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Showing posts with label Mass. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mass. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Dear St. Jehanne, dear Jehanne, speak through me.

 

St. Jehanne is my patron saint and a great and dear friend. She has helped and encouraged me with incredible graces, comforts and affirmation, which she has brought to my life, particularly over the last four years in my journey of discernment as a Catholic Christian. She has helped me grow so much closer to our Lord Jesus Christ. In preparation for St. Jehanne's Feast Day (May 30), I encourage all of my friends to pray a novena in her honor. Her novena begins on May 21 and can be found at the link below! Join me in bringing honor and glory to our Lord through His patriotic and faithful maiden. Dear St. Jehanne, what splendid glory you have brought to our Lord! St. Jehanne, pray for us!

https://www.praymorenovenas.com/st-joan-of-arc-novena#:~:text=Oh%2C%20Jesus%2C%20grant%20me%20the,intercession%2C%20hear%20and%20answer%20me.

Dear St. Jehanne, dear Jehanne, speak through me.

Most Catholics are not given the opportunity to know the identity of their guardian angels. I have been given a great grace and blessing in knowing not just my guardian angel who is my patron saint but also one of my spiritual soul mates. She calls herself Jehanne when she speaks to me. And so I will do her the honor of addressing her in the way she desires. I fell in love with the dear Saint decades ago, years before even I became a Christian or a Catholic. You could say that I have always had a very close relationship to her. After I was baptized a Baptist Christian, I did not entirely understand the idea of Confirmation Saints. Still, even at this time, I felt a very strong bond to St. Jehanne. In spite of this, perhaps out of familiarity and comfort, I neglected her. I adopted St Christopher as a patron saint while in the years prior to my becoming Catholic. And then, once I had become Catholic, I found consolation within the embrace of many different saints. I was experimenting. Though it was an experimentation that was very fruitful. For some time, I asked dear St Germaine to protect and guide me. She has been and still is incredibly supportive. St Bernadette also sought to help me. St Therese, the Little Flower has, as she says she would, showered me with innumerable graces. I want to emphasize the fact that saints are our friends. They are not to be feared or ignored. They are desirous to help and to pray for us. In the slow and drastic process of my own conversion, many saints have come to my aid. But through it all, Jehanne D’Arc of Domremy has always been there for me. Since I was a boy, she was whispering in my ear, calling to me to seek God, comforting me in trauma and trial, assuring me that things will get better. I know it to be true. Even though at the time, she did not reveal her identity, I know it was her.

Still, my relationship as it is now, with dear Jehanne began only four years ago. It was during my time at a religious community that she began to communicate with me directly. I will never forget the day that she told me that she was overjoyed to be my guardian angel. The communication that I have been receiving in my life has been constant. Throughout my childhood, the voices were there primarily to comfort me through trauma, through sorrow. I am convinced that, if we all thought hard and long enough about it, we would – the lot of us – find that God and His soothing angels spoke to all of us in childhood with real communication during our more difficult times. Admonishing us gently for the times we chose sin over Him. Encouraging us when we were being hurt. But, this is simply a hunch. I had many spiritual experiences during that coma. But Jehanne, during all of my youth and young adulthood, was quiet. In terms of direct communication, that is. She awoke within my soul, within my heart during the first weeks I was at the religious community. Her voice began quietly and fearfully. I could tell from the beginning that she was very sad. Still, there was an incredible and vibrant hope in her voice. She always believed in me. And in spite of her silence, I believe that she has always been present. She is responsible for bringing my soul into paradise. And for that grace, I am so grateful. We are united in soul, Jehanne and myself. And there is no other I would want to usher me home. Every one of us is given a soul mate in this world. I have been given more than one. This is a grace, which has been given to me because of my childhood. I am blessed to have already met several of them. But this is about Jehanne. What she is doing for me is unspeakably marvelous. There are few words, which could tell of how compassionate, how docile and wonderful this girl is who I have come to know. This is about a young girl. A humble girl who offered her very life for her beliefs. One who offered everything for her God. One who was as human as the next, one who listened to music (she tells me the music she listened to does not exist any longer – but that it was fast and pleasant to dance to) – and one who loved life as much as any other beautiful child of God. I became Catholic late in my life. At my Confirmation, I was not given Confirmation Saint. During my time at the religious community, my Spiritual Director prayed for me to accept Jehanne as my special patron.

So, this is not really an essay. It’s not really an article. I am simply writing. I will say, I did a bit of research about her life in preparation of writing this. I will do my best to source the material of my research. You must know that the research of my heart began years ago. I am simply doing as I have been instructed. In faith. Knowing that someday, you will see just how incredibly precious this woman truly was. In the time I spent at this community, one of the members recommended me to read Mark Twain’s novel about her life. I picked it up as quickly as I was able. In spite of the incredibly small amount of free time we had there, I consumed this novel very quickly. It was an incredible read. For me, reading this book animated the saint even more than the movies, which were made about her. For me, the book really emphasized her humanity. In this book, Twain writes a beautiful and powerful scene that is etched into my memory and heart. Apparently, he wrote the scene thinking of his own young daughter. The scene tells that Jehanne encountered some of the French soldiers under her capturing an enemy. The soldiers strike him a deadly blow while she is looking on. She is so distressed by this that she runs over, admonishes the soldiers and with this enemy’s head in her lap, mourns and sobs him to his death. For me, this scene truly captures the truth that Jehanne was simply a young girl. I hope to show, through integrated research, a general comparison of the lives of Jesus, our Lord and Saint Jehanne, as well as through personal revelation, that Jehanne is one of Church’s greatest of possessions and saints. That she always has been. I pray that Jehanne will come to be heralded with the praise, honor and glory that she truly merits. My assumption is that while you are reading this, you are familiar with the story of dear Jehanne.

