Wednesday of Holy Week

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"And afterwards, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, said: 'I thirst.' Now there was a vessel set there full of vinegar. And they, putting a sponge full of vinegar about hyssop, put it to His mouth. Jesus, therefore, when He had taken the vinegar, said: 'It is consummated' and bowing His head, He gave up the Ghost" (John 19, 28-30).

Prelude:

In spirit take your stand beneath the cross of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and with profound respect and love hear His sacred words. 

Affections: 

O my beloved Saviour, Thou wilt empty to the very dregs the chalice of abasement and suffering offered Thee by Thy Father. To rescue me from hell, and to make me share in Thy heavenly bliss, Thou dost strip Thyself of all divine consolations, and plungest Thy soul into the abyss of the bitterest desolation. O sweetest Jesus, what sacrifices shall I, poor sinner, make in thanksgiving for such an incalculable benefit, such boundless love? Thou, O my Saviour, hast accomplished everything that could redound to the honor of Thy heavenly Father, and my sanctification. Permit me not to die without having achieved Thy merciful designs. Grant me a true hunger and thirst for Thy love and my perfection, that when departing this life I can say with assurance "Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit."

Jesus Mercy!  Mary Help!

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Tuesday of Holy Week - Jesus is mocked

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"And they passed by, blaspheming Him, wagging their heads and saying: 'Vah, thou that destroyest the temple of God and in three days dost rebuild it: save thy own self; if thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.' In like manner also the chief priests, with the scribes and ancients, mocking said: 'He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross and we will believe in Him'" (Matt. 27, 39-42). 

Prelude:

Behold our Blessed Saviour on the cross, suffering the most excruciating torments, mocked and blasphemed by the passers-by.

Affections: 

O Blessed Saviour, what lessons Thou impartest to me from the height of the cross! Thou endurest the most excruciating pain in Thy whole Body, and at the same time Thy Sacred Heart is satiated with opprobrium. Oh, that I would never forget that it was my sins of pride, of vain-glory and ambition that imposed upon Thee, my beloved Saviour, such a heavy sacrifice of atonement. I behold Thee, O Jesus, accepting all the bitterness of the contempt, the reviling and the pains, in order to present to me the sweetness of Thy mercy and love. I pray Thee, let the sentiments of Thy Heart pass over into mine,-give me a truly humble and contrite heart, that I may be made worthy to participate in the blessed fruits of Thy prayer and learn of Thee to be patient and forbearing with others. 

Jesus Mercy!  Mary Help!

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Monday of Holy Week - Jesus of Nazareth

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"And Pilate wrote a title also, and he put it upon the cross. and the writing was: Jesus of Nazareth, The King of the Jews. And it was written in Hebrew, in Greek, and in Latin" (John 19, 19-20).

Prelude:

In spirit take your stand beneath the cross and read Pilate's inscription.

Affections: 

Profoundly I adore Thee, O Jesus of Nazareth, my Saviour and Redeemer, Whose death is the source of our life, and tender Thee the homage of humble reverence and heartfelt gratitude. Thou art truly Heaven's King, the King of the humble and lowly, who turn to Thee by sincere compunction and penance, call in upon Thy holy name. Would that I could say that Thou art in truth the Ruler of my heart, that I have immolated all to Thee that I am and have! O my crucified Jesus, prostrate at Thy feet I pray Thee: Take possession of my heart and annihilate therein whatever is opposed to the power of Thy love. Conquer the hearts of all men, O divine King, that all may be subject to Thy sweet reign and one day be found worthy to enter the kingdom of Thy eternal love and glory. 

Jesus Mercy!  Mary Help!

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Christ's Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem

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"And on the next day, a great multitude that that was come to the festival day, when they had heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet Him, and cried: 'Hosanna blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel," (John 12, 12-13)

Prelude:

Behold our Blessed Savior, hanging on the cross, stripped of His garments.Jesus entering Jerusalem triumphantly mid the shouts of acclamation of the multitudes. 

