A few years ago, I spent Lent (up to Easter) outside the Philippines; it was spring that time. I realized that just as Mother Nature renews herself in springtime, so are we also called as Catholic-Christians to start afresh, to call to mind the passion and death of Jesus, to renew our baptismal promises each year, and with God's grace do our best to live lives that are pleasing to Him. (I just learned that Lent is from the Anglo-Saxon word lencten, which means "spring.") During Lent, we are called to die to ourselves, to "suffer with Jesus and be buried with Him that we too may be resurrected." We are called to spend the 40 days in prayer, penance and true conversion. Lent culminates in Holy Week, and then in the triumph of Jesus over death on Resurrection Sunday.
My journey from Lent to Easter this year has been full of surprises, blessings, and even struggles. But I am grateful for the Communion of Saints who have prayed for me, and have inspired me to persevere.
In France, Saint Bernadette's feast is celebrated on February 18, which incidentally was Ash Wednesday this year. Being a few days after the feast of our Lady of Lourdes, I spent that first day of Lent rereading about our Lady's apparitions at the cave-grotto at Massabielle. My visits in Lourdes, France had been special and Faith-enriching, and I reflected on that. I also watched again the movie Song of Bernadette, and for several days after, pondered on Mother Mary's words to the young saint from that quaint town that lies in the foothills of the Pyrenees: "I promise you happiness not in this world, but in the other."
After the apparitions in Lourdes, Saint Marie Bernarde joined the Sisters of Charity in Nevers where as a nun she did humble and menial tasks in the convent, and worked as an assistant in an infirmary. She contracted tuberculosis of the bone, a pain said to be most excruciating, but which she bore with humility and total surrender, and which she offered to God as penance for sinners. She has willingly offered herself as a victim soul. I have been so inspired by her forbearance of suffering, and humility to carry one's cross with love and faith.
Saint Paul tells the Romans, "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)
Saint Catherine of Siena, T.O.S.D. and Divine Providence
Saint Teresa of Jesus on Prayer
I attend recollections annually, but Lent this year has been grace-filled because I have been blessed to go on a four-day retreat after many years of not having had the opportunity. The added blessing was having our diocesan exorcist as our retreat master, of whom I have deep respect especially with the way he teaches Catholic doctrines and dogma simply yet profoundly.
It was not coincidence for sure that instead of teaching the retreatants a deepening of the messages of Pope Francis during his recent apostolic visit to the Philippines, he discussed Saint Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle with us.
Having read the said work of the first woman Doctor of the Church years ago but not fully grasping it, the learning sessions during the retreat gave me a deeper understanding and love for prayer, which according to the Discalced Carmelite mystic is an interior journey towards the heart (or inner mansion) where God dwells. The journey within the interior castle is a slow detachment from the things of the world that possess us, until we are attached to, and totally dependent on our One True Love who is God. The whole aim of prayer should be to work and prepare oneself with perseverance; doing all means to conform one's will with that of God's.
The greatest perfection lies in the conformity of one's will with the will of God. During this retreat, I was reminded that the perfect model for prayer is Jesus' prayer during His agony in the garden of Gethsemane: "Father, if You are willing. remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." (St. Luke 22:42)
During the retreat, I enjoyed precious time communing with God in nature. Being greatly influenced by both the Dominicans and Franciscans (because of the Catholic schools I attended), I reflected on what I learned from Saint Francis of Assisi, and Saint Dominic de Guzman.
Saint Francis, of noble birth and privilege, forsook the wealth and power that the world could have given him, for the love of God. He knew suffering (he had debilitating maladies), yet embraced and endured them joyfully, and united them with the sufferings of Jesus. He renounced all his possessions, was detached from the world, and found true happiness in God alone. He teaches us that holiness is attained with suffering; and dependence on God is a matter of total abandonment and trust.
