Do You Believe This?



Mosaic Detail of the Church of Martha, Mary and Lazarus
Bethany, West Bank



Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary
to comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died].
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming,
she went to meet him;
but Mary sat at home.
Martha said to Jesus,
“Lord, if you had been here,
my brother would not have died.
But even now I know that whatever you ask of God,
God will give you.”
Jesus said to her,
“Your brother will rise.”
Martha said to him,
“I know he will rise,
in the resurrection on the last day.”
Jesus told her,
“I am the resurrection and the life;
whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live,
and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die.
Do you believe this?”
She said to him, “Yes, Lord.
I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God,
the one who is coming into the world.”

                              John 11:19-27

Seeing Martha and Mary and those who had come to console them weeping, Jesus "was deeply moved in spirit and troubled", and lastly, "wept" (John 11: 33, 35). Christ's heart is divine-human:  in him God and man meet perfectly, without separation and without confusion. He is the image, or rather, the incarnation of God who is love, mercy, paternal and maternal tenderness, of God who is Life. Therefore, he solemnly declared to Martha:  "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die". And he adds, "Do you believe this?" (John 11: 25-26). It is a question that Jesus addresses to each one of us:  a question that certainly rises above us, rises above our capacity to understand, and it asks us to entrust ourselves to him as he entrusted himself to the Father. Martha's response is exemplary:  "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world" (John 11: 27). Yes, O Lord! We also believe, notwithstanding our doubts and darkness; we believe in you because you have the words of eternal life. We want to believe in you, who give us a trustworthy hope of life beyond life, of authentic and full life in your Kingdom of light and peace.

We entrust this prayer to Mary, Most Holy. May her intercession strengthen our faith and hope in Jesus, especially in moments of greater trial and difficulty.

     His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

     Angelus, 9 March 2008

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/angelus/2008/documents/hf_ben-xvi_ang_20080309_en.html



Tomb of Lazarus
Bethany, West Bank



“Do you believe this?”  How do we answer this question of Jesus?  From the depths of our heart we want to respond with confidence like Martha.  We know that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is worthy of all our faith, hope and love.  Let us pray for and with each other so that our belief and trust in the Living God will bring us peace and joy in this world and the fullness of the life to come.

Archbishop Pietro Sambi

Please pray for the repose of the soul of His Excellency, Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America, who passed peacefully from his earthly life to Eternal Life on July 27, 2011.

I was privileged to meet His Excellency shortly after his arrival from the Holy Land in 2005 where he had served as Apostolic Nuncio to Israel and Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine.   His Excellency graciously celebrated the Opening Mass of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO) 2006 Assembly at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC.  He knew of the good work of WUCWO especially from his service in Indonesia and India, and now through the Assembly hostesses, the National Council of Catholic Women of the USA. 

When it was time to plan the 2010 WUCWO Centenary Assembly, a suggestion was made that we go to the Holy Land.  Who better to consult for advice than Archbishop Sambi?  Needless to say, His Excellency strongly recommended Jerusalem as the venue and encouraged this president to proceed with what seemed like a dream, but by the grace of God, became a reality for 500 women from 50 countries.  He generously shared his experience, advice and personal contacts which assured our meeting, interacting with, and becoming close friends with the “living stones,” the Christians of the Holy Land.  He accompanied us in Spirit and prayer, and rejoiced with us in the blessings God bestowed on the amazing, life-changing pilgrimage to the roots of our faith.

Archbishop Pietro Sambi proposed four principles for our reflection during his May 31, 2006 Homily, which exemplified his own faith in Jesus Christ and fidelity to the Gospel:

    1.  Have a clear Christian identity: only persons of clear identity can spread a positive sense of life and have a strong sense of mission in building a future of serenity and peace.

    2.  Have a strong sense of belonging: to your assembly, to your organization, to the Church, to Jesus Christ: You need your community and your community needs you.  The one who walks alone will be lost.

    3.  Have a strong vocation to exceptional quality in your private life, your family life and in your professional life: only in this case will you attract attention to what you say and to what you do.

