The Three Acts of the Resurrection Story

Posted on by
5th April 2018 Allocutio
 
Spiritual Reading: Handbook page 294-295 points 13-16
 

The parish priests of St Helena Parish in Tangerang, Indonesia keep a few pet dogs. One of the dog approached a seated security guard looking exhausted with his tail drooping down. He rested his head on the security guard’s lap, and the security guard petted the dog’s head, rubbed his cheek and body for a minute or so with such great tenderness and love. Afterwards, the dog ran away leaping joyfully, looking refreshed, and wagging his tail to play with the other pet dogs.

There are 3 acts in this drama: the coming with burden, the being loved, and the going out joyfully. These 3 acts are similar to the 3 liturgical seasons that we had gone through and that we are going through now. We come and surrender our burdens to the Lord during Lent, being loved by Him throughout Holy Week, and being sent out to spread the joy of Easter in the Easter season and the ordinary time that follows.

Let us follow the drama from the point of view of the dog and reflect on the 3 acts.

In the first act, what burdens are we carrying now and what are we doing about it? Do our burdens include stresses at work or in school? Exhaustion from serving the Lord as a legionary? Dissatisfaction with out fruitless good works? Being angry at God for not freeing us from our bad habits despite our great efforts? Unforgiveness in the family or with friends?

In the second act, do we try to rely on our own power to carry these burdens/crosses in life? Do we give up hope in trying to be better? The Handbook says “No one is too bad to be uplifted”. Do we go to the Lord, as the security guard of our souls, and ask for help? Do we ask the Lord to renew us at every Mass to become better every time we participate in Mass? Do we savour the touching love from the Lord in our worship, prayer, and adoration?

In the third act, do we still dwell in past mistakes which has been totally forgiven by God? Do we joyfully share with others the love that we experienced as Easter people?

After encountering the petting on the head and loving rub from the Lord, we shall also reflect on the drama from the point of view of the security guard.

In the first act, are we availing ourselves and be ready to receive others that come to us with their burdens? Do we actively seek out the burdened and offer our shoulders to help carry their crosses in life? The Handbook says “Seek out and talk to every soul” in the active form and not be sought in the passive form.
 
In the second act, do our personal contacts become merely a work to fulfil obligation or do we “do small acts with great love” as St Teresa of Calcutta famously said. The Handbook also says that “the secret of influence is love”.
 
In the third act, have we changed peoples’ lives? Do we have the confidence that God will help us change people? The Handbook says “Not a single one of these encountered in visitation should be left on the same level as when found”.
 
This is what we are called to in the resurrection story. God rolled away the stone from Jesus’ tomb not for Jesus to come out, but for us to come in and experience the resurrection. We are invited to experience the 3 acts of the drama and we could be surprised on the renewal that we will have.
 
“Most people do not suspect what God could make out of them, if they would only place themselves at his disposal” – St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Being Set Apart for God through Personal Service

Posted on by
3rd November 2017
 
Spiritual reading: HB pg 67-68 Chap 11 Scheme of the Legion, Pt 1 Personal Holiness: The object and Means
 
Allocutio:
 
The word holy is defined in the dictionary as “morally and spiritually excellent”. This means that in order to be holy, we must put effort in striving for such excellence, and the initiative is with us to do so. However, if we trace back the etymology of the word to its Latin root, Sanctum; it means to be set apart and dedicated or consecrated to God. Here the initiative lies with God, who chose us to be specially set apart and dedicated to Him. He ordered it to be this way and gives us the power and graces to be set apart for Him. This applies for both things and persons. For example, we cannot drink our teh peng in the chalice which is specially set apart to contain the blood of Jesus in the Mass, a lump of clay in statues is specially set apart and given blessing to become a holy object, Marriage is holy because the husband and wife are exclusively set apart for each other, Priesthood is holy because the priest is exclusively set apart to serve God without withholding anything back.
 
Since the initiative for holiness starts with God, He is also the source and originator of all holiness. This means we need to remain close to Him to be holy. That’s why St John says “apart from me you can do nothing”. So what does holiness has anything to do with the Legion of Mary?
 
The object of the Legion of Mary is the holiness of its members, and the HB suggests that the means to achieve this holiness is personal service. In fact, this chapter is sandwiched between Chapter 10 (The Legion Apostolate) and Chapter 12 (The external aims of the Legion). Why did the HB propose personal service to holiness? I’d like to suggest that this could be one way to discover what we are set apart for and it is a way to express our dedication to God and produce fruits. But we are not to do any kinds personal service, but those that are discerned under the influence of the Holy Spirit, having Divine Grace as its moving principle and support, as without the Holy Spirit as a guide, we might miss the target of holiness, and without Divine Grace, we could not do effective personal service.
 
Why do we need to pursue holiness? The HB says that the final end and purpose is the Glory of God and the salvation of souls. We strive for holiness to glorify God because only in glorifying God we will be fully happy. And we strive for holiness to save souls, not just our own soul and the soul of others as well (notice the plural form of souls). This means that if we fail to become what we are supposed to be set apart for, some souls may not be saved.
 
Understanding now the immensity of our universal call to holiness, how do we strive for holiness through personal service? We can imitate the spirit of Mary. The HB in Chapter 3 (Immediately after explaining the object of the Legion in Chapter 2) says that the Spirit of the Legion is Mary herself, and goes on to highlight a number of virtues of Mother Mary. I will highlight the first 3 virtues which could help us strive for holiness through personal service:

  1. Profound humility

    2. Humility means having a good knowledge of oneself with its positive and negative aspects. In the Magnificat, Mary accepted God’s marvels that God has bestowed upon her when she proclaimed “The Almighty has done great things for me”; and at the same time realised that she is just a creature and not the Creator, when she proclaimed “He looks on his servant in her lowliness.” We too must not reject God’s gifts and talents in us and must discern how are we to be set apart with these God-given blessings.

