A Priceless Treasure

As you pray The Mission of My Life by St John Henry Cardinal Newman, ask the Lord to help you believe that your life has a definite purpose within his providential governance. Remember, you are truly God's mission on earth!   The Mission of My Life St John Henry Cardinal Newman  God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments. Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about.

Pope Francis, in Evangelii Gaudium, reminds us that we are missions on this earth. Have you ever considered that your are a mission through your baptism? Being a Christian implies being a missionary disciple of Jesus as well. If you wish to grow in this aspect of the Christian life, regardless of your vocation, follow these simple but effective instructions in your everyday life: Let yourself be led by the spirit of God. Keep your heart open to everything the Lord wants to instill in it! Draw closer to Jesus and cultivate a loving relationship with him. Value others as your brothers and sisters. Remember, a true missionary seeks the good of his neighbor and strives for the contentment of others. Live the Beatitudes that Jesus presented to us to become an authentic witness of the Christian life. This will make it possible for others to encounter a living Gospel in you. Lead a joyful life close to God through prayer. Find God in everything you do, especially in the simplest aspects of life. Love the world as God loves it through his Son, Jesus Christ. Above all, let God fill you with hope so that you, in turn, can instill hope in others. St George Preca used to say, "Whoever loves God is not satisfied with just loving God himself!" So, love God fervently and love his people the same way that he loves them to become the mission of God on earth!

A reflection by Joe Galea (SDC Member) on the painting 'The Madonna of the Village', 1938-42, Marc Chagall, oil on canvas, 102cm x 98cm, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid. Marc Chagall, born in Russia in 1887 and passing away in 1986, is recognized as a key figure in the surrealist and expressionist movements. This painting offers an unusual depiction of Mary holding her son, Jesus. It appears to be set during a likely Russian journey, evoking the painter's nostalgia for his childhood, despite spending much of his career in France and America. Mary is entirely dressed in white, a color symbolizing purity and virginity, which is a rare portrayal. In Malta, a similar depiction can be found in the titular painting of the parish of Bormla. As with many of Chagall's works, this painting is rich in symbolism and dreamy imagination. Notice the flying cow playing the violin, a recurring element in Chagall's art. Additionally, a candle stands tall on the journey, possibly symbolizing faith and love in Mary and Jesus. Mary does not have the typical halo; instead, a person in red extends a hand from the sky, offering her a heartfelt kiss. Traditional elements like angels playing and singing are also present in the painting.  

Following Jesus: Finding Our Way Home in an Age of Anxiety by Henri Nouwen is a profound and deeply reflective book that speaks to the heart of contemporary struggles. Nouwen's writing is both comforting and challenging, inviting readers to deeply consider the teachings of Jesus in their own lives. The book is structured around key themes such as faith, love, and community, offering practical insights into how these principles can alleviate modern anxieties. Nouwen's gentle and compassionate tone makes complex theological concepts accessible and relatable. Each chapter provides a blend of personal anecdotes, scriptural analysis, and contemplative reflections, creating a rich and engaging reading experience. The book's emphasis on the journey of faith as a continual process of growth and discovery resonates strongly in today's fast-paced world. Nouwen's insights are particularly poignant for those feeling lost or overwhelmed by life's demands. His invitation to follow Jesus is presented not as a strict doctrine but as a path to inner peace and fulfillment. Overall, "Following Jesus" is a deeply moving and inspiring book that offers solace and guidance to anyone seeking a more meaningful and centered life.

From the writing of St George Preca, The Psalm of Father Franco, Carmelite The soul that comes to know you, God, is always happy with her lot for in you she sees the governance of everything. Abel came to know you: he fell victim of envy for the honour he offered you. Job came to know you: he embraced your will proclaiming that all is willed by you except sin. Abraham, our father, came to know you: in sacrifice he gave his heart and his son in order to please you. Joseph, son of Jacob, came to know you: he declared that nothing can hinder the designs of your providence. Moses came to know you: he sang the glory of your greatness — Lord, Master of everything and everyone. Samuel came to know you: he declared that where there is no obedience nothing pleases you. David came to know you: and rivers of tears poured out of his contrite heart. Elijah came to know you: he zealously laboured to make you known among men. Daniel came to know you, proclaiming that those who trust in you see no confusion. The saints, our brethren, coming to know you, worthily revered you. They did not seek themselves in anything. You were their only delight. They underwent oppressions in order to serve you faithfully. The glorious Virgin Mary, coming to know you, magnified you and proclaimed you mighty and holy. Joseph, the husband so chaste of Mary, coming to know you, adored in the silence and the purity of his heart the just and unfathomable decrees of your providence. Paul of Tarsus came to know you and your Son Jesus Christ, and proclaimed you both throughout the world. Sinners resist you because they have not come to know you. Were they to know you truly, they would even give up their lives for you! Did not Mary Magdalene, Zaccheus, the Samaritan woman, and the other sinners who came to know you give up all for you, keeping nothing to themselves? That is why the soul that comes to know you, though heaped with sin, hastens to you never to shy away.