YEAR 1:  INVITATION TO THE LIFE OF PRAYER AND LOVE

PHASE 1:  OPEN YOUR HEARTS TO MARY THE MOTHER OF SORROWS

Weekly message No. 5 (29 March 1984): Participating in the Suffering of Jesus

Dear children! In a special way this evening I am calling you to perseverance in trials. Consider how the Almighty is still suffering today on account of your sins. So when sufferings come, offer them up as a sacrifice to God. Thank you for having responded to my call."

DAILY SPIRITUAL EXERCISES STARTING 27 MARCH 2014

1st day: Matthew 5:20-26. (Thursday)
Brotherly love and reconciliation.

2nd day: Matthew 10:17-25. (Friday)
Jesus will be persecuted in his followers until the end of time. Cf. John 15:20-21; Matthew 5:11-12; 1 Peter 4:12-14.

3rd day: James 1:12-15. (Saturday)
Perseverance in trials. Cf. 1 Corinthians 10:13.

4th day: John 14:6-11. (Sunday)
Jesus identifies himself with the Father. Cf. John 10:30; John 17:21-23.

5th day: Colossians 1:24-29. (Monday)
Jesus suffers in us, in his Body the Church. Cf. Acts 9:4-5; Matthew 25:40, 45.

6th day: Ephesians 5:1-2. (Tuesday)
A call to be like Christ, to become a sacrifice of love. Cf. Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 2:15.

7th day: John 15:12-13. (Wednesday)
The greatest love is to give one's life for others. Cf. Matthew 16:24-25; 1 John 3:16-17.

SUGGESTION

CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY: 1) To feed the hungry. 2) To give drink to the thirsty. 3) To clothe the naked. 4) To harbour the homeless. 5) To visit the sick. 6) To visit the prisoners. 7) To bury the dead.

SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY: 1) To convert the sinner. 2) To instruct the ignorant. 3) To counsel the doubtful. 4) To comfort the sorrowful. 5) To bear wrongs patiently. 6) To forgive injuries. 7) To pray for the living and the dead.

(See also Matthew Ch. 25)