Daily Meditation| Daily Quote by S. Padre Pio| Divine Mercy Reflection
In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.
When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it..
The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished. Now, if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.
The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, ‘I’m done’.
But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table,
because……….. The folded napkin meant,
‘I’m coming back!’
HE’S COMING BACK!!!!
Daily Meditation
Modeling Jesus:
When we share our faith, Jesus is our model. He had compassion on the unbeliever. He met people on their own level, and He spoke their language-- in parables and stories they could understand.
Quote by S. Padre Pio:
There are times when I am assailed by violent temptations against faith... my will does not yield.
Divine Mercy Reflection
Reflections on Notebook One: 11-111
This first notebook of Saint Faustina begins her private revelations given from the Heart of Jesus to her. She writes in a beautiful and simple way. Though, as mentioned in the introduction to this book, her actual words are not quoted in these reflections that follow, the messages that she received and articulated are presented.
In truth, her messages are those contained in Sacred Scripture and in the Tradition of our Church. And if you were to read through the lives and teachings of the saints, you would find the same revelations. God has always spoken to us throughout the ages. He speaks the one Message of Truth, and He reveals that Message in love. The revelations to Saint Faustina are one new way that God continues to speak and reveal Himself to us, His sons and daughters.
The reflections in this first chapter, based on the first notebook, are intentionally short and focused. They are a way for you, the reader, to slowly and carefully listen to the Heart of God spoken to this great saint. Read these reflections slowly and prayerfully. Ponder them throughout the day and allow the Lord to speak to You the message He wants to give.
Reflection 108: The Voice of the Church
God has spoken to the saints in numerous ways including through many interior graces and inspirations. But even the greatest mystic, living on the heights of holiness, must ultimately submit to the Voice of God spoken through His Church. The Church, especially in the person of our Holy Father, is the clearest channel of the Voice of God in our world. Through the Church we will be led to Heaven. We must always strive to be in perfect union with Christ as He is alive and made manifest to us through His Church. We must let ourselves be led by God through our bishops, pastors and all to whom He has entrusted our pastoral care. Giving authority to the Church was God’s idea and plan; it must also become ours (See Diary #497).
Do you see the wisdom of the plan of God as He has chosen to reveal Himself to us through the Church? Do you believe in the Church as the Mother and Teacher of your faith? Do you especially trust in the words of our Holy Father, the Pope? Make an act of faith, this day, putting your wholehearted trust in the Voice of God spoken through His Church and you will begin to more fully understand the countless mysteries of life that God has revealed.
Dear Lord, I desire to be obedient to You in all things. I desire to hear Your Voice and follow Your commands. Help me to have the wisdom to discern You speaking and acting through Your Church. May I see beyond the person of the priest, bishop and the Holy Father so as to discover Your guiding hand. Jesus, I trust in You.
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