34 "But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare; 35 for it will come upon all who dwell upon the face of the whole earth. 36 But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of man."

Meditation: Is there anything holding you back from the joy and freedom of the Lord? God wants our hearts for him and for his kingdom of peace, joy, and righteousness (Romans 14:17). But our hearts can be weighed down by many different things, such as greed, gluttony, drunkenness, and so many other harmful addictions and sinful habits. Jesus, our Lord and Master, offers us true freedom – freedom from the power of sin and wasted life, and freedom from our unruly desires and disordered passions – such as making food, drink or anything else our master rather than our servant. Jesus wants our hearts to be ruled by one thing only – his love and truth which enables us to choose whatever is good and to reject whatever is evil and harmful for us.

Jesus also warns us of the temptation to slacken off – to become spiritually idle, lazy, indifferent, or inattentive to God's word and guidance for our lives. We can fall asleep spiritually if we allow other things to distract us from the reality of God and his kingdom. It is very easy to get caught up in the things of the present moment or to be weighed down with anxious cares and concerns. The Lord knows our struggles, weaknesses, and shortcomings. And he assures us that we do not need to carry our burdens alone nor struggle without his help. He is always very present and ready to give us whatever strength, guidance, and help we need to fight temptation and to stay the course which he has set for us. But there is one thing he doesn't tolerate: indifference, an attitude of not caring, and doing nothing! The Lord wants us to cast our anxieties on him and to ask for his guidance and help. Do you pray for God's strength and wisdom?

Until the Lord comes again we can expect troubles, trials, and temptations. Our adversary the devil does not rest in his attempt to lure us away from God's will for our lives. If he cannot succeed in getting us to renounce our faith in Christ, he will try, little by little, to distract us from pursuing God, especially in prayer and listening to his word. Ask the Lord Jesus to rekindle the fire of his love in you so that you will be ready and eager to meet him when he comes again.

"Lord Jesus, rouse my spirit to the truth that this world is passing away. Give me a lively faith, a joyful hope, and a fervent love to see you face to face when you return in glory."

Psalm 119:57-64

57 The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep thy words.
58 I entreat thy favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to thy promise.
59 When I think of thy ways, I turn my feet to thy testimonies;
60 I hasten and do not delay to keep thy commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget thy law.
62 At midnight I rise to praise thee, because of thy righteous ordinances.
63 I am a companion of all who fear thee, of those who keep thy precepts.
64 The earth, O LORD, is full of thy steadfast love; teach me thy statutes!

Sunday (11/29): "Now when these things begin to take place, look up because your redemption is drawing near."

Gospel Reading: Luke 21:25-28,34-36

25 "And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 men fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." 34 "But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare; 35 for it will come upon all who dwell upon the face of the whole earth. 36 But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of man."

Old Testament Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16

14 “Behold the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfil the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring forth for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: 'The Lord is our righteousness.'”

Meditation: How good are you at reading signs? The people of Jesus' time expected that the coming of the Messiah would be accompanied by extraordinary signs and wonders. Jesus' first coming was clouded in mystery and wonderment: a son of David born in a cave at Bethlehem; magi from the East guided by a star to worship the newborn king of Israel; a carpenter miracle-worker who gave sight to the blind and raised the dead; a Suffering Servant who bore the sins of many upon a cross; a Risen Lord who stormed the gates of Hell to release its captives. Jesus on a number of occasions prophesied that he would return again at the end of the world to finish the work he came to accomplish through his death and resurrection. The image of a "Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory" is taken from a vision which God gave to the prophet Daniel (Daniel 7:13-14). God showed Daniel a royal investiture of a human king before God's throne. This king was invested with God's authority and was given rulership over the whole earth. His reign would last for all ages. The Jews of Jesus' day were looking for a Messianic king who would free them from foreign oppression. Jesus is both Son of David – the rightful heir and King of Israel who will rule forever – and the Son of man – God's appointed ruler who will establish a universal kingdom of peace, righteousness, and justice for all the nations and peoples of the earth.

The Lord Jesus gives us the gift of hope – the supernatural strength and perseverance to remain steadfast and confident in God's promise. What can we confidently expect from God? He promises us the hope of heaven, everlasting life, peace, and joy with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He also promises to right every wrong, to vindicate all who have been treated unjustly, to remove every tear, sorrow, and pain, including death itself (Revelations 21:4). The world around us is plagued with fear, uncertainty, greed, selfishness, strife, and division. It has lost hope in God and in his promise to restore the human race and creation itself through the second coming of his Son Jesus Christ. The prophet Jeremiah fortold the day when God would send his Messiah King to "execute justice and righteousness in the land" (Jeremiah 33:15). Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise and every promise God has made.

