BarbTherese Posted April 9, 2023 Author Posted April 9, 2023 I had a draining day yesterday and so apologies for not posting the following earlier. From Divine Office (General Calendar) Sunday 9th Aprill 2023 EASTER SUNDAY ( The summit of the Liturgical Year is the Easter Triduum—from the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday. Though chronologically three days, they are liturgically one day unfolding for us the unity of Christ's Paschal Mystery. ) Morning Prayer https://universalis.com/20230409/lauds.htm Evening Prayer https://universalis.com/20230409/vespers.htm Night Prayer https://universalis.com/20230409/compline.htm SECOND READING The Readings for Easter Sunday are lengthy: https://universalis.com/20230409/readings.htm A HOLY HOUR What one gives emphasis to will continue; hence, with distractions don't try to fight them or ignore them, don't give any attention/focus to them at all and they just pass. Dear Lord, may I realize afresh today what Your death and resurrection mean for me. Forgiveness, freedom, and the ability to walk with You through this fallen world into eternity. May I always find my satisfaction in You and Your willingness to offer Yourself to me. In Jesus' Name, Amen. Eucharistic Adoration Prayer of Abandonment Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you: I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me, and in all Your creatures - I wish no more than this, O Lord. Into your hands I commend my soul; I offer it to you with all the love of my heart, for I love you Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself into your hands, without reserve, and with boundless confidence, For you are my Father. --Charles de Foucauld (1858-1916) Children's Prayers for Protection God in heaven hear my prayer, keep me in thy loving care. Be my guide in all I do, Bless all those who love me too. Amen. Angel of God, my Guardian dear, To whom God's love commits me here; Ever this day, be at my side To light and guard To rule and guide. Amen Prayers for Couples Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for this life, for the gift of love, and the blessing of our marriage. We give you praise for the joy you've poured into our hearts through this love, for the contentment of family, and the happiness of our home. May we always treasure the experience of loving each other in this holy union. Help us to remain forever committed to our vows, those we made to each other, and to you, Lord. We will need your strength daily Lord, as we live together with the goal of following and serving you. Develop within is us the character of your Son, Jesus, that we might love each other with the love he demonstrated—with patience, respect, understanding, honesty, forgiveness and kindness. Let us always be a support to one another—a friend to listen and encourage, a refuge from the storm, and most importantly, a warrior in prayer. Holy Spirit, guide us through the difficult moments of life and comfort us in our grief. May our lives together bring glory to you, our Savior, and testify of your love. In Jesus' Name. Amen. --Mary Fairchild Prayers for Every Occasion https://www.barkerstrathcatholic.com/uploads/2/2/6/3/22632878/prayersforalloccasions.pdf
BarbTherese Posted April 9, 2023 Author Posted April 9, 2023 From Divine Office (General Calendar) Sunday 9th April 2023 EASTER MONDAY Morning Prayer https://universalis.com/20230410/lauds.htm Evening Prayer https://universalis.com/20230410/vespers.htm Night Prayer https://universalis.com/20230410/compline.htm In place of the Second Reading I will be endevouring each day to post into this section, and over time, the full text of Practice of The Presence of God by Brother Lawrence OCD Lay Brother. It could be read at Eucharistic Adoration, pausing now and then for Silent Prayer and reflection, or on its own during the day: Come Holy Spirit, com............. Preface “I believe in the ... communion of saints.” SURELY if additional proof of its reality were needed, it might be found in the universal oneness of experimental Christianity in all ages and in all lands. The experiences of Thomas á Kempis, of Tauler and of Madame Guyon, of John Woolman and Hester Ann Rogers, how marvellously they agree, and how perfectly they harmonize! And Nicholas Herman, of Lorraine, whose letters and converse are here given, testifies to the same truth! In communion with Rome, a lay brother among the Carmelites, for several years a soldier, in an irreligious age, amid a sceptical people, yet in him the practice of the presence of GOD was as much a reality as the “watch” of the early Friends, and the “holy seed” in him and others was the “stock” (Isa. vi. 13) from which grew the household and evangelistic piety of the eighteenth century, of Epworth and of Moorfields. “When unadorned, adorned the most” is the line which deters from any interpolations or interpretations other than the few “contents” headings which are given. May the “Christ in you” be the “hope of glory” to all who read. _______________________________________________ THE first time I saw Brother Lawrence was upon the 3rd of August, 1666. He told me that GOD had done him a singular favour, in his conversion at the age of eighteen. That in the