Our Times

We seem to be living in a whirlwind of events, ideas and changes. The Pope is resigning. Values that we cherish: marriage, priesthood, life itself are challenged and ridiculed. St. Paul said it long ago: "These are evil times." However we, like St. Paul, are called to preach the Good News of Jesus "in season and out of season", whether our audience likes it or rejects it.
There is evil in our times. Yet Jesus promised to be with us until the end of time itself. He is Goodness itself, the essence of Good. Again looking at St. Paul's assurance, we can say too, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (See Romans 8:28 and following.) The Lord Jesus also said--when speaking of earth's "end times"--that nobody knows when that will be. The Anti-Christ will show up to deceive people then. The Devil, the Father-of-Lies, never sleeps either.
However it is not for us to say who or what is the "Anti-Christ." When atheistic communism in Europe formed repressive anti-religious governments, some said communism is or was the Anti-Christ.
Rather than using a form of name-calling, we Christians believers have the anchor of hope and the cross of faith to steady us. To those whom we think act like an anti-Christ, we direct the intentions of our prayers for their conversion of mind and heart. To those who may hold political offices whom we are convinced are weak, and irreligious, we respect their office. However we pray for their conversion and work to insure that in the next election to whatever office more qualified candidates are put in place.

St. Thomas More 1498-1535 by Hans  Holbin the Younger

St.Thomas More is quoted as saying about a certain political office that he would rather take that job than have someone else whose standards were lower and values were questionable. In the book and the film, Amazing Grace, about William Wilberforce, we see how this man discerned that he was called to do more good as a politician than as a clergyman. His untiring efforts in Parliament led to Great Britain's abolishing the slave trade in 1833.

William Wilberforce 1759 - 1833

Our Founder, Blessed James Alberione, preferred that we Pauline Family members speak well of all persons, no matter how they act. Blessed Pope John XXIII reiterated the phrase, "hate the sin, but love the sinner." Of course this does not mean that we condone evil. Rather we pray and work that those who commit evil will turn and do good.

The years of  World War II, especially for those who endured the fear of invading troops and violence must have been trying times. In the midst of war's chaos, the Holy Spirit comforted and inspired Gabrielle Bossis. Each day she was open to what she recognized as the Spirit's guidance. Wisely she wrote down the conversations which we can learn from. "He and I" the book which preserves for us today the Spirit's conversations with Gabrielle has been reprinted by Pauline Books & Media of Boston. On the Pauline website you can see what it looks like and order it for yourself or for a gift.

Leading By Example

This week began with the announcement of our Holy Father Pope Benedict's decision to resign his office. the news sent shick waves around the world. Nature this week provied a shock with the landing of a meteroite in Russia. It seems to me that the Pope's decision has caused much stir in the media. For most Catholics whom I have encountered this week, the history making news did not "rock Peter's boat".

I have been graced to be a daughter of the Church under six Popes: Pius XII; John XXIII; Paul VI; John Paul I; John Paul II, and then Benedict XVI. Each one exuded holiness, wisdom; strength and peace. Each of couse in his own way. John XXIII was--in some peoples' estimation--an interim "filler" who would not last long. Instead the Holy Spirit used Pope Roncalli to usher in the Vatican II Council. Paul VI had the task of pulling together the many topics of the second Vatican Council and concluding it. He had the courage to issue the brief, clear and prophetic document On Human Life Humanae Vitae. He wrote much including a document of Joy.
Pope John Paul I had a very short time to reign as Pope. His smile and his choice of a double name had a lasting effect. When Karol Woytya was elected to replace John Paul I, it seemed like the swoosh of the Spirit's wind and fire
of its light lit the world. Now both John XXIII and John Paul II have the title "Blessed."
John Paul II built on the principles in Paul VI's Humanae Vitae and fashioned a beautiful understanding of human life in the "theology of the body."
Pope Benedict a true teacher issued his first encyclical on love: God Is Love. His summary of the work of the Synod on the Word of God, titled Verbum Domini", The Word of God is a wonderful meditation on Scripture and a call to all of us to become immersed in the Word. Today I was walking the isles of our book center and amazed at how prolific a writer is this Pope. Check our Discover Hope page to see some of the covers of his many books. Our Pauline Books & Media weekly newsletter "Strength for the Week"
 discoverhope@paulinemedia.com offers a video tribute to Pope Benedict.
This week's edition lists several of the books written by Pope Benedict.
I say my humble thank you to Pope Benedict who has always been an inspiration to me. When I spent a year in Rome (2003--2004) I often saw the then Cardinal Ratzinger at Masses in the Vatican. At times John Paul II was present, but not well enough to preside. Ratzinger was usually the celebrant whose humble and devout manner impressed me. He never seemed pompous or arrogant.
As a smiling Pope Benedict XVI he has given me plenty to study and to meditate on. May his retirement be blessed with peace and,  if God wills,  with more of his insightful writings.

Make It the Best

My wish for you and me is that we make this the best Lent ever. Who knows if this will be my  last. It seems that for my Uncle Bill this is a time of finality. He has entered into a hospice program. His health has been diminishing at a fast pace. Yet he is serene and he seems to know that eternity, a new life awaits.When his son Michael died about 17 years ago, his faith was reinforced. Michael who was 37 had a pre-death experience of heaven. He saw his mother, our grandmother, our great aunt who "still had her red hair," and other relatives who died before he was born. Pray for my Uncle Bill that his passing may be peaceful. Pray too that his two sons and his grandchildren will be strengthened and consoled as their Dad and grandpa goes to encounter the Lord face-to-face. A World War II veteran, Uncle Bill shared his vivid memories of war in the Aleutian Islands and in the jungles of the Philippines. He assured us that "war is hell." He lived a long and faithful life. We pray for him and for all whom the Lord will draw to himself in these first days of Lent.
I pray that Christ whose death and resurrection we treasure and commemorate in this season will welcome Bill into his presence. Let us live this Lent as the best ever so when God calls us we may be ready to pass from this life to eternal life.

