The reading read today at the Traditional Mass (Ez 34:11-16) is preceded by the Lord’s accusation against the shepherds of Israel: “For lack of a shepherd they have been scattered, to become the prey of all the wild animals; they have been scattered” (v. 5). There were no shepherds left to tend the flock. Those who had been appointed only shepherded themselves (v. 8).
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GIVE ME YOUR HEART
“God does not say, ‘Give me a heart like that of the angels’; rather, ‘Give me your heart.’ What He wants is your own heart; give it to Him as it is. He asks nothing more than what we are and what we have” (St. Francis de Sales).
Our current journey companion addresses us today with a comforting phrase, inviting us to approach our Father as we are. We do not need to artificially humble ourselves or present ourselves as great religious champions. We can and should come to Him as we really are and give Him our hearts. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and with our cooperation, the Father will make it into a heart like His own. Read More
LENTEN ITINERARY | Day 5: “Rejecting the devil”
Among the various adversities and attacks that we face on our journey, it is fitting that, on this holy itinerary, we should specifically take into consideration the lurking of the devil. Today’s Gospel describes them in the temptations of Jesus in the desert (Mt 4:1-11).
THE TRANSFORMATION OF SUFFERING
“Suffering, considered in itself, is a terrible thing. But when we look at it in the Will of God, it becomes love and sweetness” (St. Francis de Sales).
Accepting suffering as coming from the hands of our Father is one of the most difficult lessons we have to learn on our journey of following Christ. This is not surprising, since suffering and death are the consequences of original sin and the loss of paradise. It is still alien to us and, considered in itself, suffering is a terrible thing, as our present companion on the way, St. Francis de Sales, tells us. Read More
LENTEN ITINERARY | Day 4: “Serenity in adversity”
Marked with the cross of ashes, we advance on this holy Lenten journey towards deeper conversion. With fasting we provide good wood for the fire of love and in everything we keep our gaze fixed on God, without seeking the praise of men.
THE LITTLE HALF HOUR
“I would also like your superiors to allow you to spend your free time with Me, so that you can console Me and love Me for half an hour each day” (Message from God the Father to Sister Eugenia Ravasio).
GOLDEN OBEDIENCE
“Be convinced: heaven and earth will pass away before the Lord will lose sight of you if you remain obedient, or at least if you are determined to be obedient” (St. Francis de Sales).
LENTEN ITINERARY | Day 3: “Do everything with your eyes fixed on the Lord”
The Gospel presented to us today in the lectionary of the Traditional Mass offers us important warnings for our holy journey towards the Feast of the Resurrection.
Having set out, marked with the cross of ashes, determined to deepen our conversion and to integrate fasting as an important aid on the spiritual journey, the Lord warns us today in the Gospel of an inclination that we must overcome with His help:
LENTEN ITINERARY | Day 2: Wood for the fire of love
The holy journey of Lent also includes – whenever possible – bodily fasting and the renunciation of certain things.
In doing so, we exercise ourselves in an asceticism that is beneficial for the spiritual life. If practised properly, the words of one of the Lenten Prefaces become a reality:
NOT BELIEVING OURSELVES CAPABLE
“When we renounce everything, the Lord takes care of everything and directs everything. If, on the other hand, we keep something for ourselves because we don’t want to entrust it to Him, He leaves us to it, as if to say, ‘If you think you’re smart enough to do it without me, then do it on your own! You will see how far you get!'” (St. Francis de Sales).