Virgo Potens
05.05.202501:10
2 of 2
16.—The Divine Guest
1. Jesus, unable to resist the importunity of these two faithful hearts, deigns to be their guest; after He has shared their meal He provides for them a heavenly banquet. For the second time He consecrates the Eucharistic Bread, and feeds His entertainers with the sacred food of His own Body and Blood. Then at length their eyes are opened, and in the reception of the Divine mysteries they recognize that He who worked the marvel is none else than the Lamb that had been slain; the Great Prophet whom they had loved, but had not known: Christ, their Lord, their Creator, and their King.
2. To open the eyes is one of the effects of a good Communion. When I receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ I should make use of the happy moment to ask His advice, to consult Him on my difficulties, to pray for more light, to beg that self-love and obstinacy of will and pertinacity of judgment may not blind my eyes. Why do I not make more of the brief time during which He is my guest, and is therefore bound to listen to me?
3. No sooner had the two disciples received holy Communion and made an act of faith in the Divinity of Jesus than He vanishes from their sight. How their hearts burn with joy,and peace, and gratitude, and love, and devotion! How could they have ever doubted! Oh, what happiness is theirs as they hasten back to Jerusalem to communicate the joyful news to those whom they had left in sorrow and distress!
~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)
16.—The Divine Guest
1. Jesus, unable to resist the importunity of these two faithful hearts, deigns to be their guest; after He has shared their meal He provides for them a heavenly banquet. For the second time He consecrates the Eucharistic Bread, and feeds His entertainers with the sacred food of His own Body and Blood. Then at length their eyes are opened, and in the reception of the Divine mysteries they recognize that He who worked the marvel is none else than the Lamb that had been slain; the Great Prophet whom they had loved, but had not known: Christ, their Lord, their Creator, and their King.
2. To open the eyes is one of the effects of a good Communion. When I receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ I should make use of the happy moment to ask His advice, to consult Him on my difficulties, to pray for more light, to beg that self-love and obstinacy of will and pertinacity of judgment may not blind my eyes. Why do I not make more of the brief time during which He is my guest, and is therefore bound to listen to me?
3. No sooner had the two disciples received holy Communion and made an act of faith in the Divinity of Jesus than He vanishes from their sight. How their hearts burn with joy,and peace, and gratitude, and love, and devotion! How could they have ever doubted! Oh, what happiness is theirs as they hasten back to Jerusalem to communicate the joyful news to those whom they had left in sorrow and distress!
~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)
04.05.202511:26
Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary ~
May 4th
✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧
15.—The Arrival at Emmaus
Read St. Luke xxiv. 28, 29
And they drew nigh to the town, whither they were going: and he made as though he would go farther. But they constrained him; saying: Stay with us, because it is towards evening, and the day is now far spent. And he went in with them.
(continued)
May 4th
✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧
15.—The Arrival at Emmaus
Read St. Luke xxiv. 28, 29
And they drew nigh to the town, whither they were going: and he made as though he would go farther. But they constrained him; saying: Stay with us, because it is towards evening, and the day is now far spent. And he went in with them.
(continued)
23.04.202501:31
2 of 2
4.—The Holy Women at the Sepulchre
1. What must have been the joy of the holy women when they found that God had granted the desires of their heart, and rolled the huge stoneaway! It was one of those joyful surprises by which God delights to encourage faithful hearts. Just when all seems hopeless, He steps in, and every difficulty vanishes. If this is not my experience, it ought to be; and the oniy reason why it is not, is because I have been distrustful and despondent. Courage, faint heart! He is waiting to help thee.
2. But when they entered the tomb, what a surprise! Instead of the dead Body of Jesus, they found an angel, clothed in white, sitting at the right side of the tomb. They were utterly astonished. They had never understood the meaning of Our Lord's promise that He would rise again. What could have happened? Had His Body been carried away? Had God taken it up to heaven? If He had been restored to life, He was lost to them. Their hearts were filled with mingled hope and fear, joy and sorrow, astonishment and a bewildered sense of happiness.
3. The angel's words soon reassure them. "He is risen. He is not here. You shall soon see Him again. Go carry the joyful news to His disciples." Trembling with joy, they obey the command. No need of spices and ointment now. It is too good to be true,—He is risen! My Jesus delights to turn sorrow into joy.
