Our Lady, One Lady's Devotion , And The Gift Of The Miraculous Medal: By: C.C.

" I offer you now to My Mother, for it is through Her that the world came to know Me, and through Her the world will come back to Me; by the gentle guiding hand of a Mother."

     Our Blessed Mother Mary is often misunderstood, dismissed, and even attacked by many who remain ignorant to the reasons and importance of Mother Mary and Her veneration within the Catholic Church. There is lack of understanding and as a result many salse judgements are made. It is important to share the fact that we as Catholics do not worship Mary; we only worship The Lord our God. We honor Mary, and we venerate Her in our Church, praying for Her intercession to aid us in becoming closer to Her Beloved Son Jesus Christ.
    Our Lady has been truly important to me throughout my journey of faith and has indeed carried me further into the bosom of our Lord. I share this story of the Miraculous Medal today because it is one that has been on my heart for some time. It is through Mary's "gentle guiding hand" that I have  become stronger in my walk with Christ and ultimately in my own journey as a woman in faith aspiring for purity. 
    In the year 2000 I was a young grade eight kid approaching the Sacrament of Confirmation- today, looking back upon this time in my life I feel that I was ignorant to not only many aspects our Catholic faith, but also of the importance of this Sacrament in my life. I hold no one at fault for this and recognize that regardless of my own ignorance our Lord was at work. 
   I attended a small elementary school in Wildfield, Brampton (St. Patrick's Elementary School). Catechism classes were mandatory the year of confirmation and held at the school's parish prior to Saturday evening Mass. I do not recall much of the Catechism class or what my teachers name was, all I recall is one event that left me with this beautiful Miraculous Medal and a moment that initiated  a relationship with the Blessed Mother and a profound encounter with the Catholic faith.
    It was one evening before Mass and I was walking to the back of the Church and I met a lady; she began asking me about our classes and when our Confirmation date was. Hanging on her neck was this amazing, aqua blue Blessed Mother- it caught my eye and I simply said "that is so beautiful, I've never seen one like that before". She put her hand to it and asked me what my name was. I shared this with her and then parted as Mass was soon beginning. Being an adolescent my mind was definitely preoccupied with other things and I did not think much more of this moment. However, this was not the case for this woman.
   A couple weeks later she again approached me following Catechism and said  " I think you should have this"...she opened her hand and gifted me with the same Medal of Mary that I had been drawn to a couple of weeks before. I was humbled by this gift and did not fully understand the value of it at that time, yet, somehow I believed that this was something so special I never wanted to lose. In fact I felt that it was so special I did not wear it for many years. I placed this Medal on a shelf in my room and would often look at it, feeling so unworthy to even wear it around my neck. As years passed and my relationship with God seemed to sadly dissipate there were nights that I held this medal in my hands before falling asleep. It would be at the age of 22 when everything started to change.
   I started attending Mass with a yearning to be nearer to The Lord and my faith again. I also began wearing this Miraculous Medal. During this time of return to the Church I often felt very emotional. The Eucharistic celebration and consumption often led me to tears; tears of sorrow for my sins, my ignorance, and also in recognition of the truth that I had never known.
    Following one Mass Deacon Robert at the parish approached me and asked me to sit down. He was attentive to the needs of the parishioners and extremely great to our youth. Through my tearful rambles he noticed the Medal on my neck and shared with me that this was the Miraculous Medal. Up to that point I had thought that the medal was just a medal with Mary on it, given by some nice lady during the year of my confirmation. Deacon Robert gave me a brief history of the medal and told me that I should do some reading on St. Catherine of Laboure. I am not sure if that moment with Deacon Robert is one that he even recalls and yet, it is one that I have never forgotten. I continued, and continue to wear the Miraculous Medal and have read the biography of beloved St. Catherine of Laboure with great interest. 
   This Miraculous Medal has continued to draw attention to Our Lady and I often get asked by students daily who it is hanging on my neck. I have yet to see another medal like this one with such beautiful blue. I am grateful each day to that woman at my parish years ago who gifted me with this. I know that the moment I put it around my neck was a moment that I began to welcome Mary and Jesus further into my heart. Since then my faith has grown immensely. This relationship and devotion to the Blessed Mother has given me such an understanding of what it means to be a woman of God, a woman in Christ, and a woman for Christ. I wish I could know the identity of this lady who so selflessly gave away her "necklace" to me, and yet, I am at the same time grateful that I do not. In this way everything points back to the workings of our Beloved Mother and our Lord who I thank for this gift and the gift of faith everyday. (C.C.)
   