  2. Perfect obedience

    3. She always says yes without any reservation or any selfish consideration (no but’s, no what if’s), and especially perfect in her yes to suffering: fleeing Herod to Bethlehem, missing Jesus in His public ministry, enduring the excruciating crucifixion. We too must learn to obey when it is difficult to obey, especially so when it brings discomfort to us or is contrary to our will. For example, Do we obey the rules of the Handbook? Do we heed the call to action from the priest’s homily every Sunday? Do we obey God’s promptings to be more fully dedicated and set apart for Him?

  3. Angelic sweetness

    4. Angels glorify God without ceasing and are God’s messengers; and we think about cookies, cakes, babies when we think about sweetness, indicating a beautiful masterpiece created out of love, and left us feeling in awe. Thus, Mary’s angelic sweetness is her ability to convey God’s masterpiece in herself and by doing so, glorify God. How have we been messengers of God’s beauty in us leaving others feel in awe of, not of ourselves, but of God’s abundant blessings in us? And by doing so conveys God’s goodness to others and glorifying God in return? How have imitated Mary’s angelic sweetness and projecting it in our daily behaviour so that other can see that there are something amazingly and positively different with us Christians? That we are set apart by God and for God?

St Paul says “For this is the will of God, your sanctification”. The word sanctification means that we are still in the process of sanctification, because there are still some parts of us that we do not yet want to surrender to be fully dedicated and set apart for God, to be “unfailingly holy”. And therefore we need unfailing help to do so. In the Eucharistic Prayer III, the priest prays: … with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with your blessed Apostles and glorious Martyrs, and with all the Saints, on whose constant intercession in your presence, we rely for unfailing help.
So let us pray with the saints in heaven to obtain unfailing help to imitate Mary’s profound humility, perfect obedience, and angelic sweetness in performing our personal service, so in the end we can be unfailingly set apart for God to glorify Him and for the salvation of souls. Amen.

Being a Saint in Your Daily Life

Posted on by
There was a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago . They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night’s dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly-missed boarding.
ALL BUT ONE !!!
He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor.
He was glad he did.
The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her, no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.
The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket. 
When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, “Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?” She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, “I hope we didn’t spoil your day too badly.”
As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, “Mister….” He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, “Are you Jesus?”
He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: “Are you Jesus?” Do people mistake you for Jesus?
That’s our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life, and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Isn’t that what being a  Christian truly means? Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It’s actually living the Word in through our words and deeds day by day.
It is easier to say than to do it. Most of the time we forget that we are called to be Christ for others. Most of the time we think more about ourselves than about others. Our problem seems to cover our eyes and we are blind to see and notice the sufferings of our brothers and sisters. What should we do then to be more like him? What should we do to be a real Christian? To be another Christ?
As we read on the Spiritual Reading, being a Chirstian, we are called to participate in Jesus’ missions
  •  Priestly mission in worshipping God both privately and publicly

We need to be grateful of everything in our lives. Whether it is a good thing or a bad thing. About two weeks ago, I had this idea crossed my mind: “There is no karma in this world.” Why? Because God loves us so much that he wouldn’t give us something bad. Even if something bad happens in our lives, it is for something better to come later on. It is for us to grow to be a better person and to come closer to Him. When we realize how much God has given for us, it becomes natural for us to always give thanks to Him and worship Him.

  • Prophetic mission in spreading the truths of faith through our words and action.

At the end of every mass that we attend, the Priest always instructs us ““Go in peace, glorifying the Lord with your life.” We are not only asked to preach the Gospel through words but also through our deeds. Through our whole lives. For how can someone believes in what you are saying when you are not living what you are saying.


  • Kingly mission by serving others out of love of God

In the Legion of Mary’s Standing Instruction, it is said, “Third, the performance of a substantial active legionary work, in the spirit of faith, and in union with Mary, in such fashion that in those worked for and in one’s fellow-members, the Person of our Lord is once again seen and served by Mary, his Mother.” It is hard, but when we love Jesus so much and when we can see Him in our brothers and sisters, it is not a problem to love them as well.

There was also this story of a reporter watched Mother Teresa of Calcutta as she cleaned the maggot-infested wound of a man on the street, only to say, “I wouldn’t do what you do for a million dollars.” Mother is supposed to have replied, immediately, with a bit of a wry smile, “I wouldn’t either.” She did it because she saw Christ in the poor. For her, each one of them was Jesus in disguise.

All of us are asked to be a SAINT. But God is very kind to us. He gives us cheat sheets everywhere. We have saints all around us that we can have as our models in our journey to be one. Pope Francis said, “Our world, especially young people, need models, people who show us how to bring out the best in ourselves, to use God-given gifts and talents and, in doing so, to point the way to a better future for our communities.” Here you go. The Pope has shared with you the key answer. To use our talents to make a better future for the community. We all have different talents and God gives that for a reason. He didn’t want us to just copy what the previous saints have done to become like them. He wants us to be us, to love Him with our own special way, to be our own version of another Christ.
I watched one documentary movie about Mother Theresa. Her journey with Christ is not always a walk near the green pasture. Sometimes, she experienced drought in her faith as well. There were times when she felt that God had abandoned her. But she kept holding on, because she believed that she was wrong. God would not ever abandon her.
The Pope said that the lives of saints are reminders that God never abandon us. Because through them we see Christ. In times of trial and suffering, He would send one of his angels to comfort us and fill us with consolation. And sometimes, the angel has a face and a human heart because God’s saints are always here, hidden among us.