~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)
4.—The Holy Women at the Sepulchre
1. What must have been the joy of the holy women when they found that God had granted the desires of their heart, and rolled the huge stoneaway! It was one of those joyful surprises by which God delights to encourage faithful hearts. Just when all seems hopeless, He steps in, and every difficulty vanishes. If this is not my experience, it ought to be; and the oniy reason why it is not, is because I have been distrustful and despondent. Courage, faint heart! He is waiting to help thee.
2. But when they entered the tomb, what a surprise! Instead of the dead Body of Jesus, they found an angel, clothed in white, sitting at the right side of the tomb. They were utterly astonished. They had never understood the meaning of Our Lord's promise that He would rise again. What could have happened? Had His Body been carried away? Had God taken it up to heaven? If He had been restored to life, He was lost to them. Their hearts were filled with mingled hope and fear, joy and sorrow, astonishment and a bewildered sense of happiness.
3. The angel's words soon reassure them. "He is risen. He is not here. You shall soon see Him again. Go carry the joyful news to His disciples." Trembling with joy, they obey the command. No need of spices and ointment now. It is too good to be true,—He is risen! My Jesus delights to turn sorrow into joy.
~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)
22.04.202502:05
2 of 2
3.—The Holy Women on Their Way to the Sepulchre
1. All through the Sabbath day the holy women had been anxiously looking forward to the mournful pleasure of carrying to the sepulchre sweet spices and perfumes that they had prepared to embalm the Body of Jesus; and very early in the morning of the first day of the week they started on their pious errand. But, strange to say, it had never occurred to them that a huge stone closed the door of the tomb, sealed with an official seal and guarded by a picket of soldiers. This is one of the truest marks of love, it seems to forget all difficulties, to overleap all obstacles; it has a wonderful confidence that it will attain its object. Is this the character of my love to Christ? Am I confident that I shall overcome all those hindrances which now seem to bar my way to holiness?
2. On the road to the sepulchre, as the difficulty became close at hand, they were stricken with fear—"who shall roll us back the stone?" Yet on they went, nothing daunted, trusting God with implicit confidence, relying on His power to take away what seemed to be an insuperable obstacle. So, when dangers and difficulties threaten me, do I go straight on, trusting in the goodness of my God?
3. Their holy confidence was not disappointed: holy confidence never is disappointed. The more we trust God, the more marvels He will work for us. An angel had been sent to reward them for their persevering devotion by doing, with angelic hands, what was altogether beyond their power to perform. So now God will send an angel, if needful, to fulfil the desires of those who trust in Him.
~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)
3.—The Holy Women on Their Way to the Sepulchre
1. All through the Sabbath day the holy women had been anxiously looking forward to the mournful pleasure of carrying to the sepulchre sweet spices and perfumes that they had prepared to embalm the Body of Jesus; and very early in the morning of the first day of the week they started on their pious errand. But, strange to say, it had never occurred to them that a huge stone closed the door of the tomb, sealed with an official seal and guarded by a picket of soldiers. This is one of the truest marks of love, it seems to forget all difficulties, to overleap all obstacles; it has a wonderful confidence that it will attain its object. Is this the character of my love to Christ? Am I confident that I shall overcome all those hindrances which now seem to bar my way to holiness?
2. On the road to the sepulchre, as the difficulty became close at hand, they were stricken with fear—"who shall roll us back the stone?" Yet on they went, nothing daunted, trusting God with implicit confidence, relying on His power to take away what seemed to be an insuperable obstacle. So, when dangers and difficulties threaten me, do I go straight on, trusting in the goodness of my God?
3. Their holy confidence was not disappointed: holy confidence never is disappointed. The more we trust God, the more marvels He will work for us. An angel had been sent to reward them for their persevering devotion by doing, with angelic hands, what was altogether beyond their power to perform. So now God will send an angel, if needful, to fulfil the desires of those who trust in Him.
~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)
20.04.202518:28
2 of 2
1.—The Resurrection
1. On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the Sacred Soul of Jesus returned to quicken once more the body that lay lifeless in the tomb, and He rose again from the dead. It was but the commencement of the third day since His crucifixion; but His love for His sorrowing friends made Him abridge the time, that He might hasten to console them in their sorrow. He still has the same loving thoughtfulness for His friends. It is still His chief desire to make those happy who love Him.