    4. With a clear identity, a strong sense of belonging and a strong vocation to exceptional quality, be ready to collaborate with whoever is interested in enriching humanity with love, justice and peace.

Thanks be to God and to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI for sending Archbishop Sambi to be with us and to show us the way to “the new and eternal Jerusalem.”

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace.

http://www.radiovaticana.org/en1/Articolo.asp?c=508024

http://usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/11-150.shtml

http://usccb.org/sambi-remembered-statements.shtml

Pearl of Great Price



Sea of Galilee



Jesus said to his disciples:
“The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant
searching for fine pearls.
When he finds a pearl of great price,
he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.”

                                             Matthew 13:  45-46

My brothers and sisters in Christ, our faith is indeed a treasure beyond compare; it is the pearl of great price. It is a gift from the Lord to be communicated in turn to others: communicated by authentic witness through our action for justice and peace, communicated by explicit proclamation and through the teaching of catechism and hymns and prayers, communicated by all the members of the Church when they fulfill their personal vocations with a deep sense of joy. With hearts grateful for this gift of our faith, let us seek always to serve the Lord in a spirit of love, holiness and peace.

And through the fidelity of our Christian lives let us proclaim that Jesus is Lord!

His Holiness Pope John Paul II

Homily, Lagos (Nigeria), 12 February 1982 

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/homilies/1982/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_19820212_lagos-nigeria_en.html

In all cultures and at all times - certainly in the midst of today's global transformations - people ask the same basic questions about the meaning of life: Who am I? Where have I come from and where am I going? Why is there evil? What is there after this life? (cf. Fides et Ratio, 1). And in every age the Church offers the one ultimately satisfying answer to the deepest questions of the human heart - Jesus Christ himself, "who fully reveals man to himself and brings to light his high calling" (Gaudium et spes, 22). Therefore, the voice of Christians can never fall silent, for the Lord has entrusted to us the word of salvation for which every human heart longs. The Gospel offers the pearl of great price for which all are searching (cf. Matthew 13:45-46). 

Holiness Pope John Paul II

Message for the 35^th World Communications Day, 2001

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/messages/communications/documents/hf_jp-ii_mes_20010124_world-communications-day_en.html

The Apostolic Lady has been blessed to meet some amazing women of faith during years of service to the Universal Church.  Three women, from three different countries, come to mind with the parable of the pearls. 

The first lady is almost always seen wearing pearls.  This special lady inspires others, particularly young women and girls, with the witness of her deep faith.  She is strengthened by the Holy Eucharist, spends time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and is devoted to our Blessed Mother Mary.  She speaks clearly on Church teaching in light of the contemporary moral challenges we face.  However, she is often asked by little girls if she “really was born a princess,” to which she replies:  “Yes, but you were born a princess, too!  God is your Father, and God is King of Kings, so that makes you a princess, too.” 

The second lady also wears her pearls frequently because as she said, “there is no point in keeping them only for certain occasions when I should be able to enjoy wearing them all of the time.”  She generously shares her musical talents and her liturgical expertise to enhance worship for countless people.  Her faith, fidelity and attention to detail assure that all will have the opportunity to draw closer to the Lord in prayer and song.

The third lady makes pearls, or, in her words, “I aggravate people into doing very good things… like a grain of sand in an oyster… that little nagging bit that makes a pearl.”  Her enthusiasm for the faith is contagious:  she is a spirit-filled Catholic evangelist.  An energetic and encouraging leader, this lady inspires others to do amazing things they never imagined doing—all for the glory of God!

At times it may seem like we are searching for the “pearl” and we need to look to Sacred Scripture, seek our Lord in the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist, and humbly ask for the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary.  When we do find the “pearl of great price,” how do we help others—each and every day--to find or grow in the Faith which Christ has entrusted to us?

Prayer Request:

Please pray for the return to full health of the Most Reverend Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America.

http://usccb.org/comm/archives/2011/PRESS%20RELEASE%20FOR%20THE%20USCCB%20-%20Pietro%20Sambi%20.pdf

Our Lady of Mount Carmel



Elijah’s Grotto, Stella Maris Monastery, Haifa, Israel



The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom.