Many Christian churches in the East and West, since the early first centuries, have marked special seasons to celebrate the central truths of the Christian faith. The Advent season which precedes Christmas and Epiphany reminds us that we are a pilgrim people, aliens and exiles in this age who long for our true home with God in heaven, and who await with joyful hope for the return of the Lord Jesus. When will all these promises take place? Know one knows the day when Christ will return. But it is a certain fact that we are living in the end times, the close of this present age! The end times begin with the first coming of Christ (his Incarnation which we celebrate at Christmas) and culminates in his final return on the Day of Judgment. Jesus' prophetic description of the end of time and the day of judgment was not new to the people of Israel. The prophets had foretold these events many centuries before. "Behold the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger to make the earth a desolation and to destroy its sinners from it" (Isaiah 13:9-13; see also Joel 2:1-2; Amos 5:18-20; Zephaniah 1:14-18). Jesus speaks of the second coming as a known fact, a for certain event we can expect to take place. This coming will be marked by signs that all will recognize; signs which will strike terror in those unprepared and wonder in those who are ready to meet the Lord. When the Lord returns he will establish final justice and righteousness over the earth by overthrowing his enemies and by vindicating those who have been faithful to him. The anticipation of his final judgment is a sign of hope for all who trust in him.

What can keep us from recognizing the signs which await the coming of the Lord? Indifference and the temptation to slacken off – to become passive and lethargic or to fall asleep spiritually. It is very easy to get caught up in the things of the present moment or to be weighed down with troubles. The Lord knows our shortcomings and struggles and he gives us the grace to bear our burdens and to walk in his way of holiness. But there is one thing he doesn't tolerate: an attitude of indifference, being passive, not caring, and doing nothing when we could be actively seeking God and his kingdom! God is ready to give us fresh vision, hope, and grace to walk in his ways. He wants to work in and through us for his glory. That is why he expects more of us than we can do by ourselves. His grace enables us to actively watch for his action in our lives, and to actively pray for perseverance and endurance when we face trials and difficulties. The Lord gives us strength to overcome temptation, especially from apostasy – the denial of Christ out of fear or pride. God is ever ready to fill us with his grace, strength, and power. Is your heart hungry for God or is it weighed down by other things?

"Lord Jesus, may I never lose sight of the signs of your presence in my life and the world around me. Free me from dullness of heart, indifference, and every distraction that would keep me from your presence. May I never tire of seeking you in prayerful anticipation of seeing you face to face when you come again in glory."

Psalms 25:1,4-5,8-10,14

1 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.
3 Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4 Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.
8 Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
10 All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
14 The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes his covenant known to them.

www.dailyscripture.net

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UNIVERSAL CHURCH/WORLD EVENTS

Benedict XVI Defends Young Migrants

Encourages Christians to Aid Children and Youth

VATICAN CITY, NOV. 27, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is appealing to Christians to reach out to migrants and refugees, especially children and adolescents, and to raise awareness of their plight.

The Pope affirmed this in a message, released by the Vatican today, that he wrote for the 96th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which will be celebrated Jan. 17, 2010.

"The migrant is a human person who possesses fundamental, inalienable rights that must be respected by everyone and in every circumstance," he stated.

This year's theme will focus on "Minor Migrants and Refugees," something "that Christians view with great attention," the Pontiff affirmed.

He said, "As a child, Jesus himself experienced migration for, as the Gospel recounts, in order to flee the threats of Herod, he had to seek refuge in Egypt together with Joseph and Mary."

The Holy Father acknowledged that "there is increasing public awareness of the need for immediate and incisive action to protect minors."

"Nevertheless," he said, "many are left to themselves and, in various ways, face the risk of exploitation."

Benedict XVI expressed the hope that "proper attention will be given to minor migrants who need a social environment that permits and fosters their physical, cultural, spiritual and moral development."

Serious hardships

He continued, "Living in a foreign land without effective points of reference generates countless and sometimes serious hardships and difficulties for them, especially those deprived of the support of their family."

The Pope underlined the necessity of giving young people "the possibility of attending school and subsequently of being integrated into the world of work, and that their social integration be facilitated by appropriate educational and social structures."

"It should never be forgotten that adolescence constitutes a fundamental phase for the formation of human beings," he added.

The Pontiff called on parish communities and Catholic associations to "become aware of the social and pastoral challenges posed by migrant and refugee minors."

"Our concrete interventions," he said, "must first be nurtured by faith in the action of grace and Divine Providence."

The Holy Father affirmed: "In this way also hospitality and solidarity to strangers, especially if they are children, become a proclamation of the Gospel of solidarity.

"The Church proclaims this when she opens her arms and strives to have the rights of migrants and refugees respected, moving the leaders of nations, and those in charge of international organizations and institutions to promote opportune initiatives for their support."

Youth Have Same Rights as Adults, Says Prelate

Decries Plight of Young Immigrants

VATICAN CITY, NOV. 27, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The president of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers is decrying the plight of young immigrants who often carry the burden of supporting their families, without aid for themselves.

