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Helping Little Sparks Become Great Saints!

May 9th- 11th, the “Little Sparks Great Saints” Flame of Love Children’s Education Program was launched by a team of educators led by Patti Schwartz, US National Hispanic Director and Florida Regional Leader, in St. Mary Magdalen School in Media, Pennsylvania in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Flame of Love “Little Sparks” Educators
Teaching Little Sparks!!

In December, Patti felt a strong call in her heart from Our Lady to protect Her children, This was confirmed during an interview for Radio Maria with Fr. Hector Ramirez of “Mater Fatima”. With the images of the children of Fatima in the background Father said, “Our Lady is very concerned about the purity of the children today.” 

Patti shared this urgent call with her Cenacle. In response, Ann Moyer, a veteran middle school catechist for the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown Pennsylvania for the last 26 years, and Jim Gavigan, Northeast Regional Leader and English as a New Language teacher for 31 years in the Syracuse public schools joined Patti to create the Flame of Love Team of Educators. The lessons they created and shared with the students were the fruit of five months of intensive collaboration built upon a solid foundation of prayer answering the question “What does Our Lady want Her children to learn now in Her School of Love?”

On Monday, May 8th, National Spiritual Advisor Monsignor Ralph Chieffo and National Director Eileen Piergiovanni hosted a reception to inaugurate the “Little Sparks Great Saints” Education Program. After Patti Schwartz presented an overview of the project, goals, lessons, and materials that would be used in the classrooms—Monsignor Chieffo and Father Stephen DeLacy, Vicar for Faith Formation for Youth and Young Adults for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia blessed the “Little Sparks Great Saints” binder and prayed for its success.

On Tuesday, May 9th through Thursday May 11th, the Flame of Love Team of Educators, assisted by Eileen Piergiovanni, Deacon Joe Boyle, and Suzanne Watson, visited grades one through six. During 45 minute lessons, students and their teachers eagerly learned about Our Lady’s Flame of Love and, through the spirituality of the children of Fatima, the beauty of living a life centered on the love of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the safe refuge of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart. Students were asked to write at the end of the lesson what they had learned. Their feedback filled us with joy. One fifth grader wrote, “You showed me the prayer of unity and inspired me even more to be a priest.”

The FOL Educator Team would like to thank everyone involved for their loving support which made this incredible week possible.

If you would like more information about “Little Sparks Great Saints” in your schools, please contact us at pschwartz63@gmail.com or (518) 796-3111

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A New Priest-Fisherman and Shepherd

Hello! I’m Fr. Ryan Nguyen. It has been almost a year since my priestly ordination and I am still seeing the subtle and yet tangible graces of Holy Orders. God is good in the past year! I heard so many confessions and even caught quite a number of “big fish” in the confessional.

A small confession is akin to a small fish and a big confession is compared to a big fish. For instance, I heard confessions from people who had not been to the confessional for decades; subsequently, I was blessed to stir their hearts in bringing them back into the fold. Moreover, I gave the Last Rites to some prodigal sons and daughters who went astray for decades. Every day I am very much in awe of God’s divine love in using me as an instrument in order to reconcile the lost sheep to Himself in the Sacrament of Penance. In seeing the vulnerable and lost sheep, I can feel the compassionate heart of Christ who “has so loved men that it has spared nothing, even to exhausting and consuming Itself, in order to testify Its love” (words of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary). St. Therese, the Little Flower of Jesus, is my favorite saint. Her “Little Way” has helped me tremendously in keeping the divine spark alive in my heart. As she explains, “Even should the fire of love seem dead, I would still throw my tiny straws on the ashes, and I am confident it would light up again.”

Fr. Ryan Nguyen

Parochial Vicar at St. Bede Parish in Holland, PA

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FIRE OF HEAVEN, ALTAR OF EARTH

In the first reading today, we heard about the three valiant men who refused to fall into the sin of idolatry in other time. The Jews were in exile, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were in exile in the province of Babylon under power of King Nebuchadnezzar, relatively, currently Iraq.

This king demanded all of his inhabitants, all the citizens from the most powerful to the peasant, to fall down and worship the statue he had made of himself.  Those who refused when the signal was sent to bow down and worship the golden statue would be cast into a white-hot furnace. Word arrived to the king that the three Jews refused and they questioned him. Is this true that you will not serve my god or worship the golden statue that I set up. Be ready now to fall down and worship the statue I made.

After the refusal the king was livid, he was filled with fiery rage. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego responded to him saying if our God who we serve can save us from the white-hot furnace and from your hand O king, may he save us.  But even if he will not, know O king that we will not serve your god or worship the golden statue which you set up.

A similar dictatorship and totalitarian type oppression is at work in our own society in the United States of America and perhaps the whole of the Western world. Namely, if we don’t subscribe to the narrative of those who are in power and the so called prophets that represent the ideology of the radical far left, that anyone who does not support this narrative and all that it represents and trust that of being of great value for progress, are cancelled.

