Virgo Potens

2 of 2 15.—The Arrival at Emmaus 1. In the midst of the discourse, which had made them forget all else, they found themselves at their destination; and their Divine Companion made as though He would go farther. He let them think He was intending to leave them, in order to teach them, and through them to teach us, the necessity of persisting in prayer. Our Lord often lets us think that He is going to forsake us, or that He is unkind to us, or that He is not ready with help in time of need, in order to see whether we are in earnest in our desire to have Him for our companion and our friend, or whether we are ready to give Him up in the face of difficulties. 2. These two disciples will not hear of Jesus going farther. What do they not owe Him for that heavenly discourse that has turned their sorrow into joy! What would they not give to keep Him with them, and to listen to more of such words as His! They simply compel Him to remain with them, urging the motives that they regard as most likely to be effectual. This is what Jesus loves— that we should urge Him with constant importunity until we constrain Him to listen to our petitions. 3. We should each day invoke Our Lord with these words: Stay with us. Each morning when we wake, Stay with us through the day; in time of temptation or danger, Stay with us; in holy Communion, Stay with us with Thy Divine power; in the time of sickness and in the hour of death, Stay with us, O Lord Jesus! ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

THE RESURRECTION and ASCENSION of JESUS CHRIST April 19th, 2026 ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ 15.—The Arrival at Emmaus Read St. Luke xxiv. 28, 29 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. (continued)

2 of 2 Month of the Holy Eucharist ~ April 18th There are certain efficacious virtues that God has infused into our souls in holy Baptism, independently of our own dispositions, “principally by infusion in Baptism,” says St. Thomas. Such, for example, is faith, and such also is that humility which is necessary for us so that we may believe and pray as we ought. Let us therefore exercise in our prayers this infused humility, and in making good use of it we shall in time acquire that other evangelical virtue which is necessary to our salvation and which can only be obtained by our own co-operation. Prayer, says St. Augustine, is essentially the resource of him who knows that he is both poor and needy: “Prayer is only for the needy.” [“Oratio non est nisi indigentium” (Enarr. in Ps. xxvi] Let us acknowledge and confess our poverty and indigence before God, and by this confession we shall exercise humility. The really poor do not need to be taught how to ask alms humbly. Necessity is their master, and if man can humble himself before man, why should he not also humble himself before God? ~ Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo (1660-1753), Humility of Heart. Tr. Herbert Cardinal Vaughan (1903).

Month of the Holy Eucharist ~ April 18th 74. A doubt may arise in our mind that since to obtain the grace of humility we must ask it of God, and ask it with humility if we wish God to hear our prayer, how can we possibly ask with humility since it is precisely that humility which we have not and for which we are asking? Do not let us lose ourselves in such speculations, which are useless in practice, since “Simplicity of heart is what the Lord desires of us.”[Wisd. i, 1] (continued)

2 of 2 14.—The Effects of the Discourse of Jesus 1. As Jesus speaks, the hearts of the two disciples burn within them. Never had they heard such a discourse as this; never had they understood the meaning of the Scriptures, till they listened to the inspired words of this Divine Expositor. How could they have been so blind before as not to have recognized, in the sufferings and death of Jesus of Nazareth, the fulfilment of the prophecies? We, too, cannot understand Holy Scripture if we are left to yourselves; outside the Church, men read it, and find in it their own follies and fancies. It is only those who are taught of God who can ever read God's Word aright. 2. Why did the words of Jesus thus carry them out of themselves, so that the walk to Emmaus seemed all too short? It was because He who spoke was the Son of God; and there flowed into His words the grace of which His Sacred Heart was full. It is just the same with the servants of Christ, whether priests or ordinaiy Christians— their words move the hearts of others in proportion to their own holiness. How much more influence for good I should have if I were more holy! 3. There was another reason why Our Lord's words thus stirred the hearts of these two disciples. It was because they were men of good will. To such, the voice of God is sweet and attractive. "My sheep hear My voice," says Our Lord;" I know Mine, and Mine know Me." The enemies of God are repelled by His voice and the voice of His ministers and of His Church; they criticise, instead of listening in humility. What am I—a critic or a disciple? ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

