Prayer, Pleasure and Belongings

A regimen of prayer is sometimes rejected with the opposition that you should only pray when you feel like praying. Practice suggests that except for times of trouble or fear, like immediately after the terrorist attacks of 9-11, many people do not pray at all. The press made a big deal about the newfound religiosity of Americans after the attack and yet it proved to be short-lived. It is sometimes complained by people that God seems far away. While there might be a wonderful sense of satisfaction in prayer after a recent conversion or reconciliation after a long absence from Christian practice, when the good feeling that comes with prayer disappears, many people stop praying. Others narrow their focus to the prayer of petition; when they do not get what they want, they get angry and give up on God.

Fortunately, God has not given up on us. While worship and faith should touch the emotions, we should not allow our faith or our obligations as Christians to be dictated by our emotions. This is true about prayer, about the moral life, indeed, about any and all Christian responsibilities. It is a hard lesson for a pleasure oriented society to understand. Couples errantly judge their happiness and compatibility based on their sex lives. When someone comes along who is more attractive or who pleases more, too many people break up with their beloved and/or spouse. A woman wants a baby because of the happiness of fulfillment while another aborts her child because she prefers the sex to motherhood. While the latter position is very wrong, the former needs to accept motherhood as a duty of marriage no matter whether it brings joy or pain. It will bring both. A family goes to Mass when they feel like it, irrespective of the precept of the Church that binds us under the pain of mortal sin. Everyone has time for sleazy television shows and titillating movies, but no time for “boring” bible study and “unsatisfying” prayer. We get what we put into our faith activities. If we put nothing of ourselves in worship, prayer, discipleship, and charity— then we cannot expect much of a return. God wants us to be open receptacles to his presence and love. Remember the famous picture of Jesus knocking on a door? The artist was criticized for forgetting the doorknob. However, he responded that the deletion was intentional. He exclaimed that Jesus waits at the door of the human heart, a door that only we can open from the inside. Our Lord is waiting for us to answer the door and to know him better.

It must be admitted that the Catholic community of late has lost many members to other denominations. When asked why they defect, a frequent answer is that they find Catholic churches cold and the worship bland. Particularly among various ethnic and minority groups, Protestants have been very successful with making people feel welcome. There is no tabernacle, no altar in many cases, and no priesthood or sacrifice. But they read God’s Word, ministers speak with clarity, and worship is filled with shouts of praise and song. The Evangelicals and many other Protestants find the presence of Jesus in one another. Others place the gravity in the Word of God that is preached and studied. The more Pentecostal traditions posit the presence of God in ecstatic utterances, like prophecy and tongues.

While the old Latin Mass was very impressive in rituals and an aura of otherness was manifested by use of an ancient tongue and music that was strictly found in churches (Gregorian chant and polyphony); the modern liturgy is crudely translated with bland prayers and the music is sentimental, banal and often resembles folk music from the 1960’s. It is ironic that the new Mass often comes across as more dated than the old Mass with traditions going back many centuries. Catholics located the presence of our Lord most centrally toward the altar and in the tabernacle. While non-Catholic communities stress fellowship with one another, Catholics emphasized worship and ritual. The presence of God in Jesus Christ is found in the Eucharist. Catholics would enter a church, cross themselves with holy water, genuflect at the pew, cross themselves again, and kneel and pray before the Blessed Sacrament. When tabernacles were moved to side altars or hidden, this also effectively eliminated the prayer of adoration toward the sacrament that preceded Mass. If a Catholic truly believes that the Mass is a re-presentation of Calvary and that the consecrated wafer and chalice are indeed the presence of the Risen Christ, then it should not matter if the accidental elements are lackluster and the priest is dreadful. The fact that people leave the Church is evidence that they did not have an authentic Catholic faith initially. The greatest prayer of the Catholic Christian is the Mass. It is a scandal that so many Catholics do not understand it. Every Mass is a participation in the heavenly marriage banquet of the Lamb. The prayerful Catholic understands that he or she cannot desire heaven and then purposely, with no good reason, skip Sunday Mass which offers us the rations from the Promised Shore— in other words, a taste of heaven itself.

Everyone experiences occasional dry spells at prayer. Even the saints, like St. Theresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross endured these “dark nights of the soul.” But, as I have taught and preached so many times, those are precisely the occasions when we should most dedicate ourselves to prayer. God might feel absent, but he is still by our side. He wants to wean us from the satisfaction that prayer gives so that we might love and want him more for himself than for his gifts.

When people say that prayer does nothing for them and that they feel no need, they have closed their eyes against faith. It might be considered a kind of atheism because they seriously doubt that prayer makes any difference. Saying that God does not care is similar to saying the there is no God to listen and come to our aid.

Pope John Paul II has warned about this situation in the West where secular humanism and materialism has infected the people in the pews. While our sights were set on godless Communism for so many decades, there were forces at work in our own society that were counterproductive to faith. Some have made medicine and science into their gods. And yet, people still get sick and die. Some of the best doctors in my experience were those who prayed before surgery and gave the thanks for their successes to God. Other people seem enraptured by material wealth and things. We have created a society of collectors and houses that only hold one or two people are larger today to contain all our stuff—many times larger than the homes of the past that were filled with children. Ironically, our hands are so filled that the gift of Christ, which requires no money to buy, is often dropped or left on the shelf. We have cell phones and can talk to people from coast to coast where ever we go. But, we often fail to talk to God for whom we have unlimited minutes each month, and not just on nights and weekends. We have so much. It would be a tragedy that we should forfeit our immortal souls.