A New Springtime

As we walked to St. Mary's Church this morning for Ash Wednesday Mass, the local bird population was chirping away. Despite an overcast sky the birds seemed to be signing God's praises. They made it sound like Spring is in the air.
When it comes to "soul" matters it is Spring. Each year when lent occurs Spring comes along with it. Lent is a time to prepare the soil of our spirits to receive the seeds or little plants of grace that God is waiting to give us. Lent retains the aspect of "giving up" bad habits, certain foods or desserts, certain TV shows, or movies. An entire litany can spin out things we can give up. Today's gospel sets a kind of criteria for giving up or taking on a good practice: Do what you do not to get approval from others, or their praise. Rather make sure you do it for the heavenly Father who "sees in secret."
The late English author Caryll Houselander suggested something practical in a quote which appears in the monthly Magnificat. She suggested that any real spiritual growth in Lent came about with a steady resolve. She had resolved to simply think of Christ when she was tempted to think about or dwell on herself. The thoughts of self were more like self pity.
For instance, if she felt insulted she would think of Jesus who was mocked and ridiculed during his Passion. She would take the focus off of herself and fix her mental gaze on the Lord Jesus.
Whatever Lenten resolve you make, do it for the Lord, to please him and grow closer to him.
Of course this resolution applies to all 24 hours of the day: to family time, and work space time, to drive time, to TV time, to Internet time, etc.
Happy Lent!

History in the Making

Monday morning I was surprised to see Pope Benedict's face appear immediately as I opened the Internet. "Pope to Resign!" Wow! That news came as a shock to me and to millions of other Catholics as well as to many non-Catholics. Yet I knew of a precedent in a Pope Gregory. I couldn't remember off hand which Gregory resigned, but it is true. He--for the good of the Church--also resigned his office.
Pope Benedict is a wise man, as well as a learned scholar, theologian and great teacher. The current Pope's schedule is demanding for anyone, let alone a senior citizen of 85. May God grant Pope Benedict true peace and an ever deepening relationship with our Lord in his retirement.
On Tuesday the chaplain who offered Mass in our chapel used the Mass for a Pope. It was so appropriate. The Holy Spirit remains with the Church. No one whom I have met seems perturbed or bent out of shape at this announcement. There is a serenity about this news which affirms our trust that God is in charge and he will see to it that Benedict's successor will be the right man for the moment.
Here are two links to our Pauline Internet site where you may see for yourself the Pope's words about his decision: http://store.pauline.org/SinglePages/PopeBenedictXVI/tabid/212/Default.aspx
and
https://store.pauline.org/SinglePages/PopeBenedictXVILegacy/tabid/213/Default.aspx
In our Pauline religious family we pray this prayer for the Pope:

"Lord, cover with your protection
our Holy Father, the Pope.
Be his light, his strength,
his consolation. Amen."

 

Grown Up?

When I entered novitiate 5 decades ago, it seemed that I was really grown up. Our Novice Mistress, Sister Concetta, seemed pretty strict and a no-nonsense person. She asked us to use our time well. Then our novitiate was only one year to prepare for a lifetime of being a consecrated religious Sister. Looking back on the work I did in novitiate in our apostolate, it seems almost medieval compared to the technical advances of our digital age. I worked at the Linotype and I helped with proof reading. There was no computer nor spell check. For the uninformed the Linotype was a way of setting type: using a wide keyboard because the capitol letters each had their own key, we typed from original manuscripts. Each line was formed with brass letters which were filled with hot molten lead. After awhile the Linotype operator caught onto the routine of typing lifting the line which was cast in lead and moving on. Spaces between words were filled by metallic space bands which we lubricated with a powdery form of graphite. On Saturdays we often melted the old lines of type, skimmed off the dross and poured the fluid lead into molds. They were ingots of lead. We used to call them pigs. Their weight came in handy for doorstops besides needed lead for our machines. The work was truly labor intensive. Once in a while a space band was not sufficient to keep the hot lead from seeping through a form. The liquid metal would squirt upwards. Once I was typing a Spanish book when I had a "squirt." At that moment I was reaching for an accented matrix letter. My veil was doused with a thin layer of lead. Providentially I was not harmed at all. We did the work as a form of evangelization, making the Word of God available in print for many readers.
Sister Concetta had worked as a Linotype operator when she first entered the Daughters of St. Paul. When she arrived in the USA, she began our editorial sector. Sister Concetta was pleased to see the coming of the digital age.
One product of our media saturated age is Internet news accompanied by video. One evening this week after the Super Bowl, part of the news I was viewing on the web struck me as odd. Three gentlemen were discussing their behavior with women. One of them wore a clerical collar. The most vocal of the three defended his extra marital activities with the expression, "After all we are grown ups."
His rationale--the people involved were older than 18. It is OK to be intimate as long as the woman felt inclined to cooperate. The man kept reiterating his reason to follow his feelings. "After all, we are both grown ups." He revealed that going to dinner, or watching a form of entertainment was too restrictive. They were after all "grown up." This fellow was long past the hormonal drives of the teens and young adulthood. He appeared to view women as objects for his pleasure alone. Never did he mention how well he admired the female intellect, talent, or even beauty. He admitted that his mind is overcome with urges, not with ideals. No matter. He and she are "grown up" so they can ignore God's law as they please.
One of the Super Bowl ads affirmed this man's attitudes. The commercial insisted that the young man in the ad had the right to unlimited information and perhaps to anything else he desired. What if another person's desire happened to collide with his desire? There is no waiting, no reining in of desire, No willingness to wait.
On our streets and highways unlimited desire in a driver can result in nasty road rage.
St. Paul would have challenged that excuse. When Paul made his Bar Mitzvah he committed to keeping the Commandments which apply to the unmarried as well as to the married. Mitzvah means commandment, Bar is "son". Although the gentleman who spoke is not Jewish, he may have some Christian affiliation.
In a very recent Washington Post article a columnist bemoaned an incident involving high school boys and female class mates who made a porn video while they were drunk. The author pointed out that the current generation has grown up getting their picture taken from the first minute they emerge onto this world. As she wrote, they are a real, ongoing "Truman Show." How did the teens acquire the alcohol? Where were parents and other adults when the criminal activity took place? Did any of the teens feel any ounce of restraint? It seems not. I pray for those young people that their whole lives will not be ruined because of promiscuous, stupid actions. After all, they are not yet "grown up" when, as the man on TV declared, they won't have to bother with all these formalities (moral and legal restraints). As grown ups they can just go ahead and do it!" Why bother practicing the least amount of self-restraint. The martyrs whose feast day we celebrate today, St. Paul Miki and his companions, were willing to practice self-restraint, mortifications, and humility. Why? Because they set their hopes on Christ and on heaven. Paul Miki and those with him were crucified in Nagasaki, Japan.They died praying and with serenity. May all those who are grown up follow their example and live with and for Christ that they may one day die a holy death.

Mother Thecla

                                         Mother Thecla at prayer.

