All her joy was changed to sorrow The presentation of Jesus in the temple should have been a joyful time for his parents. But St. Alphonsus points out that the joy became sorrow when St. Simeon revealed the Child’s future. In this valley of tears, every man is born to weep, and all must suffer, by enduring the evils that take place every day. But how much greater would be the misery of life, if we also knew the future evils... Read more
The Rev. James Martin, S.J., is a Jesuit priest, author and editor at large at America, The National Catholic Review. James Martin was born in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business in 1982, where he received his bachelor’s degree in economics (B.S. Econ.) with a concentration in finance. After working for six years in corporate finance with General Electric in New York City and Stamford, Ct., he entered the Society of Jesus (the... Read more
Mary knew the prophecies of her Son’s suffering Mary was familiar with the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah, St. Alphonsus insists. So she knew all too well what lay ahead for her Son. Compassion for the sufferings of this most beloved Son was the sword of sorrow that was to pierce the heart of the mother, as St. Simeon exactly foretold: “And a sword will pierce through your own soul” (Lk 2:35). Already the most Blessed Virgin, as St.... Read more
Mary knew Jesus would be spoken against St. Alphonsus explains how St. Simeon’s prophecy was fulfilled that Jesus would be spoken against. St. Simeon said to Mary in the temple: “Behold, this Child is set . . . for a sign that is spoken against” (Lk 2:34). It was revealed to St. Teresa that even though the Blessed Mother already knew that the life of her Son would be sacrificed for the salvation of the world, at this time she... Read more
Mary would gladly have suffered instead of Jesus St. Alphonsus notes that Mary would willingly have taken her Son’s place in suffering, but she was obedient to God’s will and plan. Consider how much it must have cost Mary, and what strength of mind she had to exercise, in this act by which she sacrificed the life of so amiable a Son on the Cross. Behold, then, the most fortunate of mothers, because she is the Mother of God. Yet... Read more
This week Harper One sponsors the CBB giveaway. One lucky winner will receive a copy of Seven Last Words by Father James Martin (you can read the review here) . I use Rafflecopter to run my giveaways which makes it simple for you and me! Enter below. The contest starts at midnight tonight EST and will end 12AM EST Friday 03/04 with a winner being announced later that day. Good Luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway Stay in touch! Like The Catholic Book Blogger on Facebook: The Catholic... Read more
God received Mary’s consent to Jesus’ death St. Alphonsus explains that when Mary presented Jesus in the temple, she was giving her consent to God’s plan for him to die for the world. The Eternal Father had already determined to save man, who was lost by sin, and to deliver him from eternal death. But because God willed at the same time that his divine justice should not be defrauded of a worthy and due satisfaction, he didn’t spare the... Read more
The seven last words or phrases are those spoken by our Savior Jesus Christ during his Passion. Father James Martin presents a wonderful meditation on the topic in his latest book Seven Last Words: An Invitation to a Deeper Friendship with Jesus. The book came about from preaching Father Martin gave at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York at the invitation of Cardinal Timothy Dolan. The seven last phrases are those recorded in Scripture and are as follows. To give... Read more
Mary’s obedience in presenting Jesus in the temple St. Francis de Sales explains how Mary wasn’t obliged to follow the laws for her purification, but submitted to them anyway to avoid scandalizing others. Our Lady and sacred mistress was not afraid of disobeying the laws of purification, because she was in no way obliged to the Law, which was not made for her or her Son. Rather, she feared the shadow of disobedience. For though she, being all pure, had... Read more
Saint Joseph Communications is back to sponsor another media giveaway. One lucky winner will receive one copy of the 4 CD set, Atheism: Not Just Monkey Business by Jesse Romero (you can read my review here). I use Rafflecopter to run my giveaways which makes it simple for you and me! Enter below. The contest starts at midnight tonight EST and will end 12 AM EST 03/02 with a winner being announced later that day. Good Luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway Read more
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