Ijournal entry 072516 #30. July, Month of the Precious Blood. Maxim by Fransisco Osuna. Quotes by St. John Paul II, St. Theophan,
and St. Moses of Optina. Article: "Push", author unknown. "Be Perfect", by Venerable Mother Julienne Morrell, O.P. Audio
presentation "Resting and Remaining in God’s Mercy", by Fr. Roger Landry.
and St. Moses of Optina. Article: "Push", author unknown. "Be Perfect", by Venerable Mother Julienne Morrell, O.P. Audio
presentation "Resting and Remaining in God’s Mercy", by Fr. Roger Landry.
"The blood of Christ is infinitely precious, as are His fingers, His hands, His arms; for all of these belong to a Divine Person, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. When we speak of the preciousness of the blood of Christ, however, we mean more than this. In the light of the Old Testament, which He fulfilled, the blood of Christ means His whole bodily life
This was the price of redemption, the whole bodily life of Christ; and this was the price He paid. As the blood flowed on Calvary from His hands and feet, His Head and Heart, the life poured out of the Son of God for the redemption of men. An awful price. To whom was it paid? To whom were men in bondage to such an extent that only such a ransom would free them? We needed rescue from the malice of the devil; but this is not the story of our redemption. The terrifying truth that explains the necessity of Calvary is that we needed redemption from the entirely just and inexorable penalties of the justice of God. The red blood dripped down the cross on Calvary and life flowed out of the Son of Mary, not to satisfy the extortions of diabolical hate, but to deliver us from the wrath of the living God. Precious blood indeed, for it is a terrible thing to fall under the wrath of God. Precious blood, shed but not lost, given up by God to be gathered, every drop, by God and held for eternity; the boundless treasure by which self-made slaves are freed from the penalties sin demanded of the strong arm of God. Who else but God could stay the power of God’s justice? Precious Blood"
By Fr. Caspar, C.P.
Info from this site:http://catholicsaints.info/the-most-precious-blood-by-father-caspar-c-p/
Info from this site:http://catholicsaints.info/the-most-precious-blood-by-father-caspar-c-p/
"Examine, Become Experienced, and perfect all your works"
Of the Prudence you should have in everything, in the Fifth Treatise of Spiritual Recollection". By Fransisco Osuna
MTA = Man is composed of body, soul, and spirit. We must labor in all three areas to be successful. The greatest area of concentration should concern the component that will last forever. If we fail to examine ourselves with a well formed conscience, how are we going to work towards perfection? Practice does make perfect, because experience will make it easier to recognize and identity errors. Living with a clean heart, the power of the Holy Spirit will be more operant in a sensitive soul, not hardened by sin, and success will be ours.
Of the Prudence you should have in everything, in the Fifth Treatise of Spiritual Recollection". By Fransisco Osuna
MTA = Man is composed of body, soul, and spirit. We must labor in all three areas to be successful. The greatest area of concentration should concern the component that will last forever. If we fail to examine ourselves with a well formed conscience, how are we going to work towards perfection? Practice does make perfect, because experience will make it easier to recognize and identity errors. Living with a clean heart, the power of the Holy Spirit will be more operant in a sensitive soul, not hardened by sin, and success will be ours.
⚪️ "When God is forgotten the creature itself grows unintelligible. Man is no longer able to see himself as mysteriously different from other earthly creatures; he regards himself merely as one more living being… Enclosed in the narrow horizon of his physical nature, he is somehow reduced to being a thing, and no longer grasps the transcendent character of his existence as man. He no longer considers life as a splendid gift of God, something sacred entrusted to his responsibility and thus also to his loving care and veneration". By St. John Paul II
🔵 "I have explained to you briefly two aspects or two levels of prayer, namely: prayer which is read, when we pray to God with the prayers of others, and one’s mental prayer, where we ascend mentally to God through contemplation of God, dedicating all to God, and often crying out to Him from our hearts. But this is still not all. There is a third aspect or level of prayer. The unceasing turning of the mind and heart to God, accompanied by interior warmth or burning of the spirit. This is the limit to which prayer should aspire, and the goal which every prayerful laborer should have in mind, so that he does not work uselessly in the work of prayer" By Saint Theophan
🔴 "So as to arouse our heedlessness, here is another consideration that we must always bring to mind: that we are mortal. Our life is fleeting and most perilous on account of the uncertainty of the hour of death. For although we know well that we shall die, what we do not know is when we shall die—today or tomorrow, sooner or later, during the day or during the night? This lot of each person is completely unknown—when the sickle of death will overtake whom, and what condition it will find him in, made ready by good works, or unprepared and full of evil ones. For in whatever it finds a person, that is how it will deliver him over to judgment before God, and by his deeds everyone shall be either glorified or put to shame. And no one will help us in that hour of death, only good works accomplished in God. Here we must discuss both good works and evil works, and the results of each. We know from the Holy Scriptures that we are not created just to eat and drink pleasurably, have a good time and enjoy ourselves heedlessly. We are created for good works, through which in this brief life we attain the eternal and blessed life to which we are all called by the grace of God". St. Moses of Optina