winter, seeing a tree stripped of its leaves, and considering that within a little time, the leaves would be renewed, and after that the flowers and fruit appear, he received a high view of the Providence and Power of GOD, which has never since been effaced from his soul. That this view had perfectly set him loose from the world, and kindled in him such a love for GOD, that he could not tell whether it had increased in above forty years that he had lived since. That he had been footman to M. Fieubert, the treasurer, and that he was a great awkward fellow who broke everything. That he had desired to be received into a monastery, thinking that he would there be made to smart for his awkwardness and the faults he should commit, and so he should sacrifice to GOD his life, with its pleasures: but that GOD had disappointed him, he having met with nothing but satisfaction in that state. That we should establish ourselves in a sense of GOD’s Presence, by continually conversing with Him. That it was a shameful thing to quit His conversation, to think of trifles and fooleries. That we should feed and nourish our souls with high notions of GOD; which would yield us great joy in being devoted to Him. That we ought to quicken, i.e., to enliven, our faith. That it was lamentable we had so little; and that instead of taking faith for the rule of their conduct, men amused themselves with trivial devotions, which changed daily. That the way of Faith was the spirit of the Church, and that it was sufficient to bring us to a high degree of perfection. That we ought to give ourselves up to GOD, with regard both to things temporal and spiritual, and seek our satisfaction only in the fulfilling of His will, whether He lead us by suffering or by consolation, for all would be equal to a soul truly resigned. That there needed fidelity in those drynesses, or insensibilities and irksomenesses in prayer, by which GOD tries our love to Him; that then was the time for us to make good and effectual acts of resignation, whereof one alone would oftentimes very much promote our spiritual advancement. That as for the miseries and sins he heard of daily in the world, he was so far from wondering at them, that, on the contrary, he was surprised there were not more, considering the malice sinners were capable of: that for his part, he prayed for them; but knowing that GOD could remedy the mischiefs they did, when He pleased, he gave himself no further trouble. That to arrive at such resignation as GOD requires, we should watch attentively over all the passions which mingle as well in spiritual things as those of a grosser nature: that GOD would give light concerning those passions to those who truly desire to serve Him. That if this was my design, viz., sincerely to serve GOD, I might come to him (Bro. Lawrence) as often as I pleased, without any fear of being troublesome; but if not, that I ought no more to visit him. ______________________________________________ Prayer of Abandonment Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you: I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me, and in all Your creatures - I wish no more than this, O Lord. Into your hands I commend my soul; I offer it to you with all the love of my heart, for I love you Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself into your hands, without reserve, and with boundless confidence, For you are my Father. --Charles de Foucauld (1858-1916) Children's Prayers for Protection God in heaven hear my prayer, keep me in thy loving care. Be my guide in all I do, Bless all those who love me too. Amen. Angel of God, my Guardian dear, To whom God's love commits me here; Ever this day, be at my side To light and guard To rule and guide. Amen Prayers for Couples Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for this life, for the gift of love, and the blessing of our marriage. We give you praise for the joy you've poured into our hearts through this love, for the contentment of family, and the happiness of our home. May we always treasure the experience of loving each other in this holy union. Help us to remain forever committed to our vows, those we made to each other, and to you, Lord. We will need your strength daily Lord, as we live together with the goal of following and serving you. Develop within is us the character of your Son, Jesus, that we might love each other with the love he demonstrated—with patience, respect, understanding, honesty, forgiveness and kindness. Let us always be a support to one another—a friend to listen and encourage, a refuge from the storm, and most importantly, a warrior in prayer. Holy Spirit, guide us through the difficult moments of life and comfort us in our grief. May our lives together bring glory to you, our Savior, and testify of your love. In Jesus' Name. Amen. --Mary Fairchild Prayers for Every Occasion https://www.barkerstrathcatholic.com/uploads/2/2/6/3/22632878/prayersforalloccasions.pdf
BarbTherese Posted April 9, 2023 Author Posted April 9, 2023 43 minutes ago, BarbTherese said: amused themselves with trivial devotions, which changed daily. Not too sure at all about the above..............walk in the way of Faith and of trust in The Lord and then.................