They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song.

The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;

They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.

Isaiah 35:  1-2

…My thoughts turn today to Mount Carmel, praised in the Bible for its beauty. We are, in fact, celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. On that mountain, located in Israel near Haifa, the holy prophet Elijah strenuously defended the integrity and purity of the chosen people's faith in the living God. On that same mountain some hermits gathered in the 12th century after Christ and dedicated themselves to contemplation and penance. The Carmelite Order arose from their spiritual experience. 

Walking with the Blessed Virgin, the model of complete fidelity to the Lord, we will fear no obstacles or difficulties. Supported by her motherly intercession, like Elijah we will be able to fulfill our vocation as authentic "prophets" of the Gospel in our time….

May Our Lady of Mount Carmel, whom we call upon today with special devotion, help us tirelessly climb towards the summit of the mountain of holiness; may she help us love nothing more than Christ, who reveals to the world the mystery of divine love and true human dignity. 

His Holiness Pope John Paul II

Angelus, 16 July 2000

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/angelus/2000/documents/hf_jp-ii_ang_20000716_en.html

Port of Haifa seen from Mount Carmel

The city of Haifa is a busy seaport, accented by lush gardens, built on the slopes of Mount Carmel.  Elijah’s Grotto, venerated by Christian, Jewish, and Muslim pilgrims, is inside the Stella Maris – Star of the Sea – Carmelite Monastery perched on the mountaintop overlooking the bay.  It is an awesome place of pilgrimage, on clear as well as stormy days, as one turns away from the breath-taking view, enters the dimly-lit church and is embraced by the quiet.

We are inspired by Mary, under her title of “Our Lady of Mount Carmel,” as our model of prayer and contemplation.  She offers us her help and companionship so that we may draw ever closer to her Son, our Lord Jesus.  Our Blessed Mother Mary shows us the way of beauty, the way of perfection:  the way to ascend the holy mountain where we, too, can meet God.  May Our Lady of Mount Carmel help us to find God in the silence of prayer.

Please visit The Apostolic Lady’s “Recommended Reading” page for books on the contemplative spirituality of Carmelite saints including Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, and Thérèse of the Child Jesus.

WUCWO Study Group Members Praying at the Altar of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Stella Maris Monastery, Haifa, Israel, 2005

Prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel

O, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O, Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein, you are my Mother. Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who turn to you.

Holy Spirit, You who solve all problems, light all roads so I can attain my goal. You who gave me the divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me, and who are with me in all instances in my life, thank you for all things, as You confirm once again that I never want to be separated from You in eternal glory.

From The Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute, Dayton, Ohio

http://campus.udayton.edu/mary/questions/yq/yq21.html

My Soul, Be At Rest In God

“… Jesus invites all of us to come to him, whatever burdens we may be carrying, whatever labors we may be engaged in, because in him we will find rest. At this time of year when so many of you are taking your annual holiday, I pray that you will truly find refreshment for body and spirit and an opportunity to rest in the Lord. May God bestow his blessings of joy and peace upon all of you….”

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

Angelus, July 3, 2011

Pope Benedict XVI’s summer vacation began on July 7 at the Papal summer palace in Castel Gandolfo. The tiny hill top village that overlooks Lake Albano, just 9 miles south east of Rome, has welcomed Popes since the 15th century and it is there that Pope Benedict XVI will spend his summer doing what he loves most:  reading, writing, and praying.

Over the summer months private and special audiences will be suspended, as will the Wednesday general audiences of July 13, 20 and 27. On Sundays and Solemnities during this period, the Pope will pray the Angelus from the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo. General audiences will resume again from Wednesday, August 3.

