HAIL, HOLY QUEEN

 

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,

Hail our life, our sweetness, and our hope;

Do thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve;

To thee do we send up our sighs,

Mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.

Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us;

And after this, our exile, 

Show unto us the Blessed Fruit of thy womb Jesus.

O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary,

Pray for us, O most holy Mother of God.

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.

O God, Whose only begotten Son, by His Life, 

Death and Resurrection has purchased for us the rewards

of eternal salvation; Grant, we beseech Thee, that while meditating

upon the mysteries of the most holy  rosary of the Blessed Virgin

Mary, that we may both imitate what they contain, and obtain what 

they promise, through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle

HAIL MARY, FULL OF GRACE

 

Hail Mary, full of grace,

The Lord is with thee;

Blessed art thou amongst women,

And blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

Pray for us sinners now,

And at the hour of our death,

Amen.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle

TREE OF LIFE

 

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LORD JESUS REGARDED HIM

 

Mark 10

The Rich and the Kingdom of God

17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to Him and fell on his knees before Him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

18 “Why do you call Me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good - except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honour your father and mother.’[d]”

20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” He said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”

22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

23 Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”

24 The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”

27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

28 Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow You!”

29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for Me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields - along with persecutions - and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

What Might Have Been

A wealthy young man knelt one day,
Before the Lord to seek the Way;
Christ looked with love into his face,
And called him to a life of grace.

"Go, sell your treasures, follow Me;
Come walk the road that makes you free."
Yet bound by all his riches dear,
He turned away with heart sincere.

He left with sadness in his eyes,
Still captive to earth's gilded prize.
His purse was full, his barns were wide,
Yet something precious in him died.

The Twelve knew hunger, dust, and rain;
Long roads and weariness and pain.
No certain bed, no purse of gold,
Yet hearts on fire, courageous, bold.

They crossed the seas and climbed the hills,
To do their Master's holy Will.
Though earthly comforts they had none,
Their souls rejoiced in God's own Son.

They heard His laughter on the way,
They learned from Him from day to day.
They watched His mercy freely flow,
And felt His endless love bestow.

They shared the labour and the strife,
Yet found the deepest, richest life.
For every burden they embraced,
Was brightened by the Master's grace.

The years rolled by with silent tread;
The young man, now grown old instead;
Looked round upon his treasured store,
Yet found it satisfied no more.

His silver gleamed, his vineyards spread,
His tables groaned with daily bread.
But through the silence came again
The Voice that once had called his name.

He wondered, with a longing sigh,
"What joy have I let pass me by?
What roads with Christ I might have trod,
To build the Kingdom of my God."

"What friends in faith I never knew,
What wonders I declined to view;
What souls I never helped to see,
The love that first was shown to me."

His wealth remained; his years had fled;
His heart recalled the words once said.
Too late he saw what love had shown:
No treasure shines like Christ alone.

So let us heed the Master's call,
And freely yield to Him our all.
Though hardship marks the pilgrim's way,
His faithful Presence lights each day.

The cross is heavy; still we sing,
For Christ is with us, Lord and King.
No sacrifice for Him is vain;
Eternal joy is greater gain.

Let none look back with sorrow's tear,
And wish they had drawn Christ more near.
Walk with Him while yet you may,
Nor grieve for chances cast away.

For those who answer to His call,
Find Christ the richest Gift of all.
The Master's friendship, pure and true,
Is worth far more than all we knew.

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SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION

 

Solemnity of the Assumption

The Solemnity of the Assumption invites us to contemplate not only where Mary is, but who she became through God's Grace. Throughout her life, Mary allowed the Lord to shape her heart into a dwelling place of perfect love. Her soul became radiant with holiness because she responded each day with faith, humility, and complete trust in God's will. The beauty of Mary was not merely outward; it was the golden beauty of a soul entirely surrendered to God.

Continuous offering of love

From the moment of her joyful "Yes" at the Annunciation until she stood faithfully beneath the Cross, Mary's life was a continuous offering of love. She treasured God's Word, pondered His mysteries in her heart, and remained steadfast through every joy and every sorrow. Grace transformed her from within, making her a living reflection of God's goodness and mercy.

Dormition

According to the ancient tradition of the Church, when Mary's earthly life drew to its close, she entered her Dormition, her peaceful "falling asleep" in the Lord. Her death was not a defeat but the completion of a life wholly united to Christ. Because she belonged so completely to her Son, God did not allow the body that had borne the Incarnate Word to remain in the grave. Mother Mary was assumed, body and soul, into heavenly glory, where she now rejoices forever in the presence of the Holy Trinity.

