33rd Day of Lent: April 6, 2014: “And Jesus wept”.(John 11:35)

33^rd Day of Lent: 

April 6, 2014: 

“And Jesus wept”

(John 11:35)

In the Gospel for this Sunday Jesus shows another important aspect of his identity. 

He is genuinely moved, distressed and troubled by the grief of the two sisters who lost their brother Lazarus. Jesus truly loved them and that explains the tears. Jesus show his fully human dimension. If anything, Jesus keenly feels the evil of death especially that of his friend. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0M7vvX6__M

Is it not that Jesus is weeping for us also? Lazarus stands for all fallen humanity, subject to death and sin.  

Peter Edward would say Jesus’ tears are also prayers, as he prepares to offer himself up as our ransom: to save us from those very powers of sin and death. 

St. Augustine wrote that “if Christ wept for us, we ought to weep for ourselves. Jesus wept to teach us to weep. We remember too that in the Beatitudes Jesus said, “ Blessed are they who mourn; for they shall be comforted”. 

Perhaps we could learn to weep for our own failings, and also for the way in which sin is still active in the world; but not by weeping in a morbid or self-pitying way. Weeping, by its nature, has a cleansing effect. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-9BZOL5I6w

If we take our failings to the sacrament of reconciliation, we can be spiritually cleansed and strengthened. Our tears will not be in vain. They will be joined to those of Jesus, and will be a given a redemptive power. 

Mary’s tears at La Salette were tears for our owns sins of pride, self-reliance, selfishness, greed, tears that saw ‘the entombed’ humanity to emerge out of darkness of the grave to the light of new life that Christ offers us. 

Come forth Lazarus, Mary, Peter, Joseph, Randy , Jasmin and Jeremy, to a new life and a restored life, life in God with God for God. That call is there from Jesus willing to do the necessary to ‘remove the stone’, to unbind the clothes and band aids.

As Pope Francis said this morning, “There is no limit to God’s mercy”. 

So remember that as we go about making our confessions or serving others who are difficult to love. “There is not limit to God’s mercy”. Jesus says “ I am the resurrection and life”.

What are the tombs from which you want to come out of? 

Jesus wants you out to come to the Light.

Will you do that?

Lord, Please forgive me...

                             https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnfTHhYSxPE

God Bless you always!

Sincerely Yours,
Rev. Fr. Cyriac Chandy Mattathilanickal, MS

Wishing you and yours A Holy Lent!

Rev. Fr. Tom Puthusseril, M.S.

Shrine Director

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T53WnZeu4vQ

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE

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CATEGORY: SPIRITUALITY AND CHARISM

WRITTEN BY FR. NORMAND THEROUX, M.S.

Examination of Conscience Using the Message of Our Lady of La Salette

At times we need to reflect deeply on Mary’s words at La Salette and how they apply to us, her children. A most appropriate time, of course, is in our preparation for our celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession). The following questions are meant to help us delve not only into her words but also into our hearts.

• Our Lady said: “I am here to tell you great news.” Do I try to learn more about the message of Our Lady of La Salette – to learn what her “great news” is and how to put it into practice in my life?

• The Virgin spoke of submission and obedience to God’s will: “If my people will not submit,” she said. In my daily life do I try to act according to God’s will and God’s law? How well do I listen to what the Catholic Church teaches and how do I choose to live it out? How well do I listen to those around me, my family and friends?

• The Beautiful Lady of La Salette explained her ongoing efforts to reconcile her people with God: “If I would not have my Son abandon you, I am compelled to pray to him without ceasing.” Have I done my share in the work of the reconciliation of sinners? Do I pray for those whom I know are having difficulties in their faith, relationships or other responsibilities of life? Have I given good example to those around me of reconciliation-in-action? And, lastly, have I reconciled myself with God, myself or others, realizing full well that I too am a needy sinner?

• The Beautiful Lady was concerned about Maximin’s father who worried about having enough food to feed his family.Am I genuinely concerned for others and their challenges, as Mary showed at La Salette? Or am I mostly concerned with my own problems and welfare?

• Mary mentioned: “You will never recompense the pains I have taken for you.” Do I often thank the Blessed Virgin for her intercession, her care for my faith and my life’s challenges? Do I take those steps to keep growing in my faith and make the effort to support others?

• Our Lady explained her ongoing efforts at protecting her children: “The arm of my Son… is.. so heavy, that I can no longer withhold it.” Have I added to this weight by my negligence to observe the second commandment (“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.”)? Do I swear, using the Lord’s name in vain? Do I try to avoid using the Lord’s name when I am angry? Do I ask for help in expressing my emotions appropriately and with concern for others?

• Concerning Sundays, Mary said: “Six days I have given you to labor, the seventh I have kept for myself; and they will not give it to me.” Am I one who are doesn’t pay much attention to the third commandment (“Remember to keep holy the Lord’s day.”)? Do I work unnecessarily on Sunday? Do I think only about my rest and forget to give to the Lord even part of the seventh day?

• Mary asked about the place of prayer in the children’s lives: “Do you pray well, my children?” How faithfully have I have said my morning and evening prayers? Do I pray hurriedly and allow too many distractions? How often do I first thank God before I mention my own needs? Do I consistently remember in prayer those whom I know need God’s help?

• Mary mentioned that some people neglect the observances of Lent. Do I keep the days of fast and abstinence? During Lent, if I am not obliged by my age to fast or abstain, do I sacrifice in others ways? Do I do something extra to express the true spirit of Lent? Do I try to abstain from meat as a sacrifice and sign of my faith even on Fridays during the entire year?

• Our Lady mentioned that some people went to Mass without much attention or faith.Since the celebration of the Eucharist (Mass) is central to our Catholic faith, have I made a serious effort to participate fully at Mass? Do I criticize more than listen to the homily? Do I miss Sunday Mass often? Do I ever make the effort to go to Mass during the week? Do I contribute to the support of my parish? Do I contribute my time and talent to my parish community or other worthwhile efforts?

• Our Lady of La Salette concluded her message by saying: “Well, my children, you will make this known to all my people.” Have I made any effort to “make her message known” by sharing the simple story of the apparition of Our Lady of La Salette with those who have not yet heard of it? Do I have any materials that I could share with others about her message and mission? Have I visited a La Salette Shrine (or ministry) lately with my family or friends?

Pope Francis goes to Confession...

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwxJ2o7xRzA

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