingtheweddinghall.[201]But aswell as having thismission theApostles representChrist and theFather himself:Hewho

hearsyouhearsme,andhewhorejectsyourejectsme,andhewhorejectsmerejectshimwhosentme.[202]ThemissionoftheApostlesistobecomeintimatelyunitedtothatofChrist:AstheFatherhassent me, even so I send you.[203] It will be precisely through them that Christ’s mission will beextended to all nations and to all ages. The Church, founded by Christ and built on the Apostles,continuestoproclaimtheLord’sownmessageandcarriesonhisworkintheworld.[204]TheGospeloftoday’sMass[205]tellsushowJesusurgestheTwelvewhomHehasjustchosentogo

outtofulfiltheirnewtask.ThisfirsterrandisapreparationandafigureofthedefinitivesendingthatwilltakeplaceaftertheResurrection.ThenHewillsaytothem:Go...Preachthegospeltothewholecreation.Makedisciplesofallnations.Lo,Iamwithyoualways,tothecloseoftheage.[206]UntilthecomingofJesus,theProphetshadforetoldtothechosenpeopleoftheOldTestamentall

thebenefitstheMessiahwouldbringwithhim.Sometimestheyhademployedanimageryadaptedtothementalityofpeoplewhowerenotyetmatureenoughtounderstandfullytherealitythatwastobeaccomplished. Now, in this first apostolic mission, Jesus sends his Apostles to announce that theKingdomofGod,solongpromised,isimminent,andtomanifestitsspiritualaspects.OurLordtellsthemexactlywhattheyhavetopreach:TheKingdomofHeavenisathand.HedoesnotsayanythingaboutfreedomfromtheRomanyokeunderwhichthenationwassuffering.Hedoesnotspeakaboutwhat kind of social or political system they were to live under, nor, indeed, about any otherexclusivelyworldlymatter.Christdidnotcomeforsuchapurpose,andtheyhavenotbeenchosentoconcernthemselveswithsuchthings.TheywilllivetobearwitnesstoChrist,tospreadhisteachingandtomakeallmensharersinhis

salvation. Saint Paul followed along the same path. If we were to ask him about his preaching hehimselfwouldsummariseitthus:‘IdecidedtoknownothingamongyouexceptJesusChristandhimcrucified’(1Cor2:2).ToenablementoknowJesusChristbetterandbetter;toenablethemtohaveaknowledgeofhimthatwouldnotstopatfaithalone,butwouldbetranslatedintorealdeeds,iswhattheApostlestroveforwiththewholeofhisstrength.[207]TheChurch,whichcontinuesintimetheworkofJesusChrist,hasthesamesupernaturalmission

thatherDivineFoundertransmittedtotheApostles.TheChurchwasfoundedtospreadthekingdomofChristoveralltheearthforthegloryofGodtheFatherandtomakeallmenpartakersinredemptionandsalvationsothattheymaylaytheentireworldatthefeetofChrist.[208]Hermissiontranscendsallsocialmovements and ideologies or the claimsmade by various groups ...; at the same time,withever-renewedsolicitude,sheshowsherconcernforallhumanproblemsandtriestodirecthersocialteachingtowardsthesupernaturalandtrulyhumanendofman.

16.2TheChurch’smissionisofasupernaturalorder,butsheisnotindifferenttoundertakingsthataffecthumandignity.Go and preach, saying that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Themission of ourMother the

Churchistogivementhemostsublimetreasurethatwecaneverimagine.Hermissionistoleadallmentotheirsupernaturalandeternaldestinymainlythroughpreachingandthesacraments:ThisandnootheristheendoftheChurch:thesalvationofsouls,onebyone.ForthistheFathersenttheSon.And,Jesussaid,‘evensoIsendyou’(John20:21).Fromthisarisesthecommandtomakehisdoctrineknownandtobaptize,sothattheMostBlessedTrinitymayresideinthesoul,throughgrace.[209]JesusChristhastoldushimself:Icamethattheymayhavelife,andhaveitabundantly.[210]OurLordwasnot referring to aneasyandcomfortable earthly life,but rather to eternal life.Hecame to freeusmainlyfromeverythingthatpreventsusfromreachingthelifeweweredestinedfor–toliberateusfromsin,which is theonly absolute evil.ThusHealsogivesus thepossibilityofovercoming thenumerousconsequencesofsininthisworld,suchasanxiety,injustice,loneliness...Heshowsushowtobear themcheerfully forGodwhenwecannotavoid them,andhow to turn sorrow into fruitfulsufferingwhichwinseternity.LikeherMaster,theChurchdoesnottakesidesinparticulartemporaloptions.Thosewhowithout

faithsawhimalmostcompletelydesertedontheCrossmighthavethoughtHehadfailed.PreciselybecauseHedidnotoptforanyonehumansolution,HewasfollowedbyneitherJewsnorRomans.Butno. It isprecisely theopposite:JewsandRomans,GreeksandBarbarians, freemenandslaves,menandwomen,thehealthyandpeopleinpoorhealth,allfollowafterthisGod-made-manwhohasfreedusfromsin,inordertosetusonthepathtowardsoureternaldestination.Itisonlytherethatourtruefulfilmentwillbeachieved;thiswillbenolessthanthefreedomandperfectedhumanityofman,madein the image and likeness of God, and whose deepest aspirations far exceed any mere transientambitionsandendeavours,howevernobletheymaybe.[211]TheChurchhasashermissionthechargetoleadherchildrentoGod,totheireternaldestination.

However,sheisnotindifferenttohumanendeavour.Bytheverynatureofherspiritualmissionshemovesherchildrenandallmentobecomeawareoftherootfromwhichallevilsspring,andurgesthemtofindsolutionsforsomuchinjustice,forthedeplorableconditionsinwhichsomanypeoplelive, andwhich are anoffence against theCreator and against humandignity.Thehopeof heavendoes not weaken commitment to the progress of the earthly city, but rather gives it meaning andstrength. It is of course important to make a careful distinction between earthly progress and thegrowthoftheKingdom,whichdonotbelongtothesameorder.Nonetheless,thisdistinctionisnotaseparation,forman’svocationtoeternallifedoesnotsuppressbutratherconfirmshistaskofusingtheenergiesandmeanswhichhehasreceivedfromtheCreatorfordevelopinghistemporallife.[212]We are co-redeemerswith Christ, andwemust ask ourselves towhat extent we pass on to our

familyandfriendsthemostpreciousgiftthatwehave–ourfaithinChrist.Whenwecontemplatethisincomparablegiftweshouldfeelmovedtoact,forcaritasChristiurgetnos,[213]thecharityofChristurgesusontohelpbuilduparoundusaworldwhichismorejustandmorehuman.16.3Christiansmanifesttheirunityoflifebyencouragingworksofjusticeandmercy.Healthesick,raisethedead,cleansethelepers...FromtheChurch’searliestdaysfaithfulChristiansspreadtheFaithtoallpartsoftheworld.From

those first years too, vast numbers of Christians have committed their powers and their lives toliberationfromeveryformofoppressionandtothepromotionofhumandignity.Theexperienceofthesaintsandtheexampleofsomanyworksofservicetoone’sneighbourareanincentiveandabeacon

for the liberating undertakings that are needed today.[214] They are needed perhaps with an evengreaterurgencythaninotherperiodsofhistory.Our faith in Christ moves us to be aware of our common involvement with the problems and

shortages that other men experience, and often with their ignorance and their lack of economicresources.Thissolidaritywithourfellow-manisnotasuperficialsentimentabouttheevilsthatbesetsomanypeople,whetherclosetousorfaraway,butafirmandperseveringdeterminationtostriveforthecommongood; that is to say, for thegoodofallandof individuals, so thatwemayallbe trulyresponsible for all men.[215] Faith leads us to feel a deep respect for others, for each individualperson,andnevertoremainindifferenttootherpeople’sneeds:healthesick,raisethedead,cleansethelepers,castoutdemons...FollowingChristwillmanifestitselfindeedsofjusticeandmercy;itwillshowitself too inourdetermination toget toknowtheprinciplesof thesocialdoctrineof theChurchandtocarrythemout,firstofallinourownsurroundings,righttherewherewelive.Itshouldbepossibletosayofeachoneofusattheendofourlives,asitwassaidofJesus,Hewent

aboutdoinggood.[216]Wehavetodogoodwithinourownfamilies,amongourcolleaguesatworkandamongour friends, andevenwith thosepeoplewe just chance tocomeacross.Asdisciples ofChristwehave tobe sowersof fraternitywhateveroccasionsandcircumstances lifebringswith it.When aman or awoman lives theChristian spirit in all its intensity, all his or her activities andrelationships reflect and communicate God’s love and the surpassing goods of the Kingdom. AsChristians we need to know how to make fast and strengthen our relationships each day with ourfamilies,ourfriendsandourneighbours,whetherweareatworkoratleisure,sealingthemwiththesealofChristianlove,whichissimplicity, truthfulness, faithfulness,meekness,generosity,solidarityandjoy.[217]

FOURTEENTHWEEK:FRIDAY

17.PRUDENTANDSIMPLE17.1OurLord’sexampleoftwovirtues–prudenceandsimplicity–whichmutuallyperfecteachother.JesussendstheTwelveoutalloverIsraeltoannouncethattheKingdomofGodisathand,thatitis

nowveryclose.AndtheMastergivesthemsomeverypreciseinstructionsaboutwhattheyhavetodoandtosay,makingnosecretaboutthedifficultiestheywillencounter.WereadthenintheGospeloftoday’sMass:Behold, I send you out as sheep in themidst of wolves; so be wise as serpents andinnocentasdoves.[218]Theymustbevigilantsoasnottobetakenunawaresbyevil,sothattheywillrecognisethewolvesdisguisedaslambsandbeabletodistinguishthefalsefromthetrueprophets.[219]InthiswaytheywillnotmissasingleopportunityofproclaimingtheGospelandofdoinggood.Theyhavetobeatthesametimesimple,foritisonlyinthiswaythattheycanwinovertheheartsofall.Withoutsimplicity,prudencewouldeasilybecomecunning.As Christians we have to both live and propagate these two virtues, which strengthen and

complementeachother.Simplicitymeanshaving rectitudeof intentionandbehavingwith firmnessandconsistency.Prudencealwayspointsouttousthemostappropriatemeansofachievingourend.SaintAugustineteachesthatprudenceisthelovethatdistinguisheswhathelpsustogotowardsGodfromwhathindersus.[220]Thisvirtueenablesustoknowobjectivelytherealityofthings,accordingtotheir ultimate end; to judge with certainty concerning the right way to follow, and to act inconsequence.Theprudentpersonisnot,asissooftenbelieved,themanwhoshrewdlyknowshowtomakehiswayintheworldandmakethemostofitforhimself.Heis,rather,theonewhomanagestoconstructthewholeofhislifeinaccordancewiththevoiceofarightconscienceandthedemandsofsoundmorals.Wecanthenseethatprudenceisthekeystonebywhichweeachaccomplishthefundamentaltaskwe

havebeengivenbyGod.Thistaskistheperfectionofmanhimself,[221]–holiness.OurLord taught us by hiswords andby his example to be prudent.The first timeHe spoke, at

twelveyearsofage,intheporticooftheTempleallwereamazedathisunderstanding.[222]Lateron,duringhispubliclife,hiswordsandhisconductwereasclearastheywereprudent,beingsuchthathisenemiescouldnotfindfaultwithhim.OurLorddoesnotseeksubterfuges,butkeepsinmindwhoitisHeistalkingto.ItisforthisreasonthatHemakesitknownonlygraduallythatHeistheMessiah.HeannounceshisdeathontheCrossinaccordancewiththedegreeofpreparationandknowledgeofthosetowhomheisspeaking.WetoomustlearnfromChrist.17.2Seekingadvice.Inorder tobeprudentwehave tohave light inourunderstanding; thenwewillbeable to judge

events and circumstances correctly.[223] It is only with good doctrinal, religious and asceticalformation,andwiththehelpofgrace,thatwewilldiscoverthewaysthattrulyleadtoGodandknowwhatdecisionstomake...Neverthelesstherearemanyoccasionswhenweneedtoaskforadvice.Tobeprudentthefirststepistoacknowledgeourownlimitations.Thisisthevirtueofhumility.Throughit,weadmitthatincertainmatterswecannotcovereverything,thatinmanycaseswecannottakeinallthecircumstancesthathavetobeborneinmindinordertomakeafairjudgement.Sowelookforadvice–butnotadvicefromjustanyone.Wegotosomeonewhohastherightqualities,tosomeone

whowantstoloveGodassincerelyaswedoandwhotriestofollowhimfaithfully.Itisnotenoughtoask just anyone for his opinion.Wemust go to somebodywho can give us sound and disinterestedadvice.[224]Saint Thomas points out that, generally, before making any decision that may have serious

consequencesforoneselforforothers,wemustseekadvice.[225]Butitisnotonlyintheseextremecasesthatwemustlookforit.Sometimespeople,bothyoungandold,areinurgentneedofguidanceas to their reading – books, magazines and newspapers. They need to know whether to go toperformances that, sometimes quite blatantly and sometimes in a less obvious but subtleway,mayundermineourfaithorcreateanevilcompostinourheartsinwhichafterwardsallsortsofdoubtsortemptationsmay take root. Such doubts and temptations could have been avoidedwith just a littlemorehumilityandprudence.Thereisnojustificationfornotgivingawideberthtoasituationwhichcouldbethebeginningofourstrayingfromtherightpath.Simplicitymovesustoputthingsrightwhenwehavemadeamistake,orwhennewfactscometo

light thatput anentirelydifferent complexiononaproblem. In the supernatural life, simplicity, soclosetohumility,leadsustoaskforforgivenessmanytimesinourlives,forwesuccumbtosomanyweaknessesanderrors.Blessed John Paul II, speaking about prudence, invited his listeners tomake an examination of

conscienceastotheirownbehaviour.Wetoocanexamineourselvestoday.AmIreallyprudent?DoIliveinaconsistentandresponsiblefashion?DoestheprogrammeIamfollowinghelpmetowardsthetruegood?DoesithelptobringaboutthesalvationthatChristandtheChurchwantforme?[226]AmIgoingstraighttowardsachievingmysupernaturalend–sanctity–towhichOurLordhascalledme?DoIputasideanythingthatmighthampermyprogress?DoIseekadviceinmattersrelatingtomysoul?DoIputthingsrightwhenImakeamistake?17.3Falseprudence.Prudencewouldnotbe trueprudence if,havinggivendueconsideration to thefacts, itchose the

cowardlywayofnotmakingadecisionthatinvolvedrisk,orcausedustoavoidfacingupsquarelytoaproblem.Theattitudeofthepersonwhoallowshimselftobeledbyhumanrespectintheapostolateandletsopportunitiesslip,whilehewaitsforotheropportunitiesthatmayneverarise,isnotaprudentattitude.Saint Paul calls this false virtueprudence of the flesh.[227] It is a false virtue that asks formorereasonsandconsiderationsbeforegivingGodwhatHeasksofuspersonally.Itiswhatcausesustoworryexcessivelyaboutthefuture,andgivesusareasonfornotbeinggeneroushereandnow.Itiswhatalwaysmakesusfindsomeexcusefornotdecidingtocommitourselvesfully.Prudencemeans not shunning the boldness of giving oneself and daring to become involved in

God’swork.Itisnottheabilitytofindlukewarmcompromisesortojustifyaremissandnegligentattitude by giving it the name of some acceptable theory.That is not how theApostleswent aboutthings.Despite theirweaknesses and at times their fear, they constantly sought the quickestwayofspreadingtheMaster ’steaching,eventhoughthosewayssometimesledthemintoaplentyoftroubleandcausedthemcountlesstribulations–andevenmartyrdom.FollowingOurLordmeanslivingalifeofsmallandgreatactsofmadness,asisalwaysthecase

wheretrueloveisconcerned.WhenOurLordasksmoreofus–andHealwaysasksformore–wecannotdrawbackwith a falseprudence, theprudenceof theworld.Wemustnotbe swayedby thejudgementofthosewhodonotfeelthemselvescalled,andwhoseeeverythingthroughmerelyhumaneyes,andsometimeswitheyesthatarenotevenhuman,becausetheyhavewhatisnomorethananearthlyoutlook,anoutlook thatprevents themevergettingoff theground.Nomanandnowoman

wouldeverhavegiventhemselvestoGodoreverhaveinitiatedanysupernaturalundertakingiftheyhad followed that ‘prudenceof the flesh’.Theywouldalwayshave foundmoreor lessconvincingreasonsforrefusingtoproceed–orfordeferringtheirresponsetillamoreconvenienttime,whichoftenboilsdowntothesamething.ItwassaidofJesus,Heisbesidehimself.[228]Itseemsthatthemostelementaryprecautionswould

have enabled him to escape death. Just a few formulaewould have been sufficient tomitigate therigour of his teaching and for him to arrive at a compromise with the Pharisees. He could havepresented in some other way his teaching on the Eucharist in the synagogue at Capharnaum,[229]wheremanylefthim.Justafewwordswouldhavebeensufficientforhim,whowaseternalWisdom,toobtainhis freedomatPilate’shands. Jesuswasnot ‘prudent’according to theworld,buthewasmoreprudentthanserpents,thanmen,orthanhisenemies.Hiswasadifferenttypeofprudence.Thishastobeourtypeofprudenceevenif,becauseweimitatehim,menmaysometimescallusmadand‘imprudent.’ Supernatural prudence shows us at eachmoment the quickest andmost directway toreachChrist...bringingwithusmanyfriends,relativesandcolleagues.Doyouwanttobedaringinaholyway,sothatGodmayactthroughyou?HaverecoursetoMary,

andshewillaccompanyyoualongthepathofhumilitysothat,whenfacedbywhattothehumanmindisimpossible,youmaybeabletoanswerwitharesounding‘fiat’–beitdone!,whichunitestheearthtoHeaven.[230]

FOURTEENTHWEEK:SATURDAY

18.LOVEFORTRUTH18.1WeshouldtalkaboutGodandGod’steachingclearly,firmlyandfearlessly.TheGospeloftoday’sMass[231]isyetanotherinvitationfromOurLordforustoleadalifethatis

essentially truthful, the result of the faith we bear in our hearts. We should not be afraid of theunpleasantnessorgossip that thefollowingofChristcloselysometimesbringswith it.It isenoughforthediscipletobelikehisteacher,andtheservantlikehismaster.IftheyhavecalledthemasterofthehouseBeelzebul,howmuchmorewilltheymalignthoseofhishousehold?Sohavenofearofthem...Itmayhappenthatinagivensituationwearemadetosuffercalumnyorslander–orquitesimply

somevexation–becausewehave spoken truthfully, becausewehaveadhered to the truth.Perhapsthere will be times when our words or our actions are wrongly interpreted. Our Lord wants hisdisciples,whichmeansus,alwaystospeakclearlyandopenly:WhatItellyouinthedark,utterinthelight;andwhatyouhearwhispered,proclaimupon thehousetops.Withdivinepedagogy, Jesushadspokentothecrowdsinparablesand,littlebylittle,HehadrevealedtothemhistruepersonalityandthetruthsoftheKingdom.Heneverconcealedhisteaching.SincethecomingoftheHolySpirit,thosewhofollowhimhavetoproclaimthetruthinthefulllightofday,fromthehousetops,withoutfearthatthedoctrinetheypreachmayconflictwiththeteachingscurrentlyinvogueorhappentobemostprevalent.Howelsearewegoingtoconverttheworldinwhichwearesodeeplyimmersed?Somepeoplethink,eitherasamatteroftacticsoroutofdiffidence,thatthelivesofChristiansand

theconceptiontheyhaveoftheworld,ofmanandofsociety,shouldnotbeundulyorconspicuouslypressedwhencircumstancesareagainstthemorwhentheirreputationmightbejeopardised.If theywere to do this,Christianswould be as though caught in an ambush in themidst of a society thatseemstoseeitsobjectivesasbeingsituatedinaradicallydifferentdirection; thenthefactofbeingmenandwomenwholookonChristastheirsupremeidealwouldhavenooutwardresonance.ThatisnotwhatOurLordtaught.’Egopalamlocutussummundo.’Ihavepreachedopenlybeforethewholeworld,wastheanswerJesusgavetoCaiphaswhenthetimehadcomeforhimtogiveuphisLifeforus.AndyetthereareChristianswhoareafraidtoshow‘palam’–openly–venerationforOurLord.[232]Inthesocietyinwhichwelivewewillhavetospeakoutwiththecertaintyandfirmnessthattruth

unfailinglygives.Wewillhavetotalkaboutmanysubjectswhichareoftranscendentimportanceforthefamily,forsocietyandforthedignityofthehumanperson.Taketheindissolubilityofmarriage.Freedom in education. The Church’s teaching on the transmission of human life. The dignity andbeautyof purity.The excellenceof virginity and celibacy for loveofChrist.The consequencesofsocialjusticeinrelationtothoughtlessspendingorunjustwages...Theremaybeoccasionswhenoutofprudenceorcharityweshouldkeepquiet.Butprudenceandcharityarenottheresultofcowardiceor self-comfort. It will never be prudent to keep quiet when keeping quiet may cause scandal orconfusion,orwhensuchbehaviourmayhaveanadverseeffectonthefaithofothers.WhatItellyouinthedark,utterinthelight...OurLordisspeakingtous,fortherearetodaymany

enemies of God and of truth who do not want Christians to be salt and light within secularundertakings.Suchpeopleuseallsortsofmeanstoachievetheirresults.

18.2Actingaccordingtoone’sconscience.Sinceritywithoneself.ThereisanepisodeintheGospel[233]thatshowsusthebehaviourofsomePharisees,whowerenot

known for their love for truth.WhilstOurLordwaswalking in theTemple, the chief priests, theScribesandtheelderscameuptohimandaskedhim:Bywhatauthorityareyoudoingthesethings,orwho gave you authority to do them? Our Lord is prepared to answer their question if they showsincerityofheart.HeasksthemtheiropinionaboutthebaptismofJohn:whetheritwasfromHeaven,andthusenjoyeddivineapprobation,orwhetheritwasonlyfrommen,andassuchdidnotmeritanyfurtherconsideration.Buttheydonottellhimtheirtrueopinion,theiropinioninallconscience.Theydonotgointothetruthof thematter, theydonotseektoformtheheartfelt judgementthequestiondeserves.Instead,theyanalysetheconsequencesoftheirpossibleanswers,andchoosethereplythatsuitsthembestinthisparticularsituation:Ifwesay‘Fromheaven’Hewillsay,‘Whythendidyounotbelievehim?’ButiftheysaythebaptismofthePrecursorwasfrommen,thepeoplemightlayhandsonthem,forallheldthatJohnwasarealprophet’.Inspiteofbeingreligiousleaders,theydonothavethestrongprinciplesthatcouldgivemeaning

totheirwordsandtheirdeeds.Theyare‘practical’men,whodedicatethemselvesto‘politics’.Inallthatconcernstheirowninterestorcomfort,theirreasoningisintelligent.Buttheyarenotpreparedtogoanyfurtherintheirreasoning:theyaremenforwhomcomforthastakentheplaceofconscience.[234] Their norm of conduct is to follow whatever course of action is most opportune or mostconvenientoneachoccasion.Theydonotactinaccordancewiththetruth.Thisiswhytheysay:Wedonotknow.Itwasnotintheirinteresttoknow,muchlesstosayso.Christ’sreactionisverysignificant:NeitherwillItellyoubywhatauthorityIdothesethings.ItisasifHeweresayingtothem:ifyouarenotpreparedtobesincere,tolookintoyourheartsandfaceuptothetruth,anydialoguebetweenusisuseless.Icannottalktoyou,andyoucannottalktome.Wewouldnotunderstandeachother.Thesame thing happens every day. The person whose life is not guided by sincerity, by an habitualdisposition to faceup to the truthor to thedemandsofhisconscience–howeveruncomfortableorhardtheymaybe–flatlyseparateshimselffromanypossibilityofcommunicatingwithGod.AnyonewhoisafraidoflookingintohisconscienceisafraidoflookingatGod.OnlythosewhocanlookGodinthefacecanreallygettoknowhim.[235]ItisnotpossibletofindGodwithoutthisradicalloveoftruth.Neitherisitpossibletogetonwellwiththepeoplearoundus.Loveforthetruthwillleadusfirstofalltobesincerewithourselves,tokeepaclearconscience

andnotdeceiveourselves.Wewillnotallowourconsciencetobecomedulledbyallowingerrorsorculpable ignorance tocreep in.Wewillnotbeafraidofgoingdeeper into thosepersonaldemandsthattruthbringswithit.If,withthehelpofgrace,wearesincerewithourselves,wewillbesincerewith God. Our life will then be filled with light, peace and fortitude. You were reading in thatdictionarythesynonymsfor‘insincere’:‘two-faced,surreptitious,evasive,disingenuous,sly’.Asyouclosedthebook,youaskedtheLordthatnobodyshouldeverbeabletoapplythoseadjectivestoyou,andyouresolvedtoimprovemuchmoreinthissupernaturalandhumanvirtueofsincerity.[236]18.3Alwaystellthetruth–inwhatisimportantandinwhatseemsasmallmatter.Inaworldwhere somanypeoplehabitually think littleof a lie and indulge inpretences,we, as

Christiansmustbemenandwomenoftruthwhoalwaysfleefromeventhesmallestfalsehood.Thisishow people should know us – as men and women who never tell lies even in matters of littleimportance, asmen andwomenwho shut out of their lives anything that smacks of dissimulation,hypocrisy andduplicity, andwhoknowhow toputmatters right if theymakeamistake.Thenourliveswillbefilledwithagreatapostolicfruitfulness,forpeoplealwaystrustanuprightperson,one

who knows how to speak the truthwith charity and understanding towards all andwithout hurtingpeople.Howmanyweaknesses,howmuchopportunism,howmuchconformity,howmuchvileness![237] said

Pope Paul VI referring to those good people who forget the beauty and the seriousness of thecommitments that unite them to theChurch. That same situation,which has perhaps becomemoreapparentinrecentyears,willleadustohateanyfalseness,howevertrivialitmayseemtous,becauselying opposes truth just as light opposes darkness, as piety opposes impiety, as justice opposesiniquity,asgoodnessopposessin,ashealthopposessicknessandlifeopposesdeath.Thisbeingso,themorewelovetruth,themorewemustabhorlying.[238]Itisnotamatterofknowingjusthowfarwecangoinsayingthingsthatareuntruebeforeweincuragravefault.Itisamatterofhatinglyinginallitsforms.Itisamatteroftellingthewholetruth,and,whenoutofprudenceorcharitythiscannotbe done, then we will hold our tongue and not invent little ‘white lies’ that falsely ease ourconsciences.[239]Wemustlovethetruthinitselfandforitself,notonlyinthosethingsthatcanharmorbenefitourselves,orotherpeopleinapersonalway.Wemustabhorlyingassomethingstupidanddespicable,forwhateverreasonitisresortedto.WemusthateitbecauseitisanoffenceagainstGod,whoissupremeTruth.We easily believewhatwewant to believe. This iswhy, for example,many of her enemies are

always inclined to regard any injurious rumours about theChurch as true, and to pass judgementwithouthavingsufficientfacts.Theywillevenseektoinfluencepublicopiniononsuchabasis.Thisisreallythesameaslying,becauseofwheretherumourcomesfromandwhatitleadsto.Indirectopposition to lying,which is so often resorted to in cold blood,wehave truth, light and sinceritywhichareunambiguousandcannotbemistaken.Wemustfirmlypractisetruthfulnessinoureverydayrelationswithotherpeople,inourbusinessaffairs,inourfamilylife,inourstudyand,wheneverwehave access to them, through the organs of public opinion. We should be resolutely opposed tomatchingoneliewithanother.TheprayeroftheLiturgyonthisdayinvitesustoexclaim:Lord,mayourvoices,ourspiritsand

thewholeofourlivesbeacontinualpraiseinyourhonour...[240]Mayourconversationsbealwaystruthful,propertoachildofGod.

FIFTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARA

19.THEPARABLEOFTHESOWER19.1Theseedandthepath.LackofinteriorrecollectionpreventsunionwithGod.SaintMatthewtellsusintheGospeloftoday’sMass[241]thatJesussatbesidetheseaandthatsuch

greatcrowdsgatheredabouthimtohearhiswordsthatHehadtogetintoaboatsothattheycouldlistentohimfromtheshore.Sittingnowinasmallfishing-vessel,OurLordbegantoteachthem:Asowerwentouttosow.AndtheseedHespokeaboutfellonverydifferenttypesofsoil.InGalilee,where the terrain tended tobeveryunevenandhilly, itwasonly thenarrowstripsof

land in the valleys and skirting the river banks that were sown with seed. The parable faithfullyrecords for us the agricultural situation of that particular area. The sower scattered his seedbroadcast,whichiswhysomeofitwouldfallontothepath.Theseedthatfellonthosepathswouldsoonbeeatenupbybirdsortroddenunderfootbypassers-by.Thedetailoftherockysoil,coveredperhapsbyonlyathinlayerofearth,wasalsotruetoreality.Becauseofthelackofsoil-depth, theseedshootsupmorerapidly,butonlytohavetheheatdryitupjustasquickly,sinceithasnodepthofroot.Thesoilonwhichthegoodseedfallsisthewholeworld;itrepresentseachindividualperson.We

tooaresoilforthedivineseed.Eventhoughthesowingiscarriedoutwithgreatlove–itisGodwhopourshimselfintooursouls–theresultsdependlargelyontheconditionofthesoilonwhichitfalls.Christ’swordstellusforcefullyabouttheresponsibilitymanhastopreparehimselftoreceiveGod’sgraceandtocorrespondwithit.Someseedsfellalongthepath,andthebirdscameanddevouredthem.Whenanyonehearstheword

ofthekingdomanddoesnotunderstandittheevilonecomesandsnatchesawaywhatissowninhisheart.Thepathissoilthathasbeentroddenonuntilithasbecomehard.Thesecompactedareasaredissipated, empty souls, prepared to accept only external things. Such souls are incapable ofrecollectingtheirthoughtsandguardingtheirsenses.Theyhavenoorderintheiraffectionsandarenotparticularlywatchfulovertheirfeelings,sothattheyfrequentlyallowtheirimaginationtoengageinuselessthoughts.Thesesoulsarelikegroundthathasneverbeentilledorcultivated,havingalwaysturnedtheirfaceawayfromGod.Theirheartsarehardened,likethoseconstantlytroddenpathways.TheyhearGod’sword,butthedevileasilysnatchesitawayfromthem.Heisnotidle;rather,hehashiseyesalwayswideopenandisalwaysreadytospringandsnatchawaythegiftthatyoudonotuse.[242]WemustaskOurLordforfortitudesothatweneverbecomelikethosewhoarelikethepathon

which the seed fell – negligent, lukewarmand full of scorn.[243]Negligence and lukewarmness aremanifestations of a lack of contrition and repentance, and of our failure to put up a determinedstruggleagainstvenial sins.The first time thedivineSower scatteredhis seedonto the soilofoursoulwasinBaptism.HowoftensincethenhasHegivenusanabundanceofhisgrace!HowoftenhasHepassedclosebesideus,helping,encouragingandforgivingus!Atthismoment,intheintimacyofourprayer,wecansaytohimquietly:OJesus!IfinspiteofthepoorwayIhavebehaved,youhavedoneformewhatyouhavedone,whatmorewouldyoudoifIweretorespondwell?Thistruthwillleadyoutobegenerouswithoutmeasure.Weepandshowwithsorrowandlovehowmuchitpainsyou,forOurLordandhisBlessedMother

deservefromyouadifferentkindoftreatment.[244]

19.2 The rocky ground and the thorns. The need for sacrifice and detachment in thesupernaturallife.Otherseeds fellonrockyground,where theyhadnotmuchsoil,and immediately theysprangup,

sincetheyhadnodepthofsoil;butwhenthesunrosetheywerescorched,andsincetheyhadnoroottheywitheredaway.Thisstonygroundrepresentssuperficialsoulswithlittleinnerdepth,soulsthatare inconstantand incapableofpersevering.Theyhavegooddispositions; theyeven receivegracewithjoy,butwhenthemomentcomestoconfrontdifficultiestheyturnback.Theyarenotcapableofsacrificing themselves in order to fulfil the resolutions they have made so their resolutions diewithoutbearingfruit.Saint Teresa taught that there are some people who, having overcome the first enemies of the

interiorlife,ceasetomakeanyeffort;theyloseheart,andgiveupthestrugglewhentheyareonlyacoupleofstepsawayfromthefountainoflivingwater–thewaterconcerningwhichOurLordtoldtheSamaritan woman that whoever drank of it would never thirst.[245] We must ask Our Lord forconstancyinourresolutions,andforaspiritofsacrificesothatwedonotgiveupwhenfacedwithdifficulties–aswesurelywillbe.Wehavetobegintimeandagain,withholystubbornness,andwehavetostrivealways toreachthesanctity thatJesuscallsus to,andfor theattainmentofwhichHegivesusallthegracesweneed.SaintJohnoftheCrosstaughtthatthesoulthattrulylovesGodneverallowslazinesstopreventitfromdoingeverythinginitspowertofindtheSonofGod,itsBeloved.Andafterhavingdoneallitcan,itisstillnotsatisfiedandconsidersithasdonenothing.[246]Otherseedsfelluponthorns,andthethornsgrewupandchokedthem.Thisistheonewhohearsthe

word,butthecaresoftheworldandthedelightinrichesstifleit,anditprovesunfruitful.Loveofriches,adisorderedambitiontogaininfluenceorpower,andexcessiveconcernforwell-

beingandacomfortablewayoflifearelikesharpthornsthatpreventanyunionwithGod.Thesoulsofpeoplewhoseekonlysuchthingsaresoulsimmersedinmaterialthings,beingwrappedinadeep-seated avarice that leads us to appreciate only what we can touch. Such eyes are firmly fixed onearthlythingsandconsequentlyareblindtosupernaturalrealities.[247]Itisasthoughtheywereblindtoallthatreallymatters.Ifweallowourheartstobecomeattachedtomoney,influenceorpraise;ifwesetourheartsonthe

ultimatecomfortweseeadvertised;ifwegiveintoourownwhimsandseeksomanythingsthatarequite unnecessary, we are allowing a serious obstacle to God’s love to become embedded in ourhearts.Itisdifficultforanyoneobsessedbythethoughtofowningmoreandmorepossessions,andby the constant determination to seek out what ismost comfortable, not to fall into other sins. Inconnectionwith such things,Saint Johnof theCross comments:This iswhyOurLord called them‘thorns’intheGospel,sothatweshouldunderstandthatanyonewhofondlycaressessuchthingswithhiswill,willbewoundedbysomesin.[248]SaintPaulteachesthatanyonewhoputshisheartonearthlythings,asthoughtheyweretheabsolute

good,commitsatypeofidolatry.[249]Thisdisorderinthesouloftenleadstoalackofmortificationandtosensuality,sothatwegiveuplookingatsupernaturalthings.ThosewordsofOurLord’sarealwaysfulfilled:Forwhereyourtreasureis,therewillyourheartbealso.[250]Theseedofgracewillbechokedwithoutanydoubtinthisbadsoil.19.3Correspondencetograce.Bearingfruit.Asforwhatwassownongoodsoil,herewehavethemanwhohearsthewordandunderstandsit;

heindeedbearsfruit,andyieldsinonecaseahundredfold,inanothersixty,andinanotherthirty.

God hopes we will be good soil that will receive his grace and bear fruit. The greater ourgenerositytowardsGodthebetterandmoreabundantwillbethefruitweproduce.Theonlythingthatmatters,commentsSaintJohnChrysostom,isthatweshouldnotbeabeaten-downthoroughfare,orrocky ground, or thorns, but thatwe should be good soil ...Our heartsmust not be that path fromwhich theenemy, like thebirds,snatches theseed troddenunderfootbypassers-by.Ourheartsmustnotbetherockygroundwheretheshallownessofthesoilcausestheseedtogerminateimmediatelysothatitisscorchedbythesun.Ourheartsmustnotbeathistle-bedofhumanpassionsstrangledbythecaresofthisworld.[251]Allmen,whatevertheirlivesmayhavebeeninthepast,areabletobecomesoilthatispreparedto

receiveGod’sgrace.GodpourshimselfintooursoulsinaccordancewiththedegreeofwelcomeHefindsthere.GodgivesussomanygracesbecauseHetrustseachoneofus;thereisnosoilthatistooimperviousor toouncultivatedforhim,so longas it isprepared tochangeand torespondtohim.Anysoulcanbecomerichpastureland,althoughpreviouslyithasbeennothingbutdesert,becauseGod’s grace never fails us, and his care is greater than that of themost expert husbandman.Oncegracehasbeengiven,theresultsdependonlyonman,whoisfreetocorrespondornot.Thegroundisgood,thesoweristhesameandtheseedsarethesameineachcase.Nevertheless,howisitthatonegivesahundredfold,anothersixtyfoldandanotherthirtyfold?Wecanseethatthedifferencedependsonthepersonreceivingit,forevenwherethesoilisgoodthereisagreatdealofdifferencebetweenonepatchofgroundandanother.Youcanseethatneitherthefarmernortheseedisatfault,butthesoilonwhichthesowingwasdone.Thisisnotaresultofnature,butofthedispositionofthewill.[252]Let us consider in our prayer todaywhether we correspondwith the gracesGod gives us, and

whetherwe apply theparticular examinationof conscience to those harmful roots in our soul thatprevent the growth of the good seed. Do we get rid of any noxious weeds through frequentConfession?DowetrytoincreasethenumberofactsofContritionthatprepareoursoulsowelltoreceiveGod’sinspirations?WecanneverbecontentwithwhatwearedoingtoserveourGod,justasan artist is never satisfied with the painting or statue he is working on. Everyone tells him howmarvellousitis,buthethinks:‘No.Itisn’tquiteright.Iwantedittobebetter.’Thisishowweshouldfeel.Moreover,theLordhasgivenussomuch.Hehasarighttotheverybestfromus–andwemustgo

athispace.[253]Don’tletusfallbehind.

FIFTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARB

20.LOVEANDVENERATIONFORTHEPRIESTHOOD20.1Thepriest’sidentityandmission.AllbaptisedpersonscanapplytothemselvesSaintPaul’swordstotheChristiansofEphesuswhich

wefindintheSecondReadingoftoday’sMass:Hechoseusinhimbeforethefoundationoftheworld,that we should be holy and blameless before him.[254] Through Baptism and Confirmation all theChristian faithful belong to a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people.[255]The baptised, says the SecondVaticanCouncil, by regeneration and the anointing of theHolySpirit, are consecrated tobea spiritualhouseandaholypriesthood, that throughall theworksofChristianmentheymayofferspiritualsacrifices.[256]BytheirsharinginthepriesthoodofChrist,thefaithful take an active part in the celebration of theSacrifice of theAltar.They sanctify theworldthrough their secular tasks, sharing in the one mission of the Church by means of the differentvocations they have received fromGod.Housewives, for example, sanctify the various aspects ofmotherhood and relatedduties; sickpeople are called to offer up their suffering lovingly toGod;eachonemakesapleasingofferingtoGodofhisdailytasksandcircumstances.Fromtheranksofthefaithful,allofwhomhavethiscommonpriesthood,somearecalledbyGod,

throughtheSacramentofHolyOrders,toexercisetheministerialpriesthood.Thissecondpriesthoodbuildsuponthefirstone,buttheyareessentiallydifferent.BymeansoftheconsecrationreceivedinHolyOrders,thepriestbecomesaninstrumentofJesusChrist,towhomheoffershisentirebeing,inorder to bring the grace ofRedemption to allmankind.He is aman chosen from amongmen andappointedtoactonbehalfofmeninrelationtoGod,tooffergiftsandsacrificesforsins.[257]Whatthenisthepriest’sidentity?ThatofChrist.EachoneofusChristianscanandshouldbenotjustanyotherChrist, ‘alterChristus’,butChristhimself, ‘ipseChristus!’But in thepriest thishappensinadirectway,byvirtueofthesacrament.[258]OurLord,who ispresentamongus inmanyways, is soparticularly in thepersonof thepriest.

Everypriest is agreatgiftofGod to theworld.He is Jesuswhogoesaboutdoinggood; he curesillnesses,hebringspeaceandjoytomen’sminds;heisthelivinginstrumentofChrist intheworld.[259]HeoffersOurLordhis voice, his hands, hiswhole being.[260]AtMass, he renews in personaChristi the redemptive Sacrifice of Calvary itself. He makes Christ’s Redemption present andeffective within history. Blessed John Paul II reminded the clergy of Brazil that Jesus identifieshimselfwith us in suchaway in carryingout the powers he conferreduponus, that it is as if ourpersonality disappears before his, since it is He himself who acts through us.[261] It is Christ whochangesthesubstanceofbreadandwineintohisBodyandBloodatMass.AnditisJesushimselfwho,inthesacramentofPenance,utterstheauthoritativeandfatherlywords‘yoursinsareforgiven.’ItisHewhospeakswhenthepriest,carryingouthisministryinthenameandinthespiritoftheChurch,announcestheWordofGod.ItisChristhimselfwhocaresforthesick,forchildrenandsinners,whenheenfoldsthemwiththeloveandpastoralcareofthesacredministries.[262]Apriestisofmorevaluetomankindthantheentirematerialuniverse.Wemustprayconstantlyfor

theholinessofpriests,helpingthemandsustainingthemwithourprayerandouraffection.WemustseeChristhimselfinthem.20.2Thepriest,astewardofthemysteriesofGod.

Jesus selects theApostles, not only asmessengers, prophets andwitnesses, but also as his ownrepresentatives.Thisnewidentity,toactinpersonaChristi,mustbeexpressedinalifewhichissimpleandaustere,

aholinesswhichinspiresawholehearteddedicationtothewelfareofothers.TheGospeloftoday’sMasstellsusthatJesussenthisdisciplesandgavethemauthorityovertheuncleanspirits.[263]Hetoldthemtotakeastafffortheirjourney,butnothingelse:nobread,nohaversack,andnomoneyintheirwallets.GodtakespossessionofthemanHecallstothepriesthoodandconsecrateshimtotheserviceof

his fellow men, and bestows upon him a new personality. And once he has been chosen andconsecrated to the service of God and others he is not just a priest at certain moments only, forexamplewhileheiscarryingoutsacredfunctions.Heisapriestalwaysandateverymoment,whetherhe is performing the highest andmost sublime office or themost vulgar and humble action of hisordinarylife.JustasaChristiancannotleaveasidethefactthatheisanewman,thatBaptismhasgivenhimaparticularcharacter,andact‘asif ’hewerejustamanpurelyandsimply,neithercanthepriest leaveasidehispriestlycharacterandbehave ‘as if ’hewerenotapriest.Whateverhedoes,whateverattitudeheadopts,whetherhelikesitornot,itwillalwaysbetheactionortheattitudeofapriest,becauseheisapriestalwaysandatalltimesdowntotheverydepthsofhisbeing,whateverhemaydoorwhateverhemaythink.[264]ThepriestisamessengerfromGodtotheworld,senttoannouncetomankinditssalvation,andis

constituteda stewardof themysteriesofGod.[265]Thesemysteries include theBodyandBloodofChrist, which he offers the faithful at Mass and Holy Communion; the grace of God in thesacraments;andthedivinewordwhichheuttersinpreaching,incatechesisandinconfession.Tothepriesthasbeenconfidedthemostdivineofdivineworks,thesalvationofsouls.HehasbeenmadeanambassadorandamediatorbetweenGodandmen.Itwarmsmyhearttothinkofthequiethumanandsupernaturaldignityofthosebrothersofmine,

scatteredthroughouttheworld.Itisonlyrightthattheyshouldnowfeelthemselvessurroundedbythefriendship,helpandaffectionofmanyChristians.AndwhenthemomentcomesforthemtoenterGod’spresence,Jesuswillgoouttomeetthem.HewillglorifyforeverthosewhohaveactedonearthinhisPersonandinhisname.Hewillshowerthemwiththatgraceofwhichtheyhavebeenministers.[266]LetusmeditatenowinthepresenceofGodonhowwellweprayforpriests,howwetreatthem,

howgratefulweoughttobetothemforhavingrespondedpositivelytoourLord’scall,howtohelpthempersevereandbesaints.LetusaskGodourLordtogiveallofusprieststhegracetoperformholythingsinaholyway,toreflectineveryaspectofourlivesthewondersofthegreatnessofGod.[267]20.3Howtohelppriests.Prayingforthem.Respectforthepriestlystate.So they went out and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many demons, and

anointedwithoilmany thatweresickandhealed them.Priestsare, as itwere, anextensionofOurLord’s Sacred Humanity, because they continue to perform in souls the same miracles which HehimselfdidwhileHewasonearth:theblindsee,peoplewhocanscarcelywalkrecovertheirstrength,and those who have died through mortal sin recover the life of grace through the sacrament ofConfession.Thepriestdoesnotseekworldlycompensationsortheenhancementofhisreputation,nordoeshe

measure his task according to thisworld’s scale of values.His task is not that of an arbitrator ofdifferences[268]norofcaringforpeople’smaterialwelfare:thatisajobforeveryChristian,andfor

allmenofgoodwill,whereasthepriest’srôleistobringpeopleeternallife.Thatiswhathehastooffer. It is alsowhat theworldneedsmost.That iswhywemust pray toGod that theChurchwillalwayshaveenoughpriests,priestswhoarereallytryingtobeholy.Wemustaskforandencouragepriestly vocations, if possible, among the members of our own families, children, brothers andcousins.ItisindeedagreatjoyforafamilyifGodblessesthemwiththegiftofavocation.The laity have the very pleasant duty to help priests, especially with their prayer, so that they

celebrate Mass with dignity and spend many hours hearing confessions, eager to administer thesacramentstothesickandtheelderly,andparticularlykeentoteachcatechism.Wepraythatpriestswill always be very concerned for the upkeep of God’s House, and cheerful, patient, generous,friendlyand indefatigableworkers in spreading thekingdomofChrist.Wehave tobegenerous incontributingfinanciallyandhelpingtheirworkinwhateverwaywecan.Andweshouldneverspeakbadlyofthem:OneshouldspeakaboutChrist’spriestsonlyinordertopraisethem.[269]Ifwesometimesseefaultsanddefectsinourpriests,wehavetomakeexcusesforthemandbehave

likethegoodsonsofNoah,coveringovertheirfailingswiththecloakofcharity.[270]Thatcanbeyetanotherreasontohelpthemwithourgoodexampleandourprayer,and–wheneveritisopportune–withacorrectionwhichwillbefraternalandfilialatthesametime.Tohelpusgrowin loveandveneration forpriests,wecanmeditateon thesewordswhichSaint

CatherineofSienaplacesonOurLord’slips:Idonotwanttherespectwhichpriestsshouldbegiventobeinanywaydiminished,forthereverenceandrespectwhichisshownthemisnotreferredtothem,but toMe,byvirtueof theBloodwhichIhavegiventothemtoadminister.Wereitnot for this,youshould render them the samereverenceas laypeople,andnomore ...Youmustnotoffend them;byoffendingthemyouoffendMeandnotthem.ThereforeIforbiditandIhavelaiditdownthatyoushallnottouchmyChrists.[271]

FIFTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARC

21.THEGOODSAMARITAN21.1ThefirstexpressionofcharityistobringourneighbourclosertotheFaith.You shall love your neighbour as yourself. The doctor of the Law gave the right answer. Jesus

confirms it:Youhaveanswered right;do this,andyouwill live.The story is told in theGospeloftoday’sMass.[272]ThispreceptalreadyexistedintheJewishLaw,whichevenspecifieditinpracticaldetails.Weread

forexampleinLeviticus:Whenyoureaptheharvestofyourland,youshallnotreapyourfieldtoitsveryborder,neither shall yougather thegleaningsafter yourharvest.Andyou shallnot stripyourvineyardbare,neithershallyougatherthefallengrapesofyourvineyard;youshallleavethemforthepoorandforthesojourner.[273]Andafterspecifyingotherexpressionsofmercy,Scripturecontinues:Youshallnottakevengeanceorbearanygrudgeagainstthesonsofyourownpeople,butyoushallloveyourneighbourasyourself.[274]HerewehaveadistantforeshadowingofwhatwastobeOurLord’snewcommandment.Butamong

theJewstherewasacertainvaguenessabouttheword‘neighbour ’:itwasn’tclearwhetheritincludedonlythemembersofone’sownclan,orone’sfriends,ortheentirechosenpeople.Opinionsvariedon thesubject,and thatwaswhy thedoctorof theLawaskedOurLord,Whoismyneighbour? TowhomshouldIshowallthisloveandmercy?Jesusanswerswithaverybeautifulparable,whichwefindintheGospelofSaintLuke:Amanwas

goingdownfromJerusalemtoJericho,andhefellamongrobbers,whostrippedhimandbeathim,anddeparted,leavinghimhalf-dead.[275]Thisismyneighbour:heisaman,anymanwhoeverwhohasneed ofme.Our Lordmakes no specific reference to race, friendship or blood connections.Ourneighbourisanyonewhoisclosetousandhasneedofhelp.Nothingissaidofhiscountry,orofhisbackgroundorsocialcondition:homoquidam,justaman,ahumanbeing.Aswegothroughlifewecomeacrossmanycasesofpeoplewhohavebeensimilarlyinjuredand

left destitute and half-dead in body and soul. Our concern to help them, which springs from ourcloseness to Jesus, broadens our heart and prevents us from falling into narrow-mindedness andselfishness.Onediscoverspeoplewhohavebeenhurtbymisunderstandingandloneliness,orbytheabsenceof themostbasichumannecessities; peoplehumiliated in their dignity aspersons; peoplewhohavebeenshamefullyrobbedof theirmostelementaryrights inwayswhichcrytoheavenforvengeance.Christianmenandwomencanneverpassbyontheotherside,assomeoftheindividualsintheparabledid.Everydaywealsomeetthemanwhowaslefthalfdead,eitherbecausehehasnotbeentaughtthe

elementarytruthsoftheFaith,orbecausetheyhavebeenstolenfromhimbytheeffectsofothers’badexample,orbymedia-conditioning.Wecannever forget that theFaith is thegreatest treasuremanhas,muchmoreimportantthanallmaterialandhumanvalues.Attimes,beforepreachingtheFaith,wemayfirsthavetoapproachthemanlyingattheroadsideandtendtohisinjuries.ButasChristianswecanneveroverlook theneed to spread theFaithand tohelppeopleunderstand it better,and topropagatetheChristianmeaningoflife.[276]Atthesametime,wetrytoprovideothergoodthingsaswell – education, culture, personal betterment, an appreciation of the value of work, honesty inpersonalrelationships,andadesireforsocialjustice.Allthesethingsarelivingexpressionsofwhatcharityreallymeansinpractice.

AChristiancannotbeuninvolvedinthehumanandsocialprogressofmankind,buttheover-ridingconcerntoenlightenmen’smindsinregardtofaithandthereligiouslifecannoteverberelegatedtosecondplace.[277]21.2Sinsofomissionintheareaofcharity.Jesusistheobjectofourcharity.Theparablegoeson:Nowbychanceapriestwasgoingdownthatroad;andwhenhesawhimhe

passedbyontheotherside.HereOurLordisspeakingtousaboutsinsofomission.Thosewhopassedbyontheothersidedid

not inflict any fresh injuries on the abandoned and badly-wounded wayfarer; they did not stealwhatever he had left, or insult him. They had worries of their own, they didn’t want anycomplications,theyhadimportantthingstodo.Theygavegreaterimportancetotheirownbusinessthantothemaninneed.Thereinlaytheirsin:theypassedbyontheotherside.Thatservicewhichtheyomittedtooffertheinjuredwayfarerwouldhavemeritedthesamepraise

OurLordgavetoMaryMagdalen–shehasdoneabeautifulthingtome[278]–sinceanythingwedoforotherswedoforGod.Christhimselfawaitsusinthepersonofthatneedyindividual.SaintJohnChrysostomputsonOurLord’slipsthesewords:Iamnotsayingtoyou:solveallmyproblemsforme,givemeeverythingyouhave,eventhoughIampoorforloveofyou.Ionlyaskforsomebreadandclothes,somerelieffrommyhunger.Iaminprison.Idonotaskyoutofreeme.Ionlywish,thatforyourowngood,youpaymeavisit.Thatwillbeenoughforme,andinreturnIwillmakeyouagiftofheaven.Ihavefreedyoufromaprisonathousandtimesmoreharsh.ButIamhappyifyoucomeandvisitmefromtimetotime.Icouldinfactpresentyouwithyourcrownwithoutaskinganyofthis.ButIdowanttobegrateful

toyou,sothatafterwardsyoucancomeandreceiveyourrewardwithconfidence.ThatiswhyI,whoamquitecapableoffeedingmyself,prefertodogyoursteps,asking,andtostretchoutmyhandatyourdoor.MyloveissogreatthatIwantyoutofeedme.Thatiswhy,asafriend,Iprefertositatyourtable.Igloryinthat,andIcanshowyouofftothewholeworldastheonewhodoesgoodtome.[279]Thesecretofovercomingdifferencesofraceorculture,orevenofageorcharacter,istorealize

thattheobjectofourcharityisJesushimself.Whenwelookuponourfellowmen,itisHewhomwesee:ItisasifChristhimselfwerecryingoutthroughthemouthsofthesepoorpeopletothecharityofhisdisciples.[280]21.3Practicalandrealcharity.Ourownneedshavetotakesecondplacetothoseofothers.TheGospelgoeson:ButaSamaritan,ashe journeyed,came towherehewas;andwhenhesaw

him,hehadcompassion,andwenttohimandbounduphiswounds,pouringonoilandwine;thenhesethimonhisownbeastandbroughthimtoaninn,andtookcareofhim.Andthenextdayhetookouttwodenariiandgavethemtotheinnkeeper,saying,‘Takecareofhim;andwhatevermoreyouspend,IwillrepayyouwhenIcomeback.’TheSamaritan, in spite of thegulf between Jews andSamaritans, immediately felt sorry for the

man’smisfortune:he had compassion. There are peoplewho are blind to anything thatwould putthemout,andtherearepeoplewhohaveaquickintuitionforthesorrowinanother ’sheart.Whatweneedfirstofall isareadinesstoseethemisfortunesofothers,andnothurrythroughlifesomuchthat,whenwemeetwithneedandsuffering,weeasilyfindanexcuseforpassingbyontheotherside.TheSamaritan’scompassionwasnotapurelytheoreticalandineffectiveone.Onthecontrary,he

managedtoofferthemanpracticalassistance.Whathedidwasnotperhapsveryheroicinitself,butitwaswhat thecircumstancescalled for.Firstly,hewentup tohim.This is the first thing tobedone

whenever we encounter misfortune or need: we have to get up close, we cannot just observe thesituationfromadistance.TheSamaritannextdidwhathadtobedone:hetookcareofhim.ThecharityOur Lord asks of us is shown in deeds; it consists in doing whatever needs to be done in eachindividualcase.Godplacesourneighbour,andhisneeds,alongtheroadofour life.Loveisalwaysreadytodo

whatever the immediate situation demands. Itmay not be anything particularly heroic or difficult;indeed, what is called for is very often something small and simple: This love is not somethingreservedforimportantmatters,butmustbeexercisedaboveallintheordinarycircumstancesofdailylife.[281] Itmay requireofferingsomesmall service,perhaps trying tocheer someoneupwhenwefind him gloomy; ormaybe a word of appreciation and thanks, or smiling, or giving a strangerdirectionscourteously,orlisteningwithinteresttowhatsomeonehastosay.ThebusinessthegoodSamaritanhadinhandwaslefttowait,andtheurgentthingshehadtodo

werenolongerallthatimportant.Hegavehistimeunstintinglytohelpthemaninneed.Itisnotonlya question of time, though. Our interests, the things we like doing – not to mention any self-indulgence–mustalltakesecondplacetotheneedsofothers.JesusconcludesthelessonwithafriendlywordtothedoctoroftheLaw:Goanddolikewise,He

saystohim:beunderstanding,involvedandcompassionatewithwhoeverneedsyou.Andnow,aswecometotheendofourmeditation,wehearthosewordsasspokentoeachofustoo.ToputthemintopracticeweneedtohaverecoursetotheBlessedVirgin.Thereisnoheartmorehumanthanthatofapersonoverflowingwithsupernaturalsense.ThinkofourMotherMary,whoisfullofgrace,DaughterofGodtheFather,MotherofGodtheSon,SpouseofGodtheHolySpirit.HerHearthasroomforallhumanityandmakesnodistinctionordiscrimination.Everypersonishersonorherdaughter.[282]

FIFTEENTHWEEK:MONDAY

22.PARENTSANDTHEIRCHILDREN’SVOCATION22.1CompletefreedomtofollowChrist.Avocationisagreathonour.Hewholovesfatherormothermorethanmeisnotworthyofme;andhewholovessonordaughter

more than me is not worthy of me, we read in the Gospel of today’sMass.[283] When one freelydecidestofollowChristcompletelyittakespreferenceoverotherplans:one’sfatherormother,one’sboy-friendorgirl-friend.God’scallcomesfirst,andeverythingelsehastotakesecondplacetothis.Christ’swordsdon’tcreateanyincompatibilitybetweentheFirstandFourthCommandments,but

ratherhighlighttheirmutualrelationship.WeshouldloveGodwithallourstrength,accordingtothevocationwehave received.We shouldalso loveand respect theparentsGodhasgivenus,both intheoryandinpractice,sinceweowethemsomuch.Butloveforourparentscannottakeprecedenceover love for God. Ordinarily there will be little reason for conflict to arise, but should it everhappen, that would be the moment to recall the words of the adolescent Jesus in the Temple ofJerusalem:Howisitthatyousoughtme?DidyounotknowthatImustbeinmyFather’shouse?[284]Jesus’ reply toMaryand Joseph,whohad soughthimanxiously, is averygoodexample forbothchildren and parents: for children it teaches them that they shouldn’t put affection for their familybeforeloveforGod,especiallywhenOurLordasksthemtofollowhimwithatotalself-giving;forparents, ithelps themsee that theirchildrenbelongaboveall toGod,and thatHehasaright todowiththemasHewishes,eventhoughincertaincircumstancesitmayrequireconsiderablesacrificeontheirpart.[285]ItwouldbeverysadifsomeoneweretoturnadeafeartoGod’scallsoasnottoupsethisorher

parents.Andevenworsewouldbethesituationoftheparents,for,asSaintBernardsays,thesourceoftheir consolation is thedeathof their child.[286] Itwouldbedifficult to cause that sonor daughtergreaterharm.TofollowOurLordproperlycallsforacompletelyunfettereddetachment,afreedomofheartthat

isnothamperedbysadnessorregret,whichwouldonlyleadtoahalf-heartedself-giving;thepersonconcernedalsoneedstohavethenecessaryautonomytofulfilGod’swill.Nothingisgainedbyhalfmeasures,byadecisionmadewithadividedheart.ItcouldhappenthatinsomecasesalifeoftotaldedicationtoOurLordisnotacceptedbyone’sownrelations:havingdreamedofotherplans,quitereasonableinthemselves,theydonotunderstandthisnewdevelopment,ormaybetheydonotwishtobepartof the renunciation it involves.Wehave to take this intoaccountand realize that fidelity toChrist, evenat thecostof causing sorrow forourparents, is in the long runmuchbetterboth forourselvesandforourfamily.Inallcircumstances,wehavetobeveryfirminfollowingourvocation,andatthesametimewehavetoloveourparentsevenmorethanbefore.Wehavetoprayalotthattheycome tounderstand that it is no ‘sacrifice’ forparentswhenGodasks them for their children.Neither,forthosewhomHecalls,isitasacrificetofollowhim.It is, on the contrary, an immense honour, a motive for a great and holy pride, a mark of

predilection,averyspecialaffectionthatGodhasshownataparticulartime,butwhichhasbeeninhis mind from all eternity.[287] It is indeed a great honour and a great blessing fromGod to thatfamily.22.2Therecomesatimeforeveryonewhentheyhavetoleavehomeandparents.