Archbishop Antonio Maria Veglió stated this today at a press conference to present Benedict XVI's message for the 2010 World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

The world day, which will be observed Jan. 17, focuses on the theme, "Minor Migrants and Refugees."

In the press conference, the prelate lamented the plight of young migrants, especially those who are alone and end up being repatriated to their countries.

"It is known, in fact, that an unaccompanied minor cannot be repatriated, but unfortunately that right, as with many others, is not always respected," he said.

"If immigrants in general are vulnerable because they find themselves in a country that is not their own and in which protection might not be guaranteed, much more so are minor immigrants, above all if they are not accompanied and, therefore, deprived of legal representatives or tutors," the archbishop added.

He underlined the fact that children have the same rights as adults, and pointed out that the reasons why they leave their land are similar to those of adults: armed ethnic or religious conflicts, economic or social crises, and a lack of prospects for the future in their countries of origin.

Archbishop Veglió added other reasons that minors may find themselves seeking refuge, such as cases in which they are unable to reach "the desired country of destiny."

He noted that in many cases, "the parents, sometimes the entire family, put all their hope in the success of the minor who emigrates, which becomes a heavy psychological burden for the child, who does not want to disappoint them."

Richness

For some immigrant children, the prelate affirmed, such as those who are accompanied by their families, they become "part of two cultures," as the Pope pointed out in his message.

Regarding this "richness of the meeting between different cultural traditions" of which the message speaks, Archbishop Veglió indicated that this process could one day "form societies and cultures, making them increasingly a reflection of the many gifts of God to men."

The prelate cited some of the words from Pope John Paul II's message for the 2005 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which spoke about the immigrant's responsibilities.

The migrant, he said, "is committed to take the necessary steps for social insertion, such as learning the national language and his own adaptation to the laws and to the exigencies of work, to avoid the creation of an exasperated difference."

Then, referring back to the 2010 message, the archbishop underlined the responsibilities of the host societies, to provide schooling and support for minors.

The prelate gave some statistics on minors of immigrant families in eight countries, taken from a UNICEF report of last August.

According to the study, children born from at least one immigrant parent constitute a significant part of all the children that live in those countries.

For example, in Switzerland, they represent 39%, in Australia 33%, in Germany 26%, in the United States 22% and in Italy 10%.

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DAILY LITURGICAL SAINT

Friday, November 27, 2009

St. Francesco Antonio Fasani

1681-1742

Born in Lucera (southeast Italy), Francesco entered the Conventual Franciscans in 1695. After his ordination 10 years later, he taught philosophy to younger friars, served as guardian of his friary and later became provincial. When his term of office ended, Francesco became master of novices and finally pastor in his hometown.

In his various ministries, he was loving, devout and penitential. He was a sought-after confessor and preacher. One witness at the canonical hearings regarding Francesco’s holiness testified, "In his preaching he spoke in a familiar way, filled as he was with the love of God and neighbor; fired by the Spirit, he made use of the words and deed of Holy Scripture, stirring his listeners and moving them to do penance." Francesco showed himself a loyal friend of the poor, never hesitating to seek from benefactors what was needed.

At his death in Lucera, children ran through the streets and cried out, "The saint is dead! The saint is dead!" Francesco was canonized in 1986.

Comment:

Eventually we become what we choose. If we choose stinginess, we become stingy. If we choose compassion, we become compassionate. The holiness of Francesco Antonio Fasani resulted from his many small decisions to cooperate with God’s grace.

Quote:

During his homily at the canonization of Francesco, Pope John Paul II reflected on John 21:15 in which Jesus asks Peter if he loves Jesus more than the other apostles and then tells Peter, "Feed my lambs." The pope observed that in the final analysis human holiness is decided by love. "He [Francesco] made the love taught us by Christ the fundamental characteristic of his existence, the basic criterion of his thought and activity, the supreme summit of his aspirations" (L'Osservatore Romano, vol. 16, number 3, 1986).

November 30

Servant of God John of Monte Corvino

(1247-1328)

At a time when the Church was heavily embroiled in nationalistic rivalries within Europe, it was also reaching across Asia to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Mongols. John of Monte Corvino went to China about the same time Marco Polo was returning.

John was a soldier, judge and doctor before he became a friar. Prior to going to Tabriz, Persia (present-day Iran), in 1278, he was well known for his preaching and teaching. In 1291 he left Tabriz as a legate of Pope Nicholas IV to the court of Kublai Khan. An Italian merchant, a Dominican friar and John traveled to western India where the Dominican died. When John and the Italian merchant arrived in China in 1294, Kublai Khan had recently died.

Nestorian Christians, successors to the dissidents of the fifth-century Council of Ephesus’ teaching on Jesus Christ, had been in China since the seventh century. John converted some of them and also some of the Chinese, including Prince George from Tenduk, northwest of Beijing. Prince George named his son after this holy friar.