BarbTherese Posted April 10, 2023 Author Posted April 10, 2023 (edited) From Divine Office (General Calendar) Tuesday 11th April 2023 EASTER TUESDAY Morning Prayer https://universalis.com/20230411/lauds.htm Evening Prayer https://universalis.com/20230411/vespers.htm Night Prayer https://universalis.com/20230411/vespers.htm Simply choose from this thread that which appeals to cover a Holy Hour, leaving time for Private Prayer if you wish. I'm posting the reading from Practice of The Presence of God into my next thread. ______________________________________________ Seccond Reading from Office of Readings (scroll down): https://universalis.com/readings.htm Prayer of Abandonment Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you: I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me, and in all Your creatures - I wish no more than this, O Lord. Into your hands I commend my soul; I offer it to you with all the love of my heart, for I love you Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself into your hands, without reserve, and with boundless confidence, For you are my Father. --Charles de Foucauld (1858-1916) Children's Prayers for Protection God in heaven hear my prayer, keep me in thy loving care. Be my guide in all I do, Bless all those who love me too. Amen. Angel of God, my Guardian dear, To whom God's love commits me here; Ever this day, be at my side To light and guard To rule and guide. Amen Prayers for Couples Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for this life, for the gift of love, and the blessing of our marriage. We give you praise for the joy you've poured into our hearts through this love, for the contentment of family, and the happiness of our home. May we always treasure the experience of loving each other in this holy union. Help us to remain forever committed to our vows, those we made to each other, and to you, Lord. We will need your strength daily Lord, as we live together with the goal of following and serving you. Develop within is us the character of your Son, Jesus, that we might love each other with the love he demonstrated—with patience, respect, understanding, honesty, forgiveness and kindness. Let us always be a support to one another—a friend to listen and encourage, a refuge from the storm, and most importantly, a warrior in prayer. Holy Spirit, guide us through the difficult moments of life and comfort us in our grief. May our lives together bring glory to you, our Savior, and testify of your love. In Jesus' Name. Amen. --Mary Fairchild Prayers for Every Occasion https://www.barkerstrathcatholic.com/uploads/2/2/6/3/22632878/prayersforalloccasions.pdf Edited April 10, 2023 by BarbTherese
BarbTherese Posted April 10, 2023 Author Posted April 10, 2023 Brother Lawrence was a Carmelite Lay Brother who lived in the 17th century. Quote SECOND CONVERSATION Love the motive of all. * Once in fear, now in joy. * Diligence and love. Simplicity the key to Divine assistance. * Business abroad as at home. * times of prayer and self-mortification not essential for the practice. * All scruples brought to God. That he had always been governed by love, without selfish views; and that having resolved to make the love of GOD the end of all his actions, he had found reasons to be well satisfied with his method. That he was pleased when he could take up a straw from the ground for the love of GOD, seeking Him only, and nothing else, not even His gifts. That he had been long troubled in mind from a certain belief that he should be damned; that all the men in the world could not have persuaded him to the contrary; but that he had thus reasoned with himself about it: I did not engage in a religious life but for the love of GOD, and I have endeavoured to act only for Him; whatever becomes of me, whether I be lost or saved, I will always continue to act purely for the love of GOD. I shall have this good at least, that till death I shall have done all that is in me to love Him. That this trouble of mind had lasted four years; during which time he had suffered much. That since that time he had passed his life in perfect liberty and continual joy. That he placed his sins betwixt him and GOD, as it were, to tell Him that he did not deserve His favours, but that GOD still continued to bestow them in abundance. That in order to form a habit of conversing with GOD continually, and referring all we do to Him; we must at first apply to Him with some diligence: but that after a little care we should find His love inwardly excite us to it without any difficulty. That he expected after the pleasant days GOD had given him, he should have his turn of pain and suffering; but that he was not uneasy about it, knowing very well, that as he could do nothing of himself, GOD