the school
"This Child is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed — and you yourself shall be pierced with a sword." —Luke 2:34-35
This long-awaited year of the Great Jubilee will be one of the greatest years in the history of the human race if we simply obey the Lord. However, obedience is very difficult for us humans because of the world, our fallen human nature, and the devil. Nevertheless, we can, like Jesus, learn obedience from what we suffer (Heb 5:8), if we suffer in the pattern of Jesus' death (Phil 3:10). With Mary, we must be "near the cross" (Jn 19:25). Then we will obey as Jesus obeyed — even to death on the cross (Phil 2:8). Through this obedience, we will be exalted with Jesus (see Phil 2:9), and the Great Jubilee will not be the worst missed opportunity of our lifetimes. Rather, it will be the year of unprecedented justice, freedom, and love.
We've lived long enough in this hellhole of the culture of death. It's time to learn obedience and to build a new civilization of love and life. Mary, Sorrowful Mother, help us learn obedience through suffering.
Prayer: Father, heal me of unnecessary suffering and give me the wisdom and grace to suffer redemptively.
Promise: "He became the Source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him." —Heb 5:9
Praise: Because of Mary's willingness to suffer with Jesus, the hearts of many were laid bare (Lk 2:35).
Reference: (For related teaching, order our leaflet, Obedience School.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, March 8, 2000
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 9, 2000