Thought for the Day – 24 June – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
The Forerunner’s Office .
+1. St John was something more than a Herald. He had to prepare the way for the King, to make the crooked ways straight and the rough places smooth. His office was that which is entrusted to us all in our own sphere – to try and make the way in which the followers of Christ have to tread straight and easy. What a privilege, if we can, by our charity and our edifying life, make the path of life easier for those whose lot it is to tread the way of the Cross and to walk over rough or stormy paths! Is this your endeavour in your daily life, or do you place obstacles in the path of others by your bad example, want of charity and consideration, impatience, etc?
+2. St John , as the Herald or Forerunner of Christ, had to proclaim the coming of the King. He, himself expresses this by his description of himself as the voice of one who cries in the desert; that is , Christ spoke through his mouth. So He speaks through the mouths of all His servants in proportion to their devotion and singleness of purpose. How poor an echo are my words of the whispers of Christ to the faithful soul! How mixed with the discordant notes of self-will and worldliness!
+3. St John’s estimate of himself in comparison with Him, Whom he announced, was that he was not worthy to stoop down and untie the latchet of His sandal. This was the duty of the lowest slaves. It meant that he was unworthy to serve Christ, even in the capacity of a slave and, by doing the work many slaves would consider beneath them . Am I willing to undertake the humblest and most menial duties in the service of Christ. Do I consider it a privilege to do so?
Quote/s of the Day – 17 June – 1 John 4:8-21 – Luke 6:36-42 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The disciple is not above his Master …”
Luke 6:40
“Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it weeds?”
Matthew 13:27
“While the Householder slept, the enemy sowed tares; when the servants hastened to root them up, the Master prevented them, reserving for Himself the separation of wheat and chaff. … No-one, before the Day of Judgement, can take Christ’s winnowing fan in hand, no-one can pass judgement on another, whoever they might be.”
St Jerome (343-420) Father & Doctor of the Church
Guide Me Lord By St Albert the Great (1200-1280) Doctor of the Church
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who seeks those who stray and receives them when returning, make me approach Thee through the frequent hearing of Thy Word, lest I sin against my neighbour, by the blindness of human judgement, through the austerity of false justice, through comparing his inferior status, through too much trust in my merits or through ignorance of the Divine Judgement. Guide me to search diligently, each corner of my conscience, lest the flesh dominate the spirit! Amen
“On the other hand, Charity shall cover a multitude of sins. If we have been always men of charity, it is wonderful how God will seem to have forgotten our many sins. The poor whom we have helped will pray for us, those whom we have comforted in sorrow, will say kind things on our behalf and our charitable judgeement of others, will find its counterpart in God’s judgement of us. Our sins will be concealed and disappear under the mantle of our charity. Is my charity such as this to cover my sins?”
Quote/s of the Day – 14 May – The Octave Day of the Patronage of St Joseph
“Saint Joseph was the just man: by his constant fidelity -an effect of justice; by his perfect discretion – a sister to prudence; by his upright conduct – a mark of strength and by his inviolable chastity – a flower of temperance.”
St Albert the Great (1200-1280) Doctor of the Church
“To all fathers of families, Joseph is verily the best model of paternal vigilance and care. In the most holy Virgin Mother of God, mothers may find an excellent example of love, modesty, resignation of spirit and the perfecting of faith. And in Jesus, Who was subject to His parents, the children of the family, have a Divine Pattern of obedience which they can admire, reverence and imitate.”
Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903)
Apostolic Letter, “Breve Neminem Fugit” 1892
“As the Church of Christ is prefigured in the rites and ceremonies of the Old Law, so too, the chief personages who centre around Our Lord in the Redemption of the world, are foreshadowed in the Old Testament . We trace the outlines of Our Lady’s graces in Esther, Jahel, Bethsabee, Judith. So too, St Joseph’s place in the new dispensation, is anticipated in the place of the Patriarch Joseph at the Court of Pharaoh. Thus it is that, God, in His Love for His chosen ones, paves the way for them centuries before. From the beginning, He has prepared their work and the throne they are to earn in Heaven by their labours and sufferings for Him.”
Quote/s of the Day – 7 May – The Solemnity of the Patronage of St Joseph
“The Almighty has concentrated in St Joseph, as in a sun of unrivalled lustre, the combined light and splendour of all the other Saints.”
St Gregory Nanzianzen (330-390) Father & Doctor of the Church
“Since we all must die, we should cherish a special devotion to St Joseph that he may obtain for us a happy death.”
St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787) Most Zealous Doctor
“ St Joseph is also the protector of all his clients. In their temporal affairs how trusty a friend, saving them in circumstances apparently hopeless! In spiritual necessities how prompt to aid, how unfailing in resource! Oh, trust in St Joseph, wait patiently for him and he will obtain for thee the desires of thy heart.”
Lenten Meditations – 19 April – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Easter Eve The Entombment
Read St Luke xxiii:50-56
[50] And behold there was a man named Joseph, who was a counsellor, a good and just man, [51] (the same had not consented to their counsel and doings;) of Arimathea, a city of Judea; who also himself looked for the kingdom of God. [52] This man went to Pilate and begged the Body of Jesus. [53] And taking Him down, he wrapped Him in fine linen and laid Him in a sepulchre which was hewed in stone, wherein never yet any man had been laid. [54] And it was the day of the Pasch-eve and the sabbath drew on. [55] And the women who were come with him from Galilee, following after, saw the sepulchre and how hhs body was laid. [56] And returning, they prepared spices and ointments and, on the sabbath day, they rested, according to the commandment. [Luke 23:50-56]
+1. When Our Lady’s mournful task was finished, the Body of Jesus was laid in the new tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, there to remain until the hour of its joyful Resurrection. Let us contemplate It as it lies there – disfigured by countless wounds and scars so apparently helpless, yet, nonetheless, the joy of God and worthy of our highest adoration. Passive and cold and motionless – but soon to be radiant with the most dazzling beauty; dead – but living with a Divine Life. Learn from this (a ) the glory of suffering; (b) the power of apparent helplessness when God is with us; (c) the beauty of passive obedience; (d) the true life of those who are dead to the world!
+2. What was Our Lord doing while thus apparently inactive in the silent tomb? He was beginning His Work of triumph, delivering countless souls from purgatory and from limbo, consoling the Patriarchs and Prophets, fulfilling His promise of Paradise to the good thief, trampling upon Satan and changing the kingdoms of this world into the Kingdoms of God and of His Christ. So it is with us. When we seem useless and doing nothing, we are often really doing the greatest things for God.
+3. The tomb where Christ is laid is to be the model of my soul when I receive Holy Communion, silent from all the din of earthly things, cleansed from all stain of sin by a good Confession and firm resolution to amend, dedicated to Him alone, His Sacred Body embalmed by my love and wrapped in the clean winding-sheet of purity of intention. Thus will His Presence there be the pledge of my Resurrection with Him.
