MY  IMMACULATE  HEART  WILL  BE  YOUR  REFUGE

AND THE WAY THAT WILL LEAD YOU TO GOD (6/13/1917)

Sep 26, 2008 –  Friday of 25th Week in Ordinary Time       DAILY LITURGICAL/THEME MEDITATION: "As Jesus was praying alone the disciples were with him" UNIVERSAL CHURCH/WORLD EVENT(S): Funds for Bailout But Not Development? SAINT OF THE DAY Sts. Cosmas and Damian  GENERAL MARIOLOGY The History and Nature of Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary: Ends and Practice of the Devotion   DIVINE MERCY Knowing How To Keep Silence  TEACHING/TESTIMONY/CONVICTION: Holy See on Millennium Goals   Monthly Index

DAILY LITURGICAL MEDITATION

Friday (9/26):  "As Jesus was praying alone the disciples were with him" Scripture:  Luke 9:18-22 18 Now it happened that as he was praying alone the disciples were with him; and he asked them, "Who do the people say that I am?" 19 And they answered, "John the Baptist; but others say, Eli'jah; and others, that one of the old prophets has risen." 20 And he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" And Peter answered, "The Christ of God." 21 But he charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, "The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third  day be raised." Meditation: Who is Jesus for you? Many in Israel recognized Jesus as a mighty man of God, even comparing him with the greatest of the prophets. Peter, always quick to respond whenever Jesus spoke, professed that Jesus was truly the Christ of God. No mortal being could have revealed this to Peter, but only God.  Through the eyes of faith Peter grasped who Jesus truly was. He was the first apostle to publicly recognize Jesus as the Anointed One whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world as Lord and Savior (Luke 2:11, Acts 2:36). Christ is the Greek word for Messiah, the Hebrew word which is also translated as the Anointed One. Why did Jesus command his disciples to be silent about his identity as the anointed Son of God? They were, afterall, appointed to proclaim the good news to everyone. Jesus knew that they did not yet fully understand his mission and how he would accomplish it. Cyril of Alexandria, a 5th century chuch father, explains the reason for this silence:   There were things yet unfulfilled which must also be included in their preaching about him. They must also proclaim the cross, the passion, and the death in the flesh. They must preach the resurrection of the dead, that great and truly glorious sign by which testimony is borne him that the Emmanuel is truly God and by nature the Son of God the Father. He utterly abolished death and wiped out destruction. He robbed hell, and overthrew the tyranny of the enemy. He took away the sin of the world, opened the gates above to the dwellers upon earth, and united earth to heaven. These things proved him to be, as I said, in truth God. He commanded them, therefore, to guard the mystery by a seasonable silence until the whole plan of the dispensation should arrive at a suitable conclusion. [Commentary on Luke, Homily 49]</> Jesus told his disciples that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and die in order that God's work of redemption might be accomplished. How startled the disciples were when they heard this word. How different are God's thoughts and ways from our thoughts and ways (Isaiah 55:8). Through humiliation, suffering, and death on the cross Jesus broke the powers of sin and death and won for us eternal life and freedom from the slavery of sin and from the oppression of our enemy, Satan, the father of lies and the deceiver of humankind.   If we want to share in Christ's victory, then we must also take up our cross and follow him where he leads us. What is the "cross" that you and I must take up each day? When my will crosses with God's will, then his will must be done. To know Jesus Christ is to know the power of his victory on the cross where he defeated sin and conquered death through his resurrection. The Holy Spirit gives each of us the gifts and strenth we need to live as sons and daughters of God. The Holy Spirit gives us faith to know the Lord Jesus personally as our Redeemer, and the power to live the gospel faithfully, and the courage to witness to others the joy, truth, and freedom of the gospel. Who do you say that Jesus is? "Lord Jesus, I believe and I profess that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Take my life, my will, and all that I have, that I may be wholly yours now and forever." Psalm 144:1-4 1 Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; 2 my rock and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues the peoples under him. 3 O LORD, what is man that thou dost regard him, or the son of man that thou dost think of him? 4 Man is like a breath, his days are like a passing shadow. RETURN TO TOP

