From
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord
by J. Nouet, S.J.
Seventeenth Week After Pentecost - Saturday
1st Point. "But be aware of men. For they will deliver you up in councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues." (Matt., x. 17) The Son of God prepares his disciples for the trials that await them. The labours of a missioner are so liable to be opposed by men, that unless armed with untiring patience, he can never effect permanent good. "Even unto this hour we both hunger and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no fixed abode. And we labour, working with our own hands: we are reviled, and we bless; we are persecuted, and we suffer it. We are blasphemed, and we entreat; we are made as the refuse of this world, the off-scouring of all even until now." (1 Cor.,iv. 11-13.) All this you must expect if you would labour profitably in the service of Jesus Christ.
2nd Point. "But when they shall deliver you up, take no thought how or what to speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what to speak. For it is not you that speak, but the spirit of your Father that speaketh in you." (Matt., x, 19, 20.) Learn form this instruction of the Saviour, when treating on the duties of your ministry when persons of the world, neither to yield to anxiety, nor confide in your own judgment, because it is on the Spirit of God you should depend for necessary light. The Spirit of God alone can know that which is of God. It is said in the gospel to those who speak by the Spirit of God: It is not you that speak; and it may be said to all that love and practice virtue: It is not you, it is the Spirit of your heavenly Father, that loves and practises it in your person.
3rd Point. "And when they shall persecute you in this city, flee into another. Amen, I say to you, you shall not finish all the cities of Israel, till the Son of Man come" (Matt., x. 23) to judge the world and crown your labour. Death puts and end to suffering, whereas he that flies protracts his trials. The greatest saints have been fugitives. Jesus Christ himself, who came to save mankind by the death of the cross, was pleased to fly from the tyranny of Herod. When he sends Apostles to convert the world, he admonishes them to shun death, that they may preserve their lives for announcing the gospel, to which they are to draw all nations, before he will come to judge the world.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
On Jesus instructing his Apostles in Meekness, Prudence, and Simplicity
From
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord
by J. Nouet, S.J.
Seventeenth Week After Pentecost - Friday
1st Point. "Behold, I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves." (Matt., x. 16.) The good shepherd sends his sheep amongst wolves, but he has promised: "They shall not perish forever, and no man shall pluck them out of my hand." (John, x. 28.) Sheep of the fold of Christ, fear nothing! you have received your commission from him whose Omnipotence has created, whose Wisdom governs, and whose Goodness preserves the universe. Does the meekness of the lamb mark your conduct? Do you shun the world as the lamb flies the wolf? Do you love your Pastor, listen to his voice, and endevour to walk in his footsteps? If you resemble the lamb you may draw souls to Jesus Christ; but if you indulge, through the illusion of a mistaken zeal, in natural harshness or impetuousity, you may certainly be defeated.
2nd Point. "Be ye therefore wise as serpents." (Matt., x. 16) The serpent is remarkable for caution. You should not forget what you owe yourself, in labouring for the salvation of others. Lead souls to heaven so that you may be the first to enter thereby. The serpent periodically renews its skin. You should be renewed in spirit by continual mortification. The serpent supplies by subtlety its want of strength, and is quickly-sighted in discovering danger. You should distrust your own strength, and avail yourself of those lights which God imparts, to discover and remedy your spiritual evils. The serpent exposes his body for the preservation of his head. Preserve a union with Jesus Christ, who is your mystic head: separated from him you can perform no action worthy of eternal life.
3rd Point. "Be therefore wise as serpents, and simple as doves." (Matt., x. 16) Prudence guards you against the snares of the wily; simplicity prevents you deceiving others. Prudence teaches you silence; simplicity renders you sincere in expression. Prudence makes you discreet in action; simplicity directs the attention purely to God. These virtues are essential to apostolic labourers. Are you void of bitterness, anger, or vindictiveness; knowing neither artifice nor malice, but amiable to all? There are qualities that form a missionary according to the spirit and example of Jesus Christ, and constitute the sweet odour by which you are to attract many to his service.
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord
by J. Nouet, S.J.
Seventeenth Week After Pentecost - Friday
1st Point. "Behold, I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves." (Matt., x. 16.) The good shepherd sends his sheep amongst wolves, but he has promised: "They shall not perish forever, and no man shall pluck them out of my hand." (John, x. 28.) Sheep of the fold of Christ, fear nothing! you have received your commission from him whose Omnipotence has created, whose Wisdom governs, and whose Goodness preserves the universe. Does the meekness of the lamb mark your conduct? Do you shun the world as the lamb flies the wolf? Do you love your Pastor, listen to his voice, and endevour to walk in his footsteps? If you resemble the lamb you may draw souls to Jesus Christ; but if you indulge, through the illusion of a mistaken zeal, in natural harshness or impetuousity, you may certainly be defeated.