In Saint Dominic, I was reminded of the four pillars by which a Dominican must live: (1) To Study the Word of God which comes through Scriptures and Sacred Tradition, motivated primarily by love of God, and then of neighbor; and to instruct, and be of good use to the souls of others. (2) To have a Community, not literally living under one roof, but having the willingness to always go the extra mile for our neighbors, and to share one's life with them. (3) To have a Ministry (or apostolates): to preach not merely in words, but more by setting a good example, and "walking the talk". (4) Most important of all is Prayer, to "ponder all things in one's heart" like Mother Mary did, to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist (daily if possible) because it is the source of life-giving water that nourishes the soul, and thus live a balanced contemplative and active life. Saint Dominic instructed his brothers, "Arm yourself with prayer rather than a sword; wear humility rather than fine clothes."
Through the lives of Saints Dominic and Francis, I was reminded to embrace evangelical poverty ~ to be in the world but be not of the world. In all circumstances, wherever I am, I ought to lift my heart, mind and soul to God; to rejoice always, to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in everything. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Saint Peter, and the Grace to Be Forgiven
During our diocesan recollection with Rev. Herbie Santos as speaker, he pointed out four images of God based on the experiences of Saint Peter: (1) God initiates. (2) God makes a covenant. (3) God suffers with us. (4) God is faithful.
There is a scene in The Bible television miniseries that is memorable, and which I love so much. Jesus arrives at the Sea of Galilee, and sees Saint Peter who looked tired after being out at sea, yet was returning without a single catch. Jesus approaches, climbs the boat which was at the water's edge, and instructs Saint Peter to set out because they were going fishing. Saint Peter told Jesus he has been unable to catch anything. In reply, Jesus said, "Peter, just give me an hour, and I will give you a whole new life." As promised, they had a large catch which filled the boat almost to sinking. Saint Peter asked, "How did this happen? What did You do?" To which Jesus replied, "I am giving you the chance to change your life. Peter, come with me. Give up catching fish, and I will make you a fisher of men." Peter replied by asking, "What are we going to do?" Jesus simply said, "Change the world."
Jesus came to Simon Son of Jonah first; and he, being open and receptive to the Holy Spirit, was able to make a profession of faith that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. (Mt 16:16) The covenant Jesus made with him was that He called him Peter, the rock by which He will build His Church, and on which the gates of Hades will not prevail. Saint Peter was given the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever he binds on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever he looses on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Mt. 16:18-19) At the Last Supper, Jesus also instituted the Eucharist, the "cup which is poured out is the new covenant" in His blood. (Lk 22:20)
In Jesus, who experienced agony, rejection, abandonment of His friends, and who went through the mystery of His passion and death on the Cross, we have a God who is no stranger to suffering. He knows and understands what we are going through. He knows our pain, our joys, our struggles, even our temptations, because He has been there. That was why He still trusted Saint Peter, even after being denied by him three times. After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples again at the Sea of Galilee, filled their emptiness and satisfied their souls, which was shown through their abundant catch. Jesus then reinstated Saint Peter after asking the latter three times if he loved Him, and was told to feed and take care of His sheep.
In Saint Peter, I was reminded of my own "Christ-encounters", and my own experience of being asked by God if I love Him enough to obey and follow Him. His outpouring of His love and blessings to me and my loved ones are reminders not only of His goodness, but His mercy most of all. He always looks past my frailties and inadequacies, and He believes in me too much to allow me to do tasks for Him. I had taken the leap of Faith, and honestly, I still have fears which stem mostly from my sense of unworthiness, and feeling unequipped to accomplish anything for the Lord. I am not worthy that He should enter under my roof, but He remains merciful, faithful and loving. Jesus assures me that in Him I have peace; "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (Jn 16:33)
The Saturday before Palm Sunday, I went on a pilgrimage to Carmel in Lipa, and had the wonderful blessing to celebrate the 5th birth centenary of Saint Teresa of Avila with my co-pilgrims. We visited the Parish of Our Lady, Mary Mediatrix of All Graces, and then celebrated the Holy Eucharist at the Parish and Shrine of Saint Padre Pio in Santo Tomas, Batangas.
After the Mass, I spent few moments alone to go around, went up the church belfry, while reminiscing (and feeling thankful) about my adventures and misadventures when I visited San Giovanni Rotondo alone a few years ago. That was on blessed-trip!