Affections: 

O Divine Redeemer, King of Eternal Glory, even before the combat Thou wouldst celebrate a glorious triumph, to teach us that Thou wert by no means coerced to suffer, but didst go into death as to a feast of rejoicing, of Thy own free Will, for the honor of Thy Father and our salvation. Such was the power and might of Thy infinite love! Thou wouldst not enter Jerusalem in pomp and power, as an earthly monarch, but meek and gentle, as the Conqueror of sin and death, as the Prince of Peace, the Ruler of hearts, in which Thou wilt establish the kingdom of Thy mercy and grace. How good art Thou to the truly humble and obedient! How gladly dost Thou enter their hearts? Cleanse my heart, O Lord, of all sin and take from it every inordinate affection, that Thou canst fully possess it, and rule therein as Thou reignest in heaven and in the hearts of all the Faithful on earth. 

Jesus Mercy!  Mary Help!

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Saturday - Soldiers cast lots for the Garments of Jesus

"The soldiers therefore, when they had crucified Him, took His garments (and they made four parts, to every soldier a part, and also His coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.  They said then one to another: 'Let us not cut it, but let us cast lots for it, whose it shall be:' that the Scripture might be fulfilled, saying: 'They have parted My garments among them, and upon My vesture they have cast lots'" (John 19, 23-24). 

Prelude:

Behold our Blessed Savior, hanging on the cross, stripped of His garments.

Affections: 

What debt of gratitude do I owe Thee, my Jesus, for the sacrifice of infinite worth Thou didst make for my salvation! From the heights of Calvary, Thou didst see Thy sacred garments contemptuously falling a prey to the rude and vile rabble. Stripped of earthly goods, Thou wouldst depart this life in extreme poverty to make all men heirs to the rich inheritance of Thy Precious blood. O give us, Thy spouses, grace to fathom the lesson of love Thou wouldst impart in this mystery. Teach us to love and keep our holy vow of poverty in its original lustre, that our hearts, disengaged from earthly ties, may be imbued with Thy holy love, and possess Thee, their sole treasure in time and for eternity.

Jesus Mercy!  Mary Help!

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Friday - Mary at the Foot of the Cross

"Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His Mother, and His Mother's sister, Mary of Cleophas and Mary Magdalene" (John 19, 25).

Prelude:

Behold the Mother of Dolors standing beneath the cross, contemplating her beloved Son mid inexpressible anguish.

What Did Mary Suffer?

The prophet Jeremias had foretold that the martyrdom of Mary beneath the cross should be without its counterpart, when he said: "To what shall I compare thee, or to what shall I liken thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? To what shall I equal thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Sion? For great as the sea is thy destruction. Who shall heal thee?" (Lam. 2, 13) Though the martyrs endured great bodily torments, the unction of grace mitigated their sufferings. Mary's soul was afflicted, however, and her heart pierced by the sword of sorrow but no ray of consolation lightened her grief. Denied the comfort of offering Him the slightest alleviation, she beheld her only beloved Son die amid inexpressible torments. She heard Him complaining of thirst, and dared not offer Him the least refreshment. Her maternal heart, which, like none other on earth, beat in love for her Son, must have felt deeply the pain of sympathy whose demands she durst not heed. As her love was immeasurable, so was her compassion.

     Let us seek to penetrate the immensity of our Blessed Mother's anguish and pray with Holy church: "Holy Mother, pierce me through; in my heart each wound renew of my Savior, crucified." Let us confess in all humility that our sins, the cause of the passion of Christ, were the cause of her martyrdom. Let us entreat Mary with all the ardor of our soul, by the merits of her sighs and tears, to obtain for us true contrition for sin. How gladly will this compassionate Mother apply to us the merits and fruits of the death of Jesus! How gladly will Mary assist us in the struggle against sin, and fortify us in the sorrows and tribulations of this mortal life, since for love of us she sacrificed her beloved Son!