2nd Point. "Be ye therefore wise as serpents." (Matt., x. 16) The serpent is remarkable for caution. You should not forget what you owe yourself, in labouring for the salvation of others. Lead souls to heaven so that you may be the first to enter thereby. The serpent periodically renews its skin. You should be renewed in spirit by continual mortification. The serpent supplies by subtlety its want of strength, and is quickly-sighted in discovering danger. You should distrust your own strength, and avail yourself of those lights which God imparts, to discover and remedy your spiritual evils. The serpent exposes his body for the preservation of his head. Preserve a union with Jesus Christ, who is your mystic head: separated from him you can perform no action worthy of eternal life.
3rd Point. "Be therefore wise as serpents, and simple as doves." (Matt., x. 16) Prudence guards you against the snares of the wily; simplicity prevents you deceiving others. Prudence teaches you silence; simplicity renders you sincere in expression. Prudence makes you discreet in action; simplicity directs the attention purely to God. These virtues are essential to apostolic labourers. Are you void of bitterness, anger, or vindictiveness; knowing neither artifice nor malice, but amiable to all? There are qualities that form a missionary according to the spirit and example of Jesus Christ, and constitute the sweet odour by which you are to attract many to his service.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
On Jesus Recommending to his Apostles a social and peaceable Spirit
From
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord
by J. Nouet, S.J.
Seventeenth Week After Pentecost - Thursday
1st Point. "And into whatsoever city, or town you shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and there abide till you go thence." (Matt., x. 11.) You must lead your neighbour to God by edifying conversation and the example of a holy life. Missioners should have no attachment to the goods of the earth, nor a preference to any particular place of residence. They are not to consider whether those they meet are rich, noble, or liberal; but rather what are their spiritual necessities. "He that receiveth you," says Jesus Christ, "receiveth me; and that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me." (Matt., x. 40.) The Son of God cherishes his disciples with such affection, that he recompenses those who assist them, as if their charity were exercised towards himself. How consoling to those who, though precluded from any apostolic functions, may yet participate in their merits , by co-operating with those who are called to this glorious work!
2nd Point. The children of God should be, like their divine Master, the harbingers of peace wherever they enter. Therefore, he forbids them to carry in their journeys either gold, the cause of discord, or a staff, the instrument of vengeance. "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, of them that bring glad tidings of good things." (Rom., x. 15.) Weary not in labouring for the peace and salvation of your brethren. Your recompense depends not on the fruit, but on the purity of intention and ardour with which you seek the greater glory of God.
3rd Point. "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, go forth from thence, shake off the dust from your feet for a testimony to them." (Mark, vi. 11.) This to testify to those who reject them, that they offer not their services through interested motives — and as a declaration to obdurate sinners.
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord
by J. Nouet, S.J.
Seventeenth Week After Pentecost - Thursday
1st Point. "And into whatsoever city, or town you shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and there abide till you go thence." (Matt., x. 11.) You must lead your neighbour to God by edifying conversation and the example of a holy life. Missioners should have no attachment to the goods of the earth, nor a preference to any particular place of residence. They are not to consider whether those they meet are rich, noble, or liberal; but rather what are their spiritual necessities. "He that receiveth you," says Jesus Christ, "receiveth me; and that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me." (Matt., x. 40.) The Son of God cherishes his disciples with such affection, that he recompenses those who assist them, as if their charity were exercised towards himself. How consoling to those who, though precluded from any apostolic functions, may yet participate in their merits , by co-operating with those who are called to this glorious work!
2nd Point. The children of God should be, like their divine Master, the harbingers of peace wherever they enter. Therefore, he forbids them to carry in their journeys either gold, the cause of discord, or a staff, the instrument of vengeance. "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, of them that bring glad tidings of good things." (Rom., x. 15.) Weary not in labouring for the peace and salvation of your brethren. Your recompense depends not on the fruit, but on the purity of intention and ardour with which you seek the greater glory of God.
3rd Point. "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, go forth from thence, shake off the dust from your feet for a testimony to them." (Mark, vi. 11.) This to testify to those who reject them, that they offer not their services through interested motives — and as a declaration to obdurate sinners.
On taking back the land
History tells us that, in the early struggles against paganism, one of the ways in which spiritual warfare was conducted was the destruction of sacred groves. Following the example of St. Martin of Tours, the Celtic saints in particular, would destroy the sites of pagan worship.