THE RESURRECTION and ASCENSION of JESUS CHRIST April 18th, 2026 ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ 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)

2 of 2 Month of the Holy Eucharist ~ April 17th Humility generates confidence, and God never refuses His grace to those who come to Him with humility and trust. Say therefore to God: I can remain here as long as I like and do all that I can to obtain sorrow for my sins, but it is impossible for me to attain to it of myself, if Thou dost not grant it to me, O my God! I do not deserve it, but Jesus Christ has merited it for me, and it is through His merits that I ask it, and through Thy infinite goodness that I hope to obtain it. Place yourself in this humble disposition of mind and you will be happy, for it is written of God: that “He comforteth the humble”; [2 Cor. vii, 6] “and He hath had regard to the prayer of the humble and hath not despised their petition.” [Ps. ci, 18] This sorrow or contrition by which the soul is sanctified is one of the greatest graces that God can give us, and it would be presumption, temerity, and pride on our part to pretend to this grace without having asked for it with due humility. ~ Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo (1660-1753), Humility of Heart. Tr. Herbert Cardinal Vaughan (1903).

Month of the Holy Eucharist ~ April 17th 73. Many people, when preparing for confession, distress themselves because they do not feel sufficient contrition for their sins; and in order to obtain it they beat their breasts to try and excite themselves to feelings of sorrow. But this is pride, for they give us to understand that they can thus obtain contrition of themselves. You desire true sorrow for you sins? Then be assured that this is a singular gift of God, and that to obtain it there is no better means than to humble oneself before Him. (continued)

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)

THE RESURRECTION and ASCENSION of JESUS CHRIST April 17th, 2026 ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ 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)

2 of 2 Month of the Holy Eucharist ~ April 16th And what distractions of mind and heart can prevent our exercising humility? It is precisely in those moments when we feel irritable and tepid that we ought to show our humility, and how? By saying: O Lord, I am not worthy to remain here speaking to Thee so confidentially, I do not deserve the grace of prayer because it is a special gift which Thou bestowest upon those dear to Thee. It is enough for me to be Thy servant, chasing away my distractions as so many flies. For flies do not fly round boiling water, but only round tepid water, and all these distractions arise from my great tepidity. Ah, what an excellent prayer! So prayed Joshua, and the Lord heard his prayer: “Thou hast humbled thyself in the sight of God; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord.” [2 Paral. xxxiv, 27] So prayed King David too in the anguish of his soul and was delivered: “I was humbled and He delivered me.” [Ps. cxiv, 6] The more the soul exalts itself and takes pleasure in its own meditation, so much the more does God exalt Himself above that soul and remains apart from it. “Man shall come to a deep heart and God shall be exalted.” [Ps. lxiii, 8] Do we desire that God in His mercy should come nigh to us? Let us humble ourselves. “Dost thou wish God to draw near to thee?” says St. Augustine, “humble thyself, for the more thou raisest thyself, the more will He be above thee.” [Enarr. in Ps. cxli] ~ Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo (1660-1753), Humility of Heart. Tr. Herbert Cardinal Vaughan (1903).

Month of the Holy Eucharist ~ April 16th 72. We often lament that we are unable to pray because of the many distractions which hinder our recollection and dry up the source of devotion in our hearts, but in this we err and do not know what we are saying. The best prayer is not that in which we are most recollected and fervent, but that in which we are most humble; because it is written: “The prayer of him that humbleth himself shall pierce the clouds.” [Ecclus. xxxv, 21] (continued)

