Ijournal entry 051616 #20. May, Month of Blessed Mary. Maxim by Brother Lawrence. Quotes by Archbishop Peter Surtain, John Henry Cardinal Newman, and Sheltering the Divine Outcast, compiled by A Religious. "THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS(Luke 4:14-21)", by Anthony Mullen. "The Sayings of the Desert Fathers", from The Christian Coptic Orthodox Church Of Egypt. Audio presentation: "Interior Freedom", by Fr. Jacques Philippe.
"To desire grace without recourse to the Virgin Mother is to desire to fly without wings.” By Pope Pius XII
"All things are possible to him who believes, they are less difficult to him who hopes, they are easier to him who loves, and still more easy to him who practices and perseveres in these three virtues." -Brother Lawrence
MTA= Written before Pentecost
Master the spiritual ABC's, then we can form words, compose sentences and create paragraphs. We must operate on all cylinders for spiritual success and embrace the basics standing on a firm foundation.
This is my (MTA) written on Pentecost= If we truly have Faith, Hope, and Charity implanted deep within our hearts, them we will know that the impossible is happening, we'll believe and be satisfied how ever things turn out, and our joy will be complete, before during, and after. Why? Because we know God's love is real and that He never leaves or forsakes us and is at all times working everything for our good.
Amen anyone? Do you like the before or after Pentecost response?
MTA= Written before Pentecost
Master the spiritual ABC's, then we can form words, compose sentences and create paragraphs. We must operate on all cylinders for spiritual success and embrace the basics standing on a firm foundation.
This is my (MTA) written on Pentecost= If we truly have Faith, Hope, and Charity implanted deep within our hearts, them we will know that the impossible is happening, we'll believe and be satisfied how ever things turn out, and our joy will be complete, before during, and after. Why? Because we know God's love is real and that He never leaves or forsakes us and is at all times working everything for our good.
Amen anyone? Do you like the before or after Pentecost response?
⚫️ "We must be on guard not to treat God as just another pain reliever, withdrawing to him only in times of trouble. God is not an analgesic or a Band-Aid. His grace does not kick in when the pain begins. He does not take up where our strength leaves off. He does not fill in the gaps we are unable to cover. God is life itself, and giving ourselves to him we find not temporary relief, but healing and peace, even in the midst of suffering". By Archbishop Peter Surtain
⚪️ "A revelation is religious doctrine viewed on its illuminated side;
a mystery is the selfsame doctrine viewed on the side unilluminated". By John Henry Cardinal Newman
🔵 "Words are powerful, they are for weal or woe. They build up or raze to the ground. They cut to the quick or they soothe and heal. They inspire courage and loftiness of purpose, or they rouse to anger, bitterness and revenge... Words! Words! How powerful you are! How terrible you are when lodged in an unkind and critical heart! ... If we have not been perfect in this regard, let us begin now to make a record in charity. It is never too late to work at our perfection, it is never too late to determine to be saints. Let us seal our lips against cutting remarks, unkind insinuations, unfavourable words. Many a heart has writhed in pain because of poisoned arrows that pierced to the core". Sheltering the Divine Outcast, compiled by A Religious
⚪️ "A revelation is religious doctrine viewed on its illuminated side;
a mystery is the selfsame doctrine viewed on the side unilluminated". By John Henry Cardinal Newman
🔵 "Words are powerful, they are for weal or woe. They build up or raze to the ground. They cut to the quick or they soothe and heal. They inspire courage and loftiness of purpose, or they rouse to anger, bitterness and revenge... Words! Words! How powerful you are! How terrible you are when lodged in an unkind and critical heart! ... If we have not been perfect in this regard, let us begin now to make a record in charity. It is never too late to work at our perfection, it is never too late to determine to be saints. Let us seal our lips against cutting remarks, unkind insinuations, unfavourable words. Many a heart has writhed in pain because of poisoned arrows that pierced to the core". Sheltering the Divine Outcast, compiled by A Religious
Can't let this month of May, dedicated to our Blessed Mother Mary, go by without a poetic tribute. This one was born on Holy Saturday and completed five days before it's debut. Before composing, these thoughts came to mind:
Our Blessed Holy Virgin Mary's thoughts are always turned towards the perfect fulfillment of the Father's will. She is ever prayerful, hopeful, and even prematurely joyful about all that He wills, even that which entails suffering. Her concern is that numerous souls, might benefit and inherit eternal life. Reflections about her Son starts when they were in Bethlehem and progresses to the ordeal on Calvary. She recognizes the cost, the price that was payed for souls every step of the way, and her contribution was huge.
Our Blessed Holy Virgin Mary's thoughts are always turned towards the perfect fulfillment of the Father's will. She is ever prayerful, hopeful, and even prematurely joyful about all that He wills, even that which entails suffering. Her concern is that numerous souls, might benefit and inherit eternal life. Reflections about her Son starts when they were in Bethlehem and progresses to the ordeal on Calvary. She recognizes the cost, the price that was payed for souls every step of the way, and her contribution was huge.
She rejoices in the power of God that was manifested through this whole ordeal, as continued to the highlight of the Resurrection. Alleluia, with no road blocks in the way, the gates of heaven are open to all who heed the call.
~~Blessed Virgin Mary Ever Ready to Always Embrace ~~ Mediatrix Full of Grace~~
💠Oh, Queen of Heaven and of Earth
💠From your immaculate womb came forth our Glorious Savior in a miraculous birth
💠We thank you Holy Virgin Mary for gathering with us as we come to you.