UNIVERSAL CHURCH/WORLD EVENTS

Funds for Bailout But Not Development? Holy See Asks Why Money Can't Be Found for Aid   NEW YORK, SEPT. 25, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The Holy See is asking why it is possible to find funds to bailout a broken financial system, but finding fewer resources to invest in the development of all regions of the world seems impossible. This was a "pressing question" raised today at the United Nations by Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, at a high-level event on the millennium development goals. The MDGs, established in 2000, were supposed to be fulfilled by 2015. They include commitments to address huger, lack of education, inequality, child and maternal health, environmental damage and HIV/AIDS. At current rates of progress, the goals will not be reached. But, Archbishop Migliore affirmed, "the achievement of these goals is closely interrelated with respect for human rights. While the goals are ultimately political commitments, the human rights inherent in each goal make achieving them a social and moral responsibility." "We are lagging behind in honoring our word, and more importantly, the people of the world who look to us for leadership, are running out of hope and trust," the prelate said. Still possible Archbishop Migliore noted that progress has been made and some of the least developed countries have seen marked improvements. "Nonetheless, the recent high rate of economic growth in many LDCs [least developed countries] has not contributed sufficiently to tackling the situation of generalized poverty," he said. "The LDCs remain behind and are in serious delay for attaining the goals as set out in the Millennium Declaration, and in some cases reaching the goals may prove impossible." Still, the Holy See representative affirmed: "The MDGs will be achieved if their attainment becomes a priority for all states." To make this happen, he called for a "new culture of human relations marked by a fraternal vision of the world, a culture based upon the moral imperative of recognizing the unity of humankind and the practical imperative of giving a contribution to peace and the well-being of all." Plenty of funds Archbishop Migliore noted that "money and resources that the LDCs need in terms of direct aid, financial assistance and trade advantages are meager compared to the world-wide military expenses or the total expenses of non-primary necessities of populations in more developed countries." In that context, the archbishop raised a question: "In these days we are witnessing a debate on an economic rescue aimed at resolving a crisis that risks disrupting the economy of the most developed countries and leaving thousands and thousands of families without work. "This rescue of enormous proportions, which amounts to many times the whole of international aid, cannot but raise a pressing question. How are we able to find funds to save a broken financial system yet remain unable to find the resources necessary to invest in the development of all regions of the world, beginning with the most destitute?" Focused The archbishop also called on the United Nations to stay focused on the priorities. "With only seven years remaining until the end of the MDGs campaign, it is important that we focus upon the goals in the Millennium Declaration which were agreed upon by our Heads of State," he said. "To debate and create new targets, such as those on sexual and reproductive health, risks introducing practices and policies detrimental to human dignity and sustainable development, distracting our focus from the original goals and diverting the necessary resources from the more basic and urgent needs. RETURN TO TOP

DAILY LITURGICAL SAINT

September 26, 2008 Sts. Cosmas and Damian (d. 303?)  Nothing is known of their lives except that they suffered martyrdom in Syria during the persecution of Diocletian. A church erected on the site of their burial place was enlarged by the emperor Justinian. Devotion to the two saints spread rapidly in both East and West. A famous basilica was erected in their honor in Constantinople. Their names were placed in the canon of the Mass, probably in the sixth century. Legend says that they were twin brothers born in Arabia, who became skilled doctors. They were among those who are venerated in the East as the "moneyless ones" because they did not charge a fee for their services. It was impossible that such prominent persons would escape unnoticed in time of persecution: They were arrested and beheaded. Comment: For a long time, it seems, we have been very conscious of Jesus' miracles as proofs of his divinity. What we sometimes overlook is Jesus' consuming interest in simply healing people's sickness, whatever other meaning his actions had. The power that "went out from him" was indeed a sign that God was definitively breaking into human history in final fulfillment of his promises; but the love of God was also concrete in a very human heart that was concerned about the suffering of his brothers and sisters. It is a reminder to Christians that salvation is for the whole person, the unique body-spirit unity. Quote: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). RETURN TO TOP

GENERAL MARIOLOGY

The History and Nature of Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary The following article by Fr. Louis Verheylezoon, S.J., represents a classical treatment of the history and nature of devotion to Our Lady’s most Immaculate Heart. – Asst. Ed.  (continued) Ends and Practice of the Devotion The contemplation of the Heart of Mary must arouse in us a three-fold sentiment: a profound veneration, a filial love, and an unshakable confidence. First, a profound veneration. In fact, the Heart of Mary is the Heart of the Mother of God. It shares in His sublime dignity, and hence has a just claim to a quite special cult. (6) It is the Heart of the Queen of Angels and of all the Saints, whom she surpasses in glory, and by whom she is honored with the deepest reverence. It is the most pure, the most perfect, the most holy Heart that has ever beaten in the breast of a human creature; a Heart adorned with all virtues and endowed with all graces; the favorite dwelling of the Most Blessed Trinity. It is the Heart that has always beaten solely for the love of God, for the love of Jesus, and for the love of men. It really deserves then that we should offer it our deepest veneration. This we can do, for instance, by celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (August 22) and by observing the month of August dedicated to her, by honoring the image of her heart, etc. A filial love. Mary loves us, because we are the children of God; because her Divine Son loves us; because she is our Mother. She loves us with a truly maternal love. She loves us as never a mother has loved her children. For love of us, she accepted to become the Mother of the Savior, though she foresaw all the consequences which this motherhood would entail. For love of us, she consented to the death of her Son, and, in union with Him, she offered it to God for our Redemption; she may then rightly be called our Co-redeemer. And she remains our great Benefactress; she watches over us with a very motherly solicitude; she intercedes for us, and succors us in all our trials and troubles. In Heaven we shall see with grateful emotion all we owe her, how many times she has helped us in our difficulties, protected us in danger, strengthened us in temptation, come to our rescue in critical moments. (to be continued)    RETURN TO TOP