Reading the signs of time in our earthly “internship” into heaven

Posted on by
Spiritual reading:  Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
 
Allocutio:
 
I experienced 2 deaths in a short period of 3 months when I was away in Indonesia. I was reminded again that we do not know how much time we have. Unlike money which can be quantified exactly and thus can be planned, budgeted in order to use money wisely: a time to be frugal, a time to spend a big sum; time cannot be quantified exactly and is limited; and thus the only way to use it wisely is to use it wisely every day. Ironically, the limited nature of time makes it valuable. Basis principle of economy says that scarcity equals to value, the more scarce a resource is, the more valuable it is.
Time is valuable not just because it is limited, but it is also valuable because it is a gift from God, entrusted to us, as we are created into the confines of time and space. Because it is a gift, it can be taken from us at any time that God sees fitting, and in the end, we must be accountable to God about what we do with our God-given time.
 
After reflecting on my recent internship experience, I would like to suggest the analogy that the time that God gives us in this earthly life is like an internship before a full-time offer in heaven. Whatever we do with this time on earth can give an indication on how wisely do we spend eternal time in heaven. If we perform well, it is a good chance that we will perform well too in eternal time; if we perform badly, we might not get that eternal full-time offer. However, we need not worry because we have an internship supervisor (aka God) who is very good and loving, and always wants us to succeed in our time on earth. He gave us some tools and guidance on how to do well in this limited time on earth:
 
  1. St. Ignatius of Loyola in his Spiritual Exercises invites the retreatants to reflect on death: imagine yourself at your deathbed, and think about what eulogies do you want other people to say about yourself? It is a way of beginning with the end in mind which will help to shape our daily living

  2. Since time is a gift from God, time has something to offer us. God sews in hidden messages in time as clues to guide our earthly life. If only we can read the signs of times and discern the events that has been happening in our lives. We should take a step back/retreat, review our life prayerfully, notice patterns, and the calling for next steps.

    3. After reflecting on some of experiences, I feel that the Legion of Mary in NTU is called to do hospital visitations as one of our apostolic works. It is a new venture that we could embark on and it is the “first work the Legion ever undertook and for a while it did no other. It teemed with blessings for the infant organisation, and the Legion desires that this work will ever be attended to by its praesidia.” (HB pg 236) Follow me on how do I come to this call by reading the signs of time:

    • Fr Agus (my SD, 2 years ago) was a legionary, visited 2 patients with a friend, one became a priest and one became a religious brother. Reminds me of how a simple act could have great impacts
    • Visited Alex Nyew (Mar 2017) in Ng Teng Fong: felt loved more than I gave love. It is a time where I felt lonely and I felt God’s company after the visit, had a long conversation and returning from the hospital, I remembered a verse from Luke 24:32, “Were not our hearts burning within us, while he talk to us on the road?”
    • 1stSenatus meeting: inspired by a small praesidium who did lots of hospital visitation
    • Summer holiday: 2 deaths in 3 months, I also accompanied my grandma to see a doctor because of her fall
    • Gary at welcome tea sharing about WSC’s hospital visitation and the required training/interview

    Perhaps, this calling could be verified by your own life experience and reading of the signs of times

  3. Time is meant to be enjoyed. “I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; also that it is God’s gift to man that every one should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil” (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13). God wants us to enjoy our time on earth. Going back to the internship analogy, If we cannot enjoy our limited time here on earth, what makes us think that we can enjoy eternal life in heaven.
    4. The more joyful we are, the closer we are to heaven. Verified by a simple mathematical equation: time = 1/joy. As joy approaches infinity, time approaches zero, back to the beginning. John 1:1 – in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word is God. At t=0, we return to meet God face-to-face in heaven, where we will have infinite joy.

Won’t Give Him Up

Posted on by

Allocutio 30 June 17- Gospel of Matthew 27:45-50

New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE) can be accessed in the following link (courtesy of: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For the past few weeks, I have felt quite lost and disconnected from God. Several continuous mishaps, misfortunes, plans-go-wrong, and all other similar stuffs have clouded my days and I just couldn’t seem to find Him in it all. The situation was worsened by the fact that I was also struggling with my prayer life. Half of me was like, “I’ll pray to Him no matter what”. The other half was like, “Hello, God, where are you? Can’t seem to hear anything from you.” He was just, too far from me now.

And so, with all these dark clouds above my head, I sat with an empty head and empty heart on Thursday night. I was trying to fulfil my task of delivering an allocutio to my fellow legionaries. I felt helpless, and so I devised a plan. I was thinking to apologize in the meeting, and just read out the daily reflection from “Laudate” apps as replacement for the allocutio. With that in mind, I went ahead to open that apps in my mobile. I clicked on the first tab, “Daily Readings & Saint of the Day”. The page opened up to reveal more tabs, one of them is the “Reflections” tab that I was looking for. But before I went straight to it, my eyes caught sight of another tab, “Saint of the day”. I didn’t intend to see, but I clicked it anyway, thinking that perhaps reading some saints’ stories could lift up my mood. (I liked reading saints’ stories when I was younger, FYI)

There, I was greeted with the title, “Saint Maria Goretti”. I remembered I have read it once when I was young, but I couldn’t remember the details, and so I decided to read on. Beautiful, pious farm girl, Maria Goretti was martyred at the young age of 12 years-old. A 19-years-old male neighbor has tried to rape her, but she fought fiercely, even reminded the attacker that he could go to hell for his sin. The attacker, Alessandro Serenelli, tried to choke her into submission, and then stabbed her 14 times. Maria Goretti survived in the hospital for two days, enough for her to forgive her attacker and even asked God’s forgiveness for him, before died holding a crucifix and medal of Our Lady. As for Alessandro, he later received a vision of Maria Goretti which will then lead to his repentance and conversion.