John established his headquarters in Khanbalik (now Beijing), where he built two churches; his was the first resident Catholic mission in the country. By 1304 he had translated the Psalms and the New Testament into the Tatar language.

Responding to two letters from John, Pope Clement V named John Archbishop of Khanbalik in 1307 and consecrated seven friars as bishops of neighboring dioceses. One of the seven never left Europe. Three others died along the way to China; the remaining three bishops and the friars who accompanied them arrived there in 1308.

When John died in 1328, he was mourned by Christians and non-Christians. His tomb quickly became a place of pilgrimage. In 1368, Christianity was banished from China when the Mongols were expelled and the Ming dynasty began. John’s cause has been introduced in Rome.

Comment:

When John of Monte Corvino went to China, he represented the Church’s desire to preach the gospel to a new culture and to be enriched by it. The travels of Pope John Paul II have demonstrated the universality of the Good News and the urgent need to continue the challenging work of helping the Good News take root in a variety of cultural situations.

Quote:

In 1975, Pope Paul VI wrote, "The Church evangelizes when she seeks to convert, solely through the divine power of the Message she proclaims, both the personal and collective consciences of people, the activities in which they engage, and the lives and concrete milieus which are theirs" (Evangelization in the Modern World, #18).

http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay

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GENERAL MARIOLOGY

Nativity of the Virgin Mary

The Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew
Translation by Saint Jerome

CHAP. 36.--After these things Jesus crossed the Jordan, in the sight of
them all, with the lions; and the water of the Jordan was divided on the
right hand and on the left.[1] Then He said to the lions, in the hearing of
all: Go in peace, and hurt no one; but neither let man injure you, until
you return to the place whence you have come forth. And they, bidding Him
farewell, not only with their gestures but with their voices, went to their
own place. But Jesus returned to His mother.

CHAP. 37.--Now Joseph[2] was a carpenter, and used to make nothing else
of wood but ox-yokes, and ploughs, and implements of husbandry, and wooden
beds. And it came to pass that a certain young man ordered him to make for
him a couch six cubits long. And Joseph commanded his servant[3] to cut the
wood with an iron saw, according to the measure which he had sent. But he
did not keep to the prescribed measure, but made one piece of wood shorter
than the other. And Joseph was in perplexity, and began to consider what he
was to do about this. And when Jesus saw him in this state of cogitation,
seeing that it was a matter of impossibility to him, He addresses him with
words of comfort, saying: Come, let us take hold of the ends of the pieces
of wood, and let us put them together, end to end, and let us fit them
exactly to each other, and draw to us, for we shall be able to make them
equal. Then Joseph did what he was bid, for he knew that He could do
whatever He wished. And Joseph took hold of the ends of the pieces of wood,
and brought them together against the wall next himself, and Jesus took
hold of the other ends of the pieces of wood, and drew the shorter piece to
Him, and made it of the same length as the longer one. And He said to
Joseph: Go and work, and do what thou hast promised to do. And Joseph did
what he had promised.[4]

CHAP. 38.--And it came to pass a second time, that Joseph and Mary were
asked by the people that Jesus should be taught His letters in school. They
did not refuse to do so; and according to the commandment of the elders,
they took Him to a master to be instructed in human learning. Then the
master began to teach Him in an imperious tone, saying: Say Alpha.[5] And
Jesus said to him: Do thou tell me first what Betha is, and I will tell
thee what Alpha is. And upon this the master got angry and struck Jesus;
and no sooner had he struck Him, than he fell down dead.

And Jesus went home again to His mother. And Joseph, being afraid,
called Mary to him, and said to her: Know of a surety that my soul is
sorrowful even unto death on account of this child. For it is very likely
that at some time or other some one will strike him in malice, and he will
die. But Mary answered and said: O man of God! do not believe that this is
possible. You may believe to a certainty that He who has sent him to be
born among men will Himself guard him from all mischief, and will in His
own name preserve him from evil.

CHAP. 39.--Again the Jews asked Mary and Joseph a third time to coax
Him to go to another master to learn. And Joseph and Mary, fearing the
people, and the overbearing of the princes, and the threats of the priests,
led Him again to school, knowing that He could learn nothing from man,
because He had perfect knowledge from God only. And when Jesus had entered
the school, led by the Holy Spirit, He took the book out of the hand of the
master who was teaching the law, and in the sight and hearing of all the
people began to read, not indeed what was written in their book; but He
spoke in the Spirit of the living God, as if a stream of water were gushing
forth from a living fountain, and the fountain remained always full. And
with such power He taught the people the great things of the living God,
that the master himself fell to the ground and adored Him. And the heart of
the people who sat and heard Him saying such things was turned into
astonishment. And when Joseph heard of this, he came running to Jesus,
fearing that the master himself was dead. And when the master saw him, he
said to him: Thou hast given me not a scholar, but a master; and who can
withstand his words? Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by the
Psalmist: The river of God is full of water: Thou hast prepared them corn,
for so is the provision for it.[1]