The visit to Santo Tomas was timely, because there have been days when I feel so exhausted, and feeling unworthy to the point of daring to ask God to take me somewhere else, and soon! Santo Padre Pio is one of the saints who I am sure always prays for me, and looks out for me from heaven. He reminds me that God does not call the qualified, but that He qualifies me; I only have to be willing. Padre Pio has been with me in my faith journey. I imagine him having that grandfatherly smile, and often shaking his head in disbelief at my insistence on certain things I consult him about.
And then, there's Saint Thomas Didymus, whose disbelief reminds me of my own weaknesses. Every now and then, I find myself teetering at the brink of doubt and despair; feeling flummoxed, and too weak to persevere. After which I'd eventually feel so tormented with guilt that I'd run to Jesus to beg for mercy.
While in Santo Tomas, Batangas, I asked Padre Pio what he has to say to me. He told me, as he always does, to just pray, to not give up on hope. and to stop worrying because it is useless; God is merciful and He hears my prayers. And as if to reinforce the message, I saw a painting of Saint Pio with those reassuring, almost reprimandingly reminder. And what of Saint Thomas the Apostle? While praying for unshakable faith and trust in God, I chanced upon a sign that read, "Just Believe." In humility, I could only ask for pardon for my disbelief.
Saint Joseph and His Silence
I have a special devotion to Saint Joseph, thanks to the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception who instilled it on me. I have received answers to my prayers countless times because of his powerful intercession, together with the prayers of an equally powerful intercessor, his blessed and ever-virgin wife, Mother Mary.
At the Encounter with Families which was held during Pope Francis' apostolic visit to the Philippines last January, the pontiff shared that he has a sleeping image of Saint Joseph that helps him solve his personal problems. Lolo Kiko* said that Saint Joseph is a strong man of silence who gets things done. Sleeping, the foster father of Jesus looks after the Church, he said.
*("Lolo" is the Filipino word for grandfather. The Filipinos have been endearingly referring to Pope Francis as Lolo Kiko, "Kiko" being the Filipino nickname for Francis.)
In the image of Saint Joseph asleep, I realized the importance of physical rest which is necessary to renew our strength for another day of work. But even in his sleep, Saint Joseph's heart was disposed in total abandonment to Divine Providence; and he was always receptive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, which allowed for love to grow, and being strengthened in his faith in times of trials.
Saint Joseph is a model for all fathers, husbands and workers. But having little mention of him in the Bible, all we know is that he is a just man whose holiness shines through his silence.
In my dear patron saint, I am reminded to desire to decrease even more so that only God will increase. Although the Scriptures is silent about the details of what happened to him, I personally believe that Saint Joseph had a great deal of influence on Jesus. And I am sure that he does not mind that very little is said about him, after all, we ought to fix our eyes on his foster-Son. He would have preferred to keep the low profile, unnoticed, which is actually a death to self so that God alone is exalted. In today's world where the gauge of one's success is in achievements, titles, prestige, properties, and hefty bank accounts, I am asked to also die to myself, and choose to embrace the mission God has given me, without desire for attention, rewards or accolades. Like Saint Joseph, we are called to be "unnoticed saints of ordinary circumstances", so that God can accomplish wondrous and extraordinary things through us.
The path to sainthood sometimes brings with it a great deal of attention. But if we read the lives of saints, most of them lived an existence that involved a much lower profile. The life of grace lived was a death to self; a life which requires an immersion into the most ordinary of circumstances. It is precisely in experiencing what is apparently ordinary that God accomplishes the most extraordinary things.
While the world tells us to pursue prestigious titles in politics, in the corporate jungle, and even in our Church ministries, I look up to Saint Joseph and am called to follow after his example: to be immersed in the mission and be counted among the unnoticed saints of ordinary circumstances, and to share the fruits contemplation with everyone. Truly, the silence of Saint Joseph speaks louder than any words.