Affections: 

O Mary, queen of Martyrs and Mother of Mercy, I thank thee with my whole heart for the inexpressible anguish thou didst endure beside the cross of Thy Divine Son. For the salvation of my soul thou didst immolate thy beloved Son, who was infinitely dearer to thee than life itself. Let me never forget thy great, heroic love. And yet, I am ashamed of my timidity and cowardice at sight of the cross! Divine love, which permeated thy heart and wounded it so deeply, gave thee the strength to bear such immense sufferings. Obtain for me a spark of this strong, magnanimous love, that in my slight sufferings I may persevere courageously with thee at the foot of the cross and consider participation in thy sufferings a source of honor and happiness.

Resolution: In all my sufferings and reverses I will beg the Sorrowful Mother to imbue me with her holy sentiments.

Spiritual Bouquet: "Heart transpierced with pain and woe, set my heart with love aglow."

Jesus Mercy!  Mary Help!

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March 25 - Feast of the Annunciation

 

"Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word" (Luke 1, 38).

Prelude:

Picture the Blessed Virgin Mary in her chamber at Nazareth, flooded with heavenly light, and the angel announcing to her the heavenly message.

Affections: 

O Mary, exalted Queen of Virgins, I thank thee with all my heart for the love thou didst bestow on mankind by consenting to be the Mother of God. Entreat for me and all my companions in religion the love of holy virginity that filled thy heart. Obtain for us, likewise, the spirit of sacrifice that animated thee when thou gavest thy consent to become the Mother of the Redeemer, even though it meant to enter upon the path of life-long sufferings as Mother of Sorrows; help us never to shirk any hardship or trial required for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. In imitation of thy sublime example we will refuse God nothing that He asks of us, and with sentients of whole-hearted, loving abandonment to the Will of God and utter denial of self, we will ever say: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word,"

Resolution: I will refuse God no sacrifice today and deny myself in those things, particularly, which are contrary to nature.

Spiritual Bouquet: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word. 

Jesus Mercy!  Mary Help!

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35th Day - Of Our Following Jesus on The Way of The Cross

"And as they led Him away, they laid hold of one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country; and they laid the cross on him to carry after Jesus. And there followed Him a great multitude of people, and of women, who bewailed and lamented Him" (Luke 23, 26-27).

Prelude:

In spirit follow your cross-laden Savior through the streets of  Jerusalem. Simon of Cyrene is forced to help Jesus carry His cross, and the women of Jerusalem compassionate the Savior.

Affections: 

I thank Thee, O my beloved Savior, for having called me in Thy infinite love to follow Thee more  perfectly on the way of the cross, as it were, to enter into Thy footprints. Oh, that as Thy true spouse, I would carry the cross of poverty, humiliations, and renunciation and thus merit to have Thy sacred, suffering Image impressed indelibly upon my soul! O my Savior, grant that my fidelity may sweeten the bitterness of Thy anguish, and let me share in all the graces Thou hast merited for us on Thy painful journey to Calvary. 

Resolution: I will prove my gratitude for the inexpressible sufferings of Jesus, by courageous self-control, and by tender compassion with my fellow religious and those entrusted to me.

Spiritual Bouquet: "Far be it from me to glory save in the cross of Christ."

Jesus Mercy!  Mary Help!

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34th Day of Lent - Jesus Carries His Cross

"They took Jesus and led Him forth. And he bore His cross" (John 19, 16-17)

Prelude:

Behold Jesus, laden with the heavy cross, advancing wearily and sinking several times under the burden.