At this stage in the war this means being labelled backwards, a bigot, out of touch, etc. but this spirit, we have seen this spirit of totalitarianism oppression work in so many regimes and countries throughout history. So we see a fire of hatred that the enemy is brewing up under new labels, under a new setting and situation, a new stage of history – the world stage.

This is the ancient war between good and evil, the kingdom of light and kingdom of darkness, and the enemy desires to stir the fire of hated, especially hatred to God, and all that represents God, above all, the Incarnation of God Himself, in Jesus Christ and the Church that Jesus established thru the Sacrament of salvation and his family on earth.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow down to this idolatry. Will we refuse to bow down to the idol of the idolatry of the LBGTQ of transgenderism, of pro abortion, of everything that undermines the dignity of the human being individually and as a family especially the heart of the family being marriage? When we refuse, as Catholic Christians to bow down to the idol of the rainbow flag, or whatever other form and fake expression of human rights is being pushed and force-fed, we are cancelled. We are put in the white hot furnace of their hatred and most likely this is just the beginning of this feud. What fueled Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego was their faith, the fire of God’s love in them. As they were thrown, bound up, into the white hot furnace, they began to sing the praises of God.  Blessed are you and praiseworthy, Lord the God of our fathers, and glorious forever is your name. With a contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received. Do not let us be put to shame but deal with us in your kindness and great mercy.

Deliver us by your wonders and bring glory to your name O Lord, that all those be routed who inflict evils on your servants. Let them be shamed and powerless, and their strength broken. Let them know that you alone are the lord God, glorious over the whole world.

The angel of the Lord went down into the furnace with the three young men and drove the fiery flame out of the furnace and made the inside of the furnace as though a dew laden breeze were blowing thru it.  And the fire of hatred in no way touched them or caused them pain or harm because of fire of God’s love in them was greater than the fire of hatred outside of them.

As a result of this miraculous divine intervention, King Nebuchadnezzar experienced a conversion of heart, the greatest of miracles, and he came to faith in the God of these three young men and praised Yahweh saying, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who sent his angel to deliver the servants that trusted Him. They disobeyed the royal command and yielded their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except the true God. May we also have that faith and fire of love which is greater than any fire of hate.

Reflection offered by Father Robert Elias Barcelos OCD

October 19, 1962: 

 Our Lady spoke, “My Flame of Love is burning. It is so great that I cannot keep it any longer within me. It leaps out to you with explosive power. When it pours out, my love will destroy the satanic hatred that contaminates the world. The greatest number of souls will be set free. Nothing like this has existed before.” 

Their Prayers Were Heard

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Wednesday of the Ninth Week of Ordinary Time

Their Prayers Were Heard

When I returned home, I couldn’t recall how I came across the little Psalter of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I opened it and began to pray. In the past, these prayers always rose from my heart towards God, now it seemed to be an empty whisper. I reached for my old book of meditation, but my efforts were in vain… A dark, frigid and mute silence surrounded me from all sides. I burst into tears: “God no longer wants to have anything to do with me.” (Elizabeth 1961-1962)

Today’s Readings: At that very time, 
the prayer of these two suppliants
was heard in the glorious presence of Almighty God.
So Raphael was sent to heal them both:
to remove the cataracts from Tobit’s eyes,
so that he might again see God’s sunlight;
and to marry Raguel’s daughter Sarah to Tobit’s son Tobiah,
and then drive the wicked demon Asmodeus from her. (Tobit 3)

Prayer Meditation- Lord, we see today two hurting people in the first reading of the Mass. Tobit, blinded in the course of doing good and Sarah, tormented by a demon when all she wants is a husband and a family. Lord today we also see hurting people all around us- even in our own families and in certain seasons they may be us. Like Tobit, we are doing all the right things but the wrong things keep happening. We try to pray, but it can feel dry and useless. But Lord, this is not where this ends, even if the valley seems very deep right now with an uphill climb that seems unsurmountable. Because You are a God who hears our prayers and You already have dispensed your angels with Your orders and Your healing. We are never alone because as we read in today’s Gospel, You are the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of the living! And we are alive in You! So let us keep coming to You, even when we have no idea where You are, trusting that You are working all things for our good (Romans 8:28) and that You are the God who listens and the God who acts in Your perfect timing and Your Perfect Will!

Tuesday, June 6, 2023 – Week Nine of Ordinary Time

Render to God What is God’s (Mk 12:13-17)

Prayer:

O Lord, let me give you everything.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus confronted by the Pharisees.

Context:

Israel had two political groups. One sought total allegiance to Rome. Others sought independence, even by war if necessary. The Pharisees, by this question, hope to trip Jesus, forcing him to take one political position or another. By using the coin, Jesus evades the question, and gives a clear principal to decide these political questions. 

