Private Vows in The Laity/Spirituality

[Guest]

Only rightful to add that theologians would disagree with my understanding of hatred (I did a bit of research).  They define hatred as potentially not sinful and on the other hand sinful to varying degrees.  Your own research is easily undertaken.  I stick by what I have stated personally and I am only an uneducated fellow traveller and pilgrim - they are educated theologians of The Church.

 

[Guest]

Vincent's Quote of the Day - St Vincent de Paul Society

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Quote of the Day – November 29

"All those who love the poor in life will have nothing to fear from death" (XII:391).

 

 

 

[Guest]

 

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On gifts and talents

"With what presumption have we called them ours, and even felt unselfish when we shared them-
When, if the truth be known, they have been Yours from the beginning, Lord! You have prepared them for us to borrow, using as our own:
So thank You, Father, for this generous loan.
... Elaine V. Emans"

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Shalom Place

Dominican Sisters of Peace

 

 

 

[Guest]

A good book to read if you can get hold of it is "The Love that Keeps Us Sane (Living the Little Way of St Therese").  I might post some quotes from it now and then.

Found it on Amazon and I see it is available on Kindle too - as well as Kindle Australia:

 

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https://www.amazon.com/Love-That-Keeps-Sane-Illuminationbooks/dp/0809140020

Kindle Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=the+love+that+keeps+us+sane

 

 

 

 

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Letters of Brother Lawrence

Prayer

"One way to recall the mind easily in the time of prayer, and preserve it more in tranquillity, is not to let it wander too far at other times. You should keep it strictly in the Presence of God; and, being accustomed to think of Him often, you will find it easy to keep your mind calm in the time of prayer, or at least to recall it from its wanderings."
... Brother Lawrence, Letters

Edited November 30, 2017 by BarbaraTherese

[Guest]

 

I am quite confident the above is probably true for a person without anxiety related problems.  I don't think probably it is as simple for a person with an anxiety disorder which is a prevalent mental illness - or perhaps it is just as simple.  Perhaps it is just that I have never experienced such Peace and calm in anxiety, danger and fear -  and my personal Faith is not "there" yet.

I tend to think where one has some kind of anxiety disorder there is no real relief in Peace and calm while there is reassurance in Faith - rather adversity becomes a suffering and cross to unite to The Cross and to do what one can in the circumstances - and leave the rest to God.

If one experiences Peace and calm in adverse circumstances then it is an occasion to be humbly thankful for consolation in adversity.  If one does not experience consolation in adversity, then it is an occasion to be humbly thankful for the honour of something to suffer and unite to The Cross.

Both reactions in adversity work on the road to holiness and call for gratitude.

We are all in the Arms of Divine Providence where nothing is wasted and everything has value and opportunities for holiness.

 

Edited December 1, 2017 by BarbaraTherese

[Guest]

To read all about the doctrine of Divine Providence in the Catholic Catechism go to: http://www.catholicdoors.com/catechis/cat0279.htm (Scroll down to "God Carries Out His Plan: Divine Providence".

Excerpts:

311 Angels and men, as intelligent and free creatures, have to journey toward their ultimate destinies by their free choice and preferential love. They can therefore go astray. Indeed, they have sinned. Thus has moral evil, incommensurably more harmful than physical evil, entered the world. God is in no way, directly or indirectly, the cause of moral evil. [Cf. St. Augustine, De libero arbitrio I, 1, 2: PL 32, 1221- 1223; St. Thomas Aquinas, STh I-II, 79, 1] He permits it, however, because he respects the freedom of his creatures and, mysteriously, knows how to derive good from it: [396 1849]
For almighty God..., because he is supremely good, would never allow any evil whatsoever to exist in his works if he were not so all-powerful and good as to cause good to emerge from evil itself. [St. Augustine, Enchiridion II, 3: PL 40, 236]

313 "We know that in everything God works for good for those who love him." [Rom 8:28] The constant witness of the saints confirms this truth: [227]

314 We firmly believe that God is master of the world and of its history. But the ways of his providence are often unknown to us. Only at the end, when our partial knowledge ceases, when we see God "face to face", [1 Cor 13:12] will we fully know the ways by which - even through the dramas of evil and sin - God has guided his creation to that definitive sabbath rest [Cf. Gen 2:2] for which he created heaven and earth. [1040, 2550]

 

[Pax17]

My experiences with anxiety have enabled me to help others when they felt anxious.  There is value in that, I think.

[Guest]

Fearing Buddie (my little Maltese Cross WITH ATTITUDE YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE) really was constipated, I more or less followed him around yesterday as close as his shadow.  Then this morning woke and discovered (somewhat dismayed - paper, bucket with water, cloth on hand) that Buddie was in fact suffering with a touch of diarrhoea.

