Mary is the bridge over which Christ arrived into the world, and therefore a bridge between us and God.
continued from Part I Scapular – Garment of Grace
Proof
The radical words of Jesus
Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”
Here’s what GK Chesterton said of Christianity: “The civilization of antiquity was the whole world: and men no more dreamed of its ending than of the ending of daylight. They could not imagine another order unless it were in another world. The civilization of the world has passed away and those words have not passed away. In the long night of the Dark Ages feudalism was so familiar a thing that no man could imagine himself without a lord: and religion was so woven into that network that no man would have believed they could be torn asunder. Feudalism itself was torn to rags and rotted away in the popular life of the true Middle Ages; and the first and freshest power in that new freedom was the old religion. Feudalism had passed away, and the words did not pass away. The whole medieval order, in many ways so complete and almost cosmic a home for man, wore out gradually in its turn and here at least it was thought that the words would die. They went forth across the radiant abyss of the Renaissance and in fifty years were using all its light and learning for new religious foundations, new apologetics, new saints. It was supposed to have been withered up at last in the dry light of the Age of Reason; it was supposed to have disappeared ultimately in the earthquake of the Age of Revolution. Science explained it away; and it was still there. History disinterred it in the past; and it appeared suddenly in the future. To-day it stands once more in our path; and even as we watch it, it grows.”
Mumford And Sons – Awake My Soul
The Scapular ~ Garment of Grace
In 1251 Our Lady gave the Scapular promise to St. Simon Stock saying, “Whosoever dies wearing this Scapular shall not suffer eternal fire.” She continued: “Wear the Scapular devoutly and perseveringly. It is My garment. To be clothed in it means you are continually thinking of Me, and I in turn, am always thinking of you and helping you to secure eternal life.”
Wearing the Scapular indicates that you place yourself under the special protection of Mary. The church does not teach that wearing a scapular is some sure ticket to Heaven; rather, we must strive to be in a state of grace, implore our Lord’s forgiveness, and trust in the maternal aid of our Blessed Mother.
Devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel (the Madonna of the Scapular) began before the time of St. Simon Stock — even before the time of Jesus. In 8th century B.C., the great prophet Elias came down the holy mountain of Carmel in Palestine. Then he began a long tradition of contemplative life and prayer. He and his followers had mystically dedicated themselves to God’s Mother-to-come, Mary, Queen of Mount Carmel. Nearly three thousand years later, that tradition of prayer, contemplation, and devotion to Mary continues to live and be present in the Catholic Church.
Very Nice Scapulars, handmade by the Sisters here
Feast of the Chair of St. Peter the Apostle
Today we celebrate the Chair of St. Peter the Apostle. To put it another way today we commemorate Christ choosing Peter to sit in his place as the leader of the Church as it’s first Pope. Probably the best known biblical text for today’s Feast is found in the 16th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, where Jesus describes Peter as the rock upon whom he will build His Church and promises him the keys to the kingdom of heaven.
Onebillionstories.com Lights My Way
I stumbled upon this blog a few weeks ago and love what they are doing! The blog is a young man’s journey in pursuit of the world’s one billion Catholic stories, testimonies, and conversions. Utterly amazing and truly inspiring! Onebillionstories.com lights my way.
Best of 2010: Most Inspiring from OneBillionStories.com on Vimeo.
Create a sacred place in your home
One tradition within many Catholic families is a devotional shrine in the home. The main focal point should begin with a crucifix or a depiction of Christ. Pictures of saints and statues can also be placed in the shrine. The Bible may also be present as it is a place around which people may gather for a Bible reading or to offer prayer. Rosaries, Miraculous Medals, Holy Water, and Scapulars are also beautiful additions to increase devotion. Flowers can also be used to honor the joy or sorrow of the liturgy throughout the year. Candles also make the shrine area special, just be sure to never leave a lit candle unattended. Lighting and extinguishing a candle also help signal when evening prayer begins and ends.
With freedom comes responsibility, says Pope
Every time I pick up Pope Benedict’s new book, Light of the World, I read something so profoundly encouraging, inspiring, and renewing that I’m moved to chills.
Here’s what Pope Benedict XVI said, “We must acknowledge again that we cannot simply live in any way we please. That freedom cannot be arbitrariness [on a personal whim]. That it is imperative to learn to exercise a freedom that is responsibility.”
Love others, even if they think differently
“Learn to defend your convictions without hating your adversaries and love those who think differently from yourselves.” –Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, one of the founders of St. Vincent de Paul Society, beatified by Pope John Paul II in the cathedral church Notre Dame de Paris in 1997.