Lenten Meditations – 18 April – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Good Friday The Descent from the Cross
Read St Mark xv:38-46 (See below)
+I. No sooner is the sacrifice consummated and the last drop of the Precious Blood shed from Our Lord’s Sacred Heart, than all is changed. That lifeless Body is now treated with the utmost respect and veneration. See how gently and carefully Joseph and Nicodemus wind linen bands around the Limbs and lower it to the ground reverently, adoring that Body which only a few hours before had been a laughing-stock and object of contempt. Henceforth, no more ignominy, no more contempt, no more ill-usage but the love and adoration of Saints and Angels for all eternity.
+2. Our Lady receives the Body of her Son. What were her thoughts as she gazes into the Five Wounds and sees how, from Head to Foot, it is covered with gaping wounds, sores and bruises, battered out of all recognition by the cruelty of man!? O Mother of Sorrows, great as an ocean, is thy sorrow! What must thy hatred of sin be, when thou seest what it has wrought in the Divine Beauty of thy spotless Son! What a mixture of agonised compassion and mournful sorrow and hope and consolation and gratitude and triumph ant joy, fills thy sacred soul while thou lookest upon the Dead Body of thy Divine Son!
+3. The day on which Jesus died, is indeed well named, Good Friday. It is the day when Jesus consummated His victory over sin and death. While we mourn over His sufferings and our sins which caused them, we must also rejoice exceedingly, at the thought of Satan conquered and Heaven opened and millions of sinners cleansed from sin, in His Most Precious Blood!
St Mark 15:38-46 [38] And the veil of the temple was rent in two, from the top to the bottom. [39] And the centurion who stood near Him, seeing that crying out in this manner, He had given up the ghost, said: Indeed this man was the Son of God. [40] And there were also women looking on afar off, among whom was Mary Magdalen and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joseph and Salome, [41] who also, when He was in Galilee followed Him and ministered to Him and many other women who came up to Jerusalem, with Him. [42] And when evening was now come (because it was the Pasch-eve, that is, the day before the sabbath).[43] Joseph of Arimathea, a noble counsellor, who was also himself looking for the Kingdom of God, came and went in boldly to Pilate and begged the Body of Jesus. [44] But Pilate wondered that he should be already dead. And sending for the centurion, he asked him if he were already dead. [45] And when he had understood it by the centurion, he gave the Body to Joseph. [46] And Joseph buying fine linen and taking Him down, wrapped Him in the fine linen and laid Him in a sepulchre which was hewed out of a rock. And he rolled a stone to the door of the sepulchre. [Mark 15:38-46]
Lenten Meditations – 16 April – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Wednesday in Holy Week Jesus Dies on the Cross
Read St Luke xxiii:45-48
[45] And the sun was darkened and the veil of the temple was rent in the middle. [46] And Jesus, crying with a loud Voice, said: Father, into Thy Hands I commend My Spirit. And saying this, He gave up the ghost. [47] Now the centurion, seeing what was done, glorified God, saying: Indeed this was a just man. [48] And all the multitude of them who were come together to that sight and saw the things which were done, returned, striking their breasts. [Luke 23:45-48]
+1. After Our Lord has hung in agony upon the Cross, for three hours, at last the time approach’s when His deliverance is at hand. He has endured every possible form of suffering, bodily and mental. His Body has been subjected to a physical torture far worse than the accumulated sufferings of the Martyrs; His Sacred Soul has been rent asunder with an anguish and desolation more awful than any, save the eternal anguish of hell. He has sacrificed His honour, His reputation; He has been esteemed a fool and a madman. Now, there is only one sacrifice more He can make,for mankind, to His Eternal Father, – the sacrifice of His Life. He is determined to give up all for us, to be obedient, even tuno death.
+2. What was it, caused the Death of Our Lord? Not the executioners, not the Jews, not the agony of the Cross – they were but instruments. It was sin. Sin contains a malice sufficient, even to rob God Our Lord and King, of Life! What a strange mystery sin is! And how strange that we do not hate it more, when we see its power to destroy!
+3. Jesus’ Death was no transient occurrence. He still mystically dies for us each day and each hour. When we receive Holy Communion, we exhibit the Death of the Lord until He Comes and, therefore, His Sacred Passion and Death, should be the chief subject of our thoughts whenever we approach the Holy Table and especially, on the eve of the solemn day when He instituted the Sacrament of His Love.
Lenten Meditations – 15 April – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Tuesday in Holy Week The Thirst upon the Cross
Read St John xix:28, 29
[28] Afterwards, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished that the scripture might be fulfilled, said: I thirst. [29] Now there was a vessel set there full of vinegar. And they, putting a sponge soaked in vinegar upon a stalk of hyssop, put it to His Mouth. [John 19:28-29]
+1. There is nothing which causes such agonising thirst as loss of blood. The prayer of the wounded soldier upon the battle-field is always for a drink of water; he forgets all other pain in his burning thirst. What must have been the intolerable suffering of Our Lord, Whose Sacred Body had been gradually drained of every droop of Blood! All day long the Blood had been flowing – at the scourging, on the way to Calvary, as He was dragged hither and thither, with the sharp cords cutting His wrists. And now upon the Cross ,as from Hands and Feet a stream bedewed the ground, fiercer and fiercer grew the burning, parching Thirst which consumed Him. O my Jesus, was there no-one to quench that Thirst endured for us?
+2. Our Lord’s Thirst was to atone especially for the sins of intemperance and self-indulgence in drink. Every sin of drunkenness and excess or self-indulgence in our food and drink, added to that Thirst and made it still more intolerable. My God, forgive me any such offences and help me to deny myself some lawful indulgence that by self-denial, I may atone for my sins and assuage, in some degree that Sacred Thirst Thou didst endure for me.
+3. There was, however, a deeper meaning in Our Lord’s cry: “I Thirst!” He was Thirsting for the souls of sinners, Thirsting for the love of ungrateful men, Thirsting for my love! He Thirsts for it still that I may be more faithful to His grace. O my Jesus, help me to love Thee more and more!
Thought for the Day – 14 April – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
CHARITY Meditations for a Month
The Sufferings of Charity “Charity beareth all things”
If anyone deserves to be exempt from suffering, it is someone who is full of the spirit of charity. Suffering is indeed necessary to expiate sin, to humble our pride and to show us our own misery. Why should the charitable have to bear all kinds of trials simply because of their charity? Yet so it seems. Generally, the law seems to be – the more charity, the more suffering. Perhaps this is why I have comparatively little to suffer?
