The Archangel Gabriel appears as a young man to the young virgin who was only fourteen years, six months and seventeen days old. It was on a Thursday at six o’clock in the evening and at the approach of night. Our Lady was praying. He greets her with “Ave gratia plena, Dominus tecum, benedicta tu in mulieribus” (Hail, full of grace, The Lord is with you, blessed art thou amonst women.). Her profound humility caused her to be somewhat disturbed at this kind of greeting. The Angel was referring to the sinlessness of Mary – her Immaculate Conception. Lucifer had never controlled her.

Then St. Gabriel asked her to be The Mother of God!

What would be her answer? The whole world waited in anticipation. The souls in Purgatory waited. The Angels all waited for her answer. She still had free will, she could have said no! She had after all taken a vow of chastity. How could she have a child? She wondered. Then the Angel assured her she would retain her virginity, she gave her fiat and “the Word was made Flesh and dwelt among us”! This happened in the springtime on the 25^th of March at the break or the dawning of the day.

He was born in a manger. He was a carpenter, a teacher, a healer, worked miracles and was our crucified Saviour – Oh what Great Love.

The Incarnation was such a great event, that It separates history. Years Before Christ are called “B.C.” Years after Christ are called “A.D.” (Anno Domino, year of Our Lord).

Man had to wait thousands years for a Redeemer! Why did God wait so long?

So that man would realize how serious the fall was and to learn how evil sin is.

Since the Incarnation, all men must make up their mind to be for Jesus Christ or against Him. He that believeth in the Son has Life Everlasting. Those that don’t à SPLAT! (A gross understatement).

Page 85

Why did God do it? Why did He send His Son to redeem us? We are no better than Adam and Eve. Today look how God is blasphemed. Yet God in His Mercy endures all affronts – even mine!

God came down to save you and me. What virtue did Our Lord not practice?

The Incarnation shows us God’s Mercy. Where would I be now if there would be no Incarnation?!

Christ gave us the Seven Sacraments. The Sacraments are an extension of Christ’s Body through time. Christ did what the Sacraments do. The Sacraments do what Christ did.

He could have done it with just His Will: “Let there be Grace.” Man however needed more. He wouldn’t have appreciated It if it looked “too easy”.

Consider God’s Mercy. Today, look how God is blasphemed! God endures all affronts even yours and mine! Oh what love! Pray for the grace to truly love Him in return.

Ask for the grace of such love and humility.

With His Incarnation, Christ:

1. Saved us from Sin. Restoration of Grace.

2. Taught us the Truth. Increase in Faith.

3. Made us one with His Father, the Virtual Redemption.

4. He gave us the Power to become Sons of God! Of all of God’s creatures, only humans have the Power to become Sons of God?

You are “saved” however only in so far as you participate through Grace and not through human nature. You must be baptized.

After the Incarnation, for 1500 years, the world got better (the ages of Faith) till the heresy of Protestantism. After Protestantism, for the last 600 years, the world has gotten worse (the ages of heresy, atheism, and tepidity). Everywhere there is sin and ugliness.

Pray an “Our Father” to Our Lord in thanksgiving for the grace to complete this meditation. Pray a “Hail Mary” to Our Lady (the Mediatrix of All Graces) in thanksgiving for her help.

Did you take any notes during this meditation? If you did you may want to review them now. If not, you may want to record and thoughts you had. You may want to go through this meditation and take additional notes. They will be helpful to review sometime in the future.

MEDITATION ON THE TRIALS OF THE HOLY FAMILY:

Let us place ourselves in the presence of God and Humbly adore Him.

Oh God my Lord, please grant me the grace that all my intentions, all my actions, and all my works may be directed purely to the service and praise of your Divine Majesty.

If we want to follow Our Lord Jesus Christ, we need to think like Him. We therefore have to know Him so that we will be less inclined to offend Him.

Be aware that whom God loves, He chastises because there is no crown without the Cross. When he sends us a cross, He also sends abundant Grace to carry it. The Holy Family received many crosses and also abundant Grace.

Do we agree with what Our Lord Jesus Christ chose for Himself and for His friends: His Mother, His foster Father? This is a lesson for us and shows us the paths to follow: “Take up your Cross and follow Me.”

St. Teresa of Avila:

Page 86

St Theresa was traveling when her carriage went off a bridge. St. Theresa ended up sitting in a creek – all wet. St. Theresa, who was known to be outspoken, said: “Oh Lord, no wonder few people like you. Look how you treat your friends!” J

Look at the Holy Family. How did God deal with them? The life of the Holy Family was one of a series of trials.

St. Joseph was head of the Holy Family and a great Saint. He was the foster Father of the Redeemer and a “Just Man”.

The Blessed Virgin Mary is higher than all the Saints and Angels. She was sinless. She is The Mother of God. She gave Christ His flesh.

Then look at Our Lord Jesus Christ God’s only Son, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.

God’s love for the Holy Family was most profound!

God’s chastisement of the Holy Family was most profound!

Whom the Lord loves, He chastises.

How should I be treated? As mud or lower! So don’t complain, offer all up to God.

St. Joseph sees that Mary is with child!

Visualize the place. Joseph busy making tables, chairs and stereo cabinets. He sees Mary busy washing, cooking and knitting baby clothes!?

St. Joseph was a very holy man and the spouse of the Blessed Virgin, Mary. Both had agreed to a vow of celibacy. Mary was obviously “with child”. St. Joseph knew the holiness of Mary but she was with child. What was Joseph to think? Mary said nothing and busy with her knitting. God said nothing. Initially the Angel let St. Joseph wonder and wonder and wonder and wonder and suffer. Adulteresses were to be stoned and St. Joseph was a “Just man”. St. Joseph knew the child wasn’t his, yet he couldn’t have The Blessed Virgin stoned! What was he to do? What was he to do? Oh the agony of St. Joseph.

St. Elisabeth knew about the Christ Child, why not St. Joseph? St. Joseph must suffer. Why? To teach us that we also must suffer.

Lesson: “When in desolation, be patient. Don’t make any changes.” Pray for the grace of patience.

He had to carry this cross till the Angel finally told St. Joseph what happened and that everything was OK.

Be kind to everyone. Don’t add to their crosses.

The hard Trip to Bethlehem and The Birth of Jesus in a Stable:

Visualize the Place.

St. Joseph and The Blessed Virgin Mary were preparing to receive our King. Then bad news came. Herod was taking a census of the area and therefore, in her ninth month, Mary and Joseph had to make the long hard trip to Bethlehem. Mary could either walk or use the bumpy ride on a humble donkey. The road was hilly, the weather was awful. They were poor and humble in the eyes of the world.