Mother Mary, Untier of Knots,
the Queen of All Saints, on Her Fiat
The Blessed Virgin Mary, as the Theotokos, is undoubtedly also the Queen of Heaven, and thus the Queen of All Saints. But most important of all for us, is that she is also our Mother.
I have a devotion to Our Lady Undoer of Knots, thanks to Mother Angelica of the Annunciation who, if my memory serves me right, promoted it in one of her shows on EWTN. (You may want to start a novena to her by checking this link. I have proven it to be so powerful!) I find comfort that the knots of fear, hurts, uncertainties, discord, diseases, problems, anxieties, and the sins that suffocate my soul, can be undone by Mother Mary. The depiction of Our Lady in the original German painting untying the knots in our lives is inspired by a work of Saint Irenaeus of Lyons, who said that "the knot of Eve's disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary. For what the virgin Eve bound fast through unbelief, this did the Virgin Mary set free through faith."
There is so much to learn from Mother Mary's fiat: "Ecce ancilla Domini. Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum." (Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to thy word.)
I believe that when she gave her "yes" to God, it involved both her free will, and her full knowledge of what is to come. I remember watching movies about Her living a consecrated life at an early age in the Temple. I am sure that while there, she learned about the prophecies concerning the Messiah; He would be born of a woman, a virgin. The prophets in the Old Testament, and even the Psalms, prophesied about the birth, the mission, even the passion and death of the Son of God. I am sure Mother Mary read, or was taught all that! When she declared her fiat then, it was a yes from Nazareth to Calvary.
We are all invited to reflect on, and imitate Mother Mary's perfect obedience, humility, and total abandonment to the will of God. Difficult when you think about it. But it is not a lost cause, because even Jesus reassuringly said, "The things that are impossible with people are possible with God." (Lk 18:27) I think no other created being attained such perfection like Mother Mary. but with God's grace, we too, can at least strive to imitate the virtues of our Sweetest Lady. Her words in Cana echoes even up to this day: "Do whatever He tells you."
To end, Pope Francis, in his Lenten message for 2015 reminded us that "Lent is a time of renewal for the whole Church, for each community and every believer. Above all it is a time of grace." Thus, when I am beset on all sides by frustrations and disappointments, and need a little push to persevere especially in my Faith journey, I look to the saints!
"Make your hearts firm", the Holy Father said.
My journey from Lent to Easter this year has been full of surprises, blessings, and even struggles. But I am grateful for the Communion of Saints who have prayed for me, and have inspired me to persevere.
Saint Bernadette Soubirous on Patient Endurance of Sufferings
In France, Saint Bernadette's feast is celebrated on February 18, which incidentally was Ash Wednesday this year. Being a few days after the feast of our Lady of Lourdes, I spent that first day of Lent rereading about our Lady's apparitions at the cave-grotto at Massabielle. My visits in Lourdes, France had been special and Faith-enriching, and I reflected on that. I also watched again the movie Song of Bernadette, and for several days after, pondered on Mother Mary's words to the young saint from that quaint town that lies in the foothills of the Pyrenees: "I promise you happiness not in this world, but in the other."
Saint Paul tells the Romans, "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)
Saint Catherine of Siena, T.O.S.D. and Divine Providence
Saint Caterina di Giacomo di Benincasa, born in black death-ravaged Siena on March 25, 1347, is one of the saints who helped me in my discernment to bravely take the path God wanted for me.
During Lent, I was tempted once again to be like Martha, who was always anxious to get things done. But with grace, I was able to make better use of the time to be like Mary of Bethany who chose to sit at the feet of Jesus, to listen to Him, to spend time with Him, and to allow Him to speak to me.
I have had my copy of Saint Catherine's Dialogue for a while, and thankfully have finally found time to read it. In the book, the Eternal Father talks to my beloved patroness, and emphasized the importance of growing in virtue, in praying continually, and in becoming obedient to God.