CHAP. 40.--After these things Joseph departed thence with Mary and
Jesus to go into Capernaum by the sea-shore, on account of the malice of
his adversaries. And when Jesus was living in Capernaum, there was in the
city a man named Joseph, exceedingly rich. But he had wasted away under his
infirmity, and died, and was lying dead in his couch. And when Jesus heard
them in the city mourning, and weeping, and lamenting over the dead man, He
said to Joseph: Why dost thou not afford the benefit of thy favour to this
man, seeing that he is called by thy name? And Joseph answered him: How
have I any power or ability to afford him a benefit? And Jesus said to him:
Take the handkerchief which is upon thy head, and go and put it on the face
of the dead man, and say to him: Christ heal thee; and immediately the dead
man will be healed, and will rise from his couch. And when Joseph heard
this, he went away at the command of Jesus, and ran, and entered the house
of the dead man, and put the handkerchief which he was wearing on his head
upon the face of him who was lying in the couch, and said: Jesus heal thee.
And forthwith the dead man rose from his bed, and asked who Jesus was.[2]

CHAP. 41.--And they went away from Capernaum into the city which is
called Bethlehem; and Joseph lived with Mary in his own house, and Jesus
with them. And on a certain day Joseph called to him his first-born son
James,[3] and sent him into the vegetable garden to gather vegetables for
the purpose of making broth. And Jesus followed His brother James into the
garden; but Joseph and Mary did not know this. And while James was
collecting the vegetables, a viper suddenly came out of a hole and struck
his hand,[4] and he began to cry out from excessive pain. And, becoming
exhausted, he said, with a bitter cry: Alas! alas! an accursed viper has
struck my hand. And Jesus, who was standing opposite to him, at the bitter
cry ran up to James, and took hold of his hand; and all that He did was to
blow on the hand of James, and cool it: and immediately James was healed,
and the serpent died. And Joseph and Mary did not know what had been done;
but at the cry of James, and the command of Jesus, they ran to the garden,
and found the serpent already dead, and James quite cured.

CHAP. 42.--And Joseph having come to a feast with his sons, James,
Joseph, and Judah, and Simeon and his two daughters, Jesus met them, with
Mary His mother, along with her sister Mary of Cleophas, whom the Lord God
had given to her father Cleophas and her mother Anna, because they had
offered Mary the mother of Jesus to the Lord. And she was called by the
same name, Mary, for the consolation of her parents.[5] And when they had
come together, Jesus sanctified and blessed them, and He was the first to
begin to eat and drink; for none of them dared to eat or drink, or to sit
at table, or to break bread, until He had sanctified them, and first done
so. And if He happened to be absent, they used to wait until He should do
this. And when He did not wish to come for refreshment, neither Joseph nor
Mary, nor the sons of Joseph, His brothers, came. And, indeed, these
brothers, keeping His life as a lamp before their eyes, observed Him, and
feared Him. And when Jesus slept, whether by day or by night, the
brightness of God shone upon Him. To whom be all praise and glory for ever
and ever. Amen, amen.

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DIVINE MERCY

Divine Mercy: The Miracles

While in England, Stanley offered to answer any questions asked of him.

(Q) "When Our Lord appeared to you, did He appear to you just as in the Divine Mercy Image. How did He look?"
(A) "When you are in front of Jesus, you cannot just totally describe Him, because He is everything. When you are looking at Him, you cannot describe your happiness, your satisfaction, the peace and everything. In fact, you forget your family when you are in front of Him. All of the pictures of Jesus, there is likeness, but not totally, not exactly, but there is likeness, but you cannot just totally describe Him when you are in front of Him."

(Q) "How would Jesus like our future? What would He like us to be, a part from the Commandments? How would He like our future to progress as years go on? What does He want us to do with our lives?"
(A) "That is why He said that now is the time for mercy".

(Q) "Yes, but with all the problems we have had in Society, with contraception and abortion?"
(A) "Contraception and abortion! All that is a sin. That is why Mary is crying with blood all ready. That's a sin. That's why for example, last night, four ladies approached me and they said after my testimony, they said they are planning for an abortion, but after hearing my testimony, they changed their mind, because they said they do not want to see their films, that the other one killing their own child."

(Q) "Could I ask you, did you actually see Jesus as the gates of Heaven or did you actually see Heaven?"
(A) Cardinal Vidal said that it is the Garden of Eden, because, it's a garden and in it all beautiful flowers. That is why Cardinal Vidal described it as the Garden of Eden."

