Private Vows in The Laity/Spirituality

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SPIRITUAL GEMS FOR THE LAITY

I am an avid reader and an extensive writer too at times - not only on Phatmass.

Am reading on and off a beautiful little book "The Mixed Life" (Walter Hilton).  While in the main he seems to write for those in the laity who have servants and tenants - or at times for bishops and priests - the book does contain absolute gems for those in the laity living the mixed life of activity and prayer as most all in the laity probably do.  I was quite surprised that Walter Hilton, born in March 1396 could write with great simplicity and downright common sense applicable to a life in the laity in the 21st century.  In reading this work, one does need to be able to lift out the gems for daily life in the laity in the 21st century, some of which are buried in a commentary on those who are people of means or bishops and priests.

I did a very quick Google search, but could not find it online free.  My copy of his work was purchased on 31.10.14 according to my note on the inside cover.  If memory serves, and in reality it rarely does, I probably purchased it from Pauline Media.  I cannot recall if I ever picked the little book up to read it before. If I did, I did not note in memory the gems it does contain.

Worth the read.  It would not cost much as it is only a small book (booklet really) of 36 pages.

Venite, exsultemus Domino

Deo Gratius

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Chat

RAMBLING

Sitting out under the pergola with a coffee.  I had been reading by the light under the pergola. It is a beautiful night after a beautiful day - and in the sweet silence of night time. It came to mind what Jesus said: "And behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world."

Me: "I guess that's how long I will be in Purgatory for sure, not that that matters, at least in Purgatory I will know that Heaven is my final destination"

I do not have moral assurance I will go to Heaven, I don't have any kind of assurance whatsoever and can find it near on impossible to insight those that do have assurance of some kind.   When one has no experience whatsoever of something, it can be near on impossible to understand those that do.  Now I cannot reconcile that awareness with the fact that I feel moral assurance in going to Holy Communion at Mass and Holy Communion is Heaven.   Ah the paradoxes and absurdities in the journey.

I have Hope alone and in the Loving Mercy of God for one of His most least.  Hope that it will be by God's Will alone that I land even in Purgatory.

Hope

Deo Gratius for "Venite, exsultemus Domino."

Edited November 28, 2016 by BarbaraTherese

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Chat

RELATIONSHIPS

I can't recall where I read it, it might have been in the Vatican document on "Fraternal Life in Community", or perhaps St Teresa of Avila or even elsewhere, but sometimes we might come across out here in the laity those who can be difficult to get along with for one reason or another. 

What I read was, wherever I read it, that a difficult member(s) in a community is sent by God to polish and hone community members into holiness.  It is all a question of response. I smiled when I read it wherever I did - and for the following reason:

In Catholicism, God is the answer to absolutely everything with nothing excepted. 

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.

-- St. Teresa of Avila

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"Fraternal Life in Community" is written for those in consecrated life.  However, there are gems in it to apply to a life in the laity.  We are all in community somewhere, even the hermit, some of us perhaps in a few communities out in secular life: workplace, clubs etc.  The family is a community, as is one's neighbourhood - and parish of course.  Even Catholic discussion sites are a type of community.  We are called by Jesus to His Gospel at all times and everywhere without exemption.  Mea maxima culpa.

The hermit lives ideally in relationship with, and in the Heart of, The Blessed Trinity - as do we all ideally.  The hermit 'points'/witnesses to the Truth to which we are called.

Venite, exsultemus Domino

Deo Gratius

 

Edited November 28, 2016 by BarbaraTherese

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CHANGING GEARS

When it first came out, I loved this funny tune as a teenager by Ray Stevens - it still can make me laugh. I can recall most of the lyrics still.  I see on You Tube there is an actual video (from my teenage years) of The Coasters singing it, but the words are unclear in places and the video is not the best either.........too old I guess.

The song captures the basic script back in my teenage years of every movie I saw, the goodies and the baddies but always the happy ending.  The very first movie I ever saw which didn't have a happy ending was in my twenties: "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" (excellent if depressing movie, thought provoking)  You can find it on You Tube HERE

Review "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?"

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CHAT

You never know - Christmas 2016

(Format in Bold is not my choice, I can't remove it for some reason)

The man who calls fortnightly to do odd tasks in the garden called this morning.  He is a very friendly (and efficient) man, extremely talkative.  This morning he was telling me how he got cornered by a couple of Jehovah Witnesses (to my experience, generally very nice people incidentally).  They were talking to C (my garden man)about The Birth of Jesus and something about His coming again, he related.  I replied to Him that we (he knows I am Catholic) celebrate and recall in this Advent Season, the three comings of Jesus.  The first is an anticipation of His Birth over 2000 years ago and his walk on this earth.  The second is that He is very much with us still.  The Third is that He will come again in Glory at the end of time.   