Page 87

Due to the pregnancy of his spouse, St. Joseph shortened each day’s journey. Their journey therefore lasted five days.

Our Lord came with a cross and a crown of thorns. The Christ child brings a cross to the Holy Family. The Holy Family was very poor.

Weary from travels, God lets them continue to suffer.

Our travelers arrived at the town of Bethlehem at four o’clock of the fifth day, a Saturday. The sun was already sinking and the night was falling. They wandered through many streets in search of lodging –house or inn for staying over night. They applied at more than fifty different places, and were rejected by them all. There was no room for them in the Inn.

Our hearts are like the Inn – no room for the Holy Family, even at Christmas, with the emphasis on Santa Claus and presents.

Where should The Son of God be born? He was born in the most miserable place. It is what He wanted.

Visualize the Place. The Christ Child was twelve years old. The Holy Family had visited The Temple in Jerusalem and was returning back to their home in Nazareth. As was the custom at the time, the women traveled in one caravan and the men in another. Mary and Joseph each thought Christ was with the other. After one day’s journey, the two caravans met.

The Christ was missing! Can you imagine their anguish! They searched and searched both caravans Jesus was gone. No one knew where He was! Oh the great sorrow for the Holy Family!

They went back to Jerusalem and continued their desperate search.

Finally after three long days, they found him preaching in the Temple! Our Lord did it on purpose. He ran away for awhile. He had a duty at the time to instruct the men in the Temple about the Scriptural references concerning the Messiah. At the same time, He blessed Mary and Joseph with the opportunity for Grace as they searched and worried about Him.

Christ went back with Mary and Joseph as was subject to them (obedient). They lived a humble life, with no great comforts. Christ did not start His public life till He was thirty years old. The Almighty God was humbled and obedient to His creatures for thirty years. I wonder what happened to all that furniture Jesus and Joseph made during these years?

Lesson: Always make every effort to seek and find Our Lord. Ask for the grace to seek, find and listen as He speaks to our heart.

Page 89

Consider how Our Lord treats His friends!

Mary and Joseph did not understand why Christ let them have this cross. Sometimes we don’t understand our suffering. Why?

Suffering is a gift of Our Lord, a Cross, and an opportunity for merit.

Say a prayer to St. Joseph, and to Our Lady, and to Our Lord.

Let us ask for the grace to know Our Lord so as to love Him and follow Him.

Pray an “Our Father” to Our Lord in thanksgiving for the grace to complete this meditation. Pray a “Hail Mary” to Our Lady (the Mediatrix of All Graces) in thanksgiving for her help.

Did you take any notes during this meditation? If you did you may want to review them now. If not, you may want to record and thoughts you had. You may want to go through this meditation and take additional notes. They will be helpful to review sometime in the future.

THE PASSION OF OUR LORD

Let us place ourselves in the presence of God and Humbly adore Him.

Oh God my Lord, please grant me the grace that all my intentions, all my actions, and all my works may be directed purely to the service and praise of your Divine Majesty.

Study the Passion of Our Lord as a way to try to understand His love for us and to develop Love for Him.

Ask for the Grace to have sorrow for our sins.

Our Lord preached for three years. He cured the sick, brought the dead back to life, fed the hungry and forgave sins. On Palm Sunday, Our Lord came into Jerusalem riding on an ass. The mass of people praised Him, threw palm branches in His path, and wanted to make Him their King. In less than a week, they will be crying out for His death! Oh how fickle we are. Judas is already negotiating the price for betraying Our Lord – 30 pieces of silver, the price of a common slave! Thirty pieces to mock Our Lord. Jesus knows that after 33 years, His hour has come. The disciples are assembled for the Last Supper.

Meditation On The Last Supper:

Let us pray for the Grace to love Our Lord and to develop a deep sorrow for our sins out of love for Him. Oh how through our sins, we betrayed Our Lord who loves us so much! Please grant me the grace of a deep and profound remorse for all my sins and a firm resolution to sin no more.

Our Lord will institute The Mass, The Holy Eucharist and The Priesthood!

Our Lord and the Apostles went to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.

Moses had demanded that the Jewish slaves in Egypt, be set free. The Pharaoh refused and was subjected to 10 plagues. During the last plague the first born sons were all killed by angels. The Jews were spared (passed over) by putting the blood of a lamb on their doorposts. After this, Moses let his people out of Egypt. The Passover is a great Jewish feast.

Ask for the Grace to return love for love – a true manly love. Our Lord gave Himself to us. It is time for us to give ourselves to Our Lord.

He suffered as He saw our sins. Still He suffered for us and gives us Holy Communion. Will we return that Love?

Page 90

Our Lord was under great stress yet there were extensive preparations for the Pascal Meal. Minute preparations were made to fulfil the letter of the law and yet He knows He is about to be betrayed and crucified. Our Lord is the Pascal Lamb at this First Mass and First Communion.

The blood of the Pascal Lamb protected the Jews from the Egyptian curse. The Blood of Our Lord protects soul from Satan.

The Jews were while being led to the Promised Land were fed Manna from Heaven. Catholics while being led to Heaven are fed the Body and Blood of Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

The Jews took care not to break the bones of the Pascal Lamb. Christ did not have His bones broken, during His passion, fulfilling the Prophesy.

We should prepare our souls for Holy Communion. How easy it is for us to neglect duty while under even a slight stress.

See Our Lord and God, kneeling down as He washes the very dirty feet of all twelve Apostles. It is a sign of humility and of purification in preparation for Holy Communion. He knows Judas is about to betray Him, yet He washes his feet also, a very touching scene. This was a call from Our Lord for repentance. Judas’ heart is unmoved! How about your heart? Is it, like that of Judas, unmoved?

How often has Our Lord called you to repent and show love for love? How often have you turned your back on these offers of Mercy and Grace through the Sacraments of Confession and Holy Communion?

. . . . . . .Think about it.

Were there any times in your past where you got the inclination or the invitation of going to Mass or of going to Confession and you elected not to? Did you prefer a day with your friends over an hour with God? Even worse, did you commit another sin (the first sin was missing Mass on Sunday without a good reason). Did you ever prefer sin to God!? Think about these times and ask for the grace to be ashamed. Ask for the grace of tears over the bad example you are responsible for and of the times that you gave Our Lord a slap in return for His Love! Realize that He loves you still and (for now) waits for your love.