    
     

Many Words, One God. By : C.C.

     

      As I continue to dive further into the readings of Scripture, our beloved Saints, and many other great spiritual writers of our Church there is one thing that continues to strike me. Even through modern eyes these traditional works are relevant today. Certain details remain subject to time and context, but what is written remains significant and valid in the Spiritual life.
     From the works of Saint Paul to Thomas a Kempis, from Saint Augustine to Saint Therese of Liseux and Thomas Merton, there is an underlying and unchanging truth. This truth is of our unchanging God, and the Holy Spirit which has manifested within each of these individuals to create the works that we read today. It is through these written testimonies and "Sacred Sharings" that our understanding of faith and Christian life is aided. These works do not serve the purpose of furthering us away from the Truth or in any way attempt to sway us from the definitive word of God in Jesus Christ "God has revealed himself fully by sending his own Son, in whom he has established his covenant for ever. The Son is his Father's definitive Word; so there will be no further Revelation after him." ( Catechism of The Catholic Church) 
   It is through these works that we can be brought into a closer union and relationship with our Lord. Through the writings and experiences of many devout we come to feel a sense of community and company along our Christian path. The similarities between much of what we read is comforting as it confirms the truth of our faith. We can find rest in the ever present unchanging Father who has always kept His promises and surrounded His children with love.
   It is not for the glory of the author that we are drawn to read these sacred writings, but rather, it is the awareness of the Holy Spirit present within the written words of our Lord's servants that we find most intriguing. It is by God, the Holy Spirit, and the gift of faith that we are able to properly engage in our reading.
   As I surrender my writings to His will, and yet, so unworthily share various reflections with you, I am pleased with the fact that I can not say anything new.  I can not provide anything about Scripture that has not been shared many times by those far more capable than me. I can not write about the Spiritual Journey and our need for self surrender better than those I read, or any better than those who find themselves reading this. However, I can praise and honor The Lord recognizing that the Holy Spirit which moved Saint Paul to write is the same Spirit that moved Thomas Merton. It is this same Spirit that led Saint Francis of Assisi to give up everything as to serve The Lord and gain Eternal life.  It is by the witness, sharings, and writings of those proclaiming the truth of our Lord that we can come to partial knowledge of the One True God who spoke through the prophets and continues to inspire us today.(C.C.)
  

" All Things Through Christ" By: C.C.

                     

      " God does not call the equipped, He equips the called" (Estefania)

    I was a reading a blog entry from Estefania who writes at I Found Him Whom My Soul Loves and was drawn to this specific line in her sharing. This simple yet profound statement carries with it immense truth. Even those faithful to the Lord battle with fear, anxiety, and other emotions when they feel that the Lord is asking something of them that they can not accomplish or begin to understand. There is an awareness of God's call, and simultaneously there is also some reservation.
     These fears and emotions of inadequacy that one experiences in the face of God's call are in fact a tremendous gift. It is a moment in which we recognize our nothingness and God's majesty. It is an opportunity for us to humble ourselves and be reminded that only with God can all things be made possible. - " For with God nothing shall be impossible." (Luke 1:37)
   Through Scripture and the lives of our Saints we see the reality of God calling man to do "great things"- quite monumental things that once appeared impossible to accomplish. We see through our Biblical ancestors the Provision of our Lord when He wills something to be done. We come to understand the marvellous works that can manifest themselves through us if we resign ourselves entirely to the will of God. This renouncing of self allows for us to further unite with the will of our Lord and in this manner fulfill the purpose He has set out for us. 
    It is through great obedience to the Lord's will that we are able to know people like Bl. Mother Theresa, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Maximilian Kolbe, and countless others who were equipped by God to accomplish all they did for His glory. The call is not one that we answer as an individual with our own strength, but rather, it is a call that invites us to come unequipped as we are allowing ourselves to be molded into what God wills for us to be. We must approach tasks before us with full faith and trust in The Lord. No matter how difficult, how impossible, how intimidating it may be. (C.C.). " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." ( Philippians 4:13)
    

St. Paul By: C.C.