I think C. might be Catholic (due to his nationality) but not practising (due to some of the things he has said in the past).

No way to know without asking.  Journey with the person, rather than trying to drag him/her along......and probably kicking to boot.  The Holy Spirit provides the time and circumstances, as well as one's response.

(Now the format has changed of its own accord to the norm):  C. said nothing after I had shared what Advent is about for Catholics, but I could almost see his mind ticking over as I let the silence continue for some seconds before he suddenly changed the subject completely.

But it seemed to me that something was clicking over in his mind, perhaps a seed planted for later thought. One cannot know.  I cannot know what this day, this moment and hour is going to present to me asking my response.  I cannot know certainly what might be ticking over in the mind of the other.  I can pray. 

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CHRISTMAS 2016

Last night, I completed putting up my Christmas decorations.  I bought some different coloured lights for over the stable in the nativity scene in the front window.  Only $3 at The Reject Shop.  Had a peek last night after dark - gosh, for $3 they are great and really bright.  

This year I have let all know that I am having a very quiet Christmas this year (and really looking forward to it).  This year will be a concentration on the reason we have a Christmas Season.   Finances this year are really stretched for me as well. Next year, however, I hope to be right back in the thick of it all once more.  But every couple of years or so, I am going to have a very quiet Christmas as Christmas tends to be out here in the secular world sometimes..........expensive, stress, anxiety.  On the plus side, it is a time to catch up with others, especially family, and in celebration mode.  And every negative situation, disposition etc. has a positive side and vice versa.  It only takes to see it or look for it - it is there for sure.  "Lord that I might see".

Of course, all is dependant on the fact that I have not been carried out of Bethany in a box.  In the midst of life we are in death.  The other potential hiccup might be finances.  This year has been a real drain on the pocket.   Aside from the unexpected, I am hoping next year will be mainly hiccup free financially.

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I begin putting up Christmas decorations First Sunday of Advent, especially the wreath on the front door and a nativity scene in the front window - at very least.  I take decorations down in the first week after the conclusion of the Season of Christmas on the Solemnity of The Epiphany and the beginning of the new Church year.

Deo Gratius.

 

Quote

 

“For each one of us, there is only one thing necessary:

to fulfil our own destiny according to God's will,

to be what God wants us to be.”  

     (Thomas Merton)

 

 

 

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TRUST IN GOD

 

http://famvin.org/reflections/category/daily-reflection/

(St Vincent de Paul Society)

“Even though you are unaware of it,

Our Lord will not fail to sanctify you if you remain faithful to Him.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

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THE GOOD PERSON

 

 

PRAY FOR PRIESTS EVERY DAY

'Last priests in Ireland' overworked and depressed [not only in Ireland either]

http://cathnews.com/cathnews/27817-last-priests-in-ireland-overworked-and-depressed

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For God and The Church

FAMVIN - St Vincent de Paul society

http://famvin.org/reflections/quote-day-december-1/

Quote of The Day:  1 December 2016

 

Quote

 

"It is a maxim of the saints that,

when, after much prayer and consultation,

action has been taken in an important matter involving the glory of God and the welfare of the Church,

it must be believed that it is God’s will that this be done"

St Vincent de Paul (V:316).

 

 

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POVERTY

I am now in a position of involuntary real poverty.  I reinstated my donations after which, it now it seems likely I have lost the ironing.  More importantly, my only ironing client who has breast cancer has been admitted to hospital with possible liver failure.  Prayers for her please.

My feeling on the other score is that poverty I privately vowed and so poverty it is especially involuntary poverty.  It comes about through the Permissive Will of God and His Divine Providence.  Amen.  All luxuries are crossed off and necessities must be made to last as long as is possible - and then longer if I can.  I am very thankful that I can pay the rent and bills as well as food - including bread and butter days quite literally.

I am considering reducing my funeral policy to very basic and saving on premiums.  I cut back on my contents policy some time back for the same reason.  Nothing else I can take a hatchet too it seems, although it looks as if studying in 2017 as well as joining a senior citizens club just might be off the table too.  At Peace and Joyful.......strangely for me, quite unconcerned.

The Lord provides and is Forever The Faithful One.

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LEMON GINGER TEA

I usually switch to decaf coffee around 3pm; however, I have discovered lemon tea with ginger, which is caffeine free.  I really enjoy it and far more than the decaf.   Don't know cost of it just yet.   Deo Gratius.

 

 

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

Journeying Detached and Faithful

 

Quote of the Day – December 4

 

 

Let us give ourselves to God as best we can,

expecting only trials and sufferings from our own men, with perfect assurance that they will not be lacking to us

if we are faithful to seeing that the Rules and holy customs of our vocation are observed (V:324).