Mary & the Rosary

The late Fr. Frederick Jelly, O.P., a renowned Mariologist, spoke about the Rosary as an ecumenical prayer. This surprised me because I knew from firsthand experience how some of the more fundamentalist Protestants could rail against it. He mentioned a book or article which I have struggled to find called, “Lutherans and the Rosary” where the author makes a defense of the Marian prayer for Protestants. I found this interesting because their confession since Augsburg was that it was worthless babbling. Attempts to give Scripture citations and Scripture quotes with the mysteries of the Rosary are no doubt an attempt to help in our meditation and to make it more palpable to non-Catholic Christians. Nevertheless, the prayers directed toward Mary and the two Marian assertions are still difficult for many of our separated brethren. I have vigorously objected to efforts in revisionist circles to alter and subtract the offending mysteries, notably the Assumption and the Coronation. Mary is a sign for the Church and our hope as believers to share in the resurrected life of Christ. This is not negotiable. As for the crowning, this speaks more about Jesus than about Mary. We celebrate Christ as our king and we all hope for a share in his kingdom. If this is the case, then Mary is certainly crowned as the Queen Mother. Indeed, all who are baptized in faith are made heirs of the kingdom, part of the royal family and household of God. This is also something that cannot be dismissed.

Those who would cast aside the Rosary as antiquated, probably have nothing better with which to replace it. In any case, just because something is old does not mean it no longer has value. The bible itself is thousands of years old and yet it speaks a message that is ever fresh and powerful to new generations. Many religions have prayer beads, like the Moslems, Hindus and Buddhists. They become revered as sacred objects because of the use to which they are given. If necessity demanded, you could pray the Rosary on your fingers. The beads are simply a counting device. Abbot Paul (Egypt d. 341 AD) used small rocks or pebbles that he would drop to the ground as he completed his daily prayers. The Eastern Church once used a chord with knots for a similar purpose. While paternosters (or Our Fathers) were the prayers often recited on beads; the recitation of multiple Aves (or Hail, Marys) became popular in the early middle ages. Often attributed to St. Dominic, the Rosary actually seemed to evolve naturally in the Church. But certainly this prayer of the people has been promoted and safeguarded by the sons of St. Dominic, the Dominicans. Popes, including our current one, have encouraged it as a way to bring about true holiness and conversion. Along with the Mass and the sacrament of penance, it is seen as an antidote to many of the ills facing modern men and women. The object of various apparitions, it has also been urged as the spiritual munitions against tyranny and communism.

At the Cross, Jesus says to his disciple John, “Behold, your mother!” And we read further “And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” We can discern several things from this. First, that the so-called brothers and sisters of Christ in the Scriptures were probably cousins, but in any case were not Mary’s offspring. Note that never once is she called the mother of anyone other than Jesus. If she had other immediate sons and daughters, they would have been given charge to care for her. However, she is given to John. He is our representative, receiving Mary on the behalf of the whole Church. The mother of the Redeemer had become the mother of all the Redeemed. Catholics have never forgotten her privileged place in the community of faith and in the story of salvation. Despite the critics who argue that we should only approach Jesus directly and without assistance, the Church seeks her intercession and that of all the saints. We are a spiritual family. Only dysfunctional families avoid their mothers and refuse to speak with them. Jesus has invited us into the household of God. He is our elder brother in faith. We are adopted sons and daughters to our heavenly Father. Mary, the mother of our Lord, is now the spiritual mother of many sons and daughters.

It was fashionable some years ago for people to purchase “worry stones,” really just small polished stones. Certain psychologists argued for their therapeutic benefit, rubbing the stone when anxious and imagining your negative feelings transferring to the stone. The use of such worry stones actually goes back to ancient Greece, and finds a place in Celtic tradition. Unfortunately, the whole business today is occult and linked to pagan worship, masquerading as pseudo science. While it may satisfy a human need, the Christian should not play with the naturalistic religion of Wicca or dabble in any revised Druid cult. New Age religion has also exploited them. It is much better for the Christian to hand over his worries with those stones or beads that make up the Rosary. It centers our minds and hearts upon the promises of Christ when otherwise we would be bombarded with thoughts of fear and of anger. It helps us to find release while keeping some semblance of control in difficult situations. Of course, the Rosary is not a prayer to which we should resort only in time of crisis. However, if it is to be effective, then its recitation should be second nature to us—a constant companion for daily prayer.

How many mothers have found confidence in the Rosary upon the loss of a loved one? Mary knew what it was to lose her Son. But, she stands there with courage and faith at the Cross. The Rosary is a prayer that manifests our solidarity with God and his abiding love for us.

I remember my poor invalid father. A series of small strokes had made him bedridden. His speech had become increasingly slurred. Because the strokes had affected his ability to swallow (actually a valve failed and food and water sometimes went down his air passage) a feeding tube was placed in his stomach. The hookup never worked and we had to squeeze the paste into his body. He wore diapers and my poor mother, much smaller than Daddy would struggle to change them as much a twelve or thirteen times a day. My father had always been a strong hard-working man. This was his hell on earth, or as he used to say, “My purgatory”. He had kept a rosary in the car to pray while he waited for Mom in the grocery store each week. Now, he had a Rosary on his bedpost. His fingers had increased trouble manipulating the beads. Finally, I had a lady produce a Rosary from the wooden beads used in automobile seat covers. The Rosary was huge. Even when Daddy’s mind began to cloud and it was difficult to pray, he held on to his Rosary with fervent trust in God’s mercy and love. When Daddy passed, this same simple but large wooden Rosary was placed in his hands as his body rested in the casket. His Rosary was the envy of many aging friends who came to pay their respects. It was not something that could be hidden. Its appearance announced to all that it was not a quickly bought ornament to adorn the casket but a relic of faith that had taken a disciple home to God.