As the month began I mentioned Mother Tecla Merlo, Co-foundress of my community, the Daughters of St. Paul. February 5th marks the 49th anniversary of her passing from this world into eternity. Known as Venerable Mother Thecla, she was born Teresa Merlo in 1894. In 1915 she met Reverend Father James Alberione. (Now  Blessed Alberione, he founded the Daughters of St. Paul.) He invited the young Teresa who was an accomplished seamstress to be one of the first members of the new feminine congregation dedicated to media evangelization. Of course in 1915 media was limited to the printed form. Radio was just beginning.
Teresa was appointed Mother General of the new religious family. The Founder gave her a new name, Thecla. St. Thecla is said to be one of St. Paul's most devoted converts.
The Sisters'  title, Daughters of St. Paul, was bestowed on them by the laypeople of the towns of Alba and of Susa in Italy's Piedmont region. Everyday the Sisters prayed through the intercession of St. Paul to help them carry out a mission of evangelization with the printed, broad casted, and filmed Word of God. The townspeople noticed this Pauline devotion and thus named them "daughters" of this saintly apostle.
Mother Thecla's life was demanding, yet she was always serene and upbeat.
When she visited the USA about a year before her death, Mother Thecla gave a rousing talk to all of us in which she encouraged us to be Sisters who prayed well and worked intensely but serenely.
There is much more to say about Mother Thecla. I was privileged to have met her when I was in the last year of high school. When she last visited the USA I was newly professed. She spent a month with us in Boston. Her frailty, her prayer life, and a terrific sense of humor left a lasting impression on me, and no doubt on all who saw her.
Here is a prayer for her intercession:

Most Holy Trinity, we thank you for the singular gifts of light, grace and virtue which you granted to Mother Thecla Merlo, and we thank you for having chosen and constituted her the wise mother and sure guide of the Daughters of St. Paul.

Through her intercession, grant that we may live of her great loves: Jesus Master in the Holy Eucharist, the Church, the Gospel and souls--souls sought and served through evangelization with the instruments of social communication to the point of total sacrifice.

O Lord, if it be in the design of your divine wisdom, carry out even on this earth, for this very devoted Daughter of St. Paul, your divine promise: "If anyone serves me, my Father will honor him."
Exalt this faithful servant to the joy of the Church and the good of many souls and grant us, through her intercession, the favor we ask of you. Amen.



Mother Thecla with her successor
M. Ignazia Balla.













Feast of the Presentation/Candlemas

Today, February 2nd, is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Jesus who as a baby was presented to the Lord in the Temple.
At today's morning Mass in Alexandria, Virginia we had the grace to see a baby boy presented to the Lord in holy Baptism. An infant was given the gift of faith immediately after the reading of the gospel. The little fellow was making baby sounds all the while, participating in his own way in this big step in his life. The presence of the little one made it easier to picture the gospel narration of Simeon holding the baby in his arms whole thanking God for the grace to have seen the long expected One.
Anna a woman advanced in years appears too praising God and telling others the Good News about this holy Baby. Today's Feast sheds light on saintly seniors: Simeon and Anna. How often our grandparents, and great grandparents are the "holy ones" in our families. They lead us to God by their steadfast faith, prayer and good example. I can remember my grandmother taking me to Mass with her. During her last months on this earth her blue crystal rosary beads never left her hands.
In our religious, convent life, we turn to our seniors who pray the rosary frequently. Those who are able also make rosaries. Their rosaries are available to our Pauline Book & Media patrons. Like Anna of today's gospel these Sisters praise the Lord day and night.
Today in the Catholic Church is also the World Day for Religious. As Mary and Joseph presented Jesus to the Father in the Temple, so we present and offer our very selves to God through our religious vows. In fact the word "religious" stems from the Latin word religare which means to bind, or to tie. Through our vows of chastity, poverty and obedience we are bound to God.
As Christ is the Light of the world, so a candle represents that light of faith and love. It is a custom in the Church to bless candles which are destined for use in the church as well as for family prayer. Thus the word Candlemas from Candle Mass.
We religious who are vowed to the Lord and live for him most especially are to be living candles. Years ago I borrowed an old prayer book. I think it was esoecially for young women. I remember the line: Rabboni when I am dying, how glad I shall be that the lamp of my life has burned out for Thee. With God's grace I want that lamp to keep burning for many more years!
Have a blessed Sunday!












Sr. Madonna Janet,fsp

















QUANTITY ON H





LASTING





C

7432-9

Ten Christmas Sheep



2,864

12.95



1/10/2016





C

1585-3

Celebrate The Season!



1,945

7.95



4/5/2016







4209-5

Karol From Poland



1,855

7.95



4/8/2016







0782-6

An Arkful Of Animal Stories



1,143

13.95



4/26/2016







4863-8

Mother To The Poor



1,038

14.95



5/6/2016







4511-6

Little Book Of Saints - Volume 2



2,459

4.95



6/12/2016







3704-0

I Will Remember You



3,045

10.95



6/22/2016







6482-x

Instruction On Certain Matters To Be Observed Or To Be Avoided Regarding The Most Holy Eucharist



983

6.95



7/20/2016







7113-3

Saint Frances Of Assisi (Comic Coloring Book)



643

14.75



7/20/2016







1175-0

Blessed Kateri Tekakawitha ComiColor Saints Book



820

2.95



8/8/2016







8313-1

Who Is Jesus?



1,400

12.95



8/14/2016







5938-9

Prayers Of Hope - Words Of Courage



1,694

10.95



11/1/2016







3690-7

Imagining Faith With Kids



301

19.95



11/4/2016







6433-1

The Redeemer Of Man



1,570

4.95



11/8/2016







3395-9

Holding On To Hope



2,644

12.95



12/19/2016







3395-9

Holding On To Hope



2,644

12.95



12/19/2016







7418-3

Ten Ways The Church Has Changed

OPA

1,297

2.00



1/14/2017







1192-0

Blessed Miguel Pro (ComiColor Saints Coloring & Activity)



719

2.95



1/27/2017



OPA



8319-0

Song Of Silence



483

9.95



3/21/2017







3386-x

Holiness



807

17.95



3/22/2017







4839-5

Stay With Us Lord



975

3.50



4/4/2017







5442-5

Ordinary Grace Weeks 1-17



2,126

9.95



4/21/2017







5443-3

Ordinary Grace Weeks 18-34



2,136

9.95



5/14/2017





M

4837-9

My Cup Of Tea



677

15.95



5/19/2017







3390-8

How To Handle Worry



3,013

12.95



6/9/2017







7431-0

Theology Of The Body In Context



1,892

16.95



6/27/2017







8038-8

The Very Worried Sparrow

OPA

1,645

12.95



8/9/2017







4526-4

Little Book Of Saints - Volume 3



2,232

4.95



8/13/2017





E

4515-9

The Lent - Easter Book



2,271

19.95



9/10/2017



OPA



3398-3

How To Watch Movies With Kids



2,171

9.95



10/9/2017







1577-2

Come To Jesus! *JUST REPRINTED



3,933

4.50



11/6/2017





M

7131-1

Saint Bernadette



2,536

8.95



11/18/2017







7120-6

Saints Of Note



3,059

8.95



11/20/2017





M

7121-4

The Shepherds Of Fatima



1,966

19.95



11/24/2017







4529-9

Let Us Pray For Priest (25)

OPA

34

18.75



12/19/2017







7060-9

Saint Martin - Novena And Prayers



**JUST REPRINTED



266

2.25



2/5/2018







4519-1

Let There Be Llamas!



