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
Exo 3:1-6,9-12
Mt 11:25-27
“I bless you Father, Lord of heaven and earth…”
“I thank you Lord
For the trials that come my way
In that way I can grow each day
As I let you lead”
Letting God lead. We hear this so often, we may have even advised some of our friends to do this whenever they share that they are undergoing trials. But honestly, do we take this advice into our hearts when we ourselves face our own trials? Do we let God lead and let our hearts be open to His will?
I have honestly struggled with this at many times in my life. Especially during times when I faced an uncertain future. I ask God to show me the way but deep down in my heart, I feel that I cannot fully let God lead.
I know that God only wants the best for us, and these trials that He allows to take place, are for our own good. As scripture says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4.
But going through such trials is tiring and depressing. How do we keep moving ahead? For me, I try to turn to the Lord whenever I have such doubts. I keep remembering the gospel verse that continues to speak to me, “I will be with you till the end of time”. This keeps me going and helps me remember that God has always been good to me.
I also turn to Our Blessed Mother and ask for her to guide me in those times of uncertainty. As she herself must have gone through when she was first visited by the Angel Gabriel, and when she accompanied Jesus along His way to Calvary. What were the thoughts that she was assailed with when the Angel told her that she was to bear a Son? How would her life turn out? What would her future be like when she saw Jesus hanging on the cross?
But what she did was to place all her trust in the Lord and believe that God would take care of her. I am sure she would have known that her life would not be easy and will be filled with uncertainties, but she trusted that God would be there when she stumbled, and that God will reassure her in her times of doubt. If only our faith was only a fraction of the faith Our Blessed Mother had.
We are all a work in progress, and the refining will not end until we reach our heavenly home. There will always be new trials, new difficulties. Can we let our hearts be like our Blessed Mother’s? To accept the will of the Father and to let Him lead? To let our hearts be open to His will and be His instruments that will announce His kingdom on Earth?
Well, I know I will.
And I will continue to give thanks to God. For the good times and for the bad. For I know that He will be there for me in the times when I need him the most. I pray that I will always have the courage to sing,“Thank you Lord for the trials that come my way…”
(Today’s OXYGEN by Calvin Wee)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are the Lord of heaven and earth. You are all powerful and can do all things. Grant, O Lord, that we be granted the grace to have our hearts be open and the patience to let your refining take place. We know that we can do nothing and are nothing without you. Amen.
Thanksgiving: Heavenly Father, I thank you for the gift of our Blessed Mother, who is the example of the perfect disciple. Grant us, O Lord, that we have the grace to emulate her trust and faith. To know that You are Lord of our lives and only want the best for us. Amen.
OXYGEN 
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