Promise of hope

Mary's Assumption is more than a privilege granted to one holy woman; it is a promise of hope for all who follow Christ. Her glorified life reveals the destiny God desires for His faithful people. Holiness is not beyond our reach. Like Mary, we are called to let God's grace transform our hearts day by day until the beauty of Christ shines within us.

Honour Our Lady

As we honour Our Lady today, let us ask for her prayers. May she teach us to treasure God's Word, to trust Him in every circumstance, and to grow in the golden beauty of holiness. Then, when our own earthly pilgrimage is complete, we too may be welcomed into the eternal joy of heaven, where we shall behold God face to Face and sing His praises forever.

Golden Beauty of Mary's Soul

When Mary's earthly race was run,

She journeyed to her glorious Son.

The gates of heaven opened wide,

To welcome Christ's dear Mother inside.

No stain of sin her soul could claim,

She lived for God's most holy Name.

Her heart was pure, her soul did shine,

As living temple for Divine.

Her golden soul with splendour glowed,

Reflecting every grace God had bestowed;

More radiant than the morning's light,

She glowed with heaven's beauty bright.

The angels sang with joyful voice,

The saints in glory did rejoice;

Their Queen had come with humble praise,

To share God's everlasting days.

Her head, often bowed so deep in prayer,

Was crowned with glory beyond compare.

Her faithful "Yes," so meek and free,

Now blossomed into victory.

Assumed to heaven, body and soul,

God crowned the one He had made whole.

The Queen of Heaven, crowned above,

Now reigns within God's endless Love.

Yet Mary's heart has not grown far;

She watches where her children are.

She gently leads us day by day,

To follow Christ, the Truth, the Way.

She teaches us that holiness

Is found through love and faithfulness.

A humble heart, obedient still,

Delights to do the Father's Will.

O Mary, Mother, gracious Queen,

The fairest soul the world has seen;

Pray we may walk the narrow way,

And join your song one glorious day.

Then with the angels we shall raise

Our grateful hearts in endless praise.

Where Christ our King is all in all,

And love forever conquers all.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle

JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM

 

A Pilgrimage of Faith: Joseph and Mary's Journey to Bethlehem

The journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem was far more than a response to a Roman census. It was a pilgrimage of faith. Trusting in God's Providence, they travelled many difficult miles. They carried with them not only necessities for the road, but also hearts filled with confidence in the Lord's Promises.

Steadfast in faith

The journey was not easy. Mary was expecting the birth of Jesus; the roads were rough, the future uncertain. Yet neither Joseph nor Mary allowed hardship to extinguish their faith. Joseph faithfully protected his family, while Mary surrendered herself completely to God's Will. Together they journeyed in obedience, believing that God would guide every step.

Trust in God

Their pilgrimage reminds us that our own journey of faith is rarely free from obstacles. We too encounter moments of uncertainty, suffering, disappointment, and waiting. Like Joseph and Mary, we may not always understand why God leads us along certain paths.  Yet we are called to trust that the Almighty is present, even when the road is difficult.

Light of the World

When Joseph and Mary finally arrived in Bethlehem, they found no room at the inn. Yet what appeared to be rejection became the place where God's greatest Gift entered the world. In the humble stable, Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, was born. God transformed poverty into glory, and weakness into salvation.

Imitate the faith of Joseph and Mary

As we continue our own pilgrimage through life, let us imitate the faith of Joseph and Mary. May we walk with courage and trust God's Providence in every circumstance. Let us welcome Christ into our hearts each day. Then every step of our journey, whether joyful or difficult, will lead us closer to the eternal Bethlehem - the Kingdom of God, where Christ reigns forever.

No Room, Yet Room for Grace

At last they reached fair Bethlehem,
As evening's light grew faint and dim;
Their weary feet had travelled far,
Still guided by Heaven's faithful star.

They knocked upon each crowded door,
Yet heard the words, "We have no more."
No place to rest, no welcome there,
No room was found for Heaven's Heir.

What seemed rejection, cold and deep,
Became the place where love would keep.
For God can turn our darkest night
Into dawn of holy light.

A humble stable, rough and small,
Became the greatest home of all.
No royal hall, no throne of gold,
Could match the wonders there untold.

Upon the straw the Christ Child lay,
The Light of Worlds, the Truth, the Way.
The King of kings in weakness came,
Yet every heart He sought to claim.