Affections: 

O most affable Jesus, to what excess has Thy immeasurable love impelled Thee! I behold Thee, laden with the heavy cross, exhausted unto death, pale, ascending Mount Calvary. O holy cross, on which my Savior, with so much love and inexpressible exhaustion, carried the heavy burden of my sins, I salute Thee and with tenderest gratitude reverently embrace Thee. For Thee, O Savior of the world, Son of the Most High, the cross was an abasement; I, however, a miserable sinner, have deserved it. It will be honorable for me to carry the cross of affliction and renunciation and thus to follow perseveringly in Thy footsteps. Grant me the grace, O Jesus, to embrace my cross generously, mindful of the words: "And he that taketh not up his cross and followeth Me is not worthy of Me" (Matt. 10, 38).

Resolution: If I find it difficult to make a sacrifice demanded of me, I will take courage in the thought that Jesus has gone before and merited grace for me to follow in His footsteps.

Spiritual Bouquet: "If any man will come aftger Me, let him take up his cross and follow Me."

Jesus Mercy!  Mary Help!

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The 33rd Day of Lent - Jesus is Condemned to Death

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"And Pilate, seeing that he prevailed nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, taking water washed his hands before the people saying: 'I am innocent of the blood of this Just Man; look you to it.' And the whole people answering said: 'His blood be upon us and upon our children' " (Matt. 27, 24-25).

Prelude:

Picture Pilate seated on an elevated platform, surrounded by the surging masses. Behold our beloved Savior Who delivers Himself up to him who unjustly condemns Him. 

Affections: 

 

Thy Sacred Blood, O Jesus, come upon me and cleanse me of my sins and evil inclinations. May it inflame me with that holy love wherewith Thou hast loved me, and renew in me Thy divine image. O my beloved Savior, by Thy perfect immolation, whereby Thou didst abandon Thyself to the caprice of Thy enemies and didst suffer Thyself to be unjustly condemned to the most ignominious death, grant me the grace to surrender myself forever, without reserve, to Thee, my God, to Thy wisdom, Thy power and Thy faithful love. Thy love alone shall henceforth live in me and control me, so that I can say in truth, with the Apostle of the Gentiles: "I live, now not I, but Christ liveth in me" (Gal. 2, 20).

Resolution: I will strive energetically to control my evil inclinations and gladly sacrifice self in the interest of my neighbor.

Spiritual Bouquet: " He delivered Himself to him who unjustly condemned Him."

Jesus Mercy!  Mary

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Passion Sunday - The 32nd Day of Lent

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"Which of you shall convince Me of sin? If I say the truth to you, why do you not believe Me? He that is of God, heareth the words of God. Therefore you hear them not, because you are not of God. The Jews therefore answered and said to Him: 'Do not we say well that Thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?' Jesus answered: "I have not a devil: but I honor my Father and you have dishonored Me'" (John 8, 46-50).

Prelude:

Behold Jesus in the Temple at Jerusalem and reverently hear His sacred words addressed to the assembled Jews.  

Affections: 

 

O my Jesus, permit me not one day to hear from Thee the reproach of having sought my own honor and not Thine! Preserve me from such a misfortune, sure to come upon Thy unfaithful spouses. I will employ solely for Thy honor all the graces and gifts which Thou so generously hast bestowed on me. In all my thoughts, words, and actions, I will seek Thy divine pleasure. Live and reign in my heart, O Jesus, with all the power of Thy love. Blot out every stain of sin, every affection and love incompatible with Thy holy love. Grant that I may listen to Thy words with humility and reverence, and persevere to the end in Thy holy service, through the faith discharge of my duties.

Resolution: In all my actions I will seek to please God alone.

Spiritual Bouquet: "I seek not My honor, but the honor of Him Who sent Me." 

Jesus Mercy!  Mary Help!

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Saturday - The 31st Day of Lent

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"Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith to them: 'Behold, I bring Him forth unto you, that you may know that I find no cause in Him.' Jesus therefore came forth, bearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment. And he saith to them: 'Behold the Man!'"  (John 19, 4-5).

Prelude:

Behold our Blessed Lord, covered with blood and wounds, wearing the purple cloak and the crown of thorns, as He mounts the steps of the tribunal, exposed to the gaze of the multitude.

