THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL. SEASON II, PART 21

MISERICORDIAE  SICUT PATER ; MARIA, MATER  MISERICORDIAE

As we bring the October Rosary to a close, it must be understood as not a complete stoppage in praying the Rosary. Rather we turn our focus to another aspect of the Church's life and mission. However, remember that the praying of the rosary is timeless. Pray the Rosary at all times, I encourage you.

The extraordinary year of mercy is gradually coming to an end. We are all expected to reflect and radiate the life of the merciful Father as stated “Be merciful like the Father” (Ref Luke 6:36) and also, “there will be judgement without mercy for those who have not being merciful themselves”. (Ref James 2:13)

Mercy consist in feeling compassion for the misery of others and in acting to alleviate it. Misery may refer to any evil whether physical or moral. In the history of Salvation, the protagonists on the Human side are Adam and Eve together with all their descendants. On the Divine side, the protagonists are Christ, who is Mercy and Mary, who is the Mother of Mercy.

Although there is no specific Scriptures text naming Mary as Mother of Mercy or Queen of Mercy, there are several texts that form the basis for this. Mother of Mercy means either the mother of the Merciful One or a Merciful Mother towards all her children in the world. As Queen of Mercy, it is to be understood as the kindness, generosity and the dignity of the Blessed Virgin, who from her place in heaven fulfils the role of Queen Esther (Ref Esther 4:17). She never ceases praying to her Son for the salvation of her people as they confidently fly to her refuge in their trials and dangers.

Let us journey once more through the Scriptures to identify the various instances we can identify Mary as Merciful.

The first text is that of Annunciation (Ref. Luke 1:26-38), which gives Mary’s gracious consent to become the Mother of the Son of God, who will save his people from their sins.  After the error of our first parents, the whole world was shrouded in darkness, under the dominion of death. Now God enters the world anew. He knocks at the door of Mary. He needs human freedom. Mary did not hesitate to agree to help save her suffering people.

The second text is that of Visitation (Ref. Luke 1:39-45), which sets forth Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth immediately after the Annunciation. Although aware that she herself is with a child, Mary does not hesitate to go to the aid of Elizabeth, her aged cousin. From Nazareth to Ain Karim, she joined a caravan to Jerusalem; walking twenty miles a day and from Jerusalem to Ain Karim is five miles. That is not all, She remained and served her cousin for three months. Mary’s haste is her compassion and love for her cousin in her time of difficulty and her desire to be of help. Imagine a pregnant lady travelling twenty-five (25) miles just to visit a relative.

The third instance of her great compassion is that of the Marriage Feast of Cana (Ref John 2:1-11). Jesus goes with his disciples to a marriage feast and Mary is also there. Mary became aware of the wine running out. In Judaism, Wine form an essential aspect of the celebration. Mary takes compassion on the couples and immediately brings the lack of wine to her Son’s attention. She knows even if the time has not come, Jesus has to save the shame that will come to the marriage feast. She concludes by saying “Do whatever He tells you” (Ref. John 2:5)

The fourth instance is that of the Crucifixion, which states that Mary is standing valiantly near the Cross on which her Son is dying a slow and extremely painful death (Ref John 19:1). None of the gospels describes the scourging before the crucifixion in details. Because a Roman scourging was too horrible to dwell on. Mary’s love and compassion committed her to stand by her Son through this darkest valley and she offers herself with him for the life of the world.

Lastly, I have not seen anyone more Charismatic than Mother Mary in the New Testament. After the Ascension of her Son into heaven, Mary’s compassion for the disciples in this time of fear and dread in the absence of their Master leads her to remain in continues prayer with them. She prayed with the disciples gathered in the upper room as they experience the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit. (Ref Acts 1:14, 2:1-4). Let Mary teach you how to pray invoking the Holy Spirit.

It is this compassion of Mary that led Christians to call her the “Mother of Mercy”. We should never forget that the mercy she dispenses is from God, and thus we should praise the Truine God for his overflowing goodness to us in our miseries.

The journey through the month has not being easy but Mary made it possible for me to journey with you sharing a piece of her interior life with the Son. A hope you have added some knowledge to the one you already have about Joseph, Jesus and Mary.

Thank you for sharing these reflections.

May Our Mother always continue to intercede for us before the Son.

Our Lady, Perpetual Helper of Christians …..Pray for us!!!

Compiled by :

Eric K. Dagbui

@2016

THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL.SEASON II, PART 20

De Christo lucis; Mysterium Lucis

On October 16, 2002, St John Paul issued an Apostolic Letter entitled Rosarium Virginis Mariae ( The Rosary of the Virgin Mary) which provided an in-depth look at this time-honoured Marian devotion and broadened the Mysteries that are contemplated in its recitation.

According to Catholic Encyclopedia, an Apostolic Letters are Letters (litterae apostolicae).—

I. The letters of the Apostles to Christian communities or those in authority, i.e. the Pauline Epistles, including the Epistle to the Hebrews, together with the seven Catholic Epistles of the other Apostles.

