Virgo Potens

Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary ~ May 3rd ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ 14.—The Effects of the Discourse of Jesus Read St. Luke xxiv. 27-33 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded to them in all the scriptures, the things that were concerning him. And they drew nigh to the town, whither they were going: and he made as though he would go farther. But they constrained him; saying: Stay with us, because it is towards evening, and the day is now far spent. And he went in with them. And it came to pass, whilst he was at table with them, he took bread, and blessed, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him: and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to the other: Was not our heart burning within us, whilst he spoke in this way, and opened to us the scriptures? And rising up, the same hour, they went back to Jerusalem: and they found the eleven gathered together, and those that were staying with them[.] (continued)

May 3rd, 2025 FIRST SATURDAY of MAY 💙 “See my daughter, how my heart is encircled by thorns with which ungrateful men pierce me at every moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude. You, at least, try to console me, and announce that I promise to assist at the hour of death, with the graces necessary for salvation, all those who on the First Saturdays of five consecutive months, confess, receive Holy Communion, recite part of My Rosary, and keep me company for a quarter of an hour, meditating on its mysteries with the intention of offering me reparation.” ~ Words of Our Lady to Sr. Marie (Lucia dos Santos) on December 10, 1925 If possible, make First Saturday devotions today, in reparation for offenses against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, as requested by Our Lady herself in 1925, and confirmed by Our Lord in 1927.

2 of 2 13.—The Discourse of Jesus to the Disciples 1. These disciples had so completely lost all hope that, instead of taking courage when the holy women had announced the vision of angels and the news of the Resurrection, they were only frightened by it. They took a gloomy view of what ought to have cheered and encouraged them; they were obstinate in their grief and disappointment. This it was that made them so hopeless: they refused to look at the bright side of things. This is generally the secret of utter hopelessness; there is something wilful in it. We should have more hope if we had more submission to the holy will of God. 2. When the disciples have finished the story, Jesus takes up the tale. He at once tells them the plain truth— that they are fools not to accept the women's story, not to believe all that was written respecting Christ in the prophets of old. There is no folly like incredulity. We have Christ's own word for it. Would that sceptics would take this to heart, instead of priding themselves on their fancied discernment. 3. Then He shows them that all these sufferings were the very proof that Jesus was the Messias that the prophets one and all bear testimony to, the necessity of His first suffering and then entering into His glory. This is the Divine law for all the followers of Jesus— first suffering, and then glory. If I desire glory in heaven, I must not shrink from suffering now. ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary ~ May 2nd ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ 13.—The Discourse of Jesus to the Disciples Read St. Luke xxiv. 22-27 Yea and certain women also of our company affrighted us, who before it was light, were at the sepulchre, And not finding his body, came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, who say that he is alive. And some of our people went to the sepulchre, and found it so as the women had said, but him they found not. Then he said to them: O foolish, and slow of heart to believe in all things which the prophets have spoken. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and so to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded to them in all the scriptures, the things that were concerning him. (continued)

May 2nd, 2025 FIRST FRIDAY of MAY ❤️ O Sacred Heart of Jesus, animated with a desire to repair the outrages unceasingly offered to Thee, we prostrate before Thy throne of mercy, and in the name of all mankind, pledge our love and fidelity to Thee! If possible, receive Holy Communion today and make reparation to Our Lord and Saviour for past and present offenses against His Most Sacred Heart.

2 of 2 12.—The Disciples tell Jesus Their Troubles 1. The disciples, moved by the kindly sympathy of the stranger who has joined Himself to them, tellHim what it is that makes them sad. It is all that they have seen done to Jesus— His condemnation to death and His crucifixion. If these disciples were but imperfect Christians, they had at least that love for Jesus, that devotion to Him, which is the mark of men of good will. They had rejoiced inHis glorious deeds, and they had sorrowed bitterly in His sufferings and death, and now they are quite overwhelmed with grief at the thought that all His life and mission had ended in a miserable failure. All this was pleasing to Jesus, in spite of the weak faith it implied. It showed a genuine willingness and zeal in the good cause. 2. Notice how prudent these disciples are in what theysay to the stranger: they do not call Him Jesus, or the Son of God, or the Messias, or their Master and Lord; they simply describe Him as a prophet mighty in work and word. Here we learn great caution in speaking. We must not say that which is likely to be scoffed at; while we confess our faith, we must not expose it to the ridicule of unbelievers. 3. Yet they cannot conceal their disappointment from the stranger. Speratamus! we had hoped for so much. We had such lofty expectations. We thought a new day was to dawn upon us; and now— How often this is our experience! We, too, hoped for great things, and have been disappointed. But we must not despond. After all, these fears are vain — all is not lost. ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary ~ May 1st ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ 12.—The Disciples tell Jesus Their Troubles Read St. Luke xxiv. 19-24 To whom he said: What things? And they said: Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet, mighty in work and word before God and all the people; And how our chief priests and princes delivered him to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we hoped, that it was he that should have redeemed Israel: and now besides all this, today is the third day since these things were done. Yea and certain women also of our company affrighted us, who before it was light, were at the sepulchre, And not finding his body, came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, who say that he is alive. And some of our people went to the sepulchre, and found it so as the women had said, but him they found not. (continued)