Affections: 

 

O humiliated and patient Lord, how unfathomable are the mysteries of Thy love! How can I sufficiently praise and extol Thee! What are my sentiments on beholding my Savior suffering such torments? Can I behold this marvel of love and not be inflamed with an ardent desire to make some return? Must not my heart be filled with sorrow for my sins, which have thus horribly disfigured the comeliest, the holiest and most affable of the sons of men? Let me realize Thy infinite greatness, O my Jesus, that in the mirror of truth and holiness, I may know myself and through this knowledge and the co-operation with grace, let me die to self to live wholly for Thy love.  

Jesus Mercy!  Mary Help!

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March 19 - Feast of St. Joseph

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"Joseph, her husband, being a just man" (Matt. 1, 19)

Prelude:

Picture St. Joseph laboring in the little dwelling at Nazareth, and finding his joy and happiness in prayer and in intimate intercourse with Jesus and Mary.

Affections: 

 

O glorious St. Joseph, foster-father of my Lord and Savior, who was worthy to be so highly exalted by God, with Holy Church I congratulate thee on thy blessed election. By thy love for Jesus and Mary, help me faithfully to follow the inspirations of grace, and to sanctify all my actions by a pure intention. May my eyes, as were thine, be constantly directed to Jesus and Mary, that here on earth their company may be my sweetest delight and in heaven my eternal reward. Remember, O St. Joseph, that daily we call on thee for ourselves and for those who are in their death agony: Jesus, Mary, Joseph, assist us in our last agony!

Jesus Mercy!  Mary Help!

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Thursday - The 30th Day of Lent

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"And stripping Him, they put a scarlet cloak about Him. And platting a crown of thorns, they put it upon His Head and a reed in His right hand. And bowing the knee before Him, they mocked Him, saying: 'Hail, King of Jews'" (Matt. 27, 28-29).

Prelude:

Again, in spirit, enter the inner court of the House of Pilate; the rude soldiers in derision clothe Jesus with a purple cloak and crown Him with thorns. 

Affections: 

 

Thou, my beloved Savior, deserves not to wear the crown that wounded Thy sacred head so deeply; no, it is meet that I who have so often offended Thee should wear it. Thou didst will then, O Jesus, to atone for my sins, to redeem me from eternal pain. Thou wouldst teach me by thy example what honor to seek in this world. Thy thorny crown, O Eternal  King, is a crown of humility and compassion. It impresses upon me forcibly the duty of mortification and self-denial.

     Grant, O merciful Savior, by Thy infinite love, which urged Thee to suffer so much for me, that henceforth I think of nothing, desire nothing, and seek nothing but to love Thee with my whole heart, and daily to grow in this love. 

Jesus Mercy!  Mary Help!

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Wednesday - The 29th Day of Lent

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"Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him" (John 19, I).

Prelude:

Behold the inner court of the house of Pilate, and the pillar of the scourging to which Jesus was bound. 

Affections: 

 

My Jesus, how exceedingly great was the sacrifice Thou didst make to Thy father for my salvation! Who could count the wounds inflicted upon Thee, Thou meekest Lamb of God, by the cruel scourging! What infinite love must have filled Thy Sacred Heart, when Thou didst will to bear such pain to merit pardon for me and for all sinners! Never can we fully appreciate the love of  Thy merciful Heart. When I contemplate Thee, O Jesus, at the pillar of scourging, can any sacrifice Thou askest of me be too great? O my loving Savior, Thou hast loved me and delivered Thyself for me! Give me grace to immolate myself incessantly by constant labor and mortification, as a living holocaust to Thy love.

Jesus Mercy!  Mary Help!

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Tuesday - The 28th Day of Lent

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"And he said to them the third time: 'Why, what evil hath this man done? I find not cause of death in Him. I will chastise Him therefore and let Him go'" (Luke 23, 22).

Prelude:

Behold our beloved Savior standing in silence before the unjust judge, who declares Him innocent, nevertheless, orders Him to be scouraged. 