1,181

7.95



3/19/2018







8318-2

Word Of Life Daily Scriptural Companion



1,031

19.95



3/26/2018







3389-4

Holy Daring



1,872

11.95



4/21/2018







4517-5

God's Plan For You



2,720

16.95



5/19/2018







5960-5

Praying With Women Of The Bible



2,314

12.95



6/28/2018





C

3985-x

Joy To The World!



1,829

9.95



10/9/2018







4527-2

Little Book Of Saints - Volume 4



2,618

4.95



11/29/2018







1561-6

Clare & Her Sisters



1,119

22.95



1/14/2019







8324-7

Wisdom For Living The Final Season



4,060

6.95



1/31/2019





C

2687-1

The First Noel



2,444

16.95



1/31/2019







7429-9

Time Management



2,343

12.95



3/19/2019







3988-4

Joseph From Germany



1,818

8.95



4/7/2019







2357-0

Encounter The Saints Posters (Set 2)



1,582

14.95



5/16/2019







1171-8

Between You & Me, God



3,070

9.95



7/4/2019







2686-3

Facing Illness, Finding Peace



3,189

9.95



2/20/2020







7128-1

Saint Damien De Veuster



383

2.25



2/21/2020







3989-2

John Paul II



1,785

19.95



3/27/2020







2694-4

Family Matters



3,098

8.95



7/29/2020



OPA



5168-x

No Room For Francie



1,582

6.95



8/12/2020



OPA



7118-4

Stepping Stones The Comic Collection



3,424

9.95



8/17/2020







3697-4

I Learn About Jesus C&A / Aprendo Acerca De Jesus



1,529

2.50







8/24/2020







7132-x

Starring Francie O'Leary



1,490

6.95



9/14/2020







4521-3

Luke - The Song Of God's Mercy



1,653

12.95



2/12/2021



OPA



1172-6

Beginnings



2,667

12.95



5/17/2021





M

1170-x

The Beauty Of Mary



1,919

9.95



8/12/2021







5956-7

Power Of Small Choices

OPA

1,753

2.00



12/17/2021







4862-x

Make Your Own Noah's Ark

OPA

2,262

9.95



2/22/2022







0796-6

Anna Mei, Blessing In Disguise



4,177

8.95



6/16/2022





M

5162-0

Novena In Honor Of Mary, Queen Of Apostles



277

1.75



6/18/2022



OPA



6484-6

Out Of Eden

OPA

760

5.95



12/11/2022







5167-1

Now You're Cooking!



2,737

7.95



12/18/2022







4864-6

My Special Baby Book



4,426

19.95



12/22/2022







4531-0

Little Book Of Saints - Volume 6



3,915

4.95



1/1/2023







4530-2

Little Book Of Saints - Volume 5



3,984

4.95



1/1/2023





C

6487-0

The Road To Christmas Day



2,781

14.95



5/31/2023







4848-4

Matthew, Journey Of Hope



1,704

15.95



8/14/2023







2685-5

Friend 2 Friend



2,599

7.95



10/23/2023







4524-8

Letters of Saint Paul



1,983

7.95



1/1/2024







0794-x

Anna Mei, Escape Artist



4,295

8.95



7/18/2024







7109-5

Saint Paul (Comic Coloring Book)



644

2.95



7/27/2024





C

3982-5

Joyous Expectation



1,428

14.95



8/6/2024







8312-3

Where Did Grandad Go?



2,010

9.95



8/18/2024



OPA



4858-1

Marriage As Gift



1,942

9.95



9/14/2024







8317-4

God's Wonderful World



2,286

12.95



11/22/2024







3110-7

Goodness Graces!



3,373

7.95



2/23/2025



OPA



3700-8

Into Great Silence

OPA

888

2.95



2/24/2025







4847-6

Mark - The Risk Of Believing



2,177

12.95



4/27/2025







7104-4

The Surviving Depression Journal



2,323

12.95



1/3/2026







0779-6

All The Muchos In The World

OPA

2,410

2.00



3/6/2026





C

0780-x

Approaching Christmas



2,420

7.95



3/10/2026



OPA



5962-1

Praying The Rosary For Priests



242

2.25



7/10/2026







8311-5

Where Do Babies Come From?



2,161

9.95



7/15/2026







5161-2

Novena In Honor Of Saint Paul



566

2.25



10/8/2027







7124-9

Saint Bakhita Of Sudan ComiColor Saints Book



1,201

2.95



3/3/2028







2683-9

Facing The Apostle



1,148

12.95



6/24/2029







5958-3

Paul, Least Of The Apostles



2,686

24.95



11/10/2030







5959-1

Paths Through Grief

OPA

3,488

9.95



11/24/2030







3990-6

John: The Word Of Light



3,061

14.95



3/21/2031







4822-0

The Miracle Of Hope



3,768

12.95



11/22/2032







3109-3

The Genius Of Womanhood



3,738

10.95



1/24/2034





M

6478-1

The Rosary Posters #**JUST REPRINTED



1,742

19.95



7/17/2035







3391-6

The How To Handle Worry Workbook



2,242

10.95



12/9/2035







4501-9

Lights, Camera, Faith! - Cycle C



678

29.95



10/22/2036







5441-7

Our Media World



2,168

19.95



4/15/2037







7098-6

Sacred Dwelling



2,795

10.95



7/31/2038







0788-5

Anna Mei, Cartoon Girl



3,667

8.95



9/7/2038







2688-x

Family Ties



3,562

7.95



12/12/2038





M

7107-9

Song To Mary



3,677

7.95



9/29/2040







7119-2

Spotlight On Saints



3,365

14.95



9/16/2041







8808-7

Your Guide To Spe Salvi



2,227

6.95



12/3/2042







5961-3

Prayers For Priests (25)



