September 4, 2014 - Thursday

For the life was made visible;
we have seen it and testify to it
and proclaim to you the eternal life
that was with the Father and was made visible to us.  (1 John 1:2 NABRE)


In our lifetime, we hear the stories of World War II from veterans who served.  Their accounts remind us of the truth of the events, both horrific and heroic.  Today, as they age, these soldiers share their accounts with us as a legacy so we will remember what happened in their youth.

In today's verse, the ideas of an aging Saint John express the truth of events remembered from his own youth--the words describe his friend, the historical Jesus, in words which unmistakably and with complete certainty tell us of Jesus' divinity.

I am reminded of the words that introduce the film The Song of Bernadette: “For those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not believe, no explanation is possible.”


Today, I will pray for those who believe in God, that they may find strength in the words of Saint John, the example of Rose of Viterbo, and the intercession of Mary; and I will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for those who do not believe or whose faith has become lukewarm, that they may experience conversion of heart as dramatic as Saint Paul's.


Our Lady of Lourdes, who intercedes on our behalf before her son, pray for us.
Saint Rose of Viterbo, who made a place in her life for God’s grace, pray for us.
Saint Faustina, who shared with us Jesus' message of mercy, pray for us.