WhensomeonegivestheirheartcompletelytoGod,itisreturnedmoreyouthfulandenlarged,witha greater capacity to love others. Love for one’s parents, brothers and sisters is then enriched bybeingpassed throughtheHeartofChrist.SaintThomasAquinaspointsout thatJamesandJohn, infollowingOurLordandabandoningtheirfather,werepraised.Theywerenotpraisedbecausehehadincitedthemtodosomethingevil,butbecausetheyrealisedthattheirfatherwouldbeabletospendhislifesomeotherway,whiletheyfollowedChrist.[288]TheMasterpassedbyandcalled them,and,from thatmomenton, everythingelsepaled into insignificance. Inheaven theirparentswill surelyhave received a special reward, in large measure due to their sons’ response to the divine call:vocationisablessingandagreatgoodforallconcerned.VocationisGod’sinitiative;Heknowswellwhatisbestforthepersoncalled,andforthefamily.

ManyparentsacceptGod’swillfor theirchildrenjoyfullyandunconditionallyandarehappywhenone of them is called to follow Christ. There are some, though, who react quite differently, forvariousreasons,somelogicalandunderstandableandotherstaintedbyselfishness.Withtheexcusethat their children are too young to answerGod’s call – though not too young to undertake othercommitments–or that theylackthenecessaryexperience, theyallowthemselves tosuccumbto thetemptationalludedtobyPopePiusXII:EvenamongthosewhoboastoftheCatholicfaith,therearenot lackingparentswhodonotresign themselves to thevocationof theirchildrenand fightwithoutscruplethedivinecall,elicitingeverytypeofargument.Theymayevenusemeansthatputindangernotonlythevocationtoamoreperfectstate,butconscienceitselfandtheeternalsalvationofthosewhooughttobetheirmostdearlybeloved.[289]Theyforget that theyareGod’s‘collaborators’,andthatitisinevitablethatsoonerorlatertheirchildrenwillleavehomeanyway,eithertoformafamilyof their own, or for work or study reasons. Very often when young people leave home no greatcatastropheoccurs;attimesindeed,itistheparentsthemselveswho,fortheirchildren’sowngood,are theprimemovers incausing it tohappen.Why then, in thecaseof someoneseeking to followChrist,shouldtheycreatedifficultiesforthem?Christneverseparatessouls.[290]22.3Wantingthebestforone’schildren.Good parents always want the best for their children. Since they are capable of making great

sacrificesfortheirmaterialwelfare,whynottoointhecaseoftheirsupernaturalwell-being?Theysacrificethemselvessothattheirchildrengrowuphealthy,anddowellattheirstudies,andhavegoodfriends; and likewise so that they live as God wants them to, leading a life that is Christian andhonourable.ThisisthemissionthatGodhascalledparentstoinmatrimony–theeducationoftheirchildren.ItistheexpresswillofGodforthem,andaconsequenceoftheNaturalLaw.In the Gospel we find many petitions in favour of children: the woman who follows Jesus

perseveringlyuntilsheobtainsacureforherdaughter;[291]thefatherwhoasksthatthedevilwhichtorments his son be cast out;[292] Jairus, the ruler of the Capharnaum synagogue, who anxiouslyawaitsOur Lord because his twelve year old daughter is at the point of death.[293]We admire thedeterminationofthemotherofJamesandJohn,whoapproachedOurLordtoaskhimforsomethingthattheythemselveswouldnotdaretorequest.Withoutthinkingaboutherself,sheapproachedJesus,andkneelingbeforehimsheaskedhimforsomething.[294]Howmanyarethefathersandmotherswhodown through the ageshave asked for their children special favourswhich theywouldneverhavedreamed of asking for themselves? Our Lord, understanding this motherly demonstration ofaffection,doesnotrejectit,butinsteadturnstothetwosonsandpromisesthemthegreatesthonourapersoncouldreceive:theinvitationtosharewithhimhisowncup,hisowndestiny,hisownmission.Parentsoughttoaskforthebestfortheirchildren,andthebestisforthemtofollowthevocation

thatGodhasforeseenforthem.ThisisthegreatsecretofbeinghappyonearthandofattainingtheboundlessjoyofHeaven.However,consideringeachcallinginitself,themostelevatedofallisthevocation to celibate chastity for the love of God. The Church, throughout her history, has alwaysdefended the superiority of this charism to that ofmarriage, by reason of thewholly singular linkwhichithaswiththeKingdomofGod.[295]Howmanyarethevocationstoacompleteself-givingthatGodhasgiven to childrenbecauseof thegenerosity andprayerof their parents! In factOurLordordinarilymakesuseofparentstocreateasuitableclimateinwhichtheseedofvocationmaydevelopandflourish.Christiancouplesare,foreachother,fortheirchildrenandtheirrelatives,cooperatorsofgraceandwitnessesof theFaith.Theyare the first topasson theFaith to theirchildrenand toeducatetheminit.BywordandexampletheyformthemtoaChristianandapostoliclife;theyofferthemwise guidance in the choice of vocation, and if they discover in them a sacred vocation theyencourageitwithallcare.[296]Moretheycannotdo,foritisnotwithintheircompetencetodiscernwhetherornottheirchildrenhaveavocation.Theirtaskistohelpthemformtheirconscienceswellandenablethemtodiscovertheirownpathwithoutpressurizingthem.AvocationinafamilyisaspecialsignofGod’sloveandconfidenceforall itsmembers.It isa

privilegeandagreattreasurethatoughttobeprotected,especiallywithprayer.Godblessestheplacewhereafaithfulvocationisborn:givingupone’schildrentotheserviceofGodisnotasacrifice:itisanhonourandajoy.[297]

FIFTEENTHWEEK:TUESDAY

23.SORROWFORSIN23.1InspiteofallChrist’smiracles,someJewishtownsdidn’tdopenance.WetooarevisitedbyOurLordjustastheywere.OnleavingNazareth,JesuschoseCapharnaumashisplaceofresidence.Attimesthegospelsrefer

to it ashiscity. From there his preaching spread to thewholeofGalilee and all ofPalestine. It ispossible that Jesus stayed in Peter ’s house and made it the base for his apostolic trips to thesurrounding countryside. No other place in the gospel narrative witnessed as many of Christ’smiraclesasdidCapharnaum.On the north shore ofLakeGennesareth, not far fromCapharnaum, therewere two flourishing

towns–ChorazinandBethsaida–where Jesusalsodidverymanymiracles; yet, in spite of all thesigns and blessings, all those acts of mercy, the local inhabitants were not converted by Jesus’presenceamongthem.TheGospeloftoday’sMassrecallstheharshwordsOurLordhadforthosetownswhichweren’tpreparedtodopenanceandrepentoftheirsins:Woetoyou,Chorazin!Woetoyou,Bethsaida!ForifthemightyworksdoneinyouhadbeendoneinTyreandSidon,theywouldhaverepentedlongago...Andyou,Capharnaum,willyoubeexaltedtoheaven?YoushallbebroughtdowntoHades.ForifthemightyworksdoneinyouhadbeendoneinSodom,itwouldhaveremaineduntilthisday.[298]Somanygraces,somanymiracles!Andyetmanyoftheinhabitantsdidn’tchangeanddidn’trepent

oftheirsins.Infact,theyactuallyrebelledagainstChrist:Dirumpamusvinculaeorum,etproiciamusanobisiugumipsorum:[299]LetusbreakthecommandmentsoftheLordandthrowoffhissweetyoke!HowoftenhavethosewordsofPsalm2beenrepeatedsince!LooknowatJesusashepassesby,pouringoutuponushisgraceandhiscompassion.Howoftenit

hasbeenso!ThinkofthecountlesstimesandoccasionsOurLordhasstoppedtocureus,toblessus,toencourageustodogood.Hehasgivenussomuchcareandattention.And,sincehehaslavishedsomuchgraceuponus,heexpectsus torespond inkind–withsincererepentanceofourfaults, totalhatredofdeliberatevenial sinandofall thatcould inanywayseparateus fromhim. Jesusalwayslistenstous,butparticularlywhenwegotohimcompletelyreadytochange,torediscoverourwayand tobeginoncemorewithabrokenandcontriteheart.[300]Thisought tobe so always, becausetherearelotsofoccasionswhen,deliberatelyorotherwise,werejecthisgrace;andtheoffencewecausehimisinproportiontotheloveHehasshownus.CananyonebesoblindastofailtorecognizeChristintheserepeatedencountersofhiswithourfallennature?23.2Thefruitsofsorrow.Abrokenandcontriteheart,OGod, thouwiltnotdespise.Theword‘contrition’comesfromthe

Latincontritus–smashedinpieces,asofarock,andhascometomeansorrowforone’sfaultsandsins in the sense that the heart hardened by sin can be said to shatter when stricken by sorrow athaving offended God.[301] In everyday language we use the term ‘heartbroken’ to describe ourreaction tosomegreat tragedy thataffectsus to thedepthsofourbeing.SomethingsimilarshouldhappenoncontemplatingoursinsinthelightofGod’sholinessandthegreatloveHehasforus.InthesoulthatgenuinelyseeksGodthisreactionisattributablenotsomuchtothesensationoffailureproducedbysinas to the remorseathavingcut itselfoff fromGod toeven the tiniestextent.This

sorrowforsin–contrition–consistsessentiallyinasenseofremorseandasinceredetestationoftheoffenceagainstGod,andafirmresolutionofnotsinningagain;[302]itisaturningtowardsthegood,whichcauseslifetoblossomanewinthesoul.[303]It is love, aboveall, that should leadus to askGodveryoften for forgiveness for thecountless

timeswedon’trespondasweoughttothegraceswereceive.Thefriendrecalledhissins,andthroughfearofhellhetriedtoweepbutfoundhecouldnot.HebesoughtLovefortears,andWisdomansweredhim that heought toweepmoreout of reverence forhisBeloved than for fearof thepainsof hell,because tearsshed for lovepleasehimmore thanthoseshed throughfear.[304] It is love thatshouldleadustothesacramentofPenance.Contritiongives theChristiansoula special strength: itgives itbackhope,peaceandhappiness,

andmakes it forgetabout itselfandabandon itself in theLordwithgreater interior refinementandsensitivity.ToapproachGodwithacontriteheartweneedtoacknowledgeourfaultsandsinsastheyare,withoutmakinganylameexcuses,andnotbesurprisedandshockedondiscoveringdefectsandfailingswethoughthadalreadybeenovercome.Ifweweretoblameourfailingsontheenvironmentorother suchcircumstances,wewould forsake thepathofhumilityandwouldnotencounterGod,who is so close to us precisely when we abandon him. On considering our faults in our dailyexamination of conscience,we have to see them primarily as offences againstGod rather than aspersonalitydefects. Ifwedon’tmeasure themagainst thebackgroundofGod’s lovewewill easilytendtofindexcusesforthemandwilleventuallylosethegooddispositionsofcontrition,repentanceandatonementweneedtohaveforoursins.WithGodwecanneverbe‘intheclear ’:ourconditionisratherthatofthedebtorwhocouldnotpay;[305]wewillalwaysbeinneedofhisinfinitemercy.God,bemercifultomeasinner,[306]wesaytohiminthewordsofthetax-collectorwho,inallhumility,recognizedhisownunworthinesswhenfacetofacewiththeholinessofGod.Onethingwecan’tdoasregardsoursinsandfailingsistoacceptthemassomethinginevitableand

natural,and‘cometoterms’withthem.Whatwehavetodoisalwaystoaskforpardon,andbeginagainasoftenasnecessary,sayingtoGodOurLord:Father,Ihavesinnedagainstheavenandbeforeyou; Iamno longerworthy tobecalledyour son; treatmeasoneof yourhired servants.[307] AndGod,whoisclosetothecontriteofheart,[308]alwayshearsourprayer.Again and again in life wemeet Jesus passing by, as he did of old in those towns of Galilee,

inviting us to come out to meet him and leave our sins behind. Let us not postpone this lovingencounter.Nunccoepi:NowIbegin,oncemore,withyourhelp,OLord.23.3Sorrowisagiftwemustaskfor.Theworksofpenance.Woetoyou,Chorazin!Woetoyou,Bethsaida!Wecanimaginethedisillusionment inOurLord’s

voiceasheutteredthosewords,realizingthatthegracehelavishedsobountifullyonhislistenerswasnot taking root in their souls. From time to time they may have followed him all right, full ofenthusiasmandexpressingtheirappreciationonwitnessingacure,butat thebottomof theirheartstheywereneverreallywithhim.WeforourparthavetoasktheHolySpiritforthemarvellousgiftofcontrition.Weshouldtryto

makemanyactsoflove-sorrow,especiallyifwehaveoffendedOurLordinsomethingserious,andalsowheneverwegotoConfession,whenexaminingourconscience,andthroughouttheday.ItcanhelpalotifwedotheStationsoftheCrossormeditateonOurLord’sPassion.WeshouldnevertireofconsideringJesus’infiniteloveforus,andtheinsultandindignitythatsinrepresentsforhim.Sinceresorrowforsindoesnotnecessarilyrequirehavingtofeelsorry.Justlikelove,sorrowis

an act of the will, not a feeling. And in the same way as one can love God deeply without any

emotional reaction, one can also be truly sorry for sinwithout experiencing anything sentimental.RealsorrowisseenprincipallyinthewayoneunhesitatinglyavoidsalloccasionsofoffendingGodandisreadytodospecificactsofpenanceforanyinfidelitiescommitted.Thesearethethingstohelpusatoneforthepunishmentoursinsdeserve, toovercomebadinclinations,andtostrengthenusindoinggood.WhataretheactsofpenancethatarepleasingtoGod?Theyare:prayer,fasting,almsgiving,small

mortifications, puttinguppatientlywith the disappointments anddifficulties of life, being ready toaccept the monotonous aspects of our job and the tiredness that is part and parcel of work. Inparticular,weshouldalwaysbereadyandeagertogotoConfessionwell,trulysorryforourfaultsandsins.TurntoOurLadyandaskher–asatokenofherloveforyou–forthegiftofcontrition.Askthatyoumaybesorry,withthesorrowofLove,forallyoursinsandforthesinsofallmenandwomenthroughouttheages.Andwiththatsamedisposition,beboldenoughtoadd:‘Mother,mylife,myhope,leadmebythe

hand.AndifthereisanythinginmewhichisdispleasingtomyFatherGodgrantthatImayseeit,sothat,betweenyouandme,thetwoofus,wemayuprootit.’Donotbeafraidtocontinue,sayingtoher:‘Oclement,Oloving,OsweetVirginMary,prayforme,

thatbyfulfillingthemostlovableWillofyourSon,ImaybeworthytoobtainandenjoywhatOurLordJesushaspromised.’[309]

FIFTEENTHWEEK:WEDNESDAY

24.OURFATHERGOD24.1Godisalwaysbyourside.AsMosestendedtheflockofhisfather-in-lawJethronearMountHoreb,theholymountain,God

appearedtohiminaburningbush.ThereMoseswasgiventheextraordinarytask–hislife’swork–ofleadingthechosenpeopleoutoftheslaveryofEgyptintothePromisedLand.Godconfirmedhiminhismissionwiththesewords:Iwillbewithyou.[310]MoseslittleimaginedhowcloselyGodwouldbeaccompanyinghimandthepeopleinthemidstofthetrialsandtribulationsthatawaitedthem.Inourlivestoo,God’spresenceateverymomentissomethingwecanscarcelyfathom.Ittakeson

even greater definition when God sees us on the road to holiness. He is like a father minding atoddler.JesusChrist,trueGodandtrueMan,isalwaysremindingusintheGospelofGod’spaternalconcern.Healonecandothis,sincenooneknowstheFatherexcepttheSonandanyonetowhomtheSonchoosestorevealhim,[311]asHetellsusintoday’sgospel.TheSonknowstheFatherintheveryknowledgebywhich theFatherknowshim.There isnogreater intimacy than that.This identityofknowingandknowledgebespeakstheunityofthedivinenature.Inclaimingit,JesusrevealedthatHewasGod.AstheSon,oneinsubstancewiththeFather,HeisalsoabletorevealtheFather ’srelationshipwith

andattitudetowardsus,andinparticularhisgoodnessingrantingusthegiftoftheHolySpirit.ThemysteryoftheBlessedTrinityisattheheartofwhatHehadtorevealtous,andwithitandinitwefindthewonderofGod’sfatherhood.Duringthatlasteveningintheupperroom,whenHeseemedtobe summingup thoseyears of self-giving and trusting revelation,He said: I havemanifested yournametothemenwhomyougaveme.[312]Tomanifestsomeone’snamereallymeanttorevealhismodeofbeing.OurLordhasrevealedto

usthedepthsofthetrinitarianmystery:thefactthatGodisafather,soclosetousmen.Jesusisalwaysusingthetitle‘Father ’,bothinprivateconversationsandinhispreaching.HedwellsonthegoodnessoftheFather,whorewardsourslightestactionandrecognisesourgooddeeds,eventheonesthatnoonesees,[313]whobestowshisbountyuponthe justandtheunjust,[314]andwho isalwaysawareofandconcernedaboutwhatweneed.[315]Theword‘Father ’ is likeaconstant refrainonOurLord’slips.ThisFatherisneverfaraway,nomorethanwouldbeafatherwhoseeshislittletoddleraloneand indanger. Ifwe try topleasehimwewill findhimbyour side.Whenyou really come to loveGod’sWillyouwillnever,evenintheworststateofagitation,losesightofthefactthatourFatherinHeaven isalwaysclose toyou,veryclose, rightnext toyou,withhiseverlastingLoveandwithhisunboundedaffection.[316]24.2ImitatingChrististhewaytobetruechildrenofGodtheFather.Goddidn’tjustmakeusandthenleaveus,likeapainterwithhispainting.Heisafathertous,and

hasevenbroughtustobepartakersofthedivinenature.[317]TheFather ’sdesirewasthatweshouldbecalledchildrenofGod;andsoweare.[318]BeingchildrenofGodisnotsomethingweachieveonourown;itisagiftfromGod.Ponderingthiswillmakeusthankhimofteneveryday.ThesenseofourdivinefiliationwillbeattherootofourjoyandconfidenceincarryingoutthemissionGodhasgivenus.Initwefindassuranceinthefaceofdifficultyandanguish.Father,myFather,wewillfindourselvessaying,savouringthatgentlebutstrongword‘Father ’,beitattimesofjoyorofdanger.

Callhim‘Father’manytimesadayandtellhim–alone,inyourheart–thatyoulovehim,thatyouadorehim,thatyoufeelproudandstrongbecauseyouarehisson.[319]It is throughChrist thatweshareinthisdivinesonship,aswetrytoresemblehim,thefirst-born

amongmanybrethrenandtheOnly-begottenoftheFather.ThemorelikeJesuswebecome,themoreGodtheFatherwillseeusashischildren,ifwetryto

workasHedid,ifwetoohavepityonthepeoplewemeeteachday,ifwemakereparationforsinandshowourthanks,asJesusdid.ButweachievethisaboveallbyimitatingChrist’sprayertohisFather.ThismeansburstingintopraiseandthanksgivingforthemanyexpressionsofGod’slovewemeet.Ithankyou,Father,Lordofheavenandearth,wereadintoday’sGospel.[320]Thankyou,wewillsay,for bringing that friend of mine back to the sacraments, for helping me with my family, for thechance Iget toopenmyheart inspiritualdirection, indeed foreverything. IfourmindsandheartsturntoGodoften,ingoodtimesandinbad,thenwearelivingasgoodsonsanddaughtersofGodshould.Mysoul,givethankstotheLord,allmybeing,blesshisholyname.Mysoul,givethankstotheLord,andneverforgetallhisblessings.Itishewhoforgivesallyourguilt,whohealseveryoneofyourills,whoredeemsyourlifefromthegrave,whocrownsyouwithloveandcompassion.[321]Let’strytoseepeopleasChristsawthem.Theworldlookssodifferentthroughhiseyes!Itisthe

HolySpiritwhoconfiguresustotheMaster.ForallwhoareledbythespiritofGodaresonsofGod.[322]SaintJohnChrysostomexplainsthatitisthroughthespiritthatwebelongtoChrist,wepossesshim,andweviewiththeangels.Throughthespiritwecrucifytheflesh,wetastethejoyofeternallife,wepossess the pledgeof the resurrectionandmake sure progress on the path of virtue.[323] DivinefiliationistheeasiestwaytoreachtheBlessedTrinity.24.3UnionwithChrist,aconsequenceofdivinefiliation.HowoftenwehavereflectedonGod’smercy,howHechosetobecomemansothatmancould,ina

sense,becomeGod,[324] sharing inGod’svery life.The sanctifyinggracewhichwe receive in thesacramentsandasarewardforourgoodworksidentifiesuswithChristandmakesus‘sonsintheSon,’sinceGodtheFatherhasonlyoneSonanditisonly‘inChrist’thatwecanattaintothisdivinefiliation.Webecomeunitedandidentifiedwithhim,asmembersofhisMysticalBody,asSaintPaulwrotetotheGalatians:ItisnolongerIwholive,butChristwholivesinme.[325]Sowhenwe turn to theFather it is reallyChristwho ispraying inus.Whenwedenyourselves

something forhim,He it iswho inspired thisdetachmentof spirit.Whenwe try tobringsomeonebacktothesacraments,ourapostolicspiritisareflectionofJesus’zealforsouls.Ourworkandoursufferings complete theworks and sufferingswhichOur Lord took on for hisMystical Body theChurch.Thinkofthevaluewhichourdailyworkandoursorrowsassumeinthislight.The interior struggle which brings us, with the help of grace, to be conformed to Christ, also

movesustohavethismindamongyourselves,whichwasinChristJesus;[326]andthisinturnmakesus‘more’childrenofGod,sotospeak.Intheordinarywayonecannotbemoreorlessthesonofone’sfather,thoughonecouldbeabetterorworseone.Inthesupernaturalsphere,theholieroneis,themoreoneisasonordaughterofGod,notjustabetterone.ThisistherealgoaloftheChristian

life:aconstantgrowthindivinefiliation.OurmotherMaryistheperfectexampleofwhatdivinegracecanachievewhenitisfullyavailed

of.Noone,exceptingthesacredHumanityofOurLord,waseverclosertoGod,andnocreatedbeingcouldeverbecometheDaughterofGodtheFatherthatshewas.Let us ask her tomake us seek the counsel of theHolySpirit,whowill get us to imitate Jesus.

UnderhisinfluencewewillfeelthepressingneedtoturntotheFatheratalltimes,butparticularlyatMass,whenwe address him as clementissime Pater –mostmerciful Father,[327] in union with thesacrificeofhisSon.WewillthinkofhimasourFather,callinghimAbba,anointedaswearebythespiritofhisSonwhocriesoutAbba,Father.[328]HewillalsomakeusfeelthehungerandthirstforGodandforhisglorywhichweresoapparentinhisIncarnateSon.TheFatheralsoreceivesgloryfromourgrowingmorelikehisOnly-begottenSon,whobythepoweratworkwithinusisabletodofarmoreabundantlythanallthatweaskorthink.[329][330]

FIFTEENTHWEEK:THURSDAY

25.OURLORD’SYOKEISLIGHT25.1JesusChristfreesusfromtheheaviestburdens.Cometome,allwholabourandareheavyladen,Jesusdeclarestousintoday’sGospel,[331]andI

willgiveyourest.Heisspeakingtothecrowdsfollowinghim,harassedanddowntrodden,likesheepwithoutashepherd,[332]liftingtheloadsthatoppressedthem.ThePhariseeswerecrushingthemwithaseriesofminuterules[333]whichneverbroughtpeacetotheirhearts.Theheaviestweightsthatmencarryaretheirsins,asSaintAugustinepointedout.Jesustellspeople

who are sweating under heavy and useless burdens, ‘Come tome ... and Iwill give you rest.’Howcould He relieve those weighed down by sin except by forgiving them?[334] Every confession is aliberation, for sins – even venial ones – are a wearisome oppression. We come away from thissacramentatpeace,readytostruggleafresh.ItisasthoughHesaid:Allyouwhoaretormentedandafflicted,labouringbeneaththeburdenofanxietyanddesire,castitasidebycominguntoMe,andIwillrefreshyou;andyoursoulsshallfindthatrestofwhichyourdesiresrobyou.[335]OurLordinvitesustoexchangehisyokefortheburdenofsin,prideandselfishness:Takemyyoke

uponyou,andlearnfromme;forIamgentleandlowlyinheart,andyouwillfindrestforyoursouls.Formyyokeiseasy,andmyburdenislight.SaintAugustineremarks:Thisburdenisnotaweightatall, it iswingstoflywith.[336]Thecommitmentsofourvocationandtheshareof theCrossweareaskedtobearareablessedweightwhichallowsustosoartoGod.In any case, ifwe keep close toChristwewill find that the inevitable hitches and problemswe

encountertakeonadifferentmeaning.InsteadofbeingourcrosstheybecomeChrist’s,bringingustoco-redeemwithhimaswepurifyourevilinclinationsandgrowinvirtue.Butwewillstillhearthevoicesofthosewhoseenoneedforsacrifice.Theyaregood-livingpeople,nodoubt,buttheirfaithisdead.Hetoldyouthatthiswayisveryhard.And,onhearingit,youheartilyagreed,rememberingthatbitabouttheCrossbeingasuresignofthetrueway...Butyourfriendnoticedonlytheroughpartoftheroad,withoutbringingtomindJesus’promise:‘Myyokeissweet.’Remindhimaboutit,because–perhapswhenherealisesit–hewillgivehimself,[337]andrealise

thathetoohasbeencalledtoholiness.Wemust shout to the fourwinds that followingChrist is a joyful road and evenwhen it passes

undertheCrossitismarkedwithoptimismandpeace.Thetrialsarethemostfruitfulstretchesofall.Bees liveand feedonbitter foodwhenmaking theirhoney; in thesameway,wecanneverpractisegentlenessandpatienceorproducehoneyfromsuchexcellentvirtuesmoresurelythanwheneatingthebreadofbitternessandlivinginthemidstofafflictions.[338]25.2Wehavetobereadyforsorrow,fordifficultiesandobstacles.Nobodycanexpecttogothroughlifewithoutsorrow,painorworry.AChristiancannotmakethe

mistakewhichSaintGregorytheGreatdescribedasfollows:Therearesomewhowishtobehumble,butwithoutbeingdespised,whowishtobehappywiththeirlot,butwithoutbeingneedy,whowishtobe chaste, without mortifying the body, to be patient without suffering. They want both to acquirevirtuesandtoavoidthesacrificesthosevirtuesinvolve:theyarelikesoldierswhofleethebattlefieldandtrytowinthewarfromthecomfortofthecity.[339]Virtuescannotbehadwithouteffortandtrials.Sotherewillalwaysbeproblems,worriesandsorrows.Sometimestheywillseemeasyandother

timeshardtobear;butifwekeepclosetoOurLordwewillalwaysmanage.Whethertheyarebigorsmall,ifweacceptthemandofferthemtoGodtheywillnotbeaweight;infacttheywillenableoursoultoprayandtoseeGodineverythingthathappens.AnyproblemthatGodpermitscanbesolvedanditsburdenborneifweturntohimforhelp.Ifaparticularlyseriousdifficultyshouldarise,Godwill provide more grace. If it is God who lays the burden upon you, God will also give you thestrengthtobearit.[340]Inthislifetrialsandtribulationsarethenormalthing.ThiswaswhatSaintPeterwarnedtheearly

Christians:Beloved,donotbe surprisedat the fieryordealwhichcomesuponyou toproveyou,asthoughsomethingstrangewerehappeningtoyou.[341]Soweshouldnotbesurprisedeither,especiallyknowingthattheCrossistherightroadtohappinessandeffectiveness.Godoftenpermitstribulationstoafflict thoseHeloves tomakethemmorefruitful. Ifabranchis joinedto thevineandisgivingfruit,thatbranchHeprunesthatitmaybearmorefruit.[342]ButHeneverleavesustofaceitonourown,andhestaysclosetohisfriendswhentheyfeelthemselvestobeunderpressure.25.3Facing adversity in a sensible and realisticway,with joyful courage.Weare to flee fromdiscouragement.Godgivesonlygoodgifts.Ifhepermitspainorsorrow,financialorfamilyproblems,allthisis

forthesakeofsomethingbetter.Weoften find thatGod blesses his favouriteswith theCross andwith the grace to carry itwith

spirit,fromboththehumanandsupernaturalpointsofview.Towardstheendofherlife,whenSaintTeresawasonherwaytomakeanewfoundation,shefoundtheroadblockedbyextensiveflooding.Havingspentanightinaninnwhichofferedsuchpoorhospitalitythattherewerenoproperbeds,[343]shesetoffagainthenextmorning,forthiswastheLord’swill.Hehadtoldher:Makenoaccountofthecold,forIamtrueheat.Thedevilismakingeveryefforttohinderthisfoundation.Dothoumakeeveryeffortinitsfavour,andgoinpersonwithoutfail,foritwillbringtheegreatadvantage.[344]SowhennextdayshedecidedtocrosstheriverArlanzonshefounditwasjustanenormousseaofwater,withthewoodenpontoonsscarcelyvisible.[345]Thosewatchingfromtheriver-banksawthecarriageshewasinswayingonthebrinkofthetorrent.Shejumpedoutawkwardly,uptoherkneesinwater,andhurtherselfintheprocess.Wrylyshecomplained:Somuchtoputupwithandyousendmethis!Jesusreplied:Teresa,that’showItreatmyfriends.Shewasnotlostforananswer:Smallwonderyouhavesofew![346]Soonhergoodhumourandthatofhertravelling-companionsreturned,foroncethedangerwaspassed,theyenjoyedtalkingaboutit.[347]Godwantsustobeardifficultiespeacefullyandfirmly,beinghappytoplaceourtrustinhim.He

neverletshisfriendsdown,especiallywhentheironlycareistodohiswill.Whenwekneelbeforethe tabernacle,perhapsuttering thewordsAdoro tedevote, latensdeitas–Godheadhere inhiding,whom I do adore – we realise that as long as we are with Christ the yoke is easy and the mostawkward burden is light. He it is who helps us to bear up and tackle problems with spirit andconfidenceandwith thegoodhumourof thesaints.Thisattitudedoesagreatdealofgoodboth toourselvesandourneighbour.Itisamatteroffacingthingswhichareunpleasantorpainful,andwhichgoagainstourplans,ina

cheerfulway,likeanathlete.Wealsoneedastraightforwardattitudewhichdoesn’tinventimaginaryproblems and sorrows for us, or make us start suspecting the arrival of all sorts of complicatedscenarios. For even when the problems are real enough we can find ourselves giving too muchimportancetothem.Webegintothinkwearedoingnothingright,thatthingsaregoingfrombadtoworse,thatourapostolateisgettingnowhereandthatweareunabletoswimagainstthecurrent.This

kind of attitude can creep in because we forget about the surest fact of all, that we are sons anddaughters of God, and that from the difficulties of these situations his grace will always draw agreatergood.WithhispresenceandtheprotectionofOurLady,refugiumnostrumetvirtus–ourrefugeandour

strength–wewillweighuptheproblemsandseekhelpinspiritualdirection,andwewilloftenfindthatwhathadseemedsodifficultcaneasilybecopedwith.Thatsortofoptimisticandcheerfulspiritisabsolutelyessential forgrowing inGod’s loveanddoingapostolate,andasoulwhichhasfacedadversitytherebybecomesstrong,generousandlong-suffering.Suchtrialsareourgreatopportunitytotoughenourselvesupandtodeepenourlove.

FIFTEENTHWEEK:FRIDAY

26.OURLORD’SPASSOVER26.1TheJewishPassover.The Passover was the most solemn feast of the Jewish year; it had been instituted by God to

commemorate the exodusof theHebrewpeople fromEgypt and to recall annually their liberationfrom theslavery towhich theyhadbeensubjected.TheLordestablished[348] thaton theeveof thefeast every family would sacrifice a lamb: it had to be one year old and with no blemish ordisfigurement.Thewholefamilywouldgathertoeattheanimalroastedonanopenfire,alongwithbreadthathadnotbeenleavened,andwithbitterherbs.TheunleavenedbreadsymbolizedthehasteoftheirexodusfromEgypt,fleeingfromPharaoh’sarmies;thebitterherbsrepresentedthebitternessofthemanyyearsofslavery.Theyhadtoeat ithurriedly,with their feetshodandwithstaves in theirhands,likepeoplereadytodepartonajourney.Thefeastbeganwiththepaschalmealshortlyaftersunsetontheeveningofthe14thofNisan,the

firstmonthoftheHebrewyear,andwentonforafurthersevendays;duringthistimenoyeastwasused in baking bread,whence it becameknown as theAzymes, orDays ofUnleavenedBread.Allyeastwasremovedfromthehousesintheeveningofthe14th;inthiswaytheHebrewpeoplerecalledthatsuddenexodusfromthelandinwhichtheyhadsufferedsomuch.AllthiswasafigureandimageoftherenewalwhichChristwouldbringaboutintheirsouls,and

oftheirliberationfromtheslaveryofsin.Cleanseouttheoldleaventhatyoumaybeanewlump,asyou really are unleavened. For Christ, our paschal lamb has been sacrificed. Let us, therefore,celebratethefestival,notwiththeoldleaven,theleavenofmaliceandevil,butwiththeunleavenedbreadofsincerityandtruth.[349]ThepaschallamboftheJewishfeastwasapromiseandfigureofthetrueLamb,JesusChrist,immolatedinthesacrificeofCalvaryonbehalfofthewholehumanrace.[350]HeisthetrueLambwhohastakenawaythesinsoftheworld;bydyinghehasdestroyedourdeath,andby rising, restoredour life.[351]He is theLambwho, by his voluntary sacrifice, really obtainswhat the sacrifices of theOldLawmerely symbolized, namely, satisfaction toGod for the sins ofmankind.Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, renewed each time Mass is celebrated, enables us to live in a

continuousstateofcelebration.ForthatreasonSaintPaulexhortedtheCorinthianstocleanseouttheoldleaven,asymbolofallthatisoldandimpure,sothattheymightleadanauthenticChristianlife.[352]TheMass,whichwecanalsomakepresentthroughoutourday,isaforetasteofheavenlyglory.Havingreceivedsomanybenefits,isitpossiblenottobeinastateofcontinuouscelebrationduringyour earthly life? asks Saint John Chrysostom. Far from us be any flagging of spirit because ofpoverty,sicknessorthepersecutionswhichoppressus.Thepresentlifeisatimeforcelebrating,[353]aforetasteofeverlastinggloryandhappiness.26.2OurLord’sLastSupperwithhisdisciples.ThetruePaschalLamb.Jesus signalled in advance, andwith special emphasis, the last Passover Hewas to eat with his

disciples;[354]andmadethemseehowearnestlyHedesiredtoeatitwiththem.[355]JohnandPeterpreparedeverythingnecessary–theunleavenedbread,thebitterherbs,thecupsfor

thewine,and the lamb,whichhad tobesacrificed thatafternoon in theatriumof theTemple.Thatevening,probablyinthehouseofMarythemotherofMark,theinstitutionoftheHolyEucharisttook

place, and the New Covenant, which was to be fulfilled the following day, was brought forwardsacramentally.AtonetabletwoPassoversarecelebrated,thatofthefigureandthatofthereality.Justasapainter,onthesamesurface,firsttracestheoutlineandthenaddsthecolours,sotoodoesChrist.[356]Usingtheoldrite,HeestablishedthetruePassover,thefeastparexcellence,ofwhichtheformerwasonlyafigure.ThebitterherbsnowhaveacloselinkwiththebitternessofthePassionwhichwasabouttotakeplace.The paschal meal was a sacrifice, the sacrifice of the Lord’s Passover.[357] TheMass is also a

sacrifice,beingtheunbloodybutrealrenewalofthesacrificeoftheCross.AttheLastSupperJesusbroughtforwardinasacramentalform–mybodywhichwillbegivenupforyou,mybloodshedforyou–thesacrificewhichhewastoaccomplishthefollowingdayonCalvary.OnceandforallJesusreplaced theold ritewithhis redeeming sacrifice.Thatnight in theCenaclewas fulfilled theeventfromwhich countless generations of people have obtained life, andwhich is the centre of our veryexistence.Ohappyplace,exclaimsSaintEphraem,inwhichthepaschallambcomesouttomeettheLambofTruth!...Ohappyplace!Neverwastherepreparedatablelikeyours,neitherinthehouseofkings,norintheTabernacle,norintheHolyofHolies.[358]WiththewordsDothisinmemoryofmeOurLordmadeitpossibleforthismysteryoflovetobe

repeateduntiltheendoftime,grantingtheApostlesandtheirsuccessorsthepowerofperformingit.[359] How thankful we should be for this share in the countless benefits we receive in HolyCommunion!HowclosetousisthatsameJesuswhogavehimselfupcompletelytohisdisciplesandallmankindonthatmemorablenight.Wecannowtellhim,intheintimacyofourheart:Iloveyou,LordJesus,withmywholeheart,mywholesoulandmywholestrength;andifyouseethatIdon’tloveyouasIought,Idesireatleasttoloveyouso;andifIdon’tdesireitsufficiently,Iwantatleasttodesireitinthisway...OmostsacredBodytornopenbyfivewounds,putyourselfasasealuponmyheartandimpressyourcharityuponit!Sealmyfeet,thatImayfollowyoursteps;sealmyhands,thattheymayalwaysdogoodworks;sealmysidethatitmayeverburninferventactsofloveforyou.OmostpreciousBloodthatwashescleanandpurifiesallmen!WashmysoulandputasignonmyfacesothatImayneverloveanyoneelsebutThee.[360]26.3TheMass,centreoftheinteriorlife.AtthatlastPassoverJesusofferedhimselftohisFatherasavictimtobeimmolated,asthemost

pureLamb.Andboth that Supper and theMass constitute one single and perfect sacrificewith theoblationofferedonCalvary,becauseinallthreecasesthevictimofferedandthepriestwhooffersisthesame,namely,Christ.[361]WehavetomaketheMassthecentreofourwholelife.Keeptrying,sothattheHolySacrificeofthe

Altarreallybecomesthecentreandtherootofyourinteriorlife,andsoyourwholedaywillturnintoanactofworship–anextensionoftheMassyouhaveattendedandapreparationforthenext.Yourwholedaywillthenbeanactofworshipthatoverflowsinaspirations,visitstotheBlessedSacramentandtheofferinguptoGodofyourdailyworkandyourfamilylife.[362]Letusprepareourselves forMassas ifOurLordhad inviteduspersonally to that lastPassover

whichHeatewithhisclosestfriends.Everydaywehavetohearinourheart,asifaddressedtous,thosewords ofOur Lord:Desiderio desideravi hoc Paschamanducare vobiscum, I have earnestlydesiredtoeatthispassoverwithyou.[363]GreatisJesus’desire,manyarethegracesHeispreparingforus.ThestoryistoldofSaintJohnoftheCrossthat,onreceivingthenewsofthedeathofapriestwho

hadjustbeenordained,heaskedifhehadmanagedtosayMassatallbeforehedied,andonhearing

thathehadonlybeenabletodosoonce,thesaintissaidtohaveremarked:‘Howmuchhewillhavetoaccount toGodfor.’LetusconsidernowduringthisperiodofprayerhowwellwecelebrateortakepartintheHolySacrificeoftheAltar;andwhatcanwesayofourdesires,ourpreparation,oureffortstopreventothermattersoccupyingourmind,ouractsoffaithandoflove,duringthatalltoobrief period of time we devote to hearing Mass and to making our thanksgiving after HolyCommunion?If,withthehelpofgrace,wereallyworkatit,theMasswilltrulybeforusthecentretowhichwe

referallourpracticesofpiety,ourfamilyandsocialduties,ourworkandourapostolate;itwillalsobecome the fountainwherewe recover our strength to begin again each day; the summit towardswhichwedirectour steps,ourworks,our apostolicdesires and themost intimate longingsofoursoul;itwillalsobetheheartwhencewelearntoloveotherswhohavedefectsjustlikeourown,andwholikeourselveshavetheirownlessattractivefeatures.IfwemanagetolovetheMassalittlemoreeachday,wewillbeable to say toOurLordduring the thanksgivingafterHolyCommunion; I’mleavingyounowforawhile,LordJesus,butI’mnotgoingwithoutyou,whoaremyconsolation,myjoyandallthegoodofmysoul...Fromnowon,whateverIdo,Iwilldoforyouandthroughyou,andnothingwillbetheobjectofallmywordsandactionssaveyou,mylove.[364]

FIFTEENTHWEEK:SATURDAY

27.HEWILLNOTCRUSHTHEBRUISEDREED27.1ThegentlenessandmercyofChrist.TheGospelof today’sMassshowsusJesusdrawingaway from thePhariseesbecause theyheld

counsel...howtodestroyhim.[365]Althoughhewithdrewtoasaferplace–perhapsinGalilee–manyfollowed him, and he healed them all, and ordered them not to make him known.[366] This is theoccasion which Saint Matthew, moved by the Holy Spirit, identifies as the fulfilment of Isaiah’sprophecyabout theServantofYahweh, inwhich theMessiah– Jesus– is prefigured invery clearterms.Beholdmyservant,whomIuphold,mychoseninwhommysouldelights;IhaveputmySpirituponhim,hewill bring forth justice to thenations.Hewill not cryor lift uphis voice, ormake itheardinthestreet;abruisedreedhewillnotbreak,andadimlyburningwickhewillnotquench.[367]TheMessiahhadbeenforeseeninhisprophecybyIsaiah,notasaconqueringking,butasserving

and healing mankind. His mission is characterized by gentleness, faithfulness and mercy. Theevangelistpointsout that thisprophecywasbeingfulfilledin thepersonofJesus.[368]Bymeansoftwoverybeautifulimagestheprophetdescribesthegentleness,sweetnessandmercyoftheMessiah.Thebruisedreed,thedimlyburningwick,representalltypesofmiseries,sufferingsandpunishmentswhichmankindsuffers.Hedoesnotfinallysnapthebrokenreed;onthecontrary,hebendsoverit,straightensitwithexquisitecareandgivesitthestrengthandlifeitneeds.Likewisehedoesnotsnuffout thewickofa lampwhich ison thepointofgoingout,but ratherdoesallhecan to restore itsflametoburnbrightlyoncemore.ThisisJesus’wayofdealingwithpeople.In everyday life we sometimes say that ‘there is no known cure’ for a particular disease, and

healingisassumedtobeoutofthequestion.Itisnotlikethatinthespirituallife.JesusistheDoctorwhoneverconsidersthosewhoaresickinsoultobeirretrievablylost.Forhimnobodyisahopelesscase.Themosthardenedcriminal,themostinveteratesinner,isneverabandonedbytheMaster;Hecomestotherescuewithamedicinethatcanheal.Christcansensetheopennesstoconversionwhichlieshiddeninthesoulofeveryindividual.InhispatienceandloveHeneverwritesanybodyoff;we,forourpart,couldaskourselvesnowifweeverthinkofanybodyasbeing‘beyondredemption’?Ifweourselvesareeverunfortunateenoughtofindweareapparentlylost,arewegoingtoabandonourconfidenceintheOnewhosaidHehadcometoseekandsavewhatwaslost?MaryMagdalen was like the bruised reed, and so was the good thief, and the woman taken in

adultery.Peteriswonbackwhenheisdistraughtbythedenialsofthatunhappynight,andheisnotevenmadetopromisethathewon’tdenyOurLordagain.Heisonlyasked:Simon,sonofJohn,doyouloveme?Thatisthequestionweareallaskedwheneverwehaven’tbeenfaithful:Doyouloveme?EachConfessionisalso,andaboveall,anactoflove.Todayletusthinkabouthowwelove,andhowwerespondtothatquestionofOurLord’s.27.2Jesusgivesnooneupforlost.Abruisedreedhewillnotbreak,andadimlyburningwickhewillnotquench.Jesus’mercy forpeoplenever faltered for amoment, despite all the ingratitude, difficulties and

hatredheencountered.HisloveformenissogreatbecauseHeisconcernedaboveallfortheirsouls,and tobring themwithhispowerfulhelp toeternal life; at the same time, itknowsnoboundsand

extendstoallmankind.HeistheGoodShepherdofoursouls,whoknowsusallandcallseachoneofusbyourname,[369]andleavesnoneabandonedonthemountainside.Hehasgivenhislifeforeachmanandwoman.Whenasoulstrays,Christ’simmediatereactionistodoallHecantohelpitreturn,andwecanvisualizehimwatchingdailytocatchaglimpseofitinthedistance.Wheneversomeoneoffendshimgrievously,HetriestodrawhimtohismercifulHeart.Hedoesn’tbreakthebruisedreed,hedoesn’tfinallysnapitoffandthrowitaway.Instead,hemendsitverycarefully,givingitall theattentionitneeds.WhatdoesHesaytothosewhoaredevastatedbysin,orwhonolongergiveanylightbecausethe

divinefireintheirsoulhasgoneout?Cometome,allwholabourandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest.[370]Hehaspityonthegreatmisfortunetheyhavesufferedonaccountofsin,andleadsthemtorepentancewithoutjudgingthemharshly.Heisthefatherwhoembraceshisprodigalsonafterhehas fallen into disgrace through his own fault.He it is who pardons the adulterouswomanwho isbeingthreatenedwithstoning.HereceivestherepentantMagdalenandimmediatelyopenstoherthemystery of his intimate life. He speaks about eternal life to the Samaritan woman in spite of herwaywardness;Hepromisesheaventothegoodthief.TrulyinhimarefulfilledthewordsoftheprophetIsaiah:‘Abruisedreedhewillnotbreak,andadimly-burningwickhewillnotquench’.[371]Nooneeverlovedus,orwillloveus,asChristdoes;nooneunderstandsusbetterthanHe.When

the faithful of Corinth went about, divided, saying to one another: ‘I belong to Paul, I belong toApollos, I belong toCephas, I belong toChrist,’SaintPaulwrites to them:WasPaul crucified foryou?[372]Thatistheultimateargument.Wecannever losehope.Godwantsus tobesaints,andputshispowerandhisprovidenceat the

serviceofhismercy.Therefore,wecannotpassthetimedwellingonourevilfortune,losingsightofGod, getting discouraged by our failures, feeling tempted to say: ‘What’s the use of trying,consideringhowmuchIhavesinned,howmuchIhavefailedmyLord?’No,wemusttrustintheloveandpowerofOurFatherGod,andinhisSon,sentintotheworldtoredeemandstrengthenus.[373]Itisverygoodforoursoultoseeourselves,inOurLord’ssight,likeabruisedreedwhichneedsa

lotofcare,likeaflickeringwickwhichneedstheoilofdivineloveinordertoburnasGodwants!Weneverlosehopeaslongaswerealizethatweareweak,fullofdefectsanddirt.OurLordneverleavesus;wejustneedtousethemeansandnotrejectthehandthatHeoffersus.27.3Ourbehaviourtowardsothershastobefullofcompassion,understandingandmercy.Jesus’meeknessandmercyfortheweakareforusapointertothepathweshouldfollowinorder

tobringourfriendstohim,forinhisnamewilltheGentileshope.[374]Christisthesavinghopeoftheworld.We cannot be surprised by the ignorance, the errors, hard-heartedness and resistance which

characterize so many people’s journey towards God. Our attitude towards them has to be one ofsincereesteem,understandingandpatience.Becausehebreaksthebruisedreedwhodoesnotgiveahand to the sinner, nor carries his brother’s burden; and he puts out the smouldering torch whodespises,inthosewhostillbelievebutlittle,thetinysparkofthefaith.[375]Our friends, all the different peoplewe come across, have to discover in our friendship or our

attitudeafirmsupportfortheirfaith.Ifwewanttobeforthemasourceofstrength,thenwehavetobeclosetothemintheirweakness.Wehavetolookuponthemwitheyesofmercy,asChristdoes,withgenuineesteem,acceptingthechiaroscuro–theinterplayoflightandshadow–oftheirstrengthsandweaknesses.Ontheonehand,weshouldbearinmindthatifwearetoserveothers,forChrist’ssake, we need to be very human ...We have to understand everyone; wemust live peaceably with

everyone;wemust forgive everyone.[376]On the other hand,we shall not call injustice, justice;weshallnot say thatanoffenceagainstGod isnotanoffenceagainstGod,or thatevil isgood.Whenconfronted by evil we shall not reply with another evil, but rather with sound doctrine and goodactions:drowningevil inanabundanceofgood(cfRom12:21).That’showChristwillreigninoursoulsandinthesoulsofthepeoplearoundus.[377]Thefruitsofthisattitudeofourstowardsallthepeoplewemeet–veryunderstanding,andatthe

sametimeveryhighlymotivated–aresorewarding,bothforuspersonallyaswellasforthem,thattheymakeiteasytoseethemassouls,whenwefindthemsomuchinneed,asOurLorddid.Itisnotsufficient,writesacontemporaryauthor,tovaluebrilliantmenbecausetheyarebrilliant,

orgoodmenbecausetheyaregood.[378]Wemustvalueeachmanbecauseheisman,whetherhebeignorant,oruneducated,orinsignificant.Andwewillnotbeabletodothatunlessourconceptionofwhatmanismakeshimtheobjectofouresteem.TheChristianknowsthateverymanistheimageofGod,thathehasanimmortalspiritandthatChristdiedforhim.Frequentconsiderationofthistruthwillhelpusnot to cutourselvesoff fromothers, especiallywhen theirdefects, their lackofgoodupbringingandtheirbadbehaviouraremoreapparent.FollowingOurLord’sexample,wewillnevercrush the bruised reed. Like the good Samaritan in the parable, we will approach the woundedwayfarerandbandagehiswounds,andalleviatehissufferingswiththebalmofourcharity.AndonedaywewillhearthesesweetwordsfromOurLord’slips:Asyoudidittooneofthesetheleastofmybrethren,youdidittome.[379]NobodyknowsthemysteryofdivinemercyasMarydoes.Sheknowsthepriceofitandhowgreat

itis.Inthatsense,wealsocallherMotherofmercy...Motherofdivinemercy.[380]Wegotohernowaswecometotheendofourmeditation,inthecertaintythatshealwaysleadsustoJesusandurgesustobeunderstandingandmerciful,asherSonis.

SIXTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARA

28.THECOCKLEOFFALSEDOCTRINE28.1Therelevanceoftheparableoftheweeds.IntheGospeloftoday’sMassOurLordteachesustheparableofthewheatandthecockle.[381]The

worldislikeafieldwhereGodiscontinuallysowingtheseedofhisgrace;thisdivineseedtakesrootinthesoulandproducesfruitsofholiness.Jesusoffersushisgracewithsuchwonderfullove!Forhimeachofusisunique,andinordertoredeemusHedidnothesitatetoassumeourhumannature.Heprepareduslikegoodsoilandbestoweduponushissavingdoctrine.Butwhilemenweresleeping,hisenemycameandsowedweedsamongthewheat,andwentaway.Theweedinquestion–cockle-seed–isaplantthatisoftenfoundgrowingincerealcropsinthe

MiddleEast.Itresembleswheatsocloselythateventothefarmer ’spractisedeyeitisimpossibletotellthetwoplantsapartuntilthestalksbegintomature,atwhichstagethecocklecanberecognizedbyitsslenderearandemaciatedgrain;itisquitetoxictohumans,andifmixedwithflourwillruinbread.[382]Sowingcockleamongthewheatwasaformofrevengenotunheardofinthosecountries.Periodicplaguesofcocklewereverymuchfearedbythepeasants,becausetheycouldcausethemtolosetheirentireharvest.The Fathers of theChurch have understood the cockle to be ametaphor for false doctrine,[383]

whichisnoteasytodistinguishfromthetruth,aboveallatthebeginning,becauseitispropertothedevil tomix falsehoodwith truth;[384] and if error is allowed to flourish it alwayshas catastrophiceffectsonthepeopleofGod.Thisparablehaslostnoneofitsrelevancenowadays:wecanseethatmanyChristianshavefallen

asleepandhaveallowedtheenemytosowbadseedwithtotalimpunity.ThereispracticallynotruthoftheCatholicFaithwhichhasn’tbeencalledintoquestion.Wehavetobeverycarefulindeed,bothwithourselvesandwithanybodyweareresponsiblefor,inthewholeareaofmagazines,television,booksandnewspapers,allofwhichcanbea real sourceof falsedoctrineandwhich requireus tomakeaspecialefforttolookafterouron-goingformationinthedoctrinalarea.Ifweare tobefaithful toall therequirementsof theChristianvocationwehavetobeconstantly

watchfulandnotletourselvesbecaughtoffguard,becauseoncefalsedoctrinemanagestotakerootinthesoulitquicklygivesrisetosterilityandtoestrangementfromGod.Weneedtobewatchfultoointheareaofouraffections,andnotfoolourselveswithexcusesabouthowatourtimeoflife‘thingsdon’taffectus’;andweshouldbecarefulalsoabouttheeffectofsuchfalseideasonthosewhomGodhasentrustedtoourcare.28.2Wehavetogivedoctrinebyeveryavailablemeans.Error and ignorance have been the cause of many disasters. The prophet Hosea, on seeing the

ChosenPeoplefarfromthehappinesstowhichtheyhadbeencalled,wrote:Mypeoplearedestroyedforlackofknowledge.[385]Wetoocanseegreatmassesofourfellowmensteepedinsinandmisery,distraughtandtotallyconfusedbecausetheyarebereftofdivinetruth.Manypeoplearecarriedalongbythelatestfashionsandbyideasdictatedbyafewveryinfluentialindividuals,orletthemselvesbeledastraybyfalselogic,almostalwayswiththeconnivanceoftheirownlowernature.The enemy of God and of soulsmakes use of every trick known toman.We hear about news

reports being totally distorted, or even about certain major events that never get reported at all.