II. Documents issued by the Pope or in his name, e.g. bulls and briefs.

In this context, we are dealing with the second definition. Which is a document issued by a pope by virtue of virtue of his office.

St John Paul suggested the addition of five new Mysteries from events found in the Public Ministry of Jesus, between his baptism and his Passion, a part of his life that was not covered by contemplation of the traditional Mysteries.  He described the mysteries as luminous because Jesus, the Light of the world (Ref. 8:12), displayed the light of his truth in a special way during the years of his public life.

The Luminous Mysteries provide us an opportunity to meditate upon the person of Jesus Christ as light of the world. Father Oscar Lukefahr notes, In the first Luminous Mystery, the voice of the Father and the descent of the Holy Spirit spotlight Jesus as Son of God (Ref. John 1:29-34). In the second mystery, Jesus works his first miracle, which illumines the path leading to his hour, his triumph over sin and death ( Ref. John 2:1-11). In the third, he bestows the light of his truth as he preaches the coming of God's Kingdom (Ref. Luke 4:14-44). In the fourth, Jesus’ Transfiguration let his divinity shine through so brightly that his disciples are dazzled by his glory and by the Father’s command to listen to Jesus (Ref. Luke 9:28-36). In the fifth, Jesus makes the light of his true presence in the Eucharist available to all humanity until the end of time. (Ref. Luke 22:7-20)

“Consequently, for the Rosary to become more fully a 'Compendium of the Gospel', it is fitting to add following reflection on the incarnation and the hidden life of Christ (Joyful Mysteries) and before focusing on the sufferings of his Passion (Sorrowful Mysteries) and the triumph of his Resurrection (Glorious Mysteries)-- a meditation on the certain particularly significant moments of his Public Ministry (Luminous Mysteries).”

Today is Thursday, it is dedicated to the meditation on the Luminous Mysteries. Have a moment and pray the rosary today.

I have journeyed with you for the past twenty days. For the next ten days, I will not provide any write up. This is to enable us all to rediscover the messages and the in-depth meanings of each write up. I will be back on the last day ( 31st October) to give my final reflection.

Our Lady of the Rosary,....Pray for us!!

Compiled by:

Eric K. Dagbui

THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL. SEASON II, PART 19

GREAT BELIEVER??

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Ref 13:8). He never changes. He is still mysterious, indeed he seems to have a special kind of obscurity in store for each person’s life. But could God ever render any life as dark and incomprehensible as he did Mary’s? Blessed are you who have believed (Ref. Luke 1:45), even when this faith became a sword that pierced her heart.

Mary’s faith was the one that affected her whole being, her existence and her way of life. A true description of Mary is a believing woman- A faith beyond all telling. She is the great believer who humbly offered herself to God as an empty vessel for God to use in his mysterious plan. Without complaint she surrendered control of her life. She did not try to live according to human calculation but put herself completely at the disposal of God’s mysterious, incomprehensible design.

All she wanted to be was the handmaid if the Lord, the instrument and servant of the Word. Therein lies her true fame: that she remained a believer despite all the darkness and all the inexplicable demands God made on her.

We must continually renew and reform our faith based on the events of our life and our meditation on the Word of God. Only in this way can we avoid a faith that is dead and attain a truly living faith. Mary can teach us to strive to attain the deepest meaning of things rather than materialistic meaning. The sense of Mystery lies in the capacity that things have to point beyond themselves.

To Be Continued….

Mother Most Prudent….Pray for us!!!

Compiled by:

Eric K. Dagbui

THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL. SEASON II, PART 18

Today is the feast of St Luke the Evangelist. Luke is the writer of Gospel according to St Luke and Acts of the Apostles. He was a physician who doubled as a co-worker of St Paul. [The] Acts of the Apostles is often regarded the continuation of the Gospel according to St Luke.

Reading the ending of his gospel (24:50-53) and continuing with Acts 1:12ff, it follows without any break in the stories presented by St Luke. In any case, St Luke wrote his Gospel for the non Jewish Christians, with the purpose of showing that Jesus Christ came to save all people.

Luke begins his Gospel showing that Mary heard the word of God and kept it. She received the Holy Spirit, and Christ came into the world. Luke begins Acts of the Apostles by noting the presence of Mary with the Apostles and other believers. With them she receives the Holy Spirit, and the Church goes forth into the world. She has a unique relationship to Jesus as his physical mother. She has a special place in Christ’s body, the Church.

In Acts of the Apostles, Luke completes his beautiful portrait of Mary by placing her in the company of those who after Christ's Resurrection, waited for the coming of the Holy  Spirit. After naming the Apostles, he says: “All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers”.Ref Acts 1:14

Mary is truly a woman of faith and prayer. Do you recall one of the best song of praise ever sung in the New Testament? It is the Magnificat. Kindly ask St Luke teach you Mary’s song of praise. (Luke 1:46-56)

To Be Continued…

Mother Mary, Cause of Our Joy….Pray for us!!!