The Luminous Mysteries

(Thursdays)

1. The Baptism of Jesus
(Receptive to the Spirit of God)

[Matthew 3:1-17] 1: In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 3: For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." 4: Now John wore a garment of camel's hair, and a leather girdle around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5: Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan, 6: and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 7: But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sad'ducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8: Bear fruit that befits repentance, 9: and do not presume to say to yourselves, `We have Abraham as our father'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 10: Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11: "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12: His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." 13: Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14: John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15: But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness." Then he consented. 16: And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; 17: and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

2. The Wedding Feast at Cana
(Jesus Through Mary)

[John 2:1-12] 1: On the third day there was a marriage at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; 2: Jesus also was invited to the marriage, with his disciples. 3: When the wine failed, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." 4: And Jesus said to her, "O woman, what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come." 5: His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." 6: Now six stone jars were standing there, for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7: Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. 8: He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the steward of the feast." So they took it. 9: When the steward of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward of the feast called the bridegroom 10: and said to him, "Every man serves the good wine first; and when men have drunk freely, then the poor wine; but you have kept the good wine until now." 11: This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him. 12: After this he went down to Caper'na-um, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples; and there they stayed for a few days.

3. Invitation to the Kingdom of God
(Repent & Believe)

[Matthew 5:1-20] 1: Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. 2: And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 8: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11: "Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12: Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13: "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men. 14: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15: Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 17: "Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them. 18: For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19: Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20: For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

[Matthew 10:7-8] 7: And preach as you go, saying, `The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' 8: Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.

[Matthew 28:19-20] 18: And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20: teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."

[Mark 1:14-15] 14: Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15: and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel."

[Luke 9:1-2] 1: And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2: and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal.

[Luke 18:9-27] 9: He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: 10: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11: The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12: I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' 13: But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!' 14: I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted." 15: Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16: But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 17: Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." 18: And a ruler asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" 19: And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 20: You know the commandments: `Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.'" 21: And he said, "All these I have observed from my youth." 22: And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." 23: But when he heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. 24: Jesus looking at him said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25: For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 26: Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" 27: But he said, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

4. The Transfiguration
(Hunger for Holiness & Conversion)

[Luke 9:28-36] 28: Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29: And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became dazzling white. 30: And behold, two men talked with him, Moses and Eli'jah, 31: who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32: Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, and when they wakened they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33: And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli'jah" -- not knowing what he said. 34: As he said this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35: And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" 36: And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silence and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.

5. The Holy Eucharist
(Divine Adoration)

[Matthew 26:18-30] 18: He said, "Go into the city to a certain one, and say to him, `The Teacher says, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at your house with my disciples.'" 19: And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the passover. 20: When it was evening, he sat at table with the twelve disciples; 21: and as they were eating, he said, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me." 22: And they were very sorrowful, and began to say to him one after another, "Is it I, Lord?" 23: He answered, "He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me, will betray me. 24: The Son of man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born." 25: Judas, who betrayed him, said, "Is it I, Master?" He said to him, "You have said so." 26: Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." 27: And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you; 28: for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29: I tell you I shall not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." 30: And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

[Luke 22:12-30] 12: And he will show you a large upper room furnished; there make ready." 13: And they went, and found it as he had told them; and they prepared the passover. 14: And when the hour came, he sat at table, and the apostles with him. 15: And he said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer; 16: for I tell you I shall not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." 17: And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves; 18: for I tell you that from now on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." 19: And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." 20: And likewise the cup after supper, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 21: But behold the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22: For the Son of man goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!" 23: And they began to question one another, which of them it was that would do this. 24: A dispute also arose among them, which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25: And he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26: But not so with you; rather let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. 27: For which is the greater, one who sits at table, or one who serves? Is it not the one who sits at table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28: "You are those who have continued with me in my trials; 29: and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, 30: that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

[John 6:27-69] 27: Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give to you; for on him has God the Father set his seal." 28: Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" 29: Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." 30: So they said to him, "Then what sign do you do, that we may see, and believe you? What work do you perform? 31: Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, `He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" 32: Jesus then said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33: For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven, and gives life to the world." 34: They said to him, "Lord, give us this bread always." 35: Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst. 36: But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37: All that the Father gives me will come to me; and him who comes to me I will not cast out. 38: For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me; 39: and this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up at the last day. 40: For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day." 41: The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, "I am the bread which came down from heaven." 42: They said, "Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, `I have come down from heaven'?" 43: Jesus answered them, "Do not murmur among yourselves. 44: No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. 45: It is written in the prophets, `And they shall all be taught by God.' Every one who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. 46: Not that any one has seen the Father except him who is from God; he has seen the Father. 47: Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life. 48: I am the bread of life. 49: Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50: This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat of it and not die. 51: I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh." 52: The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" 53: So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; 54: he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55: For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56: He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. 57: As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me. 58: This is the bread which came down from heaven, not such as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live for ever." 59: This he said in the synagogue, as he taught at Caper'na-um. 60: Many of his disciples, when they heard it, said, "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?" 61: But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at it, said to them, "Do you take offense at this? 62: Then what if you were to see the Son of man ascending where he was before? 63: It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64: But there are some of you that do not believe." For Jesus knew from the first who those were that did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. 65: And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father." 66: After this many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him. 67: Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" 68: Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; 69: and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God."

[1 Corinthians 10:16-17] 16: The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17: Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.