(Q) "Did you actually see that yourself, or just the clouds and the light?"
(A) "I see it yes. It is the Garden of Eden. By the way, Jesus said to me that we have to pray for His beloved Priests, because He said: "They are My precious jewels and some of them cause My Heart to bleed. But I will bless them abundantly, in time, and in eternity; much more if they will stay longer in the Confessional, because it is in the Confessional that My mercy flows greater than all the sins committed by any living creature"".

(Q) "How do we ask our Priest to promote the Divine Mercy? Should we do it very quietly or should we implore him to promote Divine Mercy?"
(A) "Give the Priest some real stuff he can learn, because some of the Priests do not promote Divine Mercy because they do not understand Divine Mercy. You have to inform them, and give them some literature that will guide them. And, you have to pray and ask Our Lord's assistance because we cannot change a person, only God can change a person, so we have to pray".

(Q) "Stanley, because of this Divine Mercy, especially in the Islands of the Philippines, is there a great change in the Philippines? Do they now keep the Sabbath holy?"
(A) "In the Philippines, at three o'clock in the afternoon, all the television stations, pray the three o'clock prayer, and also all the radio stations. And, not only the Catholics are ringing their bells, but also the other Church dominions, because I have also given my testimony to other Church dominions, so at three o'clock every body is ringing their bells and also I find it surprising that the Malls especially in Cebu and Manila, at three o'clock, they would stop and pray that three o'clock prayer. The Feast of Mercy will be celebrated throughout the universal Church. Jesus promised that the souls who are in a state of grace (been to Confession) who receive Holy Communion on that day, at the Feast of His Mercy, will be granted complete forgiveness of sins including their punishment, meaning after the Feast of Mercy, whatever happens to you, you will go straight to Heaven. Because even the punishment is forgiven. Because, when we go to Confession, when we go to a Priest, our sins are forgiven, but the punishment remains. That is why when we die we cannot go straight to Heaven, we have to pass through Purgatory to pay for the punishments of our sins. But during the Feast of Mercy, all the sins and the punishments are forgiven, so that's a very wonderful grace."

(Q) "Stanley, what does Jesus think about other religions and other non Christian religions? Hindu's and all different religions?"
(A) "Well, God's mercy is for everybody, not only for Catholics - because if Jesus is given the choice, He wants all mankind to enter Heaven. But only man loves so much the world, that he does not want to accept God's mercy. He does not want to return to the Lord. In fact, they are just denying their sins."

(Q) "Does Jesus want us to approach people in our work places; strangers, non Christians, to tell them about Divine Mercy? If so, how does He want us to do it? Because it is very difficult to go up to a stranger who does not believe in God or does not know Jesus and try to tell him about Divine Mercy."
(A) "We can do it. We can do it by being an example. We have to show them, that's why Jesus said: Put mercy into action. For example, you visit the prisoners and you explain to them God's mercy. And also at hospital, tell them and you give them the chaplet and you teach them how to pray the chaplet of Divine Mercy. You can do it, because the chaplet is welcomed by other religions, because God's mercy is for everybody, not only for Catholics. That's why Jesus said that we have to multiply our prayer for the sinners because Jesus said that the sinners do not pray for themselves anymore. So we have to increase our prayer for the sinners because their salvation depends on us."

(Q) "If those of us who have celebrated the Divine Mercy Sunday, in a state of grace, if our video is shown to us when we die, would it go back earlier or would it begin at the last Divine Mercy Sunday?"
(A) "Others would also ask me, if your sins are forgiven, it is also forgotten with the Lord, that is true! But during the shooting of the film, you will see everything, because Jesus wants us to see how sinful we are. But then He will forgive us and that is a sign of mercy and it is mercy itself, shooting our film, showing us how sinful we are, then forgiving us. That it mercy itself!"

(Q) "Does Jesus speak to you about His Mother?"
(A) "Yes! He always do. That's why He said we have to pray the chaplet and the rosary unceasingly, as our last weapon against the enemies".

(Q) "One of the problems is the difference between the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and having the image over our fire places, and Our Lord asking for the image of Divine Mercy. Sometimes, the two seem to be in conflict and some prefer the Sacred Heart and some prefer the Divine Mercy?"
(A) "For me it is not conflict. Before what happened to me, since I was a kid I am already a devotee to the Sacred Heart, until I grew up, until I got married. In fact I built Sacred Heart Chapel, just in front of our house. That's why Jesus said, because I ask Him the difference: Love: Love is the Sacred Heart. Love is the flower. Mercy is the fruit. Because you do not have mercy if you do not have love. So love and mercy go together."