On being told to dismantle the attitude

 

18 minutes ago, Pax17 said:

My experiences with anxiety have enabled me to help others when they felt anxious.  There is value in that, I think.

Really good point, thank you very much for sharing - and yes, I agree that it has very real positive value.

[Guest]

 

Quote of the Day – December 1 - St Vincent de Paul Society

"I am not a man but a poor worm crawling along the earth, not knowing where I am going, but seeking only to hide myself in you, O God (XII:394)."

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St Teresa of Avila also call herself a worm ... and it is biblical: "But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and the despised of the people." (Psalm 22 - Douay Rheims)

 

[Guest]

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If we do not at least try to manifest something of Creative Charity in our dealings with life, whether by action, thought, or prayer, and do it at our own cost -- if we roll up the talent of love in the nice white napkin of piety and put it safely out of the way, sorry that the world is so hungry and thirsty, so sick and so fettered, and leave it at that: then, even that little talent may be taken from us. We may discover at the crucial moment that we are spiritually bankrupt.
... Evelyn Underhill, The School of Charity

Shalom Place - Dominican Sisters of Peace

 

 

 

[Guest]

 

Eusebius of Caesarea (c.265-340), Bishop, theologian, historian

Demonstration of the Gospel, II, 3, 35 (cf. SC 228)
 

"Many will come from the east and the west, and will recline

... at the banquet in the kingdom of heaven"

 

There are numerous witnesses in the Gospel showing that the pagans received no less grace than the Jews. If the Jews... have a share in the blessing of Abraham, the friend of God, because they are his descendants, let us call to mind that God made a promise to give the pagans a blessing, not only like that of Abraham but of Isaac and Jacob too. Indeed, he clearly foretold that all the nations would be similarly blessed and he invites all peoples to share one and the same joy with those blessed friends of God: “Nations, rejoice with his people” (Dt 32,43 LXX) and again, “The princes of the peoples are gathered together with the people of the God of Abraham” (Ps 47[46],10).

If Israel glorifies herself in God's Kingdom, speaking of it as her heritage, the divine oracles show her that God will also reign over other peoples: “Say among the nations: The Lord is king” (Ps 96[95],10) and again: “God reigns over the nations” (Ps 47[46],9). If the Jews were chosen to be priests of God and to offer him worship..., God's word has promised to bestow the same ministry on the nations: “Give to the Lord, you families of nations, give to the Lord glory and praise; bring gifts and enter his courts” (Ps 96[95],7-8)...

And if formerly, to begin with, “The Lord's own portion was Jacob, his hereditary share was Israel” (Dt 32,9), Scripture subsequently affirms that all peoples will be given to the Lord in inheritance according to the Father's words: “Ask of me and I will give you the nations for an inheritance” (Ps 2,8). And again, prophecy proclaims that he will “rule” not just in Judah but “from sea to sea, to the ends of the earth; all nations shall serve him... and in him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed” (cf. Ps 72[71],8.11.17). This is how the God of the universe “has made his salvation known in the sight of the nations” (Ps 98[97],2).

Daily Gospel.org

 

Read The Catechism in a Year

http://flocknote.com/catechism

 

552. How can adoration be defined?
Adoration is the humble acknowledgement by human beings that they are creatures of the thrice-holy Creator.
Further reading: CCC 2628

553. What are the different forms of the prayer of petition?
It can be a petition for pardon or also a humble and trusting petition for all our needs either spiritual or material. The first thing to ask for, however, is the coming of the Kingdom.
Further reading: CCC 2629-2633, 2646

554. In what does the prayer of intercession consist?
Intercession consists in asking on behalf of another. It conforms us and unites us to the prayer of Jesus who intercedes with the Father for all, especially sinners. Intercession must extend even to one's enemies.
Further reading: CCC 2634-2636, 2647

[Guest]

[Guest]

Following is typed from:

"The Love that Keeps us Sane - living the Little way of St Therese"

(Something is up with my Kindle and it wont download)

In the monastery of Lisieux in the time of St Therese, she had a fellow nun prone to a depressive personality and violent mood swings ([possibly a brand of bipolar disorder).   St Therese said of her "She is like an old clocking needing rewinding every 15 minutes".  None of the nuns wanted to associate with Sr Marie of St Joseph and even for St Therese she was a difficult person to work for; however St Therese did work for her and a month after finishing, she wrote:

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"This year, dear Mother, God has given me the Grace to understand what Charity is.  I understood it before, it is true, but in an imperfect way.   I had not fathomed the meaning of these words of Jesus: The second commandment is like the first, you shall love your neighbour as yourself.....".  Dear Mother, when meditating on these words of Jesus, I understood how imperfect was my love for the Sisters.  Ah, now I understood that Charity consists in bearing the faults of my others and not being surprised at their weaknesses, in being edified at the smallest acts of virtue we see them practise. 