For more information, please visit these sites:

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/angelus/2011/documents/hf_ben-xvi_ang_20110703_it.html

http://visnews-en.blogspot.com/2011/07/pope-to-travel-to-castelgandolfo-this.html

http://www.news.va/en/news/popes-summer-break-of-study-writing-and-prayer

http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/Monuments/webcam/index?cam=webcam6&testo=Castel%20Gandolfo

My first visit to Castel Gandolfo was in 1996 thanks to an invitation to Mass celebrated by His Holiness Pope John Paul II.   The guest master of the Christian Brothers’ House, where the WUCWO Board Meeting was held, rose before dawn to call a taxi for me and explain to the driver where he was to take me.  (My Italian language skills have improved slightly since that first visit to Rome.)  The car was hurtling through the dark of night, crisscrossing lanes on the highway out of the city and then up the narrow, winding road to the village perched on top of the mountain. A bit breathless upon arrival, I waited under a street lamp in the piazza until the appointed time when the Swiss Guard allowed the few invitees to go into the Apostolic Palace.  As we entered the small chapel, Pope John Paul II was kneeling in prayer before the tabernacle.  His head was bowed, and his hands were over his ears almost as if he were blocking out all sound:  the birds singing, the cows lowing, the roosters crowing beyond the open window, as well as our quiet, reverent approach to our places in the pews. Most of all, it seemed that His Holiness had left behind the worldly demands on his attention so that he could listen carefully to our Heavenly Father.  You could feel the intensity of his communion with the Lord in prayer before, during and after Mass.  It was a time of refreshment for the soul and “peace which the world cannot give.”   

In every season may we answer the Lord’s invitation to come and find rest in Him.

My soul, be at rest in God alone,

from whom comes my hope.

God alone is my rock and my salvation,

my secure height; I shall not fall.

My safety and glory are with God,

my strong rock and refuge.

Trust God at all times, my people!

Pour out your hearts to God our refuge!

Psalm 62: 6-9

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

Is the Lord calling you to the land of His birth, where he lived among us?

It would give me great joy if you could experience the countless blessings of going to the roots of our faith, to walk where Jesus walked on this earth, and to visit amazing sites described in Sacred Scripture.

Please prayerfully consider joining me on a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land from March 17 – 27, 2012.  The scriptures will come alive as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus.  Tour includes:  Daily Mass at holy sites, guide, accommodation in First Class hotels (five nights in Jerusalem, three nights in Tiberias, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee), land transportation by deluxe motorcoach, roundtrip airfare from Philadelphia on nonstop flight, and more, for $2,975 per person/double occupancy.  For the pilgrimage brochure and details please visit: 

http://db.tt/XrBlFtz

For more information on this pilgrimage, please contact:  George’s International Tours, (800) 566-7499 or http://www.georgesintl.com/.

I look forward to our blessed time in the Holy Land!

Lord, You Have Opened Your Heart

…Whoever is thirsty, let him come to me. And let the one who believes in me drink. As the Scripture has said: “Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water” (cf. John 7:37ff.) In faith we drink, so to speak, of the living water of God’s Word. In this way the believer himself becomes a wellspring which gives living water to the parched earth of history. We see this in the saints. We see this in Mary, that great woman of faith and love who has become in every generation a wellspring of faith, love and life. Every Christian... should become, starting from Christ, a wellspring which gives life to others. We ought to be offering life-giving water to a parched and thirsty world. Lord, we thank you because for our sake you opened your heart; because in your death and in your resurrection you became the source of life. Give us life, make us live from you as our source, and grant that we too may be sources, wellsprings capable of bestowing the water of life in our time….

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

Homily, Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 2010

For the complete text, please visit:

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2010/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20100611_concl-anno-sac_en.html

Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation, have mercy on us.

Jesus, meek and humble of Heart,
Make our hearts like unto Thine.

From the Litany to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/Litanies/sacred_heart.htm

Novena Prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

O Most Blessed Mother, heart of love, heart of mercy, ever listening, caring, consoling, hear our prayer. As your children, we implore your intercession with Jesus your Son. Receive with understanding and compassion the petitions we place before you today, especially ...(special intention).

We are comforted in knowing your heart is ever open to those who ask for your prayer. We trust to your gentle care and intercession, those whom we love and who are sick or lonely or hurting. Help all of us, Holy Mother, to bear our burdens in this life until we may share eternal life and peace with God forever.

Amen.

Read more: http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/heart/Im_novena.htm#ixzz1Qsu7uByf