would not fail to give him the strength to bear them. That when an occasion of practising some virtue offered, he addressed himself to GOD, saying, LORD, I cannot do this unless Thou enablest me; and that then he received strength more than sufficient. That when he had failed in his duty, he only confessed his fault, saying to GOD, I shall never do otherwise, if You leave me to myself; ’tis You must hinder my falling, and mend what is amiss. That after this, he gave himself no further uneasiness about it. That we ought to act with GOD in the greatest simplicity, speaking to Him frankly and plainly, and imploring His assistance in our affairs, just as they happen. That GOD never failed to grant it, as he had often experienced. That he had been lately sent into Burgundy, to buy the provision of wine for the society, which was a very unwelcome task for him, because he had no turn for business and because he was lame, and could not go about the boat but by rolling himself over the casks. That however he gave himself no uneasiness about it, nor about the purchase of the wine. That he said to GOD, It was His business he was about, and that he afterwards found it very well performed. That he had been sent into Auvergne the year before upon the same account; that he could not tell how the matter passed, but that it proved very well. So, likewise, in his business in the kitchen (to which he had naturally a great aversion), having accustomed himself to do everything there for the love of GOD, and with prayer, upon all occasions, for His grace to do his work well, he had found everything easy, during the fifteen years that he had been employed there. That he was very well pleased with the post he was now in; but that he was as ready to quit that as the former, since he was always pleasing himself in every condition, by doing little things for the love of GOD. That with him the set times of prayer were not different from other times: that he retired to pray, according to the directions of his Superior, but that he did not want such retirement. nor ask for it, because his greatest business did not divert him from GOD. That as he knew his obligation to love GOD in all things, and as he endeavoured so to do, he had no need of a director to advise him, but that he needed much a confessor to absolve him. That he was very sensible of his faults, but not discouraged by them; that he confessed them to GOD, and did not plead against Him to excuse them. When he had so done, he peaceably resumed his usual practice of love and adoration. That in his trouble of mind, he had consulted nobody, but knowing only by the light of faith that GOD was present, he contented himself with directing all his actions to Him, i.e., doing them with a desire to please Him, let what would come of it. That useless thoughts spoil all: that the mischief began there; but that we ought to reject them, as soon as we perceived their impertinence to the matter in hand, or our salvation; and return to our communion with GOD. That at the beginning he had often passed his time appointed for prayer, in rejecting wandering thoughts, and falling back into them. That he could never regulate his devotion by certain methods as some do. That nevertheless, at first he had meditated for some time, but afterwards that went off, in a manner that he could give no account of. That all bodily mortifications and other exercises are useless, but as they serve to arrive at the union with GOD by love; that he had well considered this, and found it the shortest way to go straight to Him by a continual exercise of love, and doing all things for His sake. That we ought to make a great difference between the acts of the understanding and those of the will; that the first were comparatively of little value, and the others all. That our only business was to love and delight ourselves in GOD. That all possible kinds of mortification, if they were void of the love of GOD, could not efface a single sin. That we ought, without anxiety, to expect the pardon of our sins from the Blood of JESUS CHRIST, only endeavouring to love Him with all our hearts. That GOD seemed to have granted the greatest favours to the greatest sinners, as more signal monuments of His mercy. That the greatest pains or pleasures, of this world, were not to be compared with what he had experienced of both kinds in a spiritual state: so that he was careful for nothing and feared nothing, desiring but one only thing of GOD, viz., that he might not offend Him. That he had no scruples; for, said he, when I fail in my duty, I readily acknowledge it, saying, I am used to do so: I shall never do otherwise, if I am left to myself. If I fail not, then I give GOD thanks, acknowledging that it comes from Him.