2. His Sacred Body passed through the tomb noiselessly and without stirring the huge stone that had been placed there to make His resurrection impossible. Oh, foolish devices of men! how utterly futile against the will of God! In one moment He can burst every bond that human malice or human ingenuity can contrive! He that dwells in the heaven shall laugh at them, and the Lord shall deride them.
3. See Him glorious in His Divine Beauty, rising from the tomb! What unspeakable joy and happiness in that face, so lately marred by our sins, so lately pale, and sad, and sorrowful! Never was there joy on earth like that of Jesus when He rose again! I will rejoice withHim today, I will forget my own troubles and sorrows, and give myself to an unselfish joy in the Resurrection of my King and my God.
~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)
1.—The Resurrection
1. On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the Sacred Soul of Jesus returned to quicken once more the body that lay lifeless in the tomb, and He rose again from the dead. It was but the commencement of the third day since His crucifixion; but His love for His sorrowing friends made Him abridge the time, that He might hasten to console them in their sorrow. He still has the same loving thoughtfulness for His friends. It is still His chief desire to make those happy who love Him.
2. His Sacred Body passed through the tomb noiselessly and without stirring the huge stone that had been placed there to make His resurrection impossible. Oh, foolish devices of men! how utterly futile against the will of God! In one moment He can burst every bond that human malice or human ingenuity can contrive! He that dwells in the heaven shall laugh at them, and the Lord shall deride them.
3. See Him glorious in His Divine Beauty, rising from the tomb! What unspeakable joy and happiness in that face, so lately marred by our sins, so lately pale, and sad, and sorrowful! Never was there joy on earth like that of Jesus when He rose again! I will rejoice withHim today, I will forget my own troubles and sorrows, and give myself to an unselfish joy in the Resurrection of my King and my God.
~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)
Reposted from:
Chantbird’s Garden of Song
19.04.202511:04
2 of 2
THE DESCENT OF JESUS TO LIMBUS
Hymn
(continued from above)
5.
And Eve like Joseph's shadow hung
About him wheresoever he went ;
She lived on thoughts of Mary's child,
Trembled with hope, and was content.
6.
But see how hushed the crowd of souls !
Whence comes the light of upper day ?
What glorious Form is this that finds
Through central earth its ready way ?
7.
'Tis God ! 'tis Man ! the living Soul
Of Jesus, beautiful and bright,
The first-born of created things,
Flushed with a pure resplendent light.
8.
'Twas Mary's child ! Eve saw Him come ;
She flew from Joseph's haunted side,
And worshipped, first of all that crowd,
The Soul of Jesus Crucified.
9.
So after four long thousand years,
Faith reached her end, and Hope her aim,
And from them, as they passed away,
Love lit her everlasting flame !
~ Frederick William Faber, D.D. Hymns (1861)
THE DESCENT OF JESUS TO LIMBUS
Hymn
(continued from above)
5.
And Eve like Joseph's shadow hung
About him wheresoever he went ;
She lived on thoughts of Mary's child,
Trembled with hope, and was content.
6.
But see how hushed the crowd of souls !
Whence comes the light of upper day ?
What glorious Form is this that finds
Through central earth its ready way ?
7.
'Tis God ! 'tis Man ! the living Soul
Of Jesus, beautiful and bright,
The first-born of created things,
Flushed with a pure resplendent light.
8.
'Twas Mary's child ! Eve saw Him come ;
She flew from Joseph's haunted side,
And worshipped, first of all that crowd,
The Soul of Jesus Crucified.
9.
So after four long thousand years,
Faith reached her end, and Hope her aim,
And from them, as they passed away,
Love lit her everlasting flame !
~ Frederick William Faber, D.D. Hymns (1861)
05.05.202501:09
Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary ~
May 5th
✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧
16.—The Divine Guest
Read St. Luke xxiv. 30-35
And it came to pass, whilst he was at table with them, he took bread, and blessed, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him: and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to the other: Was not our heart burning within us, whilst he spoke in this way, and opened to us the scriptures? And rising up, the same hour, they went back to Jerusalem: and they found the eleven gathered together, and those that were staying with them, Saying: The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way; and how they knew him in the breaking of the bread.
(continued)
May 5th
✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧
16.—The Divine Guest
Read St. Luke xxiv. 30-35
And it came to pass, whilst he was at table with them, he took bread, and blessed, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him: and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to the other: Was not our heart burning within us, whilst he spoke in this way, and opened to us the scriptures? And rising up, the same hour, they went back to Jerusalem: and they found the eleven gathered together, and those that were staying with them, Saying: The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way; and how they knew him in the breaking of the bread.