The Dialogue talked about the treatise on Divine Providence, which is the connection between love and suffering, with emphasis on God wanting only our love and the service we give to others. "He that grows in love grows in grief... Patience cannot be proved in any other way than by suffering, and patience is united with love." (Dialogue, pg.36) The book also taught about the soul's progress from vocal to mental prayer, and the necessity and rewards of humble obedience to God. "No virtue can have life in itself except through charity and humility." (pg.31) "Humility is the foster-mother and nurse of charity." (pg.44)
In one of the general audiences given by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, he talked about Saint Catherine of Siena, and said that like her, "every believer feels the need to be conformed with the sentiments of the heart of Christ to love God and his neighbor as Christ Himself loves. And we can all let our hearts be transformed and learn to love like Christ in a familiarity with Him that is nourished by prayer, by meditation on the word of God and by the sacraments, above all by receiving Holy Communion frequently and with devotion."
It definitely is still a very, very long way to holiness. I fail often in my discipline with prayer, fasting and mortification. I am a sinner that needs a major "overhaul". But Saint Catherine reminds me that everything is possible with God. I only have to be humble, and willing to follow God, so that He can work in me.
Saint Teresa of Jesus on Prayer
I attend recollections annually, but Lent this year has been grace-filled because I have been blessed to go on a four-day retreat after many years of not having had the opportunity. The added blessing was having our diocesan exorcist as our retreat master, of whom I have deep respect especially with the way he teaches Catholic doctrines and dogma simply yet profoundly.
Having read the said work of the first woman Doctor of the Church years ago but not fully grasping it, the learning sessions during the retreat gave me a deeper understanding and love for prayer, which according to the Discalced Carmelite mystic is an interior journey towards the heart (or inner mansion) where God dwells. The journey within the interior castle is a slow detachment from the things of the world that possess us, until we are attached to, and totally dependent on our One True Love who is God. The whole aim of prayer should be to work and prepare oneself with perseverance; doing all means to conform one's will with that of God's.
The greatest perfection lies in the conformity of one's will with the will of God. During this retreat, I was reminded that the perfect model for prayer is Jesus' prayer during His agony in the garden of Gethsemane: "Father, if You are willing. remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." (St. Luke 22:42)
Saint Dominic and Saint Francis on Communing with God
During the retreat, I enjoyed precious time communing with God in nature. Being greatly influenced by both the Dominicans and Franciscans (because of the Catholic schools I attended), I reflected on what I learned from Saint Francis of Assisi, and Saint Dominic de Guzman.
Saint Francis, of noble birth and privilege, forsook the wealth and power that the world could have given him, for the love of God. He knew suffering (he had debilitating maladies), yet embraced and endured them joyfully, and united them with the sufferings of Jesus. He renounced all his possessions, was detached from the world, and found true happiness in God alone. He teaches us that holiness is attained with suffering; and dependence on God is a matter of total abandonment and trust.
In Saint Dominic, I was reminded of the four pillars by which a Dominican must live: (1) To Study the Word of God which comes through Scriptures and Sacred Tradition, motivated primarily by love of God, and then of neighbor; and to instruct, and be of good use to the souls of others. (2) To have a Community, not literally living under one roof, but having the willingness to always go the extra mile for our neighbors, and to share one's life with them. (3) To have a Ministry (or apostolates): to preach not merely in words, but more by setting a good example, and "walking the talk". (4) Most important of all is Prayer, to "ponder all things in one's heart" like Mother Mary did, to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist (daily if possible) because it is the source of life-giving water that nourishes the soul, and thus live a balanced contemplative and active life. Saint Dominic instructed his brothers, "Arm yourself with prayer rather than a sword; wear humility rather than fine clothes."
Through the lives of Saints Dominic and Francis, I was reminded to embrace evangelical poverty ~ to be in the world but be not of the world. In all circumstances, wherever I am, I ought to lift my heart, mind and soul to God; to rejoice always, to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in everything. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Saint Peter, and the Grace to Be Forgiven
During our diocesan recollection with Rev. Herbie Santos as speaker, he pointed out four images of God based on the experiences of Saint Peter: (1) God initiates. (2) God makes a covenant. (3) God suffers with us. (4) God is faithful.
