Jul 16 – Memorial for Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The Church celebrates on this day the feast of the Scapular of Mount Carmel. The scapular, which derives its name from the Latin word scapulæ, meaning shoulders, is a dress which covers the shoulders. It is best known among as the name of two little pieces of cloth worn out of devotion to the Blessed Virgin over the shoulders, under the ordinary garb, and connected by strings.
The devotion of the scapular began with the Carmelites. During the 13th century the Carmelite Order suffered great persecution, and on 16 July 1251, while Saint Simon Stock, then general of the Order, was at prayer, the Blessed Virgin appeared to him, holding in her hand a scapular. Giving it to the saint, she said,
“Receive, my dear son, this scapular of thy Order, as the distinctive sign of my confraternity, and the mark of the privilege which I have obtained for thee and the children of Carmel. It is a sign of salvation, a safeguard in danger, and a special pledge of peace and protection till the end of time. Whosoever dies wearing this shall be preserved from eternal flames.”
It is much to be wished that people should everywhere join this confraternity, for the honour of Mary and for the salvation of souls, by a life fitted to that end. In order to have a share in the merits of the sodality, every member must:
- Shun sin and, according to his state of life, live chastely.
- Say everyday, if possible, seven times the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.
- Strive to serve God by venerating Mary, and imitating her virtues.
Though not binding under penalty of sin, the breach of these rules deprives us of all merit.
- Patron Saint Index
Is 7:1-9
Mt 11:20–24
Six or five years more and a shattered Ephraim shall no longer be a people. But if you do not stand by me, you will not stand at all.
The first reading for today takes place amid a terrifying attack on Jerusalem by two kings, Rezin and Pekah. Amid the presence of Rezin’s and Pekah’s armies, Isaiah told Ahaz, the king of Judah (and thus Jerusalem) to remain courageous and have faith in the Lord.
Unfortunately, Ahaz did not accept Isaiah’s message, and I can completely understand why. Even though there have been many times when the challenges I faced somehow worked themselves out (for which I am certainly grateful), I still find myself dwelling on the times they didn’t. Despite my own familiarity with many scriptural passages and quotes about trusting in God, I find it all too easy to give in to fear, anxiety, and even resentment, when I encounter unexpected circumstances and trials. It is a constant struggle to keep turning to the Lord instead of simply focusing on what is happening right in front of me or thinking I have to solve it all on my own. I also find it difficult to discern exactly how we are supposed to surrender whatever we are going through to God while still doing what is needed.
But miraculously, just as I was pondering on this reflection, I watched Fr Mike Schmitz’s homily (here) on how surrendering to our Lord is a continuous process, and how surrender means giving access instead of giving up, which I found both reassuring and illuminating. (The video popping up on my feed could also be an example of the wonders God can do for me if I just surrender to him!)
The words in the reading about how Ephraim will eventually be crushed within 65 years (which may not have offered Ahaz much comfort) also make me realise the importance of regarding our circumstances with the eyes of faith, which would be relevant to today’s feast of the Lady of Mount Carmel. I was quite intrigued to find out about the history of the Carmelite order and its monastery on Mount Carmel (here); the monastery was attacked and destroyed in the 13th century, leading the brothers to scatter to various parts of the world, where they continued their faith and practices while encountering hostility and suspicion. Their story illustrated that what could seem like an absolute tragedy to us may be an instance entirely different to God, as Bishop Barron also explains here. It also emphasises the importance of perseverance in our faith, and how we should continually turn to our Mother to seek her comfort and intercession in times of suffering.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Jaclyn Lam)
Prayer: Lord, help us to turn to you in our trials. Help us amid our fear and doubt. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.
Thanksgiving: We give thanks for all in religious orders and for their example of faith and devotion.
OXYGEN 
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