BarbTherese Posted April 10, 2023 Author Posted April 10, 2023 Quote Charity (love) unites us to God, the Source of joy: God to St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi: Jesus to Ven. Concepcion Cabrera de Armida: HOW CAN SUFFERING AND JOY COEXIST? PURITY OF HEART: THE KEY TO ABIDING JOY HOW DO WE ATTAIN PURITY OF HEART/INTENTION? THE EUCHARIST: THE SOURCE OF ALL JOY Jesus to Sr. Benigna Consolata: Was Jesus always joyful? How can I infallibly attain peace? What Jesus really meant when He told us we’ll receive anything we ask the Father for in His name A reflection on the road to Emmaus What was Mary doing when she pondered everything in her heart? A history of the use of the sacrament of reconciliation in the early Church My favorite morning prayer, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
BarbTherese Posted April 10, 2023 Author Posted April 10, 2023 Who’s the Greatest?..................A Franciscan and a Dominican were debating whose order was the greater. After months of arguing, they decided to ask God for an answer when they died. Years later, they met in heaven and went to God’s throne to resolve their old disagreement. God seemed a bit puzzled about the question and told them he would reply in writing a few days later. After much deliberation, God sent the following letter: My sons, Please stop bickering about such trivial matters. Both orders are equally great and good in my eyes. Sincerely, God, SJ
BarbTherese Posted April 10, 2023 Author Posted April 10, 2023 why-humor-is-an-essential-part-of-my-catholic-faith https://bustedhalo.com/life-culture/why-humor-is-an-essential-part-of-my-catholic-faith " Joy and laughter, I believe, are always worth sharing — always worth cultivating. What I can do in the moment with those I love, as well as with those whom I sometimes find difficult to love, is to find moments to be cheerful and share in joy. I can bring God to others, even when they suffer, and even when I do and have. If we can laugh together, we can build community, no matter our differences, just as St. Philip Neri did. Within this type of complex community, a community that acknowledges both suffering and joy, we can feel and experience God’s expansive love together. LISTEN: Dr. Angela Gorrell on Joy in the Midst of Grief In the middle of grief, when taking care of two ailing parents, I began a conversion story to Catholicism. That was almost 10 years ago. Suffering may have brought me to the Catholic faith; encountering joy and laughter amidst the suffering in this fallen world is what has kept me there. This confluence of joy and suffering comprises a large piece of the wholeness of our faith. Paul’s words from Romans 15:13 provide an anchor: “May the God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace in believing.” I’ve found I locate hope in communal laughter. The rest — that joy and peace that come from an assured belief — follow in kind. " Why is Philip Neri the patron saint of laughter? https://aleteia.org/2018/05/26/why-st-philip-neri-is-known-as-the-humorous-saint/ Philip Neri, an Italian priest from the 16th century, is commonly known as the “patron saint of joy,” and the “humorous saint.” (I have long wondered just why the 16th century produced so many saints who were mystics?)
BarbTherese Posted April 10, 2023 Author Posted April 10, 2023 The Unknown God Henry Lawson, 1914 The President to Kingdoms, As in the Days of Old; The King to the Republic, As it had been foretold. They could not read the spelling, They would not hear the call; They would not brook the telling Of Writing on the Wall. I buy my Peace with Slaughter, With Peace I fashion War; I drown the land with water, With land I build the shore. I walk with Son and Daughter Where Ocean rolled before. I build a town where sea was A tower where tempests roar. From bays in distant islands, And rocks in lonely seas, With unseen Death in silence I smite mine enemies! The great Cathedral crashes Where once a city stood; I build again on ashes And breed on clotted blood! I link the seas together, And at my sign and will The train runs on the ocean bed, The great ship climbs the hill! For pastime I flood deserts With water from the rill; And in my tireless leisure hours I empty lakes, and fill. I plumb the seas beneath us And fathom skies above, Yet I make Peace for hatred And I make War for love. I race beneath the ranges And sit where Mystery dwells — Yet mankind sees no changes, They ask for "miracles!" I own the world and span its Lone lands from Pole to Pole; I live in other planets, Yet do not know my soul — The soul that none may fathom, Whose secrets none may tell, The soul that none may humble, The Soul Unconquerable! I am the God of Ages! I am the Unknown God! My life is written pages Wherever man hath trod. From bounds of Polar regions, To where the Desert reigns, I've left my myriad legions On countless vanished plains. And I shall reign for ever On earth while oceans roll, In shape of man, or woman, Through my immortal soul; Yet I can love and suffer, Be angry, or be mild, And I can bow me down and weep Just like a mortal child. I conquer Death and Living, And Fiends in shape of men, For I rejoice in giving Not to receive again. For I am Man! — and Mortal! And Mammon's Towers must fall, Though Greed draws all his pencils through The Writing on the Wall!