What greater way for me to begin this piece than with a juxtaposition of the lives of Jesus our Lord and Joan the Maid of Orleans? For me at least, to me, the stories are impeccably similar. Worthy of investigating and contemplating further. To me, it’s easy to see the relationship between the mission of Jehanne of Arc and Jesus the Christ. The glory that our Lord brought forth with His life is alive and active. So much so that the Church makes the certain statement, in faith, that He is alive today. The Eucharist is veritably and truly the body and blood, soul and divinity of His being. And the Mass, in its proper form, is veritably and truly the spiritual re-enactment of the completeness of His life, His birth, culminating in His death. Jehanne also brought glory to God with her life and death. However true this may be, Jehanne’s legacy was not received with as much vigor and wonder. It’s almost as if a force wanted to erase her from existence. As though, to acknowledge her greatness would in a way, acknowledge the capacity within ourselves to do the same thing over and over. Darkness wants to hide Truth. Darkness made the Jews of Christ’s time say, ‘We have no king but Caesar!’ in spite of the fact that the people had been asking God for a king to lead them for millennia. Darkness made the crowd ask Jesus, literally moments after He had fed the five thousand, what miracle He could do to prove His authority. Light endures. Love endures. Through it all, light conquers the darkness. Both the life of our Lord and the life of His maid in France served as the catalyst for dire and essential change in the world. The change that Jesus brought to the world is evident in the institution of the formation of the largest religion in the world, gathering the hearts of the faithful into this one, special place. At first glance, it may be easy to miss or overlook the impact that Jehanne’s life had. For me at least, when I was growing up, I definitely saw her for her faith and love in conviction. I never really knew the greater political-religious impact that she had through the mission that she was sent upon. With a bit of examination, one can begin to see the fact that without Jehanne, at precisely the time at which she arrived in France, the ideas of Catholicism and God Himself may have been eliminated from the social realm of Europe entirely. This is a fact that I, as a child, never even considered. I was not instructed about this when I learned about history’s greatest saint. How Jehanne turned influenced and saved the French nation is clear. At a time when the city of Riems, the site of regal crowning and ordination, was under control by the English, for Charles VII to be crowned as king was still impossible. As appointed by God to see the French Dauphin crowned, she was successful after a number of very successful battles. With this Riems was recaptured and Charles VII crowned King of France. The secularism and atheism of the time that were becoming socially dominant were evident in English politics. Here I offer no evidence or source. I simply was instructed to make this statement in faith that its purpose will be made clear. I posit that the global impact Jehanne had was not only socio-political. The events of her death also served as a wake-up call for people. At the time of her death, words were heard from the crowd along the vein, ‘May God have mercy on us for we are murdering a saint.’ Jehanne’s life – and death – stirred up the hearts of people. Once again, in the face of creeping atheism and secularism, Jehanne illustrated to Europe, to the world that love is greater. It is also evident, through this stirring of the heart, how Jehanne reclaimed Religion for love. The very cold nature of the trial itself illustrates the spiritual apathy and Pharisee-istic behavior of those who conducted them. Is it possible that God utilized this young girl to show us this fact? That religion has its place in love. Not condemnation. For our Lord Himself says, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’.

God chose St Jehanne to evangelize to a world that was losing its faith. To me, Jehanne’s word to the Church and its leaders is as important today as it was at the time of her mission. That word is ‘God must first be served’. And in this evangelization, there is evidence of another similarity between the lives of our Lord and the Maid. The mission of Jesus the Christ was always for the people. His desire was to show them God. To show them the love of God even at a point when, for every other person, there would no longer be any recourse to love. Jesus’ mission was to illustrate that God’s love is endless. But, so is His justice. Jehanne’s life was a reminder of this. Mutually, Jehanne’s mission was for the people. I am tempted almost to compare Jehanne to the divine family in that she was essentially immaculate. Yes, she was born in sin, as all else. But, her heroic virtue and chastity are evidence of this sinless nature. Witnesses at her rehabilitation, years following, would tell the truth of her life. They told of how she ensured that the soldiers under her care would always receive the sacraments. They told of her nearly impossible chastity and maintained purity in impossible circumstances. Jehanne’s life proves that God speaks and acts through anyone He wishes. Whether it be a simple, humble carpenter, a young maid, born in Jerusalem and consecrated from birth to the Lord. The lives of the prophets, which serve to remind us, pointing us toward Jesus, illustrate that direct communication with God is not only possible but quite common. God is not some distant entity. He desires abundantly to be a part of our world as though He were one of us. It’s really quite beautiful: God’s desire to interact with us. He desires to participate in our world like He were a member of our family. Of course, the best illustration of this would be the fact that, after sending prophet after prophet, He decided to come to earth Himself. This direct communication is strongly evident in the life of dear Jehanne. As Jehanne herself once said, ‘Of course God speaks to me through my imagination. How else would He speak to me?” God reveals Himself to whom He chooses. Though, it takes an act of faith to believe them when they speak. The faith of a child. Let us not condemn or belittle people for speaking to God. As Jehanne herself also says, “Why are you punishing me for talking to God?” In order to actively participate within the world He created, God chooses vessels, chosen instruments through which He lavishes graces. This concept is not new. Nor is it void because we are living in New Testament times. God chose Paul to proclaim His Word. Merited, the Church is the new vessel through which divinity and the spiritual are contemplated, spoken and interpreted. Even Jehanne never challenged the authority of God’s priests. As is evident in the life of St Jehanne D’Arc, at times, the world, even the Church needs some help. A point in the right direction.

