Our Lady of Fatima: Pray the Rosary – May 13 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on May 13, 2024, Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, where he highlights the role of simplicity and prayer, particularly the rosary, in connecting deeply with God.

Father explores the theme of purity and divine connection through the historical and biblical context of shepherd children, as occurs at the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. In biblical tradition, shepherds often symbolize innocence and direct connection with God, as seen in the story of David, who was a young shepherd before becoming the King of Israel (1 Samuel 16:11 - David the youngest, tending the sheep - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/16?11). Similarly, angels announced Jesus' birth to shepherds (Luke 2:8 - Shepherds and the angel - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/2?8), emphasizing purity and simplicity as paths to encountering God.

Father reflects on the light associated with divine apparitions as not only a symbol of God's presence but as a reflection of those who see God face to face, paralleling biblical descriptions of angels whose appearances were like lightning, indicating divine origin (Matthew 28:2 - Angel's appearance like lightning - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/28?2).

Further, he discusses the spiritual journey of contemplation and prayer, especially through the rosary, as requested by Our Lady of Fatima. The rosary is presented not just as a prayer but as a meditative practice that opens deeper dimensions of faith, akin to the contemplative paths of saints like Francisco from Fatima and Saint Pio of Pietrelcina.

The significance of the rosary in daily life is emphasized, suggesting it as an accessible means to connect with the divine, prepare for Mass, and maintain a spiritual life amidst daily routines. Father aligns this practice with Sister Lucia's insights from Fatima, reinforcing prayer as essential for spiritual survival and grace.

For further reading:

CCC 2679 - Mary's intercession, spiritual motherhood - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2679.htm
CCC 2708 - Meditation engages thought, imagination, emotion, desire - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2708.htm
CCC 971 - Rosary, devotional, Marian prayer - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/971.htm

00:00 - Introduction to Apparitions in Fatima
00:18 - Significance of Shepherds and Children in Revelations
00:50 - Characteristics of Our Lady's Appearances
02:43 - Contrast Between Angelic and Marian Apparitions
03:23 - Our Lady's Messages and Requests at Fatima
04:02 - Francisco's Devotion to Rosary Prayer
04:55 - Saint Pio's Profound Rosary Devotion
07:04 - Emphasizing Daily Rosary for Peace and Devotion

Ave Maria!

Mass: Our Lady of Fatima - Feast - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Fátima
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/051324.cfm
1st: rev 21:1-5
Resp: jth 13:22-23
Gsp: joh 19:25-27

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1301

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