BarbTherese Posted April 10, 2023 Author Posted April 10, 2023 From Divine Office (General Calendar) Wednesday 12th April 2023 FIRST WEEK OF EASTER Morning Prayer https://universalis.com/20230412/lauds.htm Evening Prayer https://universalis.com/20230412/vespers.htm Night Prayer https://universalis.com/20230412/compline.htm
BarbTherese Posted April 10, 2023 Author Posted April 10, 2023 PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD BROTHER LAWRENCE OCD LAY BROTHER THIRD CONVERSATION........................... Faith working by love. * Outward business no detriment. * Perfect resignation the sure way. He told me, that the foundation of the spiritual life in him had been a high notion and esteem of GOD in faith; which when he had once well conceived, he had no other care at first, but faithfully to reject every other thought, that he might perform all his actions for the love of GOD. That when sometimes he had not thought of GOD for a good while, he did not disquiet himself for it; but after having acknowledged his wretchedness to GOD, he returned to Him with so much the greater trust in Him, by how much he found himself more wretched to have forgot Him. That the trust we put in GOD honours Him much, and draws down great graces. That it was impossible, not only that GOD should deceive, but also that He should long let a soul suffer which is perfectly resigned to Him, and resolved to endure everything for His sake. That he had so often experienced the ready succours of Divine Grace upon all occasions, that from the same experience, when he had business to do, he did not think of it beforehand; but when it was time to do it, he found in GOD, as in a clear mirror, all that was fit for him to do. That of late he had acted thus, without anticipating care; but before the experience above mentioned, he had used it in his affairs. When outward business diverted him a little from the thought of GOD, a fresh remembrance coming from GOD invested his soul, and so inflamed and transported him that it was difficult for him to contain himself. That he was more united to GOD in his outward employments, than when he left them for devotion in retirement. That he expected hereafter some great pain of body or mind; that the worst that could happen to him was, to lose that sense of GOD, which he had enjoyed so long; but that the goodness of GOD assured him He would not forsake him utterly, and that He would give him strength to bear whatever evil He permitted to happen to him; and therefore that he feared nothing, and had no occasion to consult with anybody about his state. That when he had attempted to do it, he had always come away more perplexed; and that as he was conscious of his readiness to lay down his life for the love of GOD, he had no apprehension of danger. That perfect resignation to GOD was a sure way to heaven, a way in which we had always sufficient light for our conduct. That in the beginning of the spiritual life, we ought to be faithful in doing our duty and denying ourselves; but after that unspeakable pleasures followed: that in difficulties we need only have recourse to JESUS CHRIST, and beg His grace, with which everything became easy. 9 Third Conversation That many do not advance in the Christian progress, because they stick in penances, and particular exercises, while they neglect the love of GOD, which is the end. That this appeared plainly by their works, and was the reason why we see so little solid virtue. That there needed neither art nor science for going to GOD, but only a heart resolutely determined to apply itself to nothing but Him, or for His sake, and to love Him only
BarbTherese Posted April 10, 2023 Author Posted April 10, 2023 St Joseph, Patron of The Church and for a Happy Death, pray for us for Peace in Ukraine and for a Happy Death for all.
BarbTherese Posted April 10, 2023 Author Posted April 10, 2023 TO FIND THE DAY YOU ARE LOOKING FOR, CLICK THE THREE VERTICAL DOTS ON TOP RIGHT OF PAGE. IN THE DROP DOWN MENU CLICK "FIND" ENTERING THE DAY YOU WANT. THE REST SHOULD BE SELF-EXPLANATORY.
BarbTherese Posted April 11, 2023 Author Posted April 11, 2023 A man collapses on the street and wakes up to find himself in the care of nuns at a Catholic hospital. As he was recovering, a nun holding a clipboard came into his room and said she was from the billing department and asked how he was going to pay the bill. The man said, "I don't have health insurance." The nun asked if he had money in the bank. He shook his head and replied, "I don't." The nun asked, "Do you have a relative who could help you?" He said, "Just a sister, who's a spinster nun." The nun sternly replied, "Nuns are not spinsters! Nuns are married to God." The patient replied, "Then send the bill to my brother-in-law."
BarbTherese Posted April 11, 2023 Author Posted April 11, 2023 Saint Gertrude of Helfta (1256-1301) Benedictine nun The Herald, Book Iv, SC 255, (Collected works) Consolation and joy in the Lord ...........(through perseverance in the state of Grace).................. As one reads in the gospel regarding Blessed Mary Magdalene: "She leaned forward, looked into the tomb, and saw two angels" etc., and Gertrude said to the Lord: "Lord, where is the tomb where I need to look so as to find consolation and joy? Then the Lord showed her the wound in his side. And while she leaned into the interior, in place of the two angels she learned two words of which the first was: you will never be separated from communion with me", and the other, "all your works please me in an absolutely perfect way." She was stupefied by this and, full of doubts, and asked herself how how that might be: in effect, she was so imperfect in every way that all her works would be impossible to please anyone in the world because of the hidden faults that she sometimes hid. Besides, how could she please that infinitely luminous understanding which finds, so to speak, where a thousand faults, for the blind man, it was scarcely a single one. The Lord answered: Supposing you held something in your hand. You could easily hold it in your hand however little you kept watch over it, and thus you have the ability to make it pleasant for all. How could you neglect to do such a thing? It is the same for me. Just as you rightly please me and all the inhabitants of heaven.