I wonder what would have been an appropriate response from Church authorities during Jehanne’s time. Of course, religious leaders have a grave responsibility to guard and preserve faith. In no way is this an insult against even the leaders of Jehanne’s time. On the contrary, their plight must be easily sympathized with. However, it was the same during the days of our Lord. I fain, it’s almost as though, in spite of overwhelming evidence and even miracles, the guard of only a few of these defenders became even more rigid. What is the ultimate purpose of the Church Militant but to discern the true will of God? With this in mind, should not leaders be concerned ultimately with love? Not power, not envy, not authority. I would wonder what the world would look like had the Church recognized her greatness when she was alive. It should be noted here that in fact, the Church Militant did recognize her greatness at Poitiers when an ecclesial, Catholic assembly asserted that her revelations were indeed from God. Somehow, I think, even in the case that the Church had recognized her greatness, she would have submitted to the Church and to world authorities. She was not really a threat to the Church or to France. In fact, she was always obedient to the Church. Except about her revelations. For Jehanne, what she stood for was always greater than simply power or authority. She wanted to do the right thing. She simply wanted to do the will of God. My words are not a condemnation against anyone. However, maybe Jehanne teaches us that when authority is corrupt, we need not obey this authority. Again, it’s not a loaded statement. Jehanne submitted and obeyed even though her true obedience lay with Christ alone. Jehanne is the only saint who was ever both condemned by the Church and then canonized. This is a thought collected from a couple of sources in my research. And, this thought is significant because it contains within itself the greatest similarity between her life and the life of the Lord. Both Jehanne and our Lord were condemned to death by the religious authorities and later, recognized for their greatness. They kind of stand alone in their spiritual enormity. They are both beacons of enormous light. This similarity between them contains the proof of her greatness. Her authority was always higher than anything on earth.

The life of this dear saint illustrates the sinfulness of man. It is an inherited trait. One of which, for the same reason, God Himself, as He hung upon a cross, uttered the words, ‘Forgive them for they do not know what they are doing’. To a degree, we are all less culpable for even our worst sins than human justice desires it to be. At the same instant, we must be aware that while we cannot always know fully the weight of our actions, we do not all choose God. We are all born as children of God. But not everyone chooses God. Jehanne’s life is a perfect reminder and strong illustration of this fact. Even while, indeed, much has changed. Within the Church, within the influence of people’s hearts toward an inclination of love. This is where God is glorified. In that love. This is a strange paradox, I think. Jehanne’s life was an illustration that just because you lead a holy life, doesn’t mean life will be good. This realization holds poignant significance for me. For one as sinful as I, who once nurtured and allowed to fester the belief that because I was living for God, I somehow deserved a good life. Merited, it is true that God desires all of us to have good, glorious and happy lives. Because of that original sin, it is evident that darkness seeks to extinguish the light. And life will not always be pleasant. But God makes good use of even the most sorrowful conditions. Like the burning of a young girl at the stake. Praise God for the fact that He is known for turning tables. In spite, Jehanne’s life and testimony offers a brief glimpse into the heart of God. Her life shows with firm and strongest conviction that love triumphs over darkness and evil. This is a sharp argument, no mistaking. It is reason for us always, every one of us, to see to be on the side of love. It is a reason for us to come to acknowledge the state of our souls before God in their natural state. That sin separates us from a completely Holy God. There is one bridge between us and God, even in the presence of this sinfulness. That bridge is Jesus, through the Church. Jehanne’s life, like that of the Lord’s, was offered as atonement, in love. ‘What greater love can one have, than to lay down his life for his friends?’ Jehanne’s life is a renewal of Christ’s love. It is more than that. Jehanne’s life is as a Christ-like figure. Her sacrifice is truly Christ-like. Entirely to show the love of God.