(Q) "You talked about the time of mercy and there is obviously a time table, because seventy-years ago on February 22, this image was seen for the first time by Saint Faustina. The Holy Father himself is special because his mission on life is to bring in the time of mercy. Is there a time table that Jesus has for mankind? Because I have heard from radio shows in America, that's not to say prediction, because the time and the place is known only to God, but we are obviously in these final times. What is expected of society when the Holy Father decreed Divine Mercy Sunday in the year 2000, and the Bishops are indifferent to it, because the decree has gone out to the Bishops and therefore they are the ones to instruct the Priests and they wont. We people are basically having to listen to the Bishops and the Priests, but if they don't speak of Divine Mercy or follow the Feast for us to celebrate, how do we raise that up?"
(A) "We raise it up by giving more information to the Priests. Because some of the Priests do not understand Divine Mercy because they have not read about Divine Mercy, so we have to inform them. We can give them some leaflets, but before giving them information, we have to pray for them, that they will accept it, because, as I said, we cannot change a person. That's why we have to pray harder. And also, you see, Divine Mercy devotion is for salvation, saving life, saving souls. That is why the other side is also working the wolf. The other side, will also work double time because what you are doing is saving souls."

(Q) "Does Jesus say anything about the Scriptures?"
(A) "He did not mention it to me."

(Q) "Stanley, how long were you dead?"
(A) "I was clinically dead for three days. "By the way, because I am often asked about that three o'clock prayer in the morning and the three o'clock prayer in the afternoon. Because last year, when I give my testimony at the Vatican in front of all the Cardinals and Bishops, there were twenty-six Cardinals and fifty odd Bishops. One of the Cardinals asked me, 'What is the significance of the three o'clock prayer in the morning. Because there are so many answered prayers at three o'clock in the morning.' And I answered, 'That is the time of His Resurrection.' And the Cardinal stood up and said that this was true, that in the Book, Jesus and Mary met at four o'clock in the morning. So they said, He must have resurrected at three o'clock."

(Q) "Can you tell me, what was your illness? What did it consist of?"
(A) "Before what happened to me, I am just going good. I have no illness. I am very strong. This is why, after what happened to me, when I woke up, my wife was so stunned. She cannot believe it. So I went down to the billing section and paid the bill. Then I drive the car in going home. That's why one of the Bishops in the Philippines commented that what happened to me was just an emergency meeting with the Lord."

(Q) "Stanley, when you were at the Vatican talking to the Bishops and Cardinals, was the Holy Father there as well?"
(A) "No! He was scheduled to attend, but he was so tired and ill at the time."

(Q) "With the Cardinals and Bishops from all over the world, what language did you speak in? Italian?
(A) "English".

(Q) "Italian?"
(A) "No! I said English".

(Q) "When Jesus was preparing you for this trip to England, did He say anything to you about the people of England?"
(A) "Yes. People of England are very dear to Him, but then much of them cause His Heart to bleed, because England is losing faith. That is why I am here, to increase faith. And now you heard from me. Do not keep to yourself, you have to multiply. Jesus said that if you save a soul, you save your own."

Stanley continues is travel around the world, telling of the amazing event that happened to him and fulfilling the mission that Jesus sent him back to earth to complete, That is, to teach the message of Divine Mercy.

To His apostle, Saint Marie Faustina, Jesus made a promise in regard to both the image and the praying of the Divine Mercy chaplet. He gave conditions. What is prayed for, is prayed with a contrite heart. That it is not against His Will, in other words, it is doubtful this promise could be used to gain power and riches, which would be an abuse of His gift. He tells us that when the chaplet is prayed for a dying soul, that soul will receive His mercy and not His Justice. In away, when a promise is given to us from Heaven, then God because He is Just, is obliged to keep it. Here are a few personal accounts, where the promise Jesus made to us through Saint Faustina, has been fulfilled.

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CATHOLIC TEACHING/CONVICTION/TESTIMONY

How Are We to Live as Christians?

by Nguyen Phi Long

oday we live in a very distracting world. Many people have different concerns. Parents are concerned for their children's future due to the developments and progress in science, medicine, technology, and other fields of knowledge while others feel distressed in dealing with their personal moral decisions like sexuality, abortion, and so on. Others might be caught up in pursuing power, money, and glory that blur a true vision of reality. Yet, we all take an interest in what sorts of things are worth pursuing in life and what sort of people we should strive to become so that our decisions and actions have significance for our lives and the lives of others. For all of us, whether young or old, we must ask ourselves what does it mean to be a moral Christian. What is our idea of a Christian moral vision and how are our perspectives informed by our faith in God as well as our personal experiences?

The vision that I am talking about is certainly more than taking a look. Vision, based on my sensation and imagination, provides the fundamental knowledge for my choices. What I experience and see will affect the way I perform. Every action must have a reason; likewise, vision gives reason for my action. Therefore, my moral vision justifies my character. I am a Christian, and thus my moral vision must be rooted in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Christ is my vision that justifies what sort of person I ought to be and what sort of actions I ought to take because I am a Christian. In St. Paul's letter to the Colossians, he writes that "Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation" (Col 1:15). In Christ, the Incarnate Son of God, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" (Jn14:6), I experience the fullness of God. Jesus is like an icon through which I comprehend God fully. Thus all of my moral actions and intentions that are oriented toward God will justify who I am.

