ICWG Weekly Reflections

It is a treasure that each generation receives from the hands of the Church. She keeps it faithfully under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and has authority to give an authentic interpretation of it.

Living in society makes it easier for us to obtain the material and spiritual means that we need in order to develop our human and supernatural life. Living with others gives rise to many advantages and benefits, but also to obligations whatever the environment we happen to inhabit.

Our Lord always showed enormous compassion towards the sick. He revealed himself to the disciples who had been sent to him by John the Baptist by drawing their attention to what they had seen and heard.

Like a newly-risen sun, Jesus brings the radiance of truth to the world, and a supernatural clarity to minds which no longer want to remain in a state of darkness, ignorance and error...

We have contemplated Jesus born in Bethlehem and adored by the Shepherds and the Magi, but this past Sunday’s Gospel leads us, once again, to the banks of the River Jordan, where thirty years after that birth, John the Baptist is preparing men for his coming.

The Church celebrates Jesus being made known to the whole world. Epiphany means ‘manifestation’, and in the Kings are represented all peoples of every language and nation who set out, called by God, to adore Jesus.

How often have we contemplated Mary with the Child in her arms! And Christian piety has inspired the countless different works of art which represent the feast we celebrate today – the Motherhood of Mary.

This is also the joy of Advent, and that of every day: Jesus is very near us. He is nearer every day. And St Paul gives us the key to understanding the origin of any unhappiness we may feel: it comes from our putting a distance between ourselves and God, through our sins, through tepidity.

We are not only precursors, we are also witnesses to Christ. Together with the grace of Baptism and Confirmation, we have received the honourable duty of making our faith in Christ known through our words and our deeds.

Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God, the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ with righteous deeds at his coming, so that, gathered at his right hand, they may be worthy to possess the heavenly Kingdom...

At times it is very hard to figure out the causes for such trials. We may not know the reason, but we can be sure of the remedy.

Death can teach us many things about life. The consideration of death will inspire us to live with only what we need, to be detached from the things we own and use, to respect the lasting merit of our good works.