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

The Pharisees talked among themselves about how to ensnare Jesus in speech. They sent their disciples with the Herodians saying, “Master, we know you are truthful and teach God’s way sincerely. You seek no one’s favor and do not act out of human respect. Therefore, tell us what you think. “Is it lawful to pay tribute to Caesar or not?’”  Jesus, knowing their hypocrisy said, “Why do you tempt me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.”

When they handed him a small Roman coin, he asked them, “Whose inscription is this?”  “Caesar’s,” they replied. He said, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” Their amazement knew no bounds.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. The Pharisees are not open to Jesus’ word because they have their own ideas.  
  2. They begin with flattery, trying to hide their inner wickedness.
  3. What they say is true. Jesus is truthful, a man from God, who does not seek human favor. 
  4. Jesus reads their hearts. They are hypocrites, pretending to be his friend but ready to betray him.
  5. They bring forth their deadly question, which is meant to destroy Jesus’ popularity.
  6. Jesus’ wisdom is greater and he wins the debate.
  7. What is important is that we give God all we owe.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.) 

  • Jesus, change my heart, make it open to your word.
  • Reveal my inner wickedness. Strip me of all pretense. Let me stand naked in your truth.
  • O Jesus, you have come from God and you have returned to God. You are my way to the Father. 
  • O Jesus, I surrender all my rights into your loving hands. Whom else should I trust?
  • What do I owe you, Lord? Everything!

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own)

I will see Jesus as the One sent by the Father.

I will give Jesus all that is his.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

Render to God, what is God’s.

Do Not Fear The Evil Report

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Tuesday of the Nineth Week of Ordinary Time

Do Not Fear The Evil Report

Jesus: “Have no fear, My little Carmelite. My Sacred Heart will be your permanent refuge. Don’t you feel it is so, and consequently, feel instantly relaxed? The compassion of love is forever enduring among those who love one another. (Jesus) (May 2, 1962)

Today’s Readings: An evil report he shall not fear;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear
till he looks down upon his foes. (Psalm 112)

Prayer Meditation- O Lord it is so easy to believe the evil report and to fear! It is so easy to believe the worst and to fear the worst- to live in a constant state of anxiety. The news media counts on us doing just that. And we live on high alert and adrenaline so stressed out. This is not Your Will for us. You told us in Your Word not to be anxious about anything but with prayer, and here is the key, thanksgiving,  present our requests (Philippians 4:6-7). To keep our hearts firm trusting in You, making Your Sacred Heart our permanent refuge. Because if we do so, the peace that transcends all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in You! Your Love is forever enduring! So Lord let us praise You, worship You, and thank You always as we rest in Your Sacred Heart, never fearing any evil report but trusting firmly in You with a steadfast heart!

Monday, June 5th – Week Nine of Ordinary Time

The Wicked Tenants (Mk 12:1-12)

Prayer:  

O Jesus, I will give you all the harvest.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus with His disciples.

Context:

Jesus bases this parable upon actual circumstances. In Galilee there were many foreign owners who leased the land to tenants. God is the owner and these tenants are the Scribes who claim to possess God’s word. However, they kill the Son so that the owner will give the vineyard to new tenants. This is a crisis parable which is meant to wake you up!

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

A man planted a vineyard and then leased it out to tenant farmers and went on a journey. In due time, he dispatched a man to gain his share of the produce.

However, they beat him and sent him off empty handed. He sent another. They beat him shamefully. He sent another and they killed him. He sent even more. They beat some and killed others.

Finally, he sent his only son thinking that they would show him respect. But the tenants said to one another, “This one will inherit everything. Let us kill him and the vineyard will be ours.”

What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will destroy those tenants and give the vineyard over to others.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. God has given you the vineyard of your faith. He expects the fruits of worship and goodness.
  2. He sends preachers and teachers to remind you of your duties. Do not ignore them.
  3. He sends interior messengers, his inspirations within you. Do not reject them. 
  4. He sends the light of your conscience. Do not extinguish this. 
  5. Finally, he sends a Fear of the Lord. What do you do with that?
  6. Wake up or else you will lose your faith and your immortal soul.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • Jesus, I thank you for my faith.
  • You have given me the vineyard of eternal life.
  • What do you want of me, O Lord, so I can be your faithful tenant?
  • O Jesus, let me never forget that you are the owner of my soul.
  • Send your messengers, O Lord. Ask for all the rent you want. I will give anything to remain in your vineyard!

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+  I will give God his share of this day. I will pray and help others. 

+  I will find time to thank God for my gift of faith.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

All the owner wanted was his rent.