(continued)
03.05.202521:35
2 of 2
14.—The Effects of the Discourse of Jesus
1. As Jesus speaks, the hearts of the two disciples burn within them. Never had they heard such a discourse as this; never had they understoodiiii the meaning of the Scriptures, till they listened to the inspired words of this Divine Expositor. How could they have been so blind before as not to have recognizedimi, in the sufferings and death of Jesus of Nazareth, the fulfilment of the prophecies? We, too, cannot understand Holy Scripture if we are left to yourselves; outside the Church, men read it, and find in it their own follies and fancies. It is only those who are taught of God who can ever read God's Word aright.
2. Why did the words of Jesus thus carry them out of themselves, so that the walk to Emmaus seemed all too short? It was because He who spoke was the Son of God; and there flowed into His words the grace of which His Sacred Heart was full. It is just the same with the servants of Christ, whether priests or ordinaiy Christians— their words move the hearts of others in proportion to their own holiness. How much more influence for good I should have if I were more holy!
3. There was another reason why Our Lord's words thus stirred the hearts of these two disciples. It was because they were men of good will. To such, the voice of God is sweet and attractive. "My sheep hear My voice," says Our Lord;" I know Mine, and Mine know Me." The enemies of God are repelled by His voice and the voice of His ministers and of His Church; they criticise, instead of listening in humility. What am I—a critic or a disciple?
~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)
14.—The Effects of the Discourse of Jesus
1. As Jesus speaks, the hearts of the two disciples burn within them. Never had they heard such a discourse as this; never had they understoodiiii the meaning of the Scriptures, till they listened to the inspired words of this Divine Expositor. How could they have been so blind before as not to have recognizedimi, in the sufferings and death of Jesus of Nazareth, the fulfilment of the prophecies? We, too, cannot understand Holy Scripture if we are left to yourselves; outside the Church, men read it, and find in it their own follies and fancies. It is only those who are taught of God who can ever read God's Word aright.
2. Why did the words of Jesus thus carry them out of themselves, so that the walk to Emmaus seemed all too short? It was because He who spoke was the Son of God; and there flowed into His words the grace of which His Sacred Heart was full. It is just the same with the servants of Christ, whether priests or ordinaiy Christians— their words move the hearts of others in proportion to their own holiness. How much more influence for good I should have if I were more holy!
3. There was another reason why Our Lord's words thus stirred the hearts of these two disciples. It was because they were men of good will. To such, the voice of God is sweet and attractive. "My sheep hear My voice," says Our Lord;" I know Mine, and Mine know Me." The enemies of God are repelled by His voice and the voice of His ministers and of His Church; they criticise, instead of listening in humility. What am I—a critic or a disciple?
~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)
23.04.202501:04
Month of the Holy Eucharist ~
April 23rd
✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧
4.—The Holy Women at the Sepulchre
Read St. Mark xvi. 4-7
And looking, they saw the stone rolled back. For it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed with a white robe: and they were astonished. Who saith to them: Be not affrighted; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified: he is risen, he is not here, behold the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee; there you shall see him, as he told you.
(continued)
April 23rd
✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧
4.—The Holy Women at the Sepulchre
Read St. Mark xvi. 4-7
And looking, they saw the stone rolled back. For it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed with a white robe: and they were astonished. Who saith to them: Be not affrighted; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified: he is risen, he is not here, behold the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee; there you shall see him, as he told you.
(continued)
22.04.202502:00
Month of the Holy Eucharist ~
April 22nd
✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧
3.—The Holy Women on Their Way to the Sepulchre
Read St. Mark xvi. 1-4.
And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought sweet spices, that coming, they might anoint Jesus. And very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they come to the sepulchre, the sun being now risen. And they said one to another: Who shall roll us back the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And looking, they saw the stone rolled back. For it was very great.
(continued)
April 22nd
✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧
3.—The Holy Women on Their Way to the Sepulchre
Read St. Mark xvi. 1-4.
And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought sweet spices, that coming, they might anoint Jesus. And very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they come to the sepulchre, the sun being now risen. And they said one to another: Who shall roll us back the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And looking, they saw the stone rolled back. For it was very great.