Television series watched by huge audiences night after night portray totally pagan lifestyles,ridiculing chastity and celibacy, promoting the notion that abortion and euthanasia are somehowacceptable, casting doubt on the value of the sacraments, and in general presenting an idea of lifewhollyincompatiblewithChristianity,asifChristhadnevercometoredeemusandremindusthatour homeland is in Heaven. And all this is done with an astonishing energy and persistence. The‘enemy’neverletsup.If we want to follow in the Master ’s footsteps we can’t stand idly by as if everything were

irredeemably lost andas ifnothingcanbedoneabout it.History isnot inanywaypredetermined,certainlynotinthedirectionofevil,andGodhasmadeusfreeinorderthatwemaydirecttheworldtohim.This is a task for everyone: every singleChristian isdutybound todispel ignorance frommen’sminds.Andeventhoughsomeprofessionshaveagreaterinfluencethanothersinpubliclife,all of us can and ought to sow the seed of good doctrine attractively and congenially at everyopportunity,inthecircleofourfamilyorfriendsandamongourcolleaguesatwork:lettingthemseeforthemselvestheattractivenessoftruth;beingreadytounmaskfalsehood;gettingpeopletoattendformativeactivitieslikeretreats,circlesandspiritualdirection;recommendingthemgoodbooksondoctrinal topics; and inspiring them by our example to behave as goodChristians. Thanks to oursteady andunwavering attitude,manypeoplewill feel encouraged to tackle this avalancheof falsedoctrinethatpoursdownaroundus,andtheyinturnwillbecomeaninspirationforotherswhoarestillindarkness.AndwewillexperiencethetruthofthatphraseofTertullian’sinwhichhedescribesthepaganworldwhichrejectedChrist:theyceasetohatewhoceasetobeignorant.[386]Wehave to takeadvantageof the thousandandoneopportunitiesweget indaily life to sow the

goodseedofChrist–when,forexample,travelling,orreadinganewspaper,orchattingwithfriends,orattendingtoourchildren’seducation,ortakingpartintheactivityofaprofessionalassociation,orvotinginanelection.Manysuchopportunitieswillarisespontaneously,likelifeitself;andotherswewillcreatedeliberately,withthehelpofgraceandournativeability,allintheserviceofChrist:wearehisvoiceintheworld.28.3Wehavetosmotherthecockleingoodseed,andnotmissasingleopportunity.Thespreadofthecocklecanonlybecounteredbyanevengreaterabundanceofgooddoctrine:we

havetoovercomeevilwithgood,[387]livingoutourconvictionsindailylife,whichistheessenceofnaturalness.Wearecalledtoseekholinessinthemiddleoftheworld,inthefulfilmentofordinaryduties;and this requiresus tobeactivelypresent in thewholerangeofhumanexperience. It isnotenoughtobemoantheevilsofourtimeandalltheirpowerfulallies,aboveallatatimewhenasubtlepersecutioncondemnstheChurchtodieofstarvation,puttingitoutsidethesphereofpubliclife,andaboveallobstructingitspartineducation,cultureandfamilylife.Thesearenotourrights; theyareGod’srights.Hehasentrusted themtousCatholicsso thatwe

mayexercisethem![388]Itistimetocomeoutboldlywithallthemeansatourdisposal,plentifulornot,andnottowastea

singleopportunity,aswellas telling those friendsofourswhohavestarted to follow theMaster ’sfootstepsthatheneedsthemtohelpmanypeoplelearntoknowandlovehim.Wecanaskourselvesnowinourprayer:WhatcanIdo–inmyfamily,atwork,inschool,inthesocietiesorsportsclubswhich I belong to, with my neighbours – to make Christ really present with his grace and histeaching?Whatformativeactivitiesaremostsuitableformyparticularsituation?Fashionscomeandgo,and, throughoureffort,ouroptimism,ourholyhumanandsupernatural

stubbornness, we Christians will manage to change all the things that are steadfastly opposed to

Christ’sdoctrine.TheFirstReadingoftoday’sMassencouragesustotrustinGod’spower:Youshowyourstrengthwhenmendoubtthecompletenessofyourpower,andyourebukeanyinsolenceamongthosewhoknowit.[389]Nothingisinevitable,everythingcanbechanged,providedtherearemenandwomenwholoveChristenoughandaredeterminedtomaketheirsurroundingsconformtothewillofGod.Forthisweneedthehelpofgrace,whichisnotlacking,andtohaveeachmanandwomanreally towant tobeGod’s instrument inhisorherplace in society, and showwith theirwordandexamplethatChrist’steachingistheonlywaytobringjoyandhappinesstotheworld.Thatiswhyyouhave to ... carry your own environment aboutwith you in a naturalmanner, and so give your own‘tone’tothesocietyinwhichyoulive.And then, if you have acquired this spirit, I am sure youwill tellmewith the amazement of the

disciplesastheycontemplatedthefirst-fruitsofthemiraclesbeingworkedattheirhandsinChrist’sname:‘There’snodenyingourinfluenceontheenvironment!’[390]

SIXTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARB

29.RESTANDRECREATION29.1Sanctifyingrestandrecreation.IntheFirstReading[391]theprophetJeremiahtellsus:Iwillgathertheremnantofmyflock...andI

willbringthembacktotheirfold,andtheyshallbefruitfulandmultiply.TheprophecyisreferringtotheMessiah’scarefulattentiontoeverymemberofthehumanrace.Nearrestfulwatersheleadsme,torevivemydroopingspirit,wereadintheResponsorialPsalm.[392]TheGospel[393]on thisSundayshowsus Jesus’ solicitude forhisdisciples, tiredoutas theyare

after an apostolicmission to the neighbouring towns and villages.Come away by yourselves to alonelyplace,andrestawhile,Hesaystothem.AndtheEvangelistexplainsthat thereweresomanypeoplecomingandgoingatthattimethattheyhadnoleisureeventoeat.Andtheywentawayintheboat toa lonelyplaceby themselves.Whatmarvellous things Jesusmust have asked themand toldthem![394]Ourlife,liketheirs,isoneofservicetoChrist,toourfamilyandtosociety;itisalifeofworkand

ofdedicationtosouls.Andsoweshouldn’tbesurprisedifwesometimesfeeltiredandneedarest.Inourfreetimeweneedtorecuperateourenergiesifwearetoservebetterandalsoavoidinjuringourhealth.Ifthislatterweretohappenitwould,amongotherconsiderations,haverepercussionsonthepeoplearoundus,onthequalityofwhatweoffertoGodandonourapostolictask;itwouldaffecttheproper attention to children, to husband or wife, to our brothers or sisters, to our friends; ourapostolate,andtheattentionandformationofthepeoplewhomOurLordhasplacedunderourcare,wouldallsufferasaresult.Onoccasionwemaybeseriouslyobligedtotakearest.SaintGregoryNazianzencommentsthata

cordcannotendureconstanttension,andanarcherneedstoloosentheendsofabowifhewantstobeabletodrawitagainlateron.[395]Godwillsthatasfarasweourselvesareconcernedweshouldtakecaretobeingoodphysicalcondition,becauseHeexpectsalotofus.SeehowmuchGodlovesus,mybrethren,saysSaintAugustine,becausewhenwerest,itisreallyHewhorests![396]Butwehavetorestlike good Christians, in the first place by sanctifying our loss of energy and loving God in ourtirednesswhencircumstancesforceustoworkwithoutabreakforalongperiod.Insituationsofthissortwe can draw special comfort fromhaving recourse to JesusOurLord,whohimself so oftenendedhisdayexhausted.Heunderstandsuswell.29.2TheChristianattitudetorecreation.Very often, perhaps for long stretches at a time,wemaynot feel in great form and yet have to

soldier on at our business, housework or study. This shouldn’t upset us: it is part of the humanconditionandveryoftensimplyasignthatweareworkinghard.Therecomedays,saysSaintTeresain all simplicity,when a single word distresses me and I long to leave the world altogether, foreverythinginitseemstowearyme.[397]MomentsliketheseareforturningtoGod,becauseitmeansthatOurLord isveryclose tousandwantsus to take theappropriate remedy: togo to thedoctorperhaps,anddowhathetellsus; togeta littlemoresleep; togoforawalkormaybereadagoodbook.Godallowsthingslikethistohappentoustomakeusmoredetachedfromourhealth,ortogetus togrowincharity, tomake theeffort tosmileeven though itmaybehard–perhapsveryhard.OfferingthissituationtoGodcanbeextremelymeritorious,eventhoughwemayfeeltotallydryand

withnoappetitefordevotionalpractices.Comeaway ... and rest awhile, says theMaster. Far frombeing an excuse to getwrapped up in

ourselves, relaxation is an occasion to seek Christ, because there are no holidays in Love. SaintAugustine tellsus thatwhicheverway the soulofman turns, if it benot towards thee it encounterspain[398]–attheveryleast,thepainofhavingpushedGodaside.Holidaytimeisn’tmeanttobeatimefordoingnothing.Restmeansrecuperation–togainstrength,

toformidealsandmakeplans.Inotherwords,itmeansachangeofoccupation,sothatyoucancomebacklatertoyourdailyjobwitharenewedenergy.[399] Ithas tobea timeof interiorenrichment,atimewhenloveofGodisgivenachancetogrowinaclimateofcarefulattentiontoourdevotionalpractices and self-effacing acts of service, and when we try in a special way to make life morepleasantforthepeoplearoundus;theircontentmentandhappinesscancontributegreatlytoourownrelaxation.Nowadaysonegetstheimpressionthatmanypeopleleavetheirsupernaturallifetotallytooneside

whenplanningwheretogofortheirholidays:theyoftenchooseresortswhicharesopaganizedthatnogood-livingChristianshouldbeseenthere.ItwouldbeverysillyofsomeonewhonormallytriestoliveinthepresenceofGod,totacitlyendorsethatsortofenvironmentbyholidayingthere,nottomentionthedangerofleavingthemselvesopentooffendingGodgrievously.Itwouldbeevenworseinthecaseofparentsallowingtheirchildrenandotherdependantstodoso,andasaresultsufferingwhatwillpossiblybe irreparabledamage to their souls: theywould thenhaveon theirconsciencestheirownsinsandthesinsoftheirchildren.For situations like these one could quote thewords of SaintAugustine:Whatmean you thus to

travailandtrudgeonthroughthesehardandpainfulways?Thereisnorestwhereyouareseekingit.Seekstillthatwhichyouseek,butseekitnottherewhereyouseekit.Youseekforahappylifeintheveryregionofdeath.Notthereisittobefound.Forhowcanahappylifebefoundthere,wherethereisnotsomuchasanylifeatall?[400]Insomeenvironmentspeopleseemtobetotallyunawareofthemoralityofcooperationinevil,and

so ifwewant to live like goodChristians, and to have others do so too,we need to refresh theirminds about it as the occasion arises, always putting things to them very positively.We shouldn’tforget that theobligation torest isnotsomethingabsolute,becauseourspiritualwelfare–andourneighbour ’s – comes before bodilywell-being.The unity that there should be in aChristian’s lifebetween faith and behaviour demands that the time spent recovering physical energies should notcausethesoultobecomesickandparalyzed,oratleastenfeebled.Moreover,withalittlebitofgoodwillitisalwayspossibletofindortosetupwaysandmeansoftakingabreakwhilehavingGodveryclosetousinoursoulingrace,andtomakegooduseofthetimetodeepenfriendshipsandtodoafruitfulapostolate.29.3ObservanceofHolyDays.Christians ... shouldcooperate in the cultural frameworkandcollectiveactivity characteristicof

ourtimes,tohumanizethemandimbuethemwithaChristianspirit.[401]Inpresent-daysocietymanypeople enjoy more free time thanks to the tendency to shorten the working week with longerweekendsandholidayperiods,anditisuptoustoofferthemuprightandattractivealternativesintheuseofsuchadditionalleisure.WealsohavetogetacrosstothemtheessentiallyreligiousnatureofHoly Days of obligation, without which those very special times would lose their meaning –Christmas,HolyWeek,SundaysandtheotherfeastsofOurLordandtheBlessedVirgin.Thisisanurgentapostolate,becauseas timegoesonmoreandmorepeoplearemakinguseof thesedays to

takeabreakfromtheirdailyduties,andperhapsalsofromGod.HolyDayshaveadecisiverôleinhelpingChristiansreceivebettertheactionofdivinegraceand

inenablingthemtorespondto itmoregenerously.[402]TheMass is theheartof theChristian feast,[403] and in it we offer Our Lord everything that makes up our day. Nothing else can have anymeaningifweneglectthis,ourfirstdutytoGod,orifitislefttobe‘fittedin’atsomesparemoment,andtherestofthedayfilledwiththingswhicharereckonedtobemoreimportant.InaChristianwhowantsGodtobethecentreofhisorherlife,tobehavelikethiswould,attheveryleast,beasignoflukewarmness.WehavetogiveHimthebestwehave,especiallyonfeastdays,eveniftodosomeanshavingtomakesomechangesinourplans.Ifwearegenerous,wewillexperiencethedeepjoythatalwayscomesfromrespondingtotheloveofourFatherGod.WhenJesusheadedoffintheboatwithhisdisciplestogetawayfromitall,theGospeloftheMass

continuestotellusthatmanysawwheretheyweremakingforandwentthereonfootandgotthereaheadofthem.WhenJesuslandedHesawagreatthrong,andHehadcompassiononthembecausetheywerelikesheepwithoutashepherd;andHebegantoteachthemmanythings.ThatdayneitherJesusnorhisdisciplesmanagedtogetanyrest.OurLord’sexampleteachesusherethattheneedsofothers comebeforeourown.Onmanyoccasionswe toohave to forgoour rest, postponing it tilllaterbecauseofpeoplewhoareexpectingcareandattentionfromus.LetusdoitasreadilyasOurLordlookedafterthatmultitudewhoneededhim,puttingtoonesidetheplansHehadmade.It isagoodexampleofdetachmentforustoapplytoourownsituation.

SIXTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARC

30.MARTHA’SWORK30.1TheLordiswelltakencareofinBethany.FriendshipwithJesus.My lord, if I have found favour in your sight, do not pass by your servant. Let a littlewater be

brought,andwashyourfeet,andrestyourselvesunderthetree,whileIfetchamorselofbread,thatyoumayrefreshyourselves,andafterthatyoumaypasson–sinceyouhavecometoyourservant.[404]WhentheLordappearedasapilgrimtoAbrahambytheoaksofMamre,thisishowAbrahamgavehimwelcome.GodneverforgotAbraham’shospitality.Today’sGospelrecountsthearrivalofJesusandhisdisciplesatthehouseoftheirfriendsMartha,

MaryandLazarusinBethany.[405](Onalateroccasion,JesusweptwhenhelearnedthatLazarushaddied.He thenbroughthimback to life).Bethany liesabout twomiles fromJerusalem.Jesuswouldstoptheretorestinthehomeofhisfriendsbeforegoingonuptotheholycity.Hefeltathomeinthatplace,surroundedashewasbyjoyandaffection.ThisishowweoughttowelcomeJesus,whoisintheTabernacle.WehavenomorefaithfulfriendthanHe.Hedeservesourlovingattentionmorethananyoneelse.Inthiswarmfamilyenvironmentthesistersbehavedwithnaturalnessandsimplicity,evenasthey

revealed different attitudes.Marthawas distractedwithmuch serving. She seems to have been theelder of the two – Saint Luke says,awoman namedMartha received him into her house. Shewascompletely takenupwith theworkof tending to theLord andhis disciples.Certainly, therewouldhave been plenty to keep her occupied. To receive such a numerous group was no easy task,especiallysincetheyhadarrivedsounexpectedly.Understandably,MarthawantstowelcometheLordin an appropriate manner. We know that at a certain point she lost her equanimity and becamefrustratedduetohermisreadingofthesituation.Mary,ontheotherhand,satat theLord’sfeetandlistenedtohisteaching.Marthawasdistractedfromhertaskofpreparingthemeal.InhereagernesstogetthemealreadyfortheLord,Marthabecomespreoccupiedbyamillionlittledetails.HersisterMaryprefersinsteadtodevoteherselftotheirguest.Sheforgetsabouthersisterandsitsbeforehim,doingnothingelsebutlistentohisword.[406]Withthehelpofdivinegrace,wehavetolearnhowtoliveaunityof life,whichconsistsof theunionofMartha’sandMary’sattitudes.Our loveofGodshouldbeinseparablefromourapostoliczeal,andourworkbewelldoneforthegloryofGod.30.2 Working with the knowledge that the Lord is by our side. Presence of God in theworkplace.Showingarealsenseof trust inherguest, theeldersistercomplained toJesus,Lord,doyounot

carethatmysisterhasleftmetoservealone?Tellherthentohelpme.Formanycenturiesthesetwosistershavebeenheldtorepresenttworivallifestyles.Accordingto

thistraditionalinterpretationMaryexemplifiesthewayofcontemplation,thelifeofunionwithGod.Similarly,Marthaisseenasthepersonificationofanactivelifeofwork.But thecontemplative lifedoesnotconsist insimplybeingat the feetofJesusdoingnothing.Thatwouldbeadisorder, ifnotpureandsimpleindolence.[407]ForwemustfindGodinourdailyjob,transformingourprofessionalworkintothehingeonwhichourcallingtosanctityrestsandturns.[408]WeshowourloveforGodthrough the exercise of the human aswell as the supernatural virtues. It is very difficult, perhapsimpossible, to have a deep interior life and at the same time live a vibrant apostolate ifwe lack a

seriouscommitmenttoourdailywork.Fortoolongatimetherehasbeenamistakeninsistenceonthesupposedincompatibilitybetween

secularworkandtheinteriorlife.Nevertheless,itisthereinthemidstofdailyworkandbymeansofit,notinspiteofit,thatGodwantstocallmostChristianstolivesofholiness.Wearetosanctifytheworldandsanctifyourselveswithalifeofprayerthatgivesdivinemeaningtoearthlytasks.[409]Thiswas the constantmessage of the Founder ofOpusDei,who taught thousands to findGod in theirordinary lives. On one occasion, while speaking to a large number of people, he said, You mustunderstandnowmoreclearlythatGodiscallingyoutoservehim‘inandfrom’theordinary,materialand secular activities of human life.Hewaits for us every day, in the laboratory, in the operatingtheatre, in thearmybarracks, in theuniversity lecture room, in the factory, in theworkshop, in thefields,inthehomeandinalltheimmensepanoramaofwork.Understandthiswell:thereissomethingholy, something divine hidden in the most ordinary situations, and it is up to each one of you todiscoverit.Thereisnootherway.EitherwelearntofindourLordinordinary,everydaylife,orelseweshallneverfindhim.ThatiswhyIcantellyouthatourageneedstogivebacktomatterandtothemosttrivialoccurrencesandsituationstheirnobleandoriginalmeaning.ItneedstorestorethemtotheserviceoftheKingdomofGod,tospiritualizethem,turningthemintoameansandanoccasionforacontinuousmeetingwithJesusChrist.[410]ThisinvolvescombiningtheloveofMarywiththe‘workethic’ofMartha.Jesus responds to Martha with that affectionate counsel,Martha, Martha, you are anxious and

troubledaboutmanythings;onethingisneedful.Maryhaschosenthegoodportion,whichshallnotbetakenawayfromher.ItisasifHehadsaid,‘Martha,youareworriedaboutworldlyaffairs,butyouareforgettingabout

me.Youaredeeplyconcernedaboutimportanttasks,butyouareneglectingthemostimportantoneofall,whichisunionwithGod,personalsanctity.IfyourworriesleadyoutolosepresenceofGodwhile youwork, thoseworries are not good for you, even though your work itself be good andnecessary.’Jesusdoesnotpass sweeping judgmentuponMarthaorMary.He responds toMartha’squestion

withprofunditybypointingtowhatismostimportantinlife,thatbeingthepresenceofChristinthehouse.HowoftenmightnottheLordmakethesamereproachtous?NothingcanjustifyforgettingJesusinourdailywork,noteventhemostimportantofconcerns.WecannotputhimwhoistheLordofallthingsasideforthesakeofthethingsoftheLord.Wecertainlycannotminimizetheimportanceof prayer with the excuse that we are too busy with apostolate, with activities of formation, withworksofcharity,etc.[411]30.3Workandprayer.Weneedtohaveaunityoflifewhichissovibrantlyintegralthatworkitselfwillleadustobeinthe

presenceofGod.Atthesametime,thoseperiodswedevotetoprayerwillhelpustoworkbetter.Wecannot expect to reachan ‘armistice’ of some kind between temporal occupations and the spirituallife,betweenworkandprayer.Workfeedsprayerandprayerfeedswork.Thisistrueeventothepointwhereworkinandofitself,asaservicedoneinaprofessionalmannerformanandsociety,becomesanacceptableofferingtoGod.[412]TomaintainthepresenceofGodwhileweworkweneedtoresorttosimplereminders,littlethings

that will help us remember that our work is for God. He is there next to us as our companion,watchingusaswework.Itmayhelpustorecallthatheisphysicallyquiteclosetousinthenearestoratoryorchurch.Fromthere,whereyouareworking,letyourheartescapetotheLord,rightcloseto

theTabernacle,totellhim,withoutdoinganythingodd,‘MyJesus,IloveYou’.Don’tbeafraidtocallhimso–myJesus–andtosayittohimoften.[413]Allworldlyoccupations,whenengagedinwiththerightintention,allowustheopportunitytoput

intopracticecharity,mortification,aspiritofservicetoothers,joyandoptimism,understandingandan apostolate of friendship and confidence.We sanctify ourselves through ourwork. This iswhatreallymatters–tofindJesusinthemidstofourdailyconcerns,nottoforgetabout theLordofallthings.Andwhenourdaily tasksare insomewaydirectlyrelated tohim,weshouldmakeanevengreaterefforttolivethisunityoflife.Otherwise,wewillendupdoingwhatis,infact,hisworkforourselves,therebyneglectingtheMaster.Aswefinishthistimeofprayer,weasktheVirgintogiveusthediligenceofMarthaaswellasthe

presenceofGodofMary.

SIXTEENTHWEEK:MONDAY

31.FAITHANDMIRACLES31.1TheneedforgooddispositionsinordertoreceiveChrist’smessage.Wereadintoday’sGospelthatcertainoftheScribesandPhariseesaskedJesustoworkamiracle

soastoprovethatHewasthelong-awaitedMessiah.[414]TheywantedJesustoconfirmwithdramaticdisplaywhathewaspreachingwithsimplicity.Insteadofservingthemupamiracle,theLordtellshiscriticsthattheywillhavetheirproofinhisdeathandResurrection.DrawinguponthefigureofJonah,heaffirms thatan evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign; but no sign shall be given to itexcept thesignof theprophetJonah.With this reference to the threedayswhichJonahspent in thebellyofthewhaleChristmakesclearthatthedefinitiveproofofhisdivineSonshipwilloccurwithhisgloriousResurrectiononthethirdday.[415]JonahwassentbyGodtoconvertthecityofNineveh.Movedbythepreachingoftheprophet,the

city’sinhabitantsdidpenancefortheirsins.[416]YetwhenJesustriedtowinoverJerusalem,thecitywouldnotaccepthismessage.JesusrecallshowwhentheQueenofShebavisitedKingSolomonshewasamazedattheextentofhiswisdom.LikeJonah,SolomonisafigureofChrist.Byalludingtotheexampleofthesepaganswhohadbecomeconverted,Christmakeshisreproachallthemoreforceful:Something greater than Jonah is here ... something greater than Solomon is here. This somethinggreateris,infact,infinitelygreater,butJesusseemsintentonmakinghispointbyunderstatement.[417]Forthetimebeing,Jesuswillnotgivehiscriticsanymoresignsandmiracles.Thesepeopleare

notdisposedtobelieve,nomatterhowmanysermonsorsignstheyreceivefromGod’sSon.Despitethe great lessons contained in the miracles, if people lack good dispositions those miracles arecapableofbeingmisinterpreted.As theoldadagegoes, lessonsare receivedadmodum recipientisrecipitur,accordingtothenatureoftherecipient.InhisGospel,SaintJohnteachesusthatthoughhehaddonesomanysignsbeforethem,yettheydidnotbelieveinhim.[418]Miraclescanhelpourhumanreasontobelieve.Butifapersonlacksgooddispositionsandisfullofprejudices,thenthatpersonwillseeonlydarkness.WeaskJesusinourprayertogiveusacleanheartsothatwemayseehiminthemidstofourdaily

concerns.We ask him for a clear mind free of prejudice so that wemay better understand otherpeople,evermindfulofavoidingnegativejudgments.31.2Wantingtoknowthetruth.TohearthewordofChristonehastobelisteningtohim.Onehastodrawneartohimwithaclean

mindandheart,beingtotallyopentoGod’smessage.Oneexampleofbaddispositions is thecaseof thePhariseeswhoquestioned themanbornblind

afterJesushadmiraculouslyhealedhim.Whatdidhedotoyou?Howdidheopenyoureyes?Themanblindfrombirthseesthathisinterrogatorsaredeaftohisexplanations.Ihavetoldyoualready,andyouwouldnotlisten.Whydoyouwanttohearitagain?[419]ThesamethinghappenswithPilate.Jesussaystohim,ForthisIwasborn,andforthisIhavecome

intotheworld,tobearwitnesstothetruth.Everyonewhoisofthetruthhearsmyvoice.TheRomanProcurator then utters his famous response,What is truth?Having asked the question he does notbothertowaitforareply:Afterhehadsaidthis,hewentouttotheJewsagain.[420]Heturnshisbackontheanswertohisquestion.HeturnshisbackonTruth.Withoutadoubt,Pilatehadnointerestinan

answerbecausehehadnointerestinthetruth.Heisonlyinterestedinhisowninterests,inmakingthebestofabadsituation.IfwearewelldisposedtheLordwillgiveusabundantlighttohelpuspersevereonourjourneyto

him.Wewillhavethejoyofcontemplatinghiminthecreatedthingsaroundus.TherehehaslefthissignatureasCreator.Wewillseehiminourwork,injoy,insickness...Thehistoryofeverypersonisfull of these signs. There will be many times when we shall receive the grace to see him in theintimacyofourprayer.Atothertimeswewillseehimbymeansofourspiritualdirector.As for thosewho did notwant to see, themajority of the Pharisees,we know that they did not

change.They did not convert to theMessiah despite the fact that they had been eyewitnesses to somanyofhismiracles.Theirprideblindedthemtowhatismostessential.TheywentsofarastoclaimthatHe casts out demons by the prince of demons. In today’sworld,many people are blind to thesupernaturalbecauseofpride,becauseofprejudice,becauseofattachmenttoearthlythings,becauseof inordinate desires for comfort and security, because of hedonism and sensuality. I heard somepeopleIknewtalkingabouttheirradiosets.Almostwithoutrealisingit,Ibroughtthesubjectroundtothespiritualarea:wehavegotastrongearth,toostrong,andwehaveforgottentoputuptheaerialofthe interior life. That iswhy there are so few soulswho keep in touchwithGod.Maywenever bewithoutoursupernaturalaerial.[421]31.3 Purifying the heart so as to see clearly. Allowing ourselves to be led in moments ofobscurity.SomethinggreaterthanJonahishere...somethinggreaterthanSolomonishere.Christhimselfisat

ourside!Hebeckonstomannotasastranger,butasafriendeagertosharehisthoughts,evenhislife.Hewantstogiveusthedivinesolutiontothoseproblemswhichworryusandsometimestearustopieces.Yetmuchassound-wavescan interferewithgoodreception,so it iswithobstacles toour lifeof

faith. These obstacles can affect even thosewho have spentmany years in Christ’s service, to theextentthattheycanbecomedisconcertedanddisoriented,unabletoseethebeautyoftheirself-giving.Herearesomequestionsfortheexaminationofconscienceofsomeoneinthissituation:DoI trulywanttosee?AmIfullydisposedtowanttosee,toaffirmattheveryleastthatGod’spresencecanbefound in the circumstancesofmy life?Do I allowmyself tobehelped?Do I explainmy situationclearly?DoIrevealmyinmostselfwithoutanyhesitation?Pride is the principle obstacle in our struggle. But there are other obstacles such as a comfort-

seekingenvironmentwithitsinstinctiveaversiontosacrificeandtheCross.ThisenvironmentbringswithitsubtletemptingattachmentswhichwillprovideplentyofhumanreasonsfornotdoingthewillofGod.FollowingGod’swillisajoyfulway,butitalsorequiresconstanteffortandself-surrender.Itmeans being ‘savagely sincere’ in spiritual direction. Itmeans keeping a lock on our heart and abrakeonourwill.WeneedtopurifytheheartfromitswaywardaffectionssothatitcanbefilledwiththetrueloveofChrist.Itisindeedveryhardtoappreciatethelightwhenone’svisionisclouded.Lazinessandloveofcomfortaretwootherobstacleswhichcanaffectourstruggle.Asinthecase

ofevery true love, apersonalcommitment to the faithand toavocation involvesacomplete self-giving.Lazinessandloveofcomforttendtocompromiseandweakenourcommitmentoflove.Wemayexperience timeswhen theLord seemshidden fromourview.Heprobablywantsus to

lookforhimwithgreater love,withgreaterhumility,withgreaterabandonment to thecounselsofour spiritual director. If we make the effort required we will always come to discover the mostlovablefaceofChrist.

Theword‘faith’hasitsroots inthenotionofaperson’splacinghimself inthecareofsomeonewhoisstronger,trustinginthisotherperson’sassistance.[422]WeputourtrustinGod.ButHewantsus to rely on thoseHe has put by our side to help us see.God frequently gives light through hiscreatures.TheLordpassesby so close to us thatwe shouldbe able to findhimand followhim.Frequent

recoursetothesacramentofPenanceisanexcellentwaytoensurethatweseeGodmoreclearlyinourselvesandinthosearoundus.WeasktheBlessedVirgintohelpuspurifyourmindandheartsothatwecanfindGodinthecircumstancesofeveryday.Lord,Ibelieveinyou:increasemyfaith.Itrustinyou:strengthenmytrust.Iloveyou:letmelove

youmoreandmore.[423]

SIXTEENTHWEEK:TUESDAY

32.THENEWFAMILYOFJESUS32.1OurunionwithChristisstrongerthananyhumanbond.ThebondswehaveunitingustoourLordarestrongerthanthosewehavetoournaturalfamily.In today’sGospelwefindJesuspreaching inahouseso fullofpeople thatevenhisMotherand

otherrelativescannotmanagetogetin.Sotheysendhimamessage.WhileHewasstillspeakingtothepeople,behold,hismotherandhisbrethrenstoodoutside,askingtospeaktohim.ButHerepliedtothemanwho told him, ‘Who ismymother, andwho aremy brethren?’And stretching out his handtowardhisdisciplesHesaid,‘Herearemymotherandmybrethren!ForwhoeverdoesthewillofmyFatherinheavenismybrother,andsister,andmother.’[424]OnanotheroccasionapeasantwomancommentedontheteachingsofJesuswithwordsofpraise

forMary,Blessedisthewombthatboreyou,andthebreaststhatyousucked!ButtheLordgivestheimpressionofrejectingthesewordswhenhereplies,Blessed,rather,arethosewhohearthewordofGodandkeepit![425]BlessedJohnPaulIIanalysedthemeaningofthesewordsinrelationtowhatJesussaidtoMaryand

Joseph when they found him in the Temple after their three-day search. Jesus tells them with aninfinite loveandtotalclarity,Howis it thatyousoughtme?Didyounotknowthat Imustbe inmyFather’shouse?[426]FromhisearliestdaysJesuswasdedicatedtohisrelationshipwithhisFather.Heannounced the Kingdom: the ‘Kingdom of God’ and ‘his Father’s business’, which add a newdimension andmeaning to everything human, and therefore to every human bond, insofar as thesethingsrelatetothegoalsandtasksassignedtoeveryhumanbeing.Withinthisnewdimension,abondsuchasthatof‘brotherhood’alsomeanssomethingdifferentfrom‘brotherhoodaccordingtotheflesh’derivingfromacommonoriginfromthesamesetofparents.‘Motherhood’,too,inthedimensionoftheKingdomofGodandintheradiusofthefatherhoodofGodhimself,takesonanothermeaning.[427]TheLordteachesusrepeatedlythatdoingtheWillofGodtranscendsthedemandsofeveryhuman

bondorauthority,eventhatofthefamily.Jesustellsusthataswefollowhimthemorecloselyinourvocationwewillfindthatourbondstohimareindeedstrongerthanthosetoournaturalfamily.[428]SaintThomasexplainsthateveryonewhodoestheWilloftheFatherbecomeslikeuntoabrothertoChrist,HewhodidthewillofhisFather.HewhonotonlyobeysChristbutworkstoconvertothers,tobegetChrist in them,becomes likeunto theMotherofChrist.[429]Thebondsofbloodarecertainlystrong, but stronger still are the bonds originating in a deep love for Christ. There is no humanrelationship,nomatterhowcloseitmightbe,thatisstrongerthanourunionwithJesusandwiththosewhofollowhim.32.2Weneed to have a sense of detachment and personal responsibility in order to fulfil thedemandsofourvocation.’Who ismymother?’ Is Jesus therebydistancinghimself fromhismotheraccording to the flesh?

Doesheperhapswishtoleaveherinthehiddenobscuritywhichsheherselfhaschosen?Ifthisseemsto be the case from the tone of thosewords, onemust nevertheless note that the new and differentmotherhoodwhichJesusspeaksoftohisdisciplesreferspreciselytoMaryinaveryspecialway.[430]She is lovedby Jesus in a singularway since she is indeedhisMother according to the flesh.ButJesuslovesherevenmoreandismoreintimatelyunitedwithherbecauseofherfaithfulnesstoher

vocation,totheWilloftheFather.ForthisreasontheChurchremindsusthattheBlessedVirginMaryreceived thewordswhereby, in extollinga kingdombeyond the calculationsandbondsof fleshandblood,HedeclaredblessedthosewhoheardandkeptthewordofGod,asshewasfaithfullydoing.[431]In living out our vocationwe should find thatwe are developing an even greater love for our

parents,ourchildren,ourbrothersandsisters.GodexpandsandrefinestheheartevenasHerequiresourdetachmentfromthethingsofthisworld.Weneedthisbiggerheartsoastofulfilourvocation,althoughweshouldbeforewarnedthatourvocationcanprovokesufferinginthosewelovethemost.SoitwasthatMaryandJosephwentthreedayslookingforhim,anxiously.Mary,shewhowasfullofgrace, and Joseph, the just man, did not understand Christ’s words to them, in spite of all theirholiness. Later on, they understood more while witnessing the events of Christ’s life, with Maryenjoying a deeper understanding than Joseph. It should not surprise us, then, when at times ourrelativesdonotunderstandourvocation.WhatajoyitistotakepartourselvesinthosestrongbondsofunionwiththenewfamilyofJesus!

Howwehavetoloveandhelpthosewhoareunitedwithusinthebondsoffaithandvocation!ItisthenthatwewillunderstandthosewordsofHolyScripture:Fraterquiadiuvaturafratrequasicivitasfirma.[432]Abrotherhelpedbyhisbrotherislikeastrongcity.Nothingcanovercomeacharityandafraternitywhicharewell lived.Thepowerof charity! If you live that blessedbrotherly spirit, yourmutualweaknesswill also be a support to keep youupright in the fulfilment of duty – just as in ahouseofcards,onecardsupportstheother.[433]32.3Mary,theMotherofthenewfamilyofJesus–theChurch–isalsotheMotherofeachoneofus.ForwhoeverdoestheWillofmyFatherinheavenismybrother,andsister,andmother.Perhapsthe

BlessedMotheractuallyheardhimsaythesewordsorsomeonemayhaverepeatedthemtoher.SheknewverywellthestrongbondswhichunitedherSonandherself.Theywerebondsofnatureand,evenmore, theywerebondspredicatedonherperfectunionwith theHolyTrinity.Sheknew inanevermore perfectmanner that she had been called from all eternity to be theMother of this newfamilyofJesus.AsBlessedJohnPaulIIhaswritten,If‘throughfaith’MarybecamethebeareroftheSongiven toherby theFather through thepowerof theHolySpirit,whilepreservingher virginityintact,inthatsamefaithshe‘discoveredandacceptedtheotherdimensionofmotherhood’revealedbyJesusduringhismessianicmission.OnecansaythatthisdimensionofmotherhoodbelongedtoMaryfromthebeginning,thatistosayfromthemomentoftheconceptionandbirthofherSon.Fromthattimeshewas‘theonewhobelieved’.ButasthemessianicmissionofherSongrewclearertohereyesand spirit, she herself as amother became evermore open ‘to that new dimension ofmotherhood’whichwastoconstituteher‘part’besideherSon.[434]Much later, at Calvary, Christ reveals to Mary the totality of her spiritual motherhood for all

centuriestocome:Woman,behold,yourson![435]JesuspointstoJohn,theonewhoisarepresentativefor allmankind.Mary’smaternity extends in aparticularway to all thosewhoarebaptizedand tothosewhoareenroutetothefullnessofthefaith.ThisisbecauseMaryistheMotherofthewholeChurch,thegreatfamilyoftheLordwhichwillcontinueuntiltheendoftime.[436]There isacorrelationbetweenthemomentof theIncarnationandthemomentof thebirthof the

ChurchatPentecost.ThepersonwholinksthesetwomomentsisMary:‘MaryatNazareth’and‘MaryintheUpperRoomatJerusalem’.Inbothcasesherdiscreetyetessentialpresenceindicatesthepathof‘birthfromtheHolySpirit’.ThusshewhoispresentinthemysteryofChristasMotherbecomes–bythewilloftheSonandthepoweroftheHolySpirit–presentinthemysteryoftheChurch.[437]The

presenceofMaryintheChurchisamaternalpresence.Justasinafamilytherelationofmotherhoodandsonshipisuniqueandunrepeatable,sois therelationshipofMarytoeachChristianuniqueandunrepeatable.InimitationofJohn,who’tookhertohisownhome’,theChristianseekstobetakenintothat‘maternalcharity’withwhichtheRedeemer’sMother‘caresforthebrethrenofherSon...’[438]Shecaresforeachoneofusasifwewereheronlychild.Shewatchesoutforoursanctityandour

salvationasifshehadnootherchildrenonearth.Wehavetocalltohermanytimesaday.Mother!Aswefinishthistimeofprayer,wemustsaytoherfromthebottomofourheart,‘Motherofmine,don’tleavemyside!HelpmetobealwaysnearyourSon.’

SIXTEENTHWEEK:WEDNESDAY

33.HUMANVIRTUES33.1Humanvirtuesactasthefoundationforthesupernaturalvirtues.In today’sGospelwe learn how the seed of divine grace falls upon different types of terrain –

among thorns,on the roadwayworndownbymany travellers,on rockygroundandongoodsoil.[439]Godwantsus tobe likegoodsoilwhich receives theseedand indue timebrings forthmuchfruit.Thehumanvirtuescanbethoughtofastheterrainineachperson.Ifthelandiswellworked,ifapersoniswelldisposed,thentheactionofdivinegracecanfosterthedevelopmentofthesupernaturalvirtues.ManyvirtuouspersonswhoperhapsthroughignorancehavelivedapartfromGoddohavethecapacitytoreceivethegraceoffaith.Noblehumanconductisthefoundationforthesupernaturaledifice.Gracebuildsonnature.ThelifeofgraceineachChristianisnotsuperimposedonhumanreality.Onthecontrary,grace

penetrates,enrichesandperfectshumannature.ThatiswhytheChurchrequiresitssaintstobeheroicinpractisingnotonlythetheologicalvirtuesbutalsothemoralorhumanones;anditiswhypeoplewho are truly united to God through the theological virtues of faith, hope and love also perfectthemselveshumanly:theyarerefinedintheirrelationshipswithothers;theyareloyal,affable,well-mannered,generous,sincere,preciselybecausetheyhaveplacedalltheiraffectionsinGod.[440]Thesupernaturalorderdoesnotoverwhelmordestroy thenaturalorder.Thesupernaturalorder

liftsupandperfectsthenaturalorder,workinginamannerwhichissuitabletoitsproperdignityandnature.ThisissobecausebothordersproceedfromGod,whocannotbeatoddswithhimself.[441]Althoughgraceinandofitselfcantransformpeople,Godnormallypreferstohavegraceworkin

concertwithhumanvirtues.HowisthecardinalvirtueoffortitudetobesowninaChristianwhowillnotstruggleagainstsmallhabitsoflazinessorcomfort-seeking,whoisundulypreoccupiedwiththeoutsidetemperature,whohabituallygivesintohismoods,whoiscompletelytakenupwithhisownplansandbelongings?Howisapersonsupposedtofacelife’sdifficultieswithoptimism,witheyesoffaith,whenthatpersonbehaveslikeagrouchypessimistinordinarylife?Noneoftheessentials,noneofthegoodqualitiesinhumannaturemustbechanged.Tosuppressanyofthegoodqualitiesinaman–and therearemany– is theworst thingaChristiancando.Developyourcharacter, yourhumanfaculties:developthemtotheutmostdegree.Everythingwhichcurtailsyourexpansion,whichlimitsyourdevelopment,whichmakesyounarrow-minded,whichyouback for fearofsomething, isnot inanywayChristian.The completepurification from sinandevil inclinationswhich,with thehelpofGod, man has to accomplish, is a very different process from suppressing any part of his truepersonality.[442] The Lordwants each of us to have a unique andwell-developed personality. OurpersonalitywillbetheresultofourunderstandingandappreciationforthetalentsGodhasgiventous,aswellasofourefforttobringthosetalentstofruition.It is the good soil (these human virtues) that allows the divine seed to take root, to grow and

developunhindered.Theworkofgraceactstoimprovethesoilitself.ThepracticeofChristianlifeperfectshumanconditionsbecauseitgivesthemagreaterfinality.ManismorehumaninsofarasheisthemoreChristian.33.2JesusChristpossessedallthevirtuesinaperfectway.The Lord wants us to practise all the human virtues – optimism, generosity, order, fortitude,

cheerfulness, cordiality, sincerity, honesty.Christwants us to imitate him, perfectGod and perfectMan.Thehumanvirtues find theirplenitude inhisperson.WhenGodbecameMan,Hedidso inamostperfectway.Hedressed according to the fashion of his age, he ate as everybody else did, hebehaved according to the customs of the time, place and nation towhich he belonged.He imposedhands, he ordained, got angry, smiled, wept, talked, became tired, was sleepy and exhausted, felthungerandthirst,griefandjoy.Andtheunion,thefusion,ofthedivineandhumanwassocompleteandsoperfectthateveryoneofhisactionswasbothdivineandhuman.HewasGod,yethelikedtocallhimselftheSonofMan.[443]Christtaughthisdisciplestoaimforhumanperfectionaccordingtothenatural law.[444]He formed his disciples not only in the supernatural virtues but also in socialdecorum,insincerity,inhumanelegance.[445]Heurgedthemtobemenofgoodjudgment.[446]Christhimself showed regret at the lack of gratitude in those lepers he had cured.[447]He reacted to badmanners and to any lack of hospitality on the part of educated people.[448] Jesus attached somuchimportancetothehumanvirtuesthathewentsofarastotellhisdisciples,IfIhavetoldyouearthlythingsandyoudonotbelieve,howcanyoubelieveifItellyouheavenlythings?[449]Wheneverwemake an effort tobe sincere, loyal, hard-working, compassionate, even-tempered,

weareimitatingChrist,theperfectModelforourbehaviour.Wetherebymakeourselvesintogoodsoil which the supernatural virtues can take root in.We should often contemplate theMaster andobserveinhimthefullnessofeverythinghuman.WehaveinJesusourhumananddivineideal.33.3Theneedforhumanvirtuesintheapostolate.TheChristianinthemiddleoftheworldislikealightshiningoutfromalampstand,likeacityset

on topofahill.Thefirst thingonenotices is thehumanityof theChristian– thegoodexampleofintegrity,loyalty,decency,bravery.Thisiswhatgetspeople’sattention.Thehumanvirtuesthusserveas instruments in the apostolate of bringing others closer to God. One’s professional prestige,friendliness, sincerity, can prepare souls to listen to themessage ofChrist.The humanvirtues arenecessaryintheapostolate.Ifourfriendsareunabletoseeourvirtuesasreality,muchlesswilltheybeabletodiscernsupernaturaltruths.IfaChristianwerenothonest,whywouldhisfriendstrusthim?HowcanweintroduceotherstothemostlovablefaceofChristifwedonotfollowhiminthebasics?Thehumanvirtuesmaybe thoughtofas the lampstand,as thehilluponwhichthecity isset.Manypeoplewillappreciatesupernaturallifeoncetheyseeitmaderealinnormalhumanconduct.WehavetoletothersknowthatChristisalivebyoursenseofpeaceandjoyinthemidstofdifficult

and even painful circumstances, by our work well done, by our sobriety and temperance, by ourhuman warmth extended to everyone.When lived to the full, the Christian vocation should affectevery aspect of our existence.All the peoplewhodealwith us or knowus in oneway or anothershouldbeabletosensethejoywithinourheart.Wehavetoactinsuchawaythatotherswillbeabletosay,whentheymeetus:thismanisaChristian,becausehedoesnothate,becauseheiswillingtounderstand,becausehe isnota fanatic,becausehe iswilling tomakesacrifices,becauseheshowsthatheisamanofpeace,becauseheknowshowto love,[450]becausehe isgenerouswithhis time,becausehedoesn’tcomplain,becauseheknowshowtooverlookwhatissuperfluous...Theworld desperately needs the testimony of outstandingmen andwomenwho carryChrist in

theirhearts.Therehasperhapsbeennoothertimewhentherehasbeensomuchtalkabouttherightsofmanandhumanachievements.Humanityhasrarelybeensoconsciousofitsownaccomplishments.Yet, at the same time,neverhave the rightsof the individualbeenmorebrutallypushedaside thantoday.ThoserightsderivefromthefactthatmanhasbeenmadeintheimageofGod.HumanityiswaitingforChristianstoproclaimonceagainthatmostfundamentalteaching–thatwe

areallcalledtobechildrenofGod.ToreachthatgoalwefirsthavetodevelopourGod-givenhumannature.WemustbecomeveryhumansoastobecomeveryChrist-like.GracewillneverbelackingtothosemenandwomenwhoprovebytheirlivesthattheywanttobechildrenofGod.

SIXTEENTHWEEK:THURSDAY

34.BROKENCISTERNS.THEEFFECTSOFSIN34.1Sinisthegreatestdeceptiontowhichmancanfallprey.After their long and difficult experience in the desert the Jewish peoplewerewell aware of the

importanceofwater.Todiscoverwaterinthedesertwastocomeacrossagreattreasure.Wellswereguardedmorecloselythanjewels.Livesdependedupontheirsecurity.Itisfitting,therefore,thatHolyScripture should refer to God as a fountain of living waters. The just man is described as a treeplantedbystreamsofwater,[451]whichbearsfruitintheyearofdrought.[452]In his conversationwith the Samaritanwoman Jesus reveals that He is capable of giving souls

livingwater.[453]During the feast of theTabernacles orTents,when the Jews commemorated theirpassagethroughthedesert,Jesusonceagainspokeofhimselfaswater.Onthelastdayofthefeast,thegreatday,Jesusstoodupandproclaimed,‘Ifanyonethirst,lethimcometomeanddrink.Hewhobelievesinme,asthescripturehassaid,Outofhisheartshallflowriversoflivingwater’.[454]OnlyChristcansatisfyman’sthirstforeternity,athirstwhichGodhasplacedinourheart.OnlyChristcangivefulfilmenttoourlife.ManyoftheFathersoftheChurchconsideredtheopensideofChrist,thatgaveforthbloodandwater,astheoriginofthesacramentswhichimpartsupernaturallife.[455]ItisinthiscontextthatthewordsoftheProphetJeremiahcarryaspecialforceintoday’sprayer.

TheProphetlamentshowthechosenpeoplehaveabandonedtheirLord.Inamoresymbolicreading,heisspeakingaboutsin,abouttheeffectofoursins.Beappalled,Oheavens,atthis,beshocked,beutterlydesolate, says theLord, formypeoplehavecommitted twoevils: theyhave forsakenme, thefountain of livingwaters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns, that can hold nowater.[456]EverysinfulactinvolvesaseparationfromGod.Sinmeansmakingachoicebetweennothingand

thelivingwater thatspringsuptoeternal life.This is thegreatestdeceptionamancanfallpreyto.Thisistrueevil.Sintakesawaysanctifyinggrace,thelifeofGodinthesoul,thatwhichisthemostpreciousgiftwepossess.Sinalwaysentailsthesquanderingofourmostpreciousvalues.Thisisthehardreality,eventhoughsinmayoccasionallyallowustoachievesuccesses.OurdistancingourselvesfromtheFatherbringswithitgreatharmtothoseinvolved,tothosewhogivetheirconsent.Sinleadsto the dissipation of our inheritance, which is the dignity proper to each human person, theinheritanceofgrace.[457]Sinconvertsthesoulintostonygroundwhereitisimpossibleforgracetotake rootorhumanvirtues todevelop.This is theparchedground, thebeaten-downgroundfullofthornswhichwe heard about in yesterday’sGospel,whichwe shall consider again tomorrow. Sinconstitutestheruinofman,theabandonmentofthe fountainoflivingwaters for thesakeofbrokencisterns.34.2Theeffectsofsin.ApartfromGod,manwillfindonlyunhappinessanddeath.Sinisthevainattempttoholdwaterin

brokencisterns.Helpmerepeatintheearofthispersonandofthatotherone...andofeveryone:asinner who has faith, even if he were to obtain all the blessings of this earth, will necessarily beunhappyandwretched.Itistruethatthemotivethatleadsus(andshouldleadeveryone)tohatesin,even venial sin, ought to be a supernatural one: that God abhors sin from the depths of hisinfiniteness,withasupreme,eternalandnecessaryhatred,asanevilopposedtotheinfinitegood.But

thefirstreasonImentionedtoyoucanleadustothisotherone.[458]Thesolitudesinleavesinthesoulshouldbeenoughtoleadusawayfromit.Theroadtohellisitselfalivinghell.Sinseparates thesoulfromthe thingsofGod.In today’sGospelJesusquotes theProphetIsaiah,

You shall indeed hear but never understand, and you shall indeed see but never perceive. For thispeople’shearthasgrowndull,and theirearsareheavyofhearing,and theireyes theyhaveclosed,lesttheyshouldperceivewiththeireyes,andhearwiththeirears,andunderstandwiththeirheart...[459]WeneedonlylookroundaboutustoseetherealityofthesewordsoftheLord.Somanypeoplehavelosttheirsenseofsinandhavebecomeindifferenttosupernaturalrealities.MortalsincausesaradicalbreakbetweenGodandmanbecauseitdeprivesthesoulofsanctifying

grace.Thesinner losesall themeritpreviouslyacquiredbyhisgoodworks.Thesoul isunable toreceive any newmerit. In a certain sense the soul falls under the power of the devil. The sinner ’snatural inclination todogood isdiminished in suchaway that itbecomes increasinglydifficult toperform goodworks. Sometimes a personwho falls intomortal sinwill suffer physical effects –discontent,badhumour,indolence,aweakwill.Thisstateofsoulleadstodisorderinthesentiments.ItproducesharmtothewholeChurchandtoallmen,eventhoughexternallyitmaygoundetected.JustaseveryjustmanwhodoeshisbesttoloveGodandhisfellowmanelevatestheworld,everysindragsdownwithitselftheChurchand,insomeway,thewholeworld.Inotherwords,thereisnosin,noteventhemostintimateandsecretone,themoststrictlyindividualone,thatexclusivelyconcernsthepersoncommittingit.Withgreateror lesserviolence,withgreateror lesserharm,everysinhasrepercussionsontheentireecclesialbodyandthewholehumanfamily.[460]EverysinisintimatelyandmysteriouslyrelatedtothePassionofChrist.Oursinswerepresentand

werethecauseofthatsuffering.WehavethepowertocrucifytheSonofGodalloveragain.[461]HowmuchmustHehavelovedus!Whatdiditcosthimtosaveus?Whatmessageforushavethesorrowfulmysteriesoftherosary,thestationsofthecross,thecrucifix,thenails,thelance,thecorpseinthelapoftheMother?Allthisforus–sufferedforeveryoneofus.AllthissimplytobestowuponusthegraceofbeingGod’schildren,withalltheaccompanyinggraceswerequire.Wesin.WhatdoesthepriceHepaidmattertous?ThatwashismostbitterreflectionontheMountofOlives.WithdivineclarityHeforesawallouringratitude.[462]Withthehelpofdivinemercy,becausethereisnorighttograce,theChristianwhofollowsChrist

closelywillnotfallhabituallyintogravefaults.Buttheknowledgeofourweaknessshouldleadustoavoidanyoccasionofsin,eventhemostremote.Wedosobymortifyingoursenses,bynottrustinginourownjudgmentorouryearsoffaithfulnessorourexcellentformation.WehavetoasktheLordtomakeus abhor every sin andeverydeliberate fault, togiveus a conscience sensitive enough todetectthesmallestsins.WeneedtopurifyoursoulwithfrequentConfessionsothatwedonotloseoursenseofsin,thatsensewhichseemssoabsentfromoursociety.WewilltellJesus,Helpustoconquerourindifferenceandoursloth!Giveusasenseofsin.Create

inus,OLord,apureheart,andrenewawillingspiritinourminds.[463]34.3Thestruggleagainstvenialsins.LoveforConfession.Inordertobeginwellaseriousstruggleagainstsin,wehavetofaceuptoourdailyfaultswithout

excuses, without seeking justifications that would weaken our sorrow and contrition. These faultsinclude omissions in fulfilling our professional responsibilities, lack of fraternity, neglect in ourdealings with God, negative judgments towards others, envy, mistreatment of others, neglect offamily,ourmore ignobleanddisorderedambitions tobe thecentreofattention, tobe supreme, tohavemore thanwe need. These are authentic venial sins because they aremomentswhen thewill

refusestofollowthewillofGod,eventhoughthisrefusaldoesnotconstituteacompleteseparationfrom him.Our desire to be every day closer to Jesus is incompatiblewith actions or desires thatseparateusfromhim.EverydeliberatevenialsinisastepbackwardsonourwaytoGod.VenialsinhinderstheactionoftheHolySpiritinoursoul.Knowingourdesiretoabhormortalsinandavoidallvenialsin,Jesusgivesusthisinvitation:If

anyonethirst,lethimcometomeanddrink.The Lord promises to give us livingwater.We certainly cannot keep it inbroken cisterns. The

sacramentofPenancerestoresthesoul,purifiesitandfillsitwithgrace.Letusgotothissacramentwith real contrition.Thenwewill be able to saywith thePsalmist,Myeyes shed streamsof tears,becausemendonotkeepthylaw.[464]WegotoOurMotherMary,Refugeofsinners,toaskthatshewinusthegracetodetesteveryvenial

sin.WealsoaskherforagreatloveforthesacramentofdivineMercy.Letusexamineourselvesasweendthistimeofprayertoseehowoftenwereceivethissacrament,withwhatloveandwithwhatpurposeofamendment.

SIXTEENTHWEEK:FRIDAY

35.THEVIRTUEOFTEMPERANCE35.1Thedignityofthebodyandallcreatedthings.Theneedforthisvirtue.TheChurchhasalwaysrecognizedthedignityofthebodyandofallcreatedthings.IntheCreation

narrative, the inspired author points out how God was pleased with his work.[465] Following thecreation of man,God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.[466] Godhonouredmanbyplacinghimat theheadofallcreation.Thedignityofmanwasfurtherenhancedwhen theSecondPersonof theHolyTrinity took tohimself ahumannatureandaccomplishedhistaskofredemption.NoteachingcouldbefurtherfromChristiandoctrinethanthenotionofaradicaloppositionbetweenthesoulandthebody.Forit is thehumanpersoninhisentirety,soulandbody,who is called to attain eternal life.TheChurch has been a constant and pre-eminentwitness to thedignityandrespectduetothehumanbody.AsSaintPaulwrites,Doyounotknowthatyourbodyisatemple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have fromGod? You are not your own; you wereboughtwithaprice.SoglorifyGodinyourbody.[467]NotwithstandinghisGod-givenprestige,manhasconstantlytostruggletoavoidfallingprisonerto

thethingsofthisworldwhichGodcreatedforhislegitimateuse.Thisisbecauseofthedisorderincreationcausedbysin.Itseemscharacteristicofouragethattherearemanywhowouldtreatcreatedthings, theiracquisitionandenjoyment,asman’sfinalend,whentheir truepurposeis toserveasameans toman’s final end,which isGod.Asa result of thismistakenviewof reality,manypeoplechoosetosetasideGod’slaws,andindoingsocontradictthenatureofmanandhumandignityitself.Regrettably, this process of so-called ‘liberation’ inevitably leads people to degradation andenslavement.Tocounteractthisthreattohumandignityweneedtoexercisethevirtueoftemperance.Temperanceensuresthatthebodyandthesensesfulfiltheirproperfunctioninourhumannature,[468]afunctionwhichhasbeenordainedbyGod.Hewhowillnotstruggletoachieveunitywithinhimselfwillhaveahardtimeachievingunitywith

God.Whoever makes easy concessions to his feelings or whims, who has no self-control, turnshimself into ground where the divine seed cannot take root. Such a person may even becomeincapableofmakingprogressinhumanvirtues.AstheLordteachesusintoday’sGospel,Asforwhatwassownamongthorns,thisishewhohearstheword,butthecaresoftheworldandthedelightinricheschoketheword,anditprovesunfruitful.[469]TheChristianlifewillnotflourishamongpeoplewho worship their bodies, their health, their appearance. God’s goods have been converted intothornswhichsuffocatewhatismostnobleinmanandobstructhissalvation.Whenthebodybecomesheavyandsatiated,thesoulfindsitsmountinpoorconditionfortheridetoheaven.[470]Weneed tobevigilant thatwenotbecarriedawayby thesirensongofour ‘consumerculture’.