I felt ashamed. At such a young age, Maria Goretti displayed great spiritual maturity. Despite the horrific thing that she experienced, she remained firm in her faith. And yet, here I am, a 26-years-old woman, whining at God for some petty stuffs, in comparison with what Maria Goretti had endured.
I felt even more embarrassed, when I remembered how Legionaries are always called to persevere. How am I suppose to live that calling up, if even for small stuffs I have already whined to God?

At that moment, I decided not to proceed with my initial plan of “replacing allocutio with daily reflection”. Instead, although embarrassing, I decided to share with my fellow legionaries on my struggle, and this embarrassing realization on how childish I was, spiritually. Never again this thought of giving Him up comes to me, I hope!

NTU Legion Book Barrow List

Posted on by

For pictures of these books’ cover, please click this link

Title
Author
Synopsis
Category
S/N
Miracle Hour
Linda Schubert
A method of prayer that will change your life. A simple format for a daily hour of prayer. Provides a clear format for prayer to help you focus your time. Includes suggestions for specific prayers of praise, intercession and surrender.
Discernment / Self-Help
41
An Introduction to The Promise of St Joseph
Rev. Bartholomew Joseph O’Brien
Encourages young people who are struggling to stay pure or regain innocence in a world which doesn’t respect chastity. Inspires hope for all teens and adults. Includes interesting facts about the Foster Father of Jesus and encourages devotion to this great saint.
Discernment / Self-Help
30
Novena Devotion to Our Mother of Perpetual Help
NA
Devotional
54, 70
Jesus the Teacher
Brian Grenier, CFC
Of the more than forty titles given to Jesus in the gospels, teacher is by far the most common. It has also been somewhat neglected. With these thoughts in mind, the author has set out to explore (in Part I of this book) the ministry of Jesus as a teacher and (in Part II) to outline those elements of his teaching which relate most directly to his proclamation of the Reign of God. Jesus the Teacher should be of particular interest to all Christians whose profession/vocation is teaching, and especially helpful to those involved in religious education.
Formation
15
an appreciation of ignatian spirituality and a glimpse of jesuit spirituality
philip heng
NA
Discernment / Self-Help
72
dusk to dawn
J. P. Lee
NA
Discernment / Self-Help
22
there’s always more: expecting new fire
sr. nancy kellar, S.C.
There’s Always More: Expecting New Fire is tested, practical wisdom that will help people experience more of the love and power of God in their lives. A nine-week Growth Seminar which can be given in three week modules, a Retreat Day, or during prayer meetings. Special features include “Preparation for Teachers” and “Discussion Starters for Sharing Groups.”
Discernment / Self-Help
17
values for life
dr s. ignacimuthu sj
Values for Life encourages you in your pursuit of a value-based, respectable and successful life. Even in today’s world of corruption and horse-trading a person with the right moral values finds acceptance, commands respect and is judged desirable. Stories, parables and exercises make the reading more interesting and application more practical.
Discernment / Self-Help
16
Jesus healer of our inner world
jack walters
A psychotherapist who believes that Jesus speaks to who we are as psychological beings, Walters explores our inner struggles and offers insight, examines toxic guilt and shame, our Inner Children, and the inner forces that lead us to “do the things we do not want, and not do that which we choose.” He explains these widespread psychological dynamics and shows how Jesus powerfully addressed them in the way he lived and in what he taught.
Formation
48
the catholic church has the answer
paul whitcomb
A follow-up to “Confession of a Roman Catholic” by Paul Whitcomb. Fact-filled answers to 34 questions commonly asked about the Church. Dynamite! One of our most popular booklets. Great for evangelization and instruction.
Apologetics
51
magdalene of canossa humility in charity
modesto giacon
Born in 1784 in Verona, Italy, the saint Magdalene of Canossa devoted herself to charitable works and following the will of Christ. Illustrated with color photographs. Includes 2-page bibliography and rear notes
Story of Saints
14
healing words from jesus
isaias powers
Rev. Powers helps “negate the negatives” so that readers may grow in closer union with Jesus and allow his healing power to have its effect on their lives. This book offers the everyday Catholic a wholesome spirituality on a flesh and blood level.
Discernment / Self-Help
37
life in christ
NA
Formation
19
communio international catholic review the unity of the scriptures
NA
Church Documents & Journal
67
satanism is it real?
fr. Jeffrey j. steffon
Satanism…Is It Real? What is Satanic Ritual Abuse? What is the Black Mass? Santeria? Why are so many young people attracted to Satanism, the Occult and New Age Philosophies? Is it possible to be possessed by Demons or Satan himself? Here is an essential guide for parents, pastors, and youth counselor, to help them meet this growing menace, both at home and in the church.
Formation
43
communio international catholic review the ascension and pentecost
NA
Church Documents & Journal
65
handle with care : you can make or break your children
c.p. varkey sj
The author, with his long years of experience in handling the theme, takes the reader skillfully through complicated psychological issues and problems with appropriate anecdotes interlaced with observations of psychologists and other authorities. One can read the book as one reads a novel. Essential for parents and educators.
Discernment / Self-Help
47
communio international catholic review a symposium on caritas in veritate
NA
Church Documents & Journal
68
communio international catholic review the nature of experience
NA
Church Documents & Journal
66
ascent to love the spiritual teaching of st john of the cross
ruth burrows
