The Catholic Calendar for Monday, July 16, 2001
Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Complete story: http://www.christdesert.org/public_texts/martyrology/
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 1:8-14,22
Psalm 124:1-8
Matthew 10:34-11:1
Full text: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm
A Reflection:
Today we celebrate Our Lady of Mount Carmel and her gift to us, the
Brown Scapular, which is said to have been given to St. Simon Stock
way back in 1251. It is recognized by the Church as one of its
sacramentals that honor Mary, the mother of God. In my travels, I
happened upon an interesting little booklet entitled "Garment of
Grace" which tells of the history of the Scapular and of devotion to
Our Lady under this title. In it I was surprised to learn that this
devotion even precedes the birth of Our Lord! Seems back in 8 BC, the
great prophet Elias went up Mount Carmel in Palestine and founded a
contemplative order which had mystically dedicated themselves to
God's Mother-yet-to-come, Mary. (Talk about being led by the Spirit!)
Throughout the centuries, many of the saints have spoken of the power
of the Rosary, the Scapular, the Miraculous Medal, the Crucifix, and
Holy Water. Indeed, they are powerful means to remind us of who we
are, and Who we are reliant upon in all things. They are not magical
items; they in themselves grant us no special powers or favors from
God. Yet many miraculous events have been attributed to their use.
How is that?
"The blood you have placed on the doorposts will be proof that you
obey me..." (Exodus 12:13) By using sacramentals in faith, they
excite in us a pious disposition, thus opening our hearts to grace
and conversion. Miracles happen when we have true devotion and faith,
not magical thinking. When we humbly submit our wills to the Will of
Our Father, invoke the powerful intercession of Our Lady and the
saints to help us in this journey of faith - and thus, give Him
Glory, miracles do happen! Alleluia!
- Nancy Collingwood (1993)
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