Now, we know from St. Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians that pagan worship is the worship of demons. And, as he reminds them elsewhere, "For, although we are in the flesh, we do not battle according to the flesh, for the weapons of our battle are not of flesh but are enormously powerful, capable of destroying fortresses."
Now, how does that apply to us, as Lay Dominicans - or lay persons in general? These saints who did this were PRIESTS, after all!
Well, we are priests. But of a different order, the royal priesthood.
In Exodus 19:6, The Lord tells Israel, "You will be for me a kingdom of priests".
In his First Epistle, St. Peter tells us that we are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood".
And in the Apocalypse, we read that we are "a kingdom, priests for his God and Father".
We do have authority as priests, but only insofar as it is flows from the Ministerial priesthood.
As such, we may use sacramentals, not to physically destroy the demonic places - such a thing would certainly not be acceptable in our culture - but to take back those places from the demons.
We are authorized to use Holy Water and Blessed Salt to sanctify those places, to take them back from the demons.
A simple example.
A few years back, a man noticed a "gay" bar in his city. Resolving to take arms against the demons that dwelt there, he drove around the block on two separate occasions, informing the demons that the land was not their to occupy, that it belonged to the Lord, and that they must leave that land.
The bar went out of business.
What if we did the same, repeatedly, circling the abortion mills in our towns? What if we took back the government buildings? The schools?
We have the authority.
Let us go forth and take back the land that the glory of the Lord might shine forth.
Now, we know from St. Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians that pagan worship is the worship of demons. And, as he reminds them elsewhere, "For, although we are in the flesh, we do not battle according to the flesh, for the weapons of our battle are not of flesh but are enormously powerful, capable of destroying fortresses."
Now, how does that apply to us, as Lay Dominicans - or lay persons in general? These saints who did this were PRIESTS, after all!
Well, we are priests. But of a different order, the royal priesthood.
In Exodus 19:6, The Lord tells Israel, "You will be for me a kingdom of priests".
In his First Epistle, St. Peter tells us that we are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood".
And in the Apocalypse, we read that we are "a kingdom, priests for his God and Father".
We do have authority as priests, but only insofar as it is flows from the Ministerial priesthood.
As such, we may use sacramentals, not to physically destroy the demonic places - such a thing would certainly not be acceptable in our culture - but to take back those places from the demons.
We are authorized to use Holy Water and Blessed Salt to sanctify those places, to take them back from the demons.
A simple example.
A few years back, a man noticed a "gay" bar in his city. Resolving to take arms against the demons that dwelt there, he drove around the block on two separate occasions, informing the demons that the land was not their to occupy, that it belonged to the Lord, and that they must leave that land.
The bar went out of business.
What if we did the same, repeatedly, circling the abortion mills in our towns? What if we took back the government buildings? The schools?
We have the authority.
Let us go forth and take back the land that the glory of the Lord might shine forth.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
On Jesus instructing his Apostles in Humility and Poverty
From
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord
by J. Nouet, S.J.
Seventeenth Week After Pentecost - Wednesday
1st Point. "Freely have you received, freely give." (Matt., x. 8.) The Son of God admonishes his Apostles that the power of miracles, a free gift, should not inspire them with vanity. God chooses the humble as his instruments in this great work, because they refer all the honour to its true source. The conversion of souls is a divine operation, in which man acts only through the influence of God. The more perfect his humility, the more fully is he filled with this spirit. The conversion of souls is dependent on their free will, which can only be gained by a love which humility effects. Without it he will be dazzled by human applause, or if his opinions are contradicted, he will fall into great disorders. Annihilate the desire of honour and esteem, saying with your divine Master: "I seek not my own glory." (John, viii. 50.)
2nd Point. "Do not possess gold nor silver, nor money in your purses." (Matt., x. 9) Poverty and detachment are essential for those called to apostolic life. A spirit of poverty is necessary for their own sanctification, because it is the foundation of the spiritual life. It is a virtue which Jesus Christ practiced, and placed it at the head of his beatitudes. It is equally necessary for the salvation of others, in order to convince them by a generous contempt for earthly goods, that these are truly despicable, and that God alone is the Sovereign Good. "I will draw all things to myself." (John, xii. 32.)
3rd Point. "Freely have you received, freely give." How wide should be the charity of those called to the vocation of the apostles? He that loves wisdom desires that all adore, love, and possess with him the only Sovereign Good. He labours to enkindle in all hearts the first of divine love. Display as indefatigable a zeal in drawing all to God, as sinners are ardent and ingenious in their efforts to involve others in their own ruin. "Preach the word: be instant, in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine."