Then how is my moral vision informed and developed? My moral vision is certainly not something I acquire by myself but it is informed by my family, the church and the culture in which I live. Morality appeals to narratives, stories, myths and so on that shapes my way of seeing, feeling, thinking, judging, and acting. The moral values I hold are connected to the communities with which I associate, and the choices I make appeal to the norms of the groups or cultures with which I identity. For instance, the Bible, which includes stories, parables, and images, distinctively portray and describe goodness in the moral life, and it not only provides me with ways of seeing the world, but also shapes my moral awareness.

In my Vietnamese culture, morality is based on the community rather than the individual. Besides my family, church, and culture, I may also engage in a larger world where there is a diversity of cultures, religions and ideologies that definitely teach me something new about what is morality and how life ought to be. Therefore, the morality that I hold is certainly not a set of rules imposed by my family, church, community and culture, but rather a collection of stories from which I constitute my moral vision. This vision which is based solely on my personal and authentic experience with God, is ongoing. Developing our morality is like learning a musical instrument. It is an ongoing process that requires one's commitment, perseverance, consistency, and effort. This vision, therefore, justifies who I am as a Vietnamese Christian.

Christian moral vision is an invitation calling us to be disciples of Jesus. In the Gospel of Mathew, Jesus sends his disciples to "make disciples of all nations" (Mt 28:19). Jesus is the guiding vision and the universal model through which we experience God. As Jesus says, "He who has seen me, has seen the Father" (Jn 14:8). Jesus is a vision justifying what kinds of person we, as Jesus' disciples, ought to be and what kinds of actions we ought to take. Making disciples is a relationship that connects oneself with God, with Jesus, and with others.

Discipleship is a matter of answering the invitation of Jesus to take an adventure to live under the reign of God as he did. Living as a disciple necessarily entails forming a Christian imagination and converting our loyalty to God in Christ into a way of life. As Christians, our moral vision is to imitate Christ, not to mimic Christ but to let go of our selfishness and weaknesses in order to be filled with God's love. Discipleship is a movement towards an end, which ultimately is the union with God. St. Thomas also describes discipleship as a circle of journey. In the journey, all beings come from God and are in search for their fulfillment. They are drawn back to God as their completion. We are not alone on this planet. We are relational and social beings interconnected in God. To be a human person is to be essentially directed toward others. We are all interrelated like a puzzle where all pieces linked. Like a piece of puzzle, each person plays different roles, yet each role is unique and equally important to contribute to the whole picture of humanity or the image of God. The deeper one's participation in relationship is, the more human one becomes.

With these perspectives, there is no doubt that we will be more prepared in our helping those around us. First, before helping others, I need to help myself. I must be aware of who I am and what my moral vision is. Self-awareness is the core of my actions because I will be dealing with diverse people in my life. I need to have a strong anchor of faith grounded in God so that I would be able to build a bridge between cultures, religions, and values. All of my actions come from within. A good tree produces good fruits. My commitment to Christ as Lord ought to influence my moral character including my perspectives, disposition, affects, and intentions.

Secondly, once I know that my vision is grounded in God, then I may be able to share it with others. This new understanding gives me a sense of sensitivity and awareness of others' moral vision because each individual has his/her own notion of morality and responds to God's invitation differently based on one's personality, culture, gender, religion and society. I have no right to judge their moral values; yet I need to acknowledge and appreciate their moral visions with dignity, respect, and sensitivity. I don't impose my moral standards. Rather I allow him/her moral vision to grow in accordance with one's life experience and seek to promote his/her experiences of God and invite his/her to live out the ethical and spiritual relationship with God in daily life. Hopefully, we all will come together in God to participate in his mission, that is, to create a community of discipleship and witness the Gospel to others.

The reason for my two statements above is based on the concept of "to be is to be in relations." I am aware of myself in relation with God and others in the universe. I no longer see myself separate from the whole but rather I find myself connecting with other beings in God. Humans are social and relational beings. Human relatedness is like a puzzle. Every part is equally important. The whole picture cannot be revealed unless all the parts are connected. As a result, I may be sensitive and respectful when I minister to others. I don't come to change others with my own agenda and preferences, but rather I come to be with them in discovering their gifts and talents and work together in creating a welcoming community of discipleship.

In conclusion, a moral life, which is shaped by the culture, community and church, is an ongoing process of conversion so that who I am and what I do will become more and more a response to the divine love. We are all called to follow and participate in Jesus' mission. Christ is my vision that shows me how to live life fully. Christ is the foundation justifying what sorts of person I ought to be and what sorts of action I ought to take in union with God. I know my vision and the visions of others so that I may acknowledge other's moral values with respect and dignity and take responsibility to work with others in creating a welcoming community of discipleship.

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