Yet, after all, it is reasonable that the charitable should suffer when we remember that the Lord and model of all charity, suffered all things simply because of His charity. What else caused His Agony in the Garden, His cruel Scourging at the Pillar, and His dereliction on the Cross? It was all the result of His Divine Charity. We, therefore, if we are to follow in His steps, must expect to encounter the same results as a reward for any charity if it resembles His, however remotely. If we are wise, we shall rejoice in any sign that we are to be honoured by sharing our Master’s lot!
These sufferings are a source of joy to all who suffer for Jesus’ Sake. He rejoiced to run the course of His Passion because of His longing to see those He loved delivered from bondage. For the joy which was set before Him, He endured the Cross. Thus, charity rejoices to suffer because charity knows those sufferings will obtain for it, in Heaven, the eternal joy of seeing others brought to God by its offering to Him, of all that it holds dear. Even if I have heavy trials, can I flatter myself that my trials are a sign of a high degree of supernatural charity?
Lenten Meditations – 14 April – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Monday in Holy Week The Dereliction of Jesus on the Cross
Read St Mark xv:33-36
[33] And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole earth until the ninth hour. [34] And at the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud Voice, saying: Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabacthani? Which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me? [35] And some of the standers by hearing, said: Behold He calleth Elias. [36] And one running and filling a sponge with vinegar and putting it upon a reed, gave Him to drink, saying: Stay, let us see if Elias come to take Mim down. [Mark 15:33-36]
+1. Our Lord had for a long time been silent. A thick darkness had gathered; most of the spectators had departed in fear. The mocking Pharisees had been awed to silence. Few were left save the soldiers, St John and a faithful group of holy women. All of a sudden. a piercing cry from the Divine Sufferer breaks the silence: “My God , My God , why hast Thou forsaken Me ?” These words were an expression of the thick darkness which Our Lord had permitted to gather around His human soul and to hide from Him, as it were, the face of His Eternal Father. This desolation was, by far, the greatest of all the unspeakable sufferings of the Son of God.
+2. What was its cause? Nothing else but sin. He was made sin for us and having thus identified Himself with the sins of men, as far as was possible for the sinless Lamb of God, He allowed Himself to experience, to the utmost degree which He could, the awful misery which is the consequence of sin – the black, dark hopelessness (if the word is a lawful one) which results to the sinner whom God forsakes! This consequence of sin, Jesus took upon Himself to save men from the eternal remorse and despair which otherwise would have been their lot.
+3. This cry of Jesus is a model prayer for us in times of darkness and desolation. We sometimes feel as if God has forsaken us and cry out in our misery and deep distress. We are always safe in echoing Jesus’ words and He, Who hears us use them, will remember His own dereliction and help us in ours.
Lenten Meditations – 13 April – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
The Sixth Sunday in Lent Jesus Commends His Disciples to His Holy Mother’s Care
Read St.John xix:25-27
[25] Now there stood by the Cross of Jesus, His Mother, and His Mother’s sister, Mary of Cleophas and Mary Magdalen. [26] When Jesus, therefore, had seen His Mother and the disciple whom He loved, He saith to His Mother: Woman, behold thy son. [27] After that, He saith to the disciple: Behold thy mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own. [John 19:25-27]
+1. Our Divine Saviour did not depart from those He loved without providing them with a Mother, who should be their Consoler, their Protector, their Advocate with God. In the person of St John, He entrusted them all to Mary’s care. If He had simply been providing Mary with a home, He would first have addressed St John and commended to him, the pious task of sheltering the Mother of God. By speaking firstly to Mary, He showed that it was she, who was to shelter all those, who were desolate and in sorrow. St John was the representative of all who love Jesus, when Jesus said to Mary respecting him: “ Woman, behold thy son.”
+2. This was the occasion when Our Lady, for a second time, became a mother. The birth of her first-begotten Jesus, cost her no pains of travail; the birth of her spiritual children, the sinful sons of men, brought unspeakable anguish to her. The Queen of Heaven became the Queen of Dolors before she could earn the right, to exercise, a mother’s fostering care over each of us,. How we ought to value the privilege of being her children, when it cost Mary such unspeakable suffering!
+3. When Jesus said to Mary: “Woman, behold thy son” He asked Our Lady to regard us with a mother’s love for His Sake. Her love for Him was to be transferred to us, without, however, becoming one whit the lesser. She was to love us for Jesus’ Sake; to show her love for Him, by loving us. With what perfect confidence can we go to Mary, who sees in each of us, in spite of our sins, the image of her Divine Son! Hail Mary full of grace!
Lenten Meditations – 12 April – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Saturday after the Fifth Sunday in Lent The Good Thief
Read St Luke xxii:39-43
[39] And one of those robbers, who was hanged, blasphemed Him, saying: If thou be Christ, save Thyself and us. [40] But the other answering, rebuked him, saying: Neither dost thou fear God, seeing thou art condemned under the same condemnation? [41] And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds but this Man hath done no evil. [42] And he said to Jesus: Lord, remember me when Thou shalt come into Thy Kingdom. [43] And Jesus said to him: Amen I say to thee, this day thou shalt be with Me in Paradise. [Luke 23:39-43]
+I. Among those who mocked and derided Jesus were the two thieves crucified with Him. But very soon, His unspeakable gentleness and meekness, touched the heart of one of the two. Firstly. he ceased his words of insult, then, he boldly reproved his companion and bore testimony to the innocence of Jesus and to His authority as King and Lord. What a Divine power there is in weakness! The sight of the uncomplaining patience of Christ, convinced this robber that He was King of all the earth and, He, Who was now dying on the Cross, would soon reign forever and ever. “Lord, remember me when Thou shalt come into Thy Kingdom.”
+2. Remember me! This was his simple prayer. But we know that it was enough. If Christ remembers us, all will be well! That which we have to dread, is lest He forgets us by reason of our having forgotten Him! This prayer should often be on our lips : “O Lord , remember me! In the hour of temptation, remember me! When sorrow bears painfully upon me, remember me! In sickness and in my last agony, O Lord, remember me!”
+3. Our Lord answers the gocd thief’s prayer with Divine generosity. All his sins are forgiven him and as soon as his agony is over, he is to be received into the company of the blest and to be with Christ in Paradise. What a rich reward for his confession of Christ! With what a glorious answer to his prayer, will Christ remember him!