Compiled by:

Eric K. Dagbui

THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL. SEASON II, PART 17

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE SON?? I WANT TO KNOW THE SON NOT THE MOTHER.

IN the last previous session, we learnt that where the Son is, there the mother also is. We learn about Mary from Jesus. He began his human life in her womb. He learned to speak and pray with her accent. He related to God and to others with emotions modeled on hers.

His human qualities and virtues were developed under Mary's tutelage and example. His great love of God and of others, his desires for friendship and companionship, his affection for children, his concern for the sick and afflicted. These and so many other traits that made up the personality of Jesus Christ were nurtured in the home at Nazareth, primarily under the influence of Mary and Joseph.

Beneath Jesus’ longing to do the Father's will, we discover Mary’s desire to be the servant of the Lord. In Jesus’ readiness to bear the hardships of his mission, we see his mother’s patience in enduring the poverty of village life. Before his courageous endurance of the cross came Mary’s quiet acceptance of the sword of sorrow.

Hence, Christ’s life and personality can be understood better in the context of his relationship to Mary. Seeing Jesus as Son of Mary helps us know him as one like us in every respect except sin.

Considering the personality of Jesus formed under the guidance of his mother, we learn how to become more and more like him, developing gradually as he did in wisdom and in years and in divine and human favour.

Mary invites us to meditate upon Nazareth. She treasured all these things in her heart. She calls us to reflect on the first thirty-two years of Christ’s life.

To Be Continued…

Our Lady, Queen of the family, ….Pray for us!!!

Compiled by:

Eric K. Dagbui

THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL. SEASON II, PART 16

Mary’s Presence in the Eucharist is absurd. Any connection between Mother and Son?

If the Eucharist is a Mystery of faith that so greatly transcends our understanding as to call for sheer abandonment to the Word of God, then there can be no one like Mary to act as our support and guide in acquiring this disposition. In repeating what Christ did at the Last Supper in obedience to his command: ‘Do this in memory of me’ (Ref. Luke 22:19) we also accept Mary’s invitation to obey him without hesitation : ‘Do whatever he tells you’. (Ref. John 2:5)

The Consecrating effects the Real Presence of Christ of Glory in the act of his sacrifice under the appearances of bread and wine, with his Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity. Nothing of this kind is true in Mary’s humanity.

Yet the presence of Jesus brings with it in some way the presence of his Mother.

1. Christ who becomes present on the altar is the same Christ who took from Mary his Body and Blood of the Eucharistic Sacrifice that are given as nourishment to us.

2. Mary lives in the Glory of the life of the Son. She is the first fruit of redemption, first and perfect Christian. Wherever Christ’s Sacrifice is, there too is Mary, like the stream that cannot be cut off from its source.

3. Her presence at the Cross is  a guarantee of an ever active presence in the Eucharist of her Son.

Mary cooperated in a singular way in the Saviour’s work of restoring supernatural grace to souls. By reason of his close connection with Christ and us, Mary could not be absent from our celebration of the Eucharist.

To Be Continued …

Our Lady of the Eucharist….Pray for us

Compiled by:

Eric K. Dagbui

THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL SEASON II, PART 15

The Rosary is not about Mary but Jesus. Why do you keep on telling me to honour his mother? Of what use is his mother since  her Son is Emmanuel?

When it comes to Mary in Christian worship, there is this ancient question asked over and over again. The answer remains the same. In all things, the Catholics will say: Glory to Jesus, Honour to Mary. Kindly take note of that.

When we pray to our Lady, we do not substitute her for Christ. Never!!! Rather we glorify her Son who desires us to have loving confidence in his Saints especially his Mother. To imitate the faithful Virgin means to keep her Sons commandments.

As Christ summed up his life by the words: “Not my will but yours be done”  Ref. Luke 22:42, so Mary could say : “ Let it be done to me according to your Word” Ref. Luke 1:38. And as Jesus described his task on earth with the words: “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve” Ref. Mt 20:28; so Mary could also say : “I am the handmaid of the Lord” Luke 1:38

To love her means to love Jesus, for she is always the Mother of Jesus. When she is honored, her Son is duly acknowledged, loved and gloried, and his commandments are observed.

The Church honours Mary because of her singular dignity as Mother of the Son of God and therefore, beloved daughter of the Father and Temple of the Holy Spirit.

Praying the Rosary is s classic means to express one's devotion to Mary as well as a way to keep fresh and alive our faith in Jesus, our responsibility as followers. Don't be afraid of loving her because you can't love her more than the Son.

Glory to Jesus!!!! Honour to Mary!!!

How can Mary be present in the Eucharist?

To Be Continued…

Mother most Faithful….Pray for us!!!!

Compiled by:

Eric K. Dagbui

THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL. SEASON II, PART 14

I SAW MARY CARRYING THE INFANT JESUS IN THE AIR, BESIDE THE CHAPEL…. WAIT A MOMENT!!!