 

“It happened that I was on that journey and nearly at Damascus when in the middle of the day a bright light from heaven suddenly shone around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? “ I answered, “Who are you, Lord?” and he said to me, “I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting. “The people with me saw the light but did not hear the voice which spoke to me. I said, “What am I to do, Lord?”The Lord answered, “Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told what you have been appointed to do. “Since the light had been so dazzling that I was blind, I got to Damascus only because my companions led me by the hand. Someone called Ananias, a devout follower of the Law and highly thought of by all the Jews living there, came to see me; he stood beside me and said, `Brother Saul, receive your sight.` Instantly my sight came back and I was able to see him. Then he said, `` The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see the Upright One and hear his own voice speaking, because you are to be his witness before all humanity, testifying what you have seen and heard. And now why delay? Hurry and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.`` (Acts 22:6-16)

     Today we reflect upon the conversion of St. Paul. Through his life we are able to see God's transforming power of grace and mercy. St. Paul's conversion shows to us the depths that our Lord will go to pull us out of our sin.

    I have always been drawn to the writings of St. Paul, finding immense value and modern relativity in his teachings on Christian Life. Through St. Paul one can recognize the power of Christ within, the importance of surrender, and the way that we are called to live as followers of Christ.
Today's reading at Mass began by describing "Saul" as one who persecutes the Lord's disciples and by the end of this reading we are faced with the miracle of Saul being completely transformed by God. He is no longer one aiming to slaughter Christians, but one on fire for the Lord proclaiming the teachings of Jesus Christ.
    As we recall the Conversion of St. Paul today let us pray for his intercession to help lead souls to faith in Christ. Let us praise God for His power to transform and change us. May we constantly recognize our need for conversion daily. Let us come see ourselves as instruments of our Lord and seek opportunities to do His will and share the Good News. May we be proud of our Catholic identity and confidently live out our faith each day.
     Lord, As we bear witness to the world around us it is often hard to remain hopeful and faithful. Provide us with the courage, faith, and hope to persevere with You as our guide. Thank you for the gift of faith and for the eyes to see you, the ears to hear Your Word, and a heart that strives for purity. Amen (C.C.)

“With eyes wide open to the mercies of God, I beg you, my brothers, as an act of intelligent worship, to give him your bodies, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to him and acceptable by him. Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity” (Rom 12:1-2, Phillips)

Meditating With Merton. By: C.C.

" Before we were born, God knew us. He knew that some of us would rebel against His love and His mercy, and that others would love Him from the moment that they could love anything, and never change that love. He knew that there would be joy in heaven among the angels of His house for the conversion of some of us." (Thomas Merton- Seven Storey Mountain pg 458)

     And still God loves us just the same. He loves us in our differences. Our Lord not only knew us before we were born, but He accepted all that we would become in the hope that we would someday know Him. He yearns for us to one day love Him with the fullness of our being. He loves the rebel and He loves the devout. Our Lord is love.
   It is dangerous when we forget this truth of love. It is not a matter of avoiding the reality and consequences of sin, or neglecting to acknowledge the judgement of our Lord that we will face. But, rather, it is a reminder that God's love is a gift to each of us. It is a love that does not discriminate as we often do toward one another. It is a love that sees past our mistakes, failures, and shortcomings. A love that is hopeful for the moment of conversion in our souls.
  As we reflect upon the unconditional love of our Lord may our hearts be opened to one another. May we come to see everyone as a child of God. Let us refrain from judging one another and instead spend time in prayer asking the Lord to open the hearts, minds, and souls of those who have yet to know Him. Let us pray for our brothers and sisters who rebel against His love, and for a continued strength and perseverance for those who do love Him. May we each remain hopeful that the angels in heaven may rejoice over many souls turning to our Lord with love and surrender. Let our lives serve as a witness to the love of our Lord and may we continue to share this love by loving one another. Amen (C.C.)
    
   

Consolation Along The Journey. By: C.C

                          I took this picture while on retreat at the Abbey of Genesee

                        

"On our journey through life we do not wish to meet any difficulties or contradictions. We want constant consolations, no periods of dryness, no unpleasant times; health without sickness, repose without work, and peace without disturbance! But can't you see our folly when we want to have something we cannot have? Unallayed good is found only in paradise, as in hell is found nothing but evil. The great Chrysostom says: "O man, you who get all upset when things do not always go your way, are you not ashamed when you ponder that what you want was not to be found even in the family of Our Lord? ... Consider, I beg you, the events, the contradictions, and all the things that happened. The angel of the Lord said in a dream to Saint Joseph, 'Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you otherwise. Herod is searching for the child to destroy him.' [Mt. 2:13] This, indeed, was a moment of great sorrow for the Virgin Mary and for good Saint Joseph." (St. Francis De Sales)