91

18.75



5/26/2043







7430-2

The Time Management Workbook



3,022

10.95



11/10/2044







4844-1

My Muslim Friend



2,251

15.95



2/23/2046







4857-3

My Jewish Friend



1,533

15.95



2/23/2049







7106-0

Song Of Love



2,256

7.95



7/11/2060







4520-5

Lights Camera Faith - The Ten Commandments



2,379

19.95



2/23/2064







3693-1

Interreligious Dialog (Revised)



1,728

39.95



3/9/2066







4490-x

Lights, Camera, Faith! - Cycle A



2,209

19.95



9/1/2086







7129-x

The Stepping Stones Journals



4,275

8.95



9/1/2088







7427-2

Theology Of The Body



4,133

10.95



1/25/2094

February

Today we begin a new month: February. Short as it is, this month holds a lot of promise! I have a brother and a sister who celebrate their birthdays this month. On Feb. 20, we celebrate the birthday of the first Mother General of the Daughters of St. Paul, Mother Thecla Merlo. This pioneer Sister was born Teresa Merlo in 1894 in the town of Castagnito among the hills of Italy's Piedmont. Teresa was named Superior General of the newly founded Daughters of St. Paul.
Mother Thecla's "birthday into heavcn" is February 5th, the date on which she died in 1964. She lived to see the small group of mainly teenage young women dedicated to media evangelization advance into a world wide religious congregation with over 2,000 members. Learn more about Mother Thecla on www.paoline.org or on www.pauline.org.
(We pronounce her name as we would the "tech" in the work technique or technical.)
Mother Thecla's cause has been introduced for canonization. As a person progresses on the way to official church recognition of his or her virtues titles are assigned to the candidate for canonization: first one is named "Servant of God" So & So. Then after official processes have finished and all is well, the person is called "Venerable." This title remains until beatification. Then one is called Blessed James or Blessed Kateri, etc. To arrive at this goal, a verified miracle obtained through the intercession of the Person in question must have occurred. Miracles are not easily verified when scrutinized by the Vatican experts. To help us speed Mother Thecla's "cause" for beatification/ canonization, you can help by:
1) Spreading the good news about Mother Thecla's life as a pioneer in the apostolate of media evangelization.
2) Pray to God through the intercession of Mother Thecla Merlo
3) If you are the recipient of any special favor or grace, please inform our Mother General at this address:
Daughters of  St. Paul
Via San Giovanni Eudes, 25
00163  Rome  Italy

February is Black History Month in the USA. Many believe that Simon of Cyrene who helped Jesus carry his cross to Calvary was from Africa. Venerable Pierre Touissaint was a black African slave born in Haiti in 1767.  When unrest and revolution threatened the Berard family, the French slave owner and his wife left for the United States with their house slave Pierre
and his sister Rosalie. Each morning Mr. Touissaint attended Mass at St. Peter's Church in Manhattan. After her husband died, it was Pierre's skill as a hair dresser which supported Madame Berard and Rosalie. Pierre eventually became a free man. His efforts contributed to building the first St. Patrick's Church in New York City. His virtues were well known to Catholics and to many wealthy New York ladies who relied on Pierre to transform their hair into works of art. With his wife, Pierre dedicated himself to helping poor black children and many others. May Venerable Pierre pray for us and especially for all Black Americans who may have need of special graces.
 Mardi Gras comes shortly and then Ash Wednesday brings us Lent.
Best wishes for a good February.

Venerable Pierre Toussaint

 

Catholic Schools Week

Throughout the USA this week is Catholic Schools Week. Catholic schools, parochial, regional and private celebrate their contributions to their students, their families, and to the whole country.

My first grade teacher Sister Jean, OSU with my sister and I.

I am grateful that my parents made the sacrifice to send me to Catholic schools from grade one through high school. I only missed one year--7th grade--when there was no parochial school yet in our new parish. My first grade teacher, Sister Jeanne is still relatively active. I was privileged to have her as a guest when I celebrated 50 years in the convent. Sister made sure that we all learned our ABC's, basic writing skills, and of course lessons about God. We sat straight so our Guardian Angel could sit next to us. I still remember the colorful flip charts of Bible stories Sister used to keep our attention.
Parochial schools in the USA  began with St. John Neumann in Philadelphia. Mother Seton opened schools which were at the time more like private academies. Mother Katharine Drexel, Foundress of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament was from Philadelphia. She established schools and parishes for Native Americans and African Americans thoughout the United States. Xavier University in New Orleans is one of the jewels of Mother Katharine's efforts to raise the level of education for Black Americans.
Here in Northern Virginia Catholic parochial schools are flourishing. I am  impressed at the many, large and well equipped Catholic schools provided for young people in this part of the country. This past weekend Sister Elizabeth and I were at St. William of York parish and school in Stafford, Virginia. The school hosted an open house and a Pauline Book & Media fair as the beginning of their Catholic Schools Week. Parents visited our book display and were eager to take home reading for themselves as well as for their children.
Catholic schools sometimes are in "out-of-the-way places" such as the remote island scattered across the Pacific from Hawaii to Guam and Saipan in the Marianas Islands.The last time I visited Guam I was able to visit the island of Truk, now called Chuuk. There the Jesuits operate Xavier High School which hosts young people from all over the Pacific islands, especially Micronesia. There the students learn not only their academic lessons, but how to provide for themselves, to care for the property, and to become competent leaders. Wikipedia states that this school is called "The Harvard of Micronesia" because it has trained many of the leaders of the Federated States of Micronesia and others. Although the information page on the web says that the school was founded in 1952, it was already in existence when the Japanese invaded the islands in World War II. Part of the building has walls four feet thick to withstand bombardments. See xaviermicronesia.org/
Jesuits are spearheading the growth of Cristo Rey schools in inner city areas. These schools help young men and women to thrive academically by offering extended hours, and demanding commitment not only from the students but from their parents as well. Jesuit universities, such as Boston College, are engaged in helping to train teachers for all academic levels.
Tomorrow and Thursday two of us Sisters will be at St. Timothy School in Chantilly, Virginia with our JClub Book Fair. JClub gives an opportunity for students, teachers and parents to acquire wholesome and specifically Catholic reading and viewing (with some DVD's). I look forward to being with the young and eager students. Their minds are waiting for information and their hearts and imaginations are looking for good example.
This week let us pray for all those dedicated to Catholic education in the USA.

Where Has Civil gone?