(continued)
20.04.202518:28
Month of the Holy Eucharist ~
April 20th
✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧
1.—The Resurrection
Read I. Cor. xv. 20-25
But now Christ is risen from the dead, the firstfruits of them that sleep: For by a man came death, and by a man the resurrection of the dead. And as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive. But every one in his own order: the firstfruits Christ, then they that are of Christ, who have believed in his coming. Afterwards the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God and the Father, when he shall have brought to nought all principality, and power, and virtue. For he must reign, until he hath put all his enemies under his feet.
(continued)
April 20th
✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧
1.—The Resurrection
Read I. Cor. xv. 20-25
But now Christ is risen from the dead, the firstfruits of them that sleep: For by a man came death, and by a man the resurrection of the dead. And as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive. But every one in his own order: the firstfruits Christ, then they that are of Christ, who have believed in his coming. Afterwards the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God and the Father, when he shall have brought to nought all principality, and power, and virtue. For he must reign, until he hath put all his enemies under his feet.
(continued)
Reposted from:Chantbird’s Garden of Song
19.04.202511:04
1 of 2
THE DESCENT OF JESUS TO LIMBUS
1.
Thousands of years had come and gone,
And slow the ages seemed to move
To those expectant souls that filled
That prison-house of patient love.
2.
It was a weary watch of theirs,
But onward still their hopes would press ;
Captives they were, yet happy too,
In their contented weariness.
3.
As noiseless tides the ample depths
Of some capacious harbor fill,
So grew the calm of that dread place
Each day with increase swift and still.
4.
Sweet tidings there St. Joseph took ;
The Saviour's work had then begun,
And of His Three-and-Thirty Years
But three alone were left to run.
(continued below)
THE DESCENT OF JESUS TO LIMBUS
1.
Thousands of years had come and gone,
And slow the ages seemed to move
To those expectant souls that filled
That prison-house of patient love.
2.
It was a weary watch of theirs,
But onward still their hopes would press ;
Captives they were, yet happy too,
In their contented weariness.
3.
As noiseless tides the ample depths
Of some capacious harbor fill,
So grew the calm of that dread place
Each day with increase swift and still.
4.
Sweet tidings there St. Joseph took ;
The Saviour's work had then begun,
And of His Three-and-Thirty Years
But three alone were left to run.
(continued below)
04.05.202515:01
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us.
OUR LADY OF FATIMA NOVENA
May 4th - May 12th
In preparation for the anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady at Fatima, May 13, 1917.
Begins today at Christus Regnat ~ https://t.me/RexUniversi
OUR LADY OF FATIMA NOVENA
May 4th - May 12th
In preparation for the anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady at Fatima, May 13, 1917.
Begins today at Christus Regnat ~ https://t.me/RexUniversi
03.05.202520:45
Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary ~
May 3rd
✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧
14.—The Effects of the Discourse of Jesus
Read St. Luke xxiv. 27-33
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded to them in all the scriptures, the things that were concerning him. And they drew nigh to the town, whither they were going: and he made as though he would go farther. But they constrained him; saying: Stay with us, because it is towards evening, and the day is now far spent. And he went in with them. And it came to pass, whilst he was at table with them, he took bread, and blessed, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him: and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to the other: Was not our heart burning within us, whilst he spoke in this way, and opened to us the scriptures? And rising up, the same hour, they went back to Jerusalem: and they found the eleven gathered together, and those that were staying with them[.]
(continued)
May 3rd
✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧
14.—The Effects of the Discourse of Jesus
Read St. Luke xxiv. 27-33
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded to them in all the scriptures, the things that were concerning him. And they drew nigh to the town, whither they were going: and he made as though he would go farther. But they constrained him; saying: Stay with us, because it is towards evening, and the day is now far spent. And he went in with them. And it came to pass, whilst he was at table with them, he took bread, and blessed, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him: and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to the other: Was not our heart burning within us, whilst he spoke in this way, and opened to us the scriptures? And rising up, the same hour, they went back to Jerusalem: and they found the eleven gathered together, and those that were staying with them[.]