Time To Collect

6/5/23 Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Memorial of Saint Boniface

Time To Collect

Jesus: “I always tell you not to worry that you can give Me only little things. I say again, always remain little. Do you know what we are going to do? You will give Me the little pieces of a mosaic which you collect throughout the day. I will arrange these pieces according to their color and shape. When all is finished, you will marvel to see the work of art that I created. But I cannot be an artist unless you gather the pieces. Without you, I cannot bring about My work of art.” (Jesus) (April 10, 1962)

Today’s Readings: Jesus began to speak to the chief priests, the scribes,
and the elders in parables.
“A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it,
dug a wine press, and built a tower.
Then he leased it to tenant farmers and left on a journey.
At the proper time he sent a servant to the tenants
to obtain from them some of the produce of the vineyard. (Mark 12)

Prayer Meditation- Lord we love You and bless You and adore You because You have given us everything we need to be all that You have meant for us to be! You have given us all the gifts and talents we need for the purpose You have intended only for us as we are all unique, yet made in Your likeness and image. And we should not worry because even if we can only do little things, if they are done with great love, You will collect the pieces and make of all we that we do a work of art in union with You! But sadly so many of us are not offering our gifts and talents (Matthew 25:14-20) but we are hiding them and wasting them or even acting in opposition to You because we do not appreciate what we have been given and we believe that all that we own and are is due to our own efforts. Filled with  self -love we do not acknowledge The God who loves us and Who has created us for Your Purpose and perfect plan for us! Lord You will come someday at the proper time which is the end of our lives and You will ask to collect the produce- the fruits of all that You have given us, and You will want to know what we have done with all of those gifts and talents. And what will we have to show for all that You have given us with so much love? May we come with the little pieces of the mosaic of our lives lived in love and in union with You and may we marvel Lord when we see the work of art You have made of our lives in Heaven!

Sunday, June 4, 2023 – The Most Holy Trinity

Sent into the World (Jn 3:16-18)

Prayer:  

O Jesus, you were lifted up on the cross to save me.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching Nicodemus.

Context:

This gospel contains the famous John 3:16 verse about God so loving the world. It explains that God’s motive was to save, not to condemn. However, anyone who rejects this light is subject to God’s judgment. 

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up so that whoever believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in him may not perish but may have everlasting life. God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved by him.

Whoever believes in him, will not be condemned but whoever does not believe in him is already condemned because he does not believe in the name of God’s only Son.

The Judgment is this. The light came into the world and men loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who practices evil hates the light. He does not come near it so his deeds are not exposed. But whoever acts in truth comes into the light so his works can be clearly seen as done in the light.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

  1. When the Israelites in the desert disobeyed God, they grew sick from a serpent’s bite.
  2. God provided the remedy. When Moses nailed a bronze serpent to a cross, whoever gazed on it was saved (Numbers C21).
  3. This story prefigured Jesus being lifted up on the cross to save us.
  4. God sent Jesus because “He so loved the world.”
  5. Through faith in Jesus, all can be saved. 
  6. Jesus is the eternal light.  
  7. Evil people do not want this light. It reveals their deeds.
  8. Good people rejoice to have their deeds revealed. They act in truth.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • Jesus, you were lifted up on the cross for me.
  • Only your cross can save me from eternal death.
  • Father, loving me so much, you sacrificed your Son to save me.
  • I believe. I accept you, Jesus. You are the Father’s only begotten Son.
  • Come Jesus. Reveal my heart. Make me a child of light.
  • Open my heart to light and truth.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+  I will thank Jesus for dying on the cross.

+  I will bring all my sins into Jesus’ light.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

God so loved the world that He gave his only Son.

For God So Loved The World

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

The Solemnity of The Most Holy Trinity

For God So Loved The World

Beloved, I am waiting for you with a loving heart. God is calling you with His infinite love.” (Jesus) (September 20-23, 1964)

Today’s Readings: God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.(John 3:16)

Prayer Meditation- Lord You have loved us so much that You gave Your Only Begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have Everlasting Life! (KJV). Lord I grew up as a little girl in a Methodist church and I had to memorize that verse- Lord it was also written on my heart from the time I was small. And Lord You have led me into Your One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church but You are the same yesterday, today and forever! You are my God and I am Your Child just like I was then. You have had a plan for my life and You have never abandoned me even when I abandoned You- so many wasted years! Lord let us all take a moment in prayer to meditate on Who You have been for us through our whole lives and may we be filled with infinite gratitude, awe, and wonder!

Saturday, June 3rd – 8th Week of Ordinary Time

What About John’s Baptism? (Mk 11:27-33)

Prayer:

O Jesus, you have all authority in heaven and earth.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching in the temple, confronted by the authorities.

Context:

The day before this event, Jesus had cleansed the temple. As he returns to Jerusalem, the temple authorities want to know by what authority he took that action. He avoids a question about his authority by confronting the leaders about John the Baptist’s authority.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

When Jesus came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders asked, “By what authority do you do these things? Who has given you the authority?

Jesus responded, “I have a question. If you answer it, I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Where did the Baptism of John come from? Did it come from man or from heaven?