Oh my, how could Judas’ heart be so cold in the face of such love? Oh my, how could my heart have been so cold in the face of such love! Think about it and ask for the grace of tears. Ask for the grace to be a better example in the future, for those whom you may influence. Do you have enough love in your heart for them, to teach by example?

Well, what is your answer? . . . . .Yes? . . . . . . No? . . . . Not yet? . . . . If not now, when?

How do you know you or they will have tomorrow? The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes for both you and them. There is a sense of urgency!

After the Pascal Meal and the First Mass, The Apostles (and you) walk with Our Lord to the Garden of Olives. Olive trees are about the size of apple trees. Their wood is useless, all gnarly and knotty. Our Lord asked His friends to watch and wait with Him. Some waited at the entrance. Peter, James and John went a little farther with Our Lord and were asked to watch and wait with Him. There was a full moon and some visibility among the silvery green leaves.

Ask for the Grace to overcome your spiritual laziness and to always quickly respond to Divine Inspirations. Ask for the Grace to be sorry for my sins and to have compassion for all the torments my sins caused Our Lord.

Jesus goes a stone’s throw from the Apostles and falls to the ground in agony.

Penetrate into the Sacred Heart. Jesus knew His time was near. His soul was full of anguish. Jesus does not exaggerate when He says: “My Soul is sorrowful unto death.” He could have literally died from such sadness. This is hard for us to understand. What is going on in the Heart of Jesus?

His Divine Nature revealed to His human nature all the suffering He would undergo. He knew that this “Lamb of God” would atone for the sins of all mankind. He knew also that the mass of mankind wouldn’t care! Most men would ignore His Great Sacrifice, refuse His offer of Grace (through the Sacraments) and therefore end up in Hell anyway! He grieved most deeply at all those souls who refused to be saved. Lost through they’re own fault, despite His most Precious Blood being shed for them. He felt abandoned by men whom He loved so much.

He prayed that if possible this horror might be avoided. Then prayed: “Not my will but Thine be done”.

Page 93

One drop of His Blood would be sufficient for our Redemption but not enough for our understanding of the seriousness of sin. He wanted to teach us the seriousness of sin.

He returned to His Disciples and found them all asleep! Not one human heart to take compassion on His sorrow. He woke them up and asked: “Could you not watch one hour with Me?” The spirit is indeed willing but the flesh is weak. The Apostles always saw Him, the Master, calm and in control. Now they see the effects of sin on Him, lacking strength and fearful. He withdrew from them again and prayed as before.

Why did He pray like that and why was He suffering so much? It has begun. He knew exactly what will happen. He was contemplating the coming horror. His human nature was shrinking from enduring such painful torments. He was baring all the sins of mankind! He was crushed by the weight of all the wicked deeds, past, present and future. He saw all the evil through all the ages. He saw all of my sins and suffered for me because of them!! We do not see the loathsomeness of sin, but God does. He will pay the price for our Redemption. He will be made sin for us. He will be struck for our iniquities. He will be guilty before The Father. He will be a victim for us. He will be The Lamb of God! We can console Him by not losing our Souls.

His sadness was so intense that not only tears came from His eyes, but also a sweat of blood trickling down to the ground! The night was so cold that later on St. Peter will try to warm himself by a fire, yet Our Lord is sweating. An Angel came down from Heaven to console Him. He reminded Him of all the acts of Love that the Faithful will make to Him in the future. So we can mysteriously bring some happiness now to the Sacred Heart when we are praying before The Blessed Sacrament. Jesus then saw all: past, present and future. Even the Love we will show Him in the future, consoling Him in His Passion.

The Agony in the Garden lasted three hours. What an abyss of humiliation, self-abasement and suffering. Surely his Apostles could comfort Him – but they were all asleep again! He was in agony and they all slept! A third time Our Lord went back to the Apostles for a little consolation and again found them all asleep!

Well, they all were asleep but one. The betrayer Judas was wide awake and earning his 30 pieces of silver.

They had just awhile ago made their First Holy Communion and had been made Sacred Priests and Bishops and wouldn’t watch one hour with Our Lord. Just awhile back Peter said that he would lay down his life for Our Lord.

How often have we been tepid and asleep like those who claimed to be Christ’s friends and ignored Him! How many times in our life have we not paid attention to the Divine Inspiration that we have received and found sleeping, instead of working with Our Lord for the salvation of our soul and the souls of those whom we may influence.

Think about it. Think about the bad example you gave to those who needed your leadership.

Or worse yet, how often have we, like Judas, even betrayed Him, who loves us so much, with our sins!

Think about it. Think about the bad example you gave to those who will now often imitate you!

Do you feel remorse and embarrassment yet? Good, if you answer yes! Shame on you, if your heart is still cold.

Let us all pray that some of the Grace of The Agony in The Garden will be used to atone for all the times we refused to respond to the Actual Grace given to us and ignored. Let us pray for the Grace of tears for our sins and a firm resolution to sin no more.

Oh! Our Lord loves us sooooo muchhhh! Let us return love for Love.

Page 94

Oh listen! What is that noise? …. An armed guard is coming with their torches, lances and swords! There are 450 of them! Among them are Roman solders, Jews, temple guards, servants of the High Priest. The rat, Judas is in the lead.

Jesus advanced: “Who do you seek?” “Jesus of Nazareth.” “I am He.”

At this point the mob all fell at His feet as if struck by an invisible force. This showed all that Our Lord was in complete control. They could take Him only if He willed it. He showed them this sign of His Divinity. “There are none so blind as those who will not see.”

Our Lord said: “If therefore you seek Me, let these go their way.”

The traitor approached Our Lord: “Hail Rabbi” and his lips touched the cheek of his Master. “Friend, for what purpose do you come? Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?!” Oh, the betrayal of Judas was one of the most profound sorrows of Our Lord.

How have we betrayed Him with a kiss? ………..Think about it. We can say in our heart that each of my sins was the kiss of Judas.

Have we ever received Holy Communion in the state of Mortal Sin? Betray Him with a kiss.

After receiving Holy Communion have we ever ignored the Blessed Sacrament inside us and gawked at or talked with those around you? Betray Him with a kiss.

Have you ever gone to a non-Catholic Church, which is not only devoid of The Blessed Sacrament but also encourages souls to leave the Catholic Church and the Blessed Sacrament but yet they still claim to luv Christ! They also like Judas, betray Him with a kiss! How often did your presence encourage them in their errors?

Let us pray that some of the Grace created by the heartbreak of Our Lord being betrayed by a kiss, may atone for our own betrayals and strengthen our resolve to love Him more.

