Mary at the Foot of The Cross: Lenten Conference #5

Je Vous Salue, Marie: In Honor of Feast Day of St. Louis de Montfort At the end of the most recent Feast Day of St. Lous de Montfort, . . . . . . the Queen of All Hearts Music Minstry surprised the priests by singing this song n French. The words may be displayed by selecting the description below. Join in the celebration of the founder of the Company of Mary. Listen to: Je Vous Salue, Marie: In Honor of Feast Day of St. Louis de Montfort --------------------------------------------------------------- Madonna at Prayer: Italian Painter: Giovanni Battista Salvi da Sassoferrato : 1609-1685 The painting now resides in Florence, Italy.

29 Apr 58s

The Queen of All Hearts: Mary’s Role in Building the Body of Christ This conference emphasizes the deeply communal and celebratory nature . . . . . . of Christian spirituality, rooted in the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death. It highlights that this victory is not merely individual but shared among all believers, particularly through their connection with Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Montfort underscores that Christian salvation cannot be isolated; to belong to Christ is to belong to His Church—His body—and by extension, to Mary, who is inseparably united with Jesus and His mission. Through the lens of St. Louis de Montfort’s spirituality, especially the act of total consecration to Jesus through Mary, this belonging is not only personal but ecclesial and missional. It involves receiving Mary into one’s life as one’s “every good,” allowing her to guide and order the heart, which leads to a deeper participation in the life and mission of the Church. The creation of the Association of Mary Queen of All Hearts serves as a concrete expression of this spirituality, offering a communal structure where consecrated individuals can grow, pray, and serve together. The ultimate aim is the reign of Jesus through Mary in every heart, a vision that also inspired the foundation of the Marian shrine on Long Island. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: The Queen of All Hearts: Mary’s Role in Building the Body of Christ -------------------------------------------------------------- Something different, which is this radical act of belonging. And it is this radical act of belonging to our Lord, to Our Lady, and therefore to His Church that we seek to grow in. And the mission that he would see for an organization like this is literally the propagation of this deeper belonging out into the world. And that’s what he means by the reign of Jesus through Mary. The very first sentence in the text we have from his work that we call True Devotion is it is through the Virgin Mary that Jesus . . .

27 Apr 37min

Peter’s Journey and Ours: Seeing, Believing, Following Today the Church celebrates Easter . . . . . . as the central feast of Christianity, highlighting the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as the foundation of faith. Today’s Gospel explains how the Resurrection gives believers new spiritual vision, reveals the truth of life beyond death, and confirms the truth of Jesus’ teachings. The Homily emphasizes transformation, particularly using Peter’s journey from denial to bold witness. A parable about a caged snake illustrates the idea that while evil has been defeated through Christ, it still poses a threat if people seek it out. Ultimately, the Homily calls for followers to embrace the path Jesus laid out and let the power of the Resurrection shape their lives. Listen to this Meditation Meda. Listen to: Peter’s Journey and Ours: Seeing, Believing, Following ---------------------------------------------- Image: The Disciples Peter and John Running to the Sepulchre on the Morning of the Resurrection: Swiss Painter: Eugène Burnand: 1898 This painting is also known by its shorten name, The Disciples. Now residing in Paris, it was not well received when it was first presented. But look at the painting again. It is truly remarkable! Look at the hands of the younger disciple in anticipation. He holds his hands together anxiously. Look at Peter’s expression. He looks both terrified and hopeful. The artist captures the emotion and the movement of the disciples. How truly wonderful and appropriate for this Meditation piece. ---------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: John 20: 1-9

25 Apr 16min

From Silence to Glory: The Mystery of Easter This Homily reflects on the liturgy of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, . . . . . . emphasizing how Scripture readings during the Easter vigil narrate the entire history of God’s love for humanity. It traces the journey from creation and fall, through the Exodus, prophetic calls to return to God, and finally to the New Testament, culminating in Christ’s death and resurrection. A Theological Insight A significant theological insight is given about Holy Saturday—often overlooked—as the most mysterious moment, where God, through Jesus, enters death and silence. Jesus, though sinless, experiences death, breaking its power. His resurrection becomes the ultimate hope and promises for all baptized believers, affirming God’s presence even in suffering and death. The Homily encourages joy, hope, and gratitude in the Easter celebration. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: From Silence to Glory: The Mystery of Easter ---------------------------------- For those that visit the QoAH's website for this post, you'll see a restored statue. Regina Caeli, the Queen of Heaven, and the Lady of Easter Joy Allow me to introduce you to a cherished figure in our community. This statue has been with us for ten years, originally hand-carved in Peru. She is traditionally adorned for various feast days and holds a special place in our celebrations. However, over time, the paint had deteriorated to such an extent that even the slightest contact would cause it to flake away. A few weeks ago, we made the decision to send her for professional restoration, with the hope that she would return in time for Easter—and we are pleased to say she did. She now stands before us with a beautifully restored appearance, complete with a new halo and freshly painted garments. We now honor her as Regina Caeli, the Queen of Heaven, and the Lady of Easter Joy.