     As our spiritual journey becomes challenging and often plagued with dryness we must not lose hope. There is a part of us that longs for a consistency of serenity and peace amidst our walk with the Lord. If we give ourselves so fervently to prayer and devotion how can we expect anything less than this?
   These moments of dryness awaken us to the imperfect nature of ourselves and of the human condition in need of redemption. Our spiritual dryness awakens us to our need of further purification and humility. It is helpful for us in these times to reflect upon the difficulties and trials of our beloved Saints and Holy Family in order to gain proper perspective.
  Throughout Scripture we hear the voices of God's children crying out to Him amidst their difficulties and desperation. Through their cries we also hear the echo of such profound and unshaken faith; a faith assured of the only true and sustaining consolation that can be provided by our Lord.
   Through our own dryness and afflictions we are each called to turn to God in the hope of His consolation. If we are deprived of this, then may our longing for Him be the only fitting remedy. May the gift of our faith aid us in persevering through the drought. May we come to the understanding that our Lord is Love and that He always keeps His promises. Let us remember the words of St. Paul to the Philippians. (C.C.)
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:5-8)

His Light Amidst Our Darkness. By: C.C.

 

       As we continue journeying through Advent and anticipate the coming of Christ again into our midst on Christmas day we are reminded of His light amidst our darkness. This idea of Jesus as light has been rather amplified for me personally during this Advent season. On December 19th I received the news that my great aunt Zia Giovanna had passed away.
   As my family continues to mourn the loss of my Zia I realize that there is something greater at work within this situation. Only a few days ago while Zia was on her way alone to visit her Doctor with a gift for Christmas she fell to the pavement as a result of a massive heart attack. Thanks to many kind soul bystanders who called 911 she was able to be stabilized enough to make it to the hospital. Today was difficult as I was just made aware of many of the details of her final moments. My Zia has suffered greatly in her life with heart trouble. From as early as her forties she had already had her first of what would be multiple heart attacks before her final rest at age 68.
   Today we had Zia's funeral and it was a very emotional time for all present. Despite her history of heart trouble she was doing relatively well and this was very sudden for all of us.  The viewing was very difficult and the burial was equally as sorrowful. It was very evident that Zia Giovanna is already greatly missed by everyone who knew her.
  Following the burial, we gathered at my grandparents home to eat and share time with one another. Due to the amount of people my Nonna decided to have our lunch in the basement at the larger table.
   As I walked down into Nonna's basement I realized that it was the first time in years that my entire family (extended family and all) was sharing a meal together in that basement. The death of my Zia had not only joined us all together again in love, but it brought life back into an area of the home where we used to spend many holiday dinners and gatherings. Overcome with emotion many of my cousins sat and cried over the loss of Zia, while others shared memories of Nonna's basement and the many laughs lived. We spoke of our deceased grandparents, great grandparents, uncles, cousins, and other relatives who have gone before us, and were once so very present in the same space that we shared today. When this realization came upon me I paused and took this picture with my phone. I had to capture this moment of us sharing food and candidly chatting with each other. When I looked at the picture later this evening I noticed the amount of light shining in through the small basement window; it was then I realized that the Lord's light is truly present amidst our time of darkness. 

    It is easy to focus on the darkness when these events occur. Death is one of these circumstances that presents us with numerous emotions. In these moments many question their faith, the existence of God, and the purpose for such a loss to happen. Especially now within this joyful season of Christ's birth it seems that death has come at the "wrong time". When we accept that God's time is always right and further seek and yearn for His will we may come to find supernatural hope and divine comfort within our hearts. We may come to see that God's light is truly so very near  to us. 
   Tonight I pray for all of those who mourn the loss of Zia Giovanna, and for anyone who is dealing with loss, suffering, and a heavy heart during this time. May we be open to seeing the light of Christ surrounding us amidst our circumstances. Let us draw nearer to our Lord with trust and hope that though we do not know His plan we can trust in His Providence. May we continue to extend the gift of love and our time to one another. May our Lord have mercy on all of our deceased loved ones and may they be welcomed into His Kingdom. Tonight I am saddened by the loss of my Zia, and yet, I rejoice with hopeful prayer for Zia Giovanna to be blessed to spend Christmas day with The birthday boy. Amen (C.C.)