We came to the realization that there are two types of revelation. One public and the other, private. The public revelation came to a completion in Jesus Christ. While Apparitions and visions belong to the realms of private revelation.

All truths necessary for salvation have been revealed by Christ and expressed in the official teaching of the Church any purported revelation which contradicts Catholic dogma must be rejected. The fullness of salvation recedes in the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church however acknowledges some elements of sanctification found in other Churches. e.g., One Faith, One baptism, One Lord, Credo.

All apparitions are submitted to a process of discernment. At the end, we will then realise that some are genuine and others are not. Henceforth, be careful with what you name genuine apparitions. Take your time!!!

I will now share with you the principles of discernment in relation to apparitions according to a renowned Mariologist called Fr Oscar Lukefahr.

1. Genuine apparitions are supernatural in origin, they cannot be tested in ways that satisfy scientific inquiry, which depends upon the examination of material objects.  Any purported revelation which contradicts Catholic dogma must be rejected.

2. A genuine revelation will have good effects on people. You shall know them by their fruits-- This results in closeness to Christ and desire to serve neighbour. Ref Mt 7:16-17

3. A genuine apparition produces a sense of humility, simplicity and God centeredness.

4. A genuine apparition will produce a willingness to submit one’s judgements to that of the Church.

5. No judgement can be made on ostensibly genuine apparitions until they cease. It is possible for Satan to masquerade as an angel or a saint and set a trap by speaking truth for a time.

6. Any claim of apparition should be handheld with a great deal of caution. History teaches us that reports of genuine apparition seem to trigger counterfeits. Also, saints can be mistaken in the interpretation of their visions.

When the Church gives its approval to particular apparitions, the Church does not require that we believe them. They can help us follow Christ more fully in a certain period of history. Spiritual benefits flowing from approved apparitions of Mary have been immense. Entire nation have been brought closer to Jesus by Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Through Mary to Jesus!!!!

But what of the things I see and hear during my prayer times?

To Be Continued….

Virgin Most Powerful…..Pray for us!!!

Compiled by:

Eric K. Dagbui

THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL. SEASON II, PART 13

People with with certain neurotic and psychotic disorder have claimed to see and hear heavenly voices and heavenly beings. Be careful!!

People will pretend to have visions or other supernatural experiences to get money. This is fraudulent. Be careful!!

Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Satan can appear in much the same way as an angel can. Satan can affect the senses, imagination, and intellect of human beings who cooperate or are deceived. Be careful.!!

Yes, there are possibilities of apparitions which must be submitted to the process of discernment. Of Course!!! there are genuine apparitions.

An apparition is the appearance of a being normally invisible to human sight. Angels, Christ, Mary and the saints cannot be seen with the human eye apart from supernatural intervention causes or allowed by God. Throughout history we have had cases of visions of Mary accompanied by messages that have been the sources of countless blessings. Examples include Lourdes’ messages, Guadalupe’s messages, Fatima’s messages, La Salette’s messages, Miraculous Medal’s messages and Banneux messages.

There are cases of false apparitions. An example is that of a sixteenth century Franciscan nun, Magdalena of the Cross, who have many gifts including the stigmata, Levitation, prophesying future events. She however confessed in danger of death that she sold her soul to Satan in return for special powers.

The Catholic Church teaches, based on the reasonable testimony of reliable witnesses and from the Scriptures, that apparitions of heavenly beings are possible. However, the Church distinguishes between Public and Private revelation, stating that the Public Revelation was completed in Jesus Christ and is found in the Bible and Tradition of the Church. These two are the only deposit of faith necessary for salvation.

Apparitions and visions are private revelations. Some are worthy of belief but do not belong to the deposit of faith. No private revelation can claim to surpass or correct the revelation given us through Jesus Christ. As a matter of fact, all private revelation are subject to the discernment of the faithful under the guidance of the magisterium of the Church.

Both the Old and New Testament relate that God sends Angels as messengers to human beings. The Gospel affirm that Moses and Elijah appeared with the transfigured Christ to Peter, James and John. Ref Matthew 17:1-8.
Therefore, it is reasonable to assume Jesus can send his Mother as an emissary to people on earth because she is also in heaven.

But when I pray I hear words placed in my heart and sometimes my dreams become real. What about that? Are they Visions or hallucinations?

To Be Continued…

Mother of Good Counsel,....Pray for us

Compiled by:

Eric K. Dagbui

THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL. SEASON II, PART 12

In the previous session (part 11), we came to the knowledge that mystery in the New Testament has to do with sublime revelation of the Gospel, Incarnation and the life of the Saviour and His manifestation by the preaching of the Apostles. Ref Matthew 13:1, I Cor  15:51,  Romans 16: 25, Colossians 1:26

God transcend all creatures. By natural reason man can know God with certainty, on the basis of his works. However, with our human power, we can't arrive at Divine Revelation.