Ruth Burrows, a Carmelite nun and spiritual writer, delves deeply into the teachings of the father of her contemplative order in this wonderful little work about the spirituality of St John. This work is not really a critical commentary on the teaching of John of the Cross, or a scholarly work. It is more a series of personal meditations on his teachings and how they have applied to her own spiritual living. Because she is a Carmelite herself, Ruth Burrows clearly has a deep, contemplative understanding and sharing of spirit with this great saint. Ruth Burrows demolishes a number of myths about John out of the way quite quickly – that mystical union with God is only for the elite few, that the Christian spiritual journey has to be a miserable, joyless one of self-denial and self-inflicted torture; that God glories in the person who hates others, himself and creation, or that John was a bitter, joyless man who demanded a dark cloud be thrown over everything good in the world. Burrows quite rightly points out in her work that the target of John’s ascetic program is not the world or the human person as such, but disordered desires arising from human egoism. The nights St John describes of active and passive negation are aimed at emptying, not destroying or killing. Burrows also highlights the need to take the saint’s language in context – he was writing mainly for nuns under his spiritual direction, in an age obsessed with spiritual ‘circuses’ of miracles, wonder-working and extraordinary phenomena. St John’s teachings were designed to lead these contemplative women (in a time when women counted for just about nothing) on a safe path to union with God. John’s spiritual path is far more about detachment and freedom for, not freedom crushed – a point that could even be made usefully today.
Formation
3
teresa of avila
shirley du boulay
This intelligent, balanced portrait of an irreverent, intense, and fiery Renaissance woman and her times includes moving excerpts from her letters and sublime spiritual writings. Her unconventional, progressive views on prayer and worship, her outstanding administrative and literary talents, her travels around Spain to found and supervise convents, and how she spent much of her life under the scrutiny of the Inquisition are all detailed.
Story of Saints
2
a short life of mary of the passion
marie therese de maleissye
A short biography, aimed at making known to an ever increasing circle of readers, the turbulent life of an exceptional person, Mary of the Passion, who, at the end of the 19th century placed at the service of the Church and society the years and days of her life. In her, were harmonised a rich temperamental nature, a strongly willed director, a love ever inflamed by the Holy Spirit. Mary of the Passion placed her activity and the most valuable fruit which flowed from it, a missionary congregation, the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in the setting of the Church of her time.
Story of Saints
27
what every catholic should know about lent
NA
Discernment / Self-Help
58
hunger and thirst for god daily reflections from the writings of st vincent palloti
NA
Reflection
33, 34
basic questions and answers on the church
NA
Apologetics
55
holy mary of perpetual help persons and practices
NA
Devotional
11
how to pray always
felix m. podimattam ofm cap
NA
Discernment / Self-Help
36
moved by the spirit
joseph kentenich
NA
Formation
18
autobiography of a saint
ronald knox
St. Therese of Lisieux, “The Little Flower”, was recently declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope John Paul II, the third woman to receive this honor in 2000 years. She thus ranks with such intellectual and theological giants as St. Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas. This elevation is all the more astonishing when we consider her background; born to a bourgeois family in provincial 19th century France, she entered a cloistered convent at the age of 15, and died in obscurity at age 24. The posthumous publication of her spiritual journals created a sensation in the Catholic world comparable to that produced in the postwar world by “The Diary of Ann Frank.” Adopted as a universal “little sister” by the French soldiers of World War I, St. Therese’s naive, charming, but profound words were carried next to many an infantryman’s heart. Therese’s story and the effect of her powerful personality and passionate devotion have lost none of their force. “At last I have found my calling,” she declared. “My calling is love.” The core of her spiritual message, the “little way” is the recognition that any act, no matter how trivial, is infinitely valuable if done out of love. Her influence on other great 20th century figures such as Theresa of Calcutta and Edith Stein is obvious. This is a unique book, to be read with pleasure, with joy, and with the assurance of great spiritual benefit. The homely and human details of Therese’s short life lead to the path of enlightenment. In her memoirs, she describes spiritual life: she lived each day with an unshakable confidence in God’s love. “What matters in life,” she wrote, “is not great deeds, but great love.” Therese lived and taught a spirituality of attending to everyone and everything well and with love. She believed that just as a child becomes enamored with what is before her, we should also have a childlike focus and totally attentive love. Therese’s spirituality is of doing the ordinary, with extraordinary love.
Story of Saints
20
st vincent de paul
NA
Story of Saints
52
the queen’s way
sr mary amatora osf
A simplified edition of St. Louis De Montfort’s classic work, “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin”
Devotional
1
good news luke
today english version
NA
Bible & Commentaries
57
brother or lord?
hans kung & pinchas lapide
NA
Apologetics
38
the secret of the rosary
st louis marie de monfort
The Secret Of The Rosary is probably the finest book ever written about the Rosary; appeals to all ages. Shows the great spiritual power of the Rosary, which is appreciated by few. Tells why the Rosary is the most important private prayer. Canon William says of De Montfort’s book, “It goes far beyond mere research. We might say that it contains everything that can be said about the Rosary — its content and form, its real worth, about the instruction necessary for its appreciation and use.
Devotional
29
the vocation and mission of the lay faithful in the church and in the world
pope john paul II
NA
Church Documents & Journal
35
the wonders of the holy name
fr paul o’sullivan op
Few Catholics today know about the amazing power of the Holy Name of Jesus. Urges us to invoke the name of Jesus often. By reverent use of the Holy Name, we can glorify God, call on His aid, pay our spiritual debts, assist the Poor Souls, etc. Remarkable!
Formation
32
5-minute miracles praying for people with simplicity and power
Linda Schubert
Praying for people with simplicity and power. Explains how you can pray simply, directly, briefly and with power for the people you meet each day, so they can encounter the living Christ.
Discernment / Self-Help
42
hidden spring to healing
sr m usha snd