[1 Corinthians 11:17-34] 17: But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 18: For, in the first place, when you assemble as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you; and I partly believe it, 19: for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. 20: When you meet together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat. 21: For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal, and one is hungry and another is drunk. 22: What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not. 23: For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24: and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." 25: In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." 26: For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 27: Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. 28: Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29: For any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself. 30: That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 31: But if we judged ourselves truly, we should not be judged. 32: But when we are judged by the Lord, we are chastened so that we may not be condemned along with the world. 33: So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another -- 34: if any one is hungry, let him eat at home -- lest you come together to be condemned. About the other things I will give directions when I come.

The Glorious Mysteries

(Wednesdays & Sundays)

1. The Resurrection
(Faith)

[Mark 16:1-14] 1: And when the sabbath was past, Mary Mag'dalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salo'me, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2: And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. 3: And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" 4: And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back; -- it was very large. 5: And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. 6: And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. 7: But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you." 8: And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to any one, for they were afraid. 9: Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10: She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11: But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. 12: After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13: And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. 14: Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.

[John 20:1-31] 1: Now on the first day of the week Mary Mag'dalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2: So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." 3: Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. 4: They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; 5: and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6: Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, 7: and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. 8: Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9: for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10: Then the disciples went back to their homes. 11: But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb; 12: and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13: They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him." 14: Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15: Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." 16: Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rab-bo'ni!" (which means Teacher). 17: Jesus said to her, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." 18: Mary Mag'dalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her. 19: On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." 20: When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21: Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." 22: And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23: If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." 24: Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25: So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe." 26: Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, "Peace be with you." 27: Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." 28: Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" 29: Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." 30: Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31: but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

2. The Ascension
(Hope)

[Mark 16:15-20] 15: And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. 16: He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17: And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18: they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover." 19: So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20: And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.

[Luke 24:33-53] 33: And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, 34: who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" 35: Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. 36: As they were saying this, Jesus himself stood among them. 37: But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. 38: And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? 39: See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." 41: And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" 42: They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43: and he took it and ate before them. 44: Then he said to them, "These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled." 45: Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46: and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47: and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48: You are witnesses of these things. 49: And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high." 50: Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51: While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. 52: And they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53: and were continually in the temple blessing God.

[Acts 1:3-11] 3: To them he presented himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days, and speaking of the kingdom of God. 4: And while staying with them he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "you heard from me, 5: for John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 6: So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7: He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8: But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Sama'ria and to the end of the earth." 9: And when he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10: And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11: and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."

3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
(Love of God)

[Acts 2:1-47] 1: When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2: And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3: And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. 4: And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5: Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6: And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7: And they were amazed and wondered, saying, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8: And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9: Par'thians and Medes and E'lamites and residents of Mesopota'mia, Judea and Cappado'cia, Pontus and Asia, 10: Phryg'ia and Pamphyl'ia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyre'ne, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11: Cretans and Arabians, we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God." 12: And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" 13: But others mocking said, "They are filled with new wine." 14: But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15: For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day; 16: but this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17: `And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18: yea, and on my menservants and my maidservants in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. 19: And I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth beneath, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; 20: the sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and manifest day. 21: And it shall be that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' 22: "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs which God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know -- 23: this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24: But God raised him up, having loosed the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 25: For David says concerning him, `I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; 26: therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will dwell in hope. 27: For thou wilt not abandon my soul to Hades, nor let thy Holy One see corruption. 28: Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou wilt make me full of gladness with thy presence.' 29: "Brethren, I may say to you confidently of the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30: Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants upon his throne, 31: he foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32: This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33: Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this which you see and hear. 34: For David did not ascend into the heavens; but he himself says, `The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, 35: till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet.' 36: Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." 37: Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" 38: And Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39: For the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are far off, every one whom the Lord our God calls to him." 40: And he testified with many other words and exhorted them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation." 41: So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42: And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43: And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44: And all who believed were together and had all things in common; 45: and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need. 46: And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they partook of food with glad and generous hearts, 47: praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

4. The Assumption
(Happy Death)

[1 Thessalonians 4:13-18] 13: But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14: For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15: For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16: For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first; 17: then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord. 18: Therefore comfort one another with these words.

[Revelation 12:1-17] 1: And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; 2: she was with child and she cried out in her pangs of birth, in anguish for delivery. 3: And another portent appeared in heaven; behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems upon his heads. 4: His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to bear a child, that he might devour her child when she brought it forth; 5: she brought forth a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, 6: and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which to be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days. 7: Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, 8: but they were defeated and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9: And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world -- he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10: And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. 11: And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. 12: Rejoice then, O heaven and you that dwell therein! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!" 13: And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had borne the male child. 14: But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. 15: The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, to sweep her away with the flood. 16: But the earth came to the help of the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river which the dragon had poured from his mouth. 17: Then the dragon was angry with the woman, and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and bear testimony to Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.

[Revelation 21:1-5] 1: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2: And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband; 3: and I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them; 4: he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away." 5: And he who sat upon the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new."

5. The Coronation
(Confidence in Mary's Intercession)

[See Revelation 12 & 21 again]

[Judith 13:17-20] 17: All the people were greatly astonished, and bowed down and worshiped God, and said with one accord, "Blessed art thou, our God, who hast brought into contempt this day the enemies of thy people." 18: And Uzziah said to her, "O daughter, you are blessed by the Most High God above all women on earth; and blessed be the Lord God, who created the heavens and the earth, who has guided you to strike the head of the leader of our enemies. 19: Your hope will never depart from the hearts of men, as they remember the power of God. 20: May God grant this to be a perpetual honor to you, and may he visit you with blessings, because you did not spare your own life when our nation was brought low, but have avenged our ruin, walking in the straight path before our God." And all the people said, "So be it, so be it!"