🔵 "I have explained to you briefly two aspects or two levels of prayer, namely: prayer which is read, when we pray to God with the prayers of others, and one’s mental prayer, where we ascend mentally to God through contemplation of God, dedicating all to God, and often crying out to Him from our hearts. But this is still not all. There is a third aspect or level of prayer. The unceasing turning of the mind and heart to God, accompanied by interior warmth or burning of the spirit. This is the limit to which prayer should aspire, and the goal which every prayerful laborer should have in mind, so that he does not work uselessly in the work of prayer" By Saint Theophan
🔴 "So as to arouse our heedlessness, here is another consideration that we must always bring to mind: that we are mortal. Our life is fleeting and most perilous on account of the uncertainty of the hour of death. For although we know well that we shall die, what we do not know is when we shall die—today or tomorrow, sooner or later, during the day or during the night? This lot of each person is completely unknown—when the sickle of death will overtake whom, and what condition it will find him in, made ready by good works, or unprepared and full of evil ones. For in whatever it finds a person, that is how it will deliver him over to judgment before God, and by his deeds everyone shall be either glorified or put to shame. And no one will help us in that hour of death, only good works accomplished in God. Here we must discuss both good works and evil works, and the results of each. We know from the Holy Scriptures that we are not created just to eat and drink pleasurably, have a good time and enjoy ourselves heedlessly. We are created for good works, through which in this brief life we attain the eternal and blessed life to which we are all called by the grace of God". St. Moses of Optina
Sharing a slice from one of my Holy Hour visits with the Lord at the Adoration chapel. Some of what was written was confirmed in several ways:
1. From reading Scripture in the chapel before leaving
2. The Gospel reading of the day at church
3. The Magnificat magazine, and
4. Listening to an audio retreat on mercy by Fr. Roger Landry.
In my time of listening, felt like the Lord was saying:
"My child, I come not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. Only in, through, and with me, can you win the crown. Do not grow weary, but persevere and do not lose heart"
After turning at random to 2 Timothy 2, the following verses were written down:
1. From reading Scripture in the chapel before leaving
2. The Gospel reading of the day at church
3. The Magnificat magazine, and
4. Listening to an audio retreat on mercy by Fr. Roger Landry.
In my time of listening, felt like the Lord was saying:
"My child, I come not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. Only in, through, and with me, can you win the crown. Do not grow weary, but persevere and do not lose heart"
After turning at random to 2 Timothy 2, the following verses were written down:
2 Timothy 2:24-26 "A slave of the Lord should not quarrel, but should be gentle with everyone, able to teach, tolerant, correcting opponents with kindness. It may be that God will grant them repentance that leads to knowledge of the truth, and that they may return to their senses out of the devil’s snare, w where they are entrapped by him, for his will" |
My Response- I give myself to you O Lord, take me for yourself and come dwell in my heart as you wish. You alone can cleanse my heart of unrighteousness, you alone can make me whole. I desire to be a clean vessel and to be able to rise above my sinful nature. Have your way, your will over mind, then your light will expel what is dark and base in me. Your power and your grace will strengthen my will to do good and live according to the Father's Holy Will. Bless me O Lord with yourself, more, more, more, and glory to you forever and ever.
My Mediation:
Lord, how singleminded you were in your endeavors, namely, redeeming my soul. How focused you were concerning the accomplishment of the Father's will. How far away my pursuits take me from those goals. You see that grace can assist me and that sin is the main culprit that can hinder my success. It also limits the spiritual capability of my soul to meet the challenges that it is confronted with. At this moment you are speaking through your eyes, and this is what is being heard: "I paid the price and you can overcome sin and rise to new life daily in the spirit. In order to do that, reverently eat my flesh and drink my blood, being ever conscious of what you are doing. Cleanse your soul in the Sacrament of Reconciliation in order to receive at table worthily. Life will then surge through your spirit as I saturate your being and empower you to triumph spiritually. A total surrender tills the soil of your soul, and graces for holiness takes root. Believe and trust in me, for my sufferings and painful death have made the impossible possible. You can, through me, with me, and in me, merit the gift of eternal life. Go for it, for I am with you, let nothing turn you around. Each day the path is before you, and graces for the day's journey are set like a table before you. Each day you are a step closer or further from the kingdom, the choice is yours. Do not add to my pain, but rejoice my heart. Come to me, let me be your guide, receive my love and rest in me. This very day of yours was seen by me on Calvary. I suffered that ever grace to benefit you might be yours, so that at this very moment in time, you might say yes to me, yes to letting my will be your will. I fell, and you will also fall, but renew your consecration to my Sacred Heart and love will conquer all. You do not love as I wish, true, but desire to and aspire to a greater love. Make attempts to love, really love, then I myself will fulfill that wish of yours. The secret is to want it, you must want what is good, what is right, and what is just. I myself will do it in you. For now is the time, today is the day, the hour that looms in which it must be you who lives no longer, but I the Christ who lives in you. Thus says The Lord to the servant who says: Speak Lord, your humble servant is listening.