Manypeopleintoday’sworldbelievethatthehighestaiminlifeistohavemorethanothers,whilemakingsuretheylettheseothersknowthatthisisthecase.YettruesuccessliesinbeingfaithfultoGodandtohisplansforustobewithhimforeverinHeaven.WeknowthatourheartscanonlybefilledbyGod.Temporalgoodswillalwaysleaveusemptyandforlorn.35.2Throughtheexerciseoftemperancemanbecomesmorehuman.Detachmentfromworldlygoods.Givinggoodexample.Our Mother the Church has always taught her children the need for temperance. Temperance

requiresself-control,sacrificeandmortification.Bypractisingtemperanceweensurethatthedivineseedwilltakerootinoursoul,thatitwillnotbesuffocated.Wehavetobeever-watchful,sincetheorientationofmoderncultureis tendingtowardsakindofhedonism,aheadlongpursuitof theeasylife, marked by a desire to erase the cross from the aspirations of peoples.[471] This phenomenonthreatensmanyofourcontemporaries.Throughtheexerciseoftemperancemanbecomesmorehuman.Hewhoabandonshimselftothe

satisfactionofhisinstinctsbecomesnotunlikearunawaytrain.Ithurtlesalongoutofcontrol,jumpsthetracksandendsupwrecked,unabletoproceedahead.Inthissadstateman’snoblestattributes,hisintelligenceandwill,areswampedbyhisanimalpowersofinstinctandhispassions.Oneacquiresthevirtueoftemperancebyperformingmanysmallactionswhichmoderateourdesiresanddirectoursensestowardsman’sfinalend.Thepersonwholivesthisvirtueknowshowtodowithoutthosethingsthatmayharmhis soul,andalsocomes to realise thathis sacrifice ismoreapparent thanreal; forlivingthisway,withaspiritofsacrifice,meansfreeingoneselffrommanykindsofslavery,savouringinstead,inthedepthsofone’sheart,thefullnessofGod’slove.Lifethentakesonagainshadesandtoneswhichintemperancehadtendedtoblur.Wefindourselves

able to care for theneedsofothers, to sharewhat isourswith everyone, todevoteour energies togreatcauses.[472]To live temperancewellmeans tobedetached fromearthly things, to give them the importance

which theymerit andnothingmore, to avoidcreatingpersonalneeds, to exercisemoderationwithregardtofoodanddrink,toreininourwhimsandpassions...The Lord asks us to give testimony of temperance in the middle of the world. If we were to

compromiseinthisarea,wewouldfinditmoredifficulttofollowChristasoneofhisapostles.Withtheexampleofourliveswehavetoteachmanypeoplethatmanismorepreciousforwhatheisthanforwhathehas.[473]Inaspecialway,parentshavetoinstructtheirchildrentobelieveintheessentialvaluesofhumanlife.Childrenmustgrowupwithacorrectattitudeoffreedomwithregardtomaterialgoods,byadoptingasimpleandausterelifestyle.[474]Andeveryonehastomakeanefforttoexerciseself-controloverthesenses.35.3Somemanifestationsoftemperance.ThevirtueoftemperanceoughttoinformandimpregnateeveryaspectofourChristianlife–from

ourconveniencesathometotheinstrumentsofourworkandrelaxation.Forexample,whenwerestweusuallydonotneedtorunupunnecessaryexpenseorallocatetoourleisureaninordinateamountoftime.Oneareawherewecangivegoodexampleinthisvirtuerelatestoouruseoftelevisionandalltheothermeansofcomfortablepastimeofferedbymoderntechnology.Itisunfortunatethatsomanypeoplehavecometolivetheirlivesstrictlyforthesakeof‘havinga

goodtime’.Specifically,itcanbesaidofmanyofourcontemporariesthattheirgodisthebelly.[475]The personwho lives temperancewill try to avoid eating betweenmeals, will not yearn for raredelicacies and expensive repasts,will not consume excessive quantities ...Ordinarily you eatmorethan you need. And the natural result, a heavy fullness and discomfort, benumbs your mind andrendersyouunfittosavoursupernaturaltreasures.Whatafinevirtuetemperanceis,evenbyearthlystandards![476]Although most of these manifestations of gluttony are not serious sins, they are, nevertheless,

offences against God which weaken the will. Such behaviour can lead us away from the austere,joyfulanddetachedwayofliferequiredofChrist’sfollowers.Itcanactasthethorns thatsuffocatethedivineseed,leavingustowallowinlivesoflukewarmnessandregret.

Togrowinthisvirtuewehavetopractisemortificationineatinganddrinking.Sometimeswewillfind itnecessary todenyourselves in thematterofdesireswhicharecompletely licit.TheChurchgives sobriety a highermeaningwhen she reminds us that food is a gift ofGodwhich should beblessedbyhim.TheChurchrecommendsthatChristianspraybeforeandaftermeals.SaintThomasteachesthatalthoughsobrietyandtemperancearenecessaryforeveryone,thesevirtuesareespeciallyimportantfortheyoung(whoarethemostinclinedtoerrinthisrealm),forwomen,fortheelderly(thattheygivegoodexample),fortheministersoftheChurchandpublicofficials(sothattheycarryouttheirdutieswithwisdom).[477]Temperancealsohastodowiththemoderationofourcuriosity,ofoursenseofhumour,ofour

fondness forhearing thesoundofourownvoice ...BlessedJohnPaul IIhadsaid, I think that thisvirtuerequiresofeachpersonaspecifichumilitywithregardtothegiftswhichGodhasgiventousinhuman nature. I would recommend a ‘humility of the body’ and a ‘humility of the heart’.[478] Weshouldputasidetemptationsrelatedinanysuchwaytoostentationandvanity.Temperanceisanexcellentdefenceinthefaceoftheaggressivetacticsofour‘consumerculture’.

Temperancepreparesustobegoodsoilreadytoreceivethedivineseed,theactionoftheHolySpirit.Thisvirtueisanindispensablemeanstowardsourrealizinganeffectiveapostolateinthemiddleoftheworld.

SIXTEENTHWEEK:SATURDAY

36.THENEWCOVENANT36.1ThecovenantofSinaiandtheNewCovenantofChristontheCross.WereadinthefirstbookofExodusthatwhenMosescamedownfromMountSinaihegaveGod’s

commandmentstothechosenpeople.[479]TheIsraeliteswereobligedtoobeythecommandments,andMosesput them intowriting.On the followingmorning thepeoplebuilt analtar at thebaseof themountainandraisedtwelvestonestosymbolizethetwelvetribesofIsrael.TheJewsofferedsacrificetoYahwehtoratifythecovenant.ThroughthispacttheIsraelitespledgedthemselvestocomplywiththeTenCommandmentsandYahwehpromisedtoexercisepaternalcareoverhischosenpeople.Thesacrificial ritewasconfirmed inblood,symbolof thesourceof life.Thebloodwasspiltupon thealtar,whichsymbolizedGod.AfterMoseshadreadfromthebookofthecovenant,hesprinkledthebloodupon thosewhowerepresent, therebyconfirming thespecialunionbetweenYahwehandhispeople.[480]Thiseventwasofsuchgreatimportancethatithadtoberecalledandrenewedonmanyoccasions.

[481] The chosen peoplewould time and time again break the covenant, butGod neverwearied ofpardoning them and loving them.What ismore,He not only pardoned them, butHe promised tomakethemamoreperfectgiftofhimself.Overandoveragain,GodspeaksthroughhisProphetsofa‘newCovenant’whichwouldexpresshisinfinitemercy.[482]ThisCovenantwassealedbytheBloodofChristhangingupontheCross.TheNewCovenantunitesGodwithhisnewpeople,allmankind,who are called to become part of theChurch. The sacrifice of Calvarywas one of infinitemerit,openingupanewanddefinitiverelationshipbetweenGodandman.Doyouwish to know ... the valueof that blood? asksSaint JohnChrysostom.See fromwhere it

springsandwhoisitssource.ItflowedfromtheCrossitself.ItssourcewastheopensideoftheLord.TheGospelsays,‘WhentheycametoJesusandsawthathewasalreadydead,theydidnotbreakhislegs.Butoneofthesoldierspiercedhissidewithaspear,andatoncetherecameoutbloodandwater.’WateristhesymbolofBaptism.BloodisthesymboloftheEucharist.Thesoldierwhopiercedhissideopenedupabreachinthewalloftheholytemple.IhavefoundahiddentreasurethereandIrejoiceatmy newfound wealth.[483] We encounter this wealth every day at Holy Mass, where, before theastonishedgazeof theangels themselves,heavenseemstocomedowntoearth.InthissacrificewearecloselyunitedwithChrist.Thechosenpeoplecouldneverhaveimaginedanythingsotremendous.ThewordsofatraditionalprayerofthanksgivingafterMassarehereappropriate:Ibegofyou,SweetJesus,thatyourPassionbemystrengthanddeliverance,thatyourwoundsbemyfoodanddrink,thatthesprinklingofyourbloodbepurificationformysins,thatyourdeathbemylifeeternal,thatyourCrossbemyeverlastingglory...[484]36.2TheHolyMassasrenewaloftheCovenant.’Behold,thedaysarecoming’,saystheLord,‘whenIwillmakeanewcovenantwiththehouseof

IsraelandthehouseofJudah,notlikethecovenantwhichImadewiththeirfatherswhenItookthembythehandtobringthemoutofthelandofEgypt...’[485]DuringtheLastSupper,Jesusanticipatedwhat shortly thereafter he was to accomplish in his death. He showed his disciples what he wasanxioustodo,whathewassoontocarryout–thesacrificeofhisBodyandBloodforeveryone.TheLastSupperisananticipationofthesacrificeoftheCross.[486]Twenty-sevenyearslater,SaintPaul

wouldquotethesewordsofJesusintheFirstLettertotheCorinthians:Thiscupisthenewcovenantinmyblood.Dothis,asoftenasyoudrinkit,inremembranceofme.[487]The word commemoration harkens back to the Hebrew word which signifies the Jewish feast

recallingtheflightfromEgyptandtheCovenantmadeonMountSinai.[488]DuringthisfeasttheJewsnotonlyrememberthepasteventbuttheycontinuallyrenewit,generationaftergeneration.WhentheLordcommandstheApostles,Dothisinremembranceofme,heisnotjustaskingthemtorememberasinglemoment.HeisaskingthemtorenewthesacrificeofCalvary.ThisCovenantisrenewedeachandeverydaythroughouttheentireworldwhenevertheHolyMass

is celebrated. The priest performing eachMass re-presents, that is to say, hemakes present onceagain,inamysteriousmanner,thesamesacrificewhichChristofferedonCalvary.TheworkofourRedemptiontakesplacehereandnow.ItisasifthetwentycenturiesseparatingusfromCalvaryhaddisappeared. The New Covenant of the Eucharistic Sacrifice becomes especially manifest in themomentofConsecration.[489]Itisatthismomentthatweshouldmakeheartfeltactsoffaithandlove.LetustakeadvantageofsomeguidelinesgiventopriestsonhowtocelebratetheMass,inorderto

help us live the sacrifice with ever greater devotion: After uttering the words which bring Christdown upon the altar, look at the sacramental species with the eyes of faith. As you kneel, see thelegions of angelswhich surroundChrist and adore himwith profound reverence. This sight shouldmakeyouexceedinglyhumble.Intheelevation,contemplateChristelevatedontheCross.AskHimtobringallthingstoHimself.Makeferventactsoffaith,hope,love,adoration,humility,sayingwiththemind,‘Jesus,SonofGod,havemercyonme!MyLordandmyGod.Iloveyou,myGod.Iadoreyouwith my whole heart and soul’. You may also renew the intention of the Mass which you arecelebrating, offering up theEucharist according to its four ends. Butwhen you lift up the chalice,make sure to remember inaverycontriteway that thebloodofChristhasbeen shed for you, eventhoughyouhaveoftentimesdespisedit.Adorehimsoastomakeupforyourpastneglect.[490]WehavetofortifyourfaithandloveinthesemomentsoftheConsecration.

36.3LovefortheHolySacrifice.Howlovelyisthydwellingplace,OLordofhosts!Mysoullongs,yea,faintsforthecourtsofthe

Lord;myheartandfleshsingforjoytothelivingGod.[491]WithwhatloveandreverenceweshouldapproachHolyMass! There, in thisHoly Sacrifice, is to be found the sublime spring of grace towhicheverygenerationwillrepairforstrengthasmanmakeshiswaytowardseternity.[492]Therewewillfindnotonlygrace,buttheAuthorofallgrace.[493]WheneverwepreparetocelebrateorparticipateintheHolySacrificeofthealtar,wehavetodoso

withanintensitythatbindsuscloserandclosertoJesusChrist,theHighPriest.AsSaintPaultellsus:Have thismind among yourselves, whichwas in Christ Jesus.[494]We offer the Supreme Sacrificethroughhimandwithhimandinhim.Weofferupourselves.[495]OnedetailwhichwillhelpusfosterthisunionwithJesusChristintheMasshastodowithourmannerofparticipatingintheLiturgy.Weneedtobeserious,piousandactive,recollectedinspirit,oursoulunitedwithourbodyinprayerfulharmony.[496]We have to give our full attention to the readings and the acclamations. During thetimesreservedforsilentprayer,weoughttomakeactsoffaithandlove.WeshouldasktheBlessedVirgintoteachushowtobelovinglyattentiveatthemomentofConsecration,whenwereceiveJesusinCommunion...Otherdetailstokeepinmindrelatetoourpunctualityandthewaywedress.AmanwhofailstolovetheMassfailstoloveChrist.Wemustmakeaneffortto‘live’theMasswithcalmandserenity,withdevotionandaffection.Thosewholoveacquireafinesse,asensitivityofsoulthatmakesthemnoticedetailsthataresometimesverysmall,butthatareimportantbecausetheyexpressthelove

of a passionate heart. This is howwe should attend theHolyMass.And this iswhy I have alwayssuspected that thosewhowant theMass tobeoverquickly show,with this insensitiveattitude, thattheyhavenotyetrealizedwhatthesacrificeofthealtarmeans.[497]OurtimeofthanksgivingafterMasssumsuptheseveryspecialmomentsofthedaywhichcanhave

suchadecisiveinfluenceonourwork,onourfamilylife,onourcheerfuldealingswithothers,onour peace and joy.Lived in this fashion, theMasswill never be an isolated event, but insteadwillserve us as real spiritual nourishment.TheMasswill give to our actions an eternalmeaning.TheMasswillhelpustoliveaschildrenofGodandco-RedeemerswithChrist.WeshouldtrytobeatthesideofOurLadyduringtheholyMass,justasshestoodbyherSonon

Calvary.AsweofferupJesustotheFather,weofferourselveswithhimthroughtheintercessionofMary.MostholyFather!ThroughtheImmaculateHeartofMaryIofferyouJesus,yourbelovedSon.Ioffermyselfthroughhim,withhimandinhimforallhisintentions,inthenameofallcreatures.[498]

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37.THEGREATNET37.1ThenetisanimageoftheChurch,containingasitdoesboththejustandsinners.Today’sGospelcontainsanumberofparablesconcerning theKingdomofHeaven– thehidden

treasure,thepearlofgreatvaluefoundbyanenterprisingmerchant,thegreatnetthrownintotheseawhichbringsinallkindsoffish,somegoodandothersbad.[499]Thefishermenthrowthegoodfishintovessels.Thebadfisharediscarded.ThenetthrownintotheseaisanimageoftheChurchwhichholds both the just and sinners. The Lord teaches this same idea on other occasions. His Churchcontainssaintsaswellassinners,hisfriendsandthoseotherswhoabandonthehouseoftheFathertowastetheinheritancereceivedinBaptism.YetallbelongtotheChurch,thoughindifferentways.Christ‘holy,innocentandundefiled’(Heb7:26)knewnothingofsin(2Cor5:21),butcameonlyto

expiatethesinsofthepeople(cfHeb2:17).TheChurch,however,claspingsinnerstoherbosom,atonceholyandalwaysinneedofpurification,followsconstantlythepathofpenanceandrenewal.[500]Nomatterwhatsinstheycommit,sinnerscontinuetobelongtotheChurchsincespiritualgoodsstillsubsist in them– goods such as the indelible character received inBaptism andConfirmation, thetheologicalvirtuesoffaithandhope...alongwiththecharitythatreachesthembyreasonofalltheChristiansstrugglingtobesaints.Justasasickorparalysedpartofthebodyreceivesassistancefromtherestofthebody,soitiswiththeMysticalBodyofChrist.TheChurchcontinuestoliveinherchildrenwhoarenotinthestateofgrace.TheChurchseeksto

workagainsttheevilthatcorruptstheirsouls.Shestrugglestokeeptheminherfold,tobringthembacktolifewithherlove.Sheconservesthemasoneconservesatreasurenoteasilypartedfrom.Andit is notbecause shewants to carryarounddeadweight. Sheonlyhopes that through thepowerofpatience,gentlenessandpardonthesinnerwillmakehisreturntoher.Itislikethewitheredbranchwhichforlackofsapisallowedtimetoregainhealthandfloweroncemore.[501]TheChurchdoesnotforgetforonesingledaythatsheisaMother.Shecontinuallypraysforherchildrenwhoareill.Shewaitswith infinitepatience.Sheseeks tohelp themwithabundantcharity.Weought tobring to theLordourprayers,works,joysandsufferingsforthesakeofthosewhobelongtotheChurchbutwhodonotparticipate fully in the lifeofgrace.Weshouldespeciallykeep inmind thosewehappen toknowpersonallywhomayneedtoreturntothefullnessofspirituallife.37.2TheChurchismadeupofsinners,butitiswithoutsin.TheChurchoughtnottobejudgedonthebasisofthosewhohavenotliveduptotheirChristianvocation.TheChurchismadeupofsinners,insomecasesgreatsinners,yetsheherselfisfreefromsin.Just

asonecansayofChristthathecamefromaboveandnotfrombelow,soalsodoestheChurchhaveadivineorigin.ChristjoinedhertohimselfashisbodyandendowedherwiththegiftoftheHolySpiritfor thegloryofGod ...Thisholinessof theChurch is constantly shown forth in the fruits of gracewhich the Spirit produces in the faithful and so it must be; it is expressed in many ways by theindividualswho,eachinhisownstateof life, tendtotheperfectionof love, thussanctifyingothers.[502]TheChurchknowsthatsheisnotacreatureofthisworld.Sheisnotaculturalphenomenon,norapoliticalinstitution,norascientificschool,butacreationoftheheavenlyFatherbymeansofJesusChrist.ChristhasgiventheChurchhiswordsandworks,hislifeandsalvation.Shehasbeenentrustedwiththistreasureforallgenerationstocome.[503]

SinnersbelongtotheChurch,despitetheirsins.TheystillcanreturntothehouseoftheirFather,even if it be at the lastmomentof life.Having receivedBaptism, they carrywithin themselves thehopeofreconciliationwhichnoteventhemostgrievousofsinscanerase.ThesinwhichtheChurchfinds in her children does not belong to her. It belongs to her enemy. It would be a shame if weallowedpeopletojudgetheChurchonthebasisofwhatsheisnot.AccordingtoBlessedJohnPaulII,theChurchisaMother,throughwhomweareborntoanewlife

inGod.Amothershouldbeloved.SheisholywithregardtoherFounder,herworksandherdoctrine,butsheis,nevertheless,composedofsinfulmen.ItisourdutytomakeapositivecontributiontothelifeoftheChurch,tohelpherprogressalongthewayoffaithfulrenewal.Thisisnotaccomplishedbynegativecriticisms.[504]Whenpeoplespeakoftheso-calleddefectsoftheChurchindaysgonebyorinthepresent,they

betrayamistakenunderstandingofthenatureofthissupernaturalinstitution.Takeheedtoyourselvesandtoalltheflock,inwhichtheHolySpirithasmadeyouguardians,tofeedthechurchoftheLordwhichheobtainedwithhisownblood.[505]Christhaswatchedover theChurchfromitsfoundation,havingcleansedherbythewashingofwaterwiththeword,thathemightpresentthechurchtohimselfinsplendour,withoutspotorwrinkleoranysuchthing,thatshemightbeholyandwithoutblemish.[506]AsSaintPaulwritestoTimothy,theChurchisthehouseholdofGod...thepillarandbulwarkofthetruth.[507]IfwelovetheChurch, therewillneverariseinusamorbidinterest inairing,asthefaultsof the

Mother, theweaknessesof someofherchildren.TheChurch, thespouseofChrist,doesnothave tointoneany‘meaculpa’.Butwedo:‘meaculpa,meaculpa,meamaximaculpa’.Theonly true‘meaculpa’ is a personal one, not the onewhich attacks theChurch, pointing out and exaggerating thehumandefectswhich,inthisholymother,resultfromthepresenceinherofmenwhoseactionscangofar astray, but which can never destroy – nor even touch – that which we call the original andconstitutiveholinessoftheChurch.[508]37.3Thefruitsofsanctity.TheChurch is the source of sanctity in theworld. She continually offers tomen themeans for

drawingclosetoGod.CertainlyourHolyMothershinesoutspotlessinhersacramentsbymeansofwhich she brings forth her children and nourishes them; in her faith, which has never sufferedcontamination; in her most holy laws, by which she commands all men; and in her evangelicalcounselswhichsheproposestoallmen;finally,inherheavenlygiftsandcharisms,bymeansofwhich,withinexhaustiblefecundity,shebringsfortharmiesofmartyrsandvirginsandconfessors.[509]Asthefountainofsanctity,theChurchhasproducedmanysaintsdownthroughthecenturies.First

there were the martyrs who gave their lives for the faith. Later, history records the testimony ofinnumerablemenandwomenwhohavespenttheirlivesfortheloveofGodtohelpothersinneed.Has there ever been a human want for which the Church has not shown a maternal solicitude?Countlessparentshave ledheroic livesofsilentsacrificewhile faithfully fulfilling thedemandsoftheirdivinevocation.Similarly,therearethosemanymenandwomenwhostrivetoachieveholinessinthemiddleoftheworldbylivingapostoliccelibacy.Insum,theChurchisholybecauseallintheChurch,whethertheybelongtothehierarchyorarecaredforbyit,arecalledtoholiness.[510]Byvirtue of the holiness of herFounder, theChurch, theBride ofChrist, is forever young and

beautiful,withoutspotor...blemish.[511]Sheisalwaysworthyofdivinefavour.TheholinessoftheChurch is an inherentcharacteristic,partofhernaturewhichdoesnotdependupon thenumberofChristians nor upon the depth of their commitment to her. TheChurch is holy due to the constant

actionoftheHolySpiritandnotbecauseofthebehaviourofherhumanmembers.Iwouldalsolikeyou to consider that even if human failingswere to outnumber acts of valour, the clear undeniablemysticalrealityoftheChurch,thoughunperceivedbythesenses,wouldstillremain.TheChurchwouldstillbetheBodyofChrist,OurLordhimself,theactionoftheHolySpiritandthelovingpresenceoftheFather.[512]Asdevoutmembers of the People ofGod,we ask theLord to increase our desire forpersonal

sanctity so that we might be worthy sons of his Church. For this sublime mission aimed at theflowering of a new age of evangelization in Europe, evangelizers with a special preparation arerequired today.There is aneed forheraldsof theGospelwhoare experts inhumanity,whohaveaprofoundknowledgeoftheheartofpresent-dayman,participatinginhisjoysandhopes,anguishandsadness,andwhoareatthesametimecontemplativesinlovewithGod.Forthisweneednewsaints.‘ThegreatevangelizersofEuropehavebeenthesaints’.WemustsupplicatetheLordtoincreasetheChurch’sspiritofholinessandsendusnewsaintstoevangelizetoday’sworld.[513]

SEVENTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARB

38.FAITHFULNESSINLITTLETHINGS38.1Jesusisalwaysattentivetoourneeds.Heteachesustosanctifytemporalrealities.AlongtheshoresoftheSeaofGalileepeoplefromthesurroundingvillagesgatheredtohearthe

Lord.WhileJesuswasspeaking,noonehadgivenathoughttotheirweariness,tothehourstheyhadbeenwithoutfood,totheirlackofprovisionsandtotheimpossibilityofprocuringany.Thepeoplehadbecome captivatedby thewords of theLord.Theyhad forgotten their hunger aswell as theirtravelplans.Nevertheless,Jesushadthematerialneedsofhisaudienceinmind.Hetookpityonthoseexhausted peoplewho had been following him for a number of days. So, heworked the splendidmiracleofthemultiplicationoftheloavesandfishes.[514]Aftereveryonehadeaten,JesustookadvantageoftheopportunitytoteachalessontohisApostles

– and to us – about the importance of little things.Andwhen they had eaten their fill, he told hisdisciples,‘Gatherupthefragmentsleftover,thatnothingmaybelost’.Sotheygatheredupandfilledtwelvebasketswithfragmentsfromthefivebarleyloaves,leftbythosewhohadeaten.Jesusshowsushismagnanimityintwoways:firstbygivingtothepeopleasmuchastheywantedandsecondlybymakingsure thatno foodwaswasted.Heeducatesbymeansofdramaticactionaswellas throughinsignificantdetail.ThegrandeuroftheheartofChristisrevealedinboththelargeandsmallhappeningsofeachday.

Thecollectingof theleft-overs isawayofshowingusthevalueof little thingsdoneoutof loveforGod–orderliness, cleanliness, finishing thingscompletely.[515]Christ spent thebetter part of thirtyyearsimmersedinordinary,everydaylife.WhileHeoccupiedhimselfinasimpleworkshop,theSonofManwasengagedintheRedemptionofhumanity.According to the Gospels, during the years of his public life Jesus remained in continual

conversationwithhis heavenlyFather.Yet Jesuswas fully awareofwhatwasgoingon all aroundhim.HavingbroughtthedaughterofJairusbacktolife,Heaskedthatshebegivensomethingtoeat.RightafterperformingthemiracleoftheresurrectionofLazarus,Hetoldthebewilderedspectators:Unbindhim,andlethimgo.[516]Jesussensedwhenitwastimeforhisdisciplestogetsomerest.[517]Heteachesustotreathumansituationsaccordingtotheirproperimportance.Wehavetosanctifyourdailyconcerns.Wecannotliveintheclouds.Weshouldbeactivelyinvolvedinthelivesofothers.In theSecondReadingof theMass,SaintPaul remindsusofhowweshouldbehave towards the

peoplearoundus:withalllowlinessandmeekness,withpatience,forbearingoneanotherinlove.[518]TheLordiscallingustolivethosevirtueswhichmakelifepleasantforothers.ThisishowwewilldemonstrateourloveofGod.38.2DrawingclosetotheLordthroughthefaithfulfulfilmentofourduties.Thevalueoflittlethings.Gather up the fragments left over ... This would seem to be a detail of little importance in

comparisonwiththespectacularmiracle,butitistheLordwhomakestherequest.Ourentirelifeismadeupofmany thingswhich arevery simple andmundane.Wedevelopvirtuesbyourhabitual,day-to-daystruggle.Itisinthisstrugglethatweforgeoursanctity.’Lovemeansdeedsandnotsweetwords.’Deeds,deeds!Andaresolution: Iwillcontinue to tellyouoften,Lord, that I loveyou.HowoftenhaveIrepeatedthistoday!But,withyourgrace,itwillbemyconductaboveallthatshowsit.It

willbethelittlethingsofeachdaywhich,withsilenteloquence,willcryoutbeforeyou,showingyoumyLove.[519]TheLordvaluesorder,punctuality,careforthebooksweuseandtheinstrumentsweworkwith,

our friendliness towards colleagues, our dedication to spouse, children, friends.We have to fightagainst any sense of routine in our relationships or in our work. We have to want to give newmeaningtoeachdayandeachhour,eventhoughwemayhavebeendoingthesamethingforyearsonend.Lifebecomesaborewhenwegiveintoanysenseofroutine.Wecanfindabroadfieldforlivingmortificationinourdailywork–notputtingpeopledown,workingwithintensity,carryingoutourtaskswithaspiritofservice...Itispossiblethatwemightsomedaybechallengedtosavesomeoneelse’slifeattheriskofour

own.It’spossible,butnotverylikely.Yetwedofindopportunitiesvirtuallyeverysingledaytogiveofourselvesforothers.Thismayinvolvehavingasmileforsomeonewedon’treallylike,givingawordofencouragementtoamemberofthefamilywhoseemstiredoroutofsorts,awillingnesstowithholdouropinionforthesakeofavoidinganargument,aconsciousefforttolistenwithinterestto someone we don’t find very interesting. It can happen that an action of little consequence (afriendly greeting, a tiny favour, a thank-you note) can produce in others a good result out of allproportiontowhatwemighthaveexpected.Thesesimplecourtesieshelpothers tofeelwantedandappreciated.SociallifethusbecomesareflectionofGodhimself.Thisisinmarkedcontrasttothosesituations where people treat one another as mere objects, with careless disregard for the mostfundamentalaspectsofhumandignity.Little thingsareessential toour struggle to liveallof thevirtues.Faithcanbeexpressedwitha

momentaryactoflovewhenwepassbyaTabernacleinthemiddleofacity.Fortitudecanbelivedwheneverwe interruptan impureconversation,wheneverwetakeastandforourbeliefs, forJesusChristandhisChurch.Christawaitsus ineveryday life.This is the ‘realworld’ towhichwebelong,whichweneed to

sanctify by our diligence and ‘sporting spirit’. It is here that wewill learn to appreciate what Heappreciates – those treasureswhich last on into eternal life.Our hope is thatwewill be fortunateenoughtowintheMaster ’spraise:Welldone,goodandfaithfulservant;youhavebeenfaithfuloveralittle,Iwillsetyouovermuch.[520]38.3WhateverGodmayaskofusiswithinourreach.Weneedtobefaithfuleveninthoseareasthatseemoflittleimportance.Ourlifeismadeupofmanysmallactions.IfwechannelalltheseactionsinthedirectionofGod’s

Will,theywillcarryusveryfar.Manysmallstepswilltakeustotheendofourjourney.Faithfulnessinlittlethingswillsteelusinthefaceofanygreattemptation.[521]AswereadinthebookofSirach:Aworkmanwhoisadrunkardwillnotbecomerich;hewhodespisessmallthingswillfaillittlebylittle.[522]God is asking something of us at everymoment, and that something is alwayswell within our

reach.As a consequence of our initial correspondence to grace, there followmore graces for thesecondchallenge.Ifwearefaithful,onegracesucceedsuponanother.Byfocussingon little things,weenjoy theaddedadvantageofdiminishingourvanity.Whowill

honourusforgivingupourseatonthebus?Whattestimonialwillwereceiveforhavingkeptorderinourworkarea?Whowillbuildastatuetothemotherwhosmiles,totheprofessorwhocarefullyprepareseachlecture,tothestudentwhoreallystudiesforanexam,tothedoctorwhotreatsapatientwithrespectforhisdignity?

When we offer up our work we transform little things into big things, human details intosupernaturalevents.Everymorningweshouldmakeourmorningofferingwithgreaterandgreaterdevotion.WewillseethehumananddivinecometogetherinaunityoflifewhichwillallowustowinHeavenlittlebylittle.TobefaithfulinlittlethingsweneedtohaveagreatlovefortheLord.Wehavetofosteranardentdesiretobeunitedwithhim,tofindhiminthenormalcircumstancesofdailylife.ThisconstantcareforlittlethingswillnourishourloveforGod.OurBlessedMotherwill teachustoappreciatewhatseemstobeoflittle importance, tocarefor

details.Thisshouldbeourapproachinfamilylife,insocialrelations,inthefulfilmentofourdutiesandinourdealingswithGod.

SEVENTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARC

39.LEARNINGTOASK39.1Weshouldprayfrequentlyaboutourdivinefiliation.Jesus had the habit of praying early in the morning in out-of-the-way places.[523] His disciples

would often find the Lord thoroughly absorbed in conversationwith his heavenly Father.He waspraying inacertainplace,andwhenheceased,oneofhisdisciplessaid tohim, ‘Lord, teachus topray...’[524]Weoughttomakethesamerequest:Jesus,teachmehowtodealwithyou,tellmewhatIshouldaskyou for ...We shoulddo thisbecausewecan frequently findourselves in frontofGodwithoutknowingwhattosaytohimorhowweshouldspeaktohim.TheLordansweredhisdisciple’srequestwiththeperfectprayer, theOurFather.Hepronounced

everywordwithcare.HetaughtthemhowtoputalltheirtrustinprayertotheirFatherGod.Whichofyouwhohasafriendwillgotohimatmidnightandsaytohim,‘Friend,lendmethreeloaves;forafriendofminehasarrivedonajourney,andIhavenothingtosetbeforehim’...Itellyou,thoughhewillnotgetupandgivehimanythingbecauseheishisfriend,yetbecauseofhisimportunityhewillriseandgivehimwhateverheneeds.WheneverwetalktoGodwearemostprobablyaskinghimforsomething.ThisisbecausewearechildrenofGod,childreninneed.Forhispart,Godwantsonlytospendhimselfonus.Whatfatheramongyou,ifhissonasksforafish,willinsteadofafishgivehimaserpent;orifheasksforanegg,willgivehimascorpion?TheLordsolemnlypromisestobeattentivetoourrequests:Foreveryonewhoasksreceives,and

hewhoseeksfinds,andtohimwhoknocksitwillbeopened.Jesuscannotbemoreemphatic.WearesimplydeludingourselvesifwethinkthatwehavenoneedofGod,havinggrownaccustomedtoourfaultsandfailures.Hehasfilledthehungrywithgoodthings,andtherichhehassentemptyaway.[525]WeshouldgototheTabernacleexactlyasthesickandthesufferingusedtogotoJesusintheNewTestament.InthewordsofBlessedJohnPaulII,Whatdoesprayingmean?Prayermeansfeelingone’sowninsufficiencythroughthevariousnecessitieswhichmanhastoface,necessitiesthatarepartofhislife.Suchas,forexample,theneedforbreadtowhichChristrefersintheexampleofthatmanwhowakesuphisfriendatmidnighttoaskhimforbread.Similarnecessitiesarenumerous.Theneedforbread is, in a way, a symbol of all material necessities, the necessities of the human body, thenecessities of this existencewhich springs from the fact thatman is a body.But the rangeof thesenecessitiesiswider.[526]Humility isaprerequisite toconfidentconversationwithGod.Weneedtorealiseour limitations

beforewecanappreciatehowmuchwedependonourFatherGod.Again,fromthePope,Tolearntopraymeans‘tolearntheFather’.Ifwelearnthe‘Father’realityinthefullsenseoftheword,initsfulldimension,wehavelearnedeverything...TolearnwhotheFatherismeanslearningwhatabsolutetrustis.TolearntheFathermeansacquiringthecertaintythatheabsolutelycannotrefuseanything.This is all said in today’s Gospel. He does not refuse you even when everything, materially andpsychologically,seemstoindicaterefusal.Heneverrefusesyou.[527]Hewillneverabandonus.InourconversationwithGodwehavetokeepinmindourdivinefiliationandourhumanlimitations.39.2WeshouldaskforspiritualandmaterialgoodsinsofarastheybringusclosertoGod.Foreveryonewhoasksreceives,andhewhoseeksfinds,andtohimwhoknocksitwillbeopened.InourprayertoGod,thefirstthingsweshouldseekfromhimarespiritualgoods–thegraceto

lovehimmoreeachday,tohaveanauthenticdesireforsanctity.WeshouldalsoaskGodformaterialgoods insofar as they serve to bring us closer to him. These goods can include good health,economicwell-being,gettingajob...SaintAugustineadvisesus:Prayfortemporalgoodsinprivate,andrestintheknowledgethatthey

cometousfromhimwhoknowswhatisbestforus.Didyouaskandnotgetwhatyouwanted?TrustinyourFather.Ifitwouldhavebeengoodforyou,youwouldhavereceivedit.BeforeGod,youaremuchasalittlechildisbeforeyou.Alldaylong,thechildcrieshiseyesoutsothatyouwillgivehimaknifetoplaywith.Youwiselyrefusehispleaandpaynoattentiontohiswailing.Whenthechilddemandstorideyourhorse,youwon’t lethim.Thechilddoesn’tknowhowtoride,andmaygetinjuredorevenkilledasaresult.Youdenyhiminlittlethingssoastopreservemoreimportantthings.Youwantthechildtogrowupsafelyandpossessallhisowngoodswithoutdanger.[528]ThisishowtheLordiswithus.Somanytimeswearelikethechildwhodoesn’trealisewhatitisheisaskingfor.Godalwayswantswhatisbestforus.Man’shappiness,therefore,isalwaystobefoundinhisfull

identification with the Divine Will. Even though what God wills may sometimes not seem soappealing fromahumanpointofview, itnecessarily leads towhat is inourbest interests.BlessedJohnPaulIIoncerecalledhowimpressedhewasbythecheerfulnessofamanhemetinahospitalduringtheWarsawUprising.Thismanachievedhappinessbysomeotherwaybecausevisibly,judginghisphysicalstatefromthemedicalpointofview,therewasnoreasontobesohappy,tofeelsowell,andtoconsiderhimselfheardbyGod.Yethewasheardinanotheraspectofhishumanity.[529]ThisaspectwastheidentificationofhishumanwillwiththeDivineWill.WehavetowanttheWillofGod:thyWillbedoneonearthasitisinheaven.Thisisthebestpathtofollow.ItistheonepreparedforusbytheLord.Tellhim:Lord,IwantnothingotherthanwhatYouwant.EventhosethingsIamaskingyouforatpresent,iftheytakemeaninchawayfromyourWill,don’tgivethemtome.[530]Ifyoudon’twantthesethings,whyshouldI?Youknowbest.YourWillbedone.39.3TheprayerofAbraham.TheFirstReadingintoday’sMasspresentsuswithamovingexample–theprayerofAbraham,the

friendofGod, forthosecitieswhichhadoffendedGod.Wilt thou indeeddestroy therighteouswiththewicked?Supposetherearefiftyrighteouswithinthecity;wiltthouthendestroytheplaceandnotspare it for the fifty righteouswho are in it?Abraham tries to save the cities from destruction bygiving his belovedGod a hard time.Hemakes his case toGod that even a small number of holypeopleareanimmensetreasure.TheLordtakessuchgreatpleasureinthosewholovehimthatHeisreadytoforgivethousandsof

sinnersforthesakeofahandfulofjustmen.Godiswillingtoforgetthesinsandiniquitiesofentirecitiesforthesakeoftheloveandadorationoftenpeople.Thisisanunmistakableteachingforallofuswho seek to follow theLord closely.Wemay at times be tempted to question themerit of ourstrugglewhentherearesomanypeoplearounduswholivewithoutacareforGodandhis rights.OnedaytheLordwillshowustheenormousefficacyofourhumbleprayers,ofthesacrificesmadebyamotherforherfamily’swelfare,ofthesufferingofferedupbyasickpersonfortheChurch,ofthemeritofanhourofstudyorworkconvertedintoprayer...YahwehwaswillingtosaveSodomandGomorrahforthesakeofonlytenjustmen.Accordingto

divinelogic,thegoodworksofafewpeoplecanoutweighinvaluethesinsofthousands.WhenwestruggletobefaithfultotheLordweareboundtoexperiencethejoyofknowingthatwearepleasinghim.ForGodlistensattentivelytoourprayer.Weoughttoprayeverydayforoursociety,asocietywhichseemstobemovingfartherandfartherawayfromitsCreator.AsBlessedJohnPaulIIpointed

outinthisregard,IthinkthatAbraham’sprayeranditscontentisveryrelevantinthetimesinwhichwelive.Suchaprayerissonecessary,tonegotiatewithGodforeveryjustman,toredeemtheworldfrominjustice.[531]Wefinishtoday’sprayerwiththisresolve,thatwemustlearntoprayassonsoftheFather.Wehave

togototheLordfrequentlyeachday.Truly,likethosemanysickpeopleintheGospels,weneedtobebroughttoJesustobecured.TheBlessedVirginwillteachushowtobedaringinourpetitions.Weaskhertohelpusdoaneffectiveapostolatewhereweliveandwork

SEVENTEENTHWEEK:MONDAY

40.LEAVENINTHEDOUGH40.1Christians,likeleavenindough,arecalledtotransformtheworldfromwithin.TheLord teachesus in today’sGospel that thekingdomofheaven is like leavenwhichawoman

tookandhidinthreemeasuresofmeal,tillitwasallleavened.[532]ThepeoplelisteningtoourLordwerequitefamiliarwiththisphenomenon.Theyhadwitnesseditmanytimesintheirownhomes.Bymixingatinyquantityofyeastintoamassofdough,onewouldsoonhaveagoodloafofbread.Inreflectinguponthiscomparison,weshouldfirstconsiderhowlittleleavenisneededinorderto

transformthemassofdough.Despiteoutsideappearances,theeffectofthesmallportionofyeastissurprisinglygreat.Thisthoughtshouldleadustobedaringintheapostolate,sincethepowerbehindtheChristianfermentisnotmerelyhuman;itisthepoweroftheHolySpiritactingintheChurch.Inaddition,theLordtakesourlimitationsandfrailtiesintoaccount.Isyeast,by itsnature,better thandough? No. But it is what makes the dough rise and become good and nourishing food. Reflect amoment,even ifonly ingeneral terms,on thewayyeastworks in themakingofbread– thatsimple,staplefoodwhichisavailabletoeveryone.Inmanyplaces(youyourselvesmayhaveseenitdone)thebakingprocessislikearealceremonial,endingupwithasplendidproductthatyoucanalmosttastewithyoureyes.Theystartwithgoodflour,oftopqualityifpossible.Thenthedoughisworkedinthekneading-troughandtheyeastismixedin.Itisalongandpatientjob.Thedoughmustnowbelefttorest; this isessential for the leaventodoitsworkandmakethedoughrise.Meanwhile, theovenismadeready,itstemperaturerisingasthelogsofwoodburnbright.Therisendoughisplacedintheglowingovenandturnsintohighqualitybread,wonderfullylightandfresh.Thisresultwouldneverhavebeenpossiblehaditnotbeenforthesmallamountofleaven,whichdissolvedanddisappearedamongtheotheringredients,workingeffectivelyandpassingunnoticed.[533]Without this littlebitofleaveningyeast,themassofdoughwouldhavebeensomethinguselessandinedible.Inthecourseofourdailyliveswecanbethecauseoflightordarkness,joyorsadness,peaceoranxiety.Wecanbeadeadweightholdingpeoplebackorthefermentthattransformsthemassofdough.Ourlifetimeonearth is not something indifferent.We canbring others closer toChrist.We can also drive peopleawayfromhim.TheLordsendsusouttoproclaimhismessagetotheendsoftheearth.Wearetobringittothose

who do not know him personally, on a one-to-one basis, just as the first Christians didwith theirfamilies, theircolleaguesandtheirneighbours.Todothisapostolate,weneednotresort tostrangebehaviour.Andwhentheyseethatwelivethesamelifeastheydo,theywillaskus,‘Whyareyousohappy?How do youmanage to overcome selfishness and comfort-seeking?Who has taught you tounderstandothers,tolivewellandtospendyourselfintheserviceofothers?’Thenwemustdiscloseto themthedivinesecretofChristianexistence.Wemustspeakto themaboutGod,Christ, theHolySpirit,Mary.ThetimehascomeforustouseourpoorwordstocommunicatethedepthofGod’slovewhichgracehaspouredintooursouls.[534]Areweleaveninourfamily,inourplaceofworkorstudy?Doweshowbyourspiritofpeaceand

joythatChristisalive?40.2Goodexample.Weshould also consider the fact that the leavenhas an effectonlywhen it is in contactwith the

dough.Withoutbeingdistinguishablefromthedough,butworkingfromwithin,theleavendoestheworkoftransformation.Thewomannotonlyinsertstheleaven,butshealsokneadsitintothemassandhidesitspresence.Inlikemanner,youhavetomixinwithotherpeopleandbecomeidentifiedwiththem ... Just as the leaven is hidden but does not disappear, so, little by little, all of the mass istransformedtotheproperdegree.[535]OnlyinthemiddleoftheworldcanwebringallthingstoberenewedbyGod.Itisforthistaskthatwehavebeencalledbydivinevocation.ThefirstChristiansactedasafermentingyeastinaworldthatwasindecay.Inashortspaceoftime

theywereabletospreadthefaithtotheirfamilies,totheSenate,tothearmyandeventotheImperialPalaceitself.Westartedonlyashortwhileagoandnowwefilltheworldandeverythingthatbelongsto it – houses, cities, islands, towns, assemblies, even unto the army barracks, the clans and theclassrooms,thepalaces,theSenate,theForum.[536]Withouteccentricities,asordinaryfaithful,wecanshowwhatitmeanstofollowChristclosely.We

shouldbeknownaspersonswhoareloyal,sincere,cheerfulandhard-working.Weshouldbehaveinanexemplarymanner in familyandsocial life, fulfillingourdutieswith theserenitybefittingsonsanddaughtersofGod.Ourlife,withallourweaknesses,shouldbeasignthatbringspeopletoChrist.Ourexampleshouldleadpeopletothink,‘ThisisthewaytoreachGod’.Ordinarycustomsandcourtesies,forexample,canbethefirststepstowardsintimacywithGodfor

manypersons.Thesecustomsmakelifeinsocietymoreamenable,buttheyfrequentlyrepresentonlytheappearanceoffriendship.Christiansshouldpractisethesecustomsasthefruitoftruecharity,asmanifestationsofadeepconcernforthewelfareofothers.TheyshouldbetheexternalreflectionofanintimateunionwithGod.OneofthemostconvincingandattractiveaspectsofaChristian’slifeistobefoundinthepractice

of temperance.Nomatterwherewe findourselves,weought always togivegoodexample in thisvirtue.Itshouldbeshowninoursincerity.GenuinesincerityhasattractedmanypeopletobegintheirencounterwithGod.Ourtemperanceshouldbeapparentatmeals,inthewaywespendourmoney,inthewaywechoosetorelaxandfindentertainment.Christhasputusonearthtoactasbeaconsthatgivelight,asdoctorswhoteach,sothatwemightfulfilourdutyasleaven...Itwouldcertainlynotbenecessarytopreachdoctrineifyourlivesweresoradiant,norwoulditbenecessarytohaverecoursetowordsifyourworksgavetestimony.TherewouldnotbeasinglepaganifweconductedourselvesliketrueChristians.[537]With this focusonourgoodexampleofpeaceand joy,of smallbut frequentactsof service,of

workwell done, itwill be easier tobring thosewho live andwork aroundus to theLord.This isespecially truewith regard to our apostolate ofConfession,which theChurch says is so urgentlyneeded in these times.All one’s cares and efforts are of little value compared to the interests of asinglesoul.Hewhobringsbacka lost sheep to the foldhaswon forhimselfapowerful intercessorbeforeGod.[538]Weshouldseektogainmanysuch‘powerful intercessors’bymeansofourpatientandconstantlabours.40.3UnionwithChristmakesusapostles.Tobevibrant,toactasferment,weneedtobeunitedtoChrist.Wecannotaffordtoallowourlove

for the Lord to weaken, since it is the interior strength which drives our apostolate.Without thisunion,allofourworkandeffortwillbewithoutfruit.Therehavealwaysbeenthosewhobelievedtheycouldtransformtheworldbytheirownefforts.Howquicklyhavetheirhopesbeendashedtotheground!ItisasiftofulfilthewordsoftheLord:Apartfrommeyoucandonothing.[539]If leaven is not used for fermenting, it rots. There are twoways leaven can disappear, either by

giving life to dough, or by being wasted, a perfect tribute to selfishness and barrenness.[540] TheChristianwastesawaywhenhegivesintolukewarmness,thatbeingadistasteforthethingsofGodandapreoccupationwithself.AChristianactsasleavenwhenhisfaithisprovedbydeeds.LoveforChrististhesourceofallapostolate;itiswhatmakestheChristianintoleaven.Wehavetofosterthislovecontinuallythroughpersonalprayerandthefrequentreceptionofthesacraments.Itisnecessarythatyoubea‘manofGod’,amanofinteriorlife,amanofprayerandofsacrifice.Yourapostolatemustbetheoverflowofyourlife‘within’.[541]Wemightmeasure our love forGod by the amount of effort we put into influencing others at

work,athome,andallaroundus.If wewant to become daring in our ordinary life we need only look toOur Lady.The perfect

exampleofthistypeofspiritualandapostoliclifeisthemostBlessedVirginMary,QueenofApostles,whowhileleadingthelifecommontoallhereonearth,onefilledwithfamilyconcernsandlabours,wasalwaysintimatelyunitedwithherSonandinanentirelyuniquewaycooperatedintheworkoftheSaviour.[542]

SEVENTEENTHWEEK:TUESDAY

41.THEFRIENDSOFGOD41.1FriendshipwithJesus.Duringtheir longjourneythroughthedesert, thechosenpeoplewouldsetupthe tentofmeeting

outsideoftheircamp.Itwasaholysite,awayfromthebusinessoftheworld.TovisittheLordonehadtoleavethecamp.ItwastherethatMoseswenttopleadforhispeoplebeforetheLord:ThustheLordusedtospeaktoMosesfacetoface,asamanspeakstohisfriend.[543]ThereareanumberofoccasionswhenHolyScripturerevealsGodtobeafriendofmen.Through

theProphetIsaiahGodspeaksofAbraham,myfriend.[544]Thechosenpeoplerelyonthisfriendshiptoobtainpardonanddivineprotection.Evenmore,allofRevelationtendstowardstheformationofapeople who are friends with God, bound to him by an intimate Covenant which is continuallyrenewed.Throughthisrevelation,therefore,theinvisibleGodoutoftheabundanceofhislovespeakstomen as friends and lives among them, so thatHemay invite and take them into fellowshipwithhimself.[545]ThisdivineplancametofruitioninthefullnessoftimewhentheSonofGod,theSecondPerson of the Holy Trinity, became man. Friendship presupposes a certain equality and personalcontact,[546] but thedistancebetweenGodandman is infinite.God tookonahumannature so thatmancouldtakeapartinhisdivinitybymeansofsanctifyinggrace.[547]Friendshiprequiresmutuallove.Godreachedouttous,and,thus,wewereabletocorrespond.We

lovehimbecausehefirstlovedus.[548]MancorrespondsbyacceptingGod’slove,openinghissoultohim,allowinghimselftobelovedandexpressinghisownloveindeeds.TheessenceofthefriendshipbetweenGodandmenistobefoundinthenatureofcharity,whichis

asupernaturalgift.God’slovehasbeenpouredintoourhearts.[549]Thisgiftallowsus to loveGodwiththesamelovebywhichhelovesus.Jesussaystous,AstheFatherhaslovedme,sohaveIlovedyou;abideinmylove.[550]JesuspraystohisFather:Thatthelovewithwhichthouhastlovedmemaybeinthem,andIinthem.[551]TheChristian’sjoyisrootedinthesureknowledgethatGodloveshim.ForGodsaid:Youaremyfriends...[552]Whatagreatjoyitistobeabletocallourselves‘friendsofGod’!InthecourseofhisearthlylifeOurLordwasalwaysopentofriendshipwiththosewhoapproached

him.OnsomeoccasionsitwasHewhotooktheinitiativetobringpeopletohimself,asinthecasesofZacchaeus and that of the Samaritanwoman.Hewas a friend to his disciples, and theywere quiteaware of his concern.When theydidn’t understand something, theywoulddrawclose to himwithconfidence,asisshownintoday’sGospel.TheyasktheLord:Explaintoustheparable...[553]SotheLord takes them apart and reveals to them the meaning of his teachings. The disciples joined inChrist’shappinessandinChrist’sworries.Christencouragedthemwhenevernecessary.In a likemanner the Lord now offers his friendship to us from the Tabernacle. There He will

consoleus,encourageus,pardonus.FromtheTabernacle,asinthetentofmeeting,theLordspeakswitheveryonefacetoface,asamanspeakstohisfriend.HerethereisthegreatdifferencethatourtempleshousetheGodmadeMan,Jesus,thesameonewhowasbornoftheBlessedVirginMary;hewhowastodieforusonacross.41.2JesusChrist,theperfectmodeloftruefriendship.Jesusenjoyedspeakingwitheveryonewhocametoseehim,andwiththosehemetalongtheroad.

Hetookadvantageof thosemoments toenter intosouls, toraiseuphearts toahigherplane. If thepersonconcernedwaswelldisposed,Jesuswouldgivehimorherthegracetobeconvertedandmakeacommitmenttohisservice.Healsowantstospeakwithusinthetimeofprayer.Forthistohappen,wehave tobewilling to talkandbeopen to real friendship.Hehimselfhaschangedus frombeingservants tobeing friends, ashe clearly stated: ‘Youaremy friends if youdowhat I commandyou’(John 15:14). He has given us amodel which we should imitate. As a result, we have to give ourwillingnessasa friend, tellinghimwhatwehaveinoursoulandpayingcloseattentiontowhatHecarriesinhisheart.Onceweopenupoursoul,Hewillrevealhisown.TheLordhasdeclared:‘Ihavecalledyoufriends,forallthatIhaveheardfrommyFatherIhavemadeknowntoyou’(John15:14).Thetruefriendhidesnothingfromhisfriend.Herevealsallofhisspirit,justasJesuspouredintotheheartsoftheApostlesthemysteriesoftheFather.[554]Christians shouldbemenandwomenwithagreat capacity for friendship,becauseclosecontact

with JesusChrist prepares us to put aside our egoism, our excessive preoccupationwith personalproblems.We can thus be open to all those who meet us along the way, even though they be ofdifferent ages, interests, cultures or positions. Real friendship is not born of a mere occasionalmeeting,orsimplyfrommutualneedofassistance.Notevencamaraderie,asharedtaskorthesameroofwillnecessarilyleadtofriendship.Twopeoplewhocrosspathseverydayonthesameescalatororthesamebus,orinthesameoffice,arenotthoughttobefriends.Neitherismutualsympathy,initself,aproofofgenuinefriendship.AccordingtoSaintThomas,[555]notall loveequalsfriendship,butonlythat lovewhichinvolves

benevolence.Thisistheattitudewherewecareforsomeoneinsuchawaythatwewantthatperson’sgood.There isagreaterpossibilityof friendshipwhen there isagreater reason to share thegoodwhichonepossesses.Truefriendsarethosewhohavesomethingtogiveand,atthesametime,havesufficienthumilitytoreceive.Thisbehaviourispropertovirtuousmen.Whenviceisshareditdoesnotproducefriendship,butcomplicity,whichisnotthesamething.Evilcanneverbelegitimizedbyafakefriendship.[556]Sinneverjoinspeopletogetherinfriendshiporlove.We Christians should give our friends understanding, attention, encouragement, consolation,

optimismandjoy,alongwithmanyactsofservice.But,aboveall,weshouldgivethemthegreatestgoodwehave,whichisChristhimself,the‘BestFriend’ofall.Truefriendshipleadstoapostolate,wesharethewonderfulgoodsofthefaith.41.3Fosteringfriendshipwiththepeoplearoundus.Apostolateandfriendship.ThustheLordusedtospeaktoMosesfacetoface,asamanspeakstohisfriend.Hewholivesin

friendship with God will understand more readily the value of friendship in itself, and, withoutinstrumentalizingit,willbethecauseofavibrantapostolate.Afaithfulfriendisasturdyshelter–hethathasfoundonehasfoundatreasure.Thereisnothingso

precious as a faithful friend, and no scales can measure his excellence.[557] Friendship has to beprotectedanddefendedagainsttheforgetfulnesswhichcomeswiththepassageoftime.Italsohastobesafeguardedfromenvy,whichisusuallywhatisthemostcorruptiveforce.[558]Hopefully,wewillone day be able to echo thosewords at the close of oneman’s autobiography,Of one thing I canboast.IbelievethatIhaveneverlostasinglefriend.Friends are expected to be loyal, to be faithful in difficulties, to overcome the test of time and

contradictions,tocometothedefenceofoneanotherinthehourofneed.AsSaintAmbrosecounsels,Besteadfastintruefriendship,becausethereisnothingsopreciousinhumanrelations.Itisagreatconsolationinthislifetohaveafriendtowhomwecanopenourheart.Ithelpsalottohaveafriend

toshareourjoysandsorrows,andtosustainusinhardtimes.[559]Weshould foster sincere friendshipswithourneighbours,withourpartners atwork,with those

personswerunintoonafrequentbasis.WeshouldstrivetobefriendswithourGuardianAngel.Weallneeda lotofcompany,companyfromHeavenandcompanyonearth.Havegreatdevotionto theHolyAngels!Friendshipisaveryhumanthing,butitisalsoverymuchathingofGod;justasourlifeisbothhumananddivine.[560]OurGuardianAngelwillnotbeputoffbyourmoodsanddefects.Heknowsourweaknesses,andinspiteofthemhelovesusverymuch.[561]Overandaboveallfriendshipswemustworktostrengthenourbondswiththatgreatfriend,who

willneverfailyou.[562]Wecanfindhimwithease.Heisalwaysreadytoreceiveus,tostaywithusaslong aswe desire.Go about theworld as youwill, change your home as often as youwill, in thenearestCatholicChurchyourFriendisalwaysthere,anddaybydayHeisathometoyou.[563]Therewecanspeakwithhimfacetoface,asamanspeakstohisfriend.Heisforeverwaitingforus.Hewantsustocomeandvisithim...andlistentohim.Inhimwewilltrulylearnhowtobefriendsofourfriends.Wewillbeopentoeverysincerefriendship,knowingthatthisisthenaturalroadforChrist,ourFriend,toenterintosouls.

