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Our Blessed Lady's whole desire is to give glory to her Father, just as Jesus Christ her Son has always done. She invites us to do the same, though she is saddened to see how little respect is paid to Christ their Divine Saviour, Really Present in the Mass, and in the tabernacle.
Most people think a Queen is acting rightly when she ensures that her mother - the 'Queen Mother' - is honoured both on private and state celebrations. It is strange that some fail to understand that Jesus Christ, King of Heaven, honours His holy Mother and invites us too to show her our gratitude and love.
A good preparation for Mass consists of prayer, with reflection on the Company of Heaven with whom we pray, and on the Eternal Father, Source of all Love, wisdom and life, to Whom we shall offer Christ's sacrificial praise, in the Holy Eucharist.
Christ said that by offering up our sufferings in union with Him, in intercession for others, we can (by His grace) save people from committing mortal sin, or save sinners who are dying from falling unrepentant into Hell.
Just as a dying sinner can (by God's grace) be saved from Hell by the visit of a charitable person, such as a nurse, for example, who pauses to pray with him, so sinners can be held back from committing mortal sin if we pause to 'offer up' our sufferings in intercession.
Christ said that by offering up our sufferings in union with Him, in intercession for others, we can (by His grace) save people from committing mortal sin, or save sinners who are dying from falling unrepentant into Hell.
Many priests fail to mention the Cross. Jesus died on it, because of our sins. Few warnings are given from the pulpit, by many priests, about the serious sin by which people condemn themselves to Hell if they do not repent before they die. Many are lost because they have failed to repent of their adulteries, suicides, abortions, and lack of faith in God.
Christ was standing in the sanctuary; but He said that He was gazing around the whole Catholic Church on earth, saying: 'Here I am, your Divine Saviour, Really Present amongst you. But where are the Processions? Where are the banners? Where are the beautiful monstrances to honour me and to show out My Presence in the Blessed Sacrament? Years have gone past, with little Adoration or Benediction.
As we hope to end our lives with Jesus forever, the Christian journey is like a walk across the Sea of Galilee on a path of stepping-stones: quite safe as long as no-one trips. A person determined to reach the other side would be wise to have someone near her to 'put out a hand' if she should trip and be in danger of falling.
To speak to Christ is also to speak to the Father and to the Holy Spirit, since the Three Divine Persons are One God, undivided. Each receives honour by our devout prayer and attention, whether we have turned in prayer to the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit.
Some people have travelled far, to spread the Gospel; yet we do not have to do magnificent things in order to please Christ. A simple act of love, for example - keeping someone company at a meal, or on a journey, can be as great, in Christ's sight, as the work of spreading the Gospel throughout the land, and can bring about as much good, in souls.
Many Bishops are unwilling to speak about sin and repentance, thinking it uncharitable to tell people they ought to change if they wish to please God. The Apostles, however, thought it highly charitable to warn others about where sinful behaviour would lead them. They spoke of Hell as well as Heaven.
We should be obedient to Christ, Who teaches through His Church. A lone soldier working on a special mission in a dangerous country can be more likely to stay out of danger if he obeys the precise instructions given by his commander, who can see the whole area. We too should obey our Commander's instructions even when we do not understand the need for certain moves. He wants to save us.
Our Lady and St. Elizabeth practiced it; but the virtue of obedience is not much valued today. Christ offered His own example of obedience and love, to guide us; but He sees many Catholics refusing to obey the teachings of the Church; and He sees many Clergy and religious looking upon the practice of obedience as something demeaning, not liberating.
The new road being made represents the road never-before trodden by the couple who have now become a married couple joined by God. Yet their road joins up with a great highway which leads to Heaven, and represents God the Father's plan for the human race. It is His will that families move forwards together, each man and woman with their children, living close to other families who also live in peace and goodness, remaining aware of their Heavenly destination.
As I praised the Father for the Mother of Christ, who acted to help a couple on their wedding day, I saw Christ reach out and lead His Mother down a little so that she could accept the honour I paid her, and hear my prayers - so great is His delight at seeing His Mother treated with honour and gratitude.
A person who decides, for love of Christ, to seek out the most lonely or weary people at a celebration, or those who have travelled far, is 'like a Jesus' for others, giving companionship and joy - and in doing so pleasing our Saviour.
It is a serious matter to miss Mass carelessly or deliberately, and so to miss being present at the re-presentation of Christ's Sacrifice of Calvary. We could not be there, at Calvary; but we show how little love we have for Christ, and how little concern about our sin and weaknesses, if we cannot be bothered to attend Mass, as Christ prays there for us to be forgiven our wrong-doing.
It is a tragedy, in Christ's sight, that many Catholics are told that the Mass is simply a meal - with no mention of the Sacrifice He offered on Calvary, which is made present in our sanctuary. At Mass, we can be with Christ as He prays for us to be forgiven, just as He prayed on Calvary. It is shameful for Catholics not to bother to attend Sunday Mass.
There are some acts which are intrinsically wrong. Even if people act from ignorance, and are less blameworthy in God's sight, He does not want anyone (especially priests) to encourage people in such acts, but to invite them to abandon such behaviour, to pursue holiness. It is never right to use contraceptives, to attempt a re-marriage which is adulterous, or to have a forbidden sexual relationship such as incest.
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