They thought within, “If we say from heaven, he will ask ‘Then, why did you not believe?’ But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the crowds because all believed that John was a prophet.” So they said to Jesus, “We do not know.”  Jesus said to them, “Then, neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. The temple leaders should have been the most receptive toward Jesus’ ministry.
  2. In fact, their hardness of hearts and resistance was the greatest. 
  3. The temple needed a cleansing and the leaders resented Jesus’ purifying action.
  4. So, they attack the messenger, and try to discredit his message.
  5. However, they had already made one mistake. The people accepted John the Baptist and they rejected him.
  6. Jesus’ question burns their hearts. They know they were wrong and have no answer.
  7. If they were mistaken about John, there is no need to reply to their question. They are discredited.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • O Jesus, make my heart receptive to your word.
  • Cleanse my temple, Lord. I will not object at all.
  • O Jesus, you have all authority. Your every word is eternal life.
  • O Lord, forgive my past mistakes and lead me on your path.
  • Burn my heart with the fire of your love.
  • I am making no mistake. You are Messiah and Lord.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+  I will give Jesus total authority over my life.

+  I will admit my past mistakes so I do not repeat them.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

By what authority do you do these things?

Our Lady-Seat Of Wisdom

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Our Lady- Seat of Wisdom

Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions

Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

In this way, you can remain faithful in spreading my Flame of Love. Take advantage of every opportunity; seek these external and internal humiliations with your own effort, because what you seek for yourself increases your humility even more.” When the Blessed Virgin finished these maternal instructions, my heart was filled with profound humility. The Blessed Virgin allowed me to feel how powerful she is. Yet, in her earthly life, she was humble and modest. (Mary/Elizabeth) (September 29, 1962)

Today’s Readings: Since in this way I have profited,
    I will give my teacher grateful praise.
I became resolutely devoted to her—
    the good I persistently strove for.
My soul was tormented in seeking her, 
My hand opened her gate
    and I came to know her secrets.
I directed my soul to her,
    and in cleanness I attained to her. (Sirach 51)

Prayer Meditation: Lord, we thank You and bless You for these wonderful readings from the Wisdom Literature. In these books of the Bible, wisdom is referred to as a female and also there are references in the book of Proverbs in particular to Lady Wisdom. In our Catholic tradition, Lady Wisdom has been seen as a type of Mary. And so, we can read today’s reading from Sirach and ponder the wise instruction that Our Lady so wants to give us and indeed is giving us still in Her Apparitions and to Elizabeth Kindelmann in this Age of Mary. And Lord we are so thankful that You have given us Our Mother who with Her maternal instruction to us wants nothing but Your Will be done in our lives on Earth as it is in Heaven. According to St. Louis de Montfort, Mary has produced, together with the Holy Ghost, the greatest thing which has been or ever will be—a God-Man; and she will consequently produce the greatest saints that there will be in the end of time.” So let us give with Mary our fiat and may She form us into who You have asked us to be!

Friday, June 2nd – 8th Week of Ordinary Time

The Fig Tree (Mk 11:11-26)

Prayer:  

O Jesus, let me offer you the good fruit of my life.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus and the disciples looking at a withered fig tree.

Context:

On the day after Palm Sunday, Jesus returns to Jerusalem. On the way, he seeks figs from a tree.  Finding none, Jesus proclaims that the tree will never bring forth fruit. The next day. Peter sees the fig tree all withered up. Jesus, then, speaks about confidence in prayer.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

When Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he felt hungry. Seeing a fig tree with leaves, he went to see what he could find. He found only leaves because it was not yet the season for figs. Jesus said, “Never again shall anyone eat of your fruit.” The disciples heard all this. The next day, they saw the fig tree all withered up. Peter remembered Jesus’ words and said, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered up.” 

Jesus replied, “Put your trust in God. I solemnly assure you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea’ and has no inner doubts but believes that what he says will happen, shall have it done for him. If you are ready to believe that you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer, it shall be done for you.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

  1. The fig tree is an example. Disciples should always be bearing fruit.
  2. The quickness of the action startles the apostles. It makes them ready for Jesus’ powerful teaching.
  3. If the disciple trusts in God, and believes without any doubt, then even a mountain (far greater than a fig tree), will be thrown into the sea.
  4. Mountains symbolize those gigantic obstacles that impede God’s goals and should be removed.
  5. Jesus says, “Believe that you will receive.”
  6. See what you need to serve Jesus and ask for it.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • Jesus, make me a disciple who always bears good fruit.
  • O Jesus, teach me to believe like you, without any doubt.
  • If I but ask, I will see your blessings. They are waiting for my petition.
  • How many mountains in my life need to be cast into the sea!
  • “Trust in God.” That is what you always say to me.
  • You encourage me. You say “ask in prayer.” You even give me the words to say.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+  Today, I will ask God in faith to remove the greatest mountain in my life.

+  I will trust that the words I say in prayer share in Jesus’ power.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

Put your trust in God. If you are ready to believe, whatever you ask for in prayer, will be done.