The cattle watched, the angels sang,
With joyful praise the heavens rang.
The shepherds knelt in awe-filled grace,
Beholding God in Mary's embrace.

The poorest place was heaven's Choice,
That all the world might hear His Voice.
Where human eyes saw loss and shame,
God's endless Love forever came.

He turned rejection into grace,
And made the stable a holy place.
He clothed our poverty with His Love,
And drew our earth to Heaven above.

He changed our weakness into might,
Our deepest darkness into light.
From humble birth to Calvary's tree,
He won our hope eternally.

So when life's doors seem firmly barred,
And every road appears too hard,
Remember Bethlehem's sacred story;
God turns our poverty into glory.

For Christ still enters hearts today
That humbly welcome Him to stay;
And every soul that makes Him room
Will find new life beyond the tomb.

Image by CN Whittle

PILGRIM HEART OF THE QUEEN OF SHEBA

 

Queen of Sheba

Jesus reminded His listeners that "the Queen of the South came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed, something greater than Solomon is here" (Matthew 12:42).

The Queen of Sheba possessed what every disciple needs: a pilgrim heart. Although she was wealthy, powerful and admired, she knew that material success could never satisfy the deepest longings of the human soul. When she heard of Solomon's God-given wisdom, she set out on a long and demanding journey across the desert. Her pilgrimage required perseverance, humility and an openness to be taught. She was willing to leave behind comfort and certainty in order to seek the truth.

Willing to listen

Her example challenges us today. We live in a world overflowing with information, opinions and distractions; yet true wisdom is found only in Jesus Christ. The Saviour is infinitely greater than Solomon, for He is Wisdom made flesh. The question is not whether Christ speaks, but whether we have hearts willing to listen.

Hunger for God's Word

A pilgrim heart is never satisfied with a superficial faith. It hungers for God's Word and seeks His Presence in prayer. Faith receives Jesus in the Eucharist, and allows His Teachings to shape daily life. Like the Queen of Sheba, we are invited to travel - not across deserts of sand, but across the deserts of pride, self-reliance, and indifference that can keep us from God.

Queen of Sheba as inspiration

Jesus points to the Queen of Sheba because she responded to the light she had been given. We have received an even greater gift: the living Christ, His Gospel, His Church and His Holy Spirit. If the Queen of Sheba journeyed so far to hear the wisdom of Solomon, how much more should we seek the wisdom of Jesus each day?

Pilgrims of faith

May the Queen of Sheba inspire us to become pilgrims of faith, always searching for Christ with humble and generous hearts. Then, when we stand before Him on the day of Final Judgment, we shall not be strangers to the King's Voice. Rather, we shall be faithful disciples who have listened, believed, and followed Him. Hearing Christ's Voice throughout our lives, may we also hear His joyful welcome: "Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Master."

Pilgrim heart of the Queen of Sheba

The Queen of Sheba heard the call,
A whispered truth beyond them all;
Her pilgrim heart could not remain,
Content with wealth or worldly gain.

She crossed the sands beneath the sky,
With searching soul and questing eye;
Each weary step, each desert mile,
Was lit by hope for all the while.

She sought not jewels, thrones, or gold,
Nor stories that were often told;
She longed to hear God's wisdom's voice,
The treasure of the truest choice.

Before King Solomon she stood,
And found his counsel wise and good.
Her heart rejoiced, her spirit sang,
As heaven's truth within her rang.

Yet One far greater calls today,
The Christ who is the Living Way;
His Wisdom shines with endless light,
Dispelling darkness with His Might.

He calls each pilgrim, "Come to Me;
Walk in My truth and you are free.
Let every step be filled with grace,
Until you see My glorious Face."

Like Sheba's Queen, may we arise,
With faithful hearts and lifted eyes;
May nothing keep our souls apart
From Christ, the longing of our heart.

For every life must one day stand,
Before the Judge with pierced Hand.
How blessed those who learned His Voice,
Who made His holy Will their choice.

The pilgrim heart that seeks His Face,
Will find His Mercy and His Grace -
As on that great and final day,
All fear and darkness flee away.

So let us journey while we can,
According to God's loving plan.
Like Sheba's Queen, our hearts made new,
Forever faithful, Lord, to You.

Lead us, Jesus, day by day,
Upon Your everlasting way.
Until our pilgrimage is done,
And we rejoice before Your Throne.

Image by CN Whittle