The Glorious Mysteries teach us that “six feet is never at last”. There is more to be done. Christ is God as well as human, he was able to come back from the other side of death as he  promised. He allowed himself to be seen , heard and touched by his followers. He is gloried, taking on the qualities of a spiritual body and was reunited to the person of Christ.

Christ’s Resurrection, Ascension etc are mysterious but real. We may find it hard to understand the Resurrection and the other Glorious Mysteries.  What we meditated on surpasses our human limitations.

The Glorious Mysteries honor Mary as someone intimately connected with the miracle of Christ’s Resurrection and with Christ’s promise of eternal life for us.

To Be Continued…

Mother of our Creator….Pray for us.

Compiled by:

Eric K. Dagbui

Facebook: Eric H. M. Kplorla

THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL. SEASON II, PART 11

Vatican Council declares: “If anyone say that in Divine Revelation there are contained no mysteries properly so called, but that through reason rightly developed all the dogmas of faith can be understood and demonstrated from natural principles: let him be anathema.”

Ref Sess. III, Canons, 4. De fide et Ratione, 1

For sometime now, we have being journeying through the month and reflecting on the Word of God  as summarized by the Rosary. We also looked at the contribution of Mother of God to the redemption of Man and her close union with her Son.

We shall now look at the various mysteries of the rosary meditated upon --- The Joyful, Sorrowful, Light and Glorious Mysteries are direct biblical quotation from the Scriptures.

What then is a mystery?

According to ISBE,  this word “mystery” has its root in Paganism esp the Greek “Musterion” which means secret. It therefore refers to secret rites and celebrations in ancient religions only known to, and practised by those who had been initiated. In other words, A mystery is a secret imparted only to the initiated, that which is unknown until it is revealed, whether it be easy or hard to understand.

From 6th Century BC, there were more secret open cults in the Greco Roman world. The most famous Mysteries celebrated in Eleusis, Orphic Mysteries, Cult of Isis and Serapis.

In its Modern meaning, it refers to something in itself obscure or incomprehensible, difficult or impossible to understand. In the language of the early Christians, the mysteries were those religious teachings that were carefully guarded from the knowledge of the profane.

In the Old Testament, it is equivalent to secret like the Greco-Roman usage. Ref Proverbs 20:19, Judith 2:2, Sirach 22:27.

The New Testament apply the word mystery to the sublime revelation of the Gospel, Incarnation and the life of the Saviour and His manifestation by the preaching of the Apostles. Ref Matthew 13:1, I Cor  15:51,  Romans 16: 25, Colossians 1:26

In sum, only faith can embrace the mysteries of God. This faith glories in weakness in order to draw itself to itself, Christ's power. The Virgin Mary is the model of this faith, for she believed that nothing will be impossible with God and was able to magnify the Lord: ‘For he who is mighty has done great things for me, and Holy is his name.’ Ref Luke 1:37 & 49

So what mysteries are in Rosary Prayers?

To Be Continued…

Mother most Prudent…..Pray for us

Compiled by:

Eric K. Dagbui

THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL SEASON II, PART 10

Mary is the archetype of the Church of God. Something about her is spread and diffused into our hearts by the Holy Spirit so that we may live according to the Gospel and build up the Body of Christ on earth.

From her, we learn to have attentive faith. She received the Word of God with faith. Ref. Luke 1: 26-38. This is the basis of all her actions, prerogatives and privileges. With faith we accept, proclaim and venerate the Word of God.

Mary prayed during her visit to Elizabeth when she recited the Magnificat. Ref Luke 1:46-55; at Cana when she informed her Son of bridal couple's need of wine. Ref John 2: 1-12 and before the coming of the Holy Spirit when she mediated with the Apostles in the Upper Room. Ref Acts 1:14. Here we see Mary at Prayer.

Mary offered Jesus to the Father in the Temple and on Calvary. Ref Luke 2: 22-25; John 19:25. This was Mary’s gift offering.

Mary is a teacher of the spiritual life for all of us. She is an example of the worship that consists in making one's life an offering to God.  Her “Yes” (Ref. Luke 1:38) to God is a lesson of obedience to the will of the Father, which is the way and means of our salvation.

In Sum, from Mary we learn (to):

1. Allow ourselves to be loved by God;

2. Obeying with watchful presence and lucid attention to the Word of God;

3. Listening with one's whole heart;

4. Persevering in total fidelity towards God, neighbors and one's self;

5. Serving those who should be served;

6. Remaining close to the Cross.

Mary truly is the model of Christian life. She is the model also of  everyone of the disciples of Christ Her Son. Is she your model too?

To Be Continued….

Mary, Perfect Model of Christian life  ….Pray for us

Compiled by:

Eric K. Dagbui

THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL. SEASON II, PART 9

Mary, My Role Model? (A)

All Christians are called to be models realizing in themselves their vocation. Indeed Paul and Peter recommended to Timothy and to the elders that they should become models for their flock. Ref. I Timothy 4:12; I Peter 5:3
For the first Christians, Mary was their model. For them it was natural to turn to her.