Believe It-Receive It

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Believe It- Receive It

Friday of the Eighth Week of Ordinary Time

Jesus: “Ask for abundant graces. The more you ask, the more you will receive. Ask for others and do not fear that you ask for too much! I am happy when I give more. Even your desires make Me happy. Accept faithfully the sacrifices that I ask of you for My Cause. Many ask repeatedly to share in My works, but when they must accept a sacrifice from My own hands, they are afraid of Me. Do not deny Me your sufferings, and help for the conversion of sinners. If you act this way, you will have a great reward. A time will come when you do not just hear My voice quietly in your soul, you will hear it aloud and it will bless you. (March 4-7, 1962)

Today’s Readings: Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God.
Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain,
‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’
and does not doubt in his heart
but believes that what he says will happen,
it shall be done for him.
Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer,
believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours.
When you stand to pray,
forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance,
so that your heavenly Father may in turn
forgive you your transgressions.” (Mark 11)

Prayer Meditation: Lord You keep telling in Your Word and in Your words to Elizabeth Kindelmann to ask, believe and receive. It can seem so simple and how many times do we doubt. Or we have some sense of false humility, which is really pride, that we are unworthy somehow. How much You long to just pour out Graces on our thirsty souls! Even our desires make You happy especially when we pray and sacrifice for others. So let us come boldly to the Thone of Grace (Hebrews 12) in our nothingness accepting all that You have given us and allowed for us in resignation and surrender holding nothing back because You are a good, good Father! How much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” (Luke 11:13).  So let go of all the baggage including unforgiveness and let us ask, believe and receive the abundant graces intended for us from all Eternity!

Thursday, June 1st – 8th Week of Ordinary Time

The Blind Beggar (Mk 10:46-52)

Prayer:

O Jesus, let me cry out to you in great hope.

Imagination: 

Picture Jesus with the crowd and a beggar by the roadside.

Context:

This journey to Jerusalem began with Jesus healing a blind man and culminates with this healing of blindness. In contrast, the disciples grow in their blindness about Jesus’ death in Jerusalem.  They do not grasp his predictions of his passion. This blind man saw and followed Jesus to Jerusalem.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples, a blind man, Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting by the wayside, begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he cried out, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.” The crowd told him to be silent but he cried out even more, “Son of David, have mercy on me.”

Jesus commanded that he be brought near. The crowd said, “Take comfort. Arise. He is calling you.” He threw off his cloak, leaped up and came to Jesus.

“What do you want me to do for you?” asked Jesus. “Rabboni, that I may see” said the blind man. Jesus said, “Go your way, your faith has saved you.” He saw immediately and followed Jesus on the way.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

  1. This beggar is at a severe disadvantage. He is blind, sits by the wayside, and does not even know what is happening.
  2. However, his blindness prepares him for this moment. He grasps quickly that Jesus is his only ray of hope.
  3. When Jesus hears his cries, the crowd changes its opinion. His crying out was the right thing to do.
  4. With his sight restored, he sees the face of Jesus and can follow him “up the road” to Jerusalem.
  5. What a day for Bartimaeus! A marginal, begging blind man becomes a disciple who follows Jesus.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • Lord, you will come near to me this day.
  • O Holy Spirit, whisper within my soul, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
  • With great hope, I will cry out to you, O Lord.
  • You will hear me and call me to your side.
  • You will ask, “What is it that I can do for you?”
  • Do everything for me, Lord! Bless me and I will “follow you on the way.”

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+  I will be attentive today to the Spirit speaking in my heart.

+  I will have great hope that Jesus will hear my every cry.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

He saw immediately and followed Jesus on the way.

I Want To See

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

I Want To See

Thursday of the Eighth Week of Ordinary Time

“In spite of all my efforts, O Lord, I see no progress in myself.” Jesus: “Do not worry! Begin anew each day. Our Mother will help you, ask everything from her. She knows how to please Me.” (March 4-7, 1962)

Today’s Readings: Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?”
The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.”
Jesus told him, ‘Go your way; your faith has saved you.” (Mark 10)

Prayer Meditation: Lord, so many days we can feel like we are walking blindly in darkness. We see our days unfold little by little- only seeing what is in front of us. We can feel helpless as we cannot see the big picture and we see no progress in ourselves, in spite of all of our efforts to grow in holiness. And that is the problem, because it is our efforts, not Your Work that we are operating in. We read about Bartimaeus who, without fear, cries out –“Son of David, have pity on me” even as others tried to silence him. He was not afraid to answer Your direct question and tell You what he wanted from You. He wanted to see! And You heard him and healed him and told him that his faith has saved Him! Lord Jesus, help us to come boldly to You and be like Bartimaeus. Let us begin anew each day and let us ask especially through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother for what we need, especially when we our faith  and our courage seems so small.

Wednesday, May 31st – 8th Week of Ordinary Time – The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Mary Visits Elizabeth (Lk 1:39-45)

Prayer:  

Come, Holy Spirit. Fill me with your joy.

Imagination:

Picture Mary entering Zechariah’s house.