2 of 2 11.—Jesus appears to the Two Disciples 1. At the very time that these disciples were giving up all for lost and lamenting that their hopes were dashed to the ground forever, Jesus was close by them, drawing nearer to them at everystep. So it is with-us. Just when we are most down-hearted, and all seems black, and dark, and hopeless, He is close at hand, waiting to manifest Himself, with a long series of blessings to bestow upon us and consolations to cheer our hearts. A time of darkness is almost always a sign of light and joy hard by. 2. Jesus did not at once reveal Himself to the two disciples going to Emmaus, but joined Himself to them under the guise of a stranger. Their eyes were held, that they should not know Him. Though they loved Him dearly, and sorrowed bitterly for His sufferings and death, yet their slowness to believe all that Christ had told them, and all that the prophets had foretold, threw a veil over their eyes. How many now, faithful servants of God, fail to realize the love of God and His presence with them, because they are stubborn and slow to believe! 3. Our Lord begins with asking them why they are sad. Did He not know? Yes, He knew well enough; but He likes us to tell Him our troubles. We do not do this half enough. He never tires of hearing of our sorrows, trials, difficulties, temptations. He is so pleased to listen! ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

Month of the Holy Eucharist ~ April 30th ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ 11.—Jesus appears to the Two Disciples Read St. Luke xxiv. 16-19 But their eyes were held, that they should not know him. And he said to them: What are these discourses that you hold one with another as you walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleophas, answering, said to him: Art thou only a stranger to Jerusalem, and hast not known the things that have been done there in these days? To whom he said: What things? And they said: Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet, mighty in work and word before God and all the people[.] (continued)

2 of 2 11.—Jesus appears to the Two Disciples 1. At the very time that these disciples were giving up all for lost and lamenting that their hopes were dashed to the ground forever, Jesus was close by them, drawing nearer to them at everystep. So it is with-us. Just when we are most down-hearted, and all seems black, and dark, and hopeless, He is close at hand, waiting to manifest Himself, with a long series of blessings to bestow upon us and consolations to cheer our hearts. A time of darkness is almost always a sign of light and joy hard by. 2. Jesus did not at once reveal Himself to the two disciples going to Emmaus, but joined Himself to them under the guise of a stranger. Their eyes were held, that they should not know Him. Though they loved Him dearly, and sorrowed bitterly for His sufferings and death, yet their slowness to believe all that Christ had told them, and all that the prophets had foretold, threw a veil over their eyes. How many now, faithful servants of God, fail to realize the love of God and His presence with them, because they are stubborn and slow to believe! 3. Our Lord begins with asking them why they are sad. Did He not know? Yes, He knew well enough; but He likes us to tell Him our troubles. We do not do this half enough. He never tires of hearing of our sorrows, trials, difficulties, temptations. He is so pleased to listen! ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

2 of 2 10.—The Two Disciples on the Road to Emmaus 1. On the same day two of the disciples, in their sorrow and disappointment, set off together to Emmaus, a little village some eight miles distant from Jerusalem. They did not act wisely in departing from the little community, and seeking thus to divert themselves from their sorrow. If they had remained at home, they would soon have heard the confirmation, first by one and then by another, of the women's joyful tidings. It is never well for one who is a member of any society, bound by religious ties, to act apart from the rest. Common action and common life carries its own blessing with it. 2. Yet their journey did not divert them from their sadness. One thought, and one only, occupied their minds— they could not shake off the remembrance of the crushing disappointment they had suffered in the death and burial out of sight of Him whom they had hoped was to be the Redeemer of His people. They could not think and talk of any subject but this as they mournfully walked along, side by side, to Emmaus. 3. This sorrow of theirs, this longing regret, was so pleasing to Our Lord that He was drawn by it to come and walk with them and console them on the very morning of the Resurrection. He sought the society of two ordinary disciples, and could not keep away from them, because they were thinking of Him. He is so grateful to those who remember Him! If we remember Him and love Him, He will beat our side though we know it not, ever ready to help and comfort us. ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