Lenten Meditations – 11 April – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Friday after the Fifth Sunday in Lent Jesus is Derided
Read St Matthew xxvii:39-44
[39] And they that passed by, blasphemed Him, nodding their heads [40] and saying: Vah, Thou Who destroyest the temple of God and in three days dost rebuild it, save Thy Own Self, if Thou be the Son of God, come down from the Cross. [41] In like manner too, the chief priests, with the scribes and ancients, mocking, said: [42] He saved others;imself, He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the Cross and we will believe Him. [43] He trusted in God; let Him now deliver Him if He will have Him, for He said: I Am the Son of God. [44] And the selfsame thing, the thieves too, who were crucified with Him, reproached Him with. [Matthew 27:39-44]
+1. The sight of Jesus hanging on the Cross, so far from melting the hearts of the Jews, only hardened them the more against Him. Instead of feeling pity, they rejoiced over their Victim and insulted Him in His misery. When men deliberately refuse to listen to the Voice of Jesus, they become quite insensible, after a time, to His claim on them. They think evil good and good evil; they aresubmit to a reprobate mind. Even in little matters. those who do not obey the impulses of grace, become deaf to its calls, or even feel a positive aversion for that which they once loved but have now rejected.
+2. How apparently impotent the King of Glory seems to save Himself! But that weakness is true strength. It is by these outrages and insults, by this passive endurance of their jeers and gibes that Christ Our Lord, is doing the wondrous work of our Redemption and earning graces for all those who suffer insult for Him, to rejoice in being counted worthy to suffer shame for His Sake.
+3. But He is doing more than this. He is also preparing a glory corresponding to all this ignominy, for His Sacred Humanity. Of Him it is true, beyond all others that he who humbles himself shall be exalted. Each taunt, each mocking word, was to earn the praise of the Angels and Saints for all eternity. Here is an encouragement for us! What matters it, if men despise and insult us, if God approves? The Just Judge on the day of account, will not forget, what we have suffered for Him!
Lenten Meditations – 10 April – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Thursday after the Fifth Sunday in Lent Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
Read St. Luke xxiii:32-34
[32] And there were also two other malefactors led with Him, to be put to death. [33] And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, they Crucified Him there and the robbers, one on the right hand and the other on the left. [34] And Jesus said: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And they, cast lots, to dividing His garments. [Luke 23:32-34]
+I. Arriving at the summit of Calvary, our Divine Saviour is roughly stripped of His garments and exposed to the rude gaze of the scoffing multitude. This shame He endured to atone for our most shameful deeds, for our desire for human respect, for our glorying in our shame, for our boasting and love of display before the eyes of men! Yet, when we see the King of Glory thus exposed to shame, will not shame be far dearer to us than the empty honours which men bestow.
+2. The executioners then seize Jesus and lay Him upon the Cross. Holes have been bored in the wood at the extremities of the Cross-piece and in the lower part of the stem and Our Lord’s Sacred Limbs are almost dislocated by being stretched until the Hands and Feet reach the prepared pierced holes. Then ,the long, sharp nails are held by one of the soldiers, while another, with a hammer, drives them in through Jesus’ Hands and Feet. The blows are struck, the Blood gushes forth, while the Divine Victim moans piteously under the intense pain. O Jesus , grant me a heartfelt compassion for Thee in Thy sufferings.
+3. When Our Lord is nailed to the Cross, the soldiers raise it on high and let the base of it fall into a hole dug in the ground. The shock renews afresh, Jesus’ extrene agony. No word is heard from His Mouth save those which He repeats again and again: “Father, forgive them!” Even then He was thinking of others, never of Himself. Was ever love like His? Why do I not love Him more in return?
Lenten Meditations – 9 April – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Wednesday after the Fifth Sunday in Lent Simon of Cyrene
Read St Mark xv:21
[21] And they forced one Simon a Cyrenian coming out of the country, who passed by, the father of Alexander and of Rufus, to take up His Cross. [Mark 15:21]
+1. Our Blessed Lord falls again and again, beneath the weight of the Cross until it becomes evident to the soldiers that He will never be able to drag it to the place of execution. They accordingly lay hold of a heathen passing by, Simon the Cyrenian and him they compel to carry the Cross. How little Simon knew the happiness in store for him when those rough soldiers seized him and force him, to the ignominious task, of carrying the instrument of His punishment. for a public criminal! How often we too fail to recognise God’s wonderful designs of mercy, in the sudden disagreeable and contradictory events and circumstances we encounter!
+2. Simon at first, bore the Cross angrily and reluctantly, chafing under the hardship inflicted upon him. But, as he carries it, somehow an unaccountable change embraced him. It has the power to change his heart and, to make of him, a devoted follower of the Crucified, one of the pillars of the Apostolic Church. Thus, many a cross which we reluctantly carry, proves to be really the means of our sanctification and salvation!
+3. Before Simon arrives at the summit of Calvary, the Cross had endeared itself to him. He has recognised that, to carry it for Jesus, was no hardship but a privilege and a joy. In fact the greatest of his life! So too, the Saints learn to love their cross, to embrace it, to seek it, to carry it with all joy, to be almost discontented if they are without it. This is the very height of peace and felicity; for those who find their joy in the cross, find cause for rejoicing and happiness, everywhere around them.
Lenten Meditations – 8 April – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Tuesday after the Fifth Sunday in Len Jesus Meets His Holy Mother
Read St Matthew xvi:24-28
[24] Then Jesus said to His disciples: If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. [25] For he who will save his life, shall lose it and he. who shall lose his life. for My Sake, shall find it. [26] For what doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his own soul? Or what exchange shall a man give for his soul? [27] For the Son of man, shall come in the glory of His Father with His Angels and then, will He render to every man according to his works. [28] Amen I say to you, there are some of them who stand here, who shall not taste death, till they see the Son of man coming in His Kingdom. [Matthew 16:24-28]
+1. Our blessed Lady, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, goes forth to meet her Son as He drags Himself up the hill of Calvary. With what horror and dismay must she have been stricken at the sight of her darling Son and her God, His Divine Beauty obliterated, mangled and torn, covered with blood and filth, unsightly and terrible to behold! Heartbroken, anguish fills her soul and we may well believe, she would have died of sorrow had she not been miraculously supported by the power of God. O Mother of God! obtain for me a share in Thy grief and Thy intercession!
+2. What a fresh stab of sorrow to the gentle Heart of Jesus to see His holy Mother, pale and haggard, come to share in His Sacred Passion by her compassion! None so full of sympathy as He, none so full of acute feeling for the woes of other. If He sorrowfully sympathised with the women on the way, how much more His own Mother, whom He loved far better than all the world beside! O Mary, obtain for me, a sinner, the Sacred Compassion of Jesus!
+3. Our Lady shared in the Passion of Christ in a way in which no-one else could, none even of the Saints, simply because she too was sinless. She did not need to suffer for herself. She had no sin to expiate. This it is which justifies us in giving her the title of co-Redemptrix. She too, who knew no sin, was made sin for us! This earned for her ,the privilege of sharing in all the agony of the sinless Lamb of God.