Context:

This story contains many truths. First, Jesus begins his sanctifying ministry. Second, John begins his ministry, pointing out Jesus to his mother. Third, this is an early picture of Pentecost. All are filled with the Holy Spirit.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Mary went quickly into the hill country of Judea, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb.  Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out in a loud voice: “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”

Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For the moment that your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you, for you have believed that the Lord’s words to you would be fulfilled.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

  1. Jesus begins immediately to sanctify the world.  Mary is his first missionary.
  2. John the Baptist begins his ministry, pointing out the Christ to his mother.
  3. Pentecost comes early. All are filled with the Holy Spirit.
  4. Many years later, the apostles will gather with Mary and receive the Spirit at Pentecost.
  5. By prophetic revelation, Elizabeth knows that Mary is the mother of God.
  6. These two women hold all of history in their wombs.
  7. Elizabeth has the Precursor and Mary has the Savior.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • O Jesus, you begin immediately to save the world.
  • O Mary, bring Jesus quickly to me.
  • Holy Spirit, fill me with joy.
  • Mary, invite me into your womb, the new garden of Eden, where Jesus has placed every treasure.
  • Mary, help me to believe God’s word.
  • O Mary, share with me the Spirit of Pentecost.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+  Today, I will use Elizabeth’s words to praise Mary, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”

+  I will ponder the mystery that God placed all human history in Mary’s womb.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

Blessed are you who believed that the Lord’s words to you would be fulfilled.

Blessed Is She

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Blessed Is She

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Mary: “My little Carmelite, intensify your desire so that my Flame of Love will be put into action. Make even greater sacrifices.” It is with these very words that she spoke to me. She also repeated them on the feast of her Visitation. Mary: “Offer me greater sacrifices. Do not ask how, just improvise!” (July 30, 1962)

Today’s Readings: “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” (Luke 1)

Prayer Meditation: Lord, we bless You, and thank You, and adore You because today is the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth. She brought You Lord Jesus to Elizabeth and to the child in her womb, John the Baptist, and She brings You Lord Jesus now to each one of us because we became Her Children at the foot of the Cross! Lord, I love to imagine at certain times in our family’s life that Mary has indeed moved in to help- times of illness, weddings, the birth of our grandchild and just during a hard week of work I have asked Her to come visit and She always comes bringing Your Peace and Joy! Lord may we let Her into our hearts and our homes, She who believed what was spoken to Her by You, so that we would live by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Let us imitate our Mother Mary in faith, hope, and charity letting Her form us so we can carry Her Flame of Love, You, Jesus Himself, to others!

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Tuesday, May 30th – 8th Week of Ordinary Time – Receiving the Hundred-Fold (Mk 10:28-31)

Prayer:

O Jesus, teach me to set aside everything for love of you.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus instructing his apostles.

Context:

A young man has walked away from Jesus because he was rich. In contrast, Peter is a model disciple who has set all aside. Jesus spells out the rewards, in this life and in eternity.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Peter said to Jesus, “Behold, we have left all things to follow you.” Jesus responded, “Amen I say to you, that there is no one who has left brothers or sisters, or fathers or mothers or children or lands for my sake and the gospel who will not receive in this age a hundred times as many homes, brothers and sisters, mothers, children and property – and persecution besides – and in the age to come, everlasting life.

Many who are first shall be last and the last shall come first.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. Peter says that he and the other apostles have left everything behind.
  2. Jesus accepts Peter’s claim as true and spells out the great rewards.
  3. The early Christians were already experiencing this hundredfold. The people who had joined the Church shared all their possessions.
  4. By sharing their properties, people really had access to a hundred homes.
  5. Mark slips in a warning. The disciples will be persecuted (which they already were experiencing).
  6. The greatest rewards will be “in the age to come,” everlasting life with Jesus, and a sharing in his resurrection.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.) 

  • O Jesus, teach me how to leave everything behind and follow you.
  • O Jesus, how great are your rewards, even in this life.  
  • You give peace of soul and freedom from sins.
  • You give me others as my brothers and sisters. This is the great blessing of devout communities.
  • Teach me to be a brother and sister to others by sharing my life and my goods.
  • O Jesus, persecutions will come.  Be with me in my trials.
  • What will my life be “in the age to come?” What is everlasting life?  What is it like to live with you forever?  Don’t let me miss out.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+  I will make a sincere effort to detach myself today from some material goods.

+  I will think about Jesus’ promises.  He always keeps his word.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

And in the age to come, everlasting life.

