"and a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of stars. And being in labor she was in pain to be delivered. And there was another sign in heaven the red dragon Satan ready to devour the fruit of her womb. And when she brought forth there was a great battle in heaven, wherein the angels of God cast out Satan and his angels. And I heard a voice saying: Now is come salvation and strength and the kingdom of God and the
power of His Christ."
Discover the secrets of This Most Powerful Devotion
Such, my brethren, is the account, in the twelfth chapter of Revelation,
of Mary's first glorious victory over the enemy of mankind. History has
repeated itself since then, for in the thirteenth century we again behold
the dragon now the dragon of heresy preparing to destroy the dogmas of
our faith the fair offspring of Mary, the Mother of Wisdom. But once
again she appears in the heavens, and taking from her head its starry
crown, she makes of it a Rosary, and placing it in the hands of St.
Dominic, she bids him to arm himself and his followers with this
weapon, and lead them against the powers of darkness. Then the demons
of error and of sin fly before them, so that once again the heavenly voice
proclaims the kingdom of God re-established and the power of His
Christ restored. Brethren, this being a time of division and hardship, we
will do well to discover the hidden secrets of this most powerful
devotion.
Rosary Objections Know Thy Enemies!
Let us see first, what its enemies say against it; second, what its
advocates say for it, and third and lastly, whether the voice of our
conscience numbers us among its friends or among its enemies.
What do its enemies say against it? A fanatical opposition to God's
holy Mother and to the homage paid her by Catholics has ever been
the distinguishing mark of Protestantism. While professing
unbounded admiration for womankind and for motherhood they still
have no respect for the ideal woman, the Virgin of Virgin Mothers.
Hence it is not strange that they should find fault with a method of
prayer wherein the name of Mary is repeated with that of the Godhead in
proportion of ten times to one. They remind us of St. Paul's words, that
"there is one name and one only at the sound of which every knee in
heaven and on earth and in hell shall bend that which there is no other
name under heaven given to man whereby we must be saved" the sacred
name of Jesus. Yet, they say, you Catholics deify Mary and relegate the
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost to the position of lesser divinities.
What’s more; they accuse us of taking to ourselves a graven thing a few
beads strung on a wire a monkish invention and making them the
talisman of hope, the idol of men's love. As for the prayers, they ask,
why this monotonous mummery? Why this eternal repetition of the
selfsame prayer? Why indeed, if not that the devotion of the Rosary is
essentially Catholic, and therefore essentially wrong.
Know The Secrets Of The Holy Rosary
Brethren, when we Catholics desire direction in the practice of our
religion we are not likely to appeal to our Protestant brethren for
instruction. Of them are true the words of St. Paul, that "they understand
not either the things they say or whereof they affirm." In fact, making
due allowance for prejudice, what they deny is generally true, and what
they affirm is to be denied. We do not deify Mary, neither do we adore
her, but we honor her, first as the Mother of our God and again for her
own transcendent virtues. So transcendent indeed that the Son of God
Himself, like another Solomon, stepped down from His royal throne to
raise her to a place by His side. Do we not hear Him address her in
Solomon's words: "Speak, Mother, for I cannot refuse thy petition."
Therefore when we appeal to the throne of grace we do so
through Mary, honoring God by honoring His Mother, imitating
Him by exalting her, touching the most responsive chord in the
Sacred Heart of Christ with the sweet name of Mary.
For who of you does not remember his childhood days and the boyish
ruse by which you secured favors from your earthly father? Did you go
to him boldly and demand the desired pocket money? No; for there was
about him a stern dignity that overawed. But freely and confidently you
went to your good mother to present your petition, and you saw your
father smile with pleasure, and your mother returning to you radiant,
with double the amount.
Perfection Comes Through Having The Heart of a Child
Brethren, it was not without reason that Our Lord pointing to a little boy
said to His Apostles: "To be My disciples you must become as one of
these," for the nearer our devotions come to the simple and loving
methods of a child, the more perfect they are. Such, I say, is the
devotion of the Rosary. Nor do we pay to the mere beads and chains any
superstitious worship or attribute to them any magic power. But we
cherish the beads as a gift from the Mother of Jesus herself, as an article
consecrated to devotion by the blessing of God's minister, as a blessed
chain that constantly leads back our wandering thoughts to God and holy
things.