The movies I have seen about her life do not fully illustrate Jehanne’s greatness. In that, I was able to receive the most emotional connection from Twain’s rendition. I have always been troubled with movie portrayals of Jehanne being proud. In point of fact, this was an argument used against her in her trials. In point of fact, if Jehanne was sinfully proud – if she were at all sinful – it mitigates some of the blame and even maybe justifies the methods used against her. If she was sinful, she in a small way, merited the force used against her. No. The fact is that Jehanne was not proud and remained sinless (I choose here not to say immaculate) until the day of her death. This is a reason why she dreaded that she had lost her state of grace because she was disobedient to the spirits when she tried to escape confinement. I cannot even imagine how scared she must have been. Who could blame her for seeking a way of escape? She has revealed to me directly the circumstances of her confinement. There is no sin there on her part. She has also told me directly that she was indeed proud. But that it was not in the way her accusers made it sound. She was proud in God. And it is not sinful to be proud of a truth ordained by God.

Then, comes the matter of her miracles that she performed. Another manner in which the life of our Lord and that of the Maid’s life are similar is found in the truth that each performed witnessed miracles of healing and of nature. The miracles of our Lord are recorded in the Holy Bible – within the Gospels. If you are reading this and you have not read the Holy Bible, I’ll tell you, it is a perfect place to begin. I also began my journey to faith by reading and meditating on the Holy Word of God. I find it almost remarkable that the miracles that Jehanne performed are not as well-known as they ought to be. One would think, after hearing of her deeds, they would be as legend as those of any other remarkable Biblical figure. Our Lord says, ‘Those who come after me, will perform greater deeds than the miracles that I perform’. Jehanne is a great example of the fulfillment of this quotation. I will be brief here because, in my research, I was not able to capture substantial information about some of these exploits. When one thinks of the life of St Jehanne, in terms of the miracles she gave, the most well-known example might be how, after being lost for a time that would have forgot itself, she rediscovered a sword. The location of this sword, belonging to her own patron saint, was revealed to her through divine revelation. Without this particular insight of the location of the item, it would have been literally impossible for her to locate it. Next, of course, is the almost genius military knowledge that she possessed. The key point in this, is that she never studied. This wisdom was given to her from somewhere, from something. What else could that something be if not the Holy Ghost Himself?

Because of her faith, she was truly a wonder of God. Jehanne’s conviction and faith were what legends are made of. Truly, the faith of this girl was beyond that of any other figure that comes to mind. Thinking of her, one is tempted to conjure images of Moses, having the audacity to believe that he could part the sea with his staff. The image of Elijah, when defending the God of Israel against the sorceresses of Baal, having the belief that he could command fire from heaven. Or the image of David possessing the otherworldly courage to challenge a Nephilim to a fight to the death. As a note here, Goliath was indeed a Nephilim. Movies, while they try their best, cannot possibly capture the truth of how large these creatures were compared to human beings. Anyways, regarding these Biblical figures and their faith, where does their strength come from? It cannot come from themselves. Had David trusted in his own strength, I am afraid the outcome of the story may have come out differently. This strength comes through faith in the One who can make all things possible. Jehanne, like an Old Testament prophet, trusted in her God. This faith offers a lesson. Perhaps, the greatest lesson that her life does serve to offer. Jehanne, through her childlike belief and conviction for truth and that through God, all things are possible, makes the words of Jesus absolute and unavoidable and undeniable. These words of Jesus are the words that, ‘If you have faith, you can uproot a mountain and tell it to go to the sea.’ Jehanne’s life demonstrates that through God everything can be done. In fact, it’s almost the culmination and perfection of this statement of our Lord’s. From my perspective at least. The faithful of God, in Truth, have been proving this fact for the world – as testimony – since the creation of the world. Jesus says, “Even if you choose not to believe me, how can you choose not to believe in the works that I do through my Father?” In the name of God, again, she was simply a young girl, with zero training. She was simply a girl who believed that God could make it happen. She was simply a girl, who through her conviction and faith, was able to impart that same charisma to a weary and tired army demoralized by enemy oppression and a dreadful loss at Agincourt some fourteen years earlier. Faith must be placed in action. Indeed, it is not a Biblical saying but Jehanne herself says it. There is immense truth in her words when she says, “Act and God will act.” Jehanne teaches the need to pray at all times. As well as the effect of praying at all times.

I found, in my humble and simple research, some references to the fact that Jehanne even influenced nature during battle. Even more astonishing, I found reference to the fact that she was believed to be the reason that a baby, dead for some three days, returned to life so that it could be baptized. These are her own words regarding the event, which support their historical accuracy: "I was told that the girls of the town were gathered before the statue of our Lady and wanted me to come and pray to God and our Lady to bring a baby back to life. So I went and prayed with the others. And finally life appeared in him, and he yawned three times. Then he was baptized, and soon afterwards he died, and was buried in consecrated ground. For three days, I was told, he had shown no signs of life, and he was as black as my jacket. But when he yawned his color began to come back. And I was on my knees there with the other girls, praying before our Lady." What an incredible miracle! Surely, the miracle is as attributable to the other women praying at the site. But, with the grace that had been given to Jehanne, it is hard not to connect the event to her presence. What greater evidence do we require to estimate the holiness of this beloved Maiden? This is a miracle, which unites her to near-divinity, under our Lord. What man has ever heard that dead tissue could return to life? It is unfathomable. On the contrary. With God, all things are possible.