I understood most of all that Charity must not remain hidden: "No one lights a lamp to put it under a bushel, but upon a lampstand to light the whole house".  It seems to me that this lamp represents Charity, which must enlighten and rejoice not only those who are dearest to us but ALL without distinction."

These words indicate not only what Charity cost Therese, but also intimate the fruit she received from it because she was willing to bear the presence of Sr. Marie.  Therese was not shocked by her behaviour because she was able to see how much Sr Marie struggled with herself - she was able to see acts of virtue that no one else saw.  This fostered a deep sense of compassion in Therese.  Once when Pauline asked Therese how she could bear working with Sr Marie, Therese replied:

"I assure you I have the greatest compassion for her. If you knew her as well as I do, you would see that she is not responsible for all of the things that seems so awful to us.  I remind myself that if I had an infirmity such as hers and so defective a spirit, I would not do any better than she does - and then I would despair; she suffers terribly from her own shortcomings".

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In reading the above, it seems to me that Sr Marie just might also be a saint.  There is absolutely nothing in life that can abort the way to holiness.  We can be diverted only by sin and return to the way by repentance.

 

 

 

 

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Edited December 6, 2017 by BarbaraTherese

[Guest]

19 minutes ago, BarbaraTherese said:

Following is typed from:

"The Love that Keeps us Sane - living the Little way of St Therese"

(Something is up with my Kindle and it wont download)

In the monastery of Lisieux in the time of St Therese, she had a fellow nun prone to a depressive personality and violent mood swings ([possibly a brand of bipolar disorder).   St Therese said of her "She is like an old clocking needing rewinding every 15 minutes".  None of the nuns wanted to associate with Sr Marie of St Joseph and even for St Therese she was a difficult person to work for; however St Therese did work for her and a month after finishing, she wrote:................"

_____o0o_____

 

 

Re the above Post  LOCATED IN FULL - HERE ............I do not think that "no one lights a lamp to put it under a bushel, rather it is put on a lampstand to light the whole house" means that our acts of virtue should be done to be observable to all.  Rather it will be The Lord who puts the lamp on the lampstand since it is He alone who lights the light.  This means too that people will rejoice at virtue but not necessarily observably.  Oh how many times have I sighted real virtue in others and been inwardly happy and given thanks for it - even hoped to be able to imitate it.  The nun who taught me used to say "Never be afraid to imitate virtue".

Our business, to me, is to commit to virtue and leave it up to The Lord whether it shines in an observable manner, or whether it does not.  Certainly, the whole of Heaven will rejoice at acts of virtue and doubly rejoice if performed with humility or without any show i.e. hidden acts.  In fact, there can be no real virtue in truth without humility.  St Augustine : "Humility is the foundation of all other virtues".  To me, it is not up to us to invest in virtue so that it is seen - we can very confidently leave that side of things in The Lord's Hands alone.

In the case of St Therese, it was certainly The Lord who lit her lamp and then placed it on the lampstand of canonization for the whole world to see.  I think that as one travels the road of virtue, one looses all and any concern about whether virtue is seen or whether it is not.  The whole focus is on living and living as well as one can in one's own estimation and unconcerned about the opinions of others - detachment.  And there will always and forever be for all a gentle, Peaceful sort of restlessness that we are falling short of what we actually could do and are able to do.  "So you also, when you have done everything commanded of you, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” (Luke Chapter 17).

God alone makes canonized saints.  Many saints there are in Heaven and perhaps far greater saints than those brought into the light and canonized.  God has His Reasons.  Certainly, Judgement Day and Heaven will have stunning surprises - and abundant unimaginable, awe-some, surprises.  In sights and experiences even the most vivid and gifted of imaginations here on earth could not even begin to imagine.

[Guest]

[Guest]

 

A very Joyous

and Blessed Advent filled with Preparations

and Expectations

as we wait in Joyful Hope

 

[Guest]

 

As probably for all, life picks up considerably these few weeks before Christmas.  The Seasons of The Church Year are the times when I can miss monastic life..........but then I shrug my shoulder knowing I am where I am called to be and just get on with life in the secular and the craziness of what needs to be done these next two weeks.  Christmas Day my foster son is here for lunch and on the 26th it is our big family reunion each year.

Buddie needs either more medication or a visit to the Vet.  I rang the vet's rooms this morning.  Buddie finished the Codeine last night and started to cough again this morning.  But lo and behold, after I spoke to the vet's nurse, Buddie stopped coughing.  Often the way, huh, when one calls on the vet or the doctor.  The nurse said that she had spoken to the vet and he would be giving Buddie and his cough some thought and get back to me.