Affections: 

 

O my Jesus, Thou hadst done only good, and overwhelmed us all with benefits, and yet Thou must immolate Thyself for love of us. What gratitude do I owe Thee for such love! And yet, with what coldness and indifference have I requited Thy love. Alas, I have done little good, but much evil. I deserve the punishment that Thou, O my Savior, so unjustly didst take upon Thyself. In profound humility and confusion, I confess that I have well deserved all the sufferings Thou sendest me and far greater ones. I will deem myself happy in being permitted to suffer patiently little things for love of Thee. Strengthen me by Thy saving grace. 

Jesus Mercy!  Mary Help!

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Monday - The 27th Day of Lent

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"Pilate saith to them: 'What shall I do then with Jesus, that is called Christ?' They say all: 'Let Him be crucified!' The governor said to them: 'Why what evil hath He done?' But they cried out the more, saying, 'Let Him be crucified?'" (Matt. 27, 22, 23).

Prelude:

Behold Jesus before the tribunal of Pilate, and the multitude clamoring for His death.

Affections: 

 

O Savior of the world, to what shame and bitterness have my sins reduced Thee! To what anxiety and sorrow! They are the cause of Thy death. Oh, vouchsafe me Thy almighty grace, that my sins may be nailed to the cross with Thee according to the words of the Apostle: "Our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin may be destroyed." (Rom. 6, 6). How long yet O Jesus, will I contemplate Thy sufferings before my heart, wounded by Thy love, will die to self, to live henceforth for Thee alone, my God and my All!

Jesus Mercy!  Mary Help!

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Sunday - The 26th Day of Lent

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"When Jesus herefore had lifted up His eyes, and seen that a very great multitude cometh to Him, He said to Philip: 'Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?' And this He said to try him; for He Himself knew what He would do. Philip answered Him: 'Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one may take a little.' One of His disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, saith to Him; 'There is a boy here that hath five barley loaves and two fishes; but what are these among so many?' Then Jesus said: 'Make the men sit down.' Now there was much grass in the place. The men therefore sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves: and when He had given thanks, He distributed to them  that were sitting down in like manner also the fishes, as much as they would" (John 6, 5-11).

Prelude:

Behold the Apostles distributing the miraculously multiplied bread to the people.

Affections: 

 

O Jesus, King of heart! How infinite is Thy goodness, how unbounded Thy power! How gladly dost Thou exercise both in favor of those who forget all to follow Thee! Am I not far happier than the multitude who followed Thee and for whom Thou didst work so great a miracle? Thou dost not nourish me with only perishable bread, but with the Bread of Eternal Life. May my fervor in preparing for Holy Communion rival the fervor of the multitudes who followed Thee in the desert! May thy chosen spouses never be wanting in gratitude for Thy boundless love! May we all be devoted to Thy Divine Heart with perfect trust and unselfish love, and thus be made worthy to win souls for Thee.

Jesus Mercy! Mary Help!

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The Montfort Way

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Mary, and the place of Mary, as depicted by Louis de Montfort, and with him the Saints and doctors of the Church, are so immense as to tend to overwhelm. It is variously said of her that she is so far above other creatures that she has nothing entirely in common with them; that she represents an ineffable miracle of the Almighty, approaching as nearly to God as created nature can, exalted above all human and angelic eulogies; that she almost touches the borders of the infinite; in fact that there is in her something of that infinite perfection which belongs properly to the fruit of her womb; that even she herself does not comprehend her own greatness; that God has conferred on her a species of omnipotence, the omnipotence of a supplication which is always heard; that it is by her, and to whom she pleases, when she pleases, and in the quantity and manner she pleases that all the gifts and virtues and graces of the Holy Ghost are administered; that she is the arbitratrix of the salvation of each one of us. So many, so grand are the things that are said of her that not only do those outside the Church profess themselves outraged, but even a majority of those inside take it for granted that these things represent pious exaggeration. 