Jehanne’s life demonstrates, through nearly impossible circumstances that chastity and purity are essential for the health of the soul. In the face of threat and violence, I imagine that Jehanne is the strongest example of saintly chastity and purity that we, as the Church possess. St. Dymphna may be a runner up. But, Jehanne’s life shows that purity from the world is a virtue to be nurtured, honored and valued. Her life also illustrates the incredible and remarkable effect that chastity and purity have. I find myself wondering, would this dear saint have been able to accomplish the feats that she did, had she not remained pure? A similar figure comes to mind in another young maiden, consecrated from birth to the Lord, betrothed to a carpenter, who was found with child before the marriage date. Would Mary have been in a disposition to carry the Son of God, had she not been completely pure and set aside? A point of Truth, it was because of her purity and nurtured chastity that she was given the grace to accomplish this. As with Jehanne, I simply wonder whether her purity was a state of grace, which positioned her in a place to receive the countless graces she merited. She is much more than a sexual and gender symbol. Though, I believe strongly that she would be honored to be considered a role model for any one group or people, we must not ignore the very strict faith and purity of this saint. “But to call Joan proto-feminist because she transgressed gender norms is like saying that David and Goliath is really about the virtue of child soldiers.” The American Conservative. The life of the saint demonstrates with perfection, the importance as well as the nearly miraculous effect of remaining pure. I, the author, can personally attest to this. I really only began healing from my own wounds once I had chosen complete chastity.

Jehanne has perhaps the most enthusiastic and charismatic ‘yes’ to the call of God since Our Lady. The most overlooked and important aspect of Jehanne’s life was that she was chosen by God. Above all else. However, her call, her life illustrates what it means to be called by God. What it means to be chosen by God. Yes, God desires our glory. In this glory, He Himself is glorified. If God’s will were unopposed, I really believe that every one of us would be living the happiest, glorious lives we could possibly imagine. We must remember that an enemy is prowling about the earth, searching for souls to devour. All the more reason to armour up. Jehanne revealed something else to me last night. I feel in a way, it was kind of a gentle rebuke against me. ‘Never forget the reason that people are chosen by God. This is to show people that He loves them.’ She said this to me as I went to bed. After, I reflected upon the words. They carried a deep meaning for me. Truth has always been of paramount value to me. Even at the expense of love. I have even coined a phrase (I don’t remember having heard it prior) that without love, truth is harsh. But without truth, love is foolish. Love and truth go hand in hand. Without one, the other ceases to exist. They almost possess a symbiotic relationship. But it’s true, isn’t it? What would the love of God be if He were not to uphold justice as well? The concept of an absolutely loving God is idolatry. To ignore God’s wrath is as to ignore His mercy. If there is no standard to which we are living, what would He need to have mercy for? Alas, thanks be to God, for His love (and mercy) are abundant. But isn’t this is the reason Jesus came to Earth? To bring justice for His little ones. To bring justice for His beautiful ones like Jehanne. This world, tainted by sin, does not always reward faith and love. Even amongst those who consider themselves religious. Jehanne was perhaps the next best example to our Lord of how darkness seeks to extinguish the light of life. Even through this, the beautiful girl’s heart remained untouched by the flames. She has the victory. Still, I think we often forget Jehanne’s humanity. We often forget, as though it were possible, that she was simply a very young girl. And perhaps the greatest argument used against her during her trial by her accusers, that she was simply a poor and ignorant girl, serves itself as God’s greatest argument that through faith all things are possible. Jehanne’s life is probably the most poignant example of how God chooses to use the weak, lowly and humble to confound the strong and powerful.

Jehanne is a beacon of light in the world. She is a source of angelic light. The heart of this girl was so cherished that it was ensured that it was untouched by the flames that engulfed her. In the Kingdom of Heaven, she is among – she is one of – the greatest. Do you know why this is? Yes, she was a holy and sanctified martyr. Yes, she was as pure as light from the midday sun. Her greatness is in her faith. In her obedience to the Lord Himself. What a degree of faith? Alas, her mission belonged to her and her alone. No one else could have accomplished it. I thank my God every moment for sending a post-Christ symbol of Christ in Jehanne and now for the awesome and incredible glory I see her crowned with in her proper place. Where she is at home. Let us seek to honor her on earth as she is in the Kingdom of Heaven! Let us offer her a more perfect vindication. The vindication that she deserves.