Peter, cut off the ear of one of the servants of the High Priest. Jesus, meek and humble of heart, performed a miracle for one of His executioners. He heals the servant’s ear, another sign of His Divinity. Lesson: forgive our enemies, don’t hold grudges.

You’d think that miracle would have softened a lot of hearts but they still arrested Him.

Faith is a Gift. Pray for it. No miracles are necessary for those who have Faith. No miracle is sufficient for those who don’t have the Gift of Faith. The Catholic Church is full of many miracles, in every Century, yet non-believers still scoff at them. Christ worked many miracles while on earth and they still crucified Him.

The Apostles see that their Master is not going to fight. They flee in fright. Forsaken by His own, Our Lord is now dragged and pushed along to Jerusalem.

Jesus endures a mock “trial”:

Jesus is taken to the two High Priests: Caiaphas and Annas. They were typical of worldly Ecclesiastics (like today). They knew their Scripture but chose to serve the world. There were trials during the night. Get into the scene (imagine that you are there).

Some are paid to be false witnesses against Our Lord. The false witnesses were getting their stories all wrong and Caiaphas was getting hot under the collar. Jesus remains calm under questioning, suffering inside. His people are hollering for His death.

Page 95

The charges are stupid and groundless. “He said that if we destroyed the Temple, He would rebuild it in three days!” Our Lord is quiet.

A servant gives Him a slap, a big blow. Oh my! …..Look closer. We can say that I was that man who struck Jesus by my sins!

“If I have spoken ill, bare witness to the evil, but if well, why do you strike Me?” Later during further questioning, Jesus acknowledges that He is The Son of God.

Caiaphas: “Art thou The Christ, The Son of God?” Jesus: “Thou sayest it. I am.”

Jesus warns them that one day you will see “The Son of Man” coming on a cloud of Heaven. He warns Caiaphas that then their roles will be reversed and Jesus will be Caiaphs’ Judge.

Caiaphas is delighted. The Judge now becomes the accuser. He rips his robe in two. “We have no need for more witnesses. He accuses Himself. He claims to be the Son of God. He is worthy of death.”

The charges against Jesus:

1. He is perverting our Nation.

2. No tribute to Caesar.

3. Claims to be Christ the King.

This person Who suffers so much is the Second Person of The Blessed Trinity, God Himself. Let us adore Him. He suffers for us. We sinners condemn our Judge to death. Oh, the Love of God for us!

Our Lord spent the whole night in jail, an object of mockery and outrage. The solders mocked Him, spit on Him, struck Him with the flat of their hands. His face and eyes however were so kind and loving that they couldn’t bare to look at them. They therefore covered His head so that they could more freely strike Him. “Who is it that struck you?” We do it with our sins! Like the solders, we cover up the voice of our consciences so that we can sin more freely.

Our Lord, our GOD was profoundly humiliated during His Passion and Death on the cross and He thereby obtained abundant Graces, for all of mankind. The servant is not greater than the Master. Jesus tells us to “Take up your cross and follow me.” Lesson: Remember therefore, when you are humiliated, don’t get angry. Don’t retaliate. Use humiliation to grow in Sanctity.

Peter’s Denials:

Two of the Apostles, John and Peter, got up enough courage to come to the Palace where Jesus was being held. They warmed themselves by the fire in the courtyard for the night was cold. A woman there sees Peter and says: “Certainly you were with Jesus of Nazareth.” Peter: “No I don’t know what you are saying.” Again, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” Peter denied it and protested for the 2^nd time.

He yielded to “human respect”. How often have we yielded to “human respect”? Have we ever been afraid of showing ourselves to be good Catholics?

The 3^rd time: “Surely you are one of His disciples, for even your manner of speech betrays you.” St. Peter cursed: “I do not know the man!”

At that moment, the cock crowed and Jesus turned and looked at Peter. Peter remembered when Jesus said to him that before the cock crowed twice, Peter you will deny be three times!

Peter was overwhelmed with grief and sorrow for his sins. Peter left and wept and cried bitterly. At the end of his life, Peter had profound holes in his cheeks from crying so much.

Jesus was abandoned by everybody. All the Apostles ran away.

Page 96

This was a very low point for The Church. One Bishop, Judas, committed suicide. The rest of the Bishops ran away. The first Pope, Peter, denied Him three times. In the current crises in The Church let us not be overcome with despair and sadness. The Apostles became Great Saints after Pentecost.

The Apostles ran. We are not better than they are. We would not have done any better. Be humble. Remember what we are: strong with His Grace and not strong using only our own strength.

Jesus before Pilate:

The next morning, Jesus, who had no sleep or food or drink all night, was taken to Pilate. Pilate found no guilt in Him but was afraid of the Jews. He therefore sent Jesus to Herod. Herod was depraved and wanted to see a miracle. Jesus did not say anything. Jesus was given a white robe, normally given to crazy people and sent back to Pilate.

Pilate wanted to release Jesus. It was the custom to release a prisoner during this time. Pilate gave the mob the choice between Jesus and Barabbas. Barabbas was a thief and a rioter. He was a Charles Manson type. The people hated him.

Pilate was a typical liberal. He put good (Our Lord) as an equal, side by side with evil (Barabbas). Liberalism today puts the True Religion (Catholicism) as an equal, side by side with false religions.

The mob however cried out: “Give us Barabbas!” (Give us evil.) “What shall I do with Jesus, the Christ, the King of the Jews?” “Crucify Him!” “Crucify Him!” they shouted. We say the same thing when we sin.

“Why, what evil has He done? I find not the least cause of death in Him. I will scourge Him and let Him go.” But the shout: “Crucify Him!” “Crucify Him!” burst from the crowd like a roar from Hell, while the High Priests and Pharisees, frantic with rage, were yelling violently. “Let His Blood be upon us and our children!” A criminal preferred to the Son of God!

What could Pilate have done? He could have released Jesus and then he would have been accused of being against Caesar! Pilate likely would have lost his head and become the first Catholic martyr! Then today we would be talking about Saint Pontius Pilate!

Instead poor, irresolute Pilate freed the wretch Barabbas and condemned Jesus to be scourged in an attempt to satisfy the blood lust of the people.

Do not be irresolute like Pilate. When we go to Confession, we must have a firm resolution to sin no more.

By my sins, I was with the rabble crying for the death of Our Lord. He grieved for us. He loves us so much. Our loving Jesus asks: “What more could I have done for you and you crucify Me”. The Sacred Heart is standing there teary eyed, hearing us scream for sin.