(continued)
22.04.202502:33
UNFAILING NOVENA to ST. JOSEPH
Feast, May 1st
Begins April 22nd, at Christus Regnat ~ https://t.me/RexUniversi
Feast, May 1st
Begins April 22nd, at Christus Regnat ~ https://t.me/RexUniversi
21.04.202513:04
2 of 2
2.—The Appearance of Jesus to His Holy Mother
1. Our Lord's first visit was to His Holy Mother. It is not mentioned in Holy Scripture, because it stands to reason that He should first minister comfort to her who had before all else shared His sufferings. It would have been something quite unnatural if He had passed her over and given joy to some other heart before hers. Was He not united to her by a closer tie than any, save that alone of the Hypostatic Union? and had not her heart alone always beat in unison with His? The instinct of every Catholic echoes the saying of Ignatius that those indeed must be without understanding who suppose that on Easter morn any creature could be preferred to her.
2. How shall we paint the happiness of that meeting? For Mary, it was Paradise begun. That one moment was more than enough to make her forget all her sorrows. As each pang of His sacred suffering had echoed in her heart, so much more each pulsation of joy, each note of triumph. From that day forth, the remembrance of that meeting was ever present to her, lighting up all the rest of her life with a boundless joy.
3. What earned that happiness for Mary? Her perfect obedience. There was none who imitated the obedience of Jesus as Mary; and therefore the joy of Jesus, in His triumph, flowed unchecked into her Immaculate Heart. It is my disobedience to grace which makes me gloomy and downcast. If I am obedient, I too shall be full of peace and joy.
~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)
2.—The Appearance of Jesus to His Holy Mother
1. Our Lord's first visit was to His Holy Mother. It is not mentioned in Holy Scripture, because it stands to reason that He should first minister comfort to her who had before all else shared His sufferings. It would have been something quite unnatural if He had passed her over and given joy to some other heart before hers. Was He not united to her by a closer tie than any, save that alone of the Hypostatic Union? and had not her heart alone always beat in unison with His? The instinct of every Catholic echoes the saying of Ignatius that those indeed must be without understanding who suppose that on Easter morn any creature could be preferred to her.
2. How shall we paint the happiness of that meeting? For Mary, it was Paradise begun. That one moment was more than enough to make her forget all her sorrows. As each pang of His sacred suffering had echoed in her heart, so much more each pulsation of joy, each note of triumph. From that day forth, the remembrance of that meeting was ever present to her, lighting up all the rest of her life with a boundless joy.
3. What earned that happiness for Mary? Her perfect obedience. There was none who imitated the obedience of Jesus as Mary; and therefore the joy of Jesus, in His triumph, flowed unchecked into her Immaculate Heart. It is my disobedience to grace which makes me gloomy and downcast. If I am obedient, I too shall be full of peace and joy.
~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)
20.04.202518:24
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The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ
Short Meditations from Easter to the Ascension
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PREFACE
THESE Meditations are intended as a companion series to those already published on the Sacred Passion of Our Lord. The one subject, no less than the other, is full of consolation and encouragement — the Passion pointing us rather to the joy of being freed from the burden of sin, the Resurrection to the further happiness of being heirs to the glory of heaven. For,as Christ "died for our sins, so He rose again for our justification;" and His work was not complete until He had not only risen again, but ascended to heaven to prepare a place for us.
It is the hope of the author of these short meditations that they may help those who read them to rejoice with Jesus Christ in His glorious Resurrection and Ascension into heaven.
~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)
The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ
Short Meditations from Easter to the Ascension
✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧
PREFACE
THESE Meditations are intended as a companion series to those already published on the Sacred Passion of Our Lord. The one subject, no less than the other, is full of consolation and encouragement — the Passion pointing us rather to the joy of being freed from the burden of sin, the Resurrection to the further happiness of being heirs to the glory of heaven. For,as Christ "died for our sins, so He rose again for our justification;" and His work was not complete until He had not only risen again, but ascended to heaven to prepare a place for us.
It is the hope of the author of these short meditations that they may help those who read them to rejoice with Jesus Christ in His glorious Resurrection and Ascension into heaven.
~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)
19.04.202500:49
2 of 2
Easter Eve — The Entombment
1. When Our Lady's mournful task was finished, the body of Jesus was laid in the new tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, there to remain until the hour of its joyful resurrection. Let us contemplate it as it lies there: disfigured by countless wounds and scars; so apparently helpless, yet none the less the joy of God and worthy of our highest adoration. Passive and cold and motionless, but soon to be radiant with the most dazzling beauty; dead, but living with a divine life. Learn from this (a) the glory of suffering; (b) the power of apparent helplessness when God is with us; (c) the beauty of passive obedience; (d) the true life of those who are dead to the world.