Foreword by Father Jim Borst, MHM : For almost a decade Sister Mary Usha, SND, has been engaged in the ministry of inner healing, or the healing of memories. In this rather novel ministry, she has blended elements of psychotherapy and transactional analysis with the healing gifts of the Holy Spirit to great effect: everywhere there are numerous persons who have experienced the healing love of Jesus, at times in dramatic ways, through her ministry – and this booklet has been written in response to the demands of many. The application of the healing gifts of the Holy Spirit to simple psychology seems very significant. Grace builds on nature; grace also transforms nature and often transcends nature’s limitations. It is to Sr Usha’s credit that she has pioneered in this field. It is our hope that many will join in developing the ministry of inner healing through prayerful discernment and for the sake of those who suffer.
Discernment / Self-Help
46
the everyday apostle commonsense ways to draw others to christ
fr edward f. garesche
Jesus’ command to “make disciples of all nations” wasn’t directed only at priests and missionaries: He wants you to fulfill it too. If that prospect makes you nervous, reach for The Everyday Apostle, Fr. Edward Garesché’s wise and winning compendium of easy ways you can communicate Christ’s saving message to others. Fr. Garesché shows you how to become an apostle for Christ in myriad ways, not only at home among your family and friends, but even at work. You’ll learn how to talk about religion with your friends as naturally as you discuss sports or current events. He even gives you tips on how you can bear witness to your faith in Jesus Christ not just in what you say, but in what you do. But The Everyday Apostle tells you much more than just how to overcome shyness and other social obstacles to sharing the Faith. Fr. Garesché leads you to ask yourself tough questions about the kind of Christian example you’re giving to the world — and how you can bring the whole of your life into conformity with your Faith, so that in everything you do you’ll show forth the power of God to transform the soul. What he says here about the full dimensions of Christian charity is sure to challenge you — and help you to commit yourself more fully to Christ. That’s why The Everyday Apostle is not only an engaging manual for winning souls — it’s also an eye-opening guide to what it takes to be truly a disciple of Christ.
Formation
12
healing the broken heart
Father robert deGrandis, S.S.J
NA
Discernment / Self-Help
9
60 ways to let yourself grow
martha mary mcgaw csj
This book is light, upbeat, joyous–yet deeply spiritual and life–affirming. The author is filled with an enthusiasm for life, and this shows through every page as she presents 60 ways you can develop your personality– and let yourself grow!
Discernment / Self-Help
28
helps and hints for self-discovery
peter ribes sj
NA
Discernment / Self-Help
40
and the miracle is …
john f. campoli
Do miracles really Happen? Most people believe miracles are extremely rare events, but dramatic and very obvious when they happen. The truth is just the opposite, says Father John Campoli. Miracles are happening all the time, and most of them are unseen. To witness miracles we have to sharpen our vision and attune ourselves to the small, everyday moments of life. Some miracles do involve physical healings. But the vast majority are miracles of grace-miracles that bring spiritual healing or the birth of hope. The greatest miracle of all is God’s continual outpouring of love on each one of us. Once we come to realize and welcome that love, every day in our lives becomes miraculous. This book was written to help people get in touch with the power of miracles. It suggests ways of looking at each passing moment in order to break it open and discover the healing flow of divine love.
Discernment / Self-Help
4
the gospel according to mark
collegeville bible commentary
The absence of stories of Jesus’ birth and infancy, a minimum of Jesus’ parables and a resurrection scene without sight or sound of the risen Jesus have tempted readers to shortchange Mark’s Gospel. Thanks to the insightful analysis and inspiring reflections of Marie Noonan Sabin, anyone studying this premier Gospel with her guidance will recognize the genius of the original author. Sabin asserts that Mark’s Gospel is not an eyewitness account or a work of biography or history. She writes, What Mark gives us is far richer. He interprets Jesus in the light of the Hebrew Bible, showing Jesus to be not only a teacher of Wisdom but Wisdom itself, calling his followers to an unconventional wisdom, a way of living (and a way of dying) that he himself exemplifies.” The cover of this commentary from The Saint John’s Bible highlights Sabin’s thesis that the transfiguration of Jesus is pivotal to the Gospel: “The scene [9:2-8]overshadows both parts of the Gospel, emphasizing God’s creative, transforming, transfiguring power to restore life.” Sabin gives special attention to Mark’s key words and phrases (e.g., “release,” “rise up” or “be raised,” “straightway,” and “ecstasy”) and his pattern of twos and threes. Especially helpful are the summaries at the end of each chapter. Here is a commentary that will restore Mark’s prime place among the other two Synoptic Gospels.
Bible & Commentaries
63
the gospel according to matthew
collegeville bible commentary
The Gospel of Matthew carries important lessons on the formation of community and of Jesus as authoritative Teacher–lessons that helped the early Matthean population relate to both the Jewish and Christian communities of which they were composed. The Gospel According to Matthew provides Gospel text (New American Bible translation) along with Barbara E. Reid’s commentary, to aid in the interpretation and use of this Gospel today. As Reid demonstrates, this Gospel continues to bring Vision and hope to Christians throughout the ages. Reid stresses the importance of the Gospel of Matthew as the first book in the New Testament, possibly the first written Gospel, and the one most often used in the early church. Providing both the text and commentary, Reid addresses important questions such as the author’s identity and sources, setting and Gospel translation. Sections are The Origins of Jesus (1:1-4:11),” “The Beginnings of the Galilean Ministry (4:12-10:42),” “The Sermon on the Mount (5:1-7:28),” “Varying Responses to Jesus(11:1-16:12),” “Jesus and His Disciples on the Way to Jerusalem (16:14- 20:34),” “Jerusalem; Jesus’ Final Days of Teaching in the Temple (21:1-28:15),” “Finale: Back to Galilee; Commission to the Whole World; Jesus’ Abiding Presence (28:16-20).” Also includes discussion questions.
Bible & Commentaries
62
the gospel according to luke
collegeville bible commentary