Repetitious Prayer Equals Vain Words?
We repeat the same prayer over and over again just as a child will repeat
and repeat and repeat again his question or request till it be granted.
True, prayer does not consist in much speaking, says Christ; that is,
not long and eloquent discourses, but a short simple request
perseveringly repeated. The omniscient intellect of God requires no
circumlocutions to understand our needs, but His will demands
perseverance on our part before it is moved to relieve them.
Scripture & Repetitious Prayer
● Thus we see Abraham holding back the arm of God's wrath from
Sodom and Gomorrah by a simple but oft repeated request. What
variety is there in Moses holding up his hands or Joshua blowing
a trumpet? Yet that simple act, persevered in all day, procured for
Moses a victory over his enemies and for Joshua the ruin of the
walls of Jericho.
● The stern judge yielding at last to the widow's petition was
overcome not by her eloquence but by her importunity.
● The baker rising in the night to serve his customer yielded not to
his arguments but to his monotonous knocking.
● Of Christ in His agony we read that He went and fell prostrate
three times, and three times He prayed the selfsame prayer.
Thus you see that the recitation of the Rosary, far from being a
vain and tedious repetition, is of all prayers the one best suited
to the childlike nature of a true Christian, and most closely
resembling the model Christ gave us by His teaching and example.
Of Mental & Vocal Prayer
If we analyze this devotion we will find in itself still further proof of its
excellence. Vocal prayer is good, but it may be rendered void by
distractions; mental prayer is better, but it may be defective through lack
of vocal expression; but a prayer that is at the same time vocal and
mental is, all things being equal, essentially perfect. Now such is the
Rosary, the idea of which is to keep the mind engaged in holy
meditations, while the lips are singing the praises of God.
Again, if we care to further analyze this twofold element the vocal part
and the mental part we will find in the former a series of prayers the
most perfect the Church possesses, and in the latter a series of the most
salutary reflections of which the mind of man is capable. A lively faith is
the groundwork of all prayer, for how can men praise a God whom
they know not, or ask benefits of Him in whom they do not believe?
The Prayers of The Rosary
The Rosary begins with that grand profession of faith, the sign of the
cross, wherein is expressed a belief in the threefold mystery of the unity
of God's nature, of the Trinity of the divine persons, and of the
Incarnation. Then, as though ill content with so brief an exposition of his
belief, the pious follower of the Rosary is next led on to give a fuller
declaration of his faith in the inspired words of the Apostles' Creed. Thus
he declares himself not only a believer but a staunch defender of all the
truths from the Alpha to the Omega of Christian doctrine.
The Our Father
Then begins the Rosary proper. First comes the "Our Father." Of the
excellence of this prayer, it is enough to say that it is the most perfect of
all prayers, having Christ Himself for its Author. [What blesses it
contains as it petitions for every blessing pertaining to man's temporal
and spiritual welfare.]
The Hail Mary
The "Hail Mary" follows with loving persistency we repeat the words
God addressed to Mary through the Arch-Angel Gabriel, while with St.
Elizabeth we congratulate her on the great things the Omnipotent has
done to her. And as often as we recall Mary's transcendent dignity as the
Mother of God, so often do we in the "Holy Mary," invoke her powerful
intercession for us poor sinners now, and especially at the hour of our
death.
Glory Be
Finally, we at the end of each decade turn from Mary, her honor and
perfections, to Mary's Creator, the sole Author of her greatness, the one
Source of all good things, and we say, "Glory be to the Father, and to the
Son, and to the Holy Ghost."
The Beauty of the Meditating On The Mysteries of the Rosary
But beautiful as are the vocal prayers of the Rosary, the accompanying
meditations are not less praiseworthy. They are a fitting accompaniment
for so sweet a melody. "If," says St. Bernard, "you would avoid going
down to hell after your death, you must frequently go down there by
meditation during your life." With equal good reason may we say if we
would go to heaven in eternity, we must accustom our thoughts to go
there often in time. But how can we do this better than by following in
spirit the footsteps of our divine Guide Jesus Christ? Hence we divide
His history into fifteen parts or mysteries, and we allot one mystery to
each decade, and thus we proceed as He did, and as every true disciple of
His must do, from joy through sorrow to glory.
