St. Vincent Ferrer Podcast

“By the grace of God I am what I am and His grace in me has not been void.” This passage from today’s epistle aptly summarizes the life of St. Paul. But it should also hold true for each one of us. And it is especially applicable to Our Lady, in whom we see the grandeur and effectiveness of God’s grace when man cooperates with God. The mysteries of Our Lady, which show her always full of grace and increasing in grace throughout her life, also reflect what God desires for each of us. The goal of Our Lady’s Assumption, and of Holy Mass, and of our existence is an ever deeper union with God.

For good or ill man desires that which is ‘new.’ This desire has lead to advances in civilization and destruction. Man also desires ‘nostalgia.’ The Greek root of this word means the pain from an old wound. Too often we look for what is new and avoid the old as we strive towards God. Yet the answers for the human soul lie not in something new but in the pain of a very old wound. You shall be restless until you rest in the Cross.

Christ gives us great blessings by His birth – let us thank Him and, like our Lady, keep in mind and heart the great mysteries of Christmas. The Presentation highlight the offering of the Child Jesus to the Eternal Father on the part of His Mother, the temples priests, and Simeon. The final mysteries of Christmas take place in the temple. They emphasize sacrifice (the Mass!) and Jesus’ teaching the truth (doctrine!). Both of these are suffering terrible attacks today from our own prelates.

The Magi saw the Christ Child carrying His cross in the light of the star. The manger is Jesus’ cathedra (teaching chair of authority) from which He confounds the spirit of the world. Christ teaches us by the very mysteries He chose to live in His infancy. He teaches us to overcome our inordinate inclinations (concupiscence). These Mysteries testify to His love and desire to save us.

The bride and groom who marry do not have true love. What they have has the potential to reach perfection as authentic ennobling love. Sadly, it can also develop into a mere coexistence and ignobility. Which shall it be? In this world, suffering is the proof of love and gives love its meaning and value. Love in marriage must mirror the love of the Blessed Trinity. It is indissoluble and self-effacing, thereby spirating love and life. Sacrifice your excellence. Bear one another. In the company of saints we become saints. The moving example of Saint Eulogius and the Cripple teach us much about marriage.

Jesus’ holy Name is all powerful because of the Name who bears it. His Name highlights His mission as our Savior. In particular, it represents His love and power. It is the shortest and simplest prayer. “Jesus, I love Thee. Jesus, I live for Thee. Jesus, I suffer for Thee. Jesus, I die for Thee. Jesus, save me.”

Be not like those lost in worldliness or who forget Christmas after the 25th. Christmas lasts until February 2! During this time, focus on the great mission God entrusted to Our Lady. No one knew Christ as profoundly as Mary. No one is a more competent guide and teacher. She lived the very life of Christ. Imitate her ‘Christmas’ example of pondering every word, deed and detail of her Divine Son and of comforting her life to those most sacred mysteries. Know that the Hail Mary is an exemplary prayer of praise and petition which glorifies God.

Epiphany is one of the five holiest days of the year, yet nearly everyone has ‘moved past’ Christmas. You must think and act like Catholics. The feasts of Church should shape your mindset. Know that the purpose of your marriage and family is to lead people to Christ, to inspire a greater love for Him – find great joy in this! The light that guides the Three Kings also represents faith. They are men of great obedience and faith who follow the light from God. Catholic, do the same!

Keeping our physical gaze on the Divine Child helps us keep our heart fixed on Him. Imitate Our Lady and never take your eyes off Her Son. The world has many attractions and human weakness fills us with doubt. Imitate. Yet Christmas is filled with beauty to help incline us towards the grace and truth Christ brings. We set our heart on Christ alone by always obeying Him, pleasing Him, desiring Him, and submitting to God’s holy will.

Prepare for a happy death, which is not the same as a painless death. To die as softly as one drops off asleep and awaking to find an angry Judge and an everlasting fire is not a happy death. St. Lawrence and St. Agnes had happy painful deaths.  A happy death is one in the state of grace, for this — and this alone — means eternal salvation. The less debt one owes to God’s justice, the happier one’s death. Cease not to pray for the souls in Purgatory, that they may be worthy of God.