BarbTherese Posted April 11, 2023 Author Posted April 11, 2023 Give of yourself as if everything depended on giving and pray as if everything depended on praying............... ...............because they do...........hang on a minute...........:
BarbTherese Posted April 11, 2023 Author Posted April 11, 2023 From Divine Office (General Calendar) Wednesday 12th April 2023 EASTER WEDNESDAY Morning Prayer https://universalis.com/20230412/lauds.htm Evening Prayer https://universalis.com/20230412/vespers.htm Night Prayer https://universalis.com/20230412/compline.htm I'm posting the reading from Practice of The Presence of God into my next thread. Practice of The Presence of God Brother Lawrence, OCD Carmelite Lay Brother FOURTH CONVERSATION He discoursed with me very frequently, and with great openness of heart, concerning his manner of going to GOD, whereof some part is related already. Quote He told me, that all consists in one hearty renunciation of everything which we are sensible does not lead to GOD; that we might accustom ourselves to a continual conversation with Him, with freedom and in simplicity. That we need only to recognize GOD intimately present with us, to address ourselves to Him every moment, that we may beg His assistance for knowing His will in things doubtful, and for rightly performing those which we plainly see He requires of us, offering them to Him before we do them, and giving Him thanks when we have done. That in this conversation with GOD, we are also employed in praising, adoring, and loving him incessantly, for His infinite goodness and perfection. That, without being discouraged on account of our sins, we should pray for His grace with a perfect confidence, as relying upon the infinite merits of our LORD. That GOD never failed offering us His grace at each action; that he distinctly perceived it, and never failed of it, unless when his thoughts had wandered from a sense of GOD’s Presence, or he had forgot to ask His assistance. That GOD always gave us light in our doubts, when we had no other design but to please Him. That our sanctification did not depend upon changing our works, but in doing that for GOD’s sake, which we commonly do for our own. That it was lamentable to see how many people mistook the means for the end, addicting themselves to certain works, which they performed very imperfectly, by reason of their human or selfish regards. That the most excellent method he had found of going to GOD, was that of doing our common business without any view of pleasing men, [Gal. i. 10; Eph. vi. 5, 6.] and (as far as we are capable) purely for the love of GOD. That it was a great delusion to think that the times of prayer ought to differ from other times. That we are as strictly obliged to adhere to GOD by action in the time of action, as by prayer in its season. That his prayer was nothing else but a sense of the presence of GOD, his soul being at that time insensible to everything but Divine love: and that when the appointed times of prayer were past, he found no difference, because he still continued with GOD, praising and blessing Him with all his might, so that he passed his life in continual joy; yet hoped that GOD would give him somewhat to suffer, when he should grow stronger. That we ought, once for all, heartily to put our whole trust in GOD, and make a total surrender of ourselves to Him, secure that He would not deceive us. That we ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of GOD, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed. That we should not wonder if, in the beginning, we often failed in our endeavours, but that at last we should gain a habit, which will naturally produce its acts in us, without our care, and to our exceeding great delight. That the whole substance of religion was faith, hope, and charity; by the practice of which we become united to the will of GOD: that all beside is indifferent and to be used as a means, that we may arrive at our end, and be swallowed up therein, by faith and charity. That all things are possible to him who believes, that they are less difficult to him who hopes, they are more easy to him who loves, and still more easy to him who perseveres in the practice of these three virtues. That the end we ought to propose to ourselves is to become, in this life, the most perfect worshippers of GOD we can possibly be, as we hope to be through all eternity. That when we enter upon the spiritual we should consider, and examine to the bottom, what we are. And then we should find ourselves worthy of all contempt, and such as do not deserve the name of Christians, subject to all kinds of misery, and numberless accidents, which trouble us, and cause perpetual vicissitudes in our health, in our humours, in our internal and external dispositions: in fine, persons whom GOD would humble by many pains and labours, as well within as without. After this, we should not wonder that troubles, temptations, oppositions and contradictions, happen to us from men. We ought, on the contrary, to submit ourselves