The Sorrowful Mysteries

(Tuesdays & Fridays)

1. Agony in the Garden
(Sorrow for Sin)

[Matthew 26:36-57] 36: Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsem'ane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I go yonder and pray." 37: And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zeb'edee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38: Then he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me." 39: And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." 40: And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, "So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41: Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 42: Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, thy will be done." 43: And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44: So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. 45: Then he came to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46: Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand." 47: While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48: Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I shall kiss is the man; seize him." 49: And he came up to Jesus at once and said, "Hail, Master!" And he kissed him. 50: Jesus said to him, "Friend, why are you here?" Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51: And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest, and cut off his ear. 52: Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53: Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54: But how then should the scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?" 55: At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. 56: But all this has taken place, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples forsook him and fled. 57: Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Ca'iaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered.

[Mark 14:32-53] 32: And they went to a place which was called Gethsem'ane; and he said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I pray." 33: And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34: And he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch." 35: And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36: And he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible to thee; remove this cup from me; yet not what I will, but what thou wilt." 37: And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38: Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 39: And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40: And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer him. 41: And he came the third time, and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come; the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42: Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand." 43: And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44: Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I shall kiss is the man; seize him and lead him away under guard." 45: And when he came, he went up to him at once, and said, "Master!" And he kissed him. 46: And they laid hands on him and seized him. 47: But one of those who stood by drew his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. 48: And Jesus said to them, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? 49: Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled." 50: And they all forsook him, and fled. 51: And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body; and they seized him, 52: but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked. 53: And they led Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes were assembled.

[Luke 22:39-54] 39: And he came out, and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. 40: And when he came to the place he said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." 41: And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42: "Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." 45: And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46: and he said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation." 47: While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him; 48: but Jesus said to him, "Judas, would you betray the Son of man with a kiss?" 49: And when those who were about him saw what would follow, they said, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" 50: And one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51: But Jesus said, "No more of this!" And he touched his ear and healed him. 52: Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53: When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness." 54: Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house.

2. Scourging at the Pillar
(Purity)

[Matthew 27:15-26] 15: Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16: And they had then a notorious prisoner, called Barab'bas. 17: So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release for you, Barab'bas or Jesus who is called Christ?" 18: For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. 19: Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, "Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much over him today in a dream." 20: Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the people to ask for Barab'bas and destroy Jesus. 21: The governor again said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release for you?" And they said, "Barab'bas." 22: Pilate said to them, "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said, "Let him be crucified." 23: And he said, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Let him be crucified." 24: So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves." 25: And all the people answered, "His blood be on us and on our children!" 26: Then he released for them Barab'bas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.

[Mark 15:6-15] 6: Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. 7: And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barab'bas. 8: And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he was wont to do for them. 9: And he answered them, "Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?" 10: For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. 11: But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barab'bas instead. 12: And Pilate again said to them, "Then what shall I do with the man whom you call the King of the Jews?" 13: And they cried out again, "Crucify him." 14: And Pilate said to them, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Crucify him." 15: So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barab'bas; and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

3. Crowning with Thorns
(Courage)

[Matthew 27:28-31] 28: And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe upon him, 29: and plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on his head, and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him they mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 30: And they spat upon him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. 31: And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe, and put his own clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him.

[Mark 15:16-20] 16: And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the praetorium); and they called together the whole battalion. 17: And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on him. 18: And they began to salute him, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 19: And they struck his head with a reed, and spat upon him, and they knelt down in homage to him. 20: And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak, and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.

[John 19:1-20] 1: Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged him. 2: And the soldiers plaited a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and arrayed him in a purple robe; 3: they came up to him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and struck him with their hands. 4: Pilate went out again, and said to them, "See, I am bringing him out to you, that you may know that I find no crime in him." 5: So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, "Behold the man!" 6: When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, "Crucify him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no crime in him." 7: The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and by that law he ought to die, because he has made himself the Son of God." 8: When Pilate heard these words, he was the more afraid; 9: he entered the praetorium again and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave no answer. 10: Pilate therefore said to him, "You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?" 11: Jesus answered him, "You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore he who delivered me to you has the greater sin." 12: Upon this Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, "If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend; every one who makes himself a king sets himself against Caesar." 13: When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Pavement, and in Hebrew, Gab'batha. 14: Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, "Behold your King!" 15: They cried out, "Away with him, away with him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar."

4. Carrying of the Cross
(Patience)

[Matthew 27:31-34] 31: And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe, and put his own clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him. 32: As they went out, they came upon a man of Cyre'ne, Simon by name; this man they compelled to carry his cross. 33: And when they came to a place called Gol'gotha (which means the place of a skull), 34: they offered him wine to drink, mingled with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it.

[John 19:16-22] 16: Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. 17: So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew Gol'gotha. 18: There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 19: Pilate also wrote a title and put it on the cross; it read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." 20: Many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. 21: The chief priests of the Jews then said to Pilate, "Do not write, `The King of the Jews,' but, `This man said, I am King of the Jews.'" 22: Pilate answered, "What I have written I have written."

5. The Crucifixion
(Perseverance)

[Matthew 27:38-54] 38: Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. 39: And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads 40: and saying, "You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross." 41: So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, 42: "He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43: He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him; for he said, `I am the Son of God.'" 44: And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way. 45: Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. 46: And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, la'ma sabach-tha'ni?" that is, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" 47: And some of the bystanders hearing it said, "This man is calling Eli'jah." 48: And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink. 49: But the others said, "Wait, let us see whether Eli'jah will come to save him." 50: And Jesus cried again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. 51: And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom; and the earth shook, and the rocks were split; 52: the tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53: and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54: When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe, and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!"