Meditating on the Infancy Gospels in which the Mother of Jesus plays a huge role, they saw in Mary the exceptional riches of holiness: the image of the Father becomes, in her, fullness of grace and greatness.

Mary is not a model for Christians in the sense that we should try to imitate her literally in every detail of her life. Rather, She is the pattern or archetype for the whole Church and for everyone of the faithful because of the perfection of her personal response of faith, hope and love to the Lord’s call.

Imitate Mary in her virtues especially her faith, charity, humility, docility to the Holy Spirit, her love for Jesus and her union with him.

To Be Continued…

Mary, Perfect Imitator of Jesus….Pray for us!!!

Compiled by:

Eric K. Dagbui

THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL. SEASON II, PART 8

“Behold, the handmaid of the Lord” Ref Luke 1: 38.  Was Mary afraid or something else?

The Scripture tells us that, when the Angel Gabriel greeted Mary “ Hail, full of grace”, she was disturbed. And the angel said to her, do not be afraid and delivered the message from God. She on her part said Yes to God with the words, “ I am the handmaid of the Lord, Be it done unto me as you have said”. Ref Luke 1: 26:38

The Greek term used in the Gospel “doule” is the feminine form of a common Old Testament designation for slave or servant. The “doulia” or service of God- to be God’s servant or handmaid in the Old Testament stands for the synthesis of a life dedicated to God.

It also expresses a well-defined concept that is rooted in the experience of slavery in Egypt and Babylonia. Slavery in Israel was on the basis of work and the slave’s personal dignity was safeguarded. Ref Leviticus 25:39ff, Exodus 21:2-11, Deuteronomy 15:12ff Hence the servant serves the common good of all. In the Old Testament we see servant of God as the title for Moses, David and the Prophets.

In the New Testament, the word Servant is closely associated “minister” which connotes testimony rendered to Christ. In Latin, minister has it root from “instrument to be used by its owner” The common meaning of subordination and dependence is modified by freedom and choice in Jesus.  No wonder Paul regards himself as Apostle and a slave of Christ Jesus. Ref Philippians 1:1, Galatians 1:10

By her consent, Mary committed herself responsibly in a joyous and sorrowful service of the person and work of her Son; consecrating herself totally with him and under him to the service of the Mystery of salvation and redemption. Even more, she lived her mission of service with faith and obedience, thanksgiving and suffering.

“Handmaid” places Mary among the lowly, the poor and the sick. The Greek word used here in Anawim. The post-exilic books of the Old Testament especially are marked by the spirituality of the anawah, the poor and lowly servant.  The anawah are quiet folk who fear God. They look up to God. They are the poor of Yahweh.This is the exact word used by Mary when she said I am the handmaid of the Lord.

Therefore, handmaid nature of Mary can best be understood from her close association with the Son in fulfilling the mission of Father.

To Be Continued…

Mary, Servant of Christ…..Pray for us

Complied by:

Eric Dagbui

THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL. SEASON II, Part 7

Today marks the Feast of the Holy Rosary. As I already mentioned in Part 1 of season II, Pope Pius V officially approved this Rosary in 1569. In 1573, he established the FEAST OF THE ROSARY in thanksgiving for the victory of Christian Europe over Muslim forces in the battle of Lepanto on October 7, 1571.

Mary is not a God to be worshipped. She was like one of us but preserved from the stain of original sin. This was because God planned to use a virgin- daughter for the salvation of humanity. She is the cause of our joy!!!

When we honor Mary as the Mother of God, we are actually professing our belief that Jesus is truly God. We are not saying Mary came before God. Rather, the second Person of the Trinity, who existed from all eternity, “became flesh and lived among us". Ref . John 1:14

There are 15 promises attached to the praying of the Rosary as received by St Dominic and Blessed Alan de la Roche.

These are:

1. Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary, shall receive powerful graces.
2. I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary.
3. The Rosary shall be a powerful armor against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies.
4. It will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of people from the love of the world and its vanities, and will lift them to the desire of eternal things. Oh, that souls would sanctify themselves by this means.
5. The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the Rosary, shall not perish.
6. Whoever shall recite the Rosary devoutly, applying Himself to the consideration of its Sacred Mysteries shall never be conquered by misfortune. God will not chastise Him in His justice, he shall not perish by an unprovided death; if he be just he shall remain in the grace of God, and become worthy of eternal life.
7. Whoever shall have a true devotion for the Rosary shall not die without the Sacraments of the Church.
8. Those who are faithful to recite the Rosary shall have during their life and at their death the light of God and the plentitude of His graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the merits of the Saints in Paradise.
9. I shall deliver from purgatory those who have been devoted to the Rosary.
10. The faithful children of the Rosary shall merit a high degree of glory in Heaven.
11. You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the Rosary.
12. All those who propagate the Holy Rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities.
13. I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the Rosary shall have for intercessors the entire celestial court during their life and at the hour of death.
14. All who recite the Rosary are my children, and brothers and sisters of my only Son, Jesus Christ.
15. Devotion of my Rosary is a great sign of predestination.