to them, and bear them as long as GOD pleases, as things highly advantageous to us. That the greater perfection a soul aspires after, the more dependent it is upon Divine grace. Being questioned by one of his own society (to whom he was obliged to open himself) by what means he had attained such an habitual sense of GOD? he told him that, since his first coming to the monastery, he had considered GOD as the end of all his thoughts and desires, as the mark to which they should tend, and in which they should terminate. That in the beginning of his novitiate he spent the hours appointed for private prayer in thinking of GOD, so as to convince his mind of, and to impress deeply upon his heart, the Divine existence, rather by devout sentiments, and submission to the lights of faith, than by studied reasonings and elaborate meditations. That by this short and sure method, he exercised himself in the knowledge and love of GOD, resolving to use his utmost endeavour to live in a continual sense of His Presence, and, if possible, never to forget Him more. That when he had thus in prayer filled his mind with great sentiments of that infinite Being, he went to his work appointed in the kitchen (for he was cook to the society); there having first considered severally the things his office required, and when and how each thing was to be done, he spent all the intervals of his time, as well before as after his work, in prayer. That, when he began his business, he said to GOD, with a filial trust in Him, “O my GOD, since Thou art with me, and I must now, in obedience to Thy commands, apply my mind to these outward things, I beseech Thee to grant me the grace to continue in Thy Presence; and to this end do Thou prosper me with Thy assistance, receive all my works, and possess all my affections.” As he proceeded in his work, he continued his familiar conversation with his Maker, imploring His grace, and offering to Him all his actions. When he had finished, he examined himself how he had discharged his duty; if he found well, he returned thanks to GOD; if otherwise, he asked pardon; and without being discouraged, he set his mind right again, and continued his exercise of the presence of GOD, as if he had never deviated from it. “Thus,” said he, “by rising after my falls, and by frequently renewed acts of faith and love, I am come to a state, wherein it would be as difficult for me not to think of GOD, as it was at first to accustom myself to it.” As Bro. Lawrence had found such an advantage in walking in the presence of GOD, it was natural for him to recommend it earnestly to others; but his example was a stronger inducement than any arguments he could propose. His very countenance was edifying; such a sweet and calm devotion appearing in it, as could not but affect the beholders. And it was observed, that in the greatest hurry of business in the kitchen, he still preserved his recollection and heavenly-mindedness. He was never hasty nor loitering, but did each thing in its season, with an even uninterrupted composure and tranquillity of spirit. “The time of business,” said he, “does not with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clutter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess GOD in as great tranquillity as if I were upon my knees at the Blessed Sacrament.”
BarbTherese Posted April 11, 2023 Author Posted April 11, 2023 EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Litany of St Joseph, Patron of The Church a Happy Death nd of a Happy Death
BarbTherese Posted April 11, 2023 Author Posted April 11, 2023 I had something wonderful today, which has given me the awareness that I am just where The Master wants me in this truly stumbling bumbling (at times, crumbling) life of mine. After the big bill I am about to pay to BUPA, the Home here, I would have only $200 left in my bank. I have a big bill to pay for medication too. I had budgeted for $1,000 less to pay to BUPA. It looked as if my (nearly new) electric bed and recliner (brand new) were not going to sell. My son was making arrangements to ship them to his home state, hopefully with a better buying market there. Last night, we had a buyer for both for a total of $6,500 which will go straight into my bank. Providing the buyer turns up tonight with his wallet, my bank will look quite healthy once more. It has cost $4,000 to shift into BUPA. If the sale does go through, I would very much like to buy a nice artificial palm for my room and real plants for the garden plot outside my window. If the outside plants will be watered, the current one's are dead. I will have to ask the gardener. OH and to buy flowers for the wives of my son and brother for lending them to me. I did not even pray for a sale. I had wanted to give them away. It was my brother and son who insisted we try to sell. Thank you, Lord, for Your many considerations for Your most least. (Most least can be gauged by Graces granted and one's faithfulness - or lack of it rather - to such Graces).
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