Pilate was a politician. He had no love for Truth. “What is Truth?” he said. Christ’s trial continues today in our minds. We act like Pilate and Herod when we are not concerned with Truth. Whenever we give in to the world, we renew this trial of Pilate.

My sins caused The Passion of Our Lord. It is not enough to say: “I’m sorry.” We must embrace The Cross. He wanted us to see the evil of sin. That is why He suffered so much. Unite with Him is suffering. He has loved us and washed us from our sins with His own Blood.

The Scourging at the Pillar:

Jesus is scourged! His Body was created with an infinite capacity to suffer. Surely this will impart pity in us! The scourging at the pillar was terrible. We would have become numb and passed out. Our Lord however had a Body so delicate that every pain imaginable could be felt. His Divinity could have come out at anytime, but It didn’t. He offered all the pain freely for us.

Page 97

Our Lord was stripped of His garments and tied by the wrists to a low column. He then offered His back to blows that tore His flesh. The instrument of torture consisted of leather tongs tipped with knobs of bone and balls of metal. At every blow, skin first swells up and then is torn and the blood streams forth and the flesh torn to pieces. The enraged and bloodthirsty solders worked in pairs, so that when the first pair was tired, the second pair could take over. The soldiers hated the Jews, so they vented their fury on The King of the Jews. They tried to get Him to scream but got not the slightest groan or whimper. Our Lord’s Body turns a livid red color. The Blood starts to flow to the ground.

Immorality was rampant all over the world since Original Sin, but never more than now! The pain of the Scourging is offered in atonement for Sins of the flesh.

The Holy Shroud of Turin shows that the whole Body of Our Lord was torn, front and back, from the head to the feet. He received hundreds of blows but did not die because He willed it so. He was still in control.

Wait a minute! Look! Look closer at this horrible scene. Look at the soldier’s faces. Oh my! Oh my! That’s me! That’s me with that whip in my hand! I am taking my turn with the whip every time I committed a sin of impurity.

Many contemplate that our sins of impurity (adultery, fornication, homosexuality, dirty jokes and pictures, suggestive clothes and behavior, etc.) were atoned by this terrible scourging of Our Savior!

Lean on His breast and listen to the blows hit Him for your sins. His whole body becomes a single womb.

The Crowning with Thorns:

Jesus is taken to the Court of Antonio. The solders pay a mock homage to Our Lord. A purple garment was thrown in derision over His shoulders. A read is placed in His hand. They wove a crown of thorns that looked like a helmet that covered His whole head. The thorns were one to three inches long and very sharp. They were pressed down with so much force, that many of the thorns pierced His skull. The eyes of Our Savior were filled with the Blood that was flowing down. How intense was the suffering of Jesus.

Wait a minute! Look! That’s me driving that crown of thorns into Our Lord’s head! There I go again, spitting into his face and mocking Him! Oh, my sins of pride made you suffer so much my Beloved Jesus. Forgive me! Please forgive me!

Many contemplate that our sins of Pride (anger, disobedience to lawful authority, slander, revenge, etc.) were atoned by this terrible crowning with thorns of Our Savior!

“Hail King of the Jews!” They mocked Him and covered His face with spittle. Jesus was quiet and offered all these sufferings up for our sins. We should realize that by my sins I also spit into the Face of Jesus!

Consider the suffering of Our Lady during this terrible ordeal! She is a witness to these scenes and can’t offer Her Divine Son any relief. She can’t wipe His face or wash His wombs or console Him. During the whole Passion, Our Lady had only her tears and could not do anything for her Son.

Page 98

Jesus is returned to Pilate. Jesus was now so covered with wounds and spittle and still suffered under the crown of thorns that He hardly looked human.

Pilate is horrified at the sight and presents Him to the crowd: “Behold the man.” Pilate wanted the crowd to have sympathy for Jesus and agree to have Him released. Is this a man or a monster? You can’t tell. Pilot reminds the people that this is a man. He is also GOD! Behold GOD suffering for your sins!!!

At first the crowd grew silent at the disgusting sight of the man. They were not yet satisfied and cried: “Crucify Him!” “Crucify Him!’’

“But He is your King!” “We have no King but Caesar.” We have no King but the World and its sinful pleasures.

These are the same people who wanted to make Him their King, just a few days earlier, on Palm Sunday. How easy it is for us to change our mind!

“If you release this man you are not a friend of Caesar!” they shouted. Pilate was afraid and turned Jesus over to be crucified.

Wait a minute! Look at that person down there screaming for the crucifixion of Our Divine Savior. Hey, that’s me! I remember, that time when I enjoyed my sins and did not want to give them up. During these years I cried for the continual crucifixion of Our Lord and our God, who gladly agreed to it. Despite my rage, He loves me?! Why?

Oh, Lord give me the grace to love You in return and to sin no more! You my King was scourged and crowned with thorns! Redouble our reparation for sin, to make up a little for the suffering of Our King. Sin no more! Mock Him no more! What a Grace to be Catholic and suffer what He suffered: persecution, mockery, ridicule. We will follow Him to the cross. Keep His Passion before our eyes and strive for a true love and friendship with Our Lord. Pray for the Grace to get to Heaven. Join Our Lord in the Passion. “Take up your cross and follow Me.” There is no crown without the cross.

One day Father Edward Burke was with some Protestant friends and visited a Catholic Church. They saw a mother and her child praying the Stations of the Cross. They were both crying. The Protestant asked: “Why do they suffer so much?” “They cry because of what Our Lord is going through.”

Page 99

The Carrying of The Cross:

Ask for the Grace to carry your cross.

The God-Man dies for us! Wonder of Wonders! Adore Him.

Jesus is now clothed in His own garments. He still has the crown of thorns. He received His cross with great love. The motive of the Incarnation is one of mercy – to save us from our sins.

How do you react to the crosses He offers to you? Do you accept them with great love or do you gripe and complain and feel sorry for yourself? We need our crosses. The Law of Salvation: “There is no crown without the cross.”

Oh look! There’s gutsy St.Veronica, ignoring the threats of the soldiers. She was more courageous than the Apostles. She runs up to Jesus and wipes His face with her veil! Jesus imprints on the veil the image of His Holy Face!

The soldiers see how weak Jesus is and fear He will die before they can nail Him to the Cross. They force Simon of Cyrene to help Our Lord carry the cross. Although Simon was reluctant, he still got many Graces and became a disciple of Our Lord, along with his two sons.

How often are we reluctant to carry the crosses He sends us? They are opportunities for Grace. Be thankful for them.

See Our Lord slowly approaching Mount Calvery and His death on the cross. We are daily closer to our own death. We must do our duty and stay in the State of Grace.