2. What was Our Lord doing while thus apparently inactive in the silent tomb? He was beginning His work of triumph, delivering countless souls from purgatory and from limbo, consoling the patriarchs and prophets, fulfilling His promise of paradise to the good thief, trampling on Satan and changing the kingdoms of this world into the kingdoms of God and of His Christ. So it is with us. When we seem useless and doing nothing, we are often really doing the greatest things for God.
3. The tomb where Christ is laid is to be the model of my soul when I receive holy Communion: silent from all din of earthly things, cleansed from all stain of sin by a good confession and firm resolution to amend, dedicated to Him alone, His sacred body embalmed by my love, and wrapped in the clean winding-sheet of purity of intention. Thus will His presence there be the pledge of my resurrection with Him.
~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)
Easter Eve — The Entombment
1. When Our Lady's mournful task was finished, the body of Jesus was laid in the new tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, there to remain until the hour of its joyful resurrection. Let us contemplate it as it lies there: disfigured by countless wounds and scars; so apparently helpless, yet none the less the joy of God and worthy of our highest adoration. Passive and cold and motionless, but soon to be radiant with the most dazzling beauty; dead, but living with a divine life. Learn from this (a) the glory of suffering; (b) the power of apparent helplessness when God is with us; (c) the beauty of passive obedience; (d) the true life of those who are dead to the world.
2. What was Our Lord doing while thus apparently inactive in the silent tomb? He was beginning His work of triumph, delivering countless souls from purgatory and from limbo, consoling the patriarchs and prophets, fulfilling His promise of paradise to the good thief, trampling on Satan and changing the kingdoms of this world into the kingdoms of God and of His Christ. So it is with us. When we seem useless and doing nothing, we are often really doing the greatest things for God.
3. The tomb where Christ is laid is to be the model of my soul when I receive holy Communion: silent from all din of earthly things, cleansed from all stain of sin by a good confession and firm resolution to amend, dedicated to Him alone, His sacred body embalmed by my love, and wrapped in the clean winding-sheet of purity of intention. Thus will His presence there be the pledge of my resurrection with Him.
~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)
04.05.202511:27
2 of 2
15.—The Arrival at Emmaus
1. In the midst of the discourse, which had made them forget all else, they found themselves at their destination; and their Divine Companion made as though He would go farther. He let them think He was intending to leave them, in order to teach them, and through them to teach us, the necessity of persisting in prayer. Our Lord often lets us think that He is going to forsake us, or that He is unkind to us, or that He is not ready with help in time of need, in order to see whether we are in earnest in our desire to have Him for our companion and our friend, or whether we are ready to give Him up in the face of difficulties.
2. These two disciples will not hear of Jesus going farther. What do they not owe Him for that heavenly discourse that has turned their sorrow into joy! What would they not give to keep Him with them, and to listen to more of such words as His! They simply compel Him to remain with them, urging the motives that they regard as most likely to be effectual. This is what Jesus loves— that we should urge Him with constant importunity until we constrain Him to listen to our petitions.
3. We should each day invoke Our Lord with these words: Stay with us. Each morning when we wake, Stay with us through the day; in time of temptation or danger, Stay with us; in holy Communion, Stay with us with Thy Divine power; in the time of sickness and in the hour of death, Stay with us, O Lord Jesus!
~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)
15.—The Arrival at Emmaus
1. In the midst of the discourse, which had made them forget all else, they found themselves at their destination; and their Divine Companion made as though He would go farther. He let them think He was intending to leave them, in order to teach them, and through them to teach us, the necessity of persisting in prayer. Our Lord often lets us think that He is going to forsake us, or that He is unkind to us, or that He is not ready with help in time of need, in order to see whether we are in earnest in our desire to have Him for our companion and our friend, or whether we are ready to give Him up in the face of difficulties.
2. These two disciples will not hear of Jesus going farther. What do they not owe Him for that heavenly discourse that has turned their sorrow into joy! What would they not give to keep Him with them, and to listen to more of such words as His! They simply compel Him to remain with them, urging the motives that they regard as most likely to be effectual. This is what Jesus loves— that we should urge Him with constant importunity until we constrain Him to listen to our petitions.
3. We should each day invoke Our Lord with these words: Stay with us. Each morning when we wake, Stay with us through the day; in time of temptation or danger, Stay with us; in holy Communion, Stay with us with Thy Divine power; in the time of sickness and in the hour of death, Stay with us, O Lord Jesus!
