J.M.J.
May 26, 2016
St. Philip Neri
Dear Family of Mary!
Our meditation for today encourages us not to make Jesus Christ an object to be thought about or understood intellectually, but a person we adore and serve. We are asked to let go of the world and all it offers us as a distraction from the One who alone matters. Our Lady's messages also help us to turn our gaze on God alone!
Imitation of Christ: Book 1, Chapter 1
Of the Imitation of Christ, and Contempt of all the Vanities of the World
He that follows Me, walks not in darkness (John 8:12), says the Lord. These are the words of Christ, by which we are admonished, how we ought to imitate His life and manners, if we would truly be enlightened, and delivered from all blindness of heart. Let therefore our chief endeavour be, to meditate upon the life of Jesus Christ.
The doctrine of Christ exceeds all the doctrines of holy men.; and he that has the Spirit will find therein the hidden manna (Apocalypse. 2:17). But it falls out that many who often hear the Gospel of Christ, feel little desire after it, because they have not the Spirit of Christ (Rom. 8:9). But whosoever will fully and with relish understand the words of Christ, must endeavor to conform his life wholly to the life of Christ.
What does avail you to discourse profoundly of the Trinity, if you be void of humility, and are thereby displeasing to the Trinity? Surely profound words do not make a man holy and just; but a virtuous life makes him dear to God. I had rather feel contrition, than know the definition thereof. If you knew the whole Bible by heart, and the sayings of all the philosophers, what would all that profit you without the love of God (1 Cor. 13:2), and without His grace?
Vanity of vanities, and all is vanity (Eccles. 1:2), except to love God, and to serve Him only. This is the highest wisdom, by contempt of the world to press forward towards heavenly kingdoms.
Our Lady guides us away from vanities towards the greatest gift of all:
August 25, 2001
"Dear children! Today I call all of you to decide for holiness. May for you, little children, always in your thoughts and in each situation holiness be in the first place, in work and in speech. In this way, you will also put it into practice; little by little, step by step, prayer and a decision for holiness will enter into your family. Be real with yourselves and do not bind yourselves to material things but to God. And do not forget, little children, that your life is as passing as a flower. Thank you for having responded to my call."
Vanity of vanities, and all is vanity! Loving only ourselves, building only our own kingdom is vanity. Only God will remain. He alone will be our future!
Let us pray:
TOTUS TUUS
(Totally Yours)
Immaculate Conception, Mary my Mother, Live in me, Act in me, Speak in me and through me, Think your thoughts in my mind, Love through my heart, Give me your dispositions and feelings, Teach, lead me and guide me to Jesus, Correct, enlighten and expand my thoughts and behavior, Possess my soul, Take over my entire personality and life, replace it with Yourself, Incline me to constant adoration, Pray in me and through me, Let me live in you and keep me in this union always. © 1956, Mother Immaculata, OCD
In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
Cathy Nolan
(c)Mary TV 2016
PS. Mike Nolan is taking a two day pilgrimage to Our Lady of Good Help in Wisconsin on June 9-10, 2016. You might like to join him for this little but powerful pilgrimage. The group departs from South Bend Indiana:
Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Good Help Shrine in Champion, WI