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord
by J. Nouet, S.J.
Seventeenth Week After Pentecost - Wednesday
1st Point. "Freely have you received, freely give." (Matt., x. 8.) The Son of God admonishes his Apostles that the power of miracles, a free gift, should not inspire them with vanity. God chooses the humble as his instruments in this great work, because they refer all the honour to its true source. The conversion of souls is a divine operation, in which man acts only through the influence of God. The more perfect his humility, the more fully is he filled with this spirit. The conversion of souls is dependent on their free will, which can only be gained by a love which humility effects. Without it he will be dazzled by human applause, or if his opinions are contradicted, he will fall into great disorders. Annihilate the desire of honour and esteem, saying with your divine Master: "I seek not my own glory." (John, viii. 50.)
2nd Point. "Do not possess gold nor silver, nor money in your purses." (Matt., x. 9) Poverty and detachment are essential for those called to apostolic life. A spirit of poverty is necessary for their own sanctification, because it is the foundation of the spiritual life. It is a virtue which Jesus Christ practiced, and placed it at the head of his beatitudes. It is equally necessary for the salvation of others, in order to convince them by a generous contempt for earthly goods, that these are truly despicable, and that God alone is the Sovereign Good. "I will draw all things to myself." (John, xii. 32.)
3rd Point. "Freely have you received, freely give." How wide should be the charity of those called to the vocation of the apostles? He that loves wisdom desires that all adore, love, and possess with him the only Sovereign Good. He labours to enkindle in all hearts the first of divine love. Display as indefatigable a zeal in drawing all to God, as sinners are ardent and ingenious in their efforts to involve others in their own ruin. "Preach the word: be instant, in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine."
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
On Jesus instructing his Apostles before their Mission
From
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord
by J. Nouet, S.J.
Seventeenth Week After Pentecost - Tuesday
1st Point. "Go ye not into the way of the Gentiles, and into the city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go ye rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matt., x. 5, 6.) The Apostles had not yet received the plenitude of the Divine Spirit. Jesus therefore proportions their labour to their strength, and sends them, that they may learn to use the weapons of the heavenly warfare before attacking the universal world. He announces the gospel first to all to whom God had given the Law, and promised the Messiah; but, when they despised this inestimable favour, he afterwards transferred it to the Gentiles. Learn to fear the judgments of God, lest he choose another in your place.
2nd Point. "And going preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matt., x. 7.) "And going forth they preached that men should do penance." (Mark, vi. 12.) This Divine Master had inspired St. John the Baptist to choose the same for the instruction of the people, and finally adopted it himself. For the kingdom of God consists in the reign of his love in our hearts, by which he renders us partakers in his beatitude. Blush to behold the slaves of the world more ardent in the pursuit of their everlasting ruin than thou in seeking the kingdom of God.
3rd Point. The Son of God enforces the exercise of heroic virtue as an indispensable qualification for the sacred ministry. This alone unites men to God, without whose aid all their labours are fruitless; further, a holy life makes the deepest impression on the minds of those with whom they treat. Sanctity is truly a miracle, changing what is earthly and human into that which is heavenly and divine. This is the only miracle that God imperatively demands. Crucify your passions, and let the love of Jesus Christ live in your hearts if you would draw souls into his service. Do you say you are not called to so important a ministry? All can and ought to take part in it.
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord
by J. Nouet, S.J.
Seventeenth Week After Pentecost - Tuesday
1st Point. "Go ye not into the way of the Gentiles, and into the city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go ye rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matt., x. 5, 6.) The Apostles had not yet received the plenitude of the Divine Spirit. Jesus therefore proportions their labour to their strength, and sends them, that they may learn to use the weapons of the heavenly warfare before attacking the universal world. He announces the gospel first to all to whom God had given the Law, and promised the Messiah; but, when they despised this inestimable favour, he afterwards transferred it to the Gentiles. Learn to fear the judgments of God, lest he choose another in your place.
2nd Point. "And going preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matt., x. 7.) "And going forth they preached that men should do penance." (Mark, vi. 12.) This Divine Master had inspired St. John the Baptist to choose the same for the instruction of the people, and finally adopted it himself. For the kingdom of God consists in the reign of his love in our hearts, by which he renders us partakers in his beatitude. Blush to behold the slaves of the world more ardent in the pursuit of their everlasting ruin than thou in seeking the kingdom of God.