This is not an invocation to worship Jehanne or any other of the saints as gods. But by the name of God, man, we need to learn to give honor as it is due. Honor and even providing glory for His saints and martyrs hardly detracts from glory and honor offered to our Lord. On the very contrary, it is precisely because He is a good older brother – unlike the brother in the parable of the prodigal son – that He desires those who have also attained glory to be honored. Jesus is much less selfish than we believe. I personally believe that He is hurt when thousands of saints come to Him and few people on Earth blink. If only due to the ignorance that they were, in fact, saints! I am a very proud and firm Traditional Catholic, myself. I suppose the most unique difference of my own personal faith compared to the Faith I possess is that Traditional Catholicism is quite guarded and reserved in the sanctity of sainthood. There is value of Truth in this, certainly. Who am I? I possess no authority. I feel still, that if anything, the world needs more saints! I was reflecting in faith last night, about the children who are used by terrorists who strap bombs to them, sending them into crowded places. The dears’ simple and trusting love, just do as they are instructed. How could an adult ever possess the capacity to deceive them? Or to hurt them? Jesus. The horror. I wish I could get another glimpse of Heaven so that I could see these children seated in some high places of honor. For the children always see the face of God. The capacity for sainthood is endless. Our search for them should be endless as well. To glorify God! Can’t you see?! Simply imagine a world where saints were cherished, treasured and emulated instead of celebrities… Indeed, the saints have their glory in Heaven. They have the great honor – and what honor could be greater? – of having heard the Lord say to them ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’. But, why would not the Lord desire His good victors to receive the honor they merit? On earth as it is in Heaven. It’s kind of tantamount to spiritual sadism to deprive those saints of their wages. Don’t you think? I am not suggesting we celebrate each of them daily. I am not suggesting we create new forms of the Mass for them. Name of God. Just that we praise them, when it is fitting and right, for the work they accomplish for the Kingdom. Celebrate their lives! It’s kind of a purpose of this article. I am sorry if this work seemed pointed or critical of anyone. Particularly the religious leaders. It’s not my intention to criticize. It’s simply what’s on my heart. And what the saint speaks to me. I know she loves this world with a burning love. I sense that she is concerned for the direction it is taking. Sometimes, telling the truth is the most loving thing someone can do for you. This is the purpose of this article: To remind you that giving honor where it is due, which is a rudimentary concept of social physics, does not have to detract glory and honor from the Lord. If the statement ‘give honor where it is due’ is applicable on Earth with the people of Earth, how much more reasonable should it be for those on Earth in reference to those who have already won their race? If you think about it, why wouldn’t we honor those who have won? In fact, is it not contained within this truth the salvation of our culture? Of our world? Years ago, I wrote a novella, entitled “Producing Reality”. I also wrote an accompanying explanatory essay detailing why I wrote it. In the novella, (a genius satire, if I may say so), I illustrate the effect of mirroring and scripting of entertainment onto the culture. It is a simple thought. In the past millennia, who did people emulate? Who did they admire and seek to idolize? In century, millennia past, those objects of emulation were prophets, saints and social heroes like scientists or artists. In our culture at the moment, what we have is that our young are shown idols in movie actors and Hollywood celebrity and sports stars. This is not a spite against them. They are good at what they do. We must still ask, what is the long term effect this will have upon our culture? When children emulate gangsters and criminals because they are given the illusion of respectability or macho-ism, what effect will this have? Children need good models and heroes to emulate. It’s very simple. What greater place for heroes to be found than within both the Bible and the Book of the Saints? Jehanne, here, I am trying to prove, holds a place even higher than these. This does not serve to detract from the glory of even these. On the very contrary, the glory that we learn to offer one, serves to glorify the others. And certainly, the glory we offer the one, serves to glorify the Head. Who is Jesus Christ. Let us honor Jehanne on earth, with the same honor she possesses in the Kingdom of Heaven. It’s for and within our Lord, anyways.

Jehanne had me write out a very brief message that she has for people. I’m not asking you to believe. But Lord, show it to be true. I desire God to be glorified. But yes, I do desire Jehanne to be glorified so that our Lord can be glorified. This is what the beloved saint has to say: “I want people to know that I was only a young girl. The life and death I had, show how deeply original sin is rooted in the heart of people. I had a lot ahead of me. I had a lot of potential. Through the sacrifice of my body, God tried to show you how much He loves you. It was a renewal of the Cross. He wanted to remind you that love is greater than sin. We are all given an opportunity in life. We live by faith. I, too, was sent by Heaven. My cross was lighter than the Lord’s. Offer your suffering. It is of immense value. My mission was for France. Jesus also came strictly for the Jews. My mission, like that of Jesus, was really for the world. I want to tell you about the importance of purity. While it is an honor to be considered a hero by anyone, I want to tell you how important chastity is. Marriage is good. That is pleasing to God. Me, I was never given that grace. I would have if I could have. I did not want to die. But God’s will is the most important thing. I am not sad that I did die so young. The life I lived was lived for God. The death I died was glorious. It was seen as glorious from Heaven. From your side, what you saw was frightening. Do not be sad. Instead, praise God for my life. Learn from these holy examples you have in the saints. I wish people to know that I loved my tormentors. I prayed for them even as I was dying. I would have been so very small and simple if God had not made me into who I was. My heart is on fire for the world. It breaks my heart to see things the way they are. Always remember that leaders have responsibility for the people they lead. Jesus was the perfect leader because He loved His followers. It’s what I came to show Charles. Thanks God, in time, with time, Charles learned that. God loves you all very much. It breaks His heart to see the world in the state it is in as well. Keep faith that He will turn things around. My life, though I did not necessarily want it to be, acts as a warning. Many of those who had wronged me saw how they were wrong even hours after. I am sad. My only real and true desire in my life, and now, from Heaven, is to see Christ in His proper place as king of this world. It was not only Charles I came to crown. Because of me, Christ and Catholicism were restored to European life. Had this not have happened, Europe would have been lost. God saw this. He willed a different course. A similar thing is happening today. I simply pray that God will step in and show you truth. God will never give up on anyone of you while life remains in your spirit. In our lives, in our nations and in our world. But even in the Church, if He is not wholeheartedly served, that path grows crooked. God must be first served. Have faith. God will never let you down. He never let me down. God’s reward is so much greater than any that the tempter could pretend to offer. It is never too late to cry out for mercy. But that decision is yours. My heart is on fire for the truth. I pray that – I know that – God will show you truth. Real Truth. This will happen when He makes clear the intentions and end of the hearts of men and women. I did not really get to live a life of my own. In this I am connected to you (Here she was speaking of me, Jonathan). My life was entirely in service to God. Because of this, I am glad. But I do hope that God will give me another life. If He were to, I would give to Him and serve Him even more. To God be the glory!”

