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Barbara Graver

Barbara Graver

Paranormal Fiction | Book & Media Reviews | Our Catholic Faith

Thoughts on Holy Week

April 11, 2020

Easter cross and lilies

Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many mansions. If not, I would have told you: because I go to prepare a place for you.

John 14:1, 2 – Douay-Rheims Bible

The first verse in the last supper discourse, above, asks us to have faith. Which is definitely something to keep in mind in these uncertain times. To me, to have faith is to believe that God is working all things for good. Even when, or maybe especially, when we can’t see it.

In my experience, trials can help us grow in faith. So it may be that the simplest and most straight-forward lesson we can take from the COVID 19 crisis is that we all have some growing to do.

I love all of the last supper discourse but it is the second verse, John 14:2, that I like best. “In my Father’s house there are many mansions. If not, I would have told you: because I go to prepare a place for you.” To me, that sums it all up. Why Jesus came, why He died. Why we should look forward to this Easter Sunday, with or without church services or Easter egg hunts or big family gatherings.

For me, the days leading up to Easter are a somber, reflective time. But the day itself is always joyful. It is the new beginning of all new beginnings. And that is reflected in what is going on now, with me, on a personal level.

Like so many others, I’ve found that the COVID 19 quarantine has changed my priorities. I am more focused on my home and family. Perhaps because of all the uncertainty I am more aware of the value of what I have. I am less resentful. I am spending less time online. I’m reading more. I’m praying longer. I’m more enthusiastic about my garden. And I have started way too many seeds!

There are very real concerns but, even so, I feel that this is my new beginning and I’m determined to stick with it long after our current trials have passed.

Praying for you and all those in need. And wishing you and yours a blessed and safe Easter Sunday!

in: Faith, The Catholic Faith # Catholicism Easter

prevEaster Mass at St. Joseph Marello
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The Seven Sorrows Rosary is a wonderful Lenten dev The Seven Sorrows Rosary is a wonderful Lenten devotion!

The Seven Sorrows which Pierced Our Lady’s Heart.

1. The Prophecy of Saint Simeon. (Luke 2:34–35)

2. The escape and Flight into Egypt. (Matthew 2:13)

3. The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem (Luke 2:43–45)

4. The Meeting of Mary and Jesus on the Via Dolorosa.

5. The Crucifixion of Jesus on Mount Calvary. (John 19:25)

6. The Piercing of the Side of Jesus, and His Descent from the Cross. (Matthew 27:57–59)

7. The Burial of Jesus by Joseph of Arimathea. (John 19:40–42)

Not only do we get to unite our sufferings and sorrows to Our Lady of Sorrows, we are also promised 7 Graces:

According to St Bridget of Sweden (1303-1373), there are Seven Graces of this devotion.

1. I will grant peace to their families.

2. I will be enlightened about the Divine mysteries.

3. I will console them in their pains, and I will accompany them in their work.

4. I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the adorable will of my Divine Son or the sanctification of their souls.

5. I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy, and I will protect them at every instant of their lives.

6. I will visibly help them at the moment of their death, they will see the face of their Mother.

7. I have obtained this Grace from my Divine Son, that those who propagate this devotion to my tears and dolors, will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness since all their sins will be forgiven and my Son and I will be their eternal consolation and joy.

#lent #Lent2023 #catholiclife #LentenJourney #catholicfaith  #lentenseason
I wasn't able to attend last week but am looking f I wasn't able to attend last week but am looking forward to doing the Stations of the Cross with the rest of the congregation this Friday!
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