All That We Have To Offer

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Tuesday of the Eighth Week of Ordinary Time

All That We Have To Offer

“Live hidden in great humility. Except for a few persons, no one should know about you. You will gain merits by your sufferings. These you must offer in union with Me to the Eternal Father for the souls consecrated to Me. May your humility be so great that you radiate goodness and love to all whom you meet.” (Jesus) (March 4-7, 1962)

Today’s Readings: Appear not before the LORD empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts. The just one’s offering enriches the altar and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High. (Sirach 35)

Prayer Meditation- Lord it seems sometimes that we have so little to offer You- sometimes all we really have to offer is our misery and sufferings. It can seem that we are empty handed because we can feel so depleted by the tribulations of life. What can we possibly offer in return for Your Unfailing Love? But Lord, You told St. Faustina that our miseries are what is uniquely ours- our weak nature and our failures can be made into a beautiful offering if offered in union with You to the Eternal Father for the salvation of souls! Lord may we learn humility so that filled with Your Love we can radiate that love to others despite being the leaky broken vessels that we are! (2 Corinthians 4:7)

Monday, May 29th – 8th Week of Ordinary Time MEMORIAL OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH – Jn 19:25-34

Prayer:

O Jesus, you have given Mary to me as a mother.

Imagination: 

Picture Jesus on the cross and Mary with the Beloved Disciple at his feet.

Context:

How important is the word Woman signifying Mary’s cosmic role in world affairs. The Bible begins with a Woman whose child would crush the serpent (Gen 3:150 and ends with a Woman Clothed with the Sun (Rev C12).

John’s gospel also opens with the Woman at Cana graining Jesus first miracle and ends with the Woman at the cross. Historically, John cared for Mary who was assumed into heaven at Ephesus.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and his mother’s sister, Mary, the wife of Clopas and Mary of Magdala. Seeing His mother and the disciple He loved standing near her, Jesus said to His mother, “Woman, this is your son.” Then, to the disciple, He said “This is your mother.” And from that moment on the disciple made a place for her in his home.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. Where are the crowds? Where are the disciples and the other apostles?
  2. Only a faithful few gathered and in great sacrifice, they stood beneath the cross.
  3. Where else would anyone want to be on this day? They are the most privileged people in the whole world.
  4. Their names are faithfully recorded. More important, their names are in the Book of Life.
  5. As Jesus saw them, what consolation and help he experienced.
  6. In this moment of great suffering, Jesus thinks of others -His mother, the disciple and us.
  7. “Take care of my church” that is the meaning of “This is your son.”
  8. “Have trust and confidence in the Woman.” This is the meaning of “That is your mother.”

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • O Jesus, where am I at the moments you want me to pray and keep you company?
  • Let me be faithful. May I always stand with you.
  • Where else can I go? With whom else would I rather be?
  • O Jesus, you have written my name on Your heart.
  • What a mystery. 2000 years later, I can console you by my actions.
  • You have given me your mother. What more can I ask for?
  • O Mary, I am now your child. Jesus gave you to me.
  • I will trust you, Mary. Place all my confidence. From this day on, you will be my mother.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+  I will be as faithful as possible to visiting the Blessed Sacrament.

+  I will find time for my daily rosary.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

Woman, this is your son. This is your mother.

Behold Your Mother

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of God

Behold Your Mother

I must tell you, My daughter, that My Mother will not have been more venerated ever since the Word became Flesh, as she will be once she spreads the effect of grace of her Flame of Love in hearts and souls. (Jesus) (August 4, 1963)

Today’s Gospel: When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” (John 19)

Prayer Meditation- Lord today we celebrate Our Mother as Mother of the Church. She was given to us at the Cross- she gave birth to us as Her spiritual children because She is Our Mother in the order of grace. (CCC 966). During these times, we have been given the great grace of the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary- She is truly our generation’s ark- the ark of safety to bring us home to You Lord! Spread the effect of grace of thy Flame of Love over all humanity for the conversion of hearts and souls- Her Heart will triumph!

May 28, 2023 – PENTECOST SUNDAY – The Living Waters (Jn 7:37-39)

Prayer:  

O Jesus, give me the Living Water of the Holy Spirit.

Imagination: 

Picture Jesus teaching in the Temple.

Context:

On the seventh (final) day of the Feast of Tabernacles, a vessel of water from the pool of Siloam is brought to the temple and poured out before the altar of burnt offerings. Using this backdrop, Jesus promises the living waters of the Spirit.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. As scripture says, ‘Whoever believes in me, rivers of living water shall flow within him.’”

He said this about the Spirit, which those who came to believe in him were going to receive. There was, or course, no Spirit as yet, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. Jesus waits for the most dramatic moment to give his solemn promise.  
  2. At the well in Samaria, He spoke privately to the woman about living waters. Now, he offers these living waters to the whole world.
  3. These waters are the Holy Spirit, who now fills the earth.
  4. Jesus only promises the spirit because he had not risen, as yet.
  5. Now, Jesus is glorified and he pours out the Spirit on all believers.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • What an invitation! You say, “Whoever believes.” That includes me.
  • O Jesus, only you can give living waters.
  • Pour out your Spirit, Jesus and make me a member of your Kingdom.
  • You give Your Spirit in my every prayer, in every sacrament and in every holy desire.
  • Come Holy Spirit. Come Living Waters. I will drink and thirst forever more. 

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+  I will say again and again, “Come, Holy Spirit.”

+  I will stop drinking of the wrong water.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

There was no Spirit as yet because Jesus had not yet been glorified.