Joyful Mysteries
We see the gentle Virgin once again in her humble home, and we see the
resplendent Gabriel coming with his tidings of great joy to her and all
mankind. We hear Mary and Elizabeth blend their voices in magnifying
the Lord for choosing them to be the mothers of men greater than whom
have never been born of women And we kneel again by the crib in the
stable of Bethlehem. Then we hear the "Nunc Dimittis," the canticle of
Simeon, during the presentation of our Lord at the temple. Finally, in
we gaze in mingled joy and wonder on the fair boy in the midst of the
holy doctors in the Temple where Joseph and Mary find their son.
Sorrowful Mysteries
But, as for Christ, so for His true disciples, there is no joy without its latent
woe, hence, we meditate next on the sorrowful mysteries. We go in spirit to the
garden of Gethsemane, and kneel by the side of the agonized Christ. We listen
to the horrible echo of the leaded thong, as each brawny savage rains blow
after blow on the quivering shoulders of our poor Savior. Then we stand by
while the huge thorns are being pressed down and in till they grate on His
sacred skull. Alas, we take up our cross and follow Him on and up the heights
of Calvary and there immolate ourselves in spirit by the side of our
crucified Lord.
Glorious Mysteries
Finally, as if to carry out the idea that after the cross of tribulation, and
only after the cross, comes the crown of glory. We rise with Him
from the sepulcher in which our sins have entombed us. Then soaring
above and beyond the reach of human joy and human sorrow we enter
with Him, glorified, into the kingdom of His Father. When we have thus
ascended to God in thought, the Holy Spirit of God descends on us in
reality, calling up for our meditations the picture of His first descent on
the twelve Apostles. In the midst of that group we see the Virgin Mary.
Now that her earthly mission is accomplished, she presently closes her
eyes in the sweet sleep of death where is taken up body and soul into
heaven, here we accompany her, to assist with the angels and the saints
at her glorious coronation.
Brethren, such are the beautiful thoughts that occupy the mind
while our lips are praising God in language commended by
Himself, and our hands keeping time to our thoughts and words on
a little instrument invented for her wayward children by our own
loving Mother.
The Rosary is the Queen of Indulgence Devotions
Every faculty of our mind and body is by this method of prayer brought
into play and directed heavenward, so that with right good reason one of
the Fathers has said of the Rosary that it is the queen of indulgenced
devotions. Not least among the many excellences of this prayer is its
suitability to all classes of men and to every condition of life.
The Sweetness of the Family Rosary
It is the devotion of the family circle. Many of us will remember the old
homestead of long ago, where, at the quiet evening hour, our good
parents and their little ones knelt around the hearth and joined with
simple fervor in reciting the Rosary. Who does not remember that happy
moment when for the first time it was his proud privilege to recite his
own decade? For so simple is this devotion that the merest child can
practice it; so easy that the most uncultivated mind
can follow it. It inspires thoughts worthy of the loftiest intellect,
emotions that satisfy the cravings of the most fervent heart, and aspirations that lead
innumerable souls to God. It unites all, high and low, in the bonds of equality and
brotherhood.
Answered Prayers: The Fruit of the Rosary
I can recall a little chapel where you may often see a royal queen and a
lowly peasant addressing the same prayers to the same Mary, Queen of
the Rosary. We find instances in history where the Christian soldier,
defeated in his struggle for faith and fatherland, has turned the tide of
battle by an appeal to Mary of the Rosary. We see the great O'Connell
wincing under the fiery eloquence of his opponent, but preparing himself
by reciting the Rosary for that grand effort of his which procured hope
for the country he loved full well, and freedom for the Church he loved
better still. Besides these victories, who will recount its spiritual
conquests, the hardened hearts moved to repentance, the despairing souls
it has snatched from the edge of hell and returned to God! Ultimately, it
is the badge of the noblest of God's creatures, of the gentle Sisters of
Charity on the battlefield and in the hospital, and of the intrepid
missionaries in the wilderness.
________- The Rosary; Friend or Foe
Brethren, do we appreciate the full value of this devotion? Are we its
friends or are we its enemies? We are, you say, its friends, But alas! as
many a man will say: "I am a Catholic, but I cannot say I practice my
religion." So many of us will have to say: "I approve of the Rosary, but I
cannot say I practice it." To each I say equally: "Stuff and nonsense;
there is no Catholic but a practical Catholic, and there is no friend of the
Rosary but he who practices it often and well." "He that is not with me is
against me," is not less true of Christ than it is of the Church and the
Rosary.
Woe To Foe; Protestant or Catholic
Your Protestant friend refuses the honor due to the Queen of the Rosary
and you resent it, but if you practice not this devotion your action is
inconsistent. The Protestant only openly declares the disrespect for
Mary which you by your neglect tacitly affirm the same disrespect.
Hence since God both hears men's words and reads men's thoughts, you
are no better before God than the Protestant. Nay, you are worse. For
he knowing not the truth lives consistently with his error, but you
knowing the truth neglect to conform your life thereto.
Neglect and Saying the Rosary
Again, there are many who do practice this devotion, who really do
recite the Rosary every day; but how do they recite it? Ah, with them it is
not a unison of mental and oral prayer with them it is all oral all words
and words pronounced, alas, not in a human manner, but after the
method of a parrot or a speaking machine. Truly, such a practice is but
little better than absolute neglect. Nay, I would even venture to say that
rather than recite the Rosary thus, it would be better not to attempt to say
it at all, for the indifference of her children hurts the tender heart of our
Mother less than their positive disrespect.
With Great Devotion Comes Great Grace
But there are others who recite the beads every day and recite them well,
and of these I say, may God and His holy Mother bless them, and enable
them to persevere and lead others to imitate them. Let this be your
devotion in Church and in the home circle always, but especially during
this month of the Rosary. You will find that in your individual souls and
in the community at large will be accomplished another triumph of the
angels of virtue over the angels of sin and again the heavenly voice will
proclaim the kingdom of God reestablished upon earth and the power of
His Christ restored.
first appeared on_http://www.courageouspriest.com/
Thursday, 2 December 2010
With this Weapon - St Robert Bellarmine
"and a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of stars. And being in labor she was in pain to be delivered. And there was another sign in heaven the red dragon Satan ready to devour the fruit of her womb. And when she brought forth there was a great battle in heaven, wherein the angels of God cast out Satan and his angels. And I heard a voice saying: Now is come salvation and strength and the kingdom of God and the
power of His Christ."
Discover the secrets of This Most Powerful Devotion
Such, my brethren, is the account, in the twelfth chapter of Revelation,
of Mary's first glorious victory over the enemy of mankind. History has
repeated itself since then, for in the thirteenth century we again behold
the dragon now the dragon of heresy preparing to destroy the dogmas of
our faith the fair offspring of Mary, the Mother of Wisdom. But once
again she appears in the heavens, and taking from her head its starry
crown, she makes of it a Rosary, and placing it in the hands of St.
Dominic, she bids him to arm himself and his followers with this
weapon, and lead them against the powers of darkness. Then the demons
of error and of sin fly before them, so that once again the heavenly voice
proclaims the kingdom of God re-established and the power of His
Christ restored. Brethren, this being a time of division and hardship, we
will do well to discover the hidden secrets of this most powerful
devotion.
Rosary Objections Know Thy Enemies!
Let us see first, what its enemies say against it; second, what its
advocates say for it, and third and lastly, whether the voice of our
conscience numbers us among its friends or among its enemies.
What do its enemies say against it? A fanatical opposition to God's
holy Mother and to the homage paid her by Catholics has ever been
the distinguishing mark of Protestantism. While professing
unbounded admiration for womankind and for motherhood they still
have no respect for the ideal woman, the Virgin of Virgin Mothers.
Hence it is not strange that they should find fault with a method of
prayer wherein the name of Mary is repeated with that of the Godhead in
proportion of ten times to one. They remind us of St. Paul's words, that
"there is one name and one only at the sound of which every knee in
heaven and on earth and in hell shall bend that which there is no other
name under heaven given to man whereby we must be saved" the sacred
name of Jesus. Yet, they say, you Catholics deify Mary and relegate the
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost to the position of lesser divinities.
What’s more; they accuse us of taking to ourselves a graven thing a few
beads strung on a wire a monkish invention and making them the
talisman of hope, the idol of men's love. As for the prayers, they ask,
why this monotonous mummery? Why this eternal repetition of the
selfsame prayer? Why indeed, if not that the devotion of the Rosary is
essentially Catholic, and therefore essentially wrong.
Know The Secrets Of The Holy Rosary
Brethren, when we Catholics desire direction in the practice of our
religion we are not likely to appeal to our Protestant brethren for
instruction. Of them are true the words of St. Paul, that "they understand
not either the things they say or whereof they affirm." In fact, making
due allowance for prejudice, what they deny is generally true, and what
they affirm is to be denied. We do not deify Mary, neither do we adore
her, but we honor her, first as the Mother of our God and again for her
own transcendent virtues. So transcendent indeed that the Son of God
Himself, like another Solomon, stepped down from His royal throne to
raise her to a place by His side. Do we not hear Him address her in
Solomon's words: "Speak, Mother, for I cannot refuse thy petition."
Therefore when we appeal to the throne of grace we do so
through Mary, honoring God by honoring His Mother, imitating
Him by exalting her, touching the most responsive chord in the
Sacred Heart of Christ with the sweet name of Mary.
For who of you does not remember his childhood days and the boyish
ruse by which you secured favors from your earthly father? Did you go
to him boldly and demand the desired pocket money? No; for there was
about him a stern dignity that overawed. But freely and confidently you
went to your good mother to present your petition, and you saw your
father smile with pleasure, and your mother returning to you radiant,
with double the amount.
Perfection Comes Through Having The Heart of a Child
Brethren, it was not without reason that Our Lord pointing to a little boy
said to His Apostles: "To be My disciples you must become as one of
these," for the nearer our devotions come to the simple and loving
methods of a child, the more perfect they are. Such, I say, is the
devotion of the Rosary. Nor do we pay to the mere beads and chains any
superstitious worship or attribute to them any magic power. But we
cherish the beads as a gift from the Mother of Jesus herself, as an article
consecrated to devotion by the blessing of God's minister, as a blessed
chain that constantly leads back our wandering thoughts to God and holy
things.
Repetitious Prayer Equals Vain Words?
We repeat the same prayer over and over again just as a child will repeat
and repeat and repeat again his question or request till it be granted.
True, prayer does not consist in much speaking, says Christ; that is,
not long and eloquent discourses, but a short simple request
perseveringly repeated. The omniscient intellect of God requires no
circumlocutions to understand our needs, but His will demands
perseverance on our part before it is moved to relieve them.
Scripture & Repetitious Prayer
● Thus we see Abraham holding back the arm of God's wrath from
Sodom and Gomorrah by a simple but oft repeated request. What
variety is there in Moses holding up his hands or Joshua blowing
a trumpet? Yet that simple act, persevered in all day, procured for
Moses a victory over his enemies and for Joshua the ruin of the
walls of Jericho.
● The stern judge yielding at last to the widow's petition was
overcome not by her eloquence but by her importunity.
● The baker rising in the night to serve his customer yielded not to
his arguments but to his monotonous knocking.
● Of Christ in His agony we read that He went and fell prostrate
three times, and three times He prayed the selfsame prayer.
Thus you see that the recitation of the Rosary, far from being a
vain and tedious repetition, is of all prayers the one best suited
to the childlike nature of a true Christian, and most closely
resembling the model Christ gave us by His teaching and example.
Of Mental & Vocal Prayer
If we analyze this devotion we will find in itself still further proof of its
excellence. Vocal prayer is good, but it may be rendered void by
distractions; mental prayer is better, but it may be defective through lack
of vocal expression; but a prayer that is at the same time vocal and
mental is, all things being equal, essentially perfect. Now such is the
Rosary, the idea of which is to keep the mind engaged in holy
meditations, while the lips are singing the praises of God.
Again, if we care to further analyze this twofold element the vocal part
and the mental part we will find in the former a series of prayers the
most perfect the Church possesses, and in the latter a series of the most
salutary reflections of which the mind of man is capable. A lively faith is
the groundwork of all prayer, for how can men praise a God whom
they know not, or ask benefits of Him in whom they do not believe?