[Luke 23:33-49] 33: And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. 34: And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35: And the people stood by, watching; but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!" 36: The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him vinegar, 37: and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" 38: There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." 39: One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" 40: But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41: And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." 42: And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." 43: And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." 44: It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45: while the sun's light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46: Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!" And having said this he breathed his last. 47: Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, and said, "Certainly this man was innocent!" 48: And all the multitudes who assembled to see the sight, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. 49: And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance and saw these things.

[John 19:23-30] 23: When the soldiers had crucified Jesus they took his garments and made four parts, one for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was without seam, woven from top to bottom; 24: so they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be." This was to fulfil the scripture, "They parted my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots." 25: So the soldiers did this. But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Mag'dalene. 26: When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" 27: Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. 28: After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfil the scripture), "I thirst." 29: A bowl full of vinegar stood there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop and held it to his mouth. 30: When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished"; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

The Joyful Mysteries

(Mondays & Saturdays)

1. The Annunciation of the Lord
(Humility)

[Luke 1:26-38] 26: In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27: to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28: And he came to her and said, "Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" 29: But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. 30: And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31: And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32: He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33: and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." 34: And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" 35: And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36: And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37: For with God nothing will be impossible." 38: And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

2. The Visitation
(Love of Neighbor)

[Luke 1:39-56] 39: In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40: and she entered the house of Zechari'ah and greeted Elizabeth. 41: And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42: and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43: And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44: For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. 45: And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." 46: And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, 47: and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48: for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; 49: for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50: And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. 51: He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, 52: he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; 53: he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. 54: He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55: as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever." 56: And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.

3. The Nativity of the Lord
(Poverty)

[Luke 2:1-21] 1: In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 2: This was the first enrollment, when Quirin'i-us was governor of Syria. 3: And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. 4: And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5: to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6: And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. 7: And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8: And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9: And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10: And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; 11: for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12: And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 13: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!" 15: When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 16: And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17: And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; 18: and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19: But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20: And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 21: And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

4. The Presentation of the Lord
(Obedience)

[Luke 2:22-39] 22: And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23: (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") 24: and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." 25: Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26: And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27: And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28: he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29: "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; 30: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation 31: which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel." 33: And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; 34: and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against 35: (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed." 36: And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phan'u-el, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, 37: and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38: And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39: And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.

5. The Finding in the Temple
(Joy in Discovering Christ)

[Luke 2:41-52] 41: Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. 42: And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; 43: and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44: but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; 45: and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46: After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; 47: and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48: And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously." 49: And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" 50: And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. 51: And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. 52: And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man.

Praying the Beads

Marian devotion has long been popular, and yet it is peculiar that Mary could play a crucial role in our salvation and in the history of the Church while there are still significant numbers of Christians who largely ignore her. The Catholic community has preserved the place of honor that she assumed in the early Church after the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. The earliest Christological crises were resolved in part because of her role and participation with her Son in the work of redemption. The title “Mater Dei or Mother of God,” rendered as “Theotokos or God-Bearer” in the East, preserved both the unity in Christ between his human and divine natures as well as the abiding truth that he was the Second (Divine) Person of the Blessed Trinity. He was truly God come down from heaven and Mary, although a mortal creature was the Mother of the whole identity of her Son. He was truly human and had taken his flesh from Mary. The Rosary assists us in meditating upon the great mysteries of Christian faith. Composed largely of Hail, Mary prayers, which can become of type of background mantra to our overall prayer, we find the proclamation of God’s inspired Word and the Church’s response. “Hail, Mary! Full of grace, the Lord is with thee; Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.” Every time we say this prayer we enter into the great dialogue between heaven and earth. The angel of the Annunciation offers this salutation to Mary: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” (Luke 1::28). Elizabeth at the Visitation adds her voice: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1::42). The Church responds with the second half of the Hail, Mary: “Holy Mary (preserved from sin by the anticipatory merits of her Son’s Cross), Mother of God (the title granted against Nestorians that safeguarded the unity and identity of Christ), pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death (if she could move her Son to change water into wine, how much more would she have her Son change sinners into saints?).

The Church is emerging from a terrible time of confusion after Vatican II where many people, including seminarians, clergy and religious, put aside their rosaries. It was almost as if we were ashamed of Mary. I recall faculty in the seminary formation program arguing that it wronged Christ to speak of Mary’s mantle of mercy and protection. And yet, while I would also argue that Jesus and Mary are of one heart and mind about us, their criticism was meant to diminish the role of Christ as Judge and the possibility of punishment. Thankfully, today many of our men discerning a vocation are dedicated to the Eucharist and Rosary. Those who dismissed Mary and her wonderful beads have become only superficially Catholic today or have left ministry and possibly even the Church entirely. The prayers of the Rosary do more than attract us to the Lord and Mary; they also remind us of whom we are as Christians. While I had some differences with elements of the theology of the late Fr. Karl Rahner, it irked the progressive community that he seemed to become more traditional in his old age. Nevertheless, because theological contributions, they gave him a special award dinner honoring him. While they listed their accolades, the elderly man looked at the floor and fingered his Rosary. He would remark that without humility, it is impossible to be a theologian. In other words, when all is said and written, the Catholic submits to God and his Church. It is interesting that a man who was once suspect himself, would just prior to his death, be solicited by the Sacred Congregation for the Faith, to investigate another priest who had written books postulating an incomplete and problematical Christology. Fr. Rahner would later report that despite dialogue, and misdirection, the problems remained. I mention Fr. Rahner because during the 1980’s he had become the world’s most preeminent theologian. And yet, he still said his simple Rosary. We do not have to be professional theologians or read all the religious books available to be good Catholics. The regular recitation of the Rosary can bring us back to the essential mysteries of faith again and again—particularly with the addition of the new Luminous Mysteries.

