Weapon Against Evil – JOHN 14:21-26 – Dwelling Place – John’s Gospel Words- Rejoice with the Angels 

Vincentian Day of Prayer and Fast

Weapon Against Evil

Some people are so foolish that they think they can go through life without the help of the Blessed Mother. Love the Madonna and pray the Rosary, for her Rosary is the weapon against the evils of the world today. All graces given by God pass through the Blessed Mother. – Saint Padre Pio.  Some say the Rosary is old fashioned, but I do know the Rosary helps us and completes the Holy family to be with us. “If a man is to shed the light of the sun upon other men, he must first of all have it within himself.” Jesus will depart physically from the scene, but he and his Father will send their Spirit as a friend. This is the supporter, the advocate who will inspire Christians up and down the ages. We are truly blessed and should call on the Trinity often.  I feel their presence on every home visit.  It helps me to bring hope and joy to all in need. We, as Vincentians do this so that those in need may rise up and be relieved of their poverty.  It is all about them.  You are the special person making a difference.  But my service and joy comes from my Spiritual work as a Vincentian to end poverty.

John 14:21-26

Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to inspire, strengthen, and defend his followers. Speaking to his disciples the night before he dies, Jesus tells them that he and his Father will send another Parakletos. The word, from kaleo (to call) and para (for, or on behalf of) designates something like an advocate, a lawyer, someone who would plead on behalf of another, who would support, advocate, and encourage. When the martyrs went to their deaths, it was with the help of the Holy Spirit; when the missionaries went to proclaim the faith in hostile lands, it was the Holy Spirit who pleaded on their behalf; when Michelangelo painted the Sistine Ceiling, it was the Holy Spirit who lifted him up; when Thomas Aquinas wrote his theological masterpieces, it was at the prompting of the Advocate. What is the Advocate prompting you to do today? When we are helpful in saving those in need, it is the Holy Spirit.  They are with Vincentians all the time. “Life has no remote. Get up and change it yourself!” – We have the tools from God, use them.  If you can dream it, you can do it.

Dwelling Place

Do you have a “dwelling place” of the Blessed Mother where you can pray and reflect? St. John Paul II said that a dwelling place for Mother Mary can be “a special corner in the home or little wayside shrines adorned with an image of the Mother of God, to chapels and churches built in her honor.” Wherever it is, place yourself near Mary’s Immaculate Heart while you are in prayer. Confide to her all of your interests and desires. Ask her to grant her graces to you and bring you closer to her Son Jesus.  It is like a retreat only better.  We feel the presences of the holy family always and we ensure through prayer they are protecting those in poverty.  Now after identifying that, listen to Jesus: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” Any and all of the things that we customarily fear—loss of money, fame, pleasure, and power—have to do with this world. What Jesus is saying is that we should not let those fears come to dominate or define our lives, for he is with us—and with him, his peace.  We know as Vincentians we must serve Jesus in the poor and smile why doing it.  Ozanam said, “We smile in serving the poor so they may forgive us for bringing them what they need.”  Give hope and smile.

John’s Gospel Words

Jesus gives us an antidote for fear. Whom or what are you afraid of? That is a very important spiritual question. One way to understand our life is to look at those things that we seek: wealth, power, privilege, honor, pleasure, friendship. But another way is to turn that question around and determine what or who it is that we fear.  We might fear the loss of material things, the loss of a job, the loss of physical health, the loss of the esteem of others, the loss of personal intimacy, and ultimately, the loss of life itself. We are afraid of many things, but I’d be willing to bet that there is a primary or principal fear. What is it for you?  We see all these losses in our friends in need.  We pray on their behalf.  Sometimes others do not agree with our service and the fact poverty can remain with the poor for a long time.  One day I was frustrated at the lack of support of an immigrant family.  I challenged my family of Vincentians to live on what they have and see how they do.  Sometimes we have to be firm on how we serve.  We have to remember each one is Jesus.

Rejoice with the Angels

O God, who created beings both visible and invisible, we praise you for the service and protection of your angels. Through the intercession of your archangel Raphael, guide us on our journey and guard us on our way. We pray for your merciful cure upon those most in need of the care of your angel Raphael, and we implore your healing from all our afflictions in body, mind, and spirit. May we rejoice with all your angels and saints as we praise your glory forever. Amen.  “Close your eyes and imagine the best version of you. It is possible that’s who you really are, let go of any part of you that doesn’t believe it.” Turn to prayer and notice the difference.  We are all called.  I have a collection of a hundred or more angels.  I always rejoice in them.  I am now starting to give some away and I still rejoice in the angels, Saints and all Holy people so I may bring this to those who have no hope or joy.

Blessings,
Lynn