SEVENTEENTHWEEK:WEDNESDAY

42.THETREASUREANDTHEPEARLOFGREATVALUE42.1AdivinevocationissomethingofimmensevalueandaproofofspeciallovebyGod.Thekingdomofheavenisliketreasurehiddeninafield,whichamanfoundandcoveredup;thenin

his joyhegoesandsellsall thathehasandbuys that field.Again, thekingdomofheaven is likeamerchantinsearchoffinepearls,who,onfindingonepearlofgreatvalue,wentandsoldallthathehadandboughtit.[564]With these twoparables fromtoday’sGospelJesusdescribes thegreatworthof theKingdomof

Heaven,aswellashowpeopleshouldpursue it.The treasureand thepearlare imageswhichhavebeentraditionallyusedtoexpressthegrandeurofdivinevocation,thewaytofollowChristinthislifesoastobewithhimforeverinthenext.The treasure signifies that abundance of gifts which one receives with a vocation – grace to

overcomeobstacles,togrowinfidelitydaybyday,todoapostolate.Thepearlrepresentsthebeautyandsplendourofthecall.Notonlyisitsomethingofgreatworth,butitisalsothemostperfectidealwhichapersoncanfollow.Thereisakeydifferencebetweenthetwoparableswithrespecttotheprizes.Thediscoveryofthe

pearlpresupposesagreatamountofeffort,asearch,whilethetreasureburiedinthefieldseemstohavebeendiscoveredalmostbyaccident.[565]ThisishowitiswithJesusandthewayHecallspeople.Manyfindtheirvocationalmostwithoutlooking.Otherpeoplearerestlessintheirheartsuntil theyfindthepearlofgreatvalue.Inthelattercase,itisGodwhosowstherestlessnessinthesoul.ManyhavesaidtoourLordintheintimacyoftheirsouls,AlltheseIhaveobserved;whatdoIstilllack?[566]Whetherthesearchhasbeenarapidoneorlong-drawn-out,theprizeisofenormousworth.Itis... an immense honour, amotive for a great and holy pride, amark of predilection, a very specialaffectionthatGodhasshownataparticulartime,butwhichhasbeeninhismindfromalleternity.[567]Onceapersonhasdiscoveredhisvocationhehastomakeanefforttoliveuptoit.TheLordcalls

andinvites,butHewillnotforceourwill.After the pearl has been discovered or the treasure found, one more step is required. It is the

personalresponse–whichisidentical inbothparables.Themanwentandsoldall thathehadandboughtit.Generosityanddetachmentareindispensableconditionsforperseveranceinavocation.Youwrote...ThispassagefromtheGospelhastakenrootinmysoul.Ihadreaditsomanytimesbefore,without grasping its meaning, its divine flavour. Yes, ‘everything’. The prudent man has to selleverythingtoobtainthetreasure–thepreciouspearlofGlory.[568]Thereisnothinginthewholewideworldofsuchgreatvalue!42.2Godplaysapartinthelifeofeveryperson.Hebeckonstoeveryone.Assoonassomeonehasdiscoveredhisdivinevocation,thedisparatepiecesofhispastlifeseemto

cometogether.Whathadpreviouslybeenariddleoramysteryisnowclearlyunderstood–whywegottoknowacertainperson,thespecialhelpsweexperiencedatdifferentmoments...Thevocationalsocastsitslightuponourfuturelife,whichwenowseetobefullofmeaning.[569]Neitheroftheprotagonistsintheparablesshowedhesitationorregretatthethoughtofsellingall

thattheypossessed.Theirnewwealthwassotremendousthatnothingcouldputit intheshade.ThesamereactionholdstrueforthosewhogivealloftheirlovetoChrist.Theygiveallandtheygetall.

TheLordmakesapoint inorder to emphasise the joy that accompanies the saleof thegoods.Wemightwonderwhatthesemenwereselling–ahouse,furniture,ornaments...thingsthatrepresentedyearsofwork.Buttheysoldeverything,withouthaggling,withoutalotof‘hemmingandhawing’,withjoy.Theysoldeverythingbecausetheyknewverywelltheworthofthetreasuretheywouldbegettinginexchange.Besidethiswealth,allthingspaleinimportance.Godplaysapartinthelifeofeveryperson,anddoessoinaconcreteway,atacertainage,ina

specialsituation...Hechallengesusaccordingtothenatureofthesecircumstances,foreseenbyhimfromalleternity.Jesuspassesbyandbeckons.Tosome,Hecallsatthefirsthour,[570]whentheyareyoung. He asks them for their ambitions, their hopes and dreams, all of which seem so full ofpromise.Othersarecalledwhentheyhavereachedanageofmaturity.Stillothersarecalledintheirfinal years. The Lord finds themajority of thesemen andwomen immersed in themiddle of theworld.Heprefersthemtoremainintheworld,thattheymaysanctifytheworldthroughtheexerciseof their professional work. The Lord finds others who aremarried. He asks them to sanctify thefamily,withallitsjoysandsorrows.Regardlessofwhatouragehappenstobewhenwereceiveourvocation,wewillfindthattheLord

willgiveit tousalongwithawonderfulinterioryouthfulness.Eccenova facioomnia,[571] says theLord.Icanrenewallthings.Icanteachyoutothrowoffroutineinyourlife,toraiseyourvisiontoahigherplane.What,then,isthebestageatwhichtogiveoneselftotheLord?TheagewhenGodcalls.Themostimportantthingistobegenerouswithhim,withoutquestioningGod’stimetable.Itisnevertoolatetofollowhim.Anditisnevertoosoon.42.3GenerosityinresponsetoGod’scall....thekingdomofheavenislikeamerchantinsearchoffinepearls,who,onfindingonepearlof

great value,went and sold all that he had and bought it. SaintGregory theGreat haswritten thatnothinghastheslightestvaluecomparedtothatonepearl.Thesoulgivesupeverythingforthesakeofthattreasure,forsakingallthatithadfoundbeautifulintheworld.Thesplendourofthatfinestofpearlshascapturedthesoul’scompleteattention.[572]Whoeveriscalled,nomatterwhathisorherpersonalcircumstances,oughttogivetheLordallHe

asksfor.Sincecircumstancesvary,givingeverythingoftendoesnotmeanthateveryonegivesinthesameway.Forexample,amarriedpersoncannotabandonwhatbelongstohisfamily–loveforthespouse, dedication to the welfare and the education of the children ... On the contrary, givingeverythingforthispersonentailslivingthesamelifeinanentirelynewmanner,whichmeansdoingabetterjoboffulfillingone’sordinaryduties.Intherealworldofthehusbandandwifewhobelatedlydiscover the vocational meaning of matrimony, this ‘discovery’ always appears as part of theirChristianvocation.Theirresponseisanimportantaspectoftheirtotalobedienceinfaith.[573]TofollowourLordmorecloselywecannotbecontent toremaininourownlittleworld.There

shouldbenodoubtinourmindsthatclarityhastobebroughttosouls.Itisnecessarythatweenterinto our environment so as to transform it from within. We should increase the number of ourfriendships,givinglighttomanysouls.ThegreatesteventofourlifeisourreceivingthecallingfromourLord,justasitwasforthosehe

calledontheshoresofthelake.YettofollowChristwholeheartedlyisnevereasy.Thepersonwhoenjoysamoreorlesssteadyjob,whothinksthatthepatternofhislifeis‘set’,shouldrecognizethedangerlurkinginthisfalsetranquillity,whichmayevenbeconsideredone’srightfuldue.Christasksus to breakwith routine, to cast aside themediocre, to go beyond a life of compromise.With thedivinevocationChristchallengesus toundergoaprofoundchange inourdailyconduct.Godasks

foreverything, includingwhateverwemayhavebeenreservingforourselves.Hegivesus light toseeourfailings,whichwemayhaveuptillnowlookeduponasbeyondreforming,butwhichturnouttobethepriceforsecuringthepearlofgreatvalue.ItisChristhimselfwhoseeksusout,saying,Youdidnotchooseme,butIchoseyou.[574]AndwhenChristcalls,Hegivesatthesametimethegraceswewillneedtofollowhim,fromthebeginningofthewayandthroughouttherestofourlife.SaintJoseph,ourFatherandLord,foundthetreasureofhislifeandthepearlofgreatvalueinhis

missionofwatchingoverJesusandMaryhereonearth.Todayweaskhimtohelpus to liveuptowhateverGodwantsofus,andthatwedosowithgenerosityandjoy.Werestintheknowledgethatnothingissoworthwhileasthefulfilmentofone’spropervocation.

SEVENTEENTHWEEK:THURSDAY

43.CHRIST’SPRESENCEINTHETABERNACLE43.1Godlivesinourmidst.Throughout theOld TestamentGodmakes known his intention of having an ongoing presence

amongmen.ThetentofmeetingwasthefirsttempletoGodinthedesert.UponthetenttherecametorestacloudwhichsymbolizedthegloryofGodandhispresence.Thenthecloudcoveredthetentofmeeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.[575] The cloud was a sign of the divinepresence.[576]Muchlater,theTempleofJerusalemwastheplacewheretheIsraelitesworshippedGod.[577]Itwas

theplacetheyhadbeenlongingforwhiletheywereinthedesert.TheywouldrecalltheenthusiasmofoldwhentheywouldgotothehouseoftheLordsingingsongsofjoyandpraise:Howlovelyisthydwellingplace,OLordofhosts!Mysoul longs,yea, faints for thecourtsof theLord;myheartandflesh sing for joy to the livingGod.[578] To be far from the sanctuary was to be deprived of truehappiness.MysoulthirstsforGod,forthelivingGod.WhenshallIcomeandbeholdthefaceofGod?[579]Inthefullnessoftime,theWordbecameflesh.InthemomentoftheIncarnationthepowerofthe

MostHighovershadowedOurLady.[580]ThisisanexpressionoftheomnipotenceofGod.FollowingupontheIncarnation,theVirginbecametheTabernacleofGod.TheWordofGoddweltamongus.[581]SaintJohnusesaGreekverbfor‘dwelt’whichoriginallymeant‘topitchone’stent’,hence,toliveinaplace.ThecarefulreaderofScripturewillimmediatelythinkofthetabernacle,ortent,intheperiod of the exodus from Egypt, where God showed his presence before all the people of Israelthroughcertainsignsofhisglorysuchasthecloudcoveringthetent...InmanypassagesoftheOldTestament it isannounced thatGod ‘willdwell in themidstof thepeople’ (cf forexample, Jer7:3;Ezek43:9;Sir24:8).ThesesignsofGod’spresence,firstinthepilgrimTentoftheArkinthedesertand then in the Temple of Jerusalem, are followed by the most wonderful form of God’s presenceamongus–JesusChrist,perfectGodandperfectMan,inwhomtheancientpromiseisfulfilledinaway that far exceededmen’sgreatest expectations.Also thepromisemade through Isaiahabout the‘Emmanuel’or ‘God-with-us’ (Is7:14;cfMatt1:23) iscompletely fulfilled through thisdwellingoftheIncarnateSonofGodamongus.[582]Fromthattimeonwards,wecansaywithexactitudethatGodlivesamongus.Wecanbenexttohimeveryday,closertohimthananyonemightimaginepossible.Godtrulydwellsamongus!43.2ChristispresentintheTabernacle.FromthemomentoftheIncarnationwecanaffirmthatGodiswithusinthepersonalpresenceof

JesusChrist.AsbothtrueGodandtrueMan,Jesusisclosertousthananyotherbeing.JesusisGod-with-us.InearliertimestheIsraeliteswouldsaythatGodwas‘withthem’.Nowwecansaythisinaveryliteralsense.WhenChristtravelledaboutPalestine,Hemadeanefforttopreachinmanytowns.AndwhenJesushadfinishedtheseparables,hewentawayfromthere,[583]wereadintoday’sGospel.God left one town to go andmeet other people.When the priest consecrates the host duringHolyMass,hebringsChristtothealtarwithhisHolyHumanity.HeisthereintheEucharistwithaspecialpresence for as long as the sacramental species last.This presence affects theBodyofChrist in adirectwayandtheThreePersonsoftheHolyTrinityinanindirectway.TheWordistiedtoChrist’s

Humanity,whiletheFatherandtheHolySpiritarerelatedbythemutualimmanenceoftheirdivinePersons.[584]ChristisreallypresentintheTabernaclewithhisBody,Blood,SoulandDivinity.Itcanbesaidquiteliterallythat‘Godishere’,closetome.MyLordandmyGod,Ifirmlybelievethatyouarehere,thatyouseeme,thatyouhearme...DownthroughthecenturiestheChurchhasdevelopedaprecisewayofdescribingthiseucharistic

presence,oftenrequiringsuchexactdefinitiontocountererroneousbeliefs.Theeucharisticpresenceis a real presence. It is not symbolic, nor does it signify or insinuate any image. The eucharisticpresenceisatruepresence.Itisnotfictitiousormerelytheproductoftheimaginationorthewill.Itissubstantial,becausethewordsoftheconsecrationspokenbythepriestchangethesubstanceofthebread and thewine into theBody andBlood of Christ.Every theological explanationwhich seekssomeunderstandingofthismysterymust,inordertobeinaccordwithCatholicfaith,maintainthatinthe reality itself, independently of our mind, the bread and wine have ceased to exist after theConsecration,sothatitistheadorableBodyandBloodoftheLordJesusthatfromthenonarereallybeforeusunderthesacramentalspeciesofbreadandwine...[585]Asaresultoftransubstantiation,thespeciesofbreadandwine...containanew‘reality’whichwemayjustlyterm‘ontological’.Notthatthereliesunderthosespecieswhatwasalreadytherebefore,butsomethingquitedifferent;andthatnotonlybecauseofthefaithoftheChurch,butinobjectivereality...[586]JesusispresentinourTabernacleswhetherornotwetakeadvantageofthisineffablewonder.Heis

there,withhisBody,hisBlood,hisSoulandhisDivinity.GodmadeMan.Hecouldnotbecloser.TheChurchpossessestheAuthorofallgraceandthecauseofoursanctification.WemayventuretosaythattheeucharisticpresenceofChrististhesacramentalprolongationoftheIncarnation.FromtheTabernacleJesusinvitesustobringtohimourconcernsandourpetitions.Inthevisitto

theBlessedSacramentandotheractsofworshipofferedtotheHolyEucharistwegivethanksforthisgift.Therewecanrepairtofindnewstrength,totellJesusthatwemisshim,totellhimthatweneedhimverymuch....theEucharistisreservedinthechurchesandoratoriesasinthespiritualcentreofa religious community or of a parish, yes, of the universal Church and of all of humanity, sincebeneath the appearance of the species, Christ is contained, the invisible Head of the Church, theRedeemeroftheWorld,theCentreofallhearts,‘bywhomallthingsareandbywhomweexist’(1Cor8:6).[587]43.3DevotiontotheBlessedSacrament.ThehymnAdorotedevote.IthasbeentheconstantpracticeoftheChurchtoadoreChristpresentintheTabernacle.Ifwerecall

howmuch reverence the Israeliteshad for their tentofmeeting in thedesert and for theTempleatJerusalem,whichwerefiguresorimagesofreality,howmuchmorereverenceshouldwehaveforChrist truly present in the Tabernacle? In the first centuries of the Church the main reason forreserving the Sacred Species was for the sake of those who were not able to get to Holy Mass,especiallythesickandthedying,andforthoseinprisonduetoreligiouspersecution.TheSacramentof the Lord was brought with piety and fervour so that these Christians might also receivecommunion.Later,faithinthepresenceofChristledtothecultoftheBlessedSacrament.TheChurchhas authoritatively approved thesepractices.TheCouncil ofTrent declared,There is, therefore, noroomleftfordoubtthatallthefaithfulofChristinaccordancewithacustomalwaysreceivedintheCatholicChurchofferinvenerationtheworshipof‘latria’whichisduetothetrueGod,tothismostHolySacrament.[588]InthethirteenthcenturySaintThomasAquinascomposedaeucharistichymnwhichembodiesthe

faith of the Church in a faithful and piousmanner.We shouldmake this hymn our own so as to

nourishourpietyandgivehonourtotheBlessedSacrament.Adorotedevotelatensdeitas...OGodheadhid,devoutlyIadorethee,Whotrulyartwithintheformsbeforeme;TotheemyheartIbowwithbendedknee,AsfailingquiteincontemplatingThee.Herewehave all the truths of theFaith.Wehaveunderstandingwith humility and thanksgiving,

amazementbeforethepowerofGod,surpriseattheextentofhismercy.Withtheconfidencegainedbyhavinghimsocloseby,weasktheLordforhisgracetouniteourselvestohismostholyWill.Next to theTabernaclewewill learn how to love.Therewewill draw the strength necessary to

remain faithful.Therewewill findconsolation in timesof sorrow.Hewaits forusalwaysandHerejoiceswhenwearenexttohim,evenifonlyforashortwhile.ThereJesuswaitsforhispeoplewhosufferthecontradictionsofthislife.Hecomfortsthemwiththewarmthofhisunderstandingandhislove.ItisintheTabernaclethatthosewordsofourLordcometolife:Cometome,allwholabourandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest.[589]Wewillnotfailtovisithim.Heiswaitingforus.HowmanyarethegiftsHehaspreparedforus!

SEVENTEENTHWEEK:FRIDAY

44.WITHOUTHUMANRESPECT44.1HavingthecouragetofollowChristinwhateverenvironmentwearein.WhenJesusbeganhispubliclifemanyofhisneighboursandrelativestookhimforamadman.[590]

OnhisfirstvisittoNazareth,whichwereadaboutintoday’sGospel,hisrelativesdenyseeinginhimanythingsupernaturalorextraordinary.[591] In theircomments,onecanseethat theirenvyisbarelyconcealed.Wheredid thismanget thiswisdomand thesemightyworks? Is not this the carpenter’sson?...Andtheytookoffenceathim.Right from the start, Jesus faceda steady streamof insults andabusebornof cowardlyegoism,

becauseHe proclaimed theWordwithout human respect. This ill-treatment increased steadilywithtime,untilitbrokeoutintocalumnyandopenpersecution,culminatinginthedeathsentence.Christ’sfortitudewasrecognizedevenbyhisenemies,whosaid,Teacher,weknowthatyouaretrue,andteachthewayofGodtruthfully,andcarefornoman;foryoudonotregardthepositionofmen.[592]Christ askshisdisciples to imitatehim in thispractice.Christians should foster anddefend their

well-earnedprofessional,moralandsocialprestige,sinceitbelongstotheessenceofhumandignity.Thisprestigeisalsoanimportantcomponentofourpersonalapostolate.YetweshouldnotforgetthatourconductwillmeetwithoppositionfromthosewhoopenlyopposeChristianmoralityandthosewho practise a watered-down version of the Faith. It is possible that the Lord will ask of us thesacrificeofourgoodname,andevenoflifeitself.WiththehelpofhisgracewewillstruggletodohisWill.EverythingwehavebelongstotheLord.EachChristianhastoputasideanyfearsof‘rockingtheboat’shouldhisuprightconductprovoke

criticismorrejection.WhoeveroutofhumanrespectwouldhidehisChristianidentityinthemidstofapaganenvironmentwouldmerit thisdenunciationofJesus:Whoeverdeniesmebeforemen,IalsowilldenybeforemyFatherwhois inheaven.[593]OurLordteachesusthatconfessingourfaithisarequirementforbeinghisdisciple,nomatterwhattheconsequencesmaybe.This is thewaymany ofChrist’s first disciples conducted themselves. Joseph ofArimathea and

NicodemuswerehiddendisciplesoftheLord,buttheysteppedforwardasChristiansatthehourwhenallseemedlost.Unlikemanyothers,theyarecourageousinthefaceofauthority,declaringtheirlovefor Christ ‘audacter’ – ‘boldly’ – in the hour of cowardice.[594] This is how theApostles behavedbeforetheSanhedrinandthepaganpersecutions.Forthewordofthecrossisfollytothosewhoareperishing,buttouswhoarebeingsaveditisthepowerofGod.[595]AsthedauntlessSaintPaulwrotetohisdiscipleTimothy,forGoddidnotgiveusaspiritoftimiditybutaspiritofpowerandloveandself-control. Do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord ...[596] These are words which aredirectedatustoday,asweseektobefaithfultotheMastereventhoughtheenvironmentmayseemtobeagainstus.44.2Overcominghumanrespectispartofthevirtueoffortitude.The lifeofaChristianshoulddevelop ina fairlyordinarymanner innormalcircumstances.Yet

frequentlythiswayoflifewillstandinstarkcontrasttoother‘lifestyles’moreorlessChristian,aswellastoakindofbehaviourwhichisbeneathhumandignityandisthereforeanti-Christian.Intheselattercasesitisnotsurprisingthatthecontrastwillbestriking.Weshouldnotbesurprisedthatnon-believersortheindifferentmayunjustlycriticizeafollowerofChrist,perhapseventotheextentof

resortingtoridicule.ThesamethinghappenedtoOurLord.Inthecourseofday-to-dayliving,weareprobablynottalkingaboutsufferingphysicalharmfor

thesakeof theGospel.WhataChristianmaywellhave toputupwithare rumoursandcalumnies,mockery,discriminationatwork,thelossofeconomicopportunitiesorsuperficialfriendships...Attimes,perhapsinourfamilyoramongfriends,itmaybenecessarytoexercisesupernaturalfortitudeinordertobeconsistentwithourbeliefs.Intheseuncomfortablecircumstancesitmaybetemptingtotaketheeasywayoutand‘givein’.Bysuchmeanswecouldavoidrejection,misunderstandingandridicule.Wecouldbecomeconcernedat thethoughtof losingfriends,of‘closingdoors’whichwewilllaterbeunabletore-open.Thisisthetemptationtobeinfluencedbyhumanrespect,hidingone’strueidentityandforsakingourcommitmenttoliveasdisciplesofChrist.InsuchdifficultcircumstancestheChristianoughtnottowonderwhichpathisthemostopportune

tofollow,but,rather,whichpathisthemostfaithfultoChrist.Certainly,ourdesireforpopularityisthe direct consequence of self-love. It may be that the Lord is waiting for us in just this kind ofsacrifice, and this is the time we must choose between his way and our own. This choice mayultimatelybeexpressedbyoursilence,byafewwords,byagestureoranattitude...Ourbehaviourwillbetheproving-groundofourdeepestconvictions.ThisfirmnessintheFaithisoftenanexcellenttestimonytothebeliefsoftheChristian.InsomecasesitcancausepeopletobegintheirreturntotheHouseoftheFather.FormanywhobegintofollowChrist,thenecessityforthissacrificeisoneofthemajorobstacles

in theirpath.According to thesaintlyCuréd’Ars there isnodoubtabout it:Doyouknowwhat theDevil’sfirsttemptationistothepersonwhowantstoserveGodwithdedication?Itishumanrespect.[597]Weallhavean inneraversionfrombeingput toshamebeforeothers.But thissacrifice, ifwemake it, will be the cause of our greatest joy – to take a stand for Jesus Christ, whenever andwhereverthecircumstancesrequireit.WecanbeassuredthatwewillneverregretbeingtruetoourChristianbeliefs.44.3Manypeopleareinneedofourgoodexampleinthisarea.TherearemanypeoplearounduswhoarewaitingforcleartestimonytotheChristianFaith.How

muchwecanaccomplishbyourgoodexample!HowmuchistheworldinneedofChristianworkerswhoarefriendly,cordialandfirmintheFaith!Occasionallywehearofa‘daring’articleinwhichsomebody attacks the teaching of the Pope or defends abortion or artificial contraception ...Nevertheless, therealdaringinourageis todefendtheteachingauthorityof theRomanPontiff inwhatpertainstofaithandmorals,todefendtherighttolifeofeveryperson,tohavealargefamilyifthatbeGod’sWill, todefendtheindissolubilityofmarriage.Howmanywaveringheartshavebeenfortifiedbyoneperson’sloyaltytoprinciple!InordertohavethecouragenecessarytoovercomeourfearsweneedtorelyonGod’shelp.We

cannot allow that God be removed from society or ‘put into a parenthesis’, that misguided menrelegatetheuniversalmorallawtotheclosetofindividual‘conscience’.Itshouldnotsurpriseusthatwemaybetemptedtopassunnoticedincertaindisagreeablesituations.

SaintPeterhimself,afterhavingbeenconfirmedastheHeadoftheChurch,afterhavingreceivedtheHolySpirit,gaveintothehumanrespectofhisJewishbrethren.IttooknolessamanthanSaintPaulto correct him in thematter.[598] This famous confrontation, far from disproving the holiness andunityoftheChurch,infactdemonstratestheperfectunityoftheApostles,therespectthatSaintPaulhadforthevisibleHeadoftheChurchandthegreathumilityofSaintPeterinchanginghisposition.Wecanhelponeanotherinsimilarcircumstancesbypractisingfraternalcorrectionwithourfellow

Christians,aswasdoneintheearliestdaysoftheChurch.The Lord gives us good example on how we should conduct ourselves. From that sad day in

NazarethHeknewthatmanypeoplewerenotinagreementwithhim.YetHeneverbasedhisactionsupontheopinionsofmen.OnlyonethingmatterstoJesus–theWillofhisFather.Forexample,Henevergaveupcuringpeopleon theSabbatheven thoughspieswerewatchinghim.[599] Jesus knewwhatHewanted todo,andHeknewthat fromthestart.Weneverseehimhavesecond thoughtsorhesitate,muchlessreverseadecision.Christasksustofollowhimwiththesamekindoffortitude.Itishisownmethodquitepersonaltohimselfthathehereenjoinsonhisdisciples.Unconsidered,over-hastyaction,vacillation,anycomingtotermsorcompromising,thesearenotforhim.HiswholelifeandbeingareaYeaandNay,nothingelse.Jesusisalwaysthecompleteman,alwaysprepared,forheneverspeaksoractsexceptoutofhiswholeclearconsciousnessandhisownfirmwill.[600]WeaskJesusforthestrengthtoguideusatalltimestodoGod’sunchangingWillratherthanthe

ficklewillofmen.

SEVENTEENTHWEEK:SATURDAY

45.KNOWINGWHENTOSPEAK45.1ThesilenceofJesus.ForthirtyyearsJesuslivedalifeofsilence.MaryandJosephweretheonlypeoplewhoknewthe

mysteryoftheSonofGod.Duringhispubliclife,whenHereturnedtohishometownhisrelativesweredisconcertedbyhiswisdomandhismiracles.Theyhadknownhimsolelyfromhisexemplarylifeofwork.During the threeyearsofhispublic lifeweseehowHeretreats into thesilenceofprayer, tobe

alonewithhisFatherGod.Hewithdrawsfromthesuperficialclamourofthemultitudethatwantstomake him their king.He performs hismiracleswithout ostentation, asking the peopleHe cures torefrainfrompublicisinghispowers.ThesilenceofJesusbeforehisenemiesinthePassionisverymoving:Buthewassilentandmade

no answer.[601] In the face of so many false accusations He makes no defence. As Saint Jeromecomments,OurGodandSaviour,whobecauseofhismercyhadredeemedtheworld,allowshimselftobe led to his death like a lamb, without a word of complaint or self-defence. The silence of JesusobtainspardonfortheprotestandexcuseofAdam.[602]JesussaysnothingduringthehearingsbeforeHerod andPilate.We seehim standing silent at their preference forBarabbas in front of his hate-filled enemies:Butwhenhewasaccusedby the chief priests and elders, hemadenoanswer.ThenPilatesaidtohim,‘Doyounothearhowmanythingstheytestifyagainstyou?’Buthegavehimnoanswer,noteventoasinglecharge;sothatthegovernorwonderedgreatly.[603]ThesilenceofGodinthefaceofhumanpassions,beforethesinswhicharecommittedeveryday

byhumanity,isnotasilenceofanger.Itisasilencefullofpatienceandlove.ThesilenceofCalvaryisthatofaGodwhocomestoredeemallmenbyhisindescribableagonyontheCross.ThesilenceofJesusintheTabernacleisthatofalovewhichwaitsforaresponse.ItisthepatientsilenceofOnewhotreasuresourattentions.Christ’ssilenceduringhisearthlyliferepresentsinteriorstrengthandsenseofpurpose.Thosewho

complaincontinuallyabouttheirmisfortunesortheir‘badluck’shouldlooktotheexampleofOurLord.ThosewhoproclaimtheirproblemstothefourwindsshouldconsiderthebehaviourofChrist.Those who feel compelled to explain and excuse their actions, who wait anxiously for praise orapproval,shouldtakenoteofChrist,whosaysnothing.Wewillimitatehimwhenwelearntoacceptlife’sdutiesandworrieswithoutsterilecomplaints,whenweconfrontourpersonalproblemswithoutdumpingtheminsomeoneelse’slap,whenwefacesquarelytheconsequencesofouractions,whenwedoourworkforthegloryofGodwithoutlookingforearthlypraise...[604]Iesusautemtacebat.Jesussaysnothing.Andwehavetolearntosaynothingonmanyoccasions.At

times,vanitywillhaveussaythingswhichshouldhavebeenkeptlockedinthesoul.ThesilentfigureofChrististheever-presentModeltoreproachemptyoruselesswords.Hisexamplewillleadustoremain silent before calumny and rumour. In silentio et in spe erit fortitudo vestra. Through theProphetIsaiah,theHolySpiritadvisesusthatourfortitudeisgroundedinsilenceandinhope.[605]45.2Speakingoutwhennecessary,withcharityandfortitude.Avoidingthesilenceofconsent.YetJesusdoesnotalwaysremainsilent.Forthereisasilencewhichcancollaboratewithlying,a

silencewhichcancooperatewithcowardice,asilencewhichspringsfromtheloveofcomfortandthe

fear of complicating one’s life.You can close your eyes towhat is disagreeable.You can put offmakingafraternalcorrectionthatoughttobemadeathomeoratwork.Theseareformsofsilencetoo.Theword of Jesus is full of authority asHe faces injustice and abuse:Woe to you, scribes and

Pharisees,hypocrites!Foryoudevourwidows’housesand forapretenceyoumake longprayers ...[606]SaintJohntheBaptist,whosemartyrdomisrecountedintoday’sGospel,[607]wasthevoiceofone

cryinginthewilderness.Heteachesustosayeverythingthatmustbesaid,eventhoughitmayseemasifwetooarecryinginthewilderness.OurLordwillnotallowourwordstobewasted.Itisimportantthatwesaywhathastobesaid,withoutworryingourselvesabouttheimmediateconsequences.IfeachChristianweretospeakinconformitywiththeFaith,wewouldsurelychangetheworld.Wecannotsitbysilentlyinthefaceofsuchcrimesasabortionandthedegradationofmarriageandthefamily.NorcanwesurrendertothoseforcesthatwouldseektoremoveGodfromtheformationoftheyoung.WecannotbesilentatattacksuponthePopeandOurLady,oruponinstitutionsoftheChurch.Tobesilentwhenweshouldbespeakingoutcanbeawayofcollaboratingwithevil,becauseothersmaythinkthatour silence implies consent. IfCatholicswere to speakoutwhen there isneed, if theywere toboycott anti-Catholic publications or literature, it would bemore difficult for these enterprises toprosper.Weshouldspeakoutwhennecessary.Attimes,theoccasionwillbewhenwearewithalittlegroup

ofourfriends,comingorgoingtoschoolorwork.Inletterstotheeditor,wecanwriteinpraiseofagood article or to criticise a bad one. We should always act with charity. It is worth while toremember that true charity goes hand in hand with fortitude.We need to exercise goodmanners,alwaysworkingwiththeintentionofbringingsoulstoJesusChrist.YetweshouldactatthesametimewiththefortitudeoftheLord.45.3Courageandstrengthinordinarylife.LivinguptothefullthedemandsoftheFaithandofourvocation.If, upon realising that his life was in danger, the Baptist had remained silent or retired to the

sidelinesofpublicaffairs,hewouldnothavebeenbeheadedbyHerod.ButJohnwasnotthatkindofman.Hewasnotlikeareedshakenbythewind.Hewastruetohisvocationandhisprinciplestotheend.Ifhehadremainedsilent,hecouldhavelivedafewmoreyears,buthisdiscipleswouldnothavebeenthefirsttofollowOurLord.HewouldnothavepreparedandmadestraightthewayoftheLord,asprophesiedbyIsaiah.Hewouldnothaveliveduptohisvocation.Hislifewouldhavebeenbereftofmeaning.Jesusisprobablynotaskingustosufferamartyr ’sdeathforhim.ButHeisaskingusforcourage

andfortitudeinfacinguptothedemandsofordinarylife–tostopwatchingabadtelevisionshow,toceaseputtingoffanapostolicconversation...Wecannotallowourselvestohidebehindexcuseswhenthereissomuchapostolicworktobedone.Wehavetoactwithoptimism,lovingtheworldandthegoodthatisinitwhileseekingtoincreasethatgoodness.Wecandothiswiththeexampleofajoyfulfamilyandoftheyouthfullovethatisbornofholypurity.Thereareotherkindsofcowardlysilencewhichwehavetostruggleagainst.Thereisthesilence

wemaintainwiththepersonnexttous.Godhasputhimtheresothatwemightbeabeaconoflightforhimorher.Inaddition,itishardtoimaginethatwecanbecourageousatallinthislifeifwearenotfirstcourageouswithourselves,especiallywhentalkingwithourspiritualdirector.Manyofourfriends,onseeingthatwetrulypractisewhatwepreach,willbeattractedtotheFaith.

Centuriesago,manypeopleconvertedafterwitnessingthemartyrdomofthefirstChristians.WededicatethisdaytoOurLady.Weaskhertoteachuswhentobesilentandwhentospeakout.

EIGHTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARA

46.THEMESSIANICGOODS46.1Themultiplicationoftheloaves.Jesuscaresforhisfollowers.Whydoyouspendyourmoneyforthatwhichisnotbread,andyourlabourforthatwhichdoesnot

satisfy?Hearkendiligentlytome,andeatwhatisgood,anddelightyourselvesinfatness.[608]TheGospelof today’sMassrecountshowtheLordwentoffonaboatalonetoadesertedplace.

[609]ButwhenthepeoplefoundoutwhereHewasgoing,theyfollowedhimonfootfromtheirtowns.Upondisembarking,Hesawbeforehimagreatmultitudeandhehadcompassiononthem,andhealedtheirsick.Hecuredthemwithoutbeingasked.Afterall, thefactthattheyhadcomesofarbringingtheir sickwith themwas sufficient proof of a great faith.With regard to this passage, SaintMarkpointsout that Jesusspenta lotof time teaching thiscrowdbecause theywere like sheepwithoutashepherd.[610]Soitgrewquitelate.Thedisciplesweresomewhatanxiousatthethoughtoftheirbeinginadesertedplaceatsucha latehour.Send thecrowdsaway, theyurged theMaster, togo into thevillagesandbuyfoodforthemselves.Jesussurprisedthemwithhisanswer:Theyneednotgoaway;yougivethemsomethingtoeat.TheApostlesobeyed.Theydidwhattheycould,findingfiveloavesandtwofishes.Itisworthnotingthatthosepresentincludedaboutfivethousandmen,besideswomenandchildren. Jesusworks themiraclewith a few loaves and fishes, andwith the obedience of hisfollowers.Aftertellingthecrowdtositdownuponthegrass,Jesus,takingthefiveloavesandthetwofish...

lookedup toheaven,andblessed,andbrokeandgave the loaves to thedisciples,and thedisciplesgavethemtothecrowds.Andtheyallateandweresatisfied.TheLordtakescareofhisown,eveninmaterial necessities, but He counts on our cooperation, even though our contribution will be ofcomparativelyminorimportance.Ifyouhelphim,evenwithatrifle,astheApostlesdid,Heisreadytoworkmiracles;tomultiplythebread,toreformwills,togivelighttothemostbenightedminds,toenablethosewhohaveneverbeenuprighttobeso,withanextraordinarygrace.Allthishewilldo...andmore,ifyouwillhelphimwithwhatyouhave.[611]ThenwewillbetterunderstandwhatSaintPaulwritesintoday’sSecondReading:WhoshallseparateusfromtheloveofChrist?Shalltribulation,ordistress,orpersecution,orfamine,ornakedness,orperil,orsword?...No,inallthesethingswearemorethanconquerorsthroughhimwholovedus.ForIamsurethatneitherdeath,norlife,norangels,nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, noranythingelseinallcreation,willbeabletoseparateusfromtheloveofGodinChristJesusourLord.[612]NothingcanseparateusfromChrist,ourTeacher–neitheradversitiesinone’spersonallife(big

and little failures, suffering, sickness ...) nor difficulties in the apostolate (resistance by some toreceivingChrist’steachings,hostilityfromanenvironmentthatfleesfromtheCrossandallsacrifice...).InChristwewillalwaysfindourstrength.46.2ThismiracleisafigureoftheHolyEucharist,inwhichtheLordgiveshimselfasfood.In themiracleof themultiplicationof the loavesand the fishes,Christuses the samewordsand

behaviour asHe later employs for the institution of the Eucharist.[613] This miracle is not only ademonstration of divinemercy; it is also a prefiguring of theHolyEucharist,[614]which theLordexplainsinthesynagogueofCapharnaum.[615]ThisistheinterpretationgivenbymanyFathersofthe

Church.TheliturgyoftheMassrecallsthegestureoftheLordwhenHeliftedhiseyesuptoheaven.ThewordsoftheRomanCanonareasfollows:Etelevatisoculisincaelum,adTeDeumPatremsuumomnipotentem,andlookinguptoheaven,toyou,hisalmightyFather...Werememberthatmiracleasweprepareforanevengreatermiracle,thatbeingthechangingofbreadintohisBody,whichistobeofferedasspiritualfoodforallmankind.ThemiraclebythelakesideshowedtomenthepowerandloveofJesus.Thatpowerandloveare

whatallowustofindtheBodyofChristunderthesacramentalspecies.Downthroughthecenturiesitis the Eucharist that can feed themultitude of the faithful.As Saint Thomas put it in the sequencewhich he composed for the Mass of ‘Corpus Christi’, Sumit unus, sumunt mille ...Whether onereceivesorathousanddo,eachreceivesthesameastheother,Hecannotbeexhausted...Thisishowthemiracleacquires itssignificance,without losinganyof itsreality. It iswondrous in itself,but itendsupbeingevenmorewonderfulthanexpected.ItevokestheimageoftheGoodShepherdwhofeedshissheep.Itcanbeseenasaforeshadowingoftheneworder.Enormousmultitudeswillcometojoinintheeucharisticfeast,wheretheywillbefedinamiraculouswaywithanincrediblysuperiorfood.[616]The crowds that seek out ourLord are evidence of the strong impression his Personmakes on

people.ManygosofarastofollowJesusintothedesertitself,quiteawayfromthemainroadsandtowns.Theytravelwithoutprovisions.Theydon’twanttoloseanytimeintheirhastetogetaglimpseof the Lord. This is a good example for us whenever we face some difficulty in receivingCommunionorvisiting theBlessedSacrament.Tohaveanencounterwith theMaster isworthanysacrifice.Saint John reports that themultitudegrewveryexcitedasa resultof themiracle.[617]If all those

peoplebecamesoenthusiasticandwerereadytoacclaimyouoverapieceofbread,evengrantingthatthemultiplicationof loaveswasa verygreatmiracle, shouldn’twebedoingmuchmore forall themany gifts you have granted us, and especially for giving us your very self unreservedly in theEucharist?[618]InHolyCommunionwereceiveJesus,theSonofMary,theOnewhoperformedthatgreatmiracle

manyyearsago.IntheHostwepossesstheChristofallthemysteriesofRedemption–theChristofMaryMagdalene,oftheProdigalSon,oftheSamaritanwoman,theChristresurrectedfromthedead,seated at the right hand of the Father ... The marvellous presence of Christ in our midst shouldcompletelytransformourlife...Heisherewithus–ineverycity,ineverytown...[619]Hewaitsforus.Hemissesuswhenwearetardyincoming.46.3WeshouldlookforourLordinCommunion.WeshouldprepareforeachCommunionasifitweretheonlyoneofourlife.Theeyesofalllooktothee,andthougivestthemtheirfoodindueseason.Thouopenestthyhand,

thousatisfiestthedesireofeverylivingthing.Thisistoday’sResponsorialPsalm.[620]Jesus, reallypresent in theHolyEucharist,gives this sacramentan infinite supernaturalefficacy.

Whenever we want to express our love for someone, we give presents, we do favours, wemakeourselvesavailabletothepersoninquestion...Butwealwayscomeupagainstonelimitation,namely,thatwecannotgiveawayourveryself.JesusChristcandothat.Hegivesushisveryself.Andwecanuniteourselvestohim.Wecanidentifyourselveswithhim.AndwecanfindhimeverydayinHolyCommunion.Hewaitsforus.Heistherewaitingforeachoneofus.Hedoesnotwaitforustoaskforthings.Hecuresusofourweaknesses.Heprotectsusagainstdanger,againsttemptationsthatwouldseparateusfromhim.Heliftsupourspirits.EachCommunionisafountainofgraces,newlightand

a new impulse that strengthens us in handling daily life with human elegance and supernaturaloutlook.Howmuchwepartakeofthesebenefitsdependsingoodmeasureuponthequalityofourinterior

dispositions.The sacramentsproduce a greater effect in proportion to the good dispositions of therecipient.[621]Weimproveourdisposition,ourdesiresforgreaterholiness,bygoingtoConfessionfrequently.Itisourlovewhichwillleadustoagreatereucharisticpiety.AsBlessedJohnPaulIIsaidduringhisfirstpapaljourneytoSpain,ThislovewillbringyoueverclosertotheLord.IaskyoutomakegooduseofthesacramentofConfession,whichleadsustotheEucharist,justastheEucharistleadsustoConfession.[622]Boththesesacramentshelpthesoultoloveinamoredelicate,refinedandpuremanner.WhenthemomentofreceivingCommuniondrawsnear,ourdesiresofreparation,offaithandof

loveshouldgrowmorefervent.HaveyoueverthoughthowyouwouldprepareyourselftoreceiveOurLordifyoucouldgotoCommuniononlyonceinyourlife?WemustbethankfultoGodthathemakesitsoeasyforustocometohim;butweshouldshowourgratitudebypreparingourselvestoreceivehimverywell.[623]Onedayitwillbeourlasttime.SoonafterwardswewillbemeetingJesusfacetoface,theLordwithwhomwehavebeenunitedsacramentally.HowpleasedJesusmustbebyouractsoffaithandlove!

EIGHTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARB

47.THEBREADOFLIFE47.1MannaisthesymbolandfigureoftheHolyEucharist,whichisthetruespiritualfood.Iamthebreadoflife,saystheLord;whoevercomestomewillnothunger,andwhoeverbelievesin

mewillnotthirst.[624]Followingthemiracleofthemultiplicationoftheloavesandthefishes,theenthusiasticmultitude

wentagaininsearchofJesus.WhentheydiscoveredthatHeandhisdiscipleshadalreadydeparted,theygotintotheirboatsandsailedforCapharnaum.AccordingtoSaintJohnintoday’sGospelitwastherethattherevelationoftheHolyEucharisttookplace.[625]Withthemiracleofthepreviousday,Jesushadawakenedthecrowd’sdeepesthopesandlongings.

Thousandsofpeoplehadleftthecomfortoftheirhomestocomeandhearhim.Theywantedtomakehimtheirking.ButtheLorddepartedfromthem.Uponmeetingthemagain,Jesussaystothepeople,Truly,truly,Isaytoyou,youseekme,notbecauseyousawsigns,butbecauseyouateyourfilloftheloaves.SaintAugustinecomments:Youseekmeforworldlymotives,notforspiritualones.HowmanypeopletherearewhoseekJesussolelyforworldlyends!...RarelydoessomeonelookforJesusforthesakeofJesus.[626]Wewanttobeamongthosefew.ThisattachmenttoearthlygoodsisnotwhatJesusislookingforinmen.Withgreatcourageandan

infinite love, He presents to the people the ineffable treasure of the Holy Eucharist, in which Hebecomesfoodforus.Itdoesnotmattertohimthatmanyofhisloyalfollowerswillabandonhimasaresultofthisrevelation.Jesusbeginsthediscoursebyhintingatthegreatmystery:Donotlabourforthefoodwhichperishes,butforthefoodwhichendurestoeternallife,whichtheSonofmanwillgivetoyou ...Then theysaid tohim, ‘Whatmustwedo, tobedoing theworksofGod?’Jesusansweredthem,‘ThisistheworkofGod,thatyoubelieveinhimwhomhehassent’.Despite the fact thatmanyof thosepresenthadonly thepreviousdaywitnessedagreatmiracle,

theysaid,Thenwhatsigndoyoudo,thatwemaysee,andbelieveinyou?Whatworkdoyouperform?Ourfathersatethemannainthewilderness;asitiswritten,‘Hegavethembreadfromheaventoeat’.Intoday’sFirstReadingweareshownhowYahwehmanifestedhisProvidencetotheIsraelitesin

thedesert.[627]Hesentdownmannafromheaventofeedthem.ThisbreadisasymbolandfigureoftheHolyEucharistwhichChristfirstannouncedinthissmallcityontheshoresoftheSeaofGalilee.Jesus Christ is the true food which transforms us and gives us the strength to live our Christianvocation.BlessedJohnPaulIIpointedoutinthisregard:ItisonlybymeansoftheEucharistthatweareable to live theheroicvirtuesofChristianity, suchascharity topardonone’senemies, the lovewhichenablesustosuffer,thecapacitytogiveone’slifeforanother;chastityatalltimesoflifeandinallsituations;patienceinthefaceofsufferingandtheapparentsilenceofGodinhumanhistoryorour very own existence. Therefore, strive to always be eucharistic souls so as to be authenticChristians.[628]WiththewordsofthepoetDante,wepetitiontheLord,Giveusthisdaythedailymanna,without

whichhegoesbackwardthroughthisharshwildernesswhomost labourstoadvance.[629]Truly, lifewithoutChrist is a harshwilderness. It is awayof lifewhere it is especially difficult to reach thejourney’send.47.2Thebreadoflife.

WhentheJewstellJesusthatMoseshadgiventhemthebreadofheaven,JesusrepliesthatitwasnotMoses,buthisFatherwhohadgiventhemthetruebreadfromheaven.ForthebreadofGodisthatwhichcomesdownfromheaven,andgiveslifetotheworld.TheLordpresentshimselfassuperiortoMoses.NotevenMoseshadhadtheaudacitytoclaimthat

hehimselfgavethefoodwhichneverperishes,whichlastsuntoeternallife.JesuspromisesmuchmorethanMoses.Moses promised a kingdom, a land of milk and honey, earthly peace, numerous sons,physicalhealthandalltheotherearthlygoods...Thusyouwouldfillyourbodieshereonearthwithperishablegoods.Incontrast,Christpromisedafoodwhichwouldneverperishbutwouldlastforever.[630]ThosepresentatthesynagogueofCapharnaumknewthatthemannawasasymbolofthemessianic

goods.ItwasforthatreasonthattheyaskedJesustoworkasimilarsign.Yettheyhadnoideathatthemannawasindeedafigureofthatgreatmessianicgood,theHolyEucharist.[631]JesustellstheJewsthatthemannainthedesertwasnotthetruebreadfromheavensincethosewho

ateof it diddie.He says thathisFatherwill give them the truebread fromheaven.They respond,’Lord,giveusthisbreadalways.’Jesussaidtothem,‘Iamthebreadoflife;hewhocomestomeshallnothunger,andhewhobelievesinmeshallneverthirst’.OurLordleavesnoroomfordoubtthatthisbread isa reality.Herepeats theverb toeat eight times.Christwillbecome foodso thatwemightgainanewlife,thelifewhichHehasbroughttous:ThebreadwhichIshallgiveforthelifeof theworldismyflesh.Thisisnotabreadfromtheearth.Itisabreadwhichcamedownfromheaven,notsuchas the fathersateanddied;hewhoeats thisbreadwill live forever. In theHolyEucharistwebecomefleshofhisfleshandbloodofhisblood.[632]TheEucharististhesupremerealisationofthosewordsofHolyScripturethathaveGodrejoicinginhisinhabitedworldanddelightinginthesonsofmen.[633]TheBlessedSacramentisEmmanuel,‘Godwithus’,thefoodofeternallife.Hewasthegreatestmadmanofalltimes.Whatgreatermadnesscouldtherebethantogiveoneself

ashedid,andforsuchpeople?ItwouldhavebeenmadenoughtohavechosentobecomeahelplessChild.Buteventhen,manywickedmenmighthavebeensoftened,andwouldnothavedaredtoharmhim. So this was not enough for him. He wanted to make himself even less, to give himself morelavishly.Hemadehimselffood;hebecameBread.DivineMadman!Howdomentreatyou?HowdoItreat you?[634] How do I prepare to receive you, Lord?How ismy faith,my joy,my desire?WeshouldmakesomeresolutionsinpreparationforournextCommunion,perhapswithinthenextfewminutesorhours. Itcannotbe likesomanyof theprevious times.Wehave to receivewithgreaterlove.47.3WereceivethesameChristineveryCommunion.Hispresenceinthesoul.WhenwereceiveCommunion,wereceiveChristhimselfwithhisBody,hisBlood,hisSoulandhis

Divinity.Hegiveshimselftousinanintimateunionwhichbindsustohiminarealway.Ourlifeistransformedintohislife.InHolyCommunionChristisnotonlyGodwithus,butGodinus.AfterwereceiveCommunion,Christistruly,really,substantiallypresentinoursoul.Wecanapply

herethosewordsoftheLordtoSaintAugustine:Iamthefoodofgrownmen.Grow,andyoushallfeeduponme.Youwillnot changeme intoyourself, as youchange food intoyour flesh,but youwillbechanged intome.[635]Christ gives us his life!Hedivinizes us!He transformsus into himself!TheinfinitemeritsofthePassionarepouredoutintooursoul.Hesendsusstrengthandconsolation.Heleads us to hisMost SacredHeart, to transform our sentiments into his sentiments. The Eucharistholds all the graces and fruits of eternal life for humanity and for each individual soul. This isbecausethesacramentcontainsallthespiritualgoodoftheChurch.[636]Ifwefrequentlyconsiderthe

effectswhich this sacrament canhaveon the soulwewill come to treasureHolyCommunion andspiritualcommunions.WewillseethevalueofreceivingourLordasoftenaswecan,onadailybasisifpossible.WewillprepareourselveswellforeachCommunion.EachandeverydaywewillsaytoJesus,Lord,giveusthisbreadalways.Thesoulwillberaisedtoasupernaturalplane.Christ’svirtueswillvivifyit.Thenwewillbeable

tosaywithconfidence,ItisnolongerIwholive,butChristwholivesinme.[637]ThosewordsoftheLordduringtheLastSupperarealsofulfilledwitheveryCommunion:Ifaman

lovesme,hewillkeepmyword,andmyFatherwilllovehim,andwewillcometohimandmakeourhomewithhim.[638]ThesoulbecomesthetempleandtabernacleoftheHolyTrinity.ThelifeofthethreeDivinePersonswilltransformit,nurturinginitthedivineseedthatwasimplantedinBaptism.Whenwedrawnear to receivehimwe should say,Lord, I hope in you. I adore you, I love you,

increasemyfaith.Bethesupportofmyweakness.You,whohaveremaineddefencelessintheEucharistsoastobetheremedyfortheweaknessofyourcreatures.[639]WegotoHolyMary.Forthirty-threeyearsshewasinhisphysicalpresence.Shetreatedhimwiththegreatestrespectandloveimaginable.Weuniteourselvestohersentimentsofadorationandlove.

EIGHTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARC

48.TOBERICHBEFOREGOD48.1OnlyGodcanfillourheart.IfthenyouhavebeenraisedwithChrist,seekthethingsthatareabove,whereChristis,seatedat

therighthandofGod.Setyourmindson the things thatareabove,noton things thatareonearth,exhortsSaintPaulintheSecondReadingoftheMass.[640]Thingsoftheworldlastarelativelyshortperiodoftimeandtheycannotfulfilthelongingsofthehumanheart.Thelifeofmanonearthisbrief.[641]Thegreaterpartofitisspentinpainandsuffering.Everylife

passes like thewind;barelya trace is leftbehind.[642] In thebestofcases,onemightamassagreatfortuneonlyforitsoontobelefttoothers.Whatdoesallthispainandeffortaddupto?Isitallfornothing?Asweareremindedinthefirstreading:Vanityofvanities!Allisvanity.[643]In the face of this emptiness and inconsistency, all this pointlessness, God is the rock of our

salvation. Let us come into his presencewith thanksgiving; let usmake a joyful noise to himwithsongsofpraise![644]Nevertheless, thehumanhearthasa tremendouscapacity to seek the thingsof theworldwithout

payinganyattentiontothetranscendentmeaningoflife.Thehumanhearttendstobecomeattachedtoworldlygoodsastheoneandonlygoalinlife,forgettingwhatisreallyimportant.Intoday’sGospel,theLordtakesadvantageofaquestionaboutinheritancestoteachusaboutthetrueworthofthingsinthelightofeternity.[645]Hebringsupthesubjectofdeath,ofourowndeath,tomakehispoint:Thelandofarichmanbrought forthplentifully;andhe thought tohimself, ‘Whatshall Ido, forIhavenowheretostoremycrops?’Andhesaid,‘Iwilldothis:Iwillpulldownmybarns,andbuildlargerones...AndIwillsaytomysoul,Soul,youhaveamplegoodslaidupformanyyears;takeyourease,eat,drink,bemerry’.TheLord teaches us that putting our hearts into the pursuit ofwealth andworldlywell-being is

foolishness.Neitherhappinessnorauthentichumanlifeitselfarefoundedonworldlygoods.Aman’slife does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.[646] The rich man discloses his ‘valuesystem’ in his mental dialogue. He sees himself in a very secure position because he has greatresources.Hebaseshisstabilityandhishappinessonthiswealth.Forhim,asformanypeople,livingisamatterofenjoyingasmuchpleasureaspossible.Itistodoaslittleasneedbe,toeat,todrink,‘tohave agood time’, to layup amplegoods formany years. This is his ideal. In his life there is noreference toGod,much less to other people.He sees no need to share his goodswith others lessfortunatethanhimself.Andhowdoesheplantomaintainthisthoroughlymaterialisticlifestyle?Iwillstore...Yetinthe

end,allofhiscalculationsare fornothing.The thingsof thisworldgivea fragileand insufficientsecuritysinceourliveswillneverbefulfilledwithoutGod.Wecanaskourselvestodayduringthistimeofprayer,‘Whereismyheart?’Becauseweknowthat

ourdestinationisHeaven,wehavetomakepositiveandconcreteactsofdetachmentwithregardtowhatweownandwhatweuse.Howmuchdoweshareourgoodswiththeneedy?Howmuchtimeandwealthdowecontributetoapostolicworks?48.2Ourearthlylifeisshortandfleeting.TakingadvantageofthenoblethingsoftheearthsoastowinHeaven.