Lenten Meditations – 7 April – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Monday after the Fifth Sunday in Lent Via Dolorosa
Read St Luke xxiii:27-31
[27] And there followed Him, a great multitude of people and of women, who bewailed and lamented for Him. [28] But Jesus, turning to them, said: Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not over me but weep for yourselves,and for your children. [29] For behold, the days shall come, wherein they will say: Blessed are the barren and the wombs which have not borne and the breats which have not given suck. [30] Then shall they begin to say to the mountains: Fall upon us and to the hills: Cover us. [31] For if, in the green wood, they do these things, what shall be done in the dry? [Luke 23:27-31]
+I. Torn and bleeding, scarcely able to sustain the heavy burden of the Cross, with His long garment entangling His feet, dragged on by the brutal soldiers, Jesus treads the Sacred Way of the Cross. After going a few steps, He stumbles and falls; rising with difficulty, He staggers on a short distance farther and falls again. O my Lord and my God, I beseech Thee by these Thy most painful falls, grant that I may never again fall into deliberate sin.
+2. On the way, some women express their grief and compassion for Jesus. His appearance is so pitiable, they cannot restrain their tears. Jesus turns to them, tells them to weep, not for Him but for themselves and for their children. If sin has wrought such a work of destruction in the Son of God, in Whom evil had nothing to lay hold of, in Whom the green wood could be blackened externally but_not consumed by the flame, what would be its effects on sinners, in whom the fire of sin rages, as in the dry tinder. How ought I to fear the least spark of sin which may kindle the fire of passion in me and destroy me utterly!
+3. One of those holy women, named Veronica, wipes from His face the Blood and sweat, with a handkerchief. On looking at the cloth she sees the impression of His Sacred Ccountenance stamped upon it. So upon the hearts of all,who do acts of kindness for Christ’s Sake, there is imprinted His Likeness. Each ,deed of charity tends to produce in our soul, that Likeness to Him in Whom all holiness consists.
Lenten Meditations – 6 April – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Passion Sunday – The Fifth Sunday in Lent Jesus on the Way to Calvary
Read St Matthew xxvii:31
[31] And after they had mocked Him, they took the cloak off Him and gave His own garments and led Him away to crucify Him. [Matthew 27:31]
+1. It was not really Pilate who condemned Jesus to death, says St Bernard, it was His love for us. He had been longing all His life through for that moment when He was to carry out His Father’s Will and redeem the world by dying for us. He knew that the divine mandate meant that without the shedding of blood, there would be no remission of sin. Pilate’s voice, sentencing Him to death, was but the expression of His own love for sinners and of His joyful acceptance of the Cross for their sake. O Jesus, may I love Thee in return, for such love for me!
+2. The Cross has been prepared beforehand and, as soon as the sentence has been passed, they bring it forward to be laid upon the shoulders of their Victim. Jesus takes the Cross and kisses the instrument of His Agony, as a welcome friend. He did this, not merely because He loved us and, therefore, loved the Cross but, to teach us to love our crosses, to accept them as gifts from God to be welcomed, not to be feared and rejected, or regarded with aversior and dislike. How can we dislike them when they make us like unto Jesus and must be borne after Him, if we are ever to share His joy in Heaven?
+3. On Jesus’ Shoulder, there was already, a large, open wound, scarcely covered by the garments thrown upon Him. The weight of the Cross rested on this wound, causing Him the most excruciating agony. It was by this agony, He was earning patience for us, under our bodily sufferings. However severe, they are nothing compared, to that which, the Son of God endured on His Road to Calvary. Jesus, I implore, grant me patience in my sufferings!
Lenten Meditations – 5 April – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Saturday after the Fourth Sunday in Lent The Final Condemnation to Death
Read St Matthew xxvii: 24-26
[24] And Pilate, seeing that he prevailed nothing but rather, a tumult was made; taking water washed his hands before the people, saying: I am innocent of the Blood of this just Man; look you to it. [25] And the whole people answering, said: His Blood be upon us and our children. [26] Then, he released to them Barabbas and having scourged Jesus, delivered Him unto them to be crucified. [Matthew 27:24-26]
+1. Pilate tries first one plan, then another, to avoid passing a sentence which he knew to be unjust. One plan after another fails and now, he is brought face-to-face with a choice on which the salvation of his soul may well depend. It was the turning-point in his life: the grace of God urging him on one side and, on the other, fear of man. . So, in the life of each, there is some turning-point, some occasion, when the choice made, will decide his future, both in life and in eternity. Unhappy those who, in such a moment, choose as Pilate chose!
+2. The motive which led Pilate to condemn Jesus, was the fear of man. He did not dare to face the consequences of doing his duty. He trembled before the opinion of others and the dread of losing his worldly position and honour To how many has the same motive been a cause of eternal loss! Is it not one before which I have sometimes quailed, loving honour from men and failing in what I knew was the Will of God, from a desire to please others?
+3. Pilate ordered the sentence to be written, condemning Jesus to death and then, deliberately signed it. But first, he washed his hands before the people, declaring himself guiltless of the Blood of the just Man whom he condemned to a horrific death! O fruitless ceremony! He could not wash from his soul the black stain of cowardice and of treachery to his conscience. It is no use doing ill and saying we did not mean it! Such an evasion like Pilate’s protest, rather increases, than diminishes, the sin!
Lenten Meditations – 4 April – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Friday after the Fourth Sunday in Lent Ecce Homo
Read St John xix:4-6
[4] Pilate, therefore, went forth again and saith to them: Behold, I bring Him forth unto you, that you may know, I find no cause in Him. [5] (Jesus, therefore, came forth, bearing the Crown of Thorns and the purple garment). And Pilate saith to them: Behold the Man. [6] When the chief priests, therefore and the servants, had seen Him, they cried out, saying: Crucify Him, crucify Him. Pilate saith to them: Take Him you and crucify Him, for I find no cause in Him. [John 19:4-6]
+1. The Scourging and Crowning with Thorns, have brought the Son of God to a condition pitiable to contemplate. We have seen Him and there is no beauty in Him that we should desire Him. Pity, contempt, horror, disgust, disdain, are mingled in the hearts of those who behold Him . He is indeed, a worm and not a man. He, the fairest among ten thousand! He, the sinless Lamb of God! Oh, how frightful must sin be, if it can work such havoc, even in the Sacred Person of the Son of God!
+2. The sin which did this work, moreover, was the sin of others, not His own. It was something external to Him. He indeed, took it upon Himself, He was made sin for our redemption but sin was never His own, as it is ours! If it could so disfigure and degrade the sinless Lamb of God, when laid upon Him from without, what must be the disfigurement and degradation which sin works in us, springing up as it does, out of ourselves, being a part of our sinful nature, producing its natural fruits?
+3. But was the Son of God really degraded by all these consequences of sin? On the contrary, His Sacred Humanity had never been so glorious or so worthy of honour, as it was then. If He was unsightly before men, in the Eyes of His Eternal Father, He was crowned with honour and glory. There is nothing as pleasing to God as voluntary self- abasement and humiliation, nothing which brings so rich a recompense. How foolish then am I, when I seek to avoid humiliation and hate to be made like the Son of God by suffering contempt and reproach from others!