If you think I misspelled Sybil in my title, "civil" is not a mistake.
In Sunday's Washington Post, Cardinal Donald Wuerl placed an opinion piece about Catholic dogma and its consequences: Catholic social action. As I searched for the on line format of the article, I was appalled at the remarks which showed up on the web page. Not only were the comments far from the facts of the real world, they were riddled with derogatory and vicious remarks.
I came across another article printed in the New York Times. The author wrote of Nellie Gray who started the annual March for Life to organize Americans to push for the rights of the unborn, as well as for all life from conception to natural death. Nellie died at the age of 88. Again the article in its on line version was followed by a barrage of negative comments.
 So many took a stance that the Catholic church  and all pro-lifers are forcing women to have children they don't want. Why is it that we mourn very rightly those 20 children killed in Connecticut, yet dismiss the antiseptically destroyed lives of 4,000 children lost every day through legally sanctioned abortion?
One comment today said abortions eliminate children who are not wanted in the first place. I know the head of an adoption agency who had to seek adoptive babies from other nations, since there were very few to satisfy couples who do want babies. Even if a mother would wish to terminate the life of the child within her, there are so many more prospective parents waiting to adopt.
Semantics or the manipulation of our words/our vocabulary are such effective tools for an agenda that promotes abortion. Pregnancy is not a pathology to be treated as a dread disease. Calling a pre-born child a "fetus" masks the truth that what is growing inside a mother is a real human being. When Gabriel announced to Mary the fact that she would soon be the mother of God, he did not say the fetus you are carrying, but "the child" will be the Son of God. The angel Gabriel told her, "You will conceive...and bear a son".
In some of the comments I read today, the writers decried the "over population" of our country. How can one write those words when a few days  ago newspapers said that our birthrate is declining. In some other countries the birthrate is below replacement. Perhaps these over population believers do not keep up with national and international news. Europe and parts of Asia are feeling the shortage of young people.
I veered off my topic of civility. Downton Abbey viewers are soaking up much of the high culture of once very wealthy British aristocracy. Granny Grantham played by Maggie Smith would never be uncivil. Oh that some of that civility would be absorbed by all who watch the series. Today's saint, St. Thomas Aquinas, used his talents for profound study of philosophy and theology. His technique in writing the great Summa Theologia employed the "sed contra" phrase: If this is true, but on the other hand this too is true--something seemingly or truly --the opposite is true how do we answer?
May St. Thomas intercede for us all that the Light of Christ's Truth may penetrate our minds and hearts. Amen.

January 25, 2013

Here in the Washington area it is snowing once again and the temperatures are way below freezing. Yet thousands of people marched on the Mall in Washington to show their support for life. Thousands of these marches are young adults, some college and high school students, and senior citizens as well. I saw one news clip which allowed the reported to give a non biased summary of the huge crowd and its bottom-line message to end abortion and support life from womb to tomb. However the woman commentator who allowed little time for the reporter to continue tried to quash his positive remarks with her assurance that many people who say they are against abortion aren't really 100% against it. Belief is not something everybody has. Apparently this young woman (or her editors more likely) are so afraid that maybe, just maybe, those hundreds of thousands of people of all colors and creeds braving very cold temperatures are really convinced that abortion is murder--he ending of a human life. Some people find this reality hard to believe.
Life is beautiful and a gift. I doubt if a person who is "half for life and half for abortion" would be out there today in freezing cold weather with banners, smiles and prayers marching "for life."
As St. Paul said after his conversion to Jesus, we need to preach "in season and out of season", in the cold or the heat, whether politically correct or incorrect. Pro-lifers preach the Gospel of Life. In the book of Deuteronomy the people are asked to "choose life." May God grant our nation the grace to once more choose life and honor its sacredness from conception to natural death. Amen.

Two Daughters of St. Paul on the far left side with a group of the 7 bus loads of youth from New Orleans gathered for the Pro-Life March 1/25/2013.

Sister Margaret |Michael and Sr. Maria Elizabeth at a gathering of 6,000 at George Mason Univ. Arlington, VA Diocese.

St. Paul's Conversion

Conversion of St. Paul, Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

January 25th is a big day of celebration for us Daughters of St. Paul. The Church commemorates the day when Jesus stopped Saul of Tarsus in his tracks. He was on the way to Damascus, in fact, very close to the city when  a blinding light surrounded him, and a voice addressed him saying, "Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?" Three times in the Acts of the Apostles St. Paul recounts the event at Damascus which changed him forever.The name of the feast is "The Conversion of St. Paul. Some writers prefer to call what happened to St. Paul at the gates of Damascus "the Damascus event." Paul did not have to "convert" to being a believer in God. He boosted of his strong attachment to the Jewish religion and to its monotheism (belief in one God alone). He did not to "convert" his attitude toward Jesus and his followers. With the question, "Why are you persecuting me?" Jesus the Lord penetrated Saul's iron will.
Christ made a direct intervention in Paul's life. Paul had set out to exterminate the Damascus Christians. Instead Paul abandoned his preconceived ideas about God and embraced Christ's divinity and humanity.
 After three days of blindness and of fasting, Saul of Tarsus was baptized. Ananias came to tell him the Lord's instructions. He who once fiercely persecuted Christians was privileged to "see the Righteous One and to hear his own voice"  and become his disciple. (See Acts of the Apostles 22:3-21; 9:1--22; 26:9--19). Saul eventually took on his Roman name, Paul, as he traveled the known world to establish communities of believers in Christ "The Righteous One."
Most of the book of the Acts of the Apostles tells of Paul's travels and tribulations as a missionary. At one point he recounts a litany of trials: being ship wrecked, beaten, imprisoned, ostracised from certain towns, lowered from the wall of Damascus in a basket, etc.
Paul may seem intellectual, cold and aloof to some who have read little of his letters. Paul had deep emotions, and great love for all his Christian converts.
I recommend that you read the three accounts of Paul's conversion story, and--a small dose of his Letters. Many are familiar with Paul's Hymn to Love, in 1 Corinthians 13:1--13. If you have never read St. Paul on your own, why not start with the Hymn to love.

Paul preaching, Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

From St. Paul's Monastery Chapel, Canfield, Ohio.

Certain artistic renditions of Paul depict him as a saint leaning on a sword, perhaps holding a book to represent the gospel. During the Year of St. Paul, 2008--2009 the Archdiocese of Toronto, Ontario commissioned a Sister artist in the Holy Land to paint a new icon of St. Paul. Instead of a sword Paul, slighty bent from the waist, holds a book--the Bible. His gaze is contemplative and full of hope.

Toronto Icon of St. Paul (stained glass is reflected on the image from the chapel where the photo was taken.)