St Vincent de Paul

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LEMON GINGER TEA

and more chat

Wow - Twinings Lemon Ginger Tea $AUD8.35 for pack of 40.  Quite expensive, but I can buy the 10 pack $AUD2.95 now and then and intersperse with decaf coffee here and there and cut down on the cost.  I really like the lemon and ginger tea and it's healthy too.  I think if I bought the expensive 40 pack, I just might probably drink more Lemon Ginger Tea than with the 10 pack every so often.  See how I go with the 10 pack.  Revise decision if necessary.

Saw my GP and she has done a Health Plan for me and I have three specialists I need to see - I'm leaving that until the new year.  Nothing is urgent.  I will be seeing a psychologist to determine if Seroquel is my weight reducing problem or whether it is in my head because of what I have been told over many years and more recently read on the net about Seroquel and weight problems. I am highly suspicious of which is the problem and asked my GP to refer me to their psychologist.  I will be then seeing a dietician and told my GP that if the dietician doesn't listen to me that I am on a low income (diet food can be expensive) and also that taking me down to 1000 calories first appointment is ridiculous -  I will not be seeing the dietician again.  Finally, I need to see a podiatrist as washing feet and cutting toenails is now really problematic (with the large hernia under my ribcage).  In the podiatrist's surgery apparently he does have assistants who do this kind of more menial tasks not asking his level of professionalism.  I can have 5 free visits year.  All specialists under a GP Health or Medical Plan in Australia are free of charge to those on low incomes.  We are truly blest in so many ways in Australia. 

My GP has also changed the medication I have been buying over the counter for my back injury (government took them off prescriptions and therefore reduced cost, forcing over the counter more expensive purchasing).  She has changed me over to prescriptions with reduced cost, which will more than halve my monthly bill chemist bill.

Both the lady who gives me a lift to Lectio every Monday during Advent, as well as I, were unable to go today.

I do pray that I might win the lottery and buy a car - I would be able to do much more than now, especially since rather often I need take taxis to and fro wherever and drains the pocket.  As long as I don't have the lottery win and a car, The Lord wants things as they are, I figure.  Perhaps He knows that I would quickly spend any lottery win on nothings at all, even though I do tell myself I wouldn't.   I must admit, however, that I have adjusted (just a happening over time) to this way of life with Bethany located in this suburb - though hard work and being busy and under pressure was always right up my alley and my cup of tea - and something I enjoyed.  The hard work etc. was something that radically changed (ceased really) when I was shifted to where I am now.  But I do try to look on it the same way (I hope) as a religious would transferred from one place to another or from one duty to another, once cell to another - i.e. God's Will.  And I am very far from perfect on that score too.

One thing can be a nuisance and confusing.  Why is it that my phone or doorbell does ring at the most inconvenient of times.  Although I do suspect that I am not alone at all.

Ah here there .....and everywhere.......imperfection faults and failings and worse.

I am concerned about my ironing client, admitted to hospital with potential liver failure.  According to Google it is not of necessity terminal, depending on what exactly the problem is.  I haven't heard anything from her husband since she was admitted.  She also has breast cancer.  She is an extremely beautiful person, a really rare type of person.  Never an unkind word out of her at any point at all, for any reason at all, over the years and a few times she has called in just for a cuppa and chat.  She was always very thoughtful and generous.  She is not Catholic, she is/was? atheist (another story).  Her and her hubby shifted to Australia a few years ago to start a new life - and now this.  They are a young and not all that long married couple.  When I gave up most of the ironing, I kept her on as a client because she was such a lovely person continually telling me she really appreciated the ironing being done for her.  Also my foster son's marriage is going through a difficult patch and I am hoping they will work through it; however, at this point it does not look good at all on one level - while all things are possible to God on the primary level.  I have put a request for prayer for my ironing client and my foster son into our Prayer Forum on Pham.  A prayer very much appreciated if you read this.

As is evidenced, this stage of my journey and perhaps the final stage..........happily......... (71yrs in Jan 2017.....happily too to be free of the concerns/anxieties of youth with some wisdom gained) is that of a gal who falls and rises continually -  and in a most ordinary type of continued journey and way of life.

Fiat Voluntas Tua - Deo Gratius!

I am sick to death of writing about myself!  A line in one of my poem's ran "merely a creative urge none can still - and passion would have its fill, as passion often will."    A reason perhaps, no excuse I know ........ nevertheless it's my story and I'm sticking to it!