Lenten Meditations – 3 April – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Thursday after the Fourth Sunday in Lent— The Crowning with Thorns
Read St.Mark xv:16-17
[16] And the soldiers led Him away into the court of the palace and they called together the whole band [17] And they clothe Him with purple and platting a crown of thorns, they put it upon Him. [Mark 15:16-17]
+1. Our Lord was covered with a scarlet cloak and crowned with thorns, as a travesty or caricature, of worldly honour. He desired to exhibit it in its true light. The farce played by the soldiers was, in truth, no farce but, a reality. It was intended to show how empty and contemptible is all earthly glory. It is worth no more than the mock-respect of the ruffians who bowed the knee by way of insult to Jesus. O Lord, by that mockery of honour, Thou didst undergo, grant that I may esteem human honour at its true value.
+2. Watch the soldiers at their cruel sport. The Crown upon the Head of Jesus, is plaited of briers, the long thorns of which, pierce His Sacred Forehead as they press it down upon His Head; the drops of Blood and mingled Tears, blind His eyes. One by one, they pass before Him and bow the knee and then, oh shame! they spit in His Sacred Face. Before that Sacred Face, Angels and Archangels fall in prostrate homage! O Lord, in return for those insults, Thou didst endure, I will always bow before Thee in the Blessed Sacrament, with reverent love and adoration. I will seek to wipe the drops of Blood from Thine Eyes by denying myself the free indulgence of my senses, even in lawful things.
+3. What were the sins for which Christ especially atoned, in the Crowning with Thorns? Evil thoughts and imaginations, uncharitable thoughts, proud thoughts, impure thoughts. It was these, rather than the thorns which pierced His Sacred Head and filled His Eyes with Tears of sorrow and of Blood.
Lenten Meditations – 2 April – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Wednesday after the Fourth Sunday in Lent- The Scourging
Read St Matthew xxvii:27-30
[27] Then the governor’s soldiers taking Jesus into the hall, gathered together unto Him the whole band; [28] and stripping Him, they put a scarlet cloak about Him. [29] And plaiting a crown of thorns, they put it upon His Hea, and a reed in His right Hand. And bowing the knee before Him, they mocked Him, saying: Hail, King of the Jews. [30] And spitting upon Him, they took the reed and struck His Head. [Matthew 27:27-30]
+1. When the Jews had shouted for Barabbas and threatened Pilate to denounce him as disloyal to Rome, if he released Jesus, the governor made one more attempt to save the life of Christ. He ordered Him to be severely scourged, hoping thereby, to move the Jews to pity. Vain attempt at a fresh compromise with his conscience! Pilate only involved himself in deeper guilt and Christ, in a greater agony of suffering. Nothing ever succeeds, except a bold, fearless obedience to God’s holy inspirations.
+2. Our Lord is handed to the scourgers, who strip Him naked and then begin their impious barbarity. The Pharisees are said to have plied them with drink to make them more reckless in their cruelty. Blow succeeds blow, from those many-lashed , iron-pointed scourgers. First His Sacred Flesh becomes red and swollen under the stripe, then the Blood begins to flow, then the iron points lacerate and tear His delicate Body until it is one great wound! Listen as He piteously moans under the anguish! See Him covered in Blood ! O my Jesus, what must be Thy love to endure this for me!
+3. At length, the executioners cut the cords and Christ falls heavily in a pool of His own Blood. What has brought the King of Heaven to this condition of abject misery? It is the sins of men, especially the sinful indulgence of the body. It was to atone for sins of luxury and impurity and drunkenness that the spotless Lamb of God was thus tortured. Alas! how often have I been indulgent to my body! How have I yielded to the cravings of sense!
Lenten Meditations – 1 April – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Tuesday after the Fourth Sunday in Lent- Barabbas or Jesus?
Read St.Matthew xxvii:15-22
[15] Now, upon the solemn day, the governor was accustomed to release, to the people, one prisoner, whom they would selecct. [16] And he had then a notorious prisoner who was called Barabbas. [17] They, therefore, being gathered together, Pilate said: Whom will you, whom I release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus Who is called Christ? [18] For he knew that for envy, they had delivered Him. [19] And as he was sitting in the place of judgement, his wife sent to him, saying: Have thou nothing to do with that just man; for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him. [20] But the chief priests and ancients persuaded the people, that they should ask for Barabbas and take Jesus away. [21] And the governor answering, said to them: Whom of the two, will you, to be released unto you? But they said, Barabbas. [22] Pilate saith to them: What shall I do then with Jesus that is called Christ? They say all: Let him be crucified. [Matthew 27:15-22]
+1. Before Pilate sent Our Lord to Herod, he had already sought to take occasion to release Him, using the custom, of setting free at the Pasch, some notable prisoner. In order to secure success in this regard, he had proposed, as an alternative, a noted murderer named Barabbas. To his astonishment, the name of Barabbas had at once been taken up by the multitude. It was not that they loved Barabbas but, they hated Christ. So wretched men now choose that which they know to be evil, simply because they hate God! They cannot bear the idea of submission. They long to get God out of the way, as the Jews desired to be rid of Christ.
+2. The multitude shouted for Barabbas because the chief priests urged them to it. It was the rulers, the ancients, who were the real murderers of Christ; the ignorant mob did but follow their leaders. What a responsibility it is to be in a position of authority! What an account those who rule will have to give of those subject to them!
+3. When Christ returned from the palace of Herod clad in the fool’s garment, Pilate made one more attempt to have Him released. It was a fresh compromise with his conscience and, like all such compromises, only brought fresh insults on the Son of God. Again the shout rose for Barabbas to be set free and Christ to be crucified. O Pilate! why not listen to the whisper within you and set the just man free at any risk. My God , save me from cowardly compromises and trifling with my conscience.
Lenten Meditations – 31 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Monday after the Fourth Sunday in Lent Jesus Before Herod
Read St Luke xxiii:7-12
[7] And when he understood that He was of Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him away to Herod, who was also himself at Jerusalem, in those days. [8] And Herod, seeing Jesus, was very glad; for he was desirous to see Him, for a long time because, he had heard many things about Him and he hoped to see some sign wrought by Him. [9] And he questioned Him in many words. But He answered him nothing. [10] And the chief priests and the scribes stood by, earnestly accusing Him. [11] And Herod with his army set Him at nought and mocked Him, putting on Him a white garment and sent Him back to Pilate. [12] And Herod and Pilate were made friends, that same day; for previously they had been enemies, one to another. [Luke 23:7-12]
+1. When Pilate found that the Jews were determined on the death of Jesus, he tried to eradicate the responsibility by sending Him to Herod. Herod rejoiced to see Him. In his vanity, he expected Our Lord would be glad to placate him by performing some miracle in his presence. Vain expectation! It is only for the humble and pure of heart that Our Lord works miracles. Yet, I expect Him, proud and selfish as I am, to work, miracles of grace, to enable me to easily overcome long-rooted faults, to attain a spirit of prayer and close union with Him?! How can I hope for this, while I am so full of the worldly spirit of Herod?