Let us pray today that St. Paul who saw the Risen One and heard his voice may on our behalf ask the Lord Jesus to let us see the face of Christ in all who surround us. May the Lord allow us to hear his voice in all those to whom we listen. May our voices speak for Christ as we seek today to tell all about him whom we too have seen with the eyes of faith, and heard with our ears tuned to hope. May we love each person we meet with the love and tenderness of the heart of the One who stopped Paul on the way to Damascus. We ask all this through Christ Our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

  St. Paul with St. Timothy depicted at Holy Martyrs Church, Oreland, PA., USA.

St Paul's Conversion

6th Day of Prayer for Christian Unity

This evening our Bishop Paul Loverde will join with Episcopal, Methodist and Lutheran clergy in a joint prayer service for Christian unity. May we join with them in spirit even if we cannot be there at the Lutheran Church tonight.
For the daily Mass goers we heard the Gospel of Mark Chapter 3, verses 1--6. 
The scene works out in a synagogue where Jesus is present. It is a sabbath day. A man in the group with a withered hand comes forward expecting a healing. Jesus asked the crowd, "Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?"  Then he proceeded to cure the man.
There were some witnesses to this miracle who stopped their ears to what Jesus asked, and saw in him a threat rather than a prophetic healer and Messiah. Mark tells us that Jesus "looked around them with anger, he was grieved at their hardness of heart..."
May my heart be open to the truth and grace of Jesus' word and example today. And may my heart not be hardened toward Jesus who is present in those close to me and those close to you too.  Lord, deliver us from harsh and hyper critical judgements of others. Make our hearts meek and humble like your. Amen.

January 22 A Sad Anniversary

I like to be upbeat in my blogs. However today the Catholic Church in America prayed for the legal protection of the unborn. Since 1973 in the infamous Roe vs. Wade decision our Supreme Court struck down laws protecting children in the womb. Abortion was made to be a legal procedure when until that day of infamy all laws against it were struck down. Millions of babies were killed "in utero" , would-be parents were denied off spring, couples hoping to adopt increased in numbers as babies were denied a chance to become loved and adopted. Women suffered physically, emotionally and spiritually and many caring the wounds of remorse deep in their souls.
God have mercy on our country, and on Canada our northern neighbor which legalized abortion.
Yet there is still hope. Many groups have organized to change the mentality of a contraceptive and abortive mentality to one of a pro-life, open to life mentality. Some work on a political level such as Americans United for Life and the Susan B. Anthony list. They work very hard, and rely on donations. Other groups, like 40 Days for Life, depend on prayer as well as on clinics set up to heal and support women who chose to bring their babies to birth.
There was much said yesterday about the Declaration of Independence which says each person has a right "to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Abortion snuffs out new lives. tonight I saw the latest picture of my newest grand niece who is now two month's old. She is a button-nose red head, with a sweet smile and peaceful look. Just looking at her picture makes me smile. Little Harleigh is the pride and joy of my sister and my brother in-law, brand new grandparents. Had Sharon and Matt decided for an abortion what sadness there would have been! Instead there is so much joy.
My 92 year old Uncle Bill came home from the hospital tonight. One of his great joys is to see his great grandson Peyton. The two have a great rapport. We love life at either end of the spectrum of life and at every stage in between.
Life is a gift, may we always treasure every single person, every baby in the womb, and every child. And, let us admire, assist and treasure those among us who belong to the generation which saw so much: the great Depression, the World War II and Korea, the dawn of TV, records and home movies. They passed on to us many great examples.
Many of our Sisters and some of my blood sisters will march for Life in Washington on Friday, January 25, Support them with prayer and with your votes whene the time comes.
Have a blessed rest of the week.

Another Niece with Lots of Energy!

Day 4 For Christian Unity

In the USA today we celebrated the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the inauguration of President Barack Obama who begins a second term of office as the 46th President of the United States of America. Americans of every political party unite under one president in a peaceful transition of office. We rejoice in this form of government which sees to it that elected officials take office in a peaceful, lawful way. Our currency still says, "One nation, under God." It was comforting to note that the Obamas attended a brief prayer service this morning. May God help our President and Congress to make decisions for the common good and in accord with God's laws.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. preached justice, non-violence and love. He could well have chosen a violent and vindictive reaction to the many bigots who hurled accusations and bombs at him and his colleagues. By his actions even more than by his words King showed us how to work for change with persistence, patience and love. This excerpt from King's Letter from  Birmingham Jail of |April 16, 1963 continues to remind us of the power of love:

But though I was initially disappointed at being categorized as an extremist, as I continued to think about the matter I gradually gained a measure of satisfaction from the label. Was not Jesus an extremist for love: "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." Was not Amos an extremist for justice: "Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." Was not Paul an extremist for the Christian gospel: "I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." Was not Martin Luther an extremist: "Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise, so help me God." And John Bunyan: "I will stay in jail to the end of my days before I make a butchery of my conscience." And Abraham Lincoln: "This nation cannot survive half slave and half free." And Thomas Jefferson: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal ..." So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love? Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice? In that dramatic scene on Calvary's hill three men were crucified. We must never forget that all three were crucified for the same crime–the crime of extremism. Two were extremists for immorality, and thus fell below their environment. The other, Jesus Christ, was an extremist for love, truth and goodness, and thereby rose above his environment. Perhaps the South, the nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists.

We need to pray for all our leaders as St. Peter and St. Paul both remind us.
If you have never read King's entire Letter from Birmingham Jail take the time to do so. In it, Dr. King is responding to some clergymen who thought his efforts were untimely and extreme. In clear and logical order, Dr. King answered all their questions. He quotes both St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas among others. May he be with them and the other saints in the heavenly courts. Amen.

Day Three for Unity

In today's Gospel reading John narrates the story of Jesus first miracle at a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. There his mother Mary was informed that the wine was running low. Mary was concerned that the new couple be saved from embarrassment. She told Jesus, "They have no one." Jesus seemed to put her off. He answered, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me?" In our modern way of looking at this conversation, it seems Jesus is almost rude with his mother by calling her "woman." In Jesus. time it was a title of honor to address a lady with the title "woman." As one priest said Mary, as a mother, must have given him the look--that expression that said a thousand words! Then Mary said the last words recorded of her in the Bible: "Do whatever he tells you."
The servants filled six enormous water jars with water. The water when tasted had turned into wine.  That as John said was the first sign Jesus gave to show his divine power.
There are many lessons from this Gospel passage for our spiritual lives. One is that when we present our daily lives, our routine, our prayers and good intentions to God that seemingly banal work day, that task which  may irk us, that joy we feel in meeting a friend or receiving a welcome email, the pleasure a loved one brings--all that "water" of our daily life is turned into the wine of love for God. And God love is poured out for us. One commentator said that the jars which each held twenty or thirty gallons symbolize the unlimited generosity of God's grace.
As we conclude this third day of prayer for Christian Unity we ask through the intercession of Mary whose request Jesus answered to present our prayers for unity to her /Son. Amen.