Month of the Holy Eucharist ~ April 29th ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ 10.—The Two Disciples on the Road to Emmaus Read St. Luke xxiv. 13-16 And behold, two of them went, the same day, to a town which was sixty furlongs from Jerusalem, named Emmaus. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that while they talked and reasoned with themselves, Jesus himself also drawing near, went with them. But their eyes were held, that they should not know him. (continued)

2 of 2 9.—The Appearance of Jesus to the Holy Women 1. After the holy women had delivered their message at the guest-chamber, they returned once more to the tomb, and saw once more the vision of angels. As they returned they saw another sight, which made them forget the angels and the splendor that had filled the empty tomb. Jesus Himself stood before them in His Divine beauty, with words of welcome. What unspeakable joy must have filled their souls—a joy which was an anticipation of the joy which will fill each faithful soul at the judgment, when Jesus welcomes it with the words "Well done, good and faithful servant." 2. With a simultaneous instinct they fell upon the ground and adored with supreme adoration His glorified Humanity. They took hold of His sacred feet lest He should depart from them. He was to them no longer the prophet sent from God to ransom man. Now He was God Himself—God made man, and they feared lest He should return to heaven and they should see Him no more. So we should learn to value the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and after holy Communion. He is closer to us than to these holy women. Why do we not cling more to Him lest He leave us? 3. Jesus consoles their fears. "Fear not: I am not going to depart. You shall meet Me again in Galilee with the assembled disciples. Go tell them from Me to go thither; there they shall see Me." What a privilege thus to be the messengers of Jesus! We, too, can be His messengers, His apostles to others, by carrying His messages of love and consolation to those in distress and misery. ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

Month of the Holy Eucharist ~ April 28th ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ 9.—The Appearance of Jesus to the Holy Women Read St. Matt, xxviii. 8-10 And they went out quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy, running to tell his disciples. And behold Jesus met them, saying: All hail. But they came up and took hold of his feet, and adored him. Then Jesus said to them: Fear not. Go, tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, there they shall see me. (continued)

2 of 2 8.—The Appearance of Jesus to St. Peter 1. The return of the holy women after their first journey to the tomb produced in the disciples of Our Lord, who were gathered in sorrow and fear in the guest-chamber, the greatest astonishment and dismay. When they told their story, most laughed at it as the offspring of women's imagination. It seemed to be an idle tale, and was not believed. Yet they had heard Our Lord announce in the plainest terms His Resurrection. How slow men are to believe! how unreasonably incredulous and reluctant to accept the Divine promises! 2. But two of those present did not share this kind of blind unbelief. St. Peter and St. John at once hasten to the sepulchre to see for themselves whether the women's words were true. First St. Peter and then St. John enter the sepulchre, see, and believe. On their return Our Lord appears to St. Peter. The chief of the apostles, the future Vicar of Christ, must needs receive the first honor from His Master. Our Lord bestows a special dignity and special privileges on those whom He invests with His own authority. How much, then, we ought to respect them! 3. But Our Lord also chose St. Peter for this honor first of the apostles, to reassure him, to let him know that all was forgiven, that He loved him, in spite of his denial, as dearly as ever. So we need not fear lest our past sins be remembered, if now our hearts are full of love to Jesus. ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

Month of the Holy Eucharist ~ April 27th ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ 8.—The Appearance of Jesus to St. Peter Read St. John xx. 3-10; Peter therefore went out, and that other disciple, and they came to the sepulchre. And they both ran together, and that other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And when he stooped down, he saw the linen cloths lying; but yet he went not in. Then cometh Simon Peter, following him, and went into the sepulchre, and saw the linen cloths lying, And the napkin that had been about his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but apart, wrapped up into one place. Then that other disciple also went in, who came first to the sepulchre: and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. The disciples therefore departed again to their home. St. Luke xxiv. 34 Saying: The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. (continued)