There is a scene in The Bible television miniseries that is memorable, and which I love so much. Jesus arrives at the Sea of Galilee, and sees Saint Peter who looked tired after being out at sea, yet was returning without a single catch. Jesus approaches, climbs the boat which was at the water's edge, and instructs Saint Peter to set out because they were going fishing. Saint Peter told Jesus he has been unable to catch anything. In reply, Jesus said, "Peter, just give me an hour, and I will give you a whole new life." As promised, they had a large catch which filled the boat almost to sinking. Saint Peter asked, "How did this happen? What did You do?" To which Jesus replied, "I am giving you the chance to change your life. Peter, come with me. Give up catching fish, and I will make you a fisher of men." Peter replied by asking, "What are we going to do?" Jesus simply said, "Change the world."
Jesus came to Simon Son of Jonah first; and he, being open and receptive to the Holy Spirit, was able to make a profession of faith that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. (Mt 16:16) The covenant Jesus made with him was that He called him Peter, the rock by which He will build His Church, and on which the gates of Hades will not prevail. Saint Peter was given the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever he binds on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever he looses on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Mt. 16:18-19) At the Last Supper, Jesus also instituted the Eucharist, the "cup which is poured out is the new covenant" in His blood. (Lk 22:20)
In Jesus, who experienced agony, rejection, abandonment of His friends, and who went through the mystery of His passion and death on the Cross, we have a God who is no stranger to suffering. He knows and understands what we are going through. He knows our pain, our joys, our struggles, even our temptations, because He has been there. That was why He still trusted Saint Peter, even after being denied by him three times. After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples again at the Sea of Galilee, filled their emptiness and satisfied their souls, which was shown through their abundant catch. Jesus then reinstated Saint Peter after asking the latter three times if he loved Him, and was told to feed and take care of His sheep.
In Saint Peter, I was reminded of my own "Christ-encounters", and my own experience of being asked by God if I love Him enough to obey and follow Him. His outpouring of His love and blessings to me and my loved ones are reminders not only of His goodness, but His mercy most of all. He always looks past my frailties and inadequacies, and He believes in me too much to allow me to do tasks for Him. I had taken the leap of Faith, and honestly, I still have fears which stem mostly from my sense of unworthiness, and feeling unequipped to accomplish anything for the Lord. I am not worthy that He should enter under my roof, but He remains merciful, faithful and loving. Jesus assures me that in Him I have peace; "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (Jn 16:33)
Saint Padre Pio on Hope, Saint Thomas the Apostle on Faith
The Saturday before Palm Sunday, I went on a pilgrimage to Carmel in Lipa, and had the wonderful blessing to celebrate the 5th birth centenary of Saint Teresa of Avila with my co-pilgrims. We visited the Parish of Our Lady, Mary Mediatrix of All Graces, and then celebrated the Holy Eucharist at the Parish and Shrine of Saint Padre Pio in Santo Tomas, Batangas.
After the Mass, I spent few moments alone to go around, went up the church belfry, while reminiscing (and feeling thankful) about my adventures and misadventures when I visited San Giovanni Rotondo alone a few years ago. That was on blessed-trip!
And then, there's Saint Thomas Didymus, whose disbelief reminds me of my own weaknesses. Every now and then, I find myself teetering at the brink of doubt and despair; feeling flummoxed, and too weak to persevere. After which I'd eventually feel so tormented with guilt that I'd run to Jesus to beg for mercy.
While in Santo Tomas, Batangas, I asked Padre Pio what he has to say to me. He told me, as he always does, to just pray, to not give up on hope. and to stop worrying because it is useless; God is merciful and He hears my prayers. And as if to reinforce the message, I saw a painting of Saint Pio with those reassuring, almost reprimandingly reminder. And what of Saint Thomas the Apostle? While praying for unshakable faith and trust in God, I chanced upon a sign that read, "Just Believe." In humility, I could only ask for pardon for my disbelief.
Saint Joseph and His Silence
I have a special devotion to Saint Joseph, thanks to the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception who instilled it on me. I have received answers to my prayers countless times because of his powerful intercession, together with the prayers of an equally powerful intercessor, his blessed and ever-virgin wife, Mother Mary.