25 Apr 14min

Obedience and Freedom: Discovering Your True Self in Jesus Christ This Homily explores Jesus’ message from the Gospel where He declares that those who believe in Him . . . . . . will find freedom through truth . . . truth that is found in Him. Jesus teaches that sin enslaves, but by remaining in Him, one can be set free. This freedom is not simply the ability to do whatever one pleases, but the freedom to live rightly, to find peace even with past mistakes, and to become one’s true self. Choosing to Obey God The homily also highlights the example of the three young men in the fiery furnace who chose to obey God over man . . . even if it meant death. Their statement, “even if God does not save us, we will still not worship your gods,” emphasizes a faith not based on outcomes but on unwavering trust in God’s goodness. True freedom, then, is the ability to remain faithful, regardless of circumstances, anchored in the trust that God’s will is always good. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: Obedience and Freedom: Discovering Your True Self in Jesus Christ -------------------------------------------- image: Christ And The Rich Young Ruler (cropped): German Painter: Heinrich Hoffman: 1899 -------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: John 8: 31-42 First Reading: Daniel 3: 14-20, 91-92, 95

14 Apr 11min

The Lord Who Orders Time: Letting Jesus Christ Be First in All This Homily explores the profound theological claim made by Jesus in the Gospel . . . . . . that He is not simply another figure in the historical lineage of Israel (like Abraham, Moses, or the prophets), but rather the origin and end of all history. It challenges our typical understanding of cause and effect, flipping our view of history upside down: Jesus, though born in time, precedes all things as the eternal Word. The homily urges believers to recognize that Jesus is not the product of human history, but the source of it. Everything in salvation history . . . from Abraham’s call to the prophets’ proclamations . . . exists because of Christ. Everything in Salvation History This revelation proves difficult, even offensive, to those who thought they understood God and themselves. The discomfort arises because Jesus demands the highest place in our hearts, above all else: family, tradition, identity, or even goodness itself. To sin is to elevate something lesser above Christ. Thus, the message ends with a call to reorder our loves and priorities, especially as Lent concludes—acknowledging Jesus as the beginning, the fulfillment, and the only true healer of our hearts. His journey to The Cross was no accident, but a chosen act of love for our salvation. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to … The Lord Who Orders Time: Letting Jesus Christ Be First in All ------------------------------------------------------ image: Jesus Christ: German Artist and Painter: Heinrich Hoffman: 1894 Oil painting currently resides in The Riverside Church, New York City.

14 Apr 24min

Public Faith, Private Strength: Living as Children of God The Homily begins by reflecting on the daily act of making choices, . . . . . . beginning with a personal story about struggling to wake up early for school. This serves as a metaphor for the broader and more meaningful choices we face in life, such as choosing to be kind, forgiving, and generous. However, the most crucial decision is choosing God. God’s Children Choosing God brings not only spiritual benefits, such as being gathered, cleansed, and made into God’s children, but also emotional strength and confidence . . . much like the boost we feel when a parent is present and supportive. The Homily continues and draws parallels between this and recognizing God’s constant presence. We hear briefly the biblical story of Jesus raising Lazarus, and true faith requires more than good works; it demands a public and unwavering profession that Jesus is the Son of God. This faith should be visible even in ordinary moments, like praying before meals in public. The season of Lent is highlighted as a special time to renew this choice for God, affirming that only in Him do we find true fulfillment and salvation. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: Public Faith, Private Strength: Living as Children of God ------------------------------------ image: God The Father (cropped): Spanish Painter: Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, 1618-1682 ------------------------------------ Gospel Reading: John 11: 45-56 First Reading: Ezekiel 37: 21-28

14 Apr 12min

Reigning Through Love: Jesus’ True Model of Leadership in Holy Week Today the Church marks the beginning of the celebration of the Paschal Mysteries . . . . . . Christ’s suffering, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes two key themes from the Gospel of Luke: -1- Jesus as a Humble King: Unlike worldly leaders who often seek power at the expense of others, Jesus demonstrates a kingship rooted in humility, love, and self-sacrifice. His leadership resonates with the hearts of the people, offering them hope and salvation. -2- Jesus’ Innocence and the Eucharistic Kingdom: Luke highlights Jesus’ innocence repeatedly throughout His Passion. From Pilate, Herod, a repentant thief, and a Roman centurion—all recognize His blamelessness. Despite being unjustly condemned, Jesus offers Himself through the Eucharist, declaring, “This is my body… this is my blood.” His innocent sacrifice brings redemption to all. We are reminded that true leadership mirrors Christ . . . leading with compassion and integrity. And ultimately, our salvation lies not in our own righteousness but in the innocent sacrifice of Jesus. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: Reigning Through Love: Jesus’ True Model of Leadership in Holy Week ----------------------------------------------------------- image: Behold the Man: Ecce Homo: Hungarian Painter: Mihály Munkácsy: 1896

13 Apr 10min