…the meaning of the word “amen”?
The word amen, derived from the Hebrew root אמן (’mn), is related to the idea of firmness, truth, security, and confidence.
In the Book of Deuteronomy, for example, the people are admonished by Moses to respond “amen” (Dt 27:15‑26) to the curses pronounced against those who violate God’s Law, thus manifesting their acceptance of divine justice. The prophet Jeremiah responds “Amen, O Lord” (Jer 11:5), when accepting a command from the Most High. The term appears on numerous occasions in the writings of the Old Covenant.
The Evangelists use the word in its Greek form – ἀμήν (amen) –, generally translated as truly.
With the force of authority, Jesus uses it at the beginning of solemn pronouncements. In the Gospel of John, the term is repeated to emphasize the revelation: “Truly, truly [amen, amen], I say to you, before Abraham was, I am” (Jn 8:58). Our Lord uses this expression to testify that something deserves trust and full credit. Thus, the Apocalypse calls Him “Amen,” for He is “the faithful and true witness” (Rv 3:14).
In the Liturgy, the term acquires new splendour. Throughout the Holy Mass, the faithful pronounce it several times as a profession of faith. In receiving the Holy Eucharist, for example, “amen” expresses belief in the Real Presence after the minister proclaims: “The Body of Christ.” Finally, this word concludes and confirms our prayers, manifesting confidence in God and adherence to His designs.
May our lives also be a constant “amen,” witnessing our total fidelity to the Holy Church! ◊
…that some religious habits were chosen by Our Lady?
Good Friday of 1239. Seven men were gathered when, in a mystical rapture, they had a vision of Our Lady. Although She shone with incomparable beauty, the Virgin manifested profound sadness. She had tears in her eyes, and wore a religious habit the colour of mourning. Numerous Angels surrounded her: some carried emblems of the Passion, another held a parchment with the words Servants of Mary.
Enthralled, those chosen souls listened to what Our Lady had to say to them: “See the habit that you will henceforth wear. Its black colour indicates the sorrows that I experienced, especially on this day, for the death of my only Divine Son.” The Mother of the Redeemer disappeared, leaving behind the habit and the mission of the Servite Order.
This is just one of several similar stories that occurred in the Middle Ages. Indeed, in a manner very similar to the episode narrated above, the habits of the Premonstratensians and Mercedarians were born, as well as the white cowl of the Cistercians and the scapular of the Carmelites and Dominicans.
In this way, Our Lady, in addition to establishing a link with these Religious Orders, also indicated how indispensable the use of appropriate attire is for those who enter the service of God.
If it is true that “the habit does not make the monk,” it is also evident that the habit, when worn by a religious faithful to his vocation, encourages the wavering, invites those who open themselves to grace to conversion, and is “a sign that will be opposed” (Lk 2:34) for unbelievers. ◊