Jesus is Stripped of His Garments:

Jesus just barely makes it to the place of execution and then only with the reluctant help of Simon. Calvary is called the place of the scull. Some say it is shaped like a skull. Some say that the skull of Adam is buried there.

Jesus’ clothes are stuck to the sores covering His body. As the soldiers strip off His clothes, the scabs are pulled off with them, opening up all the wounds again. Remember it is so cold outside, that just last night Peter was trying to warm himself by the fire. Poor Jesus, He has already lost a lot of blood. He has had no rest nor food nor drink since the Passover meal the night before. His Body aches all over. He is now stripped of His garments and it’s very cold outside. Jesus begins to shiver uncontrollably as they throw Him onto the wood of the cross. Jesus however remains silent.

The other criminals are scourged but not Our Lord. Another scourging would kill Him and they wanted Him to die on the cross. Hear their groans and cursing. Hear the many soldiers all around.

The Blessed Virgin Mary is there also and hears and sees everything.

Jesus is nailed to the Cross:

Holes are predrilled into the crossbeams, so that they will not split since very large nails are used. Shutter as you hear the bang, bang, bang of the nail being forced through the wrist of Our Lord. The pain is intense as it severs the nerve in the wrist. It is normal at this point for the victim to faint but not Our Lord. He remains fully aware of all the pain associated with this torture. See the blood spurting out of His wrist.

Oh my! There I am taking my turn with the hammer every time I commit a sin. It is my sins that Our Loving Jesus is suffering and atoning for. His Divine Blood spurts all over my face as I drive in the nail! His blood washes away my sins. O please Lord, grant me the grace to sin no more! If it wasn’t for my sins, His pain would not be so intense.

Look! The second hole in the cross arm is too far away. Our Lord’s hand won’t reach it. “Come, get some more soldiers to pull on His arm till the wrist is over the hole.” They pull and pull till both arms are pulled

Page 101

out of their sockets! The second wrist is nailed to the wood of the Cross. The pain caused by my sins is intense.

His legs have to be stretched to reach the predrilled hole in the wood. The left foot of Our Lord is placed over the right foot, and nailed to the Cross. The Cross was then raised up and the bottom of it dropped into a hole. THUD! All the weight is suddenly put on the three nails. There is a gasp from the crowd.

Our Crucified Lord:

Look at Our Lord., hanging on the Cross! Look how He suffers for your sins. Look how your God and Judge suffers because of you. Think about it. Oh my! I’m in deep, deep trouble! L

Visualize the scene. The sky is very dark, strange things are happening. The soldiers start to disperse since they know Our Lord can’t live much longer with all those wounds. A small contingent stays and casts lots for His seamless garment that the Blessed Mother made for Him.

Our Lord hung on the cross for three long hours, from noon till 3PM. He has had nothing to drink since The Last Supper. He was therefore dehydrated and thirsty. His arms were outstretched, there was extreme contraction of His muscles, and there are cramps in His arms and chest. His arms turn bluish and he sweats profusely. Flies are laying eggs in His wounds. His breathing is very labored. He can inhale but can’t exhale unless He puts weight on His legs and then on His wrists for three hours. The soldiers normally break the legs of the crucified and they die of suffocation. Our Lord however was already dead after three hours and they did not have to break His legs.

On top of the Cross is the inscription: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” (INRI).

Others are now allowed to approach the Cross of Our Lord. Our Lady, St. John, St. Mary Magdalen and Mary of Cleophas come. Also listen to the Chief Priests and others hound and mock Him. Imagine the sorrow of Our Lady.

The Seven Last Words of Our Lord:

The First Word: “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”

Wheeeew! What a relief! What a prayer! Our Lord loves His enemies and prays for them. He prays for us!

Do we come anywhere close? How do we handle those who mock us? Do we pray for them or attack them? Imitate Our Lord in His love for those who criticize us, hate us. Follow His example.

Jesus died for sinners. He therefore offers us His forgiveness. We must however “seek to find”, “ask to receive”, “knock before the door is opened”. We ask for Him to forgive us, by using the great Sacrament of Confession. This is the reason He gave us this Sacrament. Pride however, causes too many to reject this Sacrament and they therefore die with their sins unforgiven.

The Second Word: “Amen, I say to thee, this day thou shalt be with me in Paradise.”

Two criminals are brought forward to be crucified with Our Lord. They too curse and mock Our Lord. Then one of them is touched by Grace. He sees something special and Noble in Our Lord. “Lord remember

Page 102

me when you come into Thy Kingdom.” Jesus forgives him his sins. “This day thou shalt be with me in paradise.” The “good thief” stole Heaven while on the Cross.

The Third Word: To His Mother Jesus says: “Woman, behold thy son.” To John Jesus says: “ Behold thy mother.”

Jesus often called His Mother “woman”. It was not only a term of respect but also to teach us that the Blessed Virgin Mary was the “woman” referred to in Holy Scripture that will crush Satan’s head.

Jesus was not only giving His Mother to John, but also to all who believe in Him, who become “children of God”. Mary, who immediately agreed to be the Mother of God at the Incarnation, also immediately agreed to adopt as her children, all the children of God.

The Fourth Word: “Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabacthani?” (My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?)

Christ has two natures: A Divine nature and a human nature. During His Passion, He hid his Divine nature from his human nature. At the height of his agony He allowed this cry to pass His lips. It shows the excess of sufferings He was enduring. It also teaches us to lay all our troubles at the feet of God.

The Fifth Word: “I thirst.”

Jesus was almost fainting. His tongue was parched. Nobody offered Him a drink. It was very dark but even His friends did not think to try to sneak Him a drink. His human nature felt an additional hurt at this oversight of His friends. The soldiers were going to give him a drink of vinegar and gall dipped in a sponge. The centurion Abenadar, whose heart was touched with compassion, squeezed out the gall and filled the sponge with fresh vinegar and offered it to Our Lord.

Jesus also “thirsts” for souls. He thirsts for your soul and my soul. Will we also ignore this plea of Our Lord, our God and our Judge?

The Sixth Word: “It is consummated.”

His Passion is near an end. It is finished. Mankind has been Redeemed. The Gates of Heaven are reopened for us.

The Seventh Word: “Father into Thy hands I commend MY Spirit.”

These words were uttered with a loud voice, at 3 PM. Our Lord then bows His head and dies. This shows that He was still in complete control and selected the time for His death. Jesus’ soul descends into Purgatory where the souls of the Just waited for Him. A soldier opens up His side with a spear. Only a few drops of blood and water come out.