DespitethefactthatHehasbeenoverlooked,Godinterruptstherichmaninhisruminationstopassjudgmentonhischosenwayoflife:‘Fool!Thisnightyoursoulisrequiredofyou;andthethingsyouhaveprepared,whosewilltheybe?’Soishewholaysuptreasureforhimself,andisnotrichtowardGod.Ourpassageupontheearthisatimeoftesting.TheLordhimselfhasgivenittous.AsSaintPaul

teaches,Forherewehavenolastingcity,butweseekthecitywhichistocome.[647]OnacertaindaytheLordwillcometosettleaccountswithus,todeterminehowwellorillwehaveadministeredhisgifts.His gifts include intelligence, health,material goods, a capacity for friendship, the power togivejoytothosearoundus...TheLordwillcomeonlyonce,perhapswhenweleastexpecthim,likeathiefinthenight,[648]likelightningflashingacrossthesky.[649]Heoughttofinduswellprepared.Tying ourselves down to the world, forgetting that our end is in Heaven, will lead us to live adisorientedlifeofcompleteidiocy.FoolispreciselywhatGodcallsthemanwholivesonlyfortheworld.Wecertainlyhavetowalkwithourfeetontheground,takingcaretosafeguardourfutureandthe future of thosewhodepend uponus.Butwe cannot forget thatwe are pilgrims, nomore thanactorsinashow.Nooneispermanentlymadekingorwealthy,sinceattheendoftheperformancewewillallfindourselvesaspaupers.[650]WorldlygoodsarebutthemeansforustoattainthegoalwhichtheLordhaspointedout.Thesegoodscanneverbecomethe‘be-allandtheend-all’ofourexistence.Ourlifeonearthisshortandlimited:Thisnightyoursoulisrequiredofyou.Perhapswethinkof

deathintermsofsomethingremote,asifwewillliveforever.YettheLordspeaksofthisnight.Ourdaysarenumbered.WeareinthehandsofGod.Withinafewyears,maybenotthatmany,wewillfindourselvesfacetofacewithhim.Meditatingonourfinalendshouldmotivateustosanctifyourwork–‘redeemingthetime’–aswe

strivetomakeupforlosttime.[651]Itshouldhelpustotakeadvantageofourcircumstancesinordertomakereparationforsinsandtobecomedetachedfromearthlygoods.Onedaylikeanyotherdaywillbeourlastdayonearth.Today,thousandsofpeoplehavediedorwilldieinthemostdiverseofcircumstances.Thosepeoplewereprobablyunawarethattheirtimewasup,thattheywouldhavenomoretimetoimprove.Somehavediedwiththeirheartsimmersedinthingsoflittleornoimportancein termsofeternal life.Othershavediedwhohavebeen involved inexactly thesameactivitiesbuthave kept their sights on God. It is these latter people who have come into possession of thatmarvelloustreasurewhichneitherrustnormothconsumes...[652]48.3GooduseoftimewithrespecttoGod.Detachment.Atthemomentofdeaththestateofthesoulisfixedforever.Afterwards,itisimpossibletochange.

Thedestinywhichawaitsusistheconsequenceofourbehaviouronearth:Ifatreefallstothesouthortothenorth,intheplacewherethetreefalls,thereitwilllie.[653]ThisisthereasonfortheLord’sfrequentwarningstobeonwatch.[654]Deathisnot theendofexistence,but thebeginningofanewlife.Christianscannot‘writeoff’orminimisetheimportanceofourtemporalexistencesinceitistheverymeansbywhichweprepareforourdefinitivelifewithGodinHeaven.ToyieldarichharvestbeforeGodwehave tosanctify this sameordinary lifeand theuseofmaterialgoods.Everyother‘lifestyle’isbuiltuponsand:Surelyeverymanstandsasamerebreath!Surelymangoesaboutasashadow!...manheapsup,andknowsnotwhowillgather![655]InasmuchasthegoodsofthisworldareintendedforthegloryofGod,weshouldusethemwitha

senseofdetachment,notcomplainingeitherwhenthesegoodsmaybelacking.Theabsenceofsomegood,ifitisGod’swill,shouldnottakeawayourpeace.Weshouldknowhowtobehappyintimesofprosperityandinadversity.Whetherwearerichorpoor,weshouldsharewhatwehavewithothers–

by creating new jobs, if that be in our power, by promoting works of culture and formation, bygivinggenerouslytothegoodworksoftheChurch.Byconsideringourdeathwecanalsolearnhowtomakegooduseofthedaysthatremaintous.My

children,theworldisslippingthroughourfingers.Wecannotloseanytime,forthetimeisshort...IunderstandSaintPaulverywellwhenhewritestotheCorinthians:‘Tempusbreveest!’Howbriefisoursojournupontheearth!ForacoherentChristian,thesewordsoughttoringtrueinthedepthsofthesoul.Theyareareproachforourlackofgenerosityandaconstantinvitationtoloyalty.Truly,wehavesolittletimetolove,togive,todopenance.[656]Arewegoingtoallowourheartstobetiedtothethingsofthisworld?Meditation on the eternal truths is a good antidote against sin and a real help towards giving a

Christianmeaningtolife.Thesethoughtscaninspireustopayproperattentiontoourdailywork,toourrelationswithothersandtoourdutiesincharitytowardsthosemostinneed.ThatwillbeourwayintoHeaven.

EIGHTEENTHWEEK:MONDAY

49.CHRISTIANOPTIMISM49.1ToberealisticinasupernaturalwayistorelyalwaysonthegraceofGod.Agreatmultitude follow Jesus into thedesert.[657]They followhimwithout giving a thought to

distance,heatorcold,because theirneedsaregreat.Theysense that theyarewelcome.They listenattentively to thosewordswhich givemeaning to their lives, so attentively that they neglect life’snecessities.Theyhavebroughtnofoodtoeatandthere isnoplace tobuyanyfoodout there.Thisproblemdoesnotseemtohavebotheredthem,nordoesitseemtobotherJesus.Whenthedisciplesbecomeawareofthesituationatdusk,however,theygototheMasterandsay,Thisisalonelyplace,and theday isnowover;send thecrowdsaway togo into thevillagesandbuy food for themselves.Thisisastatementoffactwhichisevidenttoall.ButJesusknowsofahigherreality,ofpossibilitieswhich even hismost intimate disciples cannot discern.And so he answers them,They need not goaway;yougivethemsomethingtoeat.Thedisciples,beingkeenlyawareoftheirlackofprovisions,reply,Wehaveonlyfiveloaveshereandtwofishes.Thedisciples seeobjective reality.Theyknow that this small amountof foodwill not suffice to

feed the multitude. This is what may happen to us when we take stock of our own strengths andpossibilities. The difficulties before us may appear larger than life and beyond our power toinfluence.Merehumanobjectivitycan leadus todiscouragementandpessimism. Itcancauseus toforget the radicaloptimismwhich ispart andparcelof theChristianvocation.Aspopularwisdomwouldhaveit:HewhofailstoincludeGodinhisreckoningsdoesnotknowhowtoadd.Hedoesnotknowhowtoaddbecauseheleavesoutthemostimportantfactor.TheApostlesmadeaveryprecisecountoftheirresources.Theycounteduptheexactnumberofloavesandfishesavailable.Buttheyforgot to consider that Jesuswas at their side.And this fact radically alters the situation.The realrealityissomethingdifferentfromobjectivereality.Inapostolicundertakingsit’sverygood–it’saduty–toconsiderwhatmeanstheworldhastoofferyou(2+2=4).Butdon’tforget–ever–thatyourcalculationsmustfortunatelyincludeanotherterm:God+2+2...[658]Toneglectthisrealityistomisreadthetruesituation.Tobesupernaturallyrealistic,weneedtocountuponthegraceofGodwhichisanineluctablefact.ChristianoptimismisrootedinGod,whosaystous:Iamwithyoualways,tothecloseoftheage.

[659]Withhimwecandoanything.Wearevictoriousevenwhenwearedefeated.Thisistheoptimismsocharacteristicof thesaints.SaintTeresaofAvilawouldoftenrepeat,withhergoodhumourandsupernatural spirit: Teresa can do nothing alone. Teresa and a maravedí (a penny, say), less thannothing.ButTeresa,amaravedíandGodcandoanything.[660]Itisthesamewithus.Castaway thatdespairproducedbytherealizationofyourweakness.It’strue:financiallyyouareazero,andsociallyanotherzero,andanotherinvirtues,andanotherintalents...ButtotheleftofthesezerosisChrist.And what an immeasurable figure it turns out to be.[661] How this realization changes our entireoutlook at the hour of beginning an apostolicwork, at themoment of personal conversion, in therealitiesofordinarylife!49.2AChristian’soptimismistheresultoffaith.Christianoptimismisaresultoffaith,notofcircumstances.TheChristianknowsthattheLordhas

hisbestinterestsinmind.TheLordknowshowtodrawfruitevenfromapparentfailure.Atthesame

time,Heasksustouseallofthehumanmeansatourdisposal,leavingnostoneunturned.Weshouldcountonthefive loavesandthe twofishes.Bythemselves theywon’tmakemuchofamealforsomanyhungrypeopleattheendofalongday,buttheyneverthelessplayanindispensablepartintheworkingofthemiracle.TheLordseestoitthatfailuresintheapostolate(someonedoesnotrespond,someoneturnshisbackonus,etc...)servetosanctifyusandsanctifyothers.Nothingislost.Ontheotherhand,whatwillnevergiveanyfruitareomissionsandexcuses,behaviourlikethrowingupourhandsbeforeahostileenvironment.TheLordwantsustoputourloavesandfishestogooduse,whileplacingourtrustinhimwithrectitudeofintention.Somefruitswillcomeatonce.Otherfruitswillcomeat the timeand in theway theLordwants.One thing isbeyonddoubt– fruitswillalwaysbeforthcoming.Wehavetoconvinceourselvesthatwearenothing,andthatwecandonothingwithoutJesusatourside.He,towhosepowerandknowledgeallthingsaregiven,protectsusbymeansofhisinspirationsagainstallfoolishness,ignorance,wildtantrumsorhardnessofheart.[662]AChristian’soptimismgetsstrongreinforcementfromprayer.Christianoptimismisnotasugary

optimism;norisitamerehumancoincidencethateverythingwillturnoutallright.Itisanoptimismthatsinksitsrootsinanawarenessofourfreedom,andinthesureknowledgeofthepowerofgrace.Itisanoptimismwhichleadsustomakedemandsonourselves,tostruggletorespondateverymomenttoGod’scalls.[663]Itisnottheoptimismoftheegoistwhoseeksonlyhispersonaltranquillity,whocloseshiseyestoreality,saying‘Everythingwillworkoutintheend’.Heusesthatasanexcusesothathewillnotbebothered.Hegoessofarastodenytheevilinothersinordertoavoidworriesandresponsibility.TheradicaloptimismofonewhofollowsChristcloselydoesnotdeludehimastothenatureof reality.Quite thecontrary; theChristian isable toconfront thewhole truthwithoutbeingdemoralized by it.TheChristian knows that hisFatherGodwill never leave him.Hebelieves thatabundant fruitwill be harvested from that field – those circumstances, those friends – inwhich itseemed that onlyweeds could grow.TheChristian is confident that thework of the good is neverdestroyed, but that in order to bring forth fruit, the ear of corn begins by dying in the earth. TheChristianknowsthatthesacrificeofgoodsisneverinvain.[664]49.3OuroptimismisrootedintheCommunionofSaints.MonsignorKnox points out that Jesusworked thismiracle not just for anybody, but rather for

people who had been following him for days, people who had earnestly been searching for him.AccordingtoKnox,themultitudeisaprefiguringoftheChurch.ThosefivethousandseatedonthehillsidewereunitedasfollowersofChrist.Theyfeduponthesamebread,thatforeshadowingoftheHolyEucharist,which came from the hands ofChrist.Hownaturally a commonmeal serves for asymbolof fraternity;howeasilyascratchpartyofguestsgetontogether ifyoutakethemout forapicnicintheopenair!Just imaginewhatitmusthavemeant, lateron,ifoneofthosefivethousandmet,byaccident,oneoftheothers;whatfellowshipmusthavebeenimposedonthembytheircommonstoreofreminiscences!‘Yes,don’tyouremember,Iwassittingaboutsevenoreightoffyou,andPeter–orJohn,orJames,orJudas–cameroundwith thecrustwhich lookedas if itcouldneversatisfymorethantwo;webothseemedtobeinstarvationcorner,didn’twe?Andthenwhenhegottotheendoftherowthecrustwasstillthere’.[665]Wecantakepartat thesametable,at thesameBanquet.WecanreceivethesameBread,wherein

Christcomestous,whichismultipliedwithoutceasing.ThosewhofollowChristareunitedbyaverystrongbond.Recogniseinyourselfalimb,abranchofChrist,(thebody,thevine)living,grafted-onandingrowing,nourishedbyhisstrengthandgrace.[666]TheCommunionofSaintsteachesusthatweallformoneBodyinChrist.Throughthiscommunionwecanhelponeanotherinamostefficacious

way. Somewhere, at this very moment someone is praying for us, someone is helping us withsanctifiedwork,withprayer,withsufferingofferedup.Weareneveralone.TheCommunionofSaintsservesastheconstantfuelofouroptimismbecausewecanalwayscount

onthemysteriousbutveryrealhelpofthosewhopartakeofthesameBread.Andtheyallateandweresatisfied.And they tookup twelvebaskets fullof thebrokenpieces left

over.Andthosewhoatewereaboutfivethousandmen,besideswomenandchildren.WearemovedbyChrist’sgenerosity toappeal tohimwithconfidence.We toohavespentmany

dayswith him.Ask himwithout any fear, and insist. Remember that scene of themultiplication ofloaveswereadabout in theGospel.Noticehowmagnanimouslyhe says to theApostles,Howmanyloavesdoyouhave?Five?...Howmanyareyouaskingfor?Andhegivessix,ahundred,thousands...Why?BecauseChristseesallourneedswithdivinewisdom,andwithhisalmightypowerhecananddoesgofarbeyondourdesires.OurLordseesmuchfartherthanourpoormindscandiscernandheisinfinitelygenerous.[667]Hewillonceagainperformmiraclesassoonasweplacethelittlewehaveathisdisposal.Hethinksintermswhichgreatlyexceedourpoorhumancalculations.WhatashameifwewereevertohangontothefiveloavesandtwofisheswithwhichtheLordwouldreadilyworkmiracles!

EIGHTEENTHWEEK:TUESDAY

50.MENOFFAITH50.1FaithinChrist.Withhim,wecandoeverything;withouthimweareincapableoftakingasinglestep.Immediatelyafter themultiplicationof the loavesandfishes,ourLordhimself took leaveof the

crowdsandorderedthedisciples tosetout intheirboats.[668] Itmusthavebeenlate in theevening.Aftera longdayofwork,attending to thosewhosoughthimout, Jesus felt compelled topray.Hewalkedupanearbyhilland,afternightfall,remainedtherealone,inconversationwithHisFatherinHeaven.FromthathilltopJesussawtheApostlesfaroffshore;andtheirboat–buffetedbythewaves, the

windagainst them–was indanger.ThePaschwasnearand therewasa fullmoon, soJesuscouldmakeoutthelittlecraftinthemiddleofthelake.Butinthefourthwatchofthenight,aroundthreeinthe morning, well before sunrise, He came to themwalking upon the sea. Seeing a vague figurecomingoverthesurfaceoftheseatowardtheplacewheretheywerestruggling,theywerefilledwithfear. It is a ghost!, they said. And they began shouting out in terror. But then our Lord revealedhimself.Takecourage;itisI,donotbeafraid.Christalwayspresentshimself inthismannerinthelifeofaChristian,givingencouragementandserenity.Petertakescourage;ledonbyhislove,movedbyhisdesiretobeclosetotheMaster,hemakesanunexpectedrequest:Lord,ifitisthyself,bidmecometotheeoverthewater.Love’sdaringhasno limits,andourLordyieldseasily to therequest.AndHesaid,Come.PetergotoutoftheboatandbegantowalkonthewatertowardJesus.Thosewerestirring moments for all: Peter gave up the safety of the boat at Jesus’ word. He did not remainclingingtothesideofthevessel,butwenttowardsJesus,whowasnowonlyafewyardsawayfromhisdisciples.Awestruck,theycontemplatetheApostlemovingforwardontheswirlingwaves.Peterwalksonthewater.FaithandconfidenceinhisMasterareallthatsustainhim–onlythat.Thedifficulties that surroundusdon’tmatter ifwewalkwith faithandconfidence towardJesus,

who iswaiting for us. It doesn’tmatter if thewaves are high and thewind strong, or that it’s notnaturalformantowalkonwater.IfwelooktoJesus,wecandoanything;andlookingathimisthevirtueofpiety.IfthroughprayerandthesacramentsweremainclosetoJesus,wewillremainontherightpath.IfourgazewandersawayfromJesus,wewillsink;wewillbeincapableofevenasinglestep,evenonfirmground.50.2Whenfaithdiminishes,difficultiesseemgreater.Peter ’sfaith,greatatfirst,wassoontodiminish.Herealizedtheforceofthewavesandthewind

(Saint John states that thewindwas strong), that itwas impossible foraman towalkonwater.Heworriesaboutthedifficultiesandforgetstheonlythingthatwaskeepinghimafloat:thewordoftheLord.Hepaidattentiontotheobstaclesandhisfaithdiminished:themiraclewaslinkedtocompletetrustinChrist.Attimes,Godasksforthingswhichseemapparentlyimpossible,butwhichbecomearealitywhen

weactwithfaith,withoursightfixedontheLord.Onacertainoccasion,theFounderofOpusDei,Blessed Josemaría Escrivá, told a daughter of hiswhowas going to another countrywhere therewouldbedifficultiesinseparablefromthebeginningoftheapostolicwork:WhenIasksomethingofyou,mydaughter, don’t tellme that it’s impossible, because I know that already. Since I began the

Work,ourLordhasaskedmetodomanyimpossiblethings...andthey’vebecomeareality![669]Andtheyhavekeptonhappening!:soitwaswiththeirapostolicworkinmanycountries...andvocationscame, andwith them peoplewhowerewilling to help out in thatworkwith great generosity anddetachment.Inmanywayshetoldthem:Menoffaithareneededandthegreatworksofscripturewillberepeated.Thosegreatworksaredoneeachdayonearth...ThisisthewayithasalwaysbeeninthehistoryoftheChurch.ItisGodwhokeepsusafloatandmakesuseffectiveinthemidstofthoseapparentimpossibilities,

ofanenvironmentwhichoftengoesagainsttheChristianideal.ItisHewhomakesuswalkonwater–ononecondition:weshouldkeepoureyessetonChristandnotallowobstaclesandtemptationstodistractus.In his gospel commentary Saint John Chrysostom points out that Jesus taught Peter, through

personalexperience,thatallhisfortitudecamefromHim;lefttohisowndevices,Petercouldonlyexpectweaknessandmisery.[670]Whenourcooperationislacking,headded,Godalsoceasestohelpus.ThatiswhyassoonasPeterbegantofearanddoubthealsobegantosink.Whenfaithdiminishes,difficultiesseemgreater:Livingfaithdependsonmyabilitytorespondto

God,whocallsmeandwantstotreatmeasafriend,asOnewhoisthegreatwitnessofmylife.SoifIrespond to him and love him, and if he is someone familiar inmy life, if I live close to him, I amsafeguardingmyfaith,becausemyfaithisfoundedonGod...Ontheotherhand,ifIkeepmydistancefrom God, if I forget him, if I keep him outside my life and am submerged in merely human andmaterialthings,ifI letmyselfbecarriedawaybywhatisimmediatelyinfrontofmeandGodfadesfrommysoul,thenhowwillIhavealivingfaith?IfIdon’tspeakwithChrist,whatisthereleftofmyfaith?Thatiswhy,inthefinalanalysis,allobstaclestoalifeoffaithmaybereduced–intheirroot–toawithdrawal,a separation fromGod:wecease todealwithhim face to face.[671]Then it is thattemptations and obstacles gain strength. Peterwould have remained firm on thewaters andwouldhavereachedtheLordifhehadnotseparatedhisconfidentgazefromtheLord.Allthetempestsputtogether, thosewithin the soul and thosearising fromoutside, cannot shakeusas longaswehavefirmrecourse toprayer.Toabandonprayer, topraywith little intimacyor sincerity,exposesus tosinkintodiscouragement,pessimismandtemptation.Our faithshouldnever falterevenwhen thedifficultiesareenormous,even though theyseemto

crushusundertheirweight.Whatdoesitmatterifthewholeworldwithallitspowerisagainstyou?You...goforward!Repeat thewordsof thepsalm: ‘TheLord ismy lightandmysalvation.Whomshall I fear? ...Si

consistant adversumme castra, non timebit cormeum.’ Thoughmy enemies surroundme,my heartshallnotwaver.[672]50.3Jesusalwayscomestoouraid.ThenPetergotoutoftheboatandwalkedonthewatertocometoJesus.Butseeingthewindwas

strong,hewasafraid;andashebegantosink,hecriedout,sayingLord,saveme!AndJesusatoncestretchedforthhishandandtookholdofhimsaying,Othouoflittlefaith,whydidstthoudoubt?Andwhentheygotintotheboatthewindfell.Amidstdangers,obstaclesanddoubtsweshouldlooktoChrist:letusrunwithpatiencetothefight

setbeforeus;lookingtowardtheauthorandperfecteroffaith,Jesus,[673]wereadintheEpistletotheHebrews.Christshouldbeaclear,sharply-definedfigureforus.Wehavecontemplatedhimsomanytimesthatwecannotconfusehimwithaghost,asthedisciplesdidthatnight.Hisfeatures,hisvoice,his gaze are unmistakable. He has looked at us so many times! He is the beginning and the

culminationofChristian life. If youwant tobe saved,writesSaintThomasAquinas, lookupon thefaceofyourChrist.[674]Dealingwithhimhabitually,inprayerandthroughthesacraments,istheonlyguaranteeofstayingonourfeet,aschildrenofGod,inthemiddleoftheroughseasinwhichwelive.What’smore, togetherwithChrist the conflicts and laboursweconfront almostdaily strengthen

ourfaithandhope,anduniteusmorecloselytoHim.Thesameoccurstothetreesthatgrowinshady,shelteredplaces:whileexternallytheyappeartothrive,theyarefeebleandeasilyhurt.However,thetreesthatgrowonthepinnaclesofthetallestmountains,buffetedbymanywinds,constantlyexposedtoharshconditions,beatenbyfiercestormsandcoveredbysnow,thesegrowasstrongasiron.[675]PeterstoppedlookingatChristandhesank.ButheknewenoughtoreturnimmediatelytoHimto

whomall issubmitted.Lord,saveme!, hecriedwithallhis strengthwhenhe felt allwas lost.AndJesus,withinfiniteaffection,stretchedouthishandandpulledhimup.Ifweseethatwearesinking,thattemptationsanddifficultiesareoverwhelmingus,letusgotoJesus.Healwaysstretchesouthishandtous,forustoholdtight.Hewillneverletussink,ifwedothelittlerequiredofus.GodhasalsoplacedourGuardianAngelnexttoustohelpusinalladversityandtoserveasapowerfulaidonour road toHeaven.Letusdealwith this friendconfidently; letusaskhishelp insmall thingsandgreatthings,andwewillfindthefortitudeweneedforvictory.

EIGHTEENTHWEEK:WEDNESDAY

51.THEVIRTUEOFHUMILITY51.1ThehumilityoftheSyrophoenicianwoman.IntheGospeloftoday’sMass,[676]SaintMatthewrecordsthatJesusretiredwithhisdisciplestothe

landsofthegentiles,intheregionofSidonandTyre.There,awomancametothemshoutingloudly:Lord,SonofDavid,havemercyonme!Mydaughteriscruellytormentedbythedevil.Jesusheardherbutdidnotrespond.SaintAugustinecommentsthatHedidnotanswerherpreciselybecauseHeknewwhatshewastoreceive.Hedidnotremainsilentinordertorefuseher,butsothatshe–throughherhumbleperseverance–wouldmeritthefavour.[677]Thewomanprobablyinsistedforalongtime,sothatthedisciples–tiredofherefforts–toldthe

Master:Send her away, for she is crying after us.OurLord explained to her thatHe had come topreach first to the Jews.But thewoman–despite thenegative response–prostratedherselfbeforehimsaying:Lord,helpme!TheCanaaneanwoman’spersistenceledourLordtorepeathisanswerusinganimagewhichshe

understoodatonce:Itisnotrighttotakethechildren’sbreadandcastittothedogs.AgainHetellsherthatHehasbeensenttothesonsofIsraelandshouldnotshowpreferenceforpagans.OurLord’slovingandwelcominggesturewouldremoveanyhintofharshnessfromtheexpressionHeuses.Hiswordsfilledthewomanwithconfidence.Withgreathumility,shereplied:ItistrueLord,buteventhedogscaneatof thecrumbswhich fall from theirmasters’ table.She recognizedher trueplace;sheconfessed as her lords those whom He called children.[678] Saint Augustine himself says that thewomanwas transformed by humility, and deserved to sit at the table with the children.[679] SheconqueredtheheartofGod,receivingthefavoursherequestedaswellasagreatcomplimentfromourLord:Owoman!Greatisyourfaith!Letitbedoneasyouwish.Andatthatinstant,herdaughterwashealed.Later,shewouldsurelybeoneofthefirstgentilewomentoembracetheFaith,andshewouldpreservefromthatmomentalastinggratitudeandloveforourLord.We,whoarefarfromthefaithandhumilityofthiswoman,ferventlyasktheMaster,DearJesus,if

Ihavetobeanapostleyouwillneedtomakemeveryhumble.Everything the sun touches is bathed in light. Lord, fill me with your clarity, bathe me in your

divinitysothatImayidentifymywillwithyouradorableWillandbecometheinstrumentyouwishmetobe.Givemethemadnesstoundergothehumiliationyouunderwent,whichledyoutobebornpoor,towork in obscurity, to endure the shame of dying sewn by nails to a piece ofwood, to your self-effacementintheBlessedSacrament.MayIknowmyself:mayIknowmyselfandknowyou.Iwillthenneverlosesightofmynothingness.

[680]OnlythuswillIbeabletofollowyouasyouwish,andasIwish:withadeepfaith,agreatloveandwithoutplacinganyobstaclesintheway.51.2Theactivenatureofhumility.IntheaccountofthelifeofSaintAnthony,Abbot,itissaidthatGodshowedhimtheworldbeset

withthesnaresthedevilhadpreparedtoentrapmen.Followingthevision,thesaintwasfilledwithfear,andasked,Lord,whocanescapesomanysnares?Andheheardavoicethatanswered,Anthony,hewho ishumblecanescape, forGodgiveshisgrace to thehumble,but theproud fall intoall thetrapsthedevilsets.Yetthedevildoesnotdaretoattackthehumbleman.

IfwewanttoservetheLord,wemustdesireandaskforthevirtueofhumilitywithinsistence.Totrulydesirethisvirtue,weshouldkeepinmindthattheoppositeofhumility–thecapitalsinofpride–isthegreatestobstacletothevocationwehavereceivedfromtheLord.Itiswhatharmsfamilylifeandfriendship,whatopposesourtruehappinessmostofall.Itisthedevil’sforemostallyinoursoul,withwhichhetriestoundotheworkthattheHolySpiritisconstantlycarryingout.Living thevirtueofhumility isnotonlyamatter rejecting themotionsofpride, selfishnessand

vanity.Infact,JesusandMary,whopossessedthevirtueofhumilitytothefull,neverexperiencedanyinclination toward pride. Theword ‘humility’ derives from the Latin word humus (soil or earth).Etymologically, ‘humble’ signifies inclined towards the earth; the virtue of humility consists inbowingdownbeforeGodandeverythingthatisofGodincreatures.[681]Inpracticalterms,itleadsustorecognizeourinferiority,ourlittlenessandindigencebeforeGod.ThesaintsexperiencegreatjoyinbecomingnothingbeforeGod,recognizingthatonlyHeisgreatandthatallhumangreatnessis,bycomparison,emptyandalie.Humilityisbasedontruth,[682]andaboveallonthegreattruththatthedistancebetweenthecreature

and the Creator is infinite. That is why we should frequently take time to remind and persuadeourselves that everything good in us is from God, that all the good that we have done has beensuggestedandbroughttofruitionbyhim,withthehelpofhisgrace.WedonotsayasingleaspirationwithouttheimpulseandgraceoftheHolySpirit.[683]Oursarethedefects,sinsandselfishness.Thesemiseriesarelessthannothing,becausetheyareadisorderandreduceoursoultoatrulydeplorablestate.[684]Grace, on the other hand,makes our soul shine so that even the angels are awed by thebrightnessofthedivinegift.TheCanaaneanwomandidnot feelhumiliatedby Jesus’comparisonemphasizing thedifference

between Jews and pagans. Shewas humble and knew her placewith respect to the chosen people.Becauseshewashumbleshewasnotashamedtopersevere,prostratingherselfbeforeJesusinspiteof the apparent rejection. Because of her humility, daring and perseverance, she obtained a greatfavour.Humilityhasnothing todowith timidity,withficklenessorwithamediocre life lacking inambition.Humilitydiscoversthateverythinggoodinus,bothintheorderofnatureandintheorderofgrace,belongstoGodforfromhisfullnesswehaveallreceived.[685]Andsuchprofusionofgiftsmovesustobegrateful.51.3Theroadtohumility.To the question, ‘How shall I become humble?’ corresponds the immediate answer, ‘Through the

grace of God’. ... Only the grace of God can give us a clear vision of our true condition and theawarenessof thedignity thatcomesfromhumility.[686]That iswhyweshoulddesire thisvirtueandaskfor it incessantly,convinced thatwith it,weshall loveGodandbecapableofgreatenterprisesdespiteourweakness...Togetherwiththispetitionweshouldacceptthehumiliations–usuallysmall–thatmayariseeach

dayindifferentways:duringourworkandinourdealingswithothers,whenweareconsciousofourweaknessormakemistakes,greatorsmall.Oneday,itissaid,SaintThomasAquinaswaspulledupforasupposedgrammaticalerrorwhilereading.Hecorrecteditasindicated.Later,hiscompanionsaskedhimwhyhehadmade thecorrectionsincehehimselfmusthaveknownthat theoriginal textwasfaultless.BeforeGod,thesaintreplied,betterafaultofgrammarthanafaultofobedienceandofhumility.Wewalk theway of humilitywhenwe accept humiliations, great or small, andwhenweacceptourdefectsandstruggletoovercomethem.Hewho ishumblecandowithoutpraiseor flattery inhisworkbecausehishope is in theLord,

whoistrulythesourceofallhisrichesandhappinessandgivesmeaningtoallhedoes.Oneof thereasonswhymenaresopronetopraiseoneanother,tooverestimatetheirownvalueandabilities,toresentanythingthattendstolowerthemintheirowneyesorintheeyesofothers,isthattheyseenohopeforhappinessoutsidethemselves.Thatiswhytheyareoftensohyper-sensitive,soresentfulwhentheyarecriticized,soupsetbyanyonewhocontradictsthem,soinsistentongettingtheirownway,sodesirousofbeingwellknown,soanxioustobepraised,sodeterminedtocontroltheirsurroundings.Theysecurethemselvestothemselveslikeashipwreckedmanholdingontoastraw.Andlifegoeson,andtheymovefurtherandfurtherawayfromhappiness...[687]Hewhostrugglestobehumbledoesnotseekoutpraise,andifpraisescome,hetriestoreferthem

instead to the glory of God, the author of all good things. Humility does not consist somuch indespisingoneselfasinforgettingoneself,joyfullyrecognizingthatwepossessnothingthatwehavenotreceived.ItleadsustobecomeGod’slittlechildren,whofindalltheirstrengthinthestronghandoftheirFather.WelearntobehumblebymeditatingonthePassionofourLord,byconsideringhisgreatnessin

thefaceofsomanyhumiliations,allowinghimselfasHedidtobeledlikeasheeptoitsshearers,ashadbeenprophesied;[688]byconsideringhishumilityintheHolyEucharistwhereHewaitsforustovisithimandspeakwithhim, tobe receivedbyanyonewhowants toattend thesacredBanquetHepreparesforusdaily;byconsideringhispatienceinthelightofsomanyoffences.Wewilllearntowalk thepathofhumility ifwepayattention toMary, thehandmaidof theLord,whohadnootherdesirethantodotheWillofGod.WecanalsoapproachSaintJoseph,whospenthislifeservingJesusandMary,fulfillingthetaskthatGodhadentrustedtohim.

EIGHTEENTHWEEK:THURSDAY

52.YOUARETHECHRIST52.1YouaretheChrist,thesonoftheLivingGod:confessinthiswaythedivinityofJesusChrist.JesuswasinCaesareaPhilippi, in thenorthernconfinesofJewishterritorywhere thepopulation

waspredominantlypagan.ThereHeaskedhisdiscipleswithcompleteconfidence,WhodomensaytheSonofManis?[689]TheApostles,familiarwiththeopinionsthepeoplehadofhim,replied,SomesayJohntheBaptist;andothersElias;andothersJeremiasoroneoftheprophets.Manyofthosewholistened tohim thoughthighlyofHim,butdidnotknowwhoHe reallywas.TheMaster turned tothemandaffectionatelyasked,ButwhodoyousaythatIam?Fromhisown–thosewhofollowhimclosely – He seemed to demand a clear, uncompromising confession of faith. They should notconformtoasuperficialpopularopinion,sosubjecttochange.Theyshouldknowhimwellandmakehimknown,fortheyhavelefteverythingtoliveanewlifewithhim.Peteransweredfirmly:YouaretheChrist,theSonoftheLivingGod.Itisaclearaffirmationofhis

divinity,asconfirmedbyJesus’reply:BlessedareyouSimon,sonofJohn,forfleshandbloodhasnotrevealed this to you, but my Father in Heaven. Peter must have been profoundly moved by theMaster ’swords.Even today there are varying and divergent opinions concerning Jesus: there is a great deal of

ignoranceregardinghispersonandmission.DespitethepreachingandapostolateoftheChurchovertwentycenturies,manysoulshavestillnotdiscoveredJesus’trueidentity.Hestilllivesamongusandasks,Andyou,whodoyousaythatIam?WiththehelpofGod’sgrace,whichisneverlacking,wetooshouldproclaimwithfirmness–with thesupernatural firmnessof faith– ‘You,Lord,aremyGodandmyKing:perfectGodandperfectMan,centreoftheuniverseandofhistory,[690]centreofmylifeandthemotiveandcauseofallmyactions.’DuringhisPassion,whenHeisabouttocompletehismissiononearth,theChiefPriestasksJesus,

AreyoutheMessiah,theSonoftheBlessedOne?Jesusreplies,Iam,andyouwillseetheSonofManseatedattherighthandoftheFather,andcomingwiththecloudsofheaven.[691]WiththisresponseHe not only affirms that He is the Messiah whom they await, but also declares the divinetranscendence of hismessianism, attributing toHimselfDaniel’s prophecy of the Son ofMan.[692]TheLordusesthestrongestpossiblewordsfoundintheBibletodeclarehisdivinity.ItisthenandonthisaccountthattheycondemnHimforblasphemy.Only the clarity of supernatural faith allows us to know that Jesus is infinitely superior to all

creatures:HeistheOnlyBegottenSonofGod,bornoftheFatherbeforeallages.GodfromGod,LightfromLight,trueGodfromtrueGod,begotten,notmade,consubstantialwiththeFather;throughhimallthingsweremade.Forusmenandforoursalvationhecamedownfromheaven,andbytheHolySpiritwasincarnateoftheVirginMary,andbecameman...[693]HewasbegottenoftheFather,[694]butremainsinfullcommunionwithhim,becauseHehasthesamedivinenature.InunionwiththeFather,HewillsendtheHolySpirit,[695]whowillkeepwhatHekeeps,forHekeepsashisownallthatisoftheFather.[696]HecomesassupremeLaw-giver:Before,itwassaidtotheancients...ButIsaytoyounow...[697]

Intheoldlaw,itwasstated,ThusspeaksYahweh,butJesusdoesnotteachinanother ’sname:Itellyou...InhisownnameHeimpartsthedivineteaching,andsetsforthpreceptsthataffecttheessenceofman.Heexercisesthepowertoforgivesins,anysin.[698]AsallJewsknew,thispowerpertainsonly

toGod.NotonlydoesHepersonallyforgivesins,butHegivesthepowerofthekeys,thepowertoruleandforgive,toPeterandtheTwelveApostlesandtheirsuccessors.[699]Hepromises,attheendoftheworld,tositastheonlyjudgeofthelivingandthedead.[700]Noonebeforeorsincehaseverdaredattributetohimselfthoseawesomepowers.Jesus demanded – demands – of his disciples an unwavering faith in his person, to the point of

bearingtheCrossontheirshoulders:hewhodoesnotpickuphiscrossandfollowmeisnotworthyofme.[701]WhatHeasks forhisheavenlyFather,Healsoasks forhimself:asolid faith,anunlimitedlove.[702]Wewhowishtofollowhimveryclosely,whenwearebeforetheTabernaclesaytohimwithSaint

Peter:Lord, you are theChrist, the Son of the LivingGod.Truly,hewho finds Jesus finds a goodtreasure;truly,agoodaboveallothergood.HewholosesJesuslosesagreatdeal,muchmorethantheentireworld.Verypoorishewholiveswithouthim,andveryrichhewhoiswithJesus.[703]Letusnoteverleavehim.Letusmakeourlovefirmwithmanyactsoffaith,withthecouragetomakeourfaithandourloveforthelivingChristknowninanyenvironment.52.2Christ:perfectGodandperfectMan.EvenaftersomanyyearsJesusremainsformany,wholackthesupernaturalgiftoffaithorwho

live immersedin lukewarmness,ahazyandindistinctfigure.Justas theapostlesansweredhimthatday,wetoocantellhim:somesayyouwereamanofhighideals,whileothers...ThewordsoftheBaptistringtrueeventoday:Inthemidstofyoutherehasstoodonewhomyoudonotknow.[704]Onlythedivinegiftoffaithallowsustoproclaim,inunionwiththeMagisteriumoftheChurch:We

believe inourLordJesusChrist,whois theSonofGod.Heis theeternalWord,bornof theFatherbeforeallthingsweremade,andconsubstantialwiththeFather...[705]WebelievethatinJesusChristtherearetwonatures–onedivineandtheotherhuman,distinctyetinseparable.HeisonePerson,theSecondPersonof theBlessedTrinity,uncreatedandeternal,whobecamemanby thepowerof theHoly Spirit in themost purewomb ofMary.Born in the direst poverty,Hewas acclaimed by theangelsinHeaven.Hesufferedhungerandthirst.Hefeltfatigueandattimesneededtorest,onarockorattheedgeofawell.SotiredwasHethatHefellasleepatseaonthefishermen’sboat.Heweptatthetombofhisfriend,Lazarus.Hewasoverwhelmedwithgriefandfeareddeathbeforesufferingthehumiliationsofhiscrucifixion.JesusisalsoperfectMan.ThismostHolyHumanityofJesus,equaltooursineverythingbutsin,

hasbecomeourway to theFather.He lives today.Whydoyou seek theonewho lives among thedead?[706]Heisthesametodayasthen.’IesusChristusheri,ethodie,ipseetinsaecula’(Heb13:8).HowIlovetorecallthesewords!JesusChrist,theveryJesuswhowasaliveyesterdayforhisapostlesand thepeoplewho soughthimout; this sameJesus lives today forus, andwill live forever.Yetattimeswepoormenfailtorecognizehisever-presentfeaturesbecauseoureyesaretiredandourvisionclouded.[707]Ourvisioniscloudedbecausewelacklove.52.3Christ:theWay,theTruthandtheLife.Christian lifeconsists in loving, imitatingandservingChrist.Thehearthasan important rôle in

thislifetosuchanextentthatif,throughlukewarmnessorahiddenpride,ourlifeofpietysuffersitbecomesalmost impossible tomoveahead.To followChrist closelymeans tobehis friends.Thatfriendly, intimate union leads us to follow even the smallest of his precepts: love is expressed indeeds. After many attempts – all in vain – to find Christ, Saint Augustine shares with us hisexperience:IlookedallaroundforthestrengthIneededtodelightinYouandcouldnotfindit,untilI

atlastembracedtheMediatorbetweenGodandman:theMan,JesusChrist,whoisaboveallthingsandblessedforalltime.ItisHewhocallsandtellsus,‘IamtheWay,theTruthandtheLife’(John14:6).[708]Wearetoloveaman–JesusChrist!JesusChrist is theonlyWay.Noonecango to theFatherexcept throughhim.[709]Only through

him, with him and in him can we reach our supernatural destiny. The Church brings this to ourattentioneachdayinHolyMass:ThroughHim,withHim,inHim,intheunityoftheHolySpirit,allgloryandhonourisyours...OnlythroughChrist,hisMostBelovedSon,willtheFatheracceptourloveandhomage.ChristisalsotheTruth.Heistheabsoluteandtotaltruth,uncreatedWisdom,whorevealshimself

tousinhismostHolyHumanity.WithoutChrist,ourlifewouldbeavastlie.TheOldTestamentnarratesthat,atGod’scommand,Moseslifteduphishandandstrucktherock

two times, andwater came forth so abundantly that all his thirsty people drank their fill.[710] ThatwatersymbolizedtheLifethatpoursforthfromChristandspringsupuntolifeeverlasting.[711]HeisourLifebecauseHemeritedgraceforus,supernaturallifeforoursoul;becausethatlifeflowsfromhim–inaspecialway–inthesacraments;becauseHecommunicateshislifetous.Allthegracewepossess,thatofallhumanity–fallenandredeemed–isGod’sgracegiventousthroughChrist.Wereceivegraceinmanyways,butthespringfromwhichitflowsisone:Christhimself,hismostHolyHumanityunitedtothePersonoftheWord,theSecondPersonoftheBlessedTrinity.WhenintheintimacyofourheartsourLordasks,Andyou,whodoyousaythatIam?,weshould

respondwiththefaithofPeter:YouaretheChrist,theSonoftheLivingGod,theWay,theTruthandtheLife...WithouthimmylifewouldbecompletelyemptyandIwouldbelost.

EIGHTEENTHWEEK:FRIDAY

53.LOVEANDTHECROSS53.1Thegreatestmanifestationoflove.Jesuscalledhisdisciples,andleavingeverythingbehind,theyfollowedhim.Theyaccompaniedthe

MasterontheroadsofPalestine,tovillagesandtowns.Theysharedjoysandfatigueandhunger.AttimestheyriskedtheirreputationsandindeedtheirverylivesforJesus.Atfirsttheyaccompaniedhimexternally, but little by little an interior disposition to follow him took root: their souls weretransformed. This deeper disposition requires more than mere detachment, and even more thanabandoninghouseandhome,familyandmaterialpossessions.IntheGospel[712]oftoday’sMassourLordsays,Hewhowishestocomeafterme,lethimdenyhimself,takeuphiscrossandfollowme.Denyingoneselfmeansrefusingtobethecentreofone’sownattention.Thetruedisciplemustbe

centred on Christ, to whom must be directed all thoughts and cares, so that our entire day trulybecomesanofferingtoGod.To carry the crossmeans that one is willing to die.Whoever picks up the cross and carries it

squarelyacceptshisdestinyandknowsthathislifewillendonthatcross.Carryingthecrossmeansthatafirmresolutionhasbeenmade;itindicatesthatwearewillingtofollowhim–ifnecessaryuntodeath – thatwewish to imitate him in everythingwithout placing obstacles between us.To followChristweshouldidentifyourwillwithhis;Hetookuphiscrosswithouthesitation.HecarriedittoCalvary,whereHeofferedhimselftoGodtheFatherinanofferingofinfinitemeritandlove.WeshouldconsiderfrequentlythathisPassionandDeathontheCrossarethegreatestexpression

of his love for the Father and for us. Certainly, the smallest act of love He performed, his mostinsignificantwork–evenasachild–hadinfinitemerit,sufficienttoobtainforallmenoveralloftimethegraceofsalvation;toobtainforthemeternallifeandallthegracetheywouldneedtoobtainit.InspiteofthisHewasstillwillingtosufferthehorrorsofhisPassionandDeathontheCrosstoshowushowmuchHelovestheFather,andhowmuchHeloveseachofus.SometimesHeexpressedto his disciples the urgency that filled his soul: I have a baptism to be baptised with, and howdistressedIamuntilitisaccomplished...[713]TheHolySpirithaswrittenthroughSaintJohn:GodsolovedtheworldthatHegavehisonlybegottenSon.[714]JesusfreelygaveuphislifeforusbecauseHelovedus,forgreaterlovethanthisnoonehas,thatonelaydownhislifeforhisfriends.[715]JesusChristcannotrestrainhisdesiretogivehislifeforourlove.Ifwewanttofollowhim,not

justexternallybutdeeply,identifyingourselveswithhim,howcanwerejecttheCross,thesacrificesointimatelyrelatedwithloveandself-giving?BeingclosetoChristwill leadustocompleteself-surrender,totruelove,tothegreatestjoy.Forgettingourselves,identifyingourselveswithhisholywill inall things,cleans,purifies,makestransparentanddivinizesoursoul.TohavetheCrossis tohavejoy:itistohaveyouLord![716]53.2Themeaningandfruitsofsuffering.A holy soul once experienced difficult trials. One calamity after another befell her, and each

succeedingdisasterseemedworsethantheonebefore.Finally,thatsoulturnedaffectionatelytoourLordandasked,ButLord,whathaveIdonetoyou?Andinthedepthsofherheartcamethereply,Youhavelovedme.ShethoughtofCalvaryandunderstoodalittlebetterhowourLordwantedtopurifyheranddrawherclosetothesalvationofmanywhowerelost,farfromGod.Shewasthenfilledwith

peaceandjoy.[717]Inourliveswewillencountersorrows,asallmendo.Ifyouhavedifficulties,beassuredthatthey

areaproofofthefatherlylovetheLordhasforyou.[718]ThesearegoodmomentstolookwithloveuponChristontheCross,tounderstandthatfromtheCrossHeistellingusIloveyoumore,fromyouIexpectmore. Perhaps it is a painful illness that disrupts theplanswehavemade, or amisfortuneaffectingthosewhomwelovemost,orsomekindofprofessionalfailure.Lord,whathaveIdonetoyou?, we will ask. And He will respond in silence that He loves us; that He wants an unlimitedacceptanceofhisdivinewill;thathislogicisdifferentfromhumanreasoning.Then,whenweacceptandabandonourselves,wecometounderstand–thoughperhapslater–whatagreatgoodarethosedifficulties.HowthankfulwillwethenbetoourLord![719]Often,though,wewillfindtheCrossintheordinaryandeventrivialthingsthatweencounterinthe

course of run-of-the-mill days: fatigue; lacking the time we would like to do things; having torenounceapleasantplanthatwehadmade;bearingwithlovethedefectsofpersonswithwhomweliveandworkor, inconnectionwiththem,somesmall,unexpectedhumiliation;aridityinprayer ...Our Lord awaits us there as well. He asks that we accept those contradictions – great or small –withoutsterilecomplaints,withoutbitternessorrebellion.Heasksforourlove,takingupthatwhichgoes against us and offering it as a valuable jewel.Our small contradictions unitedwith those ofChristontheCrossacquireaninfinitevaluetomakereparationforthemanysinscommitteddailytheworldover,andforoursinsaswell.Sorrows bornewith and for love bearmany other rich fruits: they serve as satisfaction for our

sins; they purify our soul; they deepen and strengthen our character and personality. They are theonlyway to acquire a certain special understanding and sympathy for our neighbour. In fact, theyopenustoChrist’sowninteriorlife,andthusuniteusmorecloselytohim.Often,deepsufferingsetsitsmarkonadecisivemomentinourlivesandleadsustoarenewedfervourandhope,[720]toanewway – fuller and deeper – of understanding our own existence. But pain and suffering should notmeansadness.WhenwecarryourCrosstogetherwithChrist,oursoulisfilledwithpeaceandadeepjoyamidstallitstrials.Thelivesofthesaintsarefullofjoy,onewhichtheworlddoesnotunderstandbecausetherootsofsuchjoyaresunkinGod.53.3Seekingoutmortifications.Ifanyonewillcomeafterme...WewantnothingintheworldbuttofollowChristclosely.Noother

thing–notevenourownlives–dowelovemorethanthis:identifyingourselveswithhim;makingthedesiresandsentimentsthatHehadonearthourown.Weareclosetohimnotonlywhenthingsaregoingwell,butalsowhenweacceptadversitieswithpatience,happytobeabletoaccompanyhimonthewayoftheCross,unitingoursufferingswithhis.[721]If,however,wewereonlytoawaitthetrialsandcontradictions,thepainwecannotavoid,ourlove

would lack generosity. We would be content with just getting by. We would have a reluctantdisposition, thatmightbedescribed in thesewords:Mortification?Lifehasenoughsorrows!Ihaveenoughworriesalready!However, interior life depends too much on mortification not to seek it out actively. Those

mortificationswhicharisespontaneouslyareimportantandvaluable,butshouldnotserveasexcusestofleefromgenerousvoluntarysacrifices,thesignofatruespiritofpenance.‘Iwillfreelyofferyousacrifice;Iwillsingyourname,OYahweh,yourname,becauseitisgood’(Ps53:8).[722]TheChurchproposesthatweconsiderthepenitentialaspectofourlivesonedayeachweek–on

Fridays–byreflectingonthePassionofChrist.Onthisday,manyChristiansconsiderwithgreater

carethesorrowfulmysteriesofChrist’slife,ortheyaccompanyhimontheWayoftheCross,ortheyreadormeditateonhisPassion.Itisagooddaytoexaminemorecarefullyhowwehabituallybearcontradictionsandthegenerosity–fruitoflove–withwhichweseekoutvoluntarymortificationsinlittlethings;orhowwestruggleagainstourselfishness,lazinessorthedesiretobewellthoughtof,tobethecentreofattention.Otherpointsforexaminationmightincludethesmallmortificationsthatmakethelivesofothersmoreenjoyable;beingcordialinourdealingswithothers;notgivingintobadmoods that perhapswill lead to brusquemanners; smilingwhenwe tend to bemore serious;beingpunctualinourworkorstudies;eatingalittlelessofwhatwelikemostoralittlemoreofwhatwelikeleast;noteatingbetweenmeals;keepingourdesk,wardrobeorroomneatandorderly;notgivingintocuriosity;guardingoursenseswithrefinement;notcomplainingaboutexcessiveheatorcoldorheavytraffic...Aswefinishtoday’smeditationonthewordsofJesus,ifanyonewishestocomeafterme,lethim

denyhimself,takeuphiscrossandfollowme,werequestofhimintheintimacyofourprayer,Grantme,Jesus,theCrosswithnoSimonofCyrenetohelpme.No,that’snotright;Ineedyourgrace,Ineedyourhelphereasineverything.YoumustbemySimonofCyrene.Withyou,myGod,notrialcandauntme...Butwhatifmycrossshouldconsistofboredomorsadness?InthatcaseIwouldsaytoyou,Lord,withYouIwillgladlybesad.[723]AslongasIdon’tloseYou,nosorrowwillbeasorrowatall.[724]

EIGHTEENTHWEEK:SATURDAY

54.THEPOWEROFTHEFAITH54.1Faithisabletomovemountains.ThegreatestmiraclesoccurdailyintheChurch.FromthegreatcrowdsawaitingJesus’arrival,amancameforwardandthrewhimselfonhisknees

beforehimsaying,Lord,havepityonmyson...[725]Theattitudeandwordsofthisfathershowthathisprayerishumble.HeappealsnottothepowerofJesus,buttoHiscompassion.Hedoesnotadvancehisownmeritsnordoesheofferanythingofvalue.HelookstoJesus’mercy.ToseekoutthemercifulheartofChrististobeheardalways:theman’ssonwouldbehealedeven

thoughtheapostleswereunabletohealhimearlier.Later,privately,thedisciplesaskedourLordwhytheycouldn’tcurethepossessedboy.Hesaidtothem,Becauseofyourlittlefaith,foramenIsaytoyou,ifyouhavefaithlikeamustardseed,youwillsaytothismountain,removefromhere,anditwillremove.Andnothingwillbeimpossibletoyou.Whenwe truly live by faith,we participate inGod’s omnipotence. Thus our Lordwould say at

anothertime,Hewhobelievesinme,theworksthatIdohealsoshalldo,andgreaterthantheseheshalldo,becauseIamgoingtotheFather.Andwhateveryouaskinmyname,thatIwilldoinorderthat theFatherbeglorified in theSon. If youaskmeanything inname, Iwilldo it.[726]AndSaintAugustinecomments,Hewhobelieves inme isnotgreater thanI;but Iwill thendogreater thingsthanthoseIdonow.Iwilldomorethroughhimwhobelievesinme,thanwhatInowdoonmyown.[727]OurLordtoldtheapostlesinthispassageoftheGospelfromtoday’sMassthattheywouldbeable

tomovemountainsfromoneplacetoanother,anexpressionthathasbecomeproverbial.ThesewordsofourLord–andmore–arefulfilledeachdayintheChurch.SomeFathersoftheChurchpointoutthat ‘mountainsaremoved’wheneveraperson–with theassistanceofgrace–attainswhathumanstrengthalonecannotattain.SuchisthecasewiththeworkofourpersonalsanctificationthattheHolySpiritcarriesoutinoursoulandintheapostolate.Althoughitmaypassunnoticed,thisworkismuchmoresublimethanthemovingofmountains,andiscarriedoutdailyinthelivesofmanyholysouls.TheApostlesandothersaintsthroughthecenturieshavealsoperformedwonderfulmiraclesinthe

physicalorder;butthegreatestandmostimportantmiracleshavebeen,areandwillbethoseofsoulsthathavebeensubmergedinthedeathofsin,inignoranceorspiritualmediocrity,andarerebornandgrowup in thenew lifeof thesonsofGod.[728]’Sihabueritis fidem,sicutgranumsinapis ... Ifyouhavefaithlikethegrainofamustardseed...’WhatpromisesarecontainedinthisexclamationoftheMaster!,[729]promisesforourinteriorlife,

fortheapostolate,foreverythingweneed...54.2Thegreatertheobstacles,thegreaterthegrace.Lord,whycouldwenotcuretheboy?Whycouldwenotdogoodinyourname?SaintMark[730]and

manymanuscriptswhichrecord this text,add thesewordsofourLord:Thiskind (ofdevil)can becastoutonlybyprayerandfasting.TheApostleswereunabletofreethispossessedboybecausetheylackedthefaithrequired,afaith

thatshouldhavebeenmanifestedinprayerandmortification.Wetoomayencountersomewhoneedthesemeanstoarousethemfromtheprostrationofsinorreligiousignorance...Somethingsimilaroccurswithdifferentmetals: theymeltatdifferent temperatures.Thehard interiorofsomesouls–perhapsmoreingrainedinbadhabits–requiresmoreenergeticsupernaturalmeans.Letusnotleave

thesesoulssunkintheirlethargyforwantofprayerandfasting.OurLordteachesusthatfaithastinyasamustardseediscapableofmovingmountains.Letusask

frequentlythroughoutthisdayandduringthistimeofprayerforthatfaiththatpromptsustousethesupernatural andhumanmeansgenerously.This is the victory that overcomes theworld: our faith.[731]Withthisfaith,themountains–themostformidableobstacleswemayencounteralongourway–willcrumblebeforeus,becauseourGoddoesnotlosebattles.Walkthen,‘innomineDomini’,withjoyandsecurityinourLord’sname.Withoutpessimism!Ifdifficultiesarise,God’sgracewillabound.Ifmoredifficultiesappear, fromheavenwewillhavepoureddownonusevenmoreofGod’sgrace. Ifthere are many difficulties, we can count on all the greater access of grace. Divine assistance isproportionaltotheobstaclesthattheworldandthedevilerectagainsttheapostolicwork.ThatiswhyI dare to affirm that difficulties are good, because where they exist we will have more of God’sassistance:wheretheoffencehasabounded,gracehasaboundedyetmore(Rom5:20).[732]ThegreatestobstaclestothemiraclesthateventodayourLordwishes–withourhelp–toworkin

souls arise above all fromwithin us.With a human outlook,we can narrow the horizons that ourLord continually opens in the lives of our friends and acquaintances, relatives and colleagues.Weshouldneverthinkthatanyoneisahopelesscaseintheapostolate.Asthesaintshavedemonstrated,theword‘impossible’doesnotexistinthevocabularyofonewhotrulylivesbyfaith.Godisalwaysthesame.Itismenoffaiththatareneeded:whenHehasthemtherewillbearenewalofthewonderswehavereadofintheHolyScriptures.‘Ecce non est abbreviatamanusDomini: The hand ofGod the Lord’, his power, ‘has not grown

weaker!’[733]EventodayHeworksthesamemarvelsasHedidthen.54.3Faithwithdeeds.Christlaysdownonecondition:wemustlivebyfaith;thenwewillbeabletomovemountains.And

somanythingsneedmoving...intheworld,butfirstinourownhearts.Somanyobstaclesplacedinthewayofgrace!Wehavetohavefaiththerefore:faithandgoodworks,faithandsacrifice,faithandhumility. For faithmakes us all-powerful: ‘If you only will believe, every gift you ask for in yourprayerwillbegranted’(Matt21:22).[734]Faithshouldbeputintopracticedaily.’Estotefactoresverbietnonauditorestantum’–Bedoersof

thewordandnothearersonly.[735]CarryoutinyourlifethewordofGod;donotlimityourselvestomerely listening to it or acknowledging it, exhorts the Apostle James. This is not enough. It isnecessary to live those truths, to fulfil them. Faith should generate a life of faith, which is amanifestationoffriendshipwithJesusChrist.WeshouldapproachGodwithourlives,ourworks,oursorrowsandjoys...witheverything![736]Alltoooftendifficultiesarisefromorareexaggeratedbyourlackoffaith.Wemaypaytoomuch

attentiontoattendantcircumstancesorwemaybecomeexcessivelyprudent,anattitudethatmayresultfromalackofrectitudeofintention.Thereisnothing–howeversimple–thatourlukewarmnesswon’tpresenttousasdifficultandcostly.Conversely,thereisnothing–howeverdifficultandcostly–thatourfervouranddeterminationwon’tpresenttousaspleasantandagreeable.[737]Alifeoffaithleadstoahealthysuperioritycomplex,bornofadeeppersonalhumilitybecause–as