 

Sources:

The Holy Bible,

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Joan-of-Arc

Mark Twain – Joan of Arc: A Novel,

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/history-magazine/article/joan-of-arc-warrior-heretic-saint-martyr

https://www.mysticsofthechurch.com/2015/06/the-unique-spiritual-events-in-life-of.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfEaMg_mDSA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paut8nZagK0

https://www.theamericanconservative.com/the-real-joan-of-arc/

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Rosary of the Father


Our Father

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Ps 16:11) Hail Mary

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness. (Ps 30:11) Hail Mary

We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. (1 Jn 4:6,7) Hail Mary

And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (Jn 17:3) Hail Mary

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. (Jn 17:1-5) Hail Mary

I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. (Jn 17:7) Hail Mary

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. (Jer 29:11-13) Hail Mary

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (Jn 1:1) Hail Mary

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. (Isa 55:8) Hail Mary

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim 2:3,4) Hail Mary

Glory be

Our Father

I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. (Jn 5:30) Hail Mary

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. (Jn 3:36) Hail Mary

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (Jn 14:6) Hail Mary

He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. Is not this to know me? declares the Lord. (Jer 22:16) Hail Mary

I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart. (Jer 24:7) Hail Mary

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. (Jn 10:14,15) Hail Mary

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Gen 1:1) Hail Mary

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (Jn 1:12,13) Hail Mary

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? (Jn 14:9) Hail Mary

You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. (Ps 4:7) Hail Mary

Glory be


Our Father

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. (Isa 61:10) Hail Mary

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 Jn 4:8) Hail Mary

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Pet 3:9) Hail Mary

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (1 Jn 1:5) Hail Mary

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. (Isa 40:28) Hail Mary

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (Js 1:17) Hail Mary

This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. (Ps 18:30) Hail Mary

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. (Jn 4:24) Hail Mary

But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct. (1 Pet 1:15) Hail Mary

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. (1 Jn 5:3) Hail Mary

Glory be

Our Father

The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.” (Ex 34:6,7) Hail Mary

But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:7-10) Hail Mary

And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isa 6:3) Hail Mary

Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Mt 6:26) Hail Mary

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” (Rev 5:13) Hail Mary

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Ps 90:2) Hail Mary

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. (Jn 15:13) Hail Mary

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. (Ps 19:1-5) Hail Mary

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. (Heb 1:3,4) Hail Mary

And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.” (Gen 9:12-15) Hail Mary

Glory be


Our Father

“When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.” (Gen 9:16,17) Hail Mary

Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? (Job 38:4-7) Hail Mary

Do you know when the mountain goats give birth? Do you observe the calving of the does? Can you number the months that they fulfill, and do you know the time when they give birth, when they crouch, bring forth their offspring, and are delivered of their young? Their young ones become strong; they grow up in the open; they go out and do not return to them. (Job 39:1-4) Hail Mary

And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kg 19:11-13) Hail Mary

Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, till he should see what would become of the city. Now the Lord God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant. But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered. When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” But God said to Jonah, “Do you do well to be angry for the plant?” And he said, “Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die.” And the Lord said, “You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?” (Jh 4:5-11) Hail Mary

Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?” And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground. And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” (Gen 4:8-12) Hail Mary

And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” (Gen 3:8-10) Hail Mary

One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ep 4:6) Hail Mary

No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known. (Jn 1:18) Hail Mary

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Ps 27:1) Hail Mary

Glory be

Rosary of Christ our Lord


Our Father

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. (Cl 1:15) Hail Mary

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. (Mic 5:2) Hail Mary

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isa 7:14) Hail Mary

But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. (Isa 9:1,2) Hail Mary

Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. (Ps 8:2) Hail Mary

In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer. (Ps 109:4) Hail Mary

For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet (Ps 22:16) Hail Mary

But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah (Ps 49:15) Hail Mary

Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle! Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah (Ps 24:7-10) Hail Mary

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors. (Isa 53:5-12) Hail Mary

Glory be

Our Father

Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” (Jn 11:40) Hail Mary

And the angel answered 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. (Lk 1:35) Hail Mary

