THE ROSARY WILL BRING US TO HEAVEN - 05/12/22 (Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima)

John 14:1-3,6

1 "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. 

6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by Me.

For the full readings, click here: 

https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/daily-readings

Blessed Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima! Today, we remember the holiest saint, the Blessed Virgin Mary with the title of "Our Lady of Fatima." This is the day when Our Lady first appeared to three children in Fatima in the midst of a war. During this time, secularism and atheism were on the rise. Many religious people were persecuted for their faith, and as our Mother Mary told the children, many people were going to hell because no one prayed for them. She revealed to the children truths about heaven, hell, modesty, different sins of mankind, and other things with a constant message of repentance, conversion of hearts, sacrifices and prayers. All of these have the same goal of leading us to God. The truth, even as advocated by numerous saints in the history of the Church, is that the rosary will bring us to heaven. In our gospel reading, Jesus tells us that our hearts should not be troubled. There are at least three instances when we are troubled which may be obstacles in our journey to heaven.

First, our hearts may be troubled when we see how difficult it is to follow God's will. There are events in our lives when we feel that the temptations to commit sins, even grave sins, are so strong as if we have no control over it. Even if we do not desire to offend God, it's as if we do not have the strength to do what is right. And yet, these opportunities should make us more humble by depending on the strength of God through the intercession of our Mother in heaven. Let us run with confidence to our Mother Mary and pray the rosary. No one can come to the Father except through the Son. And, no one can come yo Son except through our Mother Mary. As we pray the rosary, may we beg for graces from God to avoid committing sins, to reject the temptations and persevere in virtues we mostly need in our life. Jesus is bigger than the temptations we face, and He will certainly hear the request of His Mother. 

Second, we may be troubled when we recognize that there are many people, including our loved ones, who continue to live a sinful lifestyle. As followers of Christ, we are aware of the danger to our souls of committing grave sins and yet, others seem to not see the reality of heaven and hell. Whether they claim to believe in the Christian faith or not, it seems there is no hope for some of them. Even the disciples of Christ were aware of some of His followers who did not continue with Jesus because of the difficulty of His teachings for people with hearts that were hardened by sins. By praying the rosary, we can express our hope in the mercy of our Lord because we do not just pray for ourselves. Rather, we pray for all "sinners, now and at the hour of our death." It's possible that even if there is not sign of change for now, they may repent at the moment of their death because of offering our rosary for them. This is the reason why at the end of the decade in the rosary, we pray for us to be saved from fires of hell and be led to heaven.

Lastly, the sufferings and sacrifices we have to make and endure in this life may cause us to be troubled. The disciples were troubled when our Lord was speaking about His coming passion and death. But, our Lord reassured them of the rewards that awaited them. It is the reward of the fulfilment of their desires in heaven, our eternal happiness. The way of suffering is the way to heaven that Jesus shows to us. Even in our daily lives, we may experience sufferings  such as being tired with our work, studies, and personal problems. Also, we can encounter instances when we are shouted at or mocked by others. Even if it's difficult, this is an opportunity to bear the crosses of our lives. When we pray the rosary during these times, not just with attention but also with perseverance, we have an assurance and confidence of entering the house of our Father in heaven. 

Amen +

 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic