Meditation is an ideal way to pray. Using God's word (Lectio Divina) allows me to hear, listen and reflect on what the Lord wants to say to me - to one of his disciples - just like He did two thousand years ago.
The best time to reflect is at the beginning of the day and for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
Prior to going to sleep, read the Mass readings for the next day and then, in the morning, reflect on the Meditation offered on this website.
I hope these daily meditations allow you to know, love and imitate the Lord in a more meaningful way.
God bless you!


Monday, May 12, 2014

Jn 10:11-18 The Good Shepherd

Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter
(Click here for readings)

Jesus said: "I am the good shepherd.  A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them."

Harvard and Shame.  Harvard's satanic "black mass" will go on tonight, despite widespread condemnation from religious and secular leaders.

The New York-based "Satanic Temple" - which is not very satanic in belief, but definitely atheistic at heart - is putting on the show.  If you recall, this is the same organization that is currently seeking governmental approval to have their statute of the devil (surrounded by smiling children) put on display next to a monument of the Ten Commandments.  Talk about twisted!

This is all very shameful, but much more so for Harvard University, an institution known for academic excellence, not academic decadence.

Harvard President or "Good Shepherd" Drew Faust, in a statement, said it's "deeply regrettable" that the events organizer will proceed despite the fervent opposition by some local residents and students. 

One graduate student remarked: "I would find it interesting if they did something like this to the Koran or Torah." 

Two days ago, the magazine Harvard Crimson reported the following:

A petition opposing the event, organized by Matthew R. Menendez ’14, has, according to Menendez, received the signatures of 370 Harvard students and 100 alumni. The petition demands that the University prevent the event from taking place because it “offends all who have faith in Christ” and “promotes contempt for the Catholic faith.

The Harvard Chaplains, a group of religious and spiritual leaders who, according to their website, represent a diverse array of spiritual and religious practices, expressed concern about the event, which they said is a reenactment of a ritual that mocks foundational beliefs held by many Christians about the importance of Holy Communion.

“Just because something may be permissible does not make it right or good,” Reverend Luther Zeigler, President of the Harvard Chaplains, wrote in a statement to The Crimson on behalf of the Chaplains. “Whether or not these students are ‘entitled’ to express themselves through the ceremony of a ‘black mass’ as a matter of law or University policy is a distinct question from whether this is a healthy form of intellectual discourse or community life. We submit it is not.”

The Good Shepherd.  What makes Christ the Good Shepherd is more than just His fine words.  It is the fact that He is willing to spill His sweat, tears and blood for His sheep and for Truth.  Letters of protest are all fine and dandy, but protests are what we need right now.

Let's pray that Harvard's President, along with their chaplains, faculty, staff and students will take a stand with pen and protests and prevent these religious bigots from mocking Christians and all people of good will.

It's time to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Truth.

10 comments:

  1. With all of the crazy weather events happening today (Nebraska tornadoes, Denver's freak Spring snow storm, Dallas' severe thunderstorms), I imagine St. Michael the Archangel and Satan in heaven battling over Harvard's Black Mass! (Will it happen or not? Consecrated or unconsecrated host? Yikes!) It's sickening to think of this Satanic group mocking the Christian mass, but it's really nothing new. Black masses are performed in secret all around the world. This one just happens to be very public within a prestigious academic institution. Harvard's extremely liberal-based teaching encourages foolish "cultural activities" such as this. Satanists love to get Christians all riled up! The more we throw up our hands up in protest and dissension, even though this "black mass" is clearly a disgusting and vile act, these people will **think** they've scored a home run for Satan's team. They are glowing in pride right with a major win. Ha! Think again......

    I find it interesting that this "black mass" is happening as the readings from the liturgy talk about the Good Shepherd. We are reminded how Jesus as the good shepherd will lay down his life for sheep. The Father of Lies certainly won't do the same for his followers! In fact, God already has control over this entire "black mass" situation. He will allow the event to happen but it won't be very effective. All of the prayer vigils, rosaries, Eucharistic adorations, and masses going on throughout the country will effectively neutralize any taint or evil that comes out of all this.

    Oh, I don't even want to think of what Islamists would do to Satanists who ever mocked and ridiculed Muhammad or Allah. Scary and frightening!

    -Jennifer

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    1. Just heard that the Black Mass has been moved OFF CAMPUS. And that the OFF CAMPUS site is no longer offering their property.

      So it seems like this is not going to happen. Let's keep praying.

      But I think protests are called for. It doesn't matter what the indirect result may be, but there are some things that are worth protesting against. This is one of them.

      Delete
  2. I haven't heard of any protests going on, but there will be a Eucharistic procession from MIT to St. Paul's parish in Harvard Square followed by a Holy Hour and Benediction. President Faust released a statement earlier saying that she plans to attend the Holy Hour in support to show her support for the Church. She's certainly not laying down her life for us, but at least she's showing some support.

    http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/may/10/holy-war-rocks-harvard-catholic-church-fights-back/

    http://www.harvard.edu/president/news/2014/statement-on-black-mass

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  3. UPDATE: Black Mass has been moved OFF CAMPUS.

    Prayers and protests are required. We need to show our faith and our disgust with those who mock others, especially their most heartfelt beliefs.

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    1. Praise be to God! I wholeheartedly agree with Fr. Alfonse that our physical presence opposing these atrocities is imperative. Last summer (July 2013) when Texas' HB2 was being passed, we went down with our kids to Austin to stand for life.

      We have been actively involved in the pro-life movement for twenty-five years but this was truly like being in hell. Check out this video to see the struggle between good and evil in the rotunda of the Texas Capitol.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5_velCAmSo

      The orange shirts are the pro-abortion supporters. They are chanting "Who's choice? Our choice!" By this time of the evening, the blue shirts (pro-lifers) were inside the gallery watching the historic passage of the Bill. My fourteen year old daughter had stood in line for 10 hours at this point to secure a spot in the gallery.

      In the center of the rotunda floor, there was a lone pro-lifer holding up a crucifix. It was a beacon of hope in a sea of depravation.

      We must pray fervently but we must take action as well. Silence yields to apathy and eventually acceptance. "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke

      Delete
  4. "With all of the crazy weather events happening today (Nebraska tornadoes, Denver's freak Spring snow storm, Dallas' severe thunderstorms), I imagine St. Michael the Archangel and Satan in heaven battling over Harvard's Black Mass"

    Yes, because obviously weather events are caused by supernatural beings. Just like hurricanes and earthquakes are caused by abortions, gay marriages, etc.

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  5. " We need to show our faith and our disgust with those who mock others, especially their most heartfelt beliefs."

    OH NO! Not mockery! The injustice!

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  6. "President Faust released a statement earlier saying that she plans to attend the Holy Hour in support to show her support for the Church. "

    OK, that name is just ironic.

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  7. I'm sure most readers know about Lifenews.com, probably the best pro-life news source on the Internet. There is an interesting video interview with an atheist pro-life group called "Secular Pro-Life" and their reaction to working with fellow Christians at a "Justice for All" seminar:

    http://www.lifenews.com/2014/05/12/how-do-atheist-pro-lifers-feel-about-being-involved-in-a-largely-christian-pro-life-movement/

    I never even thought that atheists could be pro-life. I'd just assumed they'd naturally all be pro-choice. Very interesting thought: While working with fellow atheists in the pro-life movement, eventually convert a few souls to Christ! It can be done. The fact that we have something in common (life) is a starting point. :)

    -J.


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    1. "I never even thought that atheists could be pro-life. I'd just assumed they'd naturally all be pro-choice."

      Why assume that? The only reliable thing that can be said about an atheist is that they don't believe in god/gods. Nothing more, nothing less.

      Delete

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