USA, Milwaukee Home Shrine Jubilee Commission/Joseph Yank. The Schoenstatt Family in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, the place of Father Kentenich`s exile, is praying a novena for the perpetuation and perfection of the home shrine stream in the Schoenstatt Family and in the Church. They have put together, from Father Kentenich`s words, a nine week novena with meditations from the Home Song, Mass of God’s instruments and words Father Kentenich prayed at various home shrine blessings in Milwaukee. They want to pray this novena two times during the year of the missionary current which coincides with the 50th Jubilee year of Father Kentenich’s proclamation of the home shrine as a third order of shrine for the Schoenstatt Family. Today we publish the meditation for the third week.
Where the sanctuary light constantly burns
and the glow of love never dies
WEEK THREE – MY HOME SHRINE – FREEDOM
Prayer –
Do you know the land, like heaven itself, the so ardently longed-for kingdom of freedom:
Where magnanimity and sense of the fitting overcome the downward pull of nature;
Where the slightest wishes of God are binding and receive in answer a joyful decision;
Where they, in accord with love’s fundamental law are always victoriously put into action?
We reflect on the Ver Sacrum Light (sanctuary light) in the Shrine:
“Where the sanctuary light burns, there Christ reigns, there the Savior lives and has his throne. Take care that the eyes of (this child) resemble the sanctuary light. The sanctuary light glows. Take care that (her) eyes are always glowing eyes… eyes that radiate warmth everywhere.”
(Father Joseph Kentenich, excerpt of the spoken word at the dedication as Living Shrine – 2/24/1963)
This wonderland is known to me – It is the meadow radiantly lit by Tabor’s sun, where our Three times Admirable Lady reigns in the midst of her favorite children, loyally rewarding each gift of love with the manifestation of her glory and immeasurably abundant fruitfulness: It is my home, my Schoenstatt Land!
Questions for reflection:
Day 1 – The light of the Sanctuary Lamp gives witness to the presence of Christ in the Tabernacle. Am I free enough from self to witness Jesus’ love and let it shine forth from me through a warm smile or a kind word or deed?
Day 2 – We want to love our Lord so much that it is painful when we turn away from him. Do I make myself free to spend more time with Jesus adoring him in my heart and in the hearts of others?
Day 3 – The Sanctuary Light radiates warmth. I too want to show warmth with a heart that never stops loving. In what way can I warm up the cold spots in my heart for my neighbor, friend or relative?
Day 4 – Being a light for the world is work and requires sacrifice. Is God calling me today to do something hard? Can I freely sacrifice something dear to me to prove my love for him?
Day 5 – Ver Sacrum means “new springtime.” How can I renew my love for Christ and his mission today?
Day 6 – I want to take time today to reflect on one of the four characteristics of the Ver Sacrum. 1) Called: How has God called me? 2) Set apart: How have I been set apart and educated? 3) Sacrificial Offering: How am I being offered or sacrificed? 4) Sent: How, when and where is God sending me?
Day 7 – Even the smallest flame brings light to darkness. Do I burn for Christ? How can I share with my family, friends and others that little flame with the hope that it will grow into a blazing fire of love?