At the Encounter with Families which was held during Pope Francis' apostolic visit to the Philippines last January, the pontiff shared that he has a sleeping image of Saint Joseph that helps him solve his personal problems. Lolo Kiko* said that Saint Joseph is a strong man of silence who gets things done. Sleeping, the foster father of Jesus looks after the Church, he said.
*("Lolo" is the Filipino word for grandfather. The Filipinos have been endearingly referring to Pope Francis as Lolo Kiko, "Kiko" being the Filipino nickname for Francis.)
In the image of Saint Joseph asleep, I realized the importance of physical rest which is necessary to renew our strength for another day of work. But even in his sleep, Saint Joseph's heart was disposed in total abandonment to Divine Providence; and he was always receptive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, which allowed for love to grow, and being strengthened in his faith in times of trials.
Saint Joseph is a model for all fathers, husbands and workers. But having little mention of him in the Bible, all we know is that he is a just man whose holiness shines through his silence.
In my dear patron saint, I am reminded to desire to decrease even more so that only God will increase. Although the Scriptures is silent about the details of what happened to him, I personally believe that Saint Joseph had a great deal of influence on Jesus. And I am sure that he does not mind that very little is said about him, after all, we ought to fix our eyes on his foster-Son. He would have preferred to keep the low profile, unnoticed, which is actually a death to self so that God alone is exalted. In today's world where the gauge of one's success is in achievements, titles, prestige, properties, and hefty bank accounts, I am asked to also die to myself, and choose to embrace the mission God has given me, without desire for attention, rewards or accolades. Like Saint Joseph, we are called to be "unnoticed saints of ordinary circumstances", so that God can accomplish wondrous and extraordinary things through us.
The path to sainthood sometimes brings with it a great deal of attention. But if we read the lives of saints, most of them lived an existence that involved a much lower profile. The life of grace lived was a death to self; a life which requires an immersion into the most ordinary of circumstances. It is precisely in experiencing what is apparently ordinary that God accomplishes the most extraordinary things.
While the world tells us to pursue prestigious titles in politics, in the corporate jungle, and even in our Church ministries, I look up to Saint Joseph and am called to follow after his example: to be immersed in the mission and be counted among the unnoticed saints of ordinary circumstances, and to share the fruits contemplation with everyone. Truly, the silence of Saint Joseph speaks louder than any words.
Mother Mary, Untier of Knots,
the Queen of All Saints, on Her Fiat
The Blessed Virgin Mary, as the Theotokos, is undoubtedly also the Queen of Heaven, and thus the Queen of All Saints. But most important of all for us, is that she is also our Mother.
There is so much to learn from Mother Mary's fiat: "Ecce ancilla Domini. Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum." (Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to thy word.)
I believe that when she gave her "yes" to God, it involved both her free will, and her full knowledge of what is to come. I remember watching movies about Her living a consecrated life at an early age in the Temple. I am sure that while there, she learned about the prophecies concerning the Messiah; He would be born of a woman, a virgin. The prophets in the Old Testament, and even the Psalms, prophesied about the birth, the mission, even the passion and death of the Son of God. I am sure Mother Mary read, or was taught all that! When she declared her fiat then, it was a yes from Nazareth to Calvary.
We are all invited to reflect on, and imitate Mother Mary's perfect obedience, humility, and total abandonment to the will of God. Difficult when you think about it. But it is not a lost cause, because even Jesus reassuringly said, "The things that are impossible with people are possible with God." (Lk 18:27) I think no other created being attained such perfection like Mother Mary. but with God's grace, we too, can at least strive to imitate the virtues of our Sweetest Lady. Her words in Cana echoes even up to this day: "Do whatever He tells you."
To end, Pope Francis, in his Lenten message for 2015 reminded us that "Lent is a time of renewal for the whole Church, for each community and every believer. Above all it is a time of grace." Thus, when I am beset on all sides by frustrations and disappointments, and need a little push to persevere especially in my Faith journey, I look to the saints!
"Make your hearts firm", the Holy Father said.
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