ANCHORS OF FAITH

ANCHORS OF FAITH

 

“What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you?“ – John 6:30

 

In 1948, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared as the Our Lady, Mary Mediatrix of All Graces, to novice Teresita Castillo at the Carmel Monastery in Lipa City, Batangas. Accompanying the apparitions were showers of rose petals that had images of Jesus. As many as half a million devotees, including then President Elpidio Quirino, flocked to the site.

My grand aunt, Sr. Elizabeth OCD, a nun at the monastery and a witness to the events, shared with me her testimonies during my regular visits. I believe. To this day, I treasure one of the rose petals from the shower that she gave me.

My cousin Raymond recently became a devotee after he was miraculously cured of cystic nephroma, a rare renal tumor. His physical healing ushered in his spiritual rebirth and that of his family.

Teresita saw. Sr. Elizabeth witnessed. Raymond experienced. I learned. Devotees heard. We each have different levels of exposure and experience but we all believe in Our Lady. Our Catholic faith, unlike science, is not about what we see, touch, smell, hear or taste. We simply believe and trust in God. A miracle to affirm it should just be a bonus. Marie Franco (rfranco@its.jnj.com)

 

REFLECTION:

Are we still waiting for something before we reform our lives according to His word?

 

Father God, grant me the grace to remain steadfast in my faith in You.

THE OLD GIVES WAY TO THE NEW

 

Human beings tend to like consistency and resist change. This is especially true when it comes to our faith lives. Jesus speaks of the Bread of Life and the Jews immediately remember their experience in the desert for 40 years. Could there be any greater or better understanding given to the idea of “bread of life”? Jesus tells them that the past was merely a symbol or forerunner for the future, and the future is now with them in His person. He, Jesus, is the Bread of Life come down from heaven to provide not just the means by which all will receive eternal life, but also food for the journey to get there.

This is too much for many Jews to understand and they begin to resist the whole idea. Jesus continues to gently explain it to them and the rest of Chapter 6 of John’s Gospel tells us the story. As Christians, we can gain great insight into a true understanding of the title of Jesus as “Bread of Life” by going back to the Old Testament experience of the Jews. This is true for many of the concepts from the Old Testament that Jesus transforms through His life and preaching. We need to prepare ourselves for change so that Jesus can lead us on our journey.

There will be constant challenges in our faith walk as the Holy Spirit invites us to expand our minds and hearts as we journey with Him. He wants to take us deeper into our faith so that we can experience the fullness of God’s love. We need to be ready to go to places we never dreamed of going but this will

require letting go of our comfort zones and embracing the adventure that always accompanies the work of the Holy Spirit.

A few years ago, I learned a new Christian song that talked about our faith journey as being “the ride of a lifetime.” Forget about Disneyland and all the fun parks and joyrides of your youth. Faith in Jesus is the greatest adventure ride you will ever take. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL

 

Reflection Question:

Am I ready to let go of my comfort zones and allow the Spirit to lead me to new places and experiences?

 

Father, You desire the best for me and the fullness of life comes only to those ready to let go and take Your offer of the “ride of a lifetime!” Grant me a willing spirit.

 

St. Marian, pray for us.