She did it for the whole Europe. She will do it for you when you believe in her intercession. Have faith and employ her help. You will give  testimonies. I have numerous testimonies to share.

Glory to Jesus,!!!

Honor to Mary!!

Please have some time today and pray the Rosary. She will do it for you too.

To be Continued…..

Our Lady of the Rosary, ….Pray for us

Compiled by:

Eric K. Dagbui

THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL. SEASON II, PART 6

We read that on two occasions Jesus addressed Mary “Woman”and nowhere does He call her Mother.  (Ref John 2:4 & John 19:25-27). Is this not a disrespect shown by Jesus Christ?

John's Gospel was the last of the four gospels to be written around 85-90 A.D. The purpose of his write up was to prove conclusively that Jesus is the Son of God and that all who believe in him will have eternal life. Ref. John 20:30,31

However John gives Mary, her rightful place in the history of salvation. The first woman (Eve) with the first man sinned and there began the degradation of humanity (Original Sin). But Mary, chosen by God to become the mother of the Saviour Jesus Christ replaced Eve, and with her begins a new humanity.  Here we see the link between Genesis 3 and John 2:4 & 19:25-27.

In other words, the use of “Woman” once again hearkens back to Genesis, esp. to God’s promise of redemption. On Calvary, the prophecy of Genesis 3:15 is fulfilled. The woman is Mary.

Jesus assigns Mary a special relationship to those he has redeemed. The first woman was called Eve because she was “mother of all living” (Genesis 3:20). Mary now becomes the New Eve because she is the Mother of all believers. If we are Christ’s disciples, Mary is our Mother. Jesus wants us to take her into our own home. She must have won God’s favour.

Did Jesus actually used the right word by calling Mary “Woman”?

To Be Continued …

Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom…. Pray for us.

Complied by:

Eric K. Dagbui

THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL. SEASON II, PART 5

Joseph, Mary and Jesus had Family Crises too!!!

The gospels relate that the routine family life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph of Nazareth was preceded by one crisis after another. First came Angel  Gabriel’s visit to announce the unexpected to Mary, a virgin girl of about 12 - 14 years of age; who was betrothed to a man named Joseph. Then Joseph anguished over her fiancé being pregnant. After a degree for census, Joseph and expectant Mary had to travel to Bethlehem. The only crib they could find was a manger. Not long after the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph had to flee from Herod into Egypt, considering the dangerous roads into the unknown…

The Mother of the Son of God spent her entire life within the confines of ordinary households of Nazareth. Joseph worked as a carpenter and cared for the family. The lives of the three seemed so common that when Jesus came back to his hometown as a preacher, he was resented by those familiar with his origin. Mary was present at the death of Joseph and at the death of her son on Calvary. Scripture does not describe Mary’s emotions as she stood at the foot of the Cross.

Every mother, is faced with the realization that a sword will pierce her heart. Enduring the inevitable injuries of her child's childhood, bruised feelings of adolescence, the sorrows of parting and the shadow of death.  And Mary treasured all these things in her heart. What was that? The thirty-three years of Christ’s life.

From this Most Holy Family, we learn three things: Love, fidelity and commitment. We can't heal the ills of society overnight but we can dedicate ourselves to these values to heal our families of our crises.

To Be Continued…

Holy Mary,Mother of God... pray for our families.

Complied by:

Eric K. Dagbui

THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL. SEASON II, PART 4

How can Mary be a virgin when we hear of other brothers and sisters of Jesus, whose names are mentioned in the Scriptures?

Perpetual Virginity of Mary? Impossible!!! Wait a minute.
In the Proto Evangelium of James, there is a lot of information about the early life of Jesus. This book is an apocryphal literature which did not find its way into the list of books in the Bible due to some incongruity about its inspiration. However, it contains a lot of useful truths and established facts.

From this book, we know that Mary was married to a widower, a man named Joseph who already had several children. Hence Jesus in his humanity had stepbrothers and sisters.

The term “firstborn son” seems to suggest there were other children of Mary. In Luke 2:7 we come across this term referring to Jesus as Mary’s firstborn son. "Firstborn" was a legal term for Jewish people. The firstborn was to be presented in the Temple, as Jesus was. (Ref. Exodus 13:2 & Luke 2:22). Hence firstborn does not imply other children. That leaves us with the truth that Jesus is the only Son of Mary. Joseph is said to have died before Jesus was of age. Did Mary then got married another man? The answer is obvious.

Mt 13:55-56; Mk 6:3 listed the names of the brothers and sisters of Jesus. It is simple. There are other Marys mentioned in the New Testament who are relatives of the Mary, Mother of Jesus.

The brothers and sisters of Jesus in another sense would refer to the Cousins of Jesus. Since it was a Semitic custom to call cousins with a more endearing nomenclature of brothers and sisters, as it is in fact the practise in many Asian cultures.