 

 

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Edit, addendum, or whatever:   Sitting out under the pergola with coffee (my thinking spot) and it occurred to me Philippians Ch 4 "Rejoice  in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! ".........what on earth do we not have to rejoice over, to praise, thank and adore God for on this earth of many varied days and many varied seasons.  Nothing at all, nothing. 

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I can, must and do suffer humanly because of the unrepentant and the suffering in our world on all levels including my own sufferings of one kind or another - but at the same time I needs must reflect on the Doctrine of Divine Providence as per CCC.and that is and must be on the primary level and therein rejoice and give thanks, praise and adoration to God - and all and any glory or Glory to Him alone. 

If only I would remember to do so.  Mea maxima culpa.

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What is it with this merged business on Phatmass, the time available to do so seems to vary?  Or is it just me?  Distinct potential.

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AMORIS LAETITIA - A DIFFERENT VOICE

Cardinal-designate Kevin J. Farrell, was recently appointed by the pope to head the new Vatican Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life, stated that he disagreed with Chaput’s position.

https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-usa/2016/11/17/new-vatican-family-czar-criticizes-chaputs-guidelines-amoris/

Excerpts only: VATICAN CITY - Cardinal-designate Kevin J. Farrell believes the U.S. bishops as a whole should have discussed pastoral guidelines for implementing Pope Francis’s exhortation on the family before individual bishops began issuing guidelines for their own dioceses.

Implementing the pope’s exhortation, “Amoris Laetitia,” he said, “has to be done in communion with our bishops. I think that it would have been wiser to wait for the gathering of the conference of bishops [see below] where all the bishops of the United States or all the bishops of a country would sit down and discuss these things.”.............

...........'The cardinal-designate was asked specifically about pastoral guidelines issued for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, who also is head of a U.S. bishops’ ad hoc committee for implementing “Amoris Laetitia. ”

Among other things, the Philadelphia guidelines state that while divorced and civilly remarried couples should be welcome in parishes and accompanied by priests, they may not receive Communion unless they live as brother and sister.

Farrell was bishop of Dallas and a member of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops until September when he became prefect of the new Vatican Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life.

“I don’t share the view of what Archbishop Chaput did, no,” the cardinal-designate said. “I think there are all kinds of different circumstances and situations that we have to look at - each case as it is presented to us.”

“I think that is what our Holy Father is speaking about, is when we talk about accompanying, it is not a decision that is made irrespective of the couple,” he said. “Obviously, there is an objective moral law,” he said, but you will never find two couples who have the same reason for being divorced and remarried.

Catholic News Service attempted to contact Chaput, who was unavailable for comment..................

.........."

The Catholic Church cannot react by “closing the doors before we even listen to the circumstances and the people,” the cardinal-designate said. “That’s not the way to go.”

While a few cardinals and bishops have disagreed with the general interpretation of Pope Francis’s exhortation, “I think the bishops are unified,” Farrell said.

“Each bishop in his diocese has to set certain rules and parameters, but at the same time, I think that they need to be open to listening to the Holy Spirit and open to what the bishops of the world” discussed at the synods on the family in 2014 and 2015..........

.......................

The Catholic Church cannot react by “closing the doors before we even listen to the circumstances and the people,” the cardinal-designate said. “That’s not the way to go.”

While a few cardinals and bishops have disagreed with the general interpretation of Pope Francis’s exhortation, “I think the bishops are unified,” Farrell said.

“Each bishop in his diocese has to set certain rules and parameters, but at the same time, I think that they need to be open to listening to the Holy Spirit and open to what the bishops of the world” discussed at the synods on the family in 2014 and 2015.

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[My comment:  A conference of bishops is a gathering and community of all bishops of a particular country and to my knowledge all countries have such a community or conference]

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Thanksgiving

My ironing client (has breast cancer) admitted to hospital with suspected liver failure is back home and ok.  More details in Prayer Forum.

Our parish priest who had surgery for prostate cancer is also now fully ok and in the recovery stage, all cancer gone. I received a note yesterday from him.   More details in Prayer Forum.

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Incapable of Holiness

by our own efforts

 

Quote

 

"Let us acknowledge that we are incapable of becoming holy by our own efforts,

and put our trust in God,

who would not have taken away our ability to walk

unless he was to carry us in his arms."

Jean-Pierre de Caussade: Abandonment to Divine Providence

 

 

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SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

8th December

 

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OVERCOMING SENSITIVENESS

FAMVIN - St Vincent de Paul Society

Quote of The Day: http://famvin.org/reflections/category/daily-reflection/

Dec 08, 2016

Quote

 

“We should overcome our sensitiveness,

paying little attention as to whether we are addressed or not,

or to the degree of affability with which we are treated,

but let us try to gain all hearts by cordiality and support.” – St. Louise de Marillac

 

 

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