At this point, the earth trembled, and the rock of Calvary split, forming a deep chasm between the Cross of Our Lord and that of Gesmas (the bad thief). The earthquake also did much damage in different parts of Palestine and Jerusalem. Graves were opened and the dead appeared to many. The veil in the Temple was torn in two, from the top to the bottom. This showed that the “Old Covenant” between God and the Jews has ended and replaced with the New Covenant with the Catholic Church, which Christ established.

The Mystery of the Redemption is achieved. Man is reconciled to God. The Gate of Heaven is now opened to us. God, out of love, dies for His own creatures, that despised Him by our sins. Truly God loves us far more than we think! Jesus suffered for us. He wanted to suffer to show us His immense love and the seriousness of Sin. What more could He do for you? Isn’t about time for you to do something for Our Lord?!

What can I do for Him? . . . . . Think about it. . . . . What can I do for Him?

Page 103

Our love for Our Lord must not be only feelings but must include actions. Show your love for Him with actions.

“He Descended into Hell” (Limbo):

Limbo borders on Hell. It has two parts. There is the Limbo of unbaptized children. They are naturally happy. .There is the Limbo where the souls of the Just waited for their Redeemer, which Our Lord emptied at this time. Can you imagine the anticipation of these poor souls in Limbo that waited so long for their Redeemer! The Gates of Heaven were closed for about 4000 long years, ever since the sin of Adam and Eve. They knew that someday The Redeemer would come and they could enter Heaven but didn’t know when.

Visualize the Place. Imagine that you are there. What are the people doing and saying? They all waited for news of the Redeemer from the Just, who had recently died and joined them in Purgatory. I wonder who that old couple is sitting in the corner, being shunned by everybody? Nobody would talk to them. Oh, that must be Adam and Eve who got everybody kicked out of The Garden of Eden and started all these Centuries of problems.

Noah eventually came down and told everyone how he and eight others had to start all over again to repopulate the earth.

One day after a long time, Abraham came down. “Abraham, will we ever get out of this place?” “Oh yes, God promised a Redeemer and He keeps his promises.” “Thank God! When will He come?” “I have no idea. Soon I hope.”

Through the long centuries, others came. Jacob and the 12 Patriarchs came down. Joseph and his ten brothers came. They told everyone what a mess the world was in but had no additional information on the promised Redeemer!

The door to Heaven had been closed for soooo long!

Suddenly hundreds of little children came down. The Holy Innocents killed by Herod who tried to kill the Christ Child. They didn’t know anything but aggravated stogy old Abraham with their getting into everything.

Shortly later Simeon came down. “I have seen Him! I have seen The Redeemer!” “What was He like? Did He live in a Palace?” “No, He was a little baby, born in a stable, laid in a manger. His parents were very poor.” “That’s an odd way for our King to enter the world. Are you sure He was the promised Redeemer?” “Oh yes, there is no doubt about that.”

After awhile St. Joseph came down! “Oh Joseph, what was He like? Did He work miracles? Did he have a powerful army?” “No, He’s just been making tables and chairs for years. We were very poor you see.” “This is our Redeemer? What is He waiting for?” The souls in Purgatory were getting impatient and very anxious for news of their Redeemer.

John the Baptist came down with his head under his arm.

Then Lazarus came down. Now, Lazarus was very talkative, a story teller and full of news about Christ. All were on the edge of their seats listening to him. Just when he was getting to the most interesting part a voice cried out: “Lazarus come forth.” Lazarus was raised from the dead and left Purgatory! “Now where did he go?!” they all moaned.

The good thief came down and then Our Lord came! Limbo was turned into Heaven. His death and suffering overcame all the sins of mankind. Heaven is reopened. Limbo was emptied! Gloria in Excelsus Deo!

Page 104

Take up you cross and follow Him. It is a joy to follow the Master. In you personal life, work for Our Lord with the spirit of victory – the reign of Christ the King. Fight first with humility, then Our Lord will give us the victory. Use the natural and spiritual talents that He gives us with the help of Grace, attention and prudence. Follow our Guide, Our Lord. Know His Spirit and copy It. Be His instrument under His direction and Grace. He is King, even here below! Establish a Catholic Kingdom, first in your soul, then in your family, then in your Country. Use the means He gave us: The Mass and Sacraments, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Rosary.

The Resurrection:

Most thought that Christ failed after the crucifixion. He had the worse death possible, very shameful. His followers tried to hide themselves. Peter denied Him three times. Joseph of Arramathea buried His body in the Sepulchre.

The High Priests knew that Christ predicted His Resurrection on the third day. They feared that Christ’s Disciples would steal His body and then claim that He rose from the dead. They therefore sealed the tomb with a very large stone and had Roman soldiers guard it. Visualize the scene.

The guards thought it was stupid to guard the tomb of a dead man. What do superstitious Roman solders talk about when assigned to guard a tomb at night? Well, they tell each other ghost stories of course. After awhile they get pretty scared and creepy, sitting in the cemetery all night.

Finally one of them says: “I hear that this Jesus fellow was somewhat of a Magician himself.” “Oh yea? What did he do?” “Well, He cured the sick - even lepers, made the blind to see, and the deaf to hear. He cast out a bunch of devils, which went into some pigs, that then drowned themselves. He even raised people from the dead! I even heard that He wanted people to eat His Body and drink His Blood!” “Wow, He must have had tremendous powers but now He is dead and in the grave.” “I heard that He said He would come out of the grave in three days!”

About that time an old hoot owl went “Hooot”. “Whaaat day is this?” “I-I-I think I-I-I t’s the start of the third day. He died last Friday and this is Sunday morning.” “Let’s see, Friday was the first day. Saturday was the second day. Today is Sunday – the third day!” The solders were really scared now, expecting Christ’s ghost to appear at any time. They look around. It was still dark. The scary owl kept up his Hoooting. About that time a black cat ran in front of the superstitious soldiers. Their eyes were wide and they could feel their hearts pounding in their chest. It was cold out but they started to sweat.

Suddenly they hear a loud noise! An Angel was rolling back the huge stone all by himself with very little effort! He was a very strong Angel. The soldiers fainted in fear.

A bright light appeared inside the tomb, lighting up the whole area brighter than the noonday sun. Our risen Lord left the tomb. The soldiers were still unconscious.

Christ has risen from the dead! Alleluia, Alleluia!

Risen as He truly said! Alleluia, Alleluia!