Today's gospel reading was the "Call of Matthew." He was a tax collector near the Sea of Galilee. Jesus passed by his tax booth, stopped and said: "Follow me." And he got up and followed him (Mark 2:13).
Tax collectors were among the least favorite people in Israel in Jesus' day. They collected taxes for the oppressors, the Romans, from their own people. To turn a profit, most tax collectors added a "surcharge" to the government tax to line their own pockets. Caravaggio painted a colorful picture of Jesus calling Levi or Matthew. In the painting a youthful Matthew stands up to follow Jesus. At the same time an older greedy looking fellow reaches to help himself to the coins Matthew leaves behind. Matthew chose the "better part" of following Jesus. Jesus must have had a truly magnetic personality to draw hard-working fishermen Andrew, Peter, James and John to follow him. Matthew  was so delighted to be one of Jesus followers that he threw a party. (See Mark 2:15--17). Matthew's social life was probably spent with other tax collectors, and sure enough at the party he threw for Jesus there were tax collectors and other "sinners" who to varying degrees did not follow the stricter observances of Mosaic Law. Some of the folks who were more observant of the Law and the many accretions added to the official Law of Moses questioned why Jesus was even associating with tax-collectors and other such ilk.
Jesus who seems to have been enjoying his festive meal at Matthew's house, answered his critics directly: "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have come to call not the righteous but sinners." (Mark 2:17).
In times of quiet reflection we can take an honest look at ourself, good points and flaws. St. Ignatius of Loyola is famous for many things. One is that he is founder of the world-wide men's order called The Jesuits. Another feat that Ignatius accomplished was a plan for "Spiritual Exercises." The Exercises can last up till 30 days. One exercise which Ignatius perfected was the Examen Prayer. Many books explain this type of prayer. One of these is a Pauline edition written by a Jesuit Father Rupnik, titled The Examen Prayer.
Looking over the past 24 hours we acknowledge the good thoughts, our good deeds and movements of grace we received especially from yesterday to today. Some of those thoughts or inspirations urged us to do a particular good deed, to do someone a favor, or to refrain from a particular comment. We make a mental note of these graces and say "thank you" to the /Divine Master. Then we ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten us to see how we welcomed those graces and insights. Or, did we flick them away quicker than we swat a fly?
We take note of our failures and downright sins. It can be hard to look at our true self, but St. Teresa of Avila tells us that we should keep our focus on Jesus and his mercy, not on our miseries. Jesus lifts us out of those miseries. We humbly admit our failings or negligences to the Lord, ask his pardon and resolve to do better. Then we pray for light and strength to keep on following Jesus in our daily life. Matthew's call changed him from a tax collector to a disciple and apostle of Jesus. Our call may not be so dramatic, but it is just as demanding: to follow Jesus example in my daily life. As St. Paul said, "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ."
Father Rupnik, a Jesuit spiritual director as well as an accomplished artist gives excellent pointers in his book: Human Frailty, Divine Redemption from Pauline Books & Media. Father Tim Gallagher a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary has a whole series on Ignatian Prayer including one called: The Examen Prayer. That title is also available at the Pauline Books & Media web store, and at our various Pauline Book & Media centers. Until tomorrow may the Lord enlighten you and give you peace.

Day Two for Christian Unity

Today's gosepl reading was the "Call of Matthew." He was a tax collector near th Sea of Galilee. Jesus passed by his tax booth, stopped and said: "Follow me." And he got up and followed him (Mark 2:13).
Tax collectors were among the least favorite people in Israel in Jesus' day. They collected taxes for the oppressors, the Romans, from their own people. To turn a profit, most tax collectors added a "surcharge" to the government tax to line their own pockets. Caravaggio painted a colorful picture of Jesus calling Levi or Matthew. In the painting a youthful Matthew stands up to follow Jesus. At the same time an older greedy looking fellow reaches to help himself to the coins Matthew leaves behind. Matthew chose the "better part" of following Jesus. Jesus must have had a truly magnetic personality to draw hard-working fishermen Andrew, Peter, James and John to follow him. Matthew  was so delighted to be one of Jesus followera that he threw a party. (See Mark 2:15--17). Matthew's social life was probaly spent with other tax collectors, and sure enough at the party he threw for Jesus there were tax collectors and other "sinners" who to varying degrees did not follow the stricter observances of Mosaic Law. Some of the folks who were more observant of the Law and the many accretions added to the official Law of Moses questioned why Jesus was even associating with tax-collectors and other such ilk.
Jesus who seems to have been enjoying his festive meal at Matthew's house, answered his critics directly: "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have come to call not the righteous but sinners." (Mark 2:17).
In times of quiet reflection we can take an honest look at ourself, good points and flaws. St. Ignatius of Loyola is famlus for many things. One is that he is founder of the world-wide men's order called The Jesuits. Antoehr feat that Ignatius accomplished was a plan for "Spiritual Exrcises." the Exercises can last up till 30 days. One exercise which Ignatius perfected was the Examen Prayer. Many books explain this typle of prayer. One of these is a Pauline edition written by a Jesuit Father Rupnik, titled The Examen Prayer.
Looking over the past 24 hours we acknowledge the good thoughts, our good deeds and movements of grace we received especially from yesterday to today. Some of those thoughts or inspirations urged us to do a particular good deed, to do someone a favor, or to refrain from a particular comment. We make a mental note of these graces and say "thank you" to the /Divine Master. Then we ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten us to see how we welcomed those graces and insights. Or, did we flick them away quicker than we swat a fly?
We take note of our failures and downright sins. It can be hard to look at our true self, but St. Teresa of Avila tells us that we should keep our focus on Jesus and his mercy, not on our miseries. Jesus lifts us out of those miseries. We humbly admit our failings or negligences to the Lord, ask his pardon and resolve to do better. Then we pray for light and strength to keep on following Jesus in our daily life. Matthew's call changed him from a tax collector to a disciple and apostle of Jesus. Our call may not be so dramatic, but it is just as demanding: to follow Jesus example in my daily life. As St. Paul said, "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ."
Father Rupnil, a Jesuit spiritual director as well as an accomplished artist gives excellent pointers in his book: HUman Frailty, Divine Redemption from Pauline Books & Media. Father Tim Gallagher a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary has a whole series on Ignatian Prayer including one called: The Examen Prayer. That title is also available at the Pauline Books & Media web store, and at our various Pauline Book & Media centers. Until tomorrow may the Lord enlighten you and give you peace.