+2. Our Lord was ready enough to speak to Pilate and even to Caiphas but, for Herod, He had not a word. There is something terrible in this silence in the presence of the sensual, hardened reprobate. There is something in a sensual life which shuts the ears of men, so that the whispers of grace never seem to reach them. If I wish Our Lord to speak to me, the first thing is to see that I do not indulge my body inordinately.
+3. Herod was also the incarnation of self-satisfied worldliness. He was munificent, popular, successful but, he was hateful in God’s sight and rejected by Him, so that Our Lord showed an aversion to him which He showed to none else. What a lesson for us! The reprobate Herod, surrounded by flatterers and admirers; the Eternal Wisdom of God dressed in a fool’s dress and treated as an idiot!
Thought for the Day – 30 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
30th Day – St Joseph’s Glory in Heaven
+1. It is an opinion held by many learned theologians that St Joseph, like Our Lady, enjoys the honour of having had his body raised from the grave, at the time of Our Lord’s Resurrection and, he is present in Heaven now, body and soul. There are no Relics of St Joseph, no tomb where his body is honoured. His assumption is, moreover, what we might expect in reward for such spotless purity as his. Our Lady Mary’s spouse, St Joseph, deserved this honour and one, who had tended Jesus with such loving care, had, to some extent, a claim to it. We may, therefore, piously believe that St Joseph enjoys this wonderful privilege.
+2. We have already spoken of St Joseph as the most glorious of all the Saints. What else does this mean but that, he has the highest place in Heaven after Our Lady? The Church calls him the glory of the inhabitants of Heaven (coelitum decus). How would this be possible unless, he surpassed them all? Congratulate St Joseph on his great glory and thank God that you have a friend so near to His throne.
+3. St Joseph was, after Mary, more like to his Divine Son in form and feature, than anyone else ever was. This likeness extended, to his beautiful and stainless soul. In Heaven he still retains this intimate likeness to Jesus which grew and increased by reason of his close union with the Son of God and, familiar intercourse ,with Him. Likeness to Christ! which is the increase of glory in Heaven. Pray that you too may become, through St Joseph’s help, more like unto Jesus.
Lenten Meditations – 30 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
The Fourth Sunday in Lent Jesus Before Pilate
Read St John xviii:28-40 (See below)
+I. Pilate was at first inclined to look with contempt on the charge brought against Christ of promoting Himself as the King of the Jews. But, he soon changed his mind. He was astonished at Our Lord’s silence and reserve. His calm dignity made a deep impression upon him. How few there are, who imitate Christ in this! Our babbling tongues pour forth so many foolish and ill-considered words. Learn the dignity of timely silence from our Lord Jesus.
+2. Yet Jesus spoke when occasion required. He said enough to Pilate to convince him, not only of His innocence but, of His claim to be King. Pilate was half-inclined to listen. He could not help recognising, to some degree, the Divine Beauty of the Son of God amid all His humiliations. So the Catholic Church manifests herself to the world in a way which is sufficient to attract men of goodwill. There are few who have not the chance of recognising her claims. Her beauty, even in her humiliations and amid the sins of men, shines forth, as did the beauty of her Divine Spouse.
+3. Pilate’s long experience, tells him plainly enough that the Jews are all mistaken and Christ is correct. His practiced eye, detects the malice of the Jews, their hatred of their Victim, their selfishness and unscrupulous cruelty. He longs to release Christ; he knows he ought to do so but, he fears the Jews, lest he be reported as favouring revolt. Human fear overcomes his convictions and he has not the courage to set Jesus free. How fatal is cowardice in things Divine!
John 18:28-40: [28] Then they led Jesus from Caiphas to the governor’s hall. And it was morning and they went not into the hall, that they might not be defiled but that they might eat the pasch. [29] Pilate, therefore, went out to them and said: What accusation bring you against this man? [30] They answered and said to him: If He were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered Him to thee. [31] Pilate, therefore, said to them: Take Him you and judge Him according to your law. The Jews, therefore, said to him: It is not lawful for us to put any man to death; [32] That the Word of Jesus might be fulfilled which He said, signifying what death He should die. [33] Pilate, therefore, went into the hall again and called Jesus and said to Him: Art Thou the King of the Jews? [34] Jesus answered: Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or have others told it thee of Me? [35] Pilate answered: Am I a Jew? Thy own nation and the chief priests, have delivered Thee to me, what hast Thou done? [36] Jesus answered: My Kingdom is not of this world. If My Kingdom were of this world, My servants would certainly strive that I should not be delivered to the Jews but now, My Kingdom is not from hence. [37] Pilate, therefore, said to Him: Art Thou a King then? Jesus answered: Thou sayest that I am a King. For this was I born and for this came I into the world that I should give testimony to the truth. Everyone that is of the truth, heareth My Voice. [38] Pilate saith to Him: What is truth? And when he said this, he went out again to the Jews and saith to them: I find no cause in Him. [39] But you have a custom that I should release one unto you at the pasch, will you, therefore, that I release unto you the King of the Jews? [40] Then cried they all again, saying: Not this Man but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber. [John 18:28-40]
Thought for the Day – 29 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
29th Day – St Joseph’s Happy Death
+1. Never, to any of the children of men, did death come so bereft of its terrors, as to St Joseph. One who had lived so continually in the Presence of his God, had no cause to fear it. One whose thoughts, aspirations, hopes affections, had always been in Heaven, regarded death as a stepping-stone to his true home and to the presence of his God. One on whose breast Jesus had nestled lovingly, had already had a foretaste of Paradise and was absorbed by the longing desire to be there. Have I the same reasons to welcome death?
+2. Yet, if anyone ever had reason to dread the separation from earth, it was St Joseph. None ever left behind, wife or child, who were a thousandth part as dear as Mary and Jesus were to Joseph. Did it cost him nothing to say farewell? No , for from Jesus he could never be separated and, if the veil of flesh prevented him for a short time, from unity with his virgin spouse, yet they would soon meet in endless union before the throne of God. The pain of separation disappeared at the thought of eternal bliss. If the company of Jesus and Mary was so sweet on earth, what would it be in Heaven where all is perfect!?