~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)
03.05.202520:01
May 3rd, 2025
FIRST SATURDAY of MAY 💙
“See my daughter, how my heart is encircled by thorns with which ungrateful men pierce me at every moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude. You, at least, try to console me, and announce that I promise to assist at the hour of death, with the graces necessary for salvation, all those who on the First Saturdays of five consecutive months, confess, receive Holy Communion, recite part of My Rosary, and keep me company for a quarter of an hour, meditating on its mysteries with the intention of offering me reparation.” ~ Words of Our Lady to Sr. Marie (Lucia dos Santos) on December 10, 1925
If possible, make First Saturday devotions today, in reparation for offenses against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, as requested by Our Lady herself in 1925, and confirmed by Our Lord in 1927.
FIRST SATURDAY of MAY 💙
“See my daughter, how my heart is encircled by thorns with which ungrateful men pierce me at every moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude. You, at least, try to console me, and announce that I promise to assist at the hour of death, with the graces necessary for salvation, all those who on the First Saturdays of five consecutive months, confess, receive Holy Communion, recite part of My Rosary, and keep me company for a quarter of an hour, meditating on its mysteries with the intention of offering me reparation.” ~ Words of Our Lady to Sr. Marie (Lucia dos Santos) on December 10, 1925
If possible, make First Saturday devotions today, in reparation for offenses against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, as requested by Our Lady herself in 1925, and confirmed by Our Lord in 1927.
22.04.202502:28
NOVENA to ST. JOSEPH
Feast, May 1st
Begins April 22nd, at Christus Regnat ~ https://t.me/RexUniversi
Feast, May 1st
Begins April 22nd, at Christus Regnat ~ https://t.me/RexUniversi
21.04.202513:02
Month of the Holy Eucharist ~
April 21st
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2.—The Appearance of Jesus to His Holy Mother
Read I. St. John iv. 15-19
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God abideth in him, and he in God. And we have known, and have believed the charity, which God hath to us. God is charity: and he that abideth in charity, abideth in God, and God in him. In this is the charity of God perfected with us, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment: because as he is, we also are in this world. Fear is not in charity: but perfect charity casteth out fear, because fear hath pain. And he that feareth, is not perfected in charity. Let us therefore love God, because God first hath loved us.
(continued)
April 21st
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2.—The Appearance of Jesus to His Holy Mother
Read I. St. John iv. 15-19
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God abideth in him, and he in God. And we have known, and have believed the charity, which God hath to us. God is charity: and he that abideth in charity, abideth in God, and God in him. In this is the charity of God perfected with us, that we may have confidence in the day of judgment: because as he is, we also are in this world. Fear is not in charity: but perfect charity casteth out fear, because fear hath pain. And he that feareth, is not perfected in charity. Let us therefore love God, because God first hath loved us.
(continued)
20.04.202513:28
This is the day which the Lord hath made:
Let us be glad and rejoice therein.
The earth trembled and was still, when God arose in judgment.
Blessed and Happy Easter to you all!
Let us be glad and rejoice therein.
The earth trembled and was still, when God arose in judgment.
Blessed and Happy Easter to you all!
19.04.202500:49
Month of the Holy Eucharist ~
April 19th
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Easter Eve — The Entombment
Read St. Luke xxiii. 50-56
And behold there was a man named Joseph, who was a counsellor, a good and just man, (the same had not consented to their counsel and doings;) of Arimathea, a city of Judea; who also himself looked for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And taking him down, he wrapped him in fine linen, and laid him in a sepulchre that was hewed in stone, wherein never yet any man had been laid. And it was the day of the Parasceve, and the sabbath drew on. And the women that were come with him from Galilee, following after, saw the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And returning, they prepared spices and ointments; and on the sabbath day they rested, according to the commandment.
(continued)
April 19th
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Easter Eve — The Entombment
Read St. Luke xxiii. 50-56
And behold there was a man named Joseph, who was a counsellor, a good and just man, (the same had not consented to their counsel and doings;) of Arimathea, a city of Judea; who also himself looked for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And taking him down, he wrapped him in fine linen, and laid him in a sepulchre that was hewed in stone, wherein never yet any man had been laid. And it was the day of the Parasceve, and the sabbath drew on. And the women that were come with him from Galilee, following after, saw the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And returning, they prepared spices and ointments; and on the sabbath day they rested, according to the commandment.
(continued)
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