The Prayers of The Rosary
The Rosary begins with that grand profession of faith, the sign of the
cross, wherein is expressed a belief in the threefold mystery of the unity
of God's nature, of the Trinity of the divine persons, and of the
Incarnation. Then, as though ill content with so brief an exposition of his
belief, the pious follower of the Rosary is next led on to give a fuller
declaration of his faith in the inspired words of the Apostles' Creed. Thus
he declares himself not only a believer but a staunch defender of all the
truths from the Alpha to the Omega of Christian doctrine.
The Our Father
Then begins the Rosary proper. First comes the "Our Father." Of the
excellence of this prayer, it is enough to say that it is the most perfect of
all prayers, having Christ Himself for its Author. [What blesses it
contains as it petitions for every blessing pertaining to man's temporal
and spiritual welfare.]
The Hail Mary
The "Hail Mary" follows with loving persistency we repeat the words
God addressed to Mary through the Arch-Angel Gabriel, while with St.
Elizabeth we congratulate her on the great things the Omnipotent has
done to her. And as often as we recall Mary's transcendent dignity as the
Mother of God, so often do we in the "Holy Mary," invoke her powerful
intercession for us poor sinners now, and especially at the hour of our
death.
Glory Be
Finally, we at the end of each decade turn from Mary, her honor and
perfections, to Mary's Creator, the sole Author of her greatness, the one
Source of all good things, and we say, "Glory be to the Father, and to the
Son, and to the Holy Ghost."
The Beauty of the Meditating On The Mysteries of the Rosary
But beautiful as are the vocal prayers of the Rosary, the accompanying
meditations are not less praiseworthy. They are a fitting accompaniment
for so sweet a melody. "If," says St. Bernard, "you would avoid going
down to hell after your death, you must frequently go down there by
meditation during your life." With equal good reason may we say if we
would go to heaven in eternity, we must accustom our thoughts to go
there often in time. But how can we do this better than by following in
spirit the footsteps of our divine Guide Jesus Christ? Hence we divide
His history into fifteen parts or mysteries, and we allot one mystery to
each decade, and thus we proceed as He did, and as every true disciple of
His must do, from joy through sorrow to glory.
Joyful Mysteries
We see the gentle Virgin once again in her humble home, and we see the
resplendent Gabriel coming with his tidings of great joy to her and all
mankind. We hear Mary and Elizabeth blend their voices in magnifying
the Lord for choosing them to be the mothers of men greater than whom
have never been born of women And we kneel again by the crib in the
stable of Bethlehem. Then we hear the "Nunc Dimittis," the canticle of
Simeon, during the presentation of our Lord at the temple. Finally, in
we gaze in mingled joy and wonder on the fair boy in the midst of the
holy doctors in the Temple where Joseph and Mary find their son.
Sorrowful Mysteries
But, as for Christ, so for His true disciples, there is no joy without its latent
woe, hence, we meditate next on the sorrowful mysteries. We go in spirit to the
garden of Gethsemane, and kneel by the side of the agonized Christ. We listen
to the horrible echo of the leaded thong, as each brawny savage rains blow
after blow on the quivering shoulders of our poor Savior. Then we stand by
while the huge thorns are being pressed down and in till they grate on His
sacred skull. Alas, we take up our cross and follow Him on and up the heights
of Calvary and there immolate ourselves in spirit by the side of our
crucified Lord.
Glorious Mysteries
Finally, as if to carry out the idea that after the cross of tribulation, and
only after the cross, comes the crown of glory. We rise with Him
from the sepulcher in which our sins have entombed us. Then soaring
above and beyond the reach of human joy and human sorrow we enter
with Him, glorified, into the kingdom of His Father. When we have thus
ascended to God in thought, the Holy Spirit of God descends on us in
reality, calling up for our meditations the picture of His first descent on
the twelve Apostles. In the midst of that group we see the Virgin Mary.
Now that her earthly mission is accomplished, she presently closes her
eyes in the sweet sleep of death where is taken up body and soul into
heaven, here we accompany her, to assist with the angels and the saints
at her glorious coronation.