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Lk 2:1-7) Hail Mary

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” (Lk 2:8-12) Hail Mary

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Lk 2:14) Hail Mary

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 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” (Lk 2:22-24) Hail Mary

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (Lk 2:33-35) Hail Mary

And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him. (Lk 2:39,40) Hail Mary

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. (Lk 2:41-45) Hail Mary

After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents 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 searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. (Lk 2:46-52) Hail Mary

Glory be


Our Father

Then Jesus came l from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." (Mt 3:13-17) Hail Mary

On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (Jn 2:1-5) Hail Mary

Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. When the master 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 master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. (Jn 2:6-11) Hail Mary

And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” And he was preaching t in the synagogues of Judea. (Lk 4:42-44) Hail Mary

When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” (Mt 8:1-4) Hail Mary

And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” (Mt 8:23-27) Hail Mary

And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” (Jn 6:2-14) Hail Mary

Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” (Jn 11:40-44) Hail Mary

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. (Mt 17:1-8) Hail Mary

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” (Mt 26:26-29) Hail Mary

Glory be

Our Father

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (Lk 22:39-46) Hail Mary

And one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answered and said, “Stop! No more of this.” And He touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders who had come against Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against a robber? “While I was with you daily in the temple, you did not lay hands on me; but this hour and the power of darkness are yours.” (Lk 22:50-53) Hail Mary

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. (Isa 50:6) Hail Mary

So then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged (Jn 19:1) Hail Mary

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together 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!” And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. (Mt 27:27-30) Hail Mary

Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. 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 because of him today in a dream.” Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” And he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!” (Mt 27:15-23) Hail Mary

So he then handed Him over to them to be crucified. They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. There they crucified Him, and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between. (Jn 19:16-18) Hail Mary

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. (Lk 23:34) Hail Mary

And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with me in Paradise.” (Lk 23:42,43) Hail Mary

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things. (Lk 23:44-49) Hail Mary

Glory be


Our Father

Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. (Mt 27:65,66) Hail Mary

And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” (Mk 16:5-7) Hail Mary

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (Jn 11:25,26) Hail Mary

And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.” (Mk 16:6) Hail Mary

He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise. (Lk 24:6,7) Hail Mary

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. (1 Cn 15:3,4) Hail Mary

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.” (Mt 28:5,6) Hail Mary

Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. (Jn 20:8,9) Hail Mary

And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. (Jn 12:23-25) Hail Mary

And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. (Act 4:33) Hail Mary

Glory be

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Rosary of Justice and Protection


Our Father

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Mic 6:8) Hail Mary

Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause. (Isa 1:17) Hail Mary

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (Js 1:27) Hail Mary

A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge. (Pv 29:7) Hail Mary

Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him. (Pv 14:31) Hail Mary

But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. (Lk 11:42) Hail Mary

Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place. (Jer 22:3) Hail Mary

I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy. (Ps 140:12) Hail Mary

He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. (Deut 10:18) Hail Mary

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Rm 12:19) Hail Mary

Glory be

Our Father

For I the Lord love justice; I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. (Isa 61:8) Hail Mary

Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.’ (Deut 32:35) Hail Mary

“‘Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ (Deut 27:19) Hail Mary

If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be. (Deut 15:7) Hail Mary

You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor. (Lev 19:15) Hail Mary

But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? (1 Jn 3:17) Hail Mary

Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? (Js 2:5) Hail Mary

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” (Lk 4:18,19) Hail Mary

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Mt 6:33) Hail Mary

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. (Mt 6:24) Hail Mary

Glory be


Our Father

Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts. (Mal 3:5) Hail Mary

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.” (Zec 7:9,10) Hail Mary

But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. (Amos 5:24) Hail Mary

Therefore I have poured out my indignation upon them. I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath. I have returned their way upon their heads, declares the Lord God. (Eze 22:31) Hail Mary

He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. Is not this to know me? Declares the Lord. (Jer 22:16) Hail Mary

Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. (Isa 58:9,10) Hail Mary

Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. (Isa 30:18) Hail Mary

Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. (Ps 68:5) Hail Mary

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. (Rev 21:3) Hail Mary

Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you. (Js 5:1-6) Hail Mary

Glory be

Our Father

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ep 6:11) Hail Mary

You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah (Ps 32:7) Hail Mary

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Ps 46:1) Hail Mary

So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Heb 13:6) Hail Mary

No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord. (Isa 54:17) Hail Mary

You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip. (Ps 18:35,36) Hail Mary

Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. (Ps 16:1) Hail Mary

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent. (Ex 14:14) Hail Mary

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Pl 4:13) Hail Mary

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ - “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Mt 25:31-46) Hail Mary

Glory be


Our Father

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. (Pv 4:23) Hail Mary

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. (Ps 16:8) Hail Mary

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. (Ps 3:3) Hail Mary

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. (Pv 18:10) Hail Mary

For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? (2 Sm 22:32) Hail Mary

The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (2 Tim 4:18) Hail Mary

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. (Nah 1:7) Hail Mary

Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? (Mt 26:53) Hail Mary

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. (Pv 2:8) Hail Mary

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (Rev 7:16,17) Hail Mary

Glory be