SaintAugustinerecalls–faithbelongstothehumble,nottotheproud.[738]Faithresultsfromthedeepconvictionthatone’sefficacycomesentirelyfromGod,notfromoneself.ThisconfidenceleadstheChristiantoconfronttheobstacleshemayencounterinhissoulorinhisapostolatewithawilltowin,even though the fruits of his efforts may be late in coming.With prayer and mortification, withfriendshipandjoy,wewillbeabletoperformthosegreatmiraclesinsouls.Wewillbeabletomove

mountains, to bring down barriers which appeared insurmountable, to bring our friends toConfession,tohelpothersregaintheroadthatleadstoourLord.ThefaiththatwillenableustomovemountainsisnurturedinanintimaterelationwithJesus,inprayerandinthesacraments.OurMotherMarywillshowushowtobefilledwithfaithandloveanddaringinthatcourseour

Lordhasmarkedforusinthemiddleoftheworld.Sheisthatgoodinstrument,completelyidentifiedwith themission received.Once she learns ofGod’s plan, shemakes it her own.Her plans are notsomethingaddedon.Inthejustfulfilmentoftheseplans,shecompletelydisposesherintelligenceandwill and all her energies. She is never an inert puppet: notwhen she sets out joyfully through themountainsofJudaeatovisithercousinElizabeth;notwhen,trulyexercizingherdutyasmother,sheseeks and finds the Child Jesus in the temple of Jerusalem; not when she causes our Lord’s firstmiracle;notwhensheappears–withoutbeingcalled–atthefootoftheCrossonwhichherSondied...By saying ‘Be it done’ she freelydisposesher entireperson to the fulfilmentofher calling.Thiscallingdoesnotseemforeigntoher:God’sinterestsareherowninterests.ShedoesnotruntheriskthatHerplansmightposeanobstacletotheplansofGod;herplansareperfectlyidentifiedwithhis.[739]

INDEXTOQUOTATIONSFROMTHEFATHERS,POPESANDTHESAINTS

Note:ReferencesshownherearetoVolume/Chapter.SectioninthewholeInConversationwithGodseries.Hyperlinksareonlyofferedforthiseditionofthee-book.ActsofThanksgiving

StAugustine,5/39.2StBede,5/78.1StBernard,5/10.1,5/39.3StFrancisdeSales,4/84.1StJohnChrysostom,2/71.1StThomasAquinas,5/78.2

AdventStBernard,1/1.3

AlmsgivingStLeotheGreat,5/67.2StThomasAquinas,3/17.3

AngelsBlessedJohnPaulII,2/7.1,2/30.3,7/27Origen,2/9.3StBernard,7/30.3StJohnChrysostom,2/7.1StJohnoftheCross,2/7.2StPeterofAlcantara,3/51.2

ApostolateBenedictXV,2/85.1BlessedJohnPaulII,1/45.3,2/11.3,3/13.3,4/37.3,4/69.1,4/87.3,5/10.2,5/20.1,5/57.1,5/68.3,6/57.3,7/2.3JohnPaulI,3/3.2LettertoDiognetus,2/70.2PaulVI,6/57.2,7/25.3StAmbrose,4/87.1StAugustine,1/8.3,2/59.1,4/92.3,5/52.1,5/87.3StCyrilofAlexandria,5/62.1StGregorytheGreat,3/88.2,4/69.1StIgnatiusofAntioch,5/37.3StJohnChrysostom,1/4.3,2/85.1,2/94.1,3/88.2,3/89.3,4/87.1,7/42.2StTeresa,5/68.3StThomasAquinas,1/9.2,3/5.2,7/4.3StThomasofVillanueva,4/40.3Tertullian,2/70.1,4/40.2

AsceticalstruggleBlessedJohnPaulII,4/14.3,6/20.1Cassian,2/67.2StAmbrose,2/22.3StAugustine,3/3.1,3/18.2,4/25.1,4/80.2StBernard,5/50.2,6/12.2StCyprian,5/34.2StFrancisdeSales,1/12.3,4/25.1StGregorytheGreat,2/4.2,4/25.2StIgnatiusofAntioch,4/96.1StJohnChrysostom,1/12.2,2/22.3,4/14.1,4/59.1,5/34.2,5/50.2,5/61.2StJohnClimacus,2/67.2StPeterDamian,3/92.2StPeterofAlcantara,1/13.2StTeresa,1/1.3,2/12.2StVincentofLerins,1/6.3

Aspirations

StTeresa,2/35.3Atonement

StBernard,6/50.2

BaptismBlessedJohnPaulII,5/43.2,5/59.2,6/3.2Origen,2/70.3StAugustine,1/51.1StCyrilofAlexandria,1/50.1StJohnChrysostom,2/5.1StLeotheGreat,1/51.1StThomasAquinas,6/3.3

BlessedTrinityStAugustine,6/40.3StJohnoftheCross,6/40.1StTeresa,6/40.2,6/40.3

Catechism

BlessedJohnPaulII,3/13.2,4/86.2Character

Cassian,1/11.1Charity

StAlphonsusLiguori,2/22.2StAugustine,3/52.2,5/23.1,5/52.1StBernard,4/85.3StCyprian,2/94.2,5/94.3StFrancisdeSales,3/100.1StJerome,5/23.1StJohnChrysostom,4/21.2StTeresa,3/100.1StThomasAquinas,2/44.2,4/1.2,5/15.3Tertullian,6/4.3,6/52.3

ChastityBlessedJohnPaulII,1/23.1,4/62.2,4/83.2,4/83.3,5/90.3,6/22.1StJeanVianney,1/23.3StJohnChrysostom,1/23.3,4/62.2,4/62.3StLeotheGreat,1/16.3

ChristBlessedJohnPaulII,5/2.3,5/31.1,5/64.1,6/49.1,6/50.3PaulVI,5/18.3PiusXI,5/91.1PiusXII,5/52.2,6/49.3,6/50.1Origen,5/31.2StAmbrose,5/91.3StAugustine,1/2.2,1/32.2,5/3.2,5/31.1,5/56.2StBernard,5/56.1StHippolytus,5/47.1StJohnChrysostom,5/6.1StJohnoftheCross,5/96.2StLeo,7/12.2StTeresa,5/61.3,7/35.2StThomasAquinas,1/40.1,7/12.1

ChurchBlessedJohnPaulII,4/37.2,5/28.1,5/41.2,7/40.3GregoryXVI,4/73.3JohnXXIII,3/10.2PaulVI,4/18.3,5/47.2,6/8.1PiusXI,3/10.2,6/8.2PiusXII,4/37.3,6/8.2StAmbrose,4/73.3,5/5.2

StAugustine,5/5.2StCyprian,3/10.2,4/13.3StCyrilofJerusalem,3/10.2StGregorytheGreat,3/10.2StJohnChrysostom,5/31.2StLeotheGreat,4/73.2

CivicDutiesBlessedJohnPaulII,5/21.3StAmbrose,4/58.1StJustin,2/33.2,2/70.2,4/58.2Tertullian,4/58.2

CommunionofsaintsBlessedJohnPaulII,1/10.3,5/68.1StAmbrose,5/68.1StTeresa,2/66.1StThomasAquinas,5/71.3,6/8.3

CompassionBlessedJohnPaulII,1/3.2,1/10.1,1/10.2,5/15.1,5/31.3PaulVI,5/15.1StAugustine,1/4.3StThomasAquinas,4/64.2

ConfessionBlessedJohnPaulII,1/4.2,2/1.1,2/18.3,2/34.1,2/34.3,4/46.3,5/5.3PaulVI,5/27.2StAmbrose,2/34.2StAugustine,3/7.3,4/60.2StBede,3/4.1StGregorytheGreat,2/39.2StJeanVianney,2/55.2StJohnChrysostom,2/21.1,2/34.3StThomasAquinas,2/8.3,2/21.1

ConscienceBlessedJohnPaulII,2/13.1

ContritionStAugustine,2/41.2StJohnChrysostom,4/60.1StTeresa,5/16.2

ConversationBlessedJohnPaulII,5/6.2StAugustine,5/15.3StGregoryofNyssa,3/19.2StJohnChrysostom,5/9.3

ConversionBlessedJohnPaulII,1/10.1StAugustine,7/20

CowardiceStBasil,2/69.3StJohnChrysostom,3/89.3

CrossBlessedJohnPaulII,4/82.1,5/22.2StAthanasius,3/56.3StAugustine,4/82.1StGregorytheGreat,2/12.1StIrenaeus,5/28.3StJohnDamascene,7/23.1StThomasAquinas,5/19.3

Death

BlessedJohnPaulII,4/2.1LeoX,5/80.3

StBede,4/2.2StIgnatiusLoyola,5/80.3StJerome,4/2.3

DedicationBlessedJohnPaulII,3/104.2StAugustine,5/9.2,5/12.1StJerome,3/86.2

DetachmentBlessedJohnPaulII,5/21.3,5/38.3StAugustine,5/21.3StFrancisdeSales,5/24.2StJohnoftheCross,2/16.1StTeresa,2/16.3StThomasAquinas,7/50.3

DevilBlessedJohnPaulII,2/6.1,2/6.3,5/42.1Cassian,2/6.2StIrenaeus,2/6.1StJeanVianney,2/6.2StJohnoftheCross,2/6.3Tertullian,5/42.2

DifficultiesBlessedJohnPaulII,2/29.3JohnPaulI,5/44.3PaulVI,2/2.1PiusXII,2/60.2,5/53.2StAlphonsusLiguori,5/69.2StAthanasius,4/3.1StAugustine,1/32.1,2/24.3,2/64.3,3/98.3,4/8.1,4/25.1,5/16.2StBernard,4/96.1,7/43.2StCyprian,1/36.3StFrancisdeSales,4/25.1,6/30.2StGregoryNazianzen,1/13.1StGregorytheGreat,3/98.2,4/96.3,5/9.2,5/85.1StJeanVianney,5/61.1StJohnoftheCross,4/25.1StJohnChrysostom,1/32.1,1/43.3,2/5.1,2/64.1,2/64.2,2/92.3,4/50.3StTeresa,1/32.3,4/25.3StTheophilusofAntioch,5/53.2StThomasAquinas,2/60.1

DivinefiliationBlessedJohnPaulII,1/17.1,4/32,5/59.1,5/59.2StAthanasius,5/59.1StCyrilofJerusalem,6/3.2StCyprian,5/33.1StHippolytus,6/3.2StJohnChrysostom,4/24.3,7/5.2StTeresa,5/60.3StThomasAquinas,1/24.3,1/36.2,1/36.3,4/32.1,4/98.1,5/33.1,5/59.1,5/59.2,5/64.2,5/75.3Tertullian,5/33.2

DocilityBlessedJohnPaulII,7/5.1

DoctrineStPiusX,7/5.1

DutiesJohnPaulI,5/51.2StGregorytheGreat,2/13.3

EarlyChristians

BlessedJohnPaulII,5/2.1,5/8.2

StClement,6/58.2StJohnChrysostom,5/79.1,6/58.1StJustin,2/70.2

EcumenismBlessedJohnPaulII,6/4.3PaulVI,6/5.2

EucharistCassian,6/47.2BlessedJohnPaulII,2/51.2,4/46.3,4/47.1,4/65.3,4/70.2,4/70.3,6/41.1,6/41.2PaulVI,1/2.2,1/2.3,2/44.1,2/49.2,2/65.1,2/65.2,3/4.3,4/43.2,4/56.2,5/89.3,6/5.1,6/41.3,6/43.1,6/45.3StAlphonsusLiguori,1/2.1,6/44.2,6/47.1StAmbrose,5/40.2,5/40.3,6/46.2StAugustine,2/56.2,4/47,6/42.2,6/45.2,6/47.1StCyrilofJerusalem,4/47.2,4/56.2,6/43.1StFulgentius,2/65.3StGregorytheGreat,4/70.3StIgnatiusofAntioch,2/65.3StIrenaeus,4/65.2StJeanVianney,2/65.3,4/65.3StJohnChrysostom,1/2.1,4/70.1StJohnoftheCross,5/7.3StPiusX,1/2.3StTeresa,6/45.2StThomasAquinas,2/65.3,3/4.1,3/103.2,4/43.3,6/43.2,6/46.16/46.3,6/47.1

EvangelisationBlessedJohnPaulII,2/32.1,2/32.3,4/87.3,5/12.2,6/12.3,6/18.2PaulVI,5/20.2,5/20.3,6/9.2,6/13.2

ExaminationofconscienceStAugustine,1/19.2StJohnChrysostom,4/57.2StJohnClimacus,4/93.2StJohnoftheCross,4/93.1StTeresa,4/93.3

ExampleBlessedJohnPaulII,4/4.3,4/73.1StAmbrose,5/13.2StGregorytheGreat,2/32.2StIgnatiusofAntioch,5/1.2StJohnChrysostom,4/40.2,4/72.1,4/72.2,5/62.2StTeresa,5/62.2

Faith

BlessedJohnPaulII,1/44.3,2/67.1,6/6.2,6/13.2,7/1.3,7/12.2PaulVI,6/6.2PiusXII,3/55.2,5/53.2StAmbrose,1/6.1,4/13.1,5/64.2StAugustine,2/54.3,4/54.1,4/55.3,5/4.2,5/48.3,5/51.3StGregorytheGreat,2/54.2,2/54.3,6/45.1StGregoryNazianzen,5/26.1StJeanVianney,3/44.2StJohnChrysostom,2/63.1,3/55.1,3/89.1,4/55.3StJustin,6/52.1StVincentofLerins,6/6.1StTeresa,4/55.1

FamilylifeBlessedJohnPaulII,1/31.2,2/14.3,3/95.1,4/91.1,4/91.3,5/29.3,7/6.2,7/19,7/28.2,7/54.3StAugustine,7/19.1StJohnChrysostom,2/70.3StThomasAquinas,5/29.3

Fear

BlessedJohnPaulII,2/93.3,5/82.2StAugustine,3/99.1StJohnChrysostom,6/12.3StTeresa,2/93.1,2/93.3

ForgivenessBlessedJohnPaulII,5/1.3StAmbrose,3/5.1StAugustine,1/37.2StJohnChrysostom,3/54.2,4/61.3,5/41.3StJohnoftheCross,5/1.1,StThereseofLisieux,5/3.1StThomasAquinas,4/60.2

FraternityBlessedJohnPaulII,5/78.3,PaulVI,5/20.3StAugustine,3/52.2StCyprian,5/41.3StFrancisdeSales,5/78.3StGregorytheGreat,5/78.2StJohnChrysostom,5/79.1,5/88.3StLeotheGreat,4/10.2Tertullian,4/79.2

FreedomBlessedJohnPaulII,4/74.2,4/74.3

FriendshipPaulVI,2/80.2StAmbrose,4/41.2,4/41.3,4/89.3StBernard,4/89.1StTeresa,1/36.1StThomasAquinas,2/80.2,3/5.2

GenerosityBlessedJohnPaulII,1/18.3,5/8.3PastorofHermas,5/92.2StAmbrose,4/94.1StAugustine,5/67.2,5/74.3,5/92.1StGregorytheGreat,1/26.2StIgnatiusofAntioch,4/97.1StJohnChrysostom,5/74.1StTeresa,1/26.3,5/74.3StThomasAquinas,5/74.2

GoodShepherdStAmbrose,2/4.3StAugustine,1/7.2StThomasofVillanueva,1/7.2

GraceStAugustine,5/77.2,6/12.2StBede,4/99.2StIrenaeus,1/51.1StJohnChrysostom,4/97.2StTeresa,6/12.2StThomasAquinas,2/17.3,4/2.2,5/30.1

Heaven

BlessedJohnPaulII,3/58.2StCyprian,3/97.1StCyrilofJerusalem,2/82.1StAugustine,2/82.3StLeotheGreat,2/86.2StJohnChrysostom,2/12.2

HellStTeresa,3/58.2,5/73.2StThomasAquinas,5/90.1,5/97.2,5/97.3

HolySpiritBlessedJohnPaulII,5/45.1LeoXIII,2/83.1PaulVI,2/87.1StAugustine,2/95.3StCyrilofJerusalem,2/95.3,2/96.2StFrancisdeSales,2/96.2StThomasAquinas,2/90.3,3/5.3,5/45.1

HopeBlessedJohnPaulII,4/57.1JohnPaulI,5/93.3StAmbrose,5/66.3StAugustine,1/4.1,2/74.1StBernard,2/74.3

HumandignityBlessedJohnPaulII,7/28.3

HumilityBlessedJohnPaulII,1/27.1,5/74.2JohnPaulI,5/47.3LeoXIII,1/27.1StAmbrose,5/77.1StAugustine,1/2.2,1/27.2,1/47.3,5/21.1,5/39.2,5/57.2,5/60.2StBede,3/4.1StBernard,3/45.2StCyrilofAlexandria,1/50.1StFrancisdeSales,1/27.2,4/84.1,4/84.3StGregorytheGreat,1/8.2StJeanVianney,1/27.2StJohnChrysostom,4/84.1StThomasAquinas,1/27.2

Ignorance

JohnXXIII,2/32.1StJohnChrysostom,3/18.2

IncarnationStAugustine,3/3.1

InstrumentsofGodBlessedJohnPaulII,5/43.2Cassian,2/20.2JohnPaulI,5/2.1,5/65.2LeoXIII,5/77.1Theophylact,5/54.2StAugustine,5/51.3,5/54.2StGregorytheGreat,3/98.2StJohnChrysostom,2/14.1,3/88.2,4/55.3StPiusX,5/77.3StThomasAquinas,2/70.1,5/12.3

InteriorLifeBlessedJohnPaulII,6/4.3

Joy

BlessedJohnPaulII,1/30.2,2/77.1,3/15.3PaulVI,2/26.2,2/48.3,5/27.1StBasil,4/67.3StBede,2/12.2StJohnChrysostom,4/26.1StLeotheGreat,1/30.3

StThomasAquinas,2/48.3,2/94.1,3/15.3,7/47.2StThomasMore,1/39.2

JusticeBlessedJohnPaulII,1/35.3,2/75.1,3/19.1,4/12.2,4/16.3,4/77.3JohnXXIII,4/77.1PaulVI,4/12.3StCyrilofJerusalem,5/83.2StJohnChrysostom,4/85.2StThomasAquinas,2/75.1,4/77.2,5/17.3,5/27.2,5/55.2

Leisure

PaulVI,5/17.1StAugustine,4/29.1,4/29.2StGregoryNazianzen,4/29.1StTeresa,4/29.2

LentBlessedJohnPaulII,2/1.1,2/8.2

LittlethingsStAugustine,1/16.2StBernard,5/39.2StJohnChrysostom,2/22.3StFrancisdeSales,4/57.2

LoveBlessedJohnPaulII,4/1.2,5/8.2,5/64.2,5/64.3,5/88.1StAugustine,3/52.2StGregoryofNyssa,2/93.2StJohnChrysostom,4/71.2StJohnoftheCross,2/14.3,4/1.2StTeresa,2/14.3,5/55.2StThomasAquinas,4/97.2

LoveofGodBlessedJohnPaulII,3/104.3,4/95.1,5/5.1,5/5.3,5/38.2,5/66.2,5/75.3ClementofAlexandria,5/3.1JohnPaulI,2/24.3,5/53.3,5/65.1StAlphonsusLiguori,4/66.1StAmbrose,5/28.2StAugustine,2/49.2,4/1.3,4/92.3,5/65.2StBernard,3/99.1StCatherineofSiena,3/50.2StFrancisdeSales,5/77.2StJohnoftheCross,2/69.2,3/104.2,4/95.2StJohnChrysostom,2/24.1,5/39.2StTeresa,2/4.1,2/69.1,2/69.2,5/14.1,5/57.3,5/92.3,5/95.3StThomasAquinas,4/66.2,5/65.2

LukewarmnessStAugustine,5/3.3StGregorytheGreat,1/12.2,5/55.1StJohnChrysostom,4/19.3,4/54.3StJohnoftheCross,5/76.2StJohnoftheCross,4/19.2StPiusX,3/102.3StTeresa,4/19.2StThomasAquinas,5/30.1

Marxism

PaulVI,2/33.3Marriage

BlessedJohnPaulII,4/62.2,5/29.1JohnPaulI,5/29.2StFrancisdeSales,4/62.1

StJohnChrysostom,4/62.2Mass

JohnPaulII,2/30.2,2/30.3PaulVI,2/30.2PiusXII,5/52.2,5/92.2StAugustine,2/36.3StEphraim,4/26.2StGregorytheGreat,2/66.2StJeanVianney,2/30.2,4/7.1,4/7.3StJohnChrysostom,4/26.2

MaterialismJohnXXIII,2/58.2JohnPaulI,5/46.3JohnPaulII,4/82.2,5/25.1,7/2.1PaulVI,5/49.1StAugustine,5/58.2StGregorytheGreat,5/58.2

MercyJohnPaulII,4/85.1,5/1.3,5/3.2,5/5.1,5/5.2,5/81.2ClementofAlexandria,5/3.1StAugustine,5/15.2,5/93.2StBernard,5/56.2StFrancisdeSales,5/93.2StThereseofLisieux,5/3.3StThomasAquinas,3/42.1,5/5.1,5/17.3,5/41.2,5/70.2,5/81.2

MorningOfferingStBernard,2/79.1Cassian,2/79.2

MortificationPaulVI,2/15.2,2/19.1StAugustine,4/8.1StFrancisdeSales,2/1.1StJeanVianney,5/26.1StJohnChrysostom,2/15.2,4/8.2StJohnoftheCross,2/2.1,2/19.2StLeotheGreat,2/19.1StPeterofAlcantara,3/101.2StTeresa,2/19.2

Obedience

BlessedJohnPaulII,4/94.3,7/12.2Cassian,2/20.2StAugustine,1/49.1StGregorytheGreat,1/5.2,1/49.2,5/19.3StJohnChrysostom,1/5.3,1/45.1StTeresa,1/49.3,5/19.1,5/19.3StThomasAquinas,4/88.2,5/19.2

OptimismStTeresa,4/49.1StThomasAquinas,4/49.2

OurLadyBenedictXV,3/105.1,7/13.2BlessedJohnPaulII,1/22.3,1/31.3,1/38.2,2/47.3,2/56.3,2/84.3,2/95.1,3/9.2,3/38.3,3/42.1,4/90.2,4/90.3,4/94.3,4/99.1,4/99.3,5/14.2,5/18.1,5/36.1,6/10.1,6/10.3,6/28.2,6/31.1,6/51.3,7/3.2,7/3.3,7/6.3,7/9.1,7/11.1,7/15.2,7/24.3LeoXIII,2/25.3,3/45.3,5/18.1,7/26.3,7/34.1Origen,3/105.3PaulVI,1/38.3,2/48.3,2/84.1,2/84.3,2/95.1,2/95.3,3/40.3,3/105.3,7/3.2PiusIX,1/25.1,7/17.2PiusXII,2/95.1,7/3.1,7/14.2,7/17.2StAlphonsusLiguori,1/21.3,3/9.1,4/99.2,5/81.3,7/9.2,7/9.3,7/41.3,7/49.3

StAmadeusofLausanne,7/14.1StAmbrose,1/50.3StAndrewofCrete,7/22.1StAugustine,1/23.1,1/47.3StBernard,1/18.3,1/38.3,1/40.3,2/9.3,2/74.3,2/79.1,3/42.2,3/98.3,5/48.2,5/92.3,6/1.1,6/1.2,6/15.2,6/16.1,6/31.2,7/11.3,7/15.3,7/43.3StBonaventure,7/22.1StCatherineofSiena,6/28.3StCyrilofAlexandria,1/38.1,7/11.2StEphraim,7/17.1StFrancisdeSales,5/63.2StGermanusofConstantinople,5/18.2StIldephonsusofToledo,7/15.2StJohnDamascene,2/46.3,7/6.1,7/14.2StJeanVianney,2/30.2,5/63.1StPeterDamian,4/90.1,7/22.3StTeresa,6/31.3,7/3.2StThomasAquinas,1/41.1,4/90.1,4/99.3,5/18.1,7/43.2StVincentFerrer,7/3.2

Passion

BlessedJohnPaulII,5/22.2StAlphonsusLiguori,2/37.1StAugustine,2/39.2,2/45.1StJohnChrysostom,2/37.1StLeotheGreat,2/37.1StThomasAquinas,2/37.1

PatienceStAugustine,5/94.1StFrancisdeSales,5/94.2StGregoryNazianzen,5/54.3StJohnChrysostom,2/28.1,2/28.3StJohnoftheCross,5/5.1StThomasAquinas,5/94.2

PeaceBlessedJohnPaulII,1/3.1,1/3.3PaulVI,2/33.1,4/12.3StAugustine,2/77.2,2/94.1,3/98.3StGregoryNazianzen,2/56.2StIrenaeus,2/56.2StJohnChrysostom,1/3.2StJohnoftheCross,4/25.1

PenanceBlessedJohnPaulII,3/85.2,5/1.3,5/41.1PaulVI,2/3.1StAmbrose,3/90.3StCyrilofJerusalem,5/75.2StGregorytheGreat,3/90.1StJohnChrysostom,3/90.2

PerseveranceBlessedJohnPaulII,5/57.1,5/86.2Cassian,2/39.1StAugustine,5/4.3,5/81.1,5/86.3StGregorytheGreat,7/4.1StJohnChrysostom,4/80.2StTeresa,2/92.2,5/57.3StThomasAquinas,2/92.2

PovertyStAugustine,5/24.3,7/31.2StGregorytheGreat,2/16.2,2/16.3

StJohnChrysostom,4/48.2StLeotheGreat,2/1.2

PrayerBlessedJohnPaulII,1/29.2,3/93.1,4/39.1,39.3,4/91.1,4/91.3,4/95.2,5/33.1,5/57.1,7/32.1PaulVI,5/14.3StAlphonsusLiguori,2/12.3,2/81.3,5/48.1,5/57.2,7/9.1StAugustine,2/9.3,4/39.2,4/64.1,4/64.2,5/48.1,5/48.3,5/56.2,5/81.1,5/95.2StBernard,5/48.1StCyprian,3/94.1StGregorytheGreat,3/40.3StJeanVianney,2/9.1,3/40.1,7/35.1StJohnChrysostom,2/68.2,4/64.3StJohnoftheCross,3/51.1StPeterofAlcantara,3/51.2,5/57.3StTeresa,1/29.2,1/29.3,2/9.3,2/15.1,2/27.1,2/27.3,3/51.2,3/94.1,4/95.2,5/14.1,5/34.1,5/57.1,5/57.3,6/18.2,7/35.1StThomasAquinas,3/40.2,4/64.2,4/80.3

PresenceofGodBlessedJohnPaulII,2/61.2,5/83.1StAlphonsusLiguori,5/61.1StAugustine,2/76.1,2/76.2,4/30.1StBasil,5/72.2StGregorytheGreat,2/76.2StJohnoftheCross,2/76.2

PrideCassian,2/14.1,5/63.3StAmbrose,5/54.1StJohnChrysostom,2/25.2,2/63.1,2/63.3,5/33.3StGregorytheGreat,2/63.2StThomasAquinas,5/55.1

PriesthoodBlessedJohnPaulII,1/7.2,4/20.1,5/57.1,6/9.3,7/10.1,7/10.2PiusXI,7/10.3StAmbrose,7/10.3StCatherineofSiena,4/20.3StEphraim,5/71.1

Providence,divineBlessedJohnPaulII,3/96.1Cassian,5/33.2StAugustine,5/60.2StBernard,3/96.3StJerome,3/97.2StThomasAquinas,3/96.2

PrudenceBlessedJohnPaulII,4/17.1,4/17.2StAugustine,4/17.1StTeresa,5/93.2

PurgatoryBlessedJohnPaulII,7/39.1StCatherineofGenoa,7/39.1StTeresa,7/39.1

PurityBlessedJohnPaulII,3/8.1,5/75.3StAmbrose,5/90.1

ReadingoftheGospel

BlessedJohnPaulII,4/86.2StAugustine,2/73.1,2/73.3,4/86.3,5/96.3StCyprian,5/96.3StJerome,7/8.3StJohnChrysostom,5/96.1

ResponsibilityStAugustine,5/9.3StGregorytheGreat,2/63.2,5/68.2StIgnatiusofAntioch,5/79.2StThomasAquinas,5/51.2

RomanPontiffBlessedJohnPaulII,6/7.3StAmbrose,6/7.2StAugustine,6/19.1,6/19.3StCatherineofSiena,6/7.2StCyprian,6/19.1StLeotheGreat,6/7.2,6/19.2

RosaryBlessedJohnPaulII,2/81.2,5/36.2,5/36.3JohnXXIII,2/81.1,7/33.1PaulVI,2/81.1,2/81.2,5/18.3,5/36.2PiusXI,5/36.2,7/32.3PiusXII,2/81.1

SacramentsStAugustine,2/46.1StJohnChrysostom,4/36.1StPiusX,4/46.3

Saints,devotiontoBlessedJohnPaulII,3/72.2,6/2StCatherineofSiena,6/32.1StJerome,3/72.2

StJohntheBaptistStAugustine,1/8.1StJohnChrysostom,6/55.3

StJosephBlessedJohnPaulII,5/64.3,5/84.3,6/20.2,6/26.3,6/27.3JohnXXIII,6/26.3LeoXIII,4/15.2,6/20.1,6/26.3StAmbrose,1/22.1StAugustine,1/22.2StBernard,4/15.3StBernardineofSiena,1/40.3,6/20.3,6/25.3StFrancisdeSales,6/25.2StJohnChrysostom,6/24.1StTeresa,1/45.2,4/15.2,6/26.1,6/26.3

StThomasMoreStThomasMore,6/54.3

SanctityBlessedJohnPaulII,3/7.3,4/4.3,5/58.3,6/21.3,7/38.1Cassian,5/32.3

SearchforGodBlessedJohnPaulII,5/66.1StAugustine,5/16.3,5/37.2,7/4.2StBernard,5/50.3StIgnatiusofAntioch,5/32.3StJohnoftheCross,2/10.2

Self-givingBlessedJohnPaulII,1/26.1,5/90.3StAugustine,5/3.3StGregorytheGreat,5/92.1

ServiceBlessedJohnPaulII,2/15.3,5/47.3StAugustine,5/3.3StJohnChrysostom,2/24.1

SimplicityStJerome,1/24.3StJohnChrysostom,1/24.3

SinBlessedJohnPaulII,2/17.1,2/17.3,2/18.2,2/29.2,3/56.3,4/2.2,4/34.1,4/34.2,5/3.2,5/41.1,5/45.1,5/45.2,5/70.1,5/71.2Origen,5/93.1PaulVI,1/51.1StAugustine,2/17.3,2/21.3,5/31.1,5/45.2,5/93.1StBede,5/31.1StFrancisdeSales,2/17.3StGregorytheGreat,5/9.1StJeanVianney,2/17.1,3/44.2StJohnChrysostom,4/85.2StJohnoftheCross,4/2.2,5/45.3

SincerityStAugustine,7/18.2,7/18.3StFrancisdeSales,2/23.3StJohnChrysostom,2/23.1StThomasAquinas,5/44.2

SocietyPaulVI,1/35.1PiusXI,3/37.1StJohnChrysostom,3/52.1

SpiritualchildhoodCassian,5/34.1StAlphonsusLiguori,5/57.2StAmbrose,4/63.3

SpiritualdirectionStJohnClimacus,1/7.3StJohnoftheCross,4/76.1,5/85.2StTeresa,5/85.2StThomasAquinas,5/19.3StVincentFerrer,4/92.3

SpiritualreadingStAugustine,3/18.2StBasil,3/43.2,3/43.3StJerome,7/36.3StJohnChrysostom,7/8.2StJohnEudes,7/8.3StPeterofAlcantara,7/8.3

SufferingBlessedJohnPaulII,2/31.3,5/15.1,5/15.2,5/22.2,5/69.1,6/17.3,6/22.1StAugustine,5/69.2StBede,7/20.2StFrancisdeSales,2/31.2StJohnChrysostom,2/64.3,5/31.1StTeresa,5/69.3StThomasMore,2/38.3

SupernaturaloutlookBlessedJohnPaulII,5/58.3,5/97.1JohnXXIII,5/89.3PaulVI,5/83.3PiusXII,3/55.2StAugustine,5/34.1,5/80.1StBede,4/69.2StGregorytheGreat,4/80.2StJohnChrysostom,4/82.1StTeresa,5/76.3StTheophilus,3/55.2

TemperanceBlessedJohnPaulII,4/35StPeterAlcantara,4/35.1

TemptationsStAthanasius,4/3.1StBasil,5/9.2StThomasAquinas,5/42.2,6/3.3

TimePaulVI,5/17.1StAugustine,4/65.3

TrustinGodTertullian,5/42.2StAugustine,2/4.3,5/67.2,5/93.1StCyprian,5/35.2StFrancisdeSales,5/43.3StTeresa,5/60.3,5/65.1StThomasAquinas,5/33.2StThomasMore,5/61.3

TruthStAugustine,4/18.3StJohnChrysostom,4/28.2StThomasAquinas,5/44.2

Understanding

BlessedJohnPaulII,7/18.2StAugustine,2/21.2StGregorytheGreat,2/72.2StJerome,2/72.1,4/27.3StTeresa,2/87.2

UnityAristides,2/56.3BlessedJohnPaulII,2/56.1,2/56.2,3/57.1,5/32.2,5/68.2,6/18.1Cassian,3/72.2PaulVI,2/56.2,6/5.2PiusXI,5/87.3,5/91.2StAugustine,2/56.3,2/78.3,4/92.1StCyprian,4/13.3StIrenaeus,2/56.1,2/56.2StJohnChrysostom,2/56.1,3/50.1StThomasAquinas,2/56.2

Virtues

PiusXI,4/33.1StAugustine,3/19.3,3/100.1StFrancisdeSales,3/6.2StGregorytheGreat,4/25.2StJerome,3/86.3StJohnChrysostom,3/52.1StTeresa,3/54.3,3/100.1StThomasAquinas,3/6.2

VisittotheBlessedSacramentPaulVI,4/56.3PiusXII,2/51.2StAlphonsusLiguori,2/51.3,4/56.3StJohnChrysostom,2/51.3StTeresa,2/51.3

VocationBlessedJohnPaulII,4/22.3,5/38.2,5/43.1,5/90.2,7/29.2,7/45.1JohnPaulI,1/45.1

PiusXI,4/22.2StBernard,4/22.1StBernardineofSiena,6/20.3StGregorytheGreat,3/88.2StJohnChrysostom,7/25.1StThomasAquinas,6/20.2,7/45.2

WillofGodBlessedJohnPaulII,5/43.1StAugustine,5/35.1StTeresa,2/57.2,5/35.3

WorldlyRespectStBede,5/44.2StJeanVianney,2/62.1StThomasAquinas,5/30.1

WorkBlessedJohnPaulII,1/46.2,3/11.2,5/13.2,5/32.2,5/84.3Didache,4/78.1JohnXXIII,3/11.2StJohnChrysostom,1/43.1,3/41.2

SUBJECTINDEX

Note:ReferencesshownherearetoVolume/Chapter.SectioninthewholeInConversationwithGodseries.Hyperlinksareonlyofferedforthiseditionofthee-book.Abandonment

andresponsibility,3/96.2,7/46.2confidenceinGod’sWill,3/61.1,3/96.1,5/35,5/53.1,5/58.1healthyconcernfortoday,3/61.3omniainbonum,3/96.3,5/58.3,5/60.2unnecessaryworries,3/61.2,5/17.3,5/82.3

Adventexpectationofsecondcoming,1/20.1joyof,1/2.1meaningof,1/1.3periodofhope,1/21.1periodofjoy,1/15.1preparationforChristmas,1/1.1

Affability3/6.1,3/6.2,3/6.3

Angels7/27,7/28,7/29,7/30

Angercanbejustandvirtuous,1/11.3

AnointingoftheSick2/31.3,3/31

Apostolateaduty,2/53.1,2/85.1,3/21.3,3/69.1,4/40.3,5/10.2,5/25.1,5/51.3,5/87.3,6/30.3,7/2.3adfidem,1/44.3,4/21.1anddifficulties,1/9.2,1/41.3,2/32.3,2/53.2,2/62.2,3/89.2,5/52.1,6/52.3,6/57.3,6/58.2anddoctrine,4/18.1,5/46.3andexample,2/32.2,4/44.3,5/13.1,5/51.2,5/76.3,6/58.1andfaith,3/5.1,7/34.3andGod’shelp,1/9.2,2/59.2,5/26.1,5/52,6/34.3andhumility,1/8.2,5/57.2andjoy,1/15.3,3/68.3,3/69.1,5/25.3,5/27.2,5/55.1,5/55.3,7/4.3andmeekness,1/11.3andoptimism,2/53.3,3/21.2andpatience,2/52.2,2/52.3,3/21.2,5/94.3andprayer,3/3.1,3/88.2,5/57.1,7/46.3andprudence,3/5.2andproselytism,2/62.2,5/10.2,7/46.2andworldlyrespect,2/62.3,3/89.3,4/44,5/30.1,5/44.2,5/62,5/72.3basisof,1/9.1,3/3.3,3/35.2,3/68.1,5/10.2beinginstruments,3/21.1,3/36.3,5/51.3,5/52constancyin,1/12.2,2/85.2,4/69.2,5/20.2,5/50.2,5/68.3,5/94.3,6/2.3,7/55.3fruitsof,2/85.2,3/21.3,5/52.2,5/68.3,5/91.3howtodoit,2/52.3,2/59.3,needsformation,2/54.3offriendship,1/8.3,1/9.2,2/53.3,5/25.2,7/42.2ofpublicopinion,4/45.2,4/45.3,5/44,6/32.2,7/2.2partoftheChristianvocation,1/8.1,2/53.1,2/86.3,3/69.2,5/72.2roleofwomen,2/85.3,5/8,7/36.1universalmeaningof,1/44.3,5/37.3,5/43.1,6/58.3,7/25.3uprightintention,2/62.3virtuesrequired,3/36.1,3/36.2,3/36.3,4/33.3,5/20.1,6/11.2witnessestoChrist,1/6.2,1/8.3,3/35.2,4/66.3,5/66.3,5/87.3,6/53,7/2

AsceticalStrugglebeginningagain,1/12.2,1/12.3,1/24.3,2/28.2,4/14.3,5/9.3,5/50.2,5/60.2,5/70.2,6/30.2,7/20.2constancy,2/28.1,4/14.1,5/42.3,5/48.1,5/70.2,5/94developaspiritof,1/13.3,1/19.1,1/43.3,5/34.2,5/43.2expectdefeats,1/12.3,4/14.2,5/93.3fortitudeinthefaceofweaknesses,1/12.1,1/45.3,4/11.2,5/42.2,5/61.2,5/70.2,5/93untilthelastmoments,1/12.1,5/97.3

Aspirations1/29.3,1/40.2,1/40.3,2/35.3rememberingtosay,2/35.2

Atonement6/35.3,49.3,6/50.2

Baptismeffectsof,1/51.2,5/43,5/59,5/71.2gratitudeforhavingreceivedit,1/51.1incorporationintotheChurch,1/51.3,4/13.2institutionof,1/51.1ofchildren,1/51.3

Beatitudes3/25.1,3/25.2

BlessedTrinity2/76.1,6/3.1,6/39,6/40

Calumny

3/19.1,3/19.2,3/19.3CelibacyseeChastity,Virginity

Charityandforgiveness,2/21.1,2/21.2,2/21.3,5/1.1andjudgements,2/72.1,5/41.3effectivenessof,2/72.3,4/10.1,5/20.3,5/68.2,5/94.3itsessence,3/27.1,3/27.2,5/23.1,5/31.3,5/52.1,5/79.3,6/50.3ordered,1/25.3,3/81.2,4/21.3sinsofomission,4/21.2understanding,2/72.1,2/72.2,3/52.1,3/52.2,3/81.3,5/11.2,5/6.1,5/15.3,5/67.3,5/93.2

Chastityandlittlethings,1/16.2,5/90.3cleanofheartshallseeGod,1/16.3,3/8.1,3/48.1,5/16.1,5/53.2,5/75.3,5/90fruitsofpurity,1/23.2,5/63.3,5/75.3,5/90guardoftheheart,1/16.2,5/90.3purityofheart,1/16.1,1/19.3,1/23.1,4/62.3,5/90waysoflivingpuritywell,1/23.3,3/8.2,3/8.3,5/90.3

Christiansearly,2/70.1,5/52.3,5/62.3,5/68.3,5/71.1,5/74.2,5/79.1,5/84.1,5/86.2exemplary,2/29.1,2/70.2,3/74,3/102

Christmasacalltointeriorpurification,1/16.1humilityandsimplicityinknowingChrist,1/30.2joyat,1/30.3receivingChrist,1/30.1theChairofBethlehem,1/30.2

Churchcharacteristicsof,3/10.1,3/57.3,4/37.1,5/5.2,6/8indefectibility,2/60.1,4/37.2,4/37.3itsinstitution,3/47.1,6/4.1lovefor,2/59.2,3/10.3,4/13.1,4/13.3,7/16.3missionof,4/16.1,4/16.2,5/1.3,5/28.1,5/31.2,5/41.1,5/47.2,5/48.2,5/75.3,5/87.1prayerfor,3/47.2,6/4.2,7/27.3

CivicDuties

4/58.1,5/21,5/51.2,5/67,5/74CommandmentsofGod

first,3/76.1,3/76.2,3/76.3,5/55.2,5/65.1fourth,3/38.1,3/38.2,3/38.3ninth,3/86.1,3/86.2,3/86.3second,5/34

Communionconfession,apreparationfor,1/2.3,5/7.3dispositionsfor,1/2.1,1/2.2,5/7.3effectsof,2/65.3,3/29.3,4/46.2,4/47.3,4/56,4/65.3,5/40.3,6/46.3preparationfor,1/2.3,4/46.3,5/7.2,5/7.3,5/95.2spiritualcommunions,3/29.1,3/29.2Viaticum,4/56.1

seeEucharistCommunionoftheSaints

andoptimism,4/49.3andpenance,2/10.2entryinto,1/51.2,2/66.2gainingmeritforothers,1/10.3,2/66.1,5/5/33.3,5/68indulgences,2/66.3,5/71.3

Compassion4/10.2,4/27.3,5/7.1,5/15.1,5/31,5/33.1,5/58.1,5/62.1,5/88.1

Concupiscence1/1.2,5/58.2

Confessionagoodforthewholechurch,1/10.3andcontrition,1/37.2,1/47.3,2/41.2,2/41.3,3/90.2,4/9.2,5/5.3andpeace,1/3.1,5/27.2andtheGoodShepherd,1/7.2apostolateof,1/9.1,2/34.2,5/5.3frequent,1/10.2,1/16.2,3/7.3,4/9.3,5/5.3,5/27.2fruitsof,2/4.2,2/8.3,2/18.3,5/1.3,5/27.2institutionof,4/60.1,5/3.2,5/93.2needforandimportanceof,1/10.1,5/7.3,5/53.2penance,2/34.3,5/5.3personal,auricularandcomplete,1/10.1preparationfor,1/9.3,2/8.2,2/8.3,3/7.2,4/9.3preparationforCommunion,1/1.2,5/7.3respect,gratitudeandvenerationfor,1/9.3,4/60.2,5/39.2thepowerofforgiving,1/9.3,2/8.2,2/34.1,4/60.3,5/.1,5/41.2

ConfidenceinGodanddivinefiliation,1/36.2,2/60.3,4/5.2,4/5.3,5/9.3,5/33.2,5/81,7/7.1itsnevertoolate,1/36.2,4/55.3,5/60,5/93

Consumerism1/6.2,5/25.1,5/46.3,5/49.1,5/55.2,5/58.2,7/31.3

Contrition4/9.2,5/5.3,5/9.1,5/16.2,5/28.2,5/60.2

Conversion1/18.3,2/1.1,5/9.3,5/15.3,5/54.3,5/70.2,7/20.1

Culture7/2.1

Death3/63.1,3/63.2,3/63.3,5/71,5/75,5/80,5/97.1,5/97.3,6/25.1

Dedication4/3.1,4/3.3,5/9.2,5/12.1,5/86,7/41.2

Detachmentexamples,2/16.2,3/28.3,3/64.2,5/24.2,5/24.3itsneed,1/28.1,2/16.1,3/17.1,4/19.2,4/48.3,5/24.1ourpractice,2/16.3,3/17.2,3/17.3,3/65.2,4/6.2,5/21.3,5/38.3,5/49.2

Devil2/6.1,2/6.2,2/6.3,5/42.1,5/42.2

Difficultiesandfaith,4/50.2,5/61.1,5/85.1,7/21.3currentformsof,1/32.2,5/42.1Christianreactionto,1/32.2,1/36.1,1/41.3,4/25.2,5/56.1,5/59.2,5/60.2,5/61.2,5/69.2,5/82.3,5/93,7/12.3,7/16.2develophope,1/32.3,4/5.3,4/25.3,5/85.1,7/5.2sufferedforChrist,1/32.1,1/32.3,4/25.1,4/96.2,5/31.3,7/12.1,7/23.2

Dignity,human3/11.1,3/11.2,3/11.3,5/3.2,5/75,5/76,7/22.2,7/28.2

Dispositions,interiorhumility,2/20.1,2/20.2needfor,1/18.1,5/16.1,5/53.2

Divinefiliationandfraternity,1/39.2,4/98.3,5/33.1,5/79.3andpetition,4/39.2,4/39.3,5/60.3consequencesof,1/39.2,3/2.2,4/24.2,4/24.3,4/63.2,4/98.2,5/33.2,5/46.3,5/59.3,5/60.2,5/72,5/75.3everythingisforthegood,1/36.3,3/96.3,5/22.1,5/58.3,5/65.1foundationforpeaceandjoy,1/3.3,1/39.3,5/27.2,5/33.1,5/59.2GodisourFather,1/24.3,1/36.3,3/2.1,3/56,4/24.1,4/39.1,4/58,4/98.1,5/3.2,5/33.2,5/59,5/60.1,5/64gratitudefor,1/39.1trulysons,1/39.1,3/62.2,5/33.1,5/47.1,5/59.1

Docilityavirtue,1/24.3,1/43.2,7/5.1andspiritualguidance,2/20.3,5/45.3

Doctrineandpiety,6/14givingit,4/28.2,4/28.3,5/46.3,7/16.1needfor,7/13.1

Ecumenism

6/4,6/5,6/6,6/7,6/8Education

7/6.3Eucharist

Adorotedevote,2/65.1,3/4.1,3/4.2,5/61.1,5/95.2,5/95.33/4.3,4/43.3,4/97.2andadoration,1/44.1,5/40.3,5/61,5/89.3andfaith,6/45institutionof,2/44.2,4/26.1,4/26.2pledgeofHeaven,4/65.1,4/65.2,5/40.3,6/48realpresence,4/43,5/7.3,5/16.3,6/41,6/42,6/43,6/44,6/46truefood,4/46,4/47,4/65.1,5/40.2,5/61

seeCommunionExaminationofConscience

ameansagainstevilinclinations,1/19.2,5/41.3ameetingwithGod,1/14.2andhope,4/57.2andself-knowledge,1/14.1,5/54.2,5/73.3contritionandresolutions,1/14.3fruitsof,1/14.1,5/73.3howtodoit,1/14.3particular,2/67.1,2/67.2,2/67.3,4/19.3,5/23.3

Example3/34,3/74.1,4/4.3,4/10.1,4/40.2,4/58.2,5/1.2,5/13.2,556.3,5/62.2,5/68.3,5/76.3

Faith

andapostolate,1/9.2andcharity,6/52.3andChrist,1/43.3,2/20.1,3/16.1,3/67.1,4/50.1,4/50.2,4/55.2,4/55.3,5/38.3,5/56.2,5/64.2,6/54,7/1.1,7/37.2

andoptimism,4/49.2docilityinspiritualguidance,1/43.2,1/43.3,5/45.3firmnessin,1/43.1,3/73.2,4/54.1,5/4.3,5/30.2,5/48,5/85.1,6/52.1,7/1.3givingittoothers,1/14.3,6/6.3,6/13.3,6/52.2needforit,1/6.1,5/30.3ofOurLady,1/6.3,3/43.3,3/55.3,4/54.3,5/51.3,5/64.2operative,2/54.2,2/60.3,2/62.1,3/12.3,3/67.1,4/54.3,5/48.3,5/60.2waystoconserveandincreaseit,1/6.1,1/6.2,1/18.2,3/55.1,4/31.1,4/54.2,5/4.2,6/6.1,6/13

Faithfulnessavirtue,3/104.1,3/104.2,5/86,7/14.3inlittlethings,2/50.2,3/104.3,5/91.3

Familydomesticchurch,1/31.3,3/95.1,5/29.3,5/55.3,7/19.1missionofparents,1/31.2,3/95.2,7/6.2,7/19.1,7/28.2,7/54.2ofJesus,4/32,7/54.1prayerinthe,3/95.3,7/6.3,7/19.2,7/19.3

Family,Holyexampleforallfamilies,1/31.3,7/6.1,7/54.1loveinthe,1/22.2,1/27.3,5/64.3meetingwithSimeon,1/41.1Redemptionrootedhere,1/31.1simplicityandnaturalness,1/42.2

Fear1/36.1,2/93,3/99,5/82.2

Feasts2/61.1,2/61.2,2/61.3,3/71.1andSundays,3/71.2,3/71.3

Formation,doctrinalandinteriorlife,3/13.3,3/18.3inthetruthsofthefaith,3/13.1,3/18.1needtoreceiveandtogiveit,3/13.2,3/18.2

Fortitudegiftof,2/92.1indailylife,1/45.3,3/32.2,3/32.3,3/97.3,5/94.2indifficultmoments,2/64.2,7/21.1virtueof,3/32.1,3/97.3,4/44.2,5/94.1

Fraternalcorrection1/7.2,3/24.1,3/24.2,3/24.3

Freedom1/35.1

Friendshipandapostolate,2/80.3,4/41.3qualitiesofatruefriendship,2/80.2,5/6.2,5/78.2truefriendship,2/80.1,6/11.1withGod,4/41,4/55,5/4.2,5/61.3,5/88.1,7/7.2,7/7.3

Generosity

prizeforit,1/26.3towardsGod,3/46.1,4/67.1,4/98.1,5/38.3,5/55.2,5/67.2,5/72.3,5/74,5/92withothers,1/26.2,5/8.3,5/66.2,5/67

God’sLoveformengratuitous,3/62.1,5/3.2,5/65.2infiniteandeternal,2/24.1,2/24.2,3/62.1,4/66.1,5/1,5/74.3personalandindividual,3/62.3,5/3.1,5/38.2,5/66.2,5/70.2,5/88returninghislove,2/57.1,3/62.2,3/62.3,4/66.2,5/9.3,5/37.2,5/39.3,5/65.2,5/87.3unconditionalreplyexpected,2/24.3,5/51.1

GoodsoftheEarthsupernaturalend,4/68.1,5/21,5/24,5/38.2,5/38.3,5/49,5/55.2

GoodShepherdandspiritualguidance,1/7.3,1/43.2

intheChurch,1/7.2,2/68.1JesusChristis,1/1,2/68.1,5/66.3,5/70roleofeveryChristian,1/7.2virtuesof,1/7.2,5/63.3

Gospelreadingof,1/48.2,2/73.1,5/96,7/36.3teachingiscurrent,1/48.3,5/96.2

Gracecorrespondingtoit,2/40.2,4/19.3,5/9.3,5/51.1,6/2.1,7/41.2itseffectsandfruits,3/23.2,3/23.3,3/84.1,3/91.1,5/77,7/40.3itsnature,3/23.2,3/84.2,3/91.2,5/30.1

GuardianAngelshelpus,2/7.2,3/77.2,3/77.1,5/42.3,5/73.3,5/77.3,5/84.3loveanddevotionfor,2/7.1,2/7.3,3/77.2,3/77.3

Heaven

2/82.1,2/82.2,2/82.3,5/21.1,5/73.2,5/83.3,5/90,5/97hopeof,2/12.2,2/82.1,3/58.3,4/48.2,5/37.1,5/80.1,5/97.1,7/12.2,7/14.2,7/15.3,7/52.1andtheEucharist,4/65

HolydaysofObligation4/29.3

HolySpiritandMary,2/95.2,2/95.3,7/44.1andsupernaturalvirtues,2/83.1devotionto,2/76.3fruits,2/94,5/23.2,5/45,5/52.1

gifts,counsel,2/90fear,2/93fortitude,2/92knowledge,2/88piety,2/91understanding,2/87wisdom,2/89

Hopeanddiscouragement,1/21.1,2/4.3,2/74.2,3/79.2,5/23.1,7/1.2andheaven,2/12.2,5/37.1,5/80.1,5/97.1,7/15.3andOurLady,1/21.1,2/74.3,5/36.3,5/73.3,6/31.2,7/14.2confidenceinChrist,1/23.3,1/21.3,2/74.1,5/49.3,5/53.3,5/66.3,5/83.3,6/12inapostolate,2/4.3itsobject,1/21.2,3/79.1,4/57.1,5/93.3

Humilityandprayer,1/29.3,4/51.1,5/4.1,5/57.2andpride,2/25.1,2/25.2,3/45.2,3/50.1,4/51.2andsimplicity,1/42.1,1/47.3,5/63.2foundedoncharity,1/27.2,2/25.3,5/63.3,5/74.2fruitsof,1/27.2,3/50.1,5/21.1,5/47.3,5/77.1,5/93.3,6/55.3istruth,1/27.1,5/39.2,5/63.2neededfortheapostolate,1/8.2,5/77.3waystoachieveit,1/27.3,2/14.3,2/25.3,3/45.3,3/50.3,4/51.3,5/9.2

Illness

2/31.1,2/31.2,5/69.3,5/94.2JesusChrist

andOurLady,1/17.2,5/18.3,7/49.1andtheCross,1/20.1,2/30.1,4/36.1,4/53.1,5/2.3,5/19.3,5/22,5/28.3,5/69,5/70.1,7/12.2divinity,4/52.1,6/28.1growthof,1/50.1hiddenlife,1/46.1,1/46.2,1/50.1,4/45.1,5/84.2

highpriest,6/38humanity,1/17.3,1/50.1,4/52.2,5/16.2,5/28.3,5/31.2,5/78.1,5/84.3,5/88,6/28,6/47.3,6/49,7/7.2,7/35.2humility,1/30.2,5/47.2,5/52.2,5/63.1Kingship,2/42.3,5/34.2,5/34.3,5/83.2,5/87,5/91meritsof,4/4.2Nameof,1/40.1,1/40.2,5/34.1Only-BegottenSon,1/17.1,5/59.1ourknowledgeof,1/17.3,1/48.2,5/53.3,5/96ourModel,1/17.3,1/49.3,4/52.3,5/2.2,5/15.2,5/31.2,5/47.1,5/66.2,5/78.1,7/38.3oursupport,1/36.1,3/73.1,5/56.1,5/61.1,5/69.3,5/70.1ourTeacher,1/48.1,5/2.1searchfor,2/12.3,2/49.3,5/16.3,5/32.2,5/37.2,5/38.3,5/56.2,5/66.1,5/83.1,5/85.1

Joseph,Saintandwork,6/33devotionto,4/15.2,6/20,6/21,6/22,6/23,6/24,6/25,6/26,6/27exemplarofvirtues,1/45.2,4/15.3,5/63.3,6/21hisdealingswithJesusandMary,1/22.2,1/22.3,1/31.1,4/15.2,5/64.3,5/84.3,6/22hisintercession,1/45.2hismission,1/22.1,4/15.1hisobedienceandfortitude,1/6.3,1/45.1honourandveneration,1/22.3invokinghisname,1/40.3itead,4/15.3patronoftheChurch,4/15.2,4/15.3

Joyandapostolate,3/15.3,5/25.3,5/55,5/76.3,5/78.3anddivinefiliation,1/15.2,3/15.1,5/27.2,5/33.1,5/59.2andgenerosity,2/26.3,4/67,5/27.2,5/38.3,5/55.2,5/67.2,5/74.3andsadness,2/48.2,3/15.2,4/67.3,5/55.1,7/47.3andsuffering2/26.1,2/26.2,3/15.2,4/96.1,7/23.3beingclosetoJesus,1/15.1,3/15.1,3/25.3,4/96.1,7/4.2,7/47.1inthefamily,3/15.3itsfoundation,1/15.2,3/15.1,5/5/27spreadingit,2/48.3,5/55.3

Judgementparticular,1/20.3,5/73.2preparationfor,1/20.3,5/73universal,1/20.2,5/73.3,5/83

Justiceandcharity,1/35.3andmercy,1/35.3,5/17.3andtheindividual,2/33.1,2/33.2consequencesof,1/35.2,2/75.1itsaim,2/75.3