3rd Point. The Son of God enforces the exercise of heroic virtue as an indispensable qualification for the sacred ministry. This alone unites men to God, without whose aid all their labours are fruitless; further, a holy life makes the deepest impression on the minds of those with whom they treat. Sanctity is truly a miracle, changing what is earthly and human into that which is heavenly and divine. This is the only miracle that God imperatively demands. Crucify your passions, and let the love of Jesus Christ live in your hearts if you would draw souls into his service. Do you say you are not called to so important a ministry? All can and ought to take part in it.
Monday, September 24, 2012
On Jesus sending his Apostles to announce the Gospel
From
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord
by J. Nouet, S.J.
Seventeenth Week After Pentecost - Monday
1st Point. "And Jesus went about all the cities and towns, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity. And seeing the multitudes, he had compassion on them: because they were distressed, and lying like sheep that have no shepherd. Then he saith to his disciples: the harvest is indeed great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth labourers into his harvest." (Matt., ix. 35, et seq) "And he called the twelve; and began to send them two and two." (Mark vi. 7) Admire the tender compassion and ardent zeal with which the heart of Jesus burns to console and save mankind. This charitable shepherd beholding his flock dispersed by discord, and errors, descended from heaven to gather these strayed sheep, and lead them back to the fold. His intense desire to save unbelievers allows him no repose. When you are attacked by temptation, cast yourself into the arms of this good shepherd: he will not reject you.
2nd Point. The Son of God animated the hearts of his disciples with zeal for the salvation of souls. Dispose yourself by prayer to labour usefully, and to draw down these graces necessary for success. To God it belongs to send labourers. Nevertheless he requires that you pray, in order to teach you the power and efficacy of prayer. He awaited the prayer of St. Stephen to give St. Paul to the church. St. Augustine was converted through the prayers and tears of St. Monica. Doubt not that he awaits your prayers also in order to bless your labours. The workmen he requires are those of whom the Psalmist speaks: "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." ( Ps., cxxv. 5)
3rd Point. "He called the twelve:" A particular vocation and extraordinary grace are necessary to undertake a work that is all divine. "And began to send them two and two, " exercising them in mutual charity and humility; and also that each might have a guardian of his conduct. "He gave them power over unclean spirits, and cast them out, and to heal all manner of diseases, and all manner of infirmities." (Matt. x.1) The rebel angels would exalt themselves even to the throne of divinity; God casts them down beneath the feet of twelve poor fishermen, who receive power over them. Jesus Christ confers on his Apostles the power of healing not only corporal but spiritual maladies. He encourages them saying, "Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid." (John, xiv. 27.) Have confidence in me.
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord
by J. Nouet, S.J.
Seventeenth Week After Pentecost - Monday
1st Point. "And Jesus went about all the cities and towns, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity. And seeing the multitudes, he had compassion on them: because they were distressed, and lying like sheep that have no shepherd. Then he saith to his disciples: the harvest is indeed great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth labourers into his harvest." (Matt., ix. 35, et seq) "And he called the twelve; and began to send them two and two." (Mark vi. 7) Admire the tender compassion and ardent zeal with which the heart of Jesus burns to console and save mankind. This charitable shepherd beholding his flock dispersed by discord, and errors, descended from heaven to gather these strayed sheep, and lead them back to the fold. His intense desire to save unbelievers allows him no repose. When you are attacked by temptation, cast yourself into the arms of this good shepherd: he will not reject you.
2nd Point. The Son of God animated the hearts of his disciples with zeal for the salvation of souls. Dispose yourself by prayer to labour usefully, and to draw down these graces necessary for success. To God it belongs to send labourers. Nevertheless he requires that you pray, in order to teach you the power and efficacy of prayer. He awaited the prayer of St. Stephen to give St. Paul to the church. St. Augustine was converted through the prayers and tears of St. Monica. Doubt not that he awaits your prayers also in order to bless your labours. The workmen he requires are those of whom the Psalmist speaks: "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." ( Ps., cxxv. 5)
3rd Point. "He called the twelve:" A particular vocation and extraordinary grace are necessary to undertake a work that is all divine. "And began to send them two and two, " exercising them in mutual charity and humility; and also that each might have a guardian of his conduct. "He gave them power over unclean spirits, and cast them out, and to heal all manner of diseases, and all manner of infirmities." (Matt. x.1) The rebel angels would exalt themselves even to the throne of divinity; God casts them down beneath the feet of twelve poor fishermen, who receive power over them. Jesus Christ confers on his Apostles the power of healing not only corporal but spiritual maladies. He encourages them saying, "Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid." (John, xiv. 27.) Have confidence in me.
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