Our Lord first appeared to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was the most faithful. Mary is called a co-Redeemptrix. She suffered in her soul what Our Lord suffered in His Body. What do you think He said to the BVM? What do you think she said to Him? Visualize the scene

Page105

“Hi mom, I’m back. What do you have to eat.” As all mothers, her first thought was to feed Him. “Jesus, here are some peanut butter an jelly sandwiches. You’ve got to be hungry.” To please His Mother, He ate the sandwiches and washed it down with a little goat’s milk, while they hugged and talked. “How was Abraham?” “He was sure glad to get out of Limbo, the kids were getting on his nerves.”

Awhile later St. Mary Magdalen was heading for the tomb to add more spices to Our Lord’s body. She was wondering who would roll the stone back for her. She was very distraught when saw the stone already rolled back and Our Lord’s Body gone! An Angel told her that Jesus was gone, rose from the dead. Mary Magdalen cried: “Somebody has taken my Lord and I don’t know where they have taken Him! Then Our Lord appeared to Her and she thought He was the gardener. “Tell me where they have taken my Lord’s Body and I will carry it off.” That would be something to see. Petite Magdalen trying to carry off Our Lord’s heavy body! She then recognized Him. Our Lord told her to spread the word to the others, that He is risen.

Do you know why Our Lord appeared to the women before He appeared to the men? This was so that the news would spread more rapidly. J

The Apostles had serious doubts before the Resurrection. They were all hiding in a room out of fear of the Jews. Suddenly, there was a bang, bang, bang on the door. St. Mary Magdalen was yelling to get in. “Oh, that’s all we need now is an hysterical woman” Peter said. “You know how Mary Magdalen is when she gets excited.” Mary rushed in and shouted: “Our Lord is gone! The tomb is empty! I saw Him and spoke with Him!”

The Apostles smiled at each other and said “Yea, that’s typical Mary, all excited and imagining things again.” “No really, go see for yourself” Mary insisted. John, being younger and faster than Peter, got to the tomb first but waited for Peter to enter, who even then was head of the Apostles. The Angel told them that He has Risen. They went back to the room and all wondered what happened.

Soon Our Lord appeared in the midst of them, even though the door was locked. He ate and drank with them and they talked. Our Lord left and appeared to some disciples travelling along the road.

Thomas came into the room with the Apostles, who told him about the Resurrection of Our Lord. Thomas would not believe it till he put his fingers into the wombs of Our Lord’s hand and his fist into the hole in Our Lord’s side. Later when Our Lord came again, he invited Thomas to put his finger and fist into His wombs. Thomas fell on his knees: “My Lord and my God.” Our Lord gently scolded Thomas: “Thomas, now that you see, you believe. Blessed are those who believe but have not seen.” Thomas eventually became a great Saint.

Our Lord dwelled with them for forty days, teaching and instructing them. He promised to be always with His Church, the Catholic Church, till the end of the world.

He then Ascended into Heaven and disappears in a cloud. In ten days He sends Holy Ghost down upon the Apostles and Mary in the form of tongues of fire. They are no longer afraid and win many converts.

Our Faith is our victory. If you live according to it, who can trouble us? Dwell on the Divinity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. He is in charge. He is GOD. Do not fear. Have confidence in Him and not in ourselves. Ask for His help and guidance always.

Devotion to Our Lord is necessary for Salvation. Lack of devotion to Our Lord is a sign of damnation. It is important to appreciate God. It is important to develop gratitude towards God.

We must serve God and not our egos.

Love is what motivates us. Where our heart is, there is our treasure. The foundation of Catholic optimism is the knowledge that we are not of this world. Therefore, don’t worry about it. Seek first the things of God.

Page 106

“LOVEST THOU ME”

Bill Rinehart

March 28, 2004

Passion Sunday

St. Peter, was strong, brave, tended to be very impetuous and had a great love for Jesus. It was St. Peter who jumped out of the boat to meet Jesus whom he saw walking on the water. It was St. Peter who did not want Jesus to wash his feet at the Last Supper because he did not feel worthy enough. He then begged Christ to wash his head, arms, and his whole body when he was told that it was necessary to let Christ wash his feet. It was St. Peter who drew his sword and lopped off the ear of one of those who came to arrest Jesus. It was also St. Peter who during a moment of weakness, denied Christ three times!

After the Resurrection, we come to a very touching scene. Let us listen and watch and learn from it. St. Peter and our Resurrected Lord were together, say, sitting on a bench. Everything was very quiet and serene.

Jesus quietly says: “Peter.” Peter answers: “Yes, Lord.” “Lovest thou Me?” Now Peter thought that it was obvious that he loved Him and was a little hurt that Christ would even ask such a question. “Yes Lord, I do love you.” “Feed my sheep.”

Then again: “Peter.” “Yes Lord.” “Lovest thou Me?” Now Peter was surprised that such a question would be asked a second time! He was deeply hurt. Tears were coming to the eyes of strong, manly, loving St. Peter. “Yes Lord! You know that I love you!”. Again quietly, Jesus says: “Feed My Sheep.”

Then a third time our Lord tenderly asks: “Peter.” “Yes Lord.” “Lovest thou Me?” Now Peter was given the Grace of many tears for his moment of weakness and denying his Lord three times, prompting the three questions from Our Lord. “Yes, Lord. You know that I love you.” “Feed My Sheep.”

Peter was filled with a great resolve never again to give Our Lord any reason to doubt his love for Him. Peter became a great Saint and died crucified upside down for Our Lord.

How about us? Jesus quietly asks each of us: “Lovest thou Me?” How many times will He ask us this? ……Think about it.

How many times did we increase His Agony in the Garden because we were tepid and would not seek out His “free Gift of Grace” through the Mass and Sacraments He gave us for this purpose?

How many times did we take our turn scourging His flesh at the pillar when we committed sins of the flesh (impurity, drugs, etc.)?

How many times did we take our turn driving the crown of thorns into His head when we committed sins of Pride?

How many times did we mock Him and spit in His face by mocking His Church He established to teach us and bring the Mass and Sacraments to us?

How many times did we cause Him to fall while carrying the cross because we kept falling into sin after sin?

How many times did we help strip Him of His garments so roughly that His skin came with them through an excessive love of worldly treasures?

How many times did we abandon Him, like His other disciples, out of fear of and in order to please the enemies of His Church? How many times did we abandon the Mass and Sacraments handed down to us or used mutilated substitutes in order to please men?

Oh, how many times will each of us be tenderly asked: “Lovest thou Me?”…….. Think about it and let us, like St. Peter, pray for the Grace of tears and an awesome resolve.

Page 106a