Brethren, such are the beautiful thoughts that occupy the mind
while our lips are praising God in language commended by
Himself, and our hands keeping time to our thoughts and words on
a little instrument invented for her wayward children by our own
loving Mother.
The Rosary is the Queen of Indulgence Devotions
Every faculty of our mind and body is by this method of prayer brought
into play and directed heavenward, so that with right good reason one of
the Fathers has said of the Rosary that it is the queen of indulgenced
devotions. Not least among the many excellences of this prayer is its
suitability to all classes of men and to every condition of life.
The Sweetness of the Family Rosary
It is the devotion of the family circle. Many of us will remember the old
homestead of long ago, where, at the quiet evening hour, our good
parents and their little ones knelt around the hearth and joined with
simple fervor in reciting the Rosary. Who does not remember that happy
moment when for the first time it was his proud privilege to recite his
own decade? For so simple is this devotion that the merest child can
practice it; so easy that the most uncultivated mind
can follow it. It inspires thoughts worthy of the loftiest intellect,
emotions that satisfy the cravings of the most fervent heart, and aspirations that lead
innumerable souls to God. It unites all, high and low, in the bonds of equality and
brotherhood.
Answered Prayers: The Fruit of the Rosary
I can recall a little chapel where you may often see a royal queen and a
lowly peasant addressing the same prayers to the same Mary, Queen of
the Rosary. We find instances in history where the Christian soldier,
defeated in his struggle for faith and fatherland, has turned the tide of
battle by an appeal to Mary of the Rosary. We see the great O'Connell
wincing under the fiery eloquence of his opponent, but preparing himself
by reciting the Rosary for that grand effort of his which procured hope
for the country he loved full well, and freedom for the Church he loved
better still. Besides these victories, who will recount its spiritual
conquests, the hardened hearts moved to repentance, the despairing souls
it has snatched from the edge of hell and returned to God! Ultimately, it
is the badge of the noblest of God's creatures, of the gentle Sisters of
Charity on the battlefield and in the hospital, and of the intrepid
missionaries in the wilderness.
________- The Rosary; Friend or Foe
Brethren, do we appreciate the full value of this devotion? Are we its
friends or are we its enemies? We are, you say, its friends, But alas! as
many a man will say: "I am a Catholic, but I cannot say I practice my
religion." So many of us will have to say: "I approve of the Rosary, but I
cannot say I practice it." To each I say equally: "Stuff and nonsense;
there is no Catholic but a practical Catholic, and there is no friend of the
Rosary but he who practices it often and well." "He that is not with me is
against me," is not less true of Christ than it is of the Church and the
Rosary.
Woe To Foe; Protestant or Catholic
Your Protestant friend refuses the honor due to the Queen of the Rosary
and you resent it, but if you practice not this devotion your action is
inconsistent. The Protestant only openly declares the disrespect for
Mary which you by your neglect tacitly affirm the same disrespect.
Hence since God both hears men's words and reads men's thoughts, you
are no better before God than the Protestant. Nay, you are worse. For
he knowing not the truth lives consistently with his error, but you
knowing the truth neglect to conform your life thereto.
Neglect and Saying the Rosary
Again, there are many who do practice this devotion, who really do
recite the Rosary every day; but how do they recite it? Ah, with them it is
not a unison of mental and oral prayer with them it is all oral all words
and words pronounced, alas, not in a human manner, but after the
method of a parrot or a speaking machine. Truly, such a practice is but
little better than absolute neglect. Nay, I would even venture to say that
rather than recite the Rosary thus, it would be better not to attempt to say
it at all, for the indifference of her children hurts the tender heart of our
Mother less than their positive disrespect.
With Great Devotion Comes Great Grace
But there are others who recite the beads every day and recite them well,
and of these I say, may God and His holy Mother bless them, and enable
them to persevere and lead others to imitate them. Let this be your
devotion in Church and in the home circle always, but especially during
this month of the Rosary. You will find that in your individual souls and
in the community at large will be accomplished another triumph of the
angels of virtue over the angels of sin and again the heavenly voice will
proclaim the kingdom of God reestablished upon earth and the power of
His Christ restored.
first appeared on_http://www.courageouspriest.com/