The structure of the Rosary is not really too difficult. Many of us will kiss the crucifix and make the Sign of the Cross. Many kiss the Rosary after its recitation. Holding the crucifix, we say the Apostle’s Creed. It does not matter which one although many people do an older version than the one in the people’s Sunday liturgical books (it can be substituted at Mass with children who are in catechesis and studying it). Moving to the first bead, we say the Our Father. The next three beads are Hail, Mary’s. The intention for these beads is usually denoted as for faith, hope and charity. At the end we pray the Glory Be. Many people add a prayer called the Fatima Aspiration after the Glory Be. Then the first mystery is announced, the Lord’s Prayer is said on the next bead, and we recite ten Hail, Mary’s and the following beads. We meditate on the given mystery during the recitation of that decade. They are followed again with the Glory Be and maybe the Fatima Aspiration. This pattern is repeated with each decade (ten Hail, Mary beads). The prayer ends with the prayer called the Hail, Holy Queen. There is often a short little prayer appended that closes the Rosary. Today there are even renditions of the Rosary with prefatory prayers and links to liturgical prayers, particular at the conclusion. However, these additions require accompanying booklets. Since the Rosary has become a big pro-life prayer, many also add a prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe at the end. The prayer is in reference to a miraculous image that presents a pregnant Virgin Mary. It was so influential, that it led to the conversion of millions in Mexico and the end of child sacrifice in pagan worship.

The Value of Prayer - Fifth Entry

The pattern of coming to know someone and falling in love is followed by acts of affection. Similarly, if we really know and love God, then we would want to be obedient to him as his servants. We want to please him. The failure to pray demonstrates that we do not love God as we should.

There is an expression, “To know him is to love him.” There is some truth to this, but we should not underestimate the hardness of human hearts. God is all good. He is Love personified. Nevertheless, the pattern witnessed in the Cross is revisited in the lives of those called to be his children. He offered forgiveness, and Pharisees and scribes plotted his death. It is a terrible tragedy that we take for granted what God has done for us. We could never merit such as Savior as Jesus, and yet knees remain unbent and voices cry curses instead of prayerful salutations. As a remedy, prayer keeps the lines of communication open and helps to keep us orientated toward the Divine Mercy.

It is true that you cannot love one you do not know. But, complicating matters further, knowing someone can also dismiss ambivalence for hatred. The devil with all his angelic powers and knowledge still rebelled against God. Evil is real and it poisons the person. Anyone can be seduced by iniquity. Authentic prayer helps us to remain in God’s good graces. We know God, not simply in a textbook way, but in a personal and dependent manner. Yes, he is a Trinity—three Divine Persons in one Divine Nature. Yes, Jesus is the God-Man. We can know “what” God is. However, more importantly, we should know in faith and prayer “who” God is—loving Father, blessed Savior, and nurturing Spirit. Jesus is related to us as a spiritual brother and we are adopted sons and daughters in faith to the heavenly Father. The relationship to the Lord and to one another is what makes all the difference.

Some people pride themselves in their memorization of Scripture verses. And yet, the devil could also quote Scripture. The Pharisees knew the old law, practiced all the rubrics of their religion and were true leaders to the Jewish people, and yet Jesus called them blind guides, whitened sepulchers, and dead men’s bones. Great theologians might know all about God and yet a poor peasant in some third world country saying his beads might better know God. No one, no matter whether a bishop, priest, religious or lay person can truly claim to know God if he or she fails to practice personal prayer.

Modern life has become very busy. When asked about prayer, many people contend that they want to pray but do not have time. All the same, they find time for questionable novels, listening to secular music, and watching off color television programs. It does not jive. We make time for what we want to make time. Prayer and the spiritual reading that goes along with it are given a low priority.

A prayerful woman whose son became a priest told me that she prayed every morning for about half-an-hour, beginning at 5:00 PM. I asked, why so early? She responded that it was the only quiet time she could find for herself during the day. Once her husband and children were awake, the noise level throughout the house would rise and constant demands were placed upon her. She was a dutiful wife and mother and did not want to neglect her family. Consequently, she began to rise earlier to claim thirty minutes, not simply for her own mental health, but as a gift to God. She would go to her favorite chair, maybe read a few verses from her bible, and then pray. Her rosary was a staple in her life and she often resorted to it. She would also thank the good Lord for another day and lay before him the concerns and needs of her family. It was a beautiful witness, starting every day with Jesus. Now that she has passed away, I suspect that she spends the eternal day of heaven conversing with the Lord to whom she found an abiding friendship.

Another acquaintance was an elderly black woman who did washing and general laundry and cleaning for others. Her days were long and in her later years she found herself responsible for the welfare of her grandchildren. She did not complain but always thanked God for his goodness to her. She would often sing hymns while she worked. All day long you could hear these wonderful songs of divine praise from her lips. It was if she carried her “Church” with her, everywhere she went. It was her way of praying unceasingly.

I recall another person who constantly used short aspiration prayers, like “Lord, have mercy” and “Jesus, Mary, Joseph save souls!” Asking about this, he shocked me by saying that his wife got him doing it when she was alive as an effort to replace his constant cussing. Evidently, he had quite a temper and would unthinkingly let loose with bad language. His wife demanded that he stop and said that it was no way for a supposed Christian gentleman to act. Anyhow, she introduced him to assorted short prayers and he substituted them instead. Curses had been replaced by blessings.