My Mediation:
Lord, how singleminded you were in your endeavors, namely, redeeming my soul. How focused you were concerning the accomplishment of the Father's will. How far away my pursuits take me from those goals. You see that grace can assist me and that sin is the main culprit that can hinder my success. It also limits the spiritual capability of my soul to meet the challenges that it is confronted with. At this moment you are speaking through your eyes, and this is what is being heard: "I paid the price and you can overcome sin and rise to new life daily in the spirit. In order to do that, reverently eat my flesh and drink my blood, being ever conscious of what you are doing. Cleanse your soul in the Sacrament of Reconciliation in order to receive at table worthily. Life will then surge through your spirit as I saturate your being and empower you to triumph spiritually. A total surrender tills the soil of your soul, and graces for holiness takes root. Believe and trust in me, for my sufferings and painful death have made the impossible possible. You can, through me, with me, and in me, merit the gift of eternal life. Go for it, for I am with you, let nothing turn you around. Each day the path is before you, and graces for the day's journey are set like a table before you. Each day you are a step closer or further from the kingdom, the choice is yours. Do not add to my pain, but rejoice my heart. Come to me, let me be your guide, receive my love and rest in me. This very day of yours was seen by me on Calvary. I suffered that ever grace to benefit you might be yours, so that at this very moment in time, you might say yes to me, yes to letting my will be your will. I fell, and you will also fall, but renew your consecration to my Sacred Heart and love will conquer all. You do not love as I wish, true, but desire to and aspire to a greater love. Make attempts to love, really love, then I myself will fulfill that wish of yours. The secret is to want it, you must want what is good, what is right, and what is just. I myself will do it in you. For now is the time, today is the day, the hour that looms in which it must be you who lives no longer, but I the Christ who lives in you. Thus says The Lord to the servant who says: Speak Lord, your humble servant is listening.
"Push", author unknown
Info from this site: http://www.southmarionchurchofchrist.org/articles/articles-of-edification/311-just-push.html
"A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared. The Lord told the man He had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might. So, this the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sun-up to sun-down, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the rock, pushing with all his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain. Since the man was showing discouragement, Satan decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the weary mind. ‘You have been pushing against that rock for a long time and it hasn’t moved.’ Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man.
Satan said, ‘Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort; and that will be good enough.’ That’s what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord. ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘I have labored long and hard in Your Service, putting all my strength to do that which You have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?’
The Lord responded compassionately, ‘My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed.‘But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back shiny and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard. ‘Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven’t moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your Faith and trust in My Wisdom. That you have done. ‘Now I, my friend, will move the rock.’
At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and faith in Him. By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves the mountains". And remember to PUSH:
P = Pray
U = Until
S = Something
H = Happens
Info from this site: http://www.southmarionchurchofchrist.org/articles/articles-of-edification/311-just-push.html
"A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared. The Lord told the man He had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might. So, this the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sun-up to sun-down, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the rock, pushing with all his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain. Since the man was showing discouragement, Satan decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the weary mind. ‘You have been pushing against that rock for a long time and it hasn’t moved.’ Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man.
Satan said, ‘Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort; and that will be good enough.’ That’s what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord. ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘I have labored long and hard in Your Service, putting all my strength to do that which You have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?’
The Lord responded compassionately, ‘My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed.‘But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back shiny and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard. ‘Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven’t moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your Faith and trust in My Wisdom. That you have done. ‘Now I, my friend, will move the rock.’
At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and faith in Him. By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves the mountains". And remember to PUSH:
P = Pray
U = Until
S = Something
H = Happens
"Be Perfect", by Venerable Mother Julienne Morrell, O.P.
Info from The Magnificat Magazine
Info from The Magnificat Magazine
Audio presentation: "Resting and Remaining in God’s Mercy", by Fr. Roger Landry
Link to audio presentation:
http://catholicpreaching.com/resting-and-remaining-in-gods-mercy-frassati-young-adult-retreat-april-23-2016/
Link to audio presentation:
http://catholicpreaching.com/resting-and-remaining-in-gods-mercy-frassati-young-adult-retreat-april-23-2016/