Luke continues to challenge our lives. Focusing on Jesus and his earthly ministry among the early church, Michael, F. Patella, OSB, opens the Gospel of Luke to the 21st-century reader. Patella presents literary, textual, and historical criticism in a readable manner to give readers a solid background for the Lukan Gospel. A brief introduction informs reader of Luke’s literary technique, Luke as an evangelist, and other historical data. Chapters are “The Prologue (1:1-4),” “The Infancy Narrative (1:5-2:52),” “Preparation for the Public Ministry (3:1-4:13),” “The Ministry in Galilee (4:!4-9:50),” “The Journey to Jerusalem (9:51019:27),” “The Teaching Ministry in Jerusalem (19:28-21:38),” “The Passion (22:1-23:56),” “The Resurrection (24:1-53).” Also includes questions for discussion.
Bible & Commentaries
64
healing life’s hurts
dennis linn & matthew linn
Explores the concept of emotional and physical healing as well as exploring the five stages of acceptance of death and dying in light of prayer and religious experience
Discernment / Self-Help
23
praying with another for healing
dennis linn & matthew linn
An approach to prayer for healing which combines basic information, a twelve session seminar and additional sessions and techniques.
Discernment / Self-Help
25
glory to glory
sr francis clare ssnd
Glory to Glory is a 3-month devotional based on the Glory Scriptures in the Old and New Testaments. Through a brief daily reflection, we are drawn into the heart of God to pray and to discover within us the God of glory on very lowly and amazingly lofty levels. We are called to choose whether to be under the doom and gloom or to be under the glory. The author has traveled the world teaching, ministering, and stirring up the gifts of the Holy Spirit in a ministry of exuberant evangelization. Reading and praying the meditations in Glory to Glory on a daily basis is your road to glory!
Discernment / Self-Help
6
sexuality and dating
Richard reichert
NA
Discernment / Self-Help
39
your life story
edward j.o’heron
O’Heron encourages the reader to see his or her own life story as the key to spiritual growth through imagination, memory, and prayer exercises. ‘Your Life Story’ is a simple and effective tool to help believers understand and witness to how God has touched and transformed their lives.
Discernment / Self-Help
31
good things happen
dick westley
The author shows how “community” is an intrinsic concept when discussing the divine order, and how it also defines and affects peoples’ lives amid the mundane flow of everyday life.
Discernment / Self-Help
50
Jesus lives today
fr emiliano tardif
NA
Formation
45
forming intentional discipleship
shery a. weddell
How can we transmit a living, personal Catholic faith to future generations? By coming to know Jesus Christ, and following him as his disciples. These are times of immense challenge and immense opportunity for the Catholic Church. Consider these statistics for the United States. Only 30 percent of Americans who were raised Catholic are still practicing. Fully 10 percent of all adults in America are ex-Catholics. The number of marriages celebrated in the Church decreased dramatically, by nearly 60 percent, between 1972 and 2010. Only 60 percent of Catholics believe in a personal God. If the Church is to reverse these trends, the evangelizers must first be evangelized-in other words, Catholics-in-the-pew must make a conscious choice to know and follow Jesus before they can draw others to him. This work of discipleship lies at the heart of Forming Intentional Disciples, a book designed to help Church leaders, parish staff and all Catholics transform parish life from within. Drawing upon her fifteen years of experience with the Catherine of Siena Institute, Sherry Weddell leads readers through steps that will help Catholics enter more deeply into a relationship with God and the river of apostolic creativity, charisms, and vocation that flow from that relationship for the sake of the Church and the world. Learn about the five thresholds of postmodern conversion, how to open a conversation about faith and belief, how to ask thought-provoking questions and establish an atmosphere of trust, when to tell the Great Story of Jesus, how to help someone respond to God’s call to intentional discipleship, and much more.
Formation
49
one step closer to jesus
larry deason
The One Step Closer to Jesus Series comes with 5 booklets: 1. Come Follow Me 2. The Way Up Is Down 3. This Thing Called Love 4. Not By Sight 5. Losing Life & Finding Life
Formation
8
our lady speaks to her beloved priests
NA
Devotional
59, 60, 61
surprised by truth
patrick madrid
Powerful testimonies of Evangelicals who became Catholic These eleven personal conversion accounts are unlike any you’ve ever read. They’re packed with biblical, theological, and historical proofs for Catholicism. Each year thousands of atheists, Evangelicals, Mormons, Fundamentalists, and Pentecostals are being surprised by Catholic truth and these converts tell you why. In his foreword Scott Hahn described his reaction to Surprised by Truth : “While reading each of these incredible journeys I laughed, cried, grunted affirmations, and basically relived my own journey into the Catholic Church. I heard echoes of my own struggles in their words. I relived the anguish I experienced on that lonely and sometimes frightening path of conversion, and I relived the deep, abiding joy of coming home. But enough, Read these stories. They’re prayerful, heavy-on-doctrine, evangelical, scriptural witnesses of people who discovered that what they had once thought was the most ‘unbiblical’ church is really the Church of the Bible.”
Formation
26
vatican council II
austin flannery op
Vatican Council II: The Conciliar and Postconciliar Documents is now available in the widely used study edition translated by Irish Dominican Austin Flannery (+October 21, 2008). This is the translation chosen for inclusion in The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the text that both students of the Council and students of the Catechism will want. It contains all sixteen documents of the Second Vatican Council plus the forty-nine later documents from popes and Vatican congregations that implement the details of the Council’s decisions.
Church Documents & Journal
10
Pure Womanhood
Crystalina Evert
Discernment / Self-Help
71
Jesus, according to the Gospel of Luke (with CD)
N/A
Bible & Commentaries
73
The Search for Happiness
Fr Oscar Lukefahr, CM
Discernment / Self-Help
74
The Return of the Prodigal Son
Henri Nouwen
Formation
75
Celebrating Christ in the Holy Eucharist
N/A
Reflection
76
We Live: To Know, Love, and Serve God
Fr Oscar Lukefahr, CM
Formation
77
Youcat
N/A
Formation
78
A Biblical Walk Through the Mass
Edward Sri
Formation
79
A Guide to the New Translation of The Mass
Edward Sri
Formation
80