But mark it well: Mary is part of the essence of the Faith. Lack of appreciation of her role is defect in faith; and defect in faith means impoverished spiritual living.  

Prayer:

Dear Mother Mary, you are favored more than all other women on earth, for in the presence of our God you have aided us in our weakness. Rule over us, you and your Son Jesus, because you have freed us from the hands of our enemies!  Hail Mary . . .

Jesus Mercy! Mary Help!

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Saturday - 25th Day of Lent

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"And Pilate calling together the chief priests and the magistrates, and the people, said to them: 'You have presented unto me this Man-and behold, I having examined Him find no cause in this Man, in those things wherein you accuse Him-nor Herod neither. But you have a custom that I should release one unto you at the Pasch; will you then therefore, that I release unto you the King of the Jews or Barabbas?' Then cried they all again, saying: 'Not this Man, but Barabbas'" (Luke 23, 13-15).

Prelude:

With tenderest compassion and profound reverence, behold Jesus, standing silently before the populace, who desire His death and prefer to Him a vile criminal.

Affections: 

 

O Spotless Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world, how incomprehensible was the shame heaped upon Thee when Pilate dared to compare Thee, the infinite Sanctity and Majesty, with Barabbas, the most wretched of criminals! Yet how much greater was Thy abasement when the whole people preferred him to Thee! Thus, my dear Savior, to restore fallen man to the image of His Creator Thou wouldst suffer such abasement. Thus Thou wouldst, likewise, atone for my ingratitude, my folly, and faithlessness in esteeming the sweet yoke of Thy love but lightly and choosing rather what might effect my destruction. Pardon my blindness and infidelity, O Jesus, I renounce all affection for creatures, that I may possess Thee alone. Thou shalt henceforth, be the sole object of my love.

Jesus Mercy! Mary Help!

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Friday - 24th Day of Lent

 

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"And he questioned Him in many words. But He answered him nothing. And Herod with his army set Him at nought, and mocked Him, putting on Him a white garment and sent Him back to Pilate" (Luke 23, 9 - 11).

Prelude:

Behold Jesus, clad in a white garment at the court of Herod, mocked by the Jews.

Affections: 

 

O Eternal Wisdom, Divine Word! Thy love and the desire for our salvation pressed Thee so powerfully to endure all manner of interior and exterior sufferings, to be satiated with pain, ridicule, and contempt, as foretold by the prophet! O my Jesus, I, too, have often offended Thee and requited Thy infinite love with ingratitude. Pardon me, I beseech Thee, and punish me not as Thou didst punish Herod, by refusing to let me hear Thy adorable voice. No, my Jesus, do not remain silent, no matter how unworthy I am to hear Thy words of light and truth. Do not deprive me of Thy holy inspirations. Behold, I am ready to heed Thy voice, and to do whatever Thou wilt require of me. Grant me a true understanding of the folly of the cross, and let me be happy to endure with, and for love of, Thee the contempt, derision, and injustice of men, that Thou mayest recognize in me Thy true disciple. 

 

Jesus Mercy! Mary Help!

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Thursday - 23rd Day of Lent

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"And when He was accused by the chief priests and ancients, He answered nothing. Then Pilate saith to Him: 'Dost Thou not hear how great testimonies they allege against Thee?' And He answered them never a word, so that the governor wondered exceedingly" (Matt. 27, 14).

Prelude:

Behold Jesus silent, bound like a criminal before the heathen Judge.

Affections: 

 

O my Jesus, how great and sublime is the oblation of Thy holy silence, immolated to the heavenly Father for the salvation of the world! I pray Thee, by Thy infinite merits, grant me the grace never to abuse my tongue by sinful discourse. I repent of all sins and scandals of which I have been guilty in the past by misuse of my tongue. Oh, that in the hour of my death, not a single unnecessary, sinful word may be my accuser before the tribunal of Thy Majesty. Grant me the grace, O Jesus, to imitate Thy most adorable silence. 