+3. What a beautiful death was St Joseph’s! Nursed in the arms of Jesus and Mary, his last hours were one long ecstasy. No anxious, no distressing thought, was possible in that sweet company . For St Joseph death was only falling asleep to wake in Paradise. He is, therefore, the Patron of a good death . Pray earnestly to Jesus, Mary and Joseph that you may die in peace in their blessed company.
Indulgenced Holy Family Aspiration
“Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give Thee my heart and my soul; Jesus, Mary and Joseph, assist me in my last agony; Jesus, Mary and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul in peace with Thee.”
(Indulgence of 300 days, Each Time. Pope Pius VII, 26 August 1814)
Lenten Meditations – 29 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Saturday after the Third Sunday in Lent Judas’ Repentance
Read St Matthew xxvii:3-16 (See below)
+1. When Judas heard the unanimous voice of the chief priests and ancients, declaring Jesus’ death sentence, his soul was filled with a black remorse which made his life intolerable. How he hated the miserable pieces of silver for which he had sold his Master! How he hated the chief priests who had bribed him! How he hated himself! The sweetness and gentleness of Christ came vividly before him and only added to his misery, as it will add to the misery of the lost at the day of judgrment. How bitterly he repented his folly! At least he would rid himself of the accursed money and declare his guilt. But he had gone too far. He had refused, so often, to listen to the Voice of Jesus that now, his hardened heart refused to melt. What a warning to all who turn a deaf ear to the voice of conscience!
+2. Yet he might have been forgiven even now if he had thrown himself at Jesus’ Feet’ and begged for pardon. But this he would not do. His repentance was a hopeless, black remorse — no element of hope or love or humble sorrow. It was the repentance of the lost in hell, who cry, “Fools that we were!” but yet, will not, cannot, humble themselves to cry for mercy.
+3. How miserable Judas had been from the first! Had those pilfered gains in early days brought him solid satisfaction? Had he been happy when he sacrificed his Master’s interests to his own? Are we happy when we knowingly prefer our own selfish interests to those of Christ? Sin and misery are twin sisters. My God, may I never wilfully betray Thy interests to my own pleasure or gain!
Matthew 27:3-16: [3] Then Judas, who betrayed Him, seeing that He was condemned, repenting himself, brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and ancients, [4] Saying: I have sinned in betraying innocent blood. But they said: What is that to us? look thou to it. [5] And casting down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed and went and hanged himself with an halter. [6] But the chief priests, having taken the pieces of silver, said: It is not lawful to put them into the corbona (“sacrifice, gift”), because it is the price of blood. [7] And after they had consulted together, they bought with them the potter’s field, to be a burying place for strangers. [8] For this cause the field was called Haceldama, that is, The field of blood, even to this day. [9] Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the prophet, saying: And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of Him Who was prized, whom they prized of the children of Israel. [10] And they gave them unto the potter’s field, as the Lord appointed to me. [11] And Jesus stood before the governor and the governor asked him, saying: Art Thou the king of the Jews? Jesus saith to him: Thou sayest it. [12] And when He was accused by the chief priests and ancients, He answered nothing. [13] Then Pilate saith to Him: Dost Thou not hear how great testimonies they allege against Thee? [14] And He answered him never a word; so that the governor wondered exceedingly. [15] Now upon the solemn day the governor was accustomed to release, one prisoner to the people, whom they would select. [16] And he had then a notorious prisoner, who was called Barabbas. [Matthew 27:3-16]
Thought for the Day – 28 March – Meditations with Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
“Short Meditations for March, St Joseph” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
28th Day – St Joseph’s Venerable Age
+1. St Joseph, during his long life, had been fulfilling the meaning of the name he bore with unbroken constancy. He had been “adding” to the brightness of his virtues and the treasure of his merits, with an ever-increasing speed. In the company of Jesus and Mary, he had made more rapid progress than any of the other Saints. O Joseph, what fervour must have been thine! what charity, what perfect purity! Was there an Archangel in Heaven equal to thee in love of God? How different thy lightning advance in grace to my sluggish slowness!
+2. What was the secret of St Joseph’s high perfection? It was the calm, quiet peacefulness and tranquillity which enabled his pure soul to reflect the likeness of God, in so wonderful a manner and quickened his ears to catch the faintest whisper of Divine grace. We cannot imagine him ever hurried, or impetuous, or anxious or disorderly. If we could remove those defects we should soon become more like St Joseph.
+3. As St Joseph grew old and his natural powers began to fail, the beauty of his soul became more and more apparent. Some think that, like Moses, he suffered none of the infirmities of age. At all events, he who as foster-father of Jesus, occupied in some way,, the place of the Eternal Father upon earth, must have been an old man of incomparable beauty, the type and ideal of a Saint and Patriarch. Never was gray hair crowned with such glory and honour, as his, whose happy old age had been spent with Jesus and Mary.
Lenten Meditations – 28 March – With Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900) Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“The Sacred Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ” “Short Meditations for Lent” From “The Devout Year” By Fr Richard Frederick Clarke SJ (1839-1900)
Friday After the Third Sunday in Lent Jesus is Dragged Before Pilate
Read St Luke xxii:66-70 xxiii:1
[66] And as soon as it was day, the ancients of the people and the chief priests and scribes, came together; and they brought Him into their council, saying: If Thou be the Christ, tell us. [67] And He saith to them: If I shall tell you, you will not believe Me. [68] And if I shall also ask you, you will not answer Me, nor let Me go. [69] But, hereafter, the Son of man shall be sitting on the Right Hand of the power of God. [70] Then said they all: Art Thou then the Son of God? Who said: You say that I Am. [Luke 22:66-0] [1] And the whole multitude of them rising up, led Him to Pilate. [Luke 23:1]
+1. At daybreak the council assembled and Jesus was again brought before them and questioned once more. The sentence of deathwhich they had passed the night before, was confirmed. The whole multitude then hastened to Pilate with their prisoner that they might obtain, from the Roman Governor, the ratification of the Death Sentence which they could not carry out themselves. They were resolved to have His life –anything to be rid of Him Whom they dreaded and hated. How strange it seems that they should so hate Him without a cause! Yet it is ever so : men who are proud and covetous, selfish and self-absorbed, instinctively hate the truth. This is why there prevails, all over the world. such a deadly enmity to the Church of Christ.
+2. To wreak their vengeance, the Pharisees and ancients were ready to rise with the sun. How active men are in promoting worldly interests and criminal designs! So much more active than in working for God and for Heaven. Might I not do something more, by rising a little earlier or more punctually, so as to do something to please Our Lord before I begin my ordinary work? At least I might think of Him and offer heart and my life to Him.
+3. The Jews actually delivered one of their own to their enemies and oppressors, the Romans! No means are too base to get rid of their enemy. How much unreasoning malice I have shown against those whom I disliked or who interfered with my selfish interests, perhaps against those who are not only brethren of Christ but very dear to Him?
AnaStpaul 
You must be logged in to post a comment.