Laityroleof,7/10.2

Leisureandtiredness,3/33.1,3/33.3learningtosanctifyit,3/33.2,4/29,5/17.1

Littlethingsandasceticalstruggle,1/12.1,1/19.2,1/50.2,3/78.1,3/78.2,3/78.3,4/38,4/57.3,5/39.2,5/50.2,7/20.3

LoveseeingGodinordinarythings,1/33.3,5/32.2,5/50.2

LoveofGodaboveallthings,4/1,5/35.3,5/38.1,5/49.1,5/55.2,5/74.2,7/37.3andthedangeroflukewarmness,1/13.1,5/30.1,5/50.3far-sighted,1/33.3indailyincidents,2/24.3,4/58leadingtoabandonment,2/57.3,5/55.2,5/60.3,5/77.2withdeeds,2/57.2,4/66.2,5/51.2,5/65.2,5/72.3,5/73.1,5/82.2,5/84,7/4.1

Loyalty3/87.1,3/87.2,3/87.3,5/21.1,5/44.2,5/79.3,5/86

Lukewarmnesscausesof,1/13.2,1/15.1,5/28.2,5/50.3consequencesof,1/13.1,1/47.2,3/83.1,5/3.3,5/16.2,5/30.1,5/55.1,5/76.2remedyfor,1/13.3,1/47.3,3/83.2

Magisterium

Godspeaksthroughit,1/48.3Magnanimity

3/54.1,3/54.2,3/54.3,5/1.2,5/46.2,5/64.2Marriage

3/59.1,3/59.2,3/59.3,5/29,5/90dignityof,4/62.1,5/64.2,5/90

seeFamilylifeMass

attendanceat,4/36.2,4/36.3centreofinteriorlife,4/26.3,5/52.3itsvalue,2/30.2,2/30.3,3/49.1,4/7.1,5/52.2fruitsof,3/103,4/7.2,4/7.3ouroffering,1/44.2,3/49.3,4/61.2,5/92.2

Materialism7/2.1

Maturity1/50.3,1/51.3

Meeknessandpeace,1/11.1dealingswithothers,1/11.1,5/1.1fruitsof,1/11.3isfoundation,1/11.2Jesus,modelof,1/11.1,5/1,5/41.3needforit,1/11.3

Mercyandjustice,1/35.3,3/82.2,5/17.3fruitsof,3/82.3worksof,1/4.3,4/16.3,4/27.3,5/15

Mercy,divineanexample,1/4.1,3/82.1,5/5.1,5/66.3turntoit,1/4.1,5/3,5/17.3,5/39.1,5/45.2,5/81,5/93withmen,1/4.2,4/27.1,4/27.2,5/1.3,5/3,5/41.2,5/56.2,5/70.2,5/81.1

Meritofgoodworks,4/97

MorningOffering2/79

Mortificationandpurity,1/16.3andtheCross,2/2.1,2/2.2,2/15.2,2/43.2,4/53.3,5/75.3fasting,2/3.1interior,1/19.2,1/19.3,1/44.2,2/3.2,2/55.1,5/26.1ofimagination,2/55.2,2/55.3smallsacrifices,2/2.3,2/3.3,4/8,5/26,5/28.3

Obedience

anddocility,1/24.3andfaith,1/12.3,1/45.1andfreedom,1/49.3,5/19.2andGod’sWill,1/5.2andhumility,1/5.2becauseoflove,1/49.3,5/11.2,5/19.1fruitsof,1/49.2modelof,1/49.1,5/11.3,5/19.3

Optimism4/49,5/61.3,5/78.3

OurLadyandconfession,7/51.1andfaithfulness,7/14.3andGod’sWill,1/25.3,4/99.1,6/29.2,7/45.3andjoy,7/47andStJohn,1/33.2andtheMass,3/105,6/48.3andtheOldTestament,7/5.1andtheTrinity,6/1.2birthof,7/22.1co-redemptrix,1/41.2,3/105.2,5/18,7/24.2devotion,1/33.2,1/40.3,1/38.3,2/84.2,7/3.1,7/9.1,7/11,7/34.1,7/53.3fullofgrace,4/99.2,4/99.3generosity,1/26.1,7/41.1hergifts,7/44.2,7/44.3herhelp,1/38.2,3/9.1,5/36.1,5/48.2,5/81.3,6/16,7/3.2,7/34.2,7/49.3,7/52.3hervocation,1/25.1,5/14.1,6/29,7/6.1,7/41.3,7/45.3ImmaculateHeartof,6/35.3,6/51humility,1/27.1,5/14.2,5/63,6/27.3invokehername,1/40.3,3/9.1,3/42,5/81.3,5/92.3,7/5.3mediatrix,7/9.2,7/9.3,7/11.3MotherofGod,1/17.2,1/38.1,5/18.3,5/81.3,6/1,7/11.2,7/26.3ourguide,7/43.2ourMother,1/38.2,2/84.1,5/36.3,5/63.2,6/1.3,7/3.3,7/11.2,7/14.1,7/15,7/49.2Queen,7/17pilgrimages,2/84.3,6/31.1,6/35rosary,2/38.3,2/79.3,2/81.1,2/81.2,2/81.3,5/18.3,5/27.3,5/36.2,5/36.3,7/13.2,7/13.3,7/32.3,7/33.1,7/48.3service,1/26.1toJesusthroughMary,6/37.2,7/52.1

ParablesoftheGospel

banquet,5/37goodSamaritan,4/21,5/31grainofwheat,5/34.2leavenindough,4/40lostsheep,4/59.5/70.2mustardseed,5/34.2pearlofgreatvalue,4/42Phariseeandtax-collector,5/57.2prodigalson,5/3,5/41.1shrewdsteward,5/12

sowingseed,4/19,5/9talents,5/51,5/82,5/87twosonssentout,5/19unjustjudge,5/48,5/81.1vineyard,5/10.2,5/28.1,5/54virgins,5/73wheatandcockle,4/28workinginvineyard,4/69,5/10,5/94.3

Patience2/28.2,2/28.3,5/11.1,5/9.3,5/54,5/94

seeMeeknessPeace

andChrist,1/3.1,2/77.1causes,lackof,1/3.1,4/12.2,5/14.3foundationof,1/3.3,1/35.3,5/59.3fruitsof,1/3.2giftofGod,1/3.1,2/77.2,4/12.1sourceof,1/3.2,4/12.3

PenanceandFridays,3/85.2characteristicsof,3/85.3,5/1.3,5/5.3,5/26.2,5/41,5/75.2

PersecutionseeDifficulties

Perseverance2/39.1,2/40.3,5/4.3,5/43.3,5/57,5/81,5/86,7/4.1

Piety2/91WayoftheCross,2/3.2

seeOurLady,rosaryPope

2/68.2,2/68.3,5/64.1,6/7,6/19.3,6/32.2,7/16.3Poverty

andsobriety,1/28.3evangelicalpoverty,1/28.2Jesus’example,1/28.1waysofpractisingit,1/28.3,4/68.2,5/24,7/31.1,7/31.2,7/50.3

Prayerandhumility,1/29.3andStJoseph,1/29.3,3/93.3,5/64.3,5/84.3andthanksgiving,7/32dealingswithJesus,1/29.2,3/51.1,5/56.2,7/35.2,7/48.1fruitsof,4/95.1,5/33.3,5/57.3,5/71.1howtopray,1/29.3,2/27.2,2/27.3,2/55.3,3/40.1,3/55.3,3/93.2,4/64.2,5/4.2,5/33,5/40.1,5/48,5/96,7/48.2mentalprayer,7/34.3needforit,1/29.2,2/38.2,3/93.1,5/9.2,5/14,5/48.3,5/81,7/9.1,7/35.1ofpetition,2/9.1,2/9.2,2/9.3,3/9.3,3/40.3,4/5.1,4/39.2,4/39.3,4/64.1,4/64.3,7/32.3vocalprayers,3/94.1,3/94.2,3/94.3,4/95.3,5/94,5/34.1,5/95

PresenceofGod2/12.3,2/76.2,5/57.3,5/61.1,5/72.2,5/83.1

Priesthood2/44.2identityandmission,4/20.1,4/20.2.5/48.2,5/57.1,5/71.1,6/9,6/38,7/10.1lovefor,7/10.3prayerfor,4/20.3,7/10.2

Prudenceessenceof,4/17.1,5/93.2false,4/17.3seekingadvice,4/17.2

Purgatory7/39.1

Purificationinteriormortification,1/19.3,5/26

PurityseeChastity

Recollection,interiorunionwithGod,4/19.1,5/14OurLady’sexample,1/29.1,5/14

Rectitudeofintention2/63,5/11.1,5/57.1,5/67,5/72,5/74.3

Redemption2/29.2,2/36.1,2/36.2,2/36.3,5/52.1,5/56.3,5/69.1,5/75,5/80.2

Resurrectionofthebody,3/75.2,3/75.3,5/75,5/90.1,5/97.2

Sacraments

4/13.2,4/36.1Saints

asintercessors,3/72.1,7/50.1cultto,3/72.2venerationofrelics,3/72.3

Sanctityconsequencesof,1/35.2,4/4.1,5/68.1,5/87.1developingtalents,4/68.2,4/68.3,5/12.2,5/51.2,5/82,5/84inordinarylife,1/46.1,2/11.2,2/57.1,2/69,3/16.2,3/16.3,3/92.2,4/6.3,4/40.1,4/45.3,5/10.3,5/32,5/57.3,5/72,6/9.2,7/38.1,7/55.2principalenemiesof,1/1.2,5/50.2universalcallto,3/92.1,5/10.2,5/37.3,5/43.1,6/9.1,7/38.2

Serenity3/98

Service,spiritof2/14.1,2/14.3,3/66.3,5/3.3,5/67,5/87.2,6/37.1

Simplicityandhumility,1/42.1andspiritualchildhood,1/24.3,1/42.2fruitsof,1/42.3indealingswithGod,1/42.2,5/57.2,7/18.3oppositeof,1/42.3rectitudeofintention,1/42.2,4/17.1

Sinconsequencesof,2/10.1,2/17.1,2/18.1,2/41.1,3/80.2,4/2,4/34.2,5/28.2,5/31.1,5/41.1,5/45,5/69.1,5/71.2,5/85.1forgivenessof,3/44.2,5/41.2,5/70.3realityof,1/47.2,3/26.2,4/23.1,4/34.1,5/3.2,5/45.3,5/93.1sorrowfor,4/23.2,4/23.3,5/9.1,5/28.2

seeConfessionSin,venial

deliberate,2/17.3,3/26.3,4/34.3doesdamage,1/10.2

Sincerity2/23,3/60,4/18.2,5/44,7/18.2

Societyandhumansolidarity,3/37.2,4/58.3,5/46.1,5/68obligationsto,3/37.3,3/53.3,4/58.1,5/39.3,5/44.3,5/46.1,5/51.2serviceto,3/53,4/58.3,5/67,5/74

Spiritualchildhoodanddivinefiliation,1/24.2,4/63.2,5/34,5/59,5/64andhumility,1/27.2,3/100.1,4/63.3,5/57.2consequencesof,1/42.2,5/33.2,5/46.3,5/59.3,5/60.2,5/72,5/75.3nature,1/24.1,5/64needfor,1/7.3

virtuesassociatedwithit,1/24.3,3/60.2,3/100.2Spiritualguidance

andjoy,1/15.3needfor,1/7.3,1/43.2,4/31.3,5/19.3,5/43.1,5/85

Spiritualreading7/8advicefor,7/8.3

Sufferingandconsolation,1/34.3anddivinefiliation,1/24.2,5/59.2,5/60.2crossofeachday,1/34.2,4/53.1,7/23.2,7/23.3fruitsof,2/26.2,2/64.1,4/53.2,7/5.1helpingothersthrough,1/34.3,5/15,5/22.3,5/31.3,5/60.3intheworld,1/34.1,5/22.2,5/69.1OurLady’sexample,1/41.1,1/41.3,5/69.3,6/17,7/24.3redeemingandpurifyingvalue,1/34.2,5/69,5/94

Supernaturallifeandapostolate,2/78.3andasceticalstruggle,1/1.3,3/9.2,3/22,5/60.2andhumanmaturity,1/50.3practiceofvirtues,1/50.1,5/84,5/87.3

SupernaturaloutlookandGod’scalling,1/18.2,5/87examiningsituationswith,1/18.2,5/12.3,5/17.1,5/32.2,5/53.1,5/58.3,5/82.3,5/84

Temperance,3/101,4/35Temptations

4/3.3,4/11.1,4/11.3,5/9.2,5/42,5/69.2,5/90.3Thanksgiving,actsof

1/37.2,1/51.1,2/71.1,2/71.3,5/101.1,5/39,5/60.2,5/78,5/95afterCommunion,2/71.3,3/29.3,5/95.2,5/95.3humanvirtueofgratitude,2/71.2,4/61.1,4/61.3,5/39,5/60.2,5/78.2

Time,gooduseofactsofcontrition,1/37.2actsofthanksgiving,1/37.2,5/95Christianvalue,1/37.3,5/8.2,5/17.1ourlifeisshort,1/37.1,4/48.2,4/48.3,5/54.2,5/82.3,5/84.1

Trust4/5.2

Truth2/23.2,2/23.3lovefor,4/18.1,4/31.2,5/44speaking,4/18.3,5/44

Unity2/56,5/32.2,5/68.1,5/87.3,5/91.2,6/4.3,6/5,6/7

Unityoflife2/29,3/74.2,4/16.3,5/12.2,5/13.3,5/32,5/46.2,5/72,5/79,5/84,5/87,6/54.3

Vigilance

againstevilinclinations,1/19.2,5/42.3,5/76.2ComeLordJesus,1/19.1,5/83.1inwaitingforChrist,1/19.1,5/49.2,5/73.2,5/80,5/97.3themeans,1/19.2,5/43.3

Virginityapostoliccelibacy,matrimonyand,1/23.1,4/62.2,5/63.3,5/64.2,5/90freechoice,1/23.1ofOurLady,1/23.1,5/64.2

Virtues1/50.3,2/22.1,2/22.3,3/6.3,4/3.3,5/78,5/79.3

VisittotheBlessedSacrament2/51.2,2/51.3,4/43.3,4/56.3,5/61.1,5/88.1

Vocationandapostolate,7/25.3,7/29.3andfreedom,4/22.1,5/37.1andjoy,7/25.2andparents,4/22.3gracefor,6/36.2,7/45.2ofeachperson,1/8.1,1/33.1,1/51.3,5/37.3,6/36.3ofOurLady,1/25.1,7/41.3ofStAndrew,7/42.1ofStBartholomew,7/18.1ofStJohn,1/33.1,5/23.1ofStJohntheBaptist,1/8.1,5/13.1,6/55ofStMatthew,7/25.1prayertoStJoseph,6/25.3respondingtoit,1/25.2,3/14.3,4/22.2,4/22.3,4/42.3,5/38.2,5/43,5/51.1,7/42.3signsof,1/18.2,1/18.3specialcalling,1/25.2,3/14.1,4/22.1,4/42.2,5/43.1,5/90.2,6/34.1,6/36.1,6/56.1,6/57,7/37.1

WillofGod

aboveearthlyplans,1/47.3,5/10.1andpeaceofsoul,1/5.3andsanctity,1/5.1,5/35embracingit,1/5.1,1/5.3,1/18.3,2/15.1,3/20.3,3/70.3,5/35,5/94.2,7/45.3itsmanifestation,1/5.1,3/20.2

Workandprayer,4/30.3,5/84.3inGod’spresence,4/30,5/84.2,7/22.3itsdignity,1/46.3,5/84,6/33.1ofJesus,1/46.1,1/46.2,3/1.1,3/30.2,3/41.1,5/84.1,5/88.2sanctificationof,1/46.2,1/46.3,3/1,3/30,3/39,3/41,5/13.2,5/17.2,5/32.2,5/51.2,5/84,6/33,7/36.1

WorksofmercyseeMercy

Worldjusticeinthe,1/35.1,5/60.3re-evangelisationof,2/58.2,2/58.3,5/12.2,5/20,5/25,5/87,6/18

Worship,divine3/46.2,3/46.3,5/65.3,5/89,5/92.2

[1]Matt10:37-42[2]cfR.Garrigou-Lagrange,ThreeAgesoftheInteriorLife[3]Phil1:21-23[4]cf1John4:2[5]StThomas,OntheDoublePreceptofCharity,Prologue[6]StJohnoftheCross,SpiritualCanticle,9:6[7]cfMatt22:37-38[8]Jer31:3[9]JohnPaulII,GeneralAudience,27September1978[10]1John4:19[11]cfLuke10:30-37[12]cfLuke7:42[13]1John4:16[14]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,157[15]StAugustine,TheConfessions,I,5,5[16]Wis1:13-15[17]cfRom6:23[18]JohnPaulII,Homily,28February1979[19]Heb2:15[20]2Tim1:10[21]Mark5:21-43[22]1Thess4:13[23]1Thess4:14[24]cfJohn11:11ff[25]Ps29:6[26]John11:25-26[27]1Cor15:26[28]St.J.Escrivá,Furrow,880[29]TheVenerableBede,CommentaryonSaintMark’sGospel,inloc[30]St.J.Escrivá,TheWay[31]StJohnoftheCross,SpiritualCanticle,2,7[32]cfTanquerey,CompendiumofAsceticalandMysticalTheology,719-723[33]CouncilofTrent,Session14,Chapter5[34]StThomas,SummaTheologiae,1-2,113,9,2[35]JohnPaulII,ReconciliatioetPoenitentia,2December1984,16[36]StJerome,CatenaAurea,vol4,p.131[37]Ps118:136[38]1Kings19:16;19:21[39]Luke9:57-62[40]cfF.FernandezCarvajal,StLuke’sGospel[41]cfF.Suarez,MaryofNazareth[42]Heb12:2[43]St.J.Escrivá,Furrow,133[44]cfibid,Christispassingby,160[45]StAthanasius,LifeofSaintAnthony,3[46]Ps15:11[47]J.L.Illanes,TheWorldandHoliness[48]cfibid[49]cfDan2:33[50]StTeresa,Life,19:5[51]Heb11:13[52]StJohnChrysostom,HomiliesontheLettertotheHebrews,2:3[53]FirstReading,YearI.Gen18:16-33[54]cfJosh7:16-26[55]Is55:1etseq[56]R.Garrigou-Lagrange,TheSaviour[57]cfStThomasAquinas,SummaTheologiae,3,48,2[58]idem[59]idem,49,1

[60]cfJohnPaulII,Redemptorhominis,4March1979[61]cfPiusXII,Humanigeneris,Denz-Sch2318/3891[62]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,194[63]JohnPaulII,Homily,11February1981[64]Phil2:15[65]Matt8:23-27[66]Luke12:4[67]Luke1:30[68]Matt1:20[69]Luke2:10[70]St.J.Escrivá,TheWay,717[71]StTeresa,TheFoundations,27,12[72]BlessedJ.H.Newman,SermonfortheFourthSundayafterEpiphany,30January1848[73]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,931[74]Matt8:28-34[75]JohnPaulII,ApostolicExhortation,ReconciliatioetPaenitentia,2December1984,14[76]idem[77]E.Boylan,ThisTremendousLover,p.192[78]cfSt.J.Escrivá,TheWay,762[79]Rom8:28[80]St.J.Escrivá,FriendsofGod,114[81]cfStBernard,OntheFalsenessandBrevityofLife.6[82]John11:28[83]M.M.Philipon,TheGiftsoftheHolySpirit,Madrid,1983,p.249[84]FirstReading,YearI:Gen22:1-19[85]RomanMissal,EucharisticPrayerI[86]cfHeb11:19[87]Origen,HomiliesontheBookofGenesis,8,6,9[88]StJeanVianney,TheCuréd’Ars,SermonontheHolyMass[89]Matt4:10[90]CouncilofTrent,Session22,c.1[91]Ps115:12[92]R.Garrigou-Lagrange,TheSaviour[93]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,829[94]cfMatt22:12[95]Anonymous,TheHolyMass,Madrid,1975[96]cfHeb7:25[97]C.Journet,TheMass[98]RomanMissal,EucharisticPrayerI[99]idem[100]StJeanVianney,TheCuréd’Ars,SermononSin[101]Matt9:9-13[102]Hos6:6[103]cfTheNavarreBible;cfB.Orchardandothers,VerbumDei[104]St.J.Escrivá,Furrow,992[105]cfJ.Tissot,TheInteriorLife[106]StAugustine,OntheGoodofMatrimony,21,25[107]Rom8:18[108]StJohnChrysostom,OnthePriesthood,3,13[109]1Cor1:18[110]Matt10:39[111]R.Llull,TheBookoftheFriendandtheBeloved,64[112]Matt9:16-16[113]Ezek36:26[114]StBede,CommentaryonStMark’sGospel,2,21-22[115]StAmbrose,TreatiseonStLuke’sGospel,5,26[116]idem[117]G.Chevrot,TheGospelintheOpen[118]cfM.Schmaus,DogmaticTheology,Madrid,1963[119]Luke15:18-19

[120]StAugustine,CommentaryonStJohn’sGospel,15,25[121]cfStFrancisdeSales,IntroductiontotheDevoutLife,II,19[122]B.Baur,FrequentConfession[123]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,238[124]Matt11:28-30[125]StGregorytheGreat,HomiliesontheGospels,25,6[126]Matt7:7[127]1John2:2[128]St.J.Escrivá,TheWay,440[129]cf1Pet1:18[130]Matt25:40[131]Mark8:2[132]StLeotheGreat,Sermon89[133]J.Orlandis,TheEightBeatitudes[134]ThomasáKempis,ImitationofChrist,I,16,4[135]PaulVI,Homily,12June1977[136]St.J.Escrivá,FriendsofGod,293[137]2Cor12:7-10[138]TheNavarreBible,StPaul’sEpistlestotheCorinthians,inloc[139]St.J.Escrivá,TheWayoftheCross,TwelfthStation,2[140]StThomas,Commentaryon2Corinthians,inloc[141]St.J.Escrivá,FriendsofGod,194[142]A.G.Dorronsoro,TimetoHope[143]St.J.Escrivá,Furrow,166[144]Psalm91:11etseq[145]Sir3:26[146]B.Baur,InSilencewithGod[147]Is66:10-14[148]Luke10:1-12;17-20[149]F.Suarez,WhentheSonofMancomes[150]cfJer6:14[151]Phil4:7[152]cfLuke2:14[153]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,102[154]JohnPaulII,MessageforWorldDayofPeace,8December1984[155]A.delPortillo,Homily,30March1985[156]CfJohnPaulII,opcit,3[157]F.Suarez,opcit[158]Eph2:14[159]S.Pinckaers,InSearchofHappiness[160]PaulVI,MessageforWorldDayofPeace,1971[161]Matt9:20-22[162]StAmbrose,CommentaryonStLuke’sGospel,VI,56[163]Acts9:5[164]StBede,CommentaryontheActsoftheApostles,inloc[165]1Cor12:27[166]1Cor1:13[167]Rom12:5[168]Matt17:5[169]Luke10:16[170]Heb5:5[171]Luke22:19[172]Luke6:51[173]Matt28:19[174]Mark16:16[175]John20:23[176]Matt16:19[177]John21:15-17[178]Matt16:18[179]StCyprian,OnUnity,6,8

[180]PaulVI,Address,21November1964[181]FirstReading,YearI:Gen32:22-32[182]Wis10:12[183]Eph6:12[184]StAugustine,HomilyonPsalm99[185]StJohnChrysostom,BaptismalCatechesis,3:9-10[186]A.Tanquerey,TheSpiritualLife,193etseq[187]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,156[188]DivineOffice,Antiphon,AlmaRedemptorisMater[189]JohnPaulII,RedemptorisMater,25March1987,52[190]St.J.Escrivá,opcit,234[191]cfM.Gasnier,TheSilencesofJoseph[192]cfStBernard,HomilyontheVirginMother,2[193]cfGen37:5-10[194]FirstReading,YearI:Gen41:55[195]RomanMissal,MassfortheSolemnityofStJoseph,EntranceAntiphon,Luke12:42[196]LeoXIII,Quamquampluries,15August1889[197]StTeresa,Life,6[198]BenedictXV,Bonumsaneetsalutare,25July1920[199]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,553[200]idem,Christispassingby,56[201]cfMatt9:38,John4:38,Matt22:3[202]Luke10:16[203]John20:21[204]cfSecondVaticanCouncil,Lumengentium,3[205]Matt10:7-15[206]cfMark16:15,Matt28:18-20[207]BenedictXV,HumanigenerisRedemptionem,15June1917[208]SecondVaticanCouncil,Apostolicamactuositatem,2[209]St.J.Escrivá,InLovewiththeChurch,49[210]John10:10[211]J.M.Casciaro,JesusandPolitics[212]SacredCongregationfortheDoctrineoftheFaith,InstructiononChristianFreedomandLiberation,22March1986,60[213]2Cor5:14[214]SacredCongregationfortheDoctrineoftheFaith,opcit,57[215]JohnPaulII,Sollicitudoreisocialis,3December1987,38[216]cfActs10:38[217]SpanishEpiscopalConference,CatholicsinPublicLife,22April1986,III[218]Matt10:16[219]Matt7:15[220]StAugustine,OntheCustomsoftheCatholicChurch,25,46[221]JohnPaulII,Address,25October1978[222]Luke2:47[223]cfR.Garrigou-Lagrange,TheThreeAgesoftheInteriorLife,vol.II[224]St.J.Escrivá,FriendsofGod,86[225]StThomas,SummaTheologiae,2-2,q.49,a.3[226]JohnPaulII,loccit[227]cfRom8:6[228]Matt3:21[229]cfJohn6:1etseq[230]St.J.Escrivá,Furrow,124[231]Matt10:24-33[232]St.J.Escrivá,Furrow,50[233]Mark11:27-33[234]C.Burke,ConscienceandFreedom[235]idem[236]St.J.Escrivá,opcit,337[237]PaulVI,Address,17February1965[238]StAugustine,AgainstLying,3,4[239]cfStFrancisdeSales,IntroductiontotheDevoutLife,III,30

[240]DivineOffice,PrayerforLauds,2ndWeek[241]Matt13:1-23[242]BlessedJ.H.Newman,SermonforSexagesimaSunday:CallstoGrace[243]StJohnChrysostom,HomiliesonStMatthew’sGospel,44,3[244]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,388[245]StTeresa,TheWayofPerfection,19,2[246]StJohnoftheCross,SpiritualCanticle,3,1[247]St.J.Escrivá,Christispassingby,6[248]StJohnoftheCross,TheAscentofMountCarmel,3,18,1[249]cfCol3:5[250]Luke12:34[251]StJohnChrysostom,Sermon,101,3[252]StJohnChrysostom,loccit[253]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,385[254]Eph1:3-14[255]1Pet2:9[256]SecondVaticanCouncil,Lumengentium,10[257]cfHeb5:1[258]St.J.Escrivá,InLovewiththeChurch,38[259]cfSecondVaticanCouncil,Presbyterorumordinis,12[260]St.J.Escrivá,InLovewiththeChurch,39[261]JohnPaulII,Homily,2July1980[262]ibid[263]Mark6:7-13[264]F.Suárez,AboutBeingaPriest,p.8[265]cf1Cor4:1[266]St.J.Escrivá,InLovewiththeChurch,49[267]ibid,39[268]cfLuke12:13[269]cfSt.J.Escrivá,Furrow,904[270]cfSt.J.Escrivá,TheWay,75[271]StCatherineofSiena,Dialogue,ch.116,quotedinSt.J.Escrivá,InLovewiththeChurch,38[272]cfLuke10:27[273]Lev19:9-10[274]Lev19:18[275]Luke10:25-37[276]CardinalM.GonzálezMartín,Free,inCharity,p.58[277]ibid,p.59[278]Mark14:6[279]StJohnChrysostom,HomiliesonRomans,15[280]SecondVaticanCouncil,Gaudiumetspes,88[281]ibid,38[282]St.J.Escrivá,Furrow,801[283]Matt10:34-11:1[284]Luke2:49[285]cfTheNavarreBible,notestoMatt10:34-37andLuke2:49[286]StBernard,Letters,3,2[287]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,18[288]StThomas,SummaTheologiae,2-2,101,4,1[289]PiusXI,Adcatholicisacerdotii,20December1935[290]cfSt.J.Escrivá,Furrow,23[291]cfMatt15:21-28[292]cfMatt17:14-20[293]cfMatt9:18-26[294]Matt20:20[295]JohnPaulII,Familiarisconsortio,16[296]SecondVaticanCouncil,Apostolicamactuositatem,11[297]St.J.Escrivá,Furrow,22[298]Matt11:20-24[299]Ps2:3

[300]Ps51:17[301]cfCatechismofStPiusX,684-685[302]cfCouncilofTrent,SessionXIV,chap.4,Dz987[303]cfM.Schmaus,DogmaticTheology,VI,TheSacraments,p.562[304]R.Lull,TheBookoftheFriendandtheBeloved,p.341[305]cfMatt18:25[306]Luke18:13[307]Luke15:18-19[308]StAugustine,CommentaryonStJohn’sGospel,15,25[309]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,161[310]FirstReading,YearI:Ex3:1-6,9-12[311]Matt11:27[312]John17:6[313]cfMatt6:3-4,17-18[314]cfMatt5:44-46[315]cfMatt7:7-8,6:25-33[316]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,240[317]2Pet1:4[318]1John3:1[319]St.J.Escrivá,FriendsofGod,150[320]Matt11:25[321]ResponsorialPsalm,YearI:Ps102:1-4[322]Rom8:14[323]StJohnChrysostom,HomiliesonRomans,13[324]cfStIrenaeus,Againstheresies,5,Preface[325]Gal2:20[326]Phil2:5[327]RomanMissal,EucharisticPrayerI[328]Gal4:6[329]Eph3:20[330]cfB.Perquin,Abba,Father,London1990,p.119[331]Matt11:28-30[332]Matt9:36[333]cfActs15:10[334]StAugustine,Sermon164,4[335]StJohnoftheCross,TheAscentofMountCarmel,1,7,4[336]StAugustine,Sermons164,7[337]St.J.Escrivá,Furrow,198[338]StFrancisdeSales,IntroductiontotheDevoutLife,III,3[339]StGregorytheGreat,Moralia,7,28,34[340]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,325[341]1Pet4:12[342]cfJohn15:2[343]StTeresa,TheFoundations,27,12[344]ibid,31,11,p.188[345]cfM.Auclair,LifeofStTeresa,pp.422-423[346]ibid,p.423[347]StTeresa,TheFoundations,31,17,p.191[348]FirstReading,YearI:Ex12:1-14[349]1Cor5:7-8[350]cfStThomas,SummaTheologiae,3,73,6[351]RomanMissal,EasterPrefaceI[352]cfTheNavarreBible,Corinthians,inloc[353]StJohnChrysostom,Homilieson1Corinthians,5:7-8[354]cfJohn2:13-23;6:4;11:55;12:1[355]cfLuke22:15[356]StJohnChrysostom,TheBetrayalbyJudas,1,4[357]Ex12:27[358]StEphraem,Hymn,3[359]cf1Cor11:24-25;Luke22:19

[360]CardinalJ.Bona,TheSacrificeoftheMass[361]cfC.Journet,TheMass[362]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,69[363]cfLuke22:15[364]CardinalJ.Bona,TheSacrificeoftheMass[365]cfMark3:6[366]Matt12:15-16[367]Is42:1-4[368]cfACatholicCommentaryonHolyScripture,London1953,696d[369]Matt11:5[370]Matt11:28[371]R.Garrigou-Lagrange,TheSaviour[372]1Cor1:13[373]cfB.Perquin,Abba,Father[374]Matt12:21[375]StJerome,inCatenaAurea[376]St.J.Escrivá,Christispassingby),182[377]ibid[378]cfF.J.Sheed,SocietyandSanity,pp.30-31[379]cfMatt25:40[380]cfJohnPaulII,Divesinmisericordia,9[381]Matt13:24-43[382]cfF.Prat,JesusChrist[383]cfStJohnChrysostom,HomiliesonStMatthew,47;StAugustine,inCatenaAurea[384]StJohnChrysostom,inCatenaAurea[385]Hos4:6[386]Tertullian,Adnationes,1,1[387]cfRom12:21[388]St.J.Escrivá,Furrow,310[389]Wis12:17[390]St.J.Escrivá,TheWay,376[391]Jer23:1-6[392]Ps22:1-6[393]Mark6:30-34[394]St.J.Escrivá,Furrow,470[395]StGregoryNazianzen,Prayer26[396]StAugustine,CommentaryonthePsalms,131,12[397]StTeresa,TheWayofPerfection,38,6[398]StAugustine,Confessions,4,10,15[399]cfSt.J.Escrivá,Furrow,514[400]StAugustine,Confessions,4,12,18;cfCommentaryonthePsalms,33,2[401]SecondVaticanCouncil,Gaudiumetspes,61[402]SpanishEpiscopalConference,HolyDaysofObligation,13December1982,1,5[403]ibid[404]FirstReading:Gen18:1-5[405]Luke10:38-42[406]StAugustine,Sermon103,3[407]A.delPortillo,Homily,20July1986[408]St.J.Escrivá,FriendsofGod,62[409]cfJ.L.Illanes,OntheTheologyofWork[410]ConversationswithMonsignorEscrivá,114[411]cfJohnPaulII,Address,20June1986[412]A.delPortillo,WorkandPrayer,inPalabra,May1986[413]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,746[414]Matt12:38-42[415]cfTheNavarreBible,StMatthew,inloc[416]John3:6-9[417]cfTheNavarreBible,ibid[418]John12:37[419]John9:26-27

[420]John18:38[421]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,510[422]cfJ.Dheilly,BiblicalDictionary,Barcelona[423]TheUniversalPrayer(AttributedtoPopeClementXI)[424]Matt12:46-50[425]Luke11:27-28[426]Luke2:49[427]JohnPaulII,Encyclical,RedemptorisMater,20[428]TheNavarreBible,notetoMark4:31-35[429]StThomas,CommentaryonStMatthew’sGospel,12,pp49-50[430]JohnPaulII,loccit[431]SecondVaticanCouncil,Lumengentium,58[432]Prov18:19[433]St.J.Escrivá,TheWay,462[434]JohnPaulII,loccit[435]John19:26[436]cfC.Pozo,MaryintheworkofSalvation,Madrid[437]JohnPaulII,opcit,24[438]ibid,45[439]Matt13:1-9[440]A.delPortillo,OnPriesthood,15[441]PiusXI,Encyclical,DiviniilliusMagistri,31December1929[442]J.Urteaga,MantheSaint,41[443]F.Suarez,AboutbeingaPriest,87[444]Matt5:21ss[445]Matt5:37[446]John9:1-3[447]Luke17:17-18[448]Luke7:44-46[449]John3:12[450]St.J.Escrivá,Christispassingby,122[451]Ps1:3[452]Jer17:5-8[453]John4:10-15[454]John7:37-38[455]cfRomanMissal,PrefacetotheMassoftheSacredHeartofJesus[456]FirstReading,YearII,Jer2:12-13[457]JohnPaulII,Homily,16March1980[458]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,1024[459]Matt13:10-17[460]JohnPaulII,ApostolicExhortation,ReconciliatioetPoenitentia,16[461]cfHeb6:6[462]B.Baur,InSilencewithGod,50[463]JohnPaulII,HomilyatOpeningoftheHolyYearofRedemption,25March1983[464]Ps118:136[465]cfGen1:25[466]ibid,1:31[467]1Cor19-20[468]JohnPaulII,OnTemperance,22November1988[469]Matt13:22[470]StPeterofAlcantara,Treatiseonprayerandmeditation,II,3[471]PaulVI,Address,8April1966[472]St.J.Escrivá,FriendsofGod,84[473]SecondVaticanCouncil,Gaudiumetspes,35[474]JohnPaulII,ApostolicExhortation,FamiliarisConsortio,22November1981,37[475]Phil3:19[476]St.J.Escrivá,TheWay,682[477]StThomas,SummaTheologiae,2-2,149,4[478]JohnPaulII,OnTemperance,22November1988[479]FirstReading,YearI:Ex24:3-8

[480]cfB.Orchardandothers,VerbumDei,volI,inloc[481]cf2Sam7:13-16,28:69;Jos24:19-28[482]cfJer31:31-34;Ez16:60;Is42:6[483]StJohnChrysostom,Teachingsonbaptism,III,19[484]ASelectionofPrayers,Cologne,1987[485]Jer31:31[486]cfM.Schmaus,DogmaticTheology,VI,244[487]1Cor11:25[488]cfTheNavarreBible,noteto1Cor11:24[489]cfB.Orchardandothers,loccit[490]CardinalJ.Bona,TheSacrificeoftheMass[491]ResponsorialPsalm,YearII:Ps83:1-3[492]cfR.Garrigou-Lagrange,TheThreeAgesoftheInteriorLife[493]cfPaulVI,Instruction,EucaristicumMysterium,25March1967,4[494]cfPhil2:5[495]cfPiusXII,EncyclicalMediatorDei,20November1947[496]cfSecondVaticanCouncil,SacrosanctumConcilium,11and48[497]St.J.Escrivá,Christispassingby,92[498]P.M.Sulamitis,PrayerofOfferingtotheMercifulLove,Madrid[499]Matt13:44-52[500]SecondVaticanCouncil,Lumengentium,8[501]C.Journet,TheologyoftheChurch,Bilbao[502]SecondVaticanCouncil,loccit,39[503]M.Schmaus,DogmaticTheology,volIV,603[504]JohnPaulII,HomilyinBarcelona,7November1982[505]Acts20:28[506]Eph5:27[507]1Tim3:15[508]St.J.Escrivá,InLovewiththeChurch,7[509]PiusXII,Encyclical,MysticiCorporis,29June1943,30[510]SecondVaticanCouncil,loccit,39[511]Eph5:25-27[512]St.J.Escrivá,opcit,22[513]JohnPaulII,AddresstotheSymposiumofCouncilofEuropeanEpiscopalConferences,11October1985[514]John6:1-15[515]TheNavarreBible,notetoMark6:42[516]John11:44[517]Mark6:31[518]Eph4:16[519]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,498[520]Matt25:21[521]cfLuke16:10[522]Sir19:1[523]cfMatt14:23;Mark1:35;Luke5:16;9:18[524]Luke11:1-13[525]Luke1:53[526]JohnPaulII,Homily,27July1980[527]ibid[528]StAugustine,Sermon80,2,7-8[529]JohnPaulII,loccit[530]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,512[531]JohnPaulII,loccit[532]Matt13:31-35[533]St.J.Escrivá,FriendsofGod,257[534]idem,Christispassingby,148[535]StJohnChrysostom,HomiliesonStMatthew’sGospel,46,2[536]Tertullian,Apologetics,37[537]StJohnChrysostom,HomilyontheFirstEpistletoTimothy[538]StThomasdeVillanueva,HomilyonSunday`inalbis’,1,c,pp.900-901[539]John15:5

[540]St.J.Escrivá,FriendsofGod,258[541]idem,TheWay,961[542]SecondVaticanCouncil,Decree,Apostolicamactuositatem,4[543]FirstReading,YearI:Ex33:11[544]cfIs41:8[545]SecondVaticanCouncil,DeiVerbum,2[546]cfStThomas,SummaTheologiae,2-2,q23,a1[547]ibid[548]1John4:19[549]cfRom5:5[550]John15:9[551]John17:26[552]John15:13-14[553]Matt13:36-43[554]StAmbrose,Abouttheworkofministers,3,135[555]StThomas,loccit[556]J.Abad,Faithfulness,Madrid1987[557]Sir6:14-17[558]cfStBasil,Homilyonenvy[559]StAmbrose,opcit,3,134[560]St.J.Escrivá,FriendsofGod,315[561]cfA.VazquezdePrada,OnFriendship,Madrid1956[562]cfSt.J.Escrivá,TheWay,88[563]R.A.Knox,PastoralSermons,280[564]Matt13:44-45[565]F.M.Moschner,ParablesoftheKingdomofHeaven,Madrid,1957[566]Matt19:20[567]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,18[568]ibid,993[569]cfF.Suarez,MaryofNazareth,89[570]cfMatt20:1ss[571]Rev2:2-6[572]cfStGregorytheGreat,HomiliesontheGospels,11[573]P.Rodriguez,Vocation,Work,Contemplation,Pamplona,1986[574]John15:16[575]FirstReading,YearI:Ex40:34[576]cfNum12:5;1Kings8:10-11[577]cfIs1:12;Ex23:15-17[578]ResponsorialPsalm,YearI:Ps83:1-3[579]Ps42:3[580]cfLuke1:35[581]John1:14[582]TheNavarreBible,StJohn,50[583]Matt13:53[584]cfCouncilofTrent,Decree,DeSanctissimaEucharistia,ch.11[585]PaulVI,CreedofthePeopleofGod,28[586]idem,Encyclical,MysteriumFidei,3September1965[587]ibid,69[588]CouncilofTrent,SessionXIII,can.5;Dz1643[589]Matt11:28[590]Mark3:21[591]Matt13:54-58[592]Matt22:16[593]Matt10:32[594]St.J.Escrivá,TheWay,841[595]1Cor1:18[596]2Tim1:7-8[597]StJeanVianney,(TheCuréd’Ars),SermononTemptations[598]cfGal2:11-14[599]cfMark3:2

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[660]A.Ruiz,TeresianAnecdotes,Burgos,1982[661]St.J.Escrivá,opcit,473[662]StThomas,SummaTheologiae,1-2,q68,a2,ad3[663]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,659[664]G.Chevrot,TheWellofLife,185[665]ibid[666]B.Baur,InSilencewithGod,206[667]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,341[668]Matt14:22-36[669]P.Berglar,OpusDei–LifeandworkoftheFounder[670]StJohnChrysostom,HomiliesontheStMatthew’sGospel,50[671]P.Rodriguez,FaithandLifeoffaith,Pamplona,1974[672]St.J.Escrivá,TheWay,480[673]Heb12:1-2[674]StThomas,CommentaryontheEpistletotheHebrews,12:1-2[675]StJohnChrysostom,Homilyonthegloryoftribulation[676]Matt15:21-28[677]StAugustine,Sermon154A,4[678]ibid,Sermon60A,2-4[679]ibid[680]St.J.Escrivá,Furrow,273[681]R.Garrigou-Lagrange,TheThreeAgesoftheInteriorLife,volII,p.670[682]StTeresa,TheInteriorCastle,VI,10[683]1Cor12:3[684]R.Garrigou-Lagrange,opcit,volII,p.674[685]1Cor1:4[686]E.Boylan,ThisTremendousLover,p.81[687]ibid,p.82[688]Is53:7[689]Matt16:13-23[690]JohnPaulII,Encyclical,Redemptorhominis,1[691]Mark14:61-62[692]cfDan7:13-14[693]RomanMissal,Nicenecreed[694]cfJohn8:42[695]cfJohn15:26[696]cfJohn16:11-15[697]Matt5:21-48[698]cfMatt11:28[699]cfMatt18:18[700]cfMark14:62[701]Matt10:38[702]cfK.Adam,JesusChrist,p.171[703]ThomasáKempis,ImitationofChrist,II,8:2[704]John1:26[705]PaulVI,CreedofthePeopleofGod,30June1968[706]cfLuke24:5[707]St.J.Escrivá,FriendsofGod,127[708]StAugustine,Confessions,7,18[709]cfJohn14:6[710]cfFirstReading,YearI:Num20:1-13[711]cfJohn4:14,7:38[712]Matt16:24-25[713]Luke12:50[714]John3:16[715]John15:13[716]St.J.Escrivá,TheForge,766[717]R.Garrigou-Lagrange,TheSaviour,p.311[718]St.J.Escrivá,opcit,815[719]J.Tissot,TheInteriorLife,p.318

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TableofContents

OrdinaryTimeWeeks13–18QuickAccesstoContentsContentsScheduledUseofVolume4inOrdinaryTimeTHIRTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARA1.LoveforGod1.1Godalonemustbelovedabsolutelyandunconditionally.Uprighthumanaffections.1.2ThereisnolimitormeasuretotheloveofGod.1.3HowtheloveofGodisshown.THIRTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARB2.DeathandLife2.1Thedeathwemustavoidandfear.2.2Sin,thedeathofthesoul.Itseffects.2.3Thelifeofthesoultobeesteemedaboveallelse.THIRTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARC3.Don’tlookback3.1Thedemandsofourvocation.3.2Theproofsoffidelity.3.3VirtueswhichsupportusinourjourneytowardsGod.THIRTEENTHWEEK:MONDAY4.TheValueofonejustman4.1Forthesakeoftenjustmen,Godwouldhaveforgiventhousandsofinhabitantsofthetwocities4.2OurparticipationintheinfinitemeritsofChrist.4.3Wemustbeaslightsintheworld.THIRTEENTHWEEK:TUESDAY5.God’ssilence5.1Godalwayslistenstothosewhoturntohimforhelp.5.2TrustinGod.5.3WhenGodseemstokeepsilent.THIRTEENTHWEEK:WEDNESDAY6.Missedopportunities6.1TheLordsometimespresentshimselftousinawaydifferentfromwhatwehadexpected.6.2DetachmentifwearetoseeJesusanddohisWill.6.3Lookingathumanlyunfavourablecircumstanceswiththeeyesoffaith,andfindingGodinthem.THIRTEENTHWEEK:THURSDAY7.TheinfinitevalueoftheMass7.1ThesacrificeofIsaac,animageandfigureoftheSacrificeofChristonCalvary.7.2Adorationandthanksgiving.7.3Expiationandatonementforoursins.THIRTEENTHWEEK:FRIDAY8.Habitualmortifications8.1Mortificationsaretheresultoflove,andintheirturntheynourishlove.8.2Mortificationsthatmakelifemorepleasantforotherpeople.

8.3Othermortifications.AspiritofmortificationTHIRTEENTHWEEK:SATURDAY9.Newwine9.1Preparingoursoulstoreceivethedivinegiftofgrace.Newwineskins.9.2Contritionhealsusandpreparesustoreceivenewgraces.9.3SacramentalConfession.FOURTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARA10.Helpingotherstocarrytheirburdens10.1Christ’sexample.10.2Theburdenofsinandofignorance.10.3WeshouldturntoChristwhenlifebecomesdifficult.FOURTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARB11.‘Mygraceissufficientforyou’11.1Godgivesushishelptoenableusovercomeallobstacles,temptationsanddifficulties.11.2Ifyouwantto,youcan.11.3Meansweshoulduseintimesoftemptation.FOURTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARC12.Asariverofpeace12.1OurLordcomestobringpeacetotheworld.12.2Violenceandanxietyhavetheirrootsinmen’shearts;theyareconsequencesofsin.12.3Peacebeginsinthesoulwithanactofcontrition.FOURTEENTHWEEK:MONDAY13.FindingChristintheChurch13.1Itisnotpossibletolove,followorlistentoChristwithoutloving,followingandlistening13.2IntheChurchweshareinChrist’sLife.13.3Faith,hopeandlovefortheChurch.FOURTEENTHWEEK:TUESDAY14.Theasceticalstruggle14.1Manybattlesarewagedeachdayinmen’shearts.OurLord’sconstanthelpinthestruggle.14.2DailyeffortwhichisbothcheerfulandhumbleisnecessaryifwearetofollowChrist.14.3Beginningagainmanytimes.FOURTEENTHWEEK:WEDNESDAY15.‘GotoJoseph.’15.1Joseph,sonofJacob,afigureofStJosephthevirginalSpouseofMary.15.2StJoseph’spatronageovertheuniversalChurchandovereachoneofus.15.3IteadIoseph....GotoJoseph.FOURTEENTHWEEK:THURSDAY16.TheSupernaturalMissionoftheChurch16.1TheChurchproclaimsthemessageofChristandcarriesonhisworkintheworld.16.2TheChurch’smissionisofasupernaturalorder.16.3Christiansmanifesttheirunityoflifebyencouragingworksofjusticeandmercy.FOURTEENTHWEEK:FRIDAY17.Prudentandsimple17.1OurLord’sexampleofthesetwovirtues.17.2Seekingadvice.

17.3Falseprudence.FOURTEENTHWEEK:SATURDAY18.LoveforTruth18.1WeshouldtalkaboutGodandGod’steachingclearly,firmlyandfearlessly.18.2Actingaccordingtoone’sconscience.18.3Alwaystellthetruth:inwhatisimportantandinwhatseemssmall.FIFTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARA19.Theparableofthesower19.1Theseedandthepath.LackofinteriorrecollectionpreventsunionwithGod.19.2Therockygroundandthethorns.19.3Correspondencetograce.Bearingfruit.FIFTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARB20.Loveandvenerationforthepriesthood20.1Thepriest’sidentityandmission.20.2Thepriest,astewardofthemysteriesofGod.20.3Howtohelppriests.Prayingforthem.FIFTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARC21.TheGoodSamaritan21.1Thefirstexpressionofcharityistobringourneighbourclosertothefaith.21.2Sinsofomissionintheareaofcharity.Jesusistheobjectofourcharity.21.3Practicalandrealcharity.Ourownneedshavetotakesecondplacetothoseofothers.FIFTEENTHWEEK:MONDAY22.Parentsandtheirchildren’svocation22.1CompletefreedomtofollowChrist.22.2Therecomesatimeforeveryonewhentheyhavetoleavehomeandparents.22.3Wantingthebestforone’schildren.FIFTEENTHWEEK:TUESDAY23.SorrowforSin23.1InspiteofallChrist’smiracles,someJewishtownsdidn’tdopenance.23.2Thefruitsofsorrow.23.3Sorrowisagiftwemustaskfor.FIFTEENTHWEEK:WEDNESDAY24.OurFather,God24.1Godisalwaysbyourside.24.2ImitatingChrististhewaytobetruechildrenofGodtheFather.24.3UnionwithChrist,aconsequenceofdivinefiliation.FIFTEENTHWEEK:THURSDAY25.OurLord’syokeislight25.1JesusChristfreesusfromtheheaviestburdens.25.2Wehavetobereadyforsorrow,difficultiesandobstacles.25.3Facingadversityinasportingway.FIFTEENTHWEEK:FRIDAY26.OurLord’sPassover26.1TheJewishPassover.26.2OurLord’sLastSupperwithhisdisciples.ThetruePaschalLamb.

26.3TheMass,centreoftheinteriorlife.FIFTEENTHWEEK:SATURDAY27.Hewillnotcrushthebruisedreed27.1ThegentlenessandmercyofChrist.27.2Jesusgivesnooneupforlost.27.3Ourbehaviourtowardsothershastobefullofcompassion,understandingandmercy.SIXTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARA28.Thecockleoffalsedoctrine28.1Therelevanceoftheparableoftheweeds.28.2Wehavetogivedoctrinebyeveryavailablemeans.28.3Wehavetosmotherthecockleingoodseed,andnotmissasingleopportunity.SIXTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARB29.Restandrecreation29.1Sanctifyingrestandrecreation.29.2TheChristianattitudetorecreation.29.3ObservanceofHolyDays.SIXTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARC30.Martha’swork30.1TheLordiswelltakencareofinBethany.30.2WorkingwiththeknowledgethattheLordisbyourside.PresenceofGodintheworkplace.30.3Workandprayer.SIXTEENTHWEEK:MONDAY31.Faithandmiracles31.1TheneedforgooddispositionsinordertoreceiveChrist’smessage.31.2Wantingtoknowthetruth.31.3Purifyingtheheartsoastoseeclearly.Allowingourselvestobeledinmomentsofobscurity.SIXTEENTHWEEK:TUESDAY32.ThenewfamilyofJesus32.1OurunionwithChristisstrongerthananyhumanbond.32.2Asenseofdetachmentandpersonalresponsibilityinordertofulfilthedemandsofourvocatio32.3Mary,theMotherofthenewfamilyofJesus.SIXTEENTHWEEK:WEDNESDAY33.Humanvirtues33.1Humanvirtuesactasthefoundationforthesupernaturalvirtues.33.2JesusChristpossessedallthevirtuesinaperfectway.33.3Theneedforhumanvirtuesintheapostolate.SIXTEENTHWEEK:THURSDAY34.BrokenCisterns–theeffectsofsin34.1Sinisthegreatestdeceptionmancanfallpreyto.34.2Theeffectsofsin.34.3Thestruggleagainstvenialsins.LoveforConfession.SIXTEENTHWEEK:FRIDAY35.Thevirtueoftemperance35.1Thedignityofthebodyandallcreatedthings.35.2 Through the exercise of temperance man becomes more human. Detachment from worldly

goods.35.3Somemanifestationsoftemperance.SIXTEENTHWEEK:SATURDAY36.TheNewCovenant36.1ThecovenantofSinaiandtheNewCovenantofChristontheCross.36.2TheHolyMassasrenewaloftheCovenant.36.3LovefortheHolySacrifice.SEVENTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARA37.Thegreatnet37.1ThenetisanimageoftheChurch,containingasitdoesboththejustandsinners.37.2TheChurchiswithoutsin.37.3Thefruitsofsanctity.SEVENTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARB38.Faithfulnessinlittlethings38.1Jesusteachesustosanctifytemporalrealities.38.2DrawingclosetotheLordthroughthefaithfulfulfilmentofourduties.Thevalueoflittleth38.3WhateverGodmayaskofusiswithinourreach.SEVENTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARC39.Learningtoask39.1Weshouldprayfrequentlyaboutourdivinefiliation.39.2WeshouldaskforspiritualandmaterialgoodsinsofarastheybringusclosertoGod.39.3TheprayerofAbraham.SEVENTEENTHWEEK:MONDAY40.Leaveninthedough40.1Christians,likeleavenindough,arecalledtotransformtheworldfromwithin.40.2Goodexample.40.3UnionwithChristmakesusapostles.SEVENTEENTHWEEK:TUESDAY41.ThefriendsofGod41.1FriendshipwithJesus.41.2JesusChrist,theperfectmodeloftruefriendship.41.3Fosteringfriendshipwiththepeoplearoundus.Apostolateandfriendship.SEVENTEENTHWEEK:WEDNESDAY42.Thetreasureandthepearlofgreatvalue42.1AdivinevocationissomethingofimmensevalueandaproofofspeciallovebyGod.42.2Godplaysapartinthelifeofeveryperson.42.3GenerosityinresponsetoGod’scall.SEVENTEENTHWEEK:THURSDAY43.Christ’sPresenceintheTabernacle43.1Godlivesinourmidst.43.2ChristispresentintheTabernacle.43.3DevotiontotheBlessedSacrament.ThehymnAdorotedevote.SEVENTEENTHWEEK:FRIDAY44.Withouthumanrespect44.1HavingthecouragetofollowChristineveryenvironment.

44.2Overcominghumanrespectispartofthevirtueoffortitude.44.3Theneedofgoodexampleinthisarea.SEVENTEENTHWEEK:SATURDAY45.Knowingwhentospeak45.1ThesilenceofJesus.45.2Speakingoutwhennecessary,withcharityandfortitude.Avoidingthesilenceofconsent.45.3Courageandstrengthinordinarylife.LivingtothefullthedemandsoftheFaith.EIGHTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARA46.Themessianicgoods46.1Themultiplicationoftheloaves.46.2ThemiracleisafigureoftheHolyEucharist,inwhichtheLordgiveshimselfasfood.46.3WeshouldlookforourLordinCommunion.EIGHTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARB47.TheBreadofLife47.1MannaisthesymbolandfigureoftheHolyEucharist,whichisthetruespiritualfood.47.2Thebreadoflife.47.3WereceivethesameChristineveryCommunion.EIGHTEENTHSUNDAY:YEARC48.ToberichbeforeGod48.1OnlyGodcanfillourheart.48.2TakingadvantageofthenoblethingsoftheearthsoastowinHeaven.48.3GooduseoftimewithrespecttoGod.Detachment.EIGHTEENTHWEEK:MONDAY49.Christianoptimism49.1ToberealisticinasupernaturalwayistorelyalwaysonthegraceofGod.49.2AChristian’soptimismistheresultoffaith.49.3OuroptimismisrootedintheCommunionofSaints.EIGHTEENTHWEEK:TUESDAY50.Menoffaith50.1FaithinChrist.Withhim,wecandoeverything.50.2Whenfaithdiminishes,difficultiesseemgreater.50.3Jesusalwayscomestoouraid.EIGHTEENTHWEEK:WEDNESDAY51.Thevirtueofhumility51.1ThehumilityoftheSyrophoenicianwoman.51.2Theactivenatureofhumility.51.3Theroadtohumility.EIGHTEENTHWEEK:THURSDAY52.‘YouaretheChrist’52.1ConfessinthiswaythedivinityofJesusChrist.52.2Christ:perfectGodandperfectMan.52.3Christ:theWay,theTruthandtheLife.EIGHTEENTHWEEK:FRIDAY53.LoveandtheCross53.1Thegreatestmanifestationoflove.

53.2Themeaningandfruitsofsuffering.53.3Seekingoutmortifications.EIGHTEENTHWEEK:SATURDAY54.Thepoweroffaith54.1ThegreatestmiraclesoccurdailyintheChurch.54.2Thegreatertheobstacles,thegreaterthegrace.54.3Faithwithdeeds.IndextoquotationsfromtheFathersandPopesSubjectIndex