Who then are the brothers and sisters of Jesus? In a third level of meaning, it refers to those who hear the word of God and put them into practise. (Mt. 12:46-50; Mk. 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21)

From the above discussions, who then is John the Baptist to Jesus?

To Be Continued…

Mary, Mother of the Afflicted ...pray for us

Compiled by:

Eric K. Dagbui

THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL. SEASON II PART 3

For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.  (I Timothy 2:5) Why should someone else pray for me?

In the Hebrew Scripture, we read that prophets like Elijah and Elisha interceded for people and worked miracles. Moses interceded many times on behalf of the errant Israel and saved them from many dangers.

In the  New Testament, we find a typical example of Mary mother of Jesus interceded with her Son during the marriage at Cana, which resulted in the first miracle of Jesus (changing water into wine). Ref. John 2:1-11

Mediation and intercession are words similar in meaning. According to Merriam Webster’ dictionary Mediation is “ an act of intervening”. Intercession is “an act of speaking to someone in order to defend or help another person”.

Those Saints in heaven are closer to God and since they are spiritual beings, they are able to beg God on our behalf. We believe that Mary was taken up  body and soul into the  glories of heaven. She can equally intercede on our behalf. She is the Mother of God.

Spirits of God intercede on our behalf as human beings. Angels are Spiritual Beings who plead on our behalf. Human beings intercede for one another. If there is only one mediator why should St James ask that elders pray and anoint the sick? Ref. James 5:14-15

There are levels of mediation.

If you have ever prayed for or with someone, you did what is called INTERCESSION.  We do ask the angels and saints in heaven to pray for us. Mary is a saint par excellence. She is the Queen of all Saints. Why then should it be a hard thing for you to seek the help of our Mother Mary?

Mary is our Mother. Mothers know how to plead very well for the needs of their children. Give Mary a chance, to plead for you while you pray the Rosary seeking her intercession.

To Be Continued…

Mary, Mother of God….Pray for us

Compiled by:

Eric K. Dagbui

THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL. SEASON II, PART 2

That moment when spouses stop telling each other I love you mark the beginning of the downfall of the unity of the family.

If you are tired of saying, I love you Jesus or thank you Jesus, then you have a real problem. Although, One can't thank God enough. The Common Eucharistic Preface (IV) says: "...For, although you have no need of our praise, yet our thanksgiving is itself your gift, since our praises add nothing to your greatness but profit us for salvation, through Christ our Lord..."

The Rosary is first and foremost a prayer of Praise,Thanksgiving and intercession. It is repetitive by its very nature but does not mean it is vain repetition. It is a gradual penetration into the mysteries of Christ, the Son--which yields meditative prayer life.

The Psalms are words of praise, petition, thanksgiving, protection, deliverance e.t.c. In some of the Psalms we find certain phrases repeating.

For example in Psalm 136, we find this phrase repeating “his love is eternal”; That does not make it vain repetition of words. So also the Rosary prayers are not a vain repetition of words. It is a meditative prayer.

To Be Continued…

Mary, Mother of Christ, …..Pray for us

Compiled by:

Eric K. Dagbui

THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL. SEASON II, PART 1

Last year we looked at the history of the rosary and its biblical foundations. By way of reminding ourselves…

We said among other things that, it has a long history associating with St. Dominic de Guzman and Blessed Alan de la Roche. These two were the original promoters of this devotion.

Pope Pius V officially approved this Rosary in 1569. In 1573, he established the FEAST OF THE ROSARY in thanksgiving for the victory of Christian Europe over Muslim forces in the battle of Lepanto on October 7, 1571.

The Rosary is a summary of the birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ as well as the descent of the Holy Spirit, Assumption of our Lady  and Her Coronation in heaven as Queen of Heaven and Earth.

The Rosary is centred on Jesus Christ as revealed in both his humanity and divinity. It is a prayer in honor of Mary as she rightly said “Henceforth all generations shall call me blessed” (Luke 1:48)

Structurally, the Rosary is a string of beads or knots constructed so as to guide the holder through praying the Rosary prayer. The loop part has 5 sections, separated by larger beads, each containing 10 small beads. Hanging from the loop is a string of 5 beads and a cross.

The Rosary consists of a set number of specific prayers. First are the introductory prayers: one Apostles’ Creed (Credo) , one Our Father (the Pater Noster or the Lord’s Prayer), three Hail Mary’s ( Ave’s ), one Glory Be (Gloria Patri).

In Sum, the Rosary is a centuries-old way of praying. "Medieval piety in the West developed the prayer of the Rosary as a popular substitute for the Liturgy of the Hours." Although obviously Marian in character, it is Christ-centered in its essentials. It is a meditation on the the lives of both our Lord and the Virgin Mary."

The Rosary is not just a prayer but a meditation on the mysteries of our salvation.

To be Continued…

Mary, Mother of all Christians...Pray for us

Compiled by:

Eric K. Dagbui