Apostolic work and Lukewarmness

Posted on by
I find the handbook reading from page 35-37 connects very well with my personal reading about lukewarmness. Both readings give me warning about bargaining spirit which can lead to loss of supernatural vision. Fr Francis Carvajal in the book of “lukewarmness: a devil in disguise” suggested one of the characteristics of a lukewarm person which is to bargain. The lukewarm person tends to reduce his/her relationship with God into mere bargaining. He/she may be reluctant to sacrifice time or resources and focus on personal gain. As a legionary, sometimes, we need to sacrifice our time and resources to perform our work. If we are not careful, we can fall to this trap of bargaining to God.
Next, about supernatural vision, our handbook reading reminds us that in our work, we actually work for Mary. This reminds us not only to pursue result but something greater as well. Result is indeed important, but let us not forget that we are the slaves of Mary. We are employed to Mary. Mary will take our work and convert it for the glory of God.

Last but not least, as slaves of Mary, let us be courageous and total in our work. In our daily life, we constantly face the spiritual warfare. Life is a denial, we deny either our cross or the easiness that the world offers.

Too ashamed of your sin? That might lead you to more sin

Posted on by
Spiritual Reading:
Handbook Chapter 32, Section 23, Page 300
There Need Never Be Discouragement

Allocutio
By Edson
We have all been there: You committed a sin. You feel guilty. 
You know what you did, or did not do, or thought, or felt, is wrong. You feel shame.
Your conscience bothers you—and rightfully so.
So you start hating yourself. You feel extremely unworthy. You fall into despair.
That guilt, however, is not helping you, for it might be turning you away from God even more. 
Your despair might be causing you to sin.
In his homily on 16 June 2017, Pope Francis underscored the importance of shame in protecting us from hypocrisy.
But in a world full of hatred, where many are quick to judge, where the pressure of perfection can be unforgiving, sinners often face discouragement rather than mercy.
When we feel discouraged, when we feel despair because of our sinfulness, we can turn to these words from St. Maximilian Kolbe:
Our guilt, our shame, should bring us closer to the Lord by reminding us of our weakness and of God’s infinite mercy.

Our shame should bring us closer to Mother Mary, make us turn to prayer, drive us to hope for God’s graces through confession and mortification, and encourage us to also never discourage other sinners.

Salt of the world

Posted on by
Mt 5:13-16.
Be the salt of the world
Salt is a critical necessity of human body. It is important for nerve and muscle function, regulation of body fluids and control of blood pressure. Without the presence of salt, one cannot survive.
Salt can enhances human’s taste of food, therefore it is used to season as well as to preserve food by pickling (we all know that kimchi is famous).
Salt can also be used to debacterize.
In Mt 5:13-16, Jesus called the disciples to be the salt of the world. Reflecting the functions of salt to human life, we understand that:

Jesus demand the disciples to bring his Words to the world, so that his words became an essential part of the world, such that they are so important that the world can’t live without them, like a human body cannot live without salt.

Besides, as Jesus called his disciples “salt”, he told the disciples to go to season the world with God’s love and compassion.

And last but not least, Jesus called his disciples to be the salt that purifies and preserves lives and souls.

There may be of course trials and tribulations that threaten to dilute our “saltiness”, but we pray to God that He always protect the salt in our heart and use it as his instrument. The mission Jesus gave is not only to the his disciples but also to every Christian. Let us always remind ourselves the mission of being the salt of the world.