2 of 2 Month of the Holy Eucharist ~ April 16th And what distractions of mind and heart can prevent our exercising humility? It is precisely in those moments when we feel irritable and tepid that we ought to show our humility, and how? By saying: O Lord, I am not worthy to remain here speaking to Thee so confidentially, I do not deserve the grace of prayer because it is a special gift which Thou bestowest upon those dear to Thee. It is enough for me to be Thy servant, chasing away my distractions as so many flies. For flies do not fly round boiling water, but only round tepid water, and all these distractions arise from my great tepidity. Ah, what an excellent prayer! So prayed Joshua, and the Lord heard his prayer: “Thou hast humbled thyself in the sight of God; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord.” [2 Paral. xxxiv, 27] So prayed King David too in the anguish of his soul and was delivered: “I was humbled and He delivered me.” [Ps. cxiv, 6] The more the soul exalts itself and takes pleasure in its own meditation, so much the more does God exalt Himself above that soul and remains apart from it. “Man shall come to a deep heart and God shall be exalted.” [Ps. lxiii, 8] Do we desire that God in His mercy should come nigh to us? Let us humble ourselves. “Dost thou wish God to draw near to thee?” says St. Augustine, “humble thyself, for the more thou raisest thyself, the more will He be above thee.” [Enarr. in Ps. cxli] ~ Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo (1660-1753), Humility of Heart. Tr. Herbert Cardinal Vaughan (1903).

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)

THE RESURRECTION and ASCENSION of JESUS CHRIST April 16th, 2026 ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ 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 Month of the Holy Eucharist ~ April 15th We ought to apply our Saviour’s sayings to ourselves: “Thou blind Pharisee, first make clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, that the outside may become clean,” [Matt. xxiii, 6] and learn from the teaching of St. Thomas that “from our interior disposition of humility proceed signs in words, deed and manner by which that is manifested without, which is within.” [2a 2æ, qu. clxi, art. 6] I admit the truth of that which was so often repeated in Holy Writ, that humility is a special gift of God, and that no one can possess it of himself “except God gave it”; [Wisd. viii, 21] but at the tribunal of God there will be no excuse for us for not having possessed humility, because we have been taught that we could obtain it by persevering prayer, and, if we have not used this means to obtain it, it will be our fault that we have not asked God for it, and therefore our fault that we have not obtained it. Our Saviour in His Gospel says: “Ask and you shall receive.” [John xvi, 24] If you want anything of Me, ask and you shall be heard. And can this virtue cost us less than the simple effort of asking it of God with great insistence? Therefore do not let us cease to ask for it and by the very method of obtaining it our hearts, our looks, our words, our movements, our bearing, and even our very thoughts will all be humble: “For from the heart come forth thoughts.” [Matt. xv, 19] ~ Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo (1660-1753), Humility of Heart. Tr. Herbert Cardinal Vaughan (1903).

Month of the Holy Eucharist ~ April 15th 71. The important point is that our heart should be humble, because this is what Christ seeks in us above all things. It is useless to mend the case and hands of a watch unless we also adjust the wheels and works, and in the same way it is useless for anyone to be modest in attire and bearing if there be no true humility in the heart. (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)

THE RESURRECTION and ASCENSION of JESUS CHRIST April 14th, 2026 ✧❁❁✧✿✿✧❁❁✧ 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 Month of the Holy Eucharist ~ April 14th Look at a beggar who has received a considerable gift from a rich man, with what warmth he expresses his gratitude! He is astonished that the rich man should have deigned to bestow a gift upon him, protesting that he is unworthy of it, and that he receives it, not through his own merit, but through the noble kindness of the giver, to whom he will always be most grateful. He speaks from his heart because he knows his own miserable condition of poverty and the benign condescension of the rich man. And should the thanks we give to God be less than the thanks which are given from man to man? When one man can thus thank another, ought we not to blush with shame that there should be men who feel more humility of heart towards their fellowmen than we do towards God? O my God, I thank Thee with all my heart for these benefits which I have received through Thy goodness alone, which I have not deserved and for which I have never given Thee thanks till now! It was through pride that I failed to give Thee the thanks due to Thee, and it is through pride that I have enjoyed all Thy gifts as if I had not received them at Thy hands. I detest my pride, and with Thy help I will remember to give Thee thanks at all times and for all things: “I will bless the Lord at all times,” [ Ps. xxxiii, 1] praise, bless and thank Thee for all Thy mercies for ever and ever: “The mercies of the Lord I will sing for ever.” [Ps. lxxxviii, 1] ~ Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo (1660-1753), Humility of Heart. Tr. Herbert Cardinal Vaughan (1903).