The Boat that launched a Thousand Tales...

Queen of Heaven, Rejoice!

Alleluia

For He who you did merit to bear

Alleluia

Has risen, as He said

Alleluia

Pray for us to God

Alleluia

Rejoice and be glad of Virgin Mary, Alleluia

Because the Lord has truly risen, Alleluia

I couldn't resist starting this post with the Regina Caeli. It almost sets the context of our Christian walk, like a battle cry before the army advances. Christ is risen! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

I read this amazing article Google+ about a priest who was a passenger on the fateful Titanic. His uncle, the Bishop of Cloyne had given him a first class ticket to Cobh. This priest, Fr. Francis Browne SJ was an avid photographer and took many grainy black and white pictures of Titanic's daily life and crew on board the ship. His pictures are up on the link, if you would like to see them. 

Wait! The real story is yet to come...

If you look closely...notice Our Lady's statue by the side of Fr. Browne. 

She was there!

Fr. Browne would have been a young Jesuit with all the strappings of adventure and youthful exuberance at the time of his journey. He befriended a wealthy American family on board the Titanic. And, when they offered to sponsor his ticket from Cobh to New York, he excitedly messaged telegraphed his Superiors for permission to travel further. To which, he received a terse reply- "Get off the boat at once- Provincial"

It was 11 April 1912.

On her maiden journey...Titanic

On the 14 April 1912, Titanic- The Unsinkable; Titanic- Pride of the Seven Seas, hits an iceberg and sinks to the bottom of the Atlantic taking with her, 1500 innocent lives.

What is my point? Obedience saved his life. Or expand it into a larger context, Obedience brings forth New Life. 

In Our Lord's case, '...he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even death on the cross' (Phil 2:8). 
Why?
So that through his perfect obedience, many may be made perfect and live (Rom 5:19).


Fr.Browne would testify to it. His testy Provincial saved his life only because he humbled himself to obey. So, dear ones, do not necessarily look at the shape, size or candor of the messenger the Lord sends you; listen to the message and obey!