I am hoping to travel interstate in February/March to visit my son and his wife.  They are looking into the feasibility of me shifting over there permanently for my later years.  I am not ready yet as I can still manage in this unit.  On the 13th. December, I am going on a tour of a rental age care facility.  As I said, not ready yet, just opening the doors a fraction to see what is available if and when the time comes.

My niece hairdresser has put foils in my hair, meaning that the now white hair is subtly two toned.  I am very happy with it.  In preparation for going away in February, I also had my eyelashes tinted to see how that goes.  I asked for brown, but I think before I go away, I will choose black as the brown made hardly a mark at all.  My hair colour will be touched up then too.  I might even wear a bit of makeup.  It is important to me that my sons and their wives see that I care for myself and look as good as I might be able.  It really isn't that important at all to me surprisingly perhaps - for example I would love to wear a habit and veil and never have to be concerned about appearances again.  But again, I shrug my shoulders knowing I am where I am meant to be and dive into my old makeup bag again.  We have more than one saint who has advised that one should care about one's appearance for the sake of others - especially one's husband.  I do think common sense says the same, confirming what saints have said about appearance.  According to St Albert in the Ancient and Original Rule for Carmel "common sense is the guide of all the virtues".

In the changes that came about with Vatian II, religious were advised to modernize their habits, which should be modest and attractive - or something along those lines.  That tells me that I also should adopt modest and attractive secular clothing.  Thankfully, I have never ever been a fan of fashion, which is no virtue-  rather just the way I am.

Just finished watching a movie "Keeping Mum" (comedy).  The lead is a vicar (Rowan Atkinson) and gives an address at one point to a church conference on "God's Mysterious Ways"  Here are his closing remarks to his address:.

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"What in the end all this comes down to is how we deal in life with the problems we have to face. Sometimes it’s a question of just taking action, of making decisions, of involving others, of finding your resolve and seeing it through. But at other times, it’s about something much less tangible. Sometimes all it takes is a little grace. A little of God’s grace, and all our problems seem to fade away. Now, should we demand an explanation from our Lord? Question his methods? Or should we merely enjoy the benefits? Well, I don’t think the Good Lord wants us to question too much.

Isaiah Chapter 55 Verse 8: “My ways are not your ways.” And I think what he basically means by that is,

“I’m mysterious folks. Live with it.”

 

 

[Guest]

This morning realizing I might need another visit to the vet plus treatment with Buddie and the expense involved at a time I am trying to save to go interstate in February, I felt no anxiety whatsoever.  Along with that, I am trying to organize my Christmas cards and gifts, Christmas lunch.  This week has been busy enough, next week is crazy. Still no anxiety.  I just felt calm and Peaceful and I gave wondrous thanks, I tell you.  Normally in such a situation my anxiety would be through the roof and I would be heading for the Oxazepam to keep calm.

Many and often wondrous are the consolations of God.  I am very much aware at these times that St Teresa of Avila has told us that very often God will grant consolations in order to support one in one's weaknesses - a support to carry out His Will in what would be difficult for one otherwise because of weakness.  We can tend to see consolations as some sort of reward or even a sign of holiness.  It is not so - and rather often it is not so.

 

[Guest]

8th December

Solemnity of The Immaculate Conception

Today humanity, in all the radiance of her immaculate nobility, receives its ancient beauty. The shame of sin had darkened the splendor and attraction of human nature; but when the Mother of the Fair One par excellence is born, this nature again regains in her person its ancient privileges and is fashioned according to a perfect model truly worthy of God.

The reform of our nature begins today, and the aged world, subjected to a wholly divine transformation, receives the first fruits of the second creation.
 

St Andrew of Crete, 733 A.D.

[Guest]

 

TREATISE ON TRUE DEVOTION

TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

https://www.ewtn.com/library/Montfort/TRUEDEVO.HTM

St. Louis de Montfort

INDEX:

INTRODUCTION

PART I - TRUE DEVOTION TO OUR LADY IN GENERAL
CH. 1 - NECESSITY OF DEVOTION TO OUR LADY
CH. 2 - IN WHAT DEVOTION TO MARY CONSISTS

PART II - THE PERFECT DEVOTION TO OUR LADY
CH. 3 - THE PERFECT CONSECRATION TO JESUS CHRIST
CH. 4 - MOTIVES WHICH RECOMMEND THIS DEVOTION
CH. 5 - BIBLICAL FIGURE OF THIS PERFECT DEVOTION
CH. 6 - WONDERFUL EFFECTS OF THIS DEVOTION
CH. 7 - PARTICULAR PRACTICES

SUPPLEMENT: THIS DEVOTION AT HOLY COMMUNION