DIVINE MERCY

Dairy from St. Faustina On Silence, Solitude Knowing How To Keep Silence In the midst of all sufferings, both physical and spiritual, as well as in darkness and desolation, I will remain silent, like a dove, and not complain (Diary, 504). The Holy Spirit does not speak to a soul that is distracted and garrulous. He speaks by His quiet inspirations to a soul that is recollected, to a soul that knows how to keep silence (Diary, 552). My spirit communicates with God without any word being spoken. I am aware that He is living in me and I in Him (Diary, 560).   RETURN TO TOP

CATHOLIC  TEACHING/CONVICTION/TESTIMONY

Holy See on Millennium Goals "People Are Running Out of Hope and Trust"   NEW YORK, SEPT. 25, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Here is the text of the address delivered today by Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, at the U.N. high-level event on the millennium development goals. * * * Mr President, When in the year 2000 the leaders of the world convened in this hall, they took up the commitment to fight extreme poverty by setting specific goals to address hunger, education, inequality, child and maternal health, environmental damage and HIV/AIDS by 2015. This great responsibility was assumed out of international solidarity as well as in the name of human rights. It is, therefore, not a mere coincidence that our meeting is taking place in the same year that we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. A precise relationship exists, in fact, among the Millennium Development Goals as set forth in the UN Millennium Declaration and human rights. What is more, they have in common the objective to preserve and protect human dignity. In addition, the achievement of these goals is closely interrelated with respect for human rights. While the goals are ultimately political commitments, the human rights inherent in each goal make achieving them a social and moral responsibility. It is with this sense of responsibility that the world is reunited today at the highest level of representation to take stock of the situation. The Secretary-General's Report rightly acknowledges the progress which has been achieved across the spectrum, but it also sounds a strong alarm as the delivery on commitments made by member States remains deficient. Areas such as official development aid, trade, debt relief, assistance for capacity development, access to new technologies and essential medicines continue to fall behind our commitments and our words of support. We are lagging behind in honouring our word, and more importantly, the people of the world who look to us for leadership, are running out of hope and trust. The last eight years have shown that with international, national and local commitment many nations are now more economically independent. Some developing countries have become middle income countries and middle income countries are on the brink of turning into highly developed economies. Several Least Developed Countries have made remarkable progress with some of the MDGs, for example, the elimination of extreme poverty and the achievement of universal access to education. Nonetheless, the recent high rate of economic growth in many LDCs has not contributed sufficiently to tackling the situation of generalized poverty. The LDCs remain behind and are in serious delay for attaining the goals as set out in the Millennium Declaration, and in some cases reaching the goals may prove impossible. A failure in attaining the MDGs in the LDCs and other poor countries would mean a moral failure of the whole international community and have political and economic consequences even beyond the geographic boundaries of the LDCs. It is therefore important that this forum be a moment of reflection on communal responsibility. The MDGs will be achieved if their attainment becomes a priority for all States. Above all, we need to foment a new culture of human relations marked by a fraternal vision of the world, a culture based upon the moral imperative of recognizing the unity of humankind and the practical imperative of giving a contribution to peace and the well-being of all. The money and resources that the LDCs need in terms of direct aid, financial assistance and trade advantages are meager compared to the world-wide military expenses or the total expenses of non-primary necessities of populations in more developed countries. The fact that various LDCs with rather limited resources are obtaining important results should inspire the international community. The effectiveness of civil society, including religious organizations serving poorer populations, is the practical proof of the possibility to achieve the goals by 2015 or in the proximate successive years. Civil society and faith-based organizations remain indispensable actors in the delivery of vital goods and services, and greater efforts should be made to allow them access to populations in need. After all, these organizations are often capable of serving the needs of the most destitute and underprivileged. The Holy See and its affiliated organizations are committed to providing humanitarian as well as development assistance around the world. Mr President, With only seven years remaining until the end of the MDGs campaign, it is important that we focus upon the goals in the Millennium Declaration which were agreed upon by our Heads of State. To debate and create new targets, such as those on sexual and reproductive health, risks introducing practices and policies detrimental to human dignity and sustainable development, distracting our focus from the original goals and diverting the necessary resources from the more basic and urgent needs. In these days we are witnessing a debate on an economic rescue aimed at resolving a crisis that risks disrupting the economy of the most developed countries and leaving thousands and thousands of families without work. This rescue of enormous proportions, which amounts to many times the whole of international aid, cannot but raise a pressing question. How are we able to find funds to save a broken financial system yet remain unable to find the resources necessary to invest in the development of all regions of the world, beginning with the most destitute? For this reason, the globalization of solidarity through the prompt achievement of the MDGs established by the Millennium Declaration is a crucial moral obligation of the international community. It is also a great and most effective means of giving stability to the global economy and assuring the prosperity and enjoyment of human rights for all. Thank you, Mr President.   RETURN TO TOP

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