The believer prays when and where he can. If you have a long commute, you can get a ring rosary and say this wonderful prayer as you drive to and from work. Ideally, it is still preferable to find a quiet place where you can pray. Praying with others has great value, as well, but should not replace private prayer. We can pray at home and at work, but when possible, nothing matches a chapel where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved. A Holy Hour allows us to encounter the presence of God in prayer and in the sacrament of the altar. We can truly say that Jesus is in our midst.

The Value of Prayer - Fourth Entry

When I was a young priest, the parish to which I was assigned, had the older school children read at the noon Mass. We would practice the readings and then I would have the young people take their seats in the sanctuary where they used “centering” prayer. Now, I must hastily admit that prayer under that designation has been criticized, and rightly so. What I am talking about here is not transcendental meditation or any kind of navel gazing, either. Prayer may be an internal dialogue, but it reaches out to something—someone—greater than ourselves. Children in particular are easily distracted. Because of attention deficit disorders, many young people are heavily medicated in our schools, today. We did not have that then, and I am wary of it now, and so we had the kids sit quietly in the Church in preparation for Mass. They had reviewed the readings and knew what they were going to read. The schoolwork and fun-and-games with their friends had to be shelved for a few minutes, making space for prayer and worship. I asked them to mentally place themselves in God’s presence—sitting next to the tabernacle—across from the priest—in the house of God. Some of them were better at it than others. Making themselves comfortable, they would close their eyes and fold their hands. Not talking, they would relax and let go of all the worries of the day. If they had a test or tough class coming up, they were urged to try and not think about it—put it out of their minds. They would listen to their breathing. The beat of their hearts would slow. Because they had just spent twenty minutes going over the readings, sometimes an application to their own lives would emerge during this time of prayer. A sense of reverence introduced our worship.

Using the holy name of Jesus may also be a part of such prayer. We are taught that Jesus is the only name that saves. Our Lord makes himself available to those who call him. When we use his name, his message and all the wonderful stories quickly flash before our minds. Like a mantra, we can softly repeat his name, exhaling as we pronounce it; the name becomes an element of our breathing. The beating of our hearts and our breathing are signs of life. Uttering the holy name as we breath reminds us that Jesus is the source of both life and eternal life. Prayer is as essential as the air we breathe. We breathe out the word, “Jesus” We draw the word out with our breath. Repeatedly we do this in a wonderful exercise of prayer. Images of Jesus flash before our minds—at Cana—in the Jordan—on the Sea of Galilee—at the Mount of the Beatitudes—at the temple in Jerusalem—with his friends at the Last Supper—in the Garden of Gethsemane—on Calvary. He was the one who forgave sins and healed the sick. The Jews believed that a person’s name brings with it the whole identity of a person. It was for this reason that the saving name of God revealed to Moses was rarely spoken or written. Also, calling upon the name of someone, without attaching preferential honors, usually meant superiority or some claim upon them. Jesus is the revelation of the Father, who humbly submits to the mission given him of redeeming a people. When the lesser calls upon the greater it is never in terms of a demand but of a request. We call upon the name of Jesus as creatures beseeching the mercy of the Creator. The word Jesus means Savior, not just for the Hebrew or Semitic peoples, but for all who would trust in the saving name. We invoke divine peace and healing as we repeat the name of Jesus, not loudly, but as a breathy whisper. All distractions are shut out. The only sound we hear is the rhythmic repetition of “Jesus”. There is no one else who can rescue us. As Peter confessed—where else could we go? Only Jesus has the words of eternal life.

As I said, the young people with whom I worked used centering prayer before Mass. But, we can use it before other forms of prayer and spiritual reading. It can help put us in the right state of mind for other spiritual practices. Without wanting to make it overly pragmatic and earthbound, it can also do wonders for the blood pressure, particularly when we are angered or stressed out by things that might strain our Christian posture.

Personal prayer is always connected to corporate prayer and faith. We do not come to God alone. Most of us, who were baptized, came to the font in the arms of our parents and godparents. We profess the same creed and worship in the way that Christ gave us and as it is prescribed by the Church. Just as the moral life must be informed by the faith, so does the spiritual life need content and guidance from the sacred deposit and the legacy of the saints. At the same time that we pray, other Christians around the world are praying in solidarity with us and in union with Christ.

The true Christian does not embrace any kind of quietism or passivity to a vacuum or nothingness as one might argue the Buddhists do. If our prayer is to be efficacious, then we must first know the one to whom we are praying. It is no wonder that an ignorance of faith and Scripture has led to the loss of genuine prayer. I mentioned earlier that prayer is love-talk and yet how can you love one you do not know? You cannot. However, once the process begins, one feeds the other. God reveals himself to us and we respond with love. The more we love him, the more we struggle to know him better. The more we know him, our devotion intensifies. While it might seem crass, we even see something of this pattern in romantic love. Have you ever noticed the silly talk between young lovers? Serious questions will be asked, but also things like: What’s your favorite color? Do you prefer my red, pink or blue dress? Do you really think my eyes look like pools of water?” They want to know everything there is know about the beloved. That is how it should also be in our relationship with God. In addition to questions, there is also a similarity in the flirtation that emerges from our lips. A man may tell a woman that she is his queen; that there is none to compare with her; and that she is his everything! He will even seek to lower himself as unworthy of her affection and hand in marriage. Well, prayer to God can be amazingly similar. “Most wonderful Savior, you are our heavenly King. Only Son of the almighty Father, you graciously deigned to be born of a Virgin and to offer your life for miserable and unworthy men and women. Make us despise all things save Jesus Christ Crucified!”