Jesus Mercy! Mary Help!

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Wednesday - 22nd Day of Lent

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"Pilate therefore went into the hall again and called Jesus, and said to Him: 'Art Thou the King of the Jews?' Jesus answered: "Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or have others told it thee of Me?' Pilate answered: 'Am I a Jew? Thy own nation and the chief priests have delivered Thee up to me: What hast Thou done?' Jesus answered: 'My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would certainly strive that I should not be delivered to the Jews: But now my kingdom is not from hence'" 

(John  18, 33-37).

Prelude:

Behold Jesus in the court of Pilate.

Affections: 

 

O King of Eternal Glory, it is meet and just for Thee to be a King of this world also. But Thy infinite love rejects all earthly honors and possessions, because Thou wouldst set us an example of humility, wouldst encourage us to despise worldly honors and to strive for the possession of heavenly treasures alone. O Divine Teacher, let us realize that all is naught save to love God and serve Him alone. Teach us heavenly wisdom and truth, which treads all earthly things under foot. Whatever comes from God is truth - Thy holy doctrine, Thy commandments, Thy example, Thy wounds and Thy means of grace. Oh, may our lives ever accord with these truths, that walking in the truth here below, we may one day behold Thee face to face in Thy glory. 

Jesus Mercy! Mary Help!

jesusmercymaryhelp.blogspot.com

Tuesday - 21st Day of Lent

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"Then they led Jesus from Caiphas to the governor's hall and it was morning: And they went not into the hall, that they might not be defiled, but that they might eat the pasch.  Pilate therefore went out to them, and said: "What accusation bring you against this man?" They answered, and said to Him: "If He were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered Him up to Thee" (John 18, 28-30).

Prelude:

Behold Jesus, bound, on the way to the court of Pilate.

Affections: 

 

O Jesus, God of holiness, in what a condition Thou didst will to appear before men! In order to free me Thou didst take my sins upon Thee. O holy, pure, and spotless Victim, how pleasing Thou art to the Father! Thou alone canst take away the sins of the world and render bountiful satisfaction. What ignominy and sufferings our sins have caused Thee! With sentiments of the deepest gratitude we will accompany Thee, O Jesus, on the way of suffering and with Thee, willingly endure the hardships of life and the contempt of creatures, and thus be made worthy to participate in the merits of Thy sacred passion.

Jesus Mercy! Mary Help!

jesusmercymaryhelp.blogspot.com

Monday - 20th Day of Lent

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"And when the morning was come, all the chief priests and ancients of the people took counsel against Jesus that they might put Him to death" (Matt. 27, 1).

Prelude:

Behold how Jesus prays silently while His enemies maltreat and deride Him, and at break of day eagerly enters upon His passion. 

Affections: 

 

O my beloved Savior, that it had been possible for me to share Thy confinement in the prison during that night of bitter sufferings and afford Thee some slight consolation and alleviation in Thy bitter pains! Let me abide with Thee to console Thee, to make reparation, and to pray with Thee for sinners. O my beloved Savior, who didst long with inexpressible desire to die in order to give me life, I pray Thee enkindle in my heart the flame of a holy zeal, that it may encourage and reanimate me gladly to suffer for Thee in return. 

Jesus Mercy! Mary Help!

jesusmercymaryhelp.blogspot.com

Sunday - 19th Day of Lent

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"And He was casting out a devil and the same was dumb" (Luke 11, 14).

Prelude:

Behold this poor victim possessed by a devil, standing before Jesus: he is not able to speak, therefore others must intercede for him. 

Affections: 

 

My Savior and my God, make me prudent in conversation, and patient in silence. Preserve my tongue, which Thou hast consecratest by contact with Thee in Holy Communion, pure and untainted. Grant that I employ it in Thy service alone, for Thy honor and greater glory.

Jesus Mercy! Mary Help!

jesusmercymaryhelp.blogspot.com