The Holy Spirit chooses to do his greatest works and reveal his glory in still and quiet moments. While reflecting on the Apostles’ Creed, Fr. Mark-Mary uncovers the Incarnation as one of these silent movements of the Spirit: a pivotal event in salvation history that unfolded in the humble, quiet town of Nazareth. As we meditate on the prayers of the Rosary, this episode draws our attention to the quiet moments in which the Holy Spirit works in our lives. Today’s focus is “Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.
Were you there when he laid the foundation of the Earth? Fr. Mark-Mary brings us this pertinent question from the book of Job as we reflect on the Apostles Creed that we pray every Rosary. He explains that this question, far from being accusatory, is a promise of care from the Lord, a promise that we can trust in God to be God. Today’s focus is “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, ” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.
Remember the “E” word I’ve been talking about for the past two weeks? Epiphany. What does “epiphany” mean? Manifestation. Well, we have another epiphany. This particular manifestation was of Jesus’ power and love. He performed the first of His miracles by changing 150 gallons of water into wine. That’s pretty impressive. Did Jesus have to do this? No, but He did it because He loved His mother, and she asked Him to do it. It is interesting to read the part of Scripture about Jesus’ response to His mother’s request, “Woman, how does your concern affect Me?” Now, according to Bishop Sheen, a more accurate translation from the original Greek is, “Woman, who are thee to Me?” Really? That sounds rather rude. Try saying that to your mother or wife and see how it works out for you. You just might end up in intensive care. But this was the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and His first miracle. It was also the beginning of Mary’s secondary role – not only was she the Mother of Jesus, but she was also to become the Mother of all mankind. She came to this realization at the foot of the Cross in Calvary. The Blessed Mother is a powerful intercessor with her Son. People ask me, “Father, pray for me.” I’d be happy to; it’s my job, and I appreciate the faith you have in me to ask. However, who do you think would get a better hearing? Me? I mean, I’m pretty wonderful, but you know . . . the Blessed Mother might have me beat. Besides, who can refuse their mother anything?
Jesus told the waiters to fill the stone jars with water. Now, did they have a water hose? No. They hauled buckets from the well. The water they drew from the well resulted in 150 gallons of the best wine. That sounds like my family reunions . . . I have a thirsty family. Filling the jars and then lifting them out of the well would have taken a lot of upper-body strength. It also took a fair amount of time. But they did as they were told.
What is the primary way to holiness? Obedience. When Jesus told the waiters to fill the jars with water, can you imagine what was going on in the back of their minds? “Are you kidding me? What is this idiot thinking?” After filling the jars with water, they were told to take them to the head waiter. Even though they didn’t understand why they were taking the water to the head waiter, they did as they were told. What happened after that? A wonderful thing happened . . . the water was changed into wine – in fact, it was the best wine, above and beyond anyone’s expectations. Normally, you wait until people are smashed and then give them the lesser wine. But this was the best wine, and it was saved for last. That’s the fruit of obedience. After the water was turned into wine, it was then the waiters understood, and they saw the result of their obedience. They obeyed even though they didn’t understand. This is what our Lord asks of us; to keep His Commandments and to do what He asks us to do. You may be thinking, “Oh, that’s so old-fashioned.” Look at the results before you criticize. Besides, it’s in Scripture. If we do what our Lord asks us to do, we will receive unbelievable rewards. What kinds of unbelievable rewards? Himself. All the other stuff is a mere representation of His love for us, just as the gifts we give each other are reflections of what is in our hearts.
I’ve been around a long time and have gone to a lot of conferences, probably not as many as I should have because they drive me nuts, and most of them are worthless. I’d rather be on an escape and evasion course because I know there’s an end to it. “Oh! You must buy this book; it’s great! You can increase the spirituality of your parish.” So, I bought the book, and it’s a real fire starter. In the book, this one priest was having a tough day, so he put on his prayer shawl and lit his prayer candle. Hey Father, you’re breaking my heart. Why don’t you get your ”beep” to the church and pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament? I do believe you have a key. Go pray in the presence of our Lord. I find nothing in Scripture about prayer candles. It’s a bunch of dribble. So, save yourself some money on silly books.
It may take a while but God always rewards obedience to His Word. The best spiritual advice given is the last words spoken by the Blessed Mother: “Do whatever He tells you.” Do what mom says.
Father’s Reflections . . . When I was in Wilmington last week, I saw a lady I know who does jewelry work to benefit a battered women’s shelter. This lady asked me, “Hey, Father, would you like a praying hands pen?” I said, “Thank you very much, but no. I already have two praying hands, and they are attached.”
How will you apply this message to your life? _________________________________________
You can read all of Father Fitzgibbons’ sermons by going to AnnunciationCatholicAlbemarle.com, clicking on “Blog” then “Categories” and then “Sermon Notes.” On a cell phone: click on “Blog” and then “Menu.” Scroll to the bottom and click on “Categories.” Sermon Notes are also available on the Church’s Facebook page at OLA.Catholic.Church. Click on “Groups” and then “Sermon Notes.
The Fatima Prayer, said at the end of each decade of the Rosary, was given to us in the Marian apparition at Fatima. Fr. Mark-Mary draws from Romans 8:28, balancing between gravitas and hope, explaining how we can reflect on both of these concepts as we pray the Rosary. Today’s focus is “Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy, ” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.
When we call upon Mary, what does she say to us? As we pray the Rosary and ask Mary to show Jesus unto us, we hear her response through the story of the Wedding Feast at Cana in the Gospel of John. If you feel like you’re at the wedding and out of wine, Fr. Mark-Mary says, turn to Mary in the Rosary, and she will advocate for you to Jesus. Today’s focus is “Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us,” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, one Glory Be, and the Hail Holy Queen.
You are enough for God. Fr. Mark-Mary contemplates Mary’s Magnificat, reminding us that Mary and Jesus look upon us with eyes of mercy, rejoicing in our offerings of love to them, no matter how small we think they are. As we slowly build up our Rosary, prayer by prayer, these sincere acts of love are pleasing offerings to God. Today’s focus is “Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us,” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.