2 of 2 7.—How Jesus appeared to St. Mary Magdalen Jesus saith to her: Mary. She turning, saith to him: Rabboni (which is to say, Master). Jesus saith to her: Do not touch me, for I am not yet ascended to my Father. But go to my brethren, and say to them: I ascend to my Father and to your Father, to my God and your God. 1. While Mary knelt and wept she suddenly heard a sound behind her, and turning round she saw One standing there whom in her grief and amid her blinding tears she did not recognize. She thought Him to be the gardener of Joseph of Arimathea. So to all His servants Christ sometimes appears under strange forms. The poor old man who asks an alms, the orphan in distress, perhaps the churlish neighbor or trying companion who taxes our patience, are really representatives of Christ, though under strange forms. 2. But when Jesus speaks, when He calls her by her name, then at once she recognizes Him. It is the instinct of love recognizing the voice of the Beloved. One of the tests of love to Jesus is that we at once perceive when it is He that speaks. The ears of those who love Him not can scarcely discern between His voice and the sound of their own natural affections and desires: they have so often refused to listen, that they cease to hear. But His sheep know His voice, and those who love Him best are the quickest to catch every whisper of His grace. 3.Jesus calls her by her name—Mary. In Holy Scripture when God calls any by their name it means that they are to become what the name implies, and that God will give them the grace to do so. Abraham, Israel, Peter, the Holy Name itself, were such names. So Mary means that she who bears the name shares in the grace of her who was full of grace. ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

Month of the Holy Eucharist ~ April 26th ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ 7.—How Jesus appeared to St. Mary Magdalen Read St. John xx. 11-17 But Mary stood at the sepulchre without, weeping. Now as she was weeping, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And she saw two angels in white, sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been laid. They say to her: Woman, why weepest thou? She saith to them: Because they have taken away my Lord; and I know not where they have laid him. When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing; and she knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith to her: Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, thinking it was the gardener, saith to him: Sir, if thou hast taken him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. (continued)

2 of 2 6.—Why Jesus appeared first to St. Mary Magdalen Jesus saith to her: Mary. She turning, saith to him: Rabboni (which is to say, Master). Jesus saith to her: Do not touch me, for I am not yet ascended to my Father. But go to my brethren, and say to them: I ascend to my Father and to your Father, to my God and your God. Mary Magdalen cometh, and telleth the disciples: I have seen the Lord, and these things he said to me. Now when it was late that same day, the first of the week, and the doors were shut, where the disciples were gathered together, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them: Peace be to you. 1. Had not many been faithful to Jesus besides St. Mary Magdalen? Why did He choose her before them all?— before St. John, before Mary of Salome, and the rest of the holy women? It was because of the persistescy of her love. When St. John had looked into the empty sepulchre and returned, and when the other holy women had gone their way, Mary still stood at the sepulchre without, weeping for love of Him and sorrow at having lost Him. God loves this persistency. If we went on praying and weeping, we should attain all we ask. 2. Jesus also appeared first to Mary Magdalen because she loved Him with an affection that absorbed all the powers of her soul. When she saw the two angels in white, sitting, one at the head, the other at the feet, where the Body of Jesus had been laid, she took no notice of them; and when they asked her why she wept, her only answer was: "Because they have taken away my Lord." This is the sort of love that Jesus values; this is the love He will recompense by His most liberal graces. 3. None of all those who loved Our Lord had shed so many tears as St. Mary Magdalen. She had wept often at the thought of her sins and her ingratitude; she had wept of pure love at the feet of Jesus; she had wept tears of bitter, heartbroken sorrow, as she knelt beneath the cross; she had wept continually during those three days while He was in the tomb; and now she wept still. Our Lord loves such tears—tears of penance, tears of compassion, and tears of love. I will then pray for this gift of holy tears. ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893

Month of the Holy Eucharist ~ April 25th ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ 6.—Why Jesus appeared first to St. Mary Magdalen Read St. John xx. 11-19 But Mary stood at the sepulchre without, weeping. Now as she was weeping, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And she saw two angels in white, sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been laid. They say to her: Woman, why weepest thou? She saith to them: Because they have taken away my Lord; and I know not where they have laid him. When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing; and she knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith to her: Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, thinking it was the gardener, saith to him: Sir, if thou hast taken him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. (continued)