💠Your presence & influence is strong no matter that the wayfarers are weak & few
💠Blessed Mary Ever Virgin
💠Please help us with the problem of sin
💠God's grace have allowed us to respond to your call, each one by name
💠Thanks for graciously coming to help us & not imputing to us our rightful guilt & shame
💠Amazing how when we fall short & pray, you hold each sinner in a tender embrace
💠Loving Mediatrix you help all to rise & from God's great store freely impart His given grace
💠Resulting in our lives blossoming day by day in Christ Jesus as we spiritual grow
💠Recognizable & concrete by our virtues & the love that we show
💠Our love and respect for the position you hold is very very real
💠Holy Lady Blessed Virgin Mary higher to God, we ask you to appeal
💠You're so close & for a good reason have been given to us as a Holy Mother
💠Aide us & help us shun darkness & let the fullness of truth be what we discover
💠 Consecrating ourselves to you is making a move that is wise
💠 It will ultimately lead us to Jesus, as in a Godly way you inspire and advise
💠Then we'll be on the road to becoming who we were created to be
💠Your perfect surrender is a shining example for us to model what we see
💠To effectively do that we'll need the Holy Spirit in the drivers seat
💠As your feet crushes the enemy's head in defeat
💠Intercede that we embrace the way of holiness so your Son's Passion won't fail to save & redeem
💠Jesus' Precious Blood upon us will scrub our filthy souls clean
💠Thank you for being a Mother always ready to help us, for success that's a must
💠Help us keep our faith in God so that the victory will be ours as in Him we firmly place our trust
💠Strengthened by hope, obstacles are much easier to face
💠We'll then endure & persevere with you at our side as we joyfully run our spiritual race
💠Oh, Queen of Heaven and of Earth
💠From your immaculate womb came forth our Glorious Savior in a miraculous birth
💠We thank you Holy Virgin Mary for gathering with us as we come to you.
💠Your presence & influence is strong no matter that the wayfarers are weak & few
💠Blessed Mary Ever Virgin
💠Please help us with the problem of sin
💠God's grace have allowed us to respond to your call, each one by name
💠Thanks for graciously coming to help us & not imputing to us our rightful guilt & shame
💠Amazing how when we fall short & pray, you hold each sinner in a tender embrace
💠Loving Mediatrix you help all to rise & from God's great store freely impart His given grace
💠Resulting in our lives blossoming day by day in Christ Jesus as we spiritual grow
💠Recognizable & concrete by our virtues & the love that we show
💠Our love and respect for the position you hold is very very real
💠Holy Lady Blessed Virgin Mary higher to God, we ask you to appeal
💠You're so close & for a good reason have been given to us as a Holy Mother
💠Aide us & help us shun darkness & let the fullness of truth be what we discover
💠 Consecrating ourselves to you is making a move that is wise
💠 It will ultimately lead us to Jesus, as in a Godly way you inspire and advise
💠Then we'll be on the road to becoming who we were created to be
💠Your perfect surrender is a shining example for us to model what we see
💠To effectively do that we'll need the Holy Spirit in the drivers seat
💠As your feet crushes the enemy's head in defeat
💠Intercede that we embrace the way of holiness so your Son's Passion won't fail to save & redeem
💠Jesus' Precious Blood upon us will scrub our filthy souls clean
💠Thank you for being a Mother always ready to help us, for success that's a must
💠Help us keep our faith in God so that the victory will be ours as in Him we firmly place our trust
💠Strengthened by hope, obstacles are much easier to face
💠We'll then endure & persevere with you at our side as we joyfully run our spiritual race
"THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS(Luke 4:14-21)", by Anthony Mullen
(Anyone up for "exercising"? Thank you Cathy for joining me in a pre Pentecost workout. We really had a workout and stretched our spiritual muscles. In case no one samples the potato, we did and enjoyed it)
Info from this site: http://www.flameoflove.us/week-three-sunday-c-the-inaugural-address/?mc_cid=9de209a8c2&mc_eid=c09e867217
🙏🏾Prayer – O Jesus, send the Spirit of the Father upon me.
🤔Imagination: (Picture Jesus teaching in the synagogue.)
📋Context: Having overcome Satan’s three temptations, Jesus begins his public ministry. Other gospels record this visit to the synagogue but Luke gives it preeminence. This is Jesus’ inauguration address, highlighting all the themes of Luke’s gospel.
(Anyone up for "exercising"? Thank you Cathy for joining me in a pre Pentecost workout. We really had a workout and stretched our spiritual muscles. In case no one samples the potato, we did and enjoyed it)
Info from this site: http://www.flameoflove.us/week-three-sunday-c-the-inaugural-address/?mc_cid=9de209a8c2&mc_eid=c09e867217
🙏🏾Prayer – O Jesus, send the Spirit of the Father upon me.
🤔Imagination: (Picture Jesus teaching in the synagogue.)
📋Context: Having overcome Satan’s three temptations, Jesus begins his public ministry. Other gospels record this visit to the synagogue but Luke gives it preeminence. This is Jesus’ inauguration address, highlighting all the themes of Luke’s gospel.
Gospel Text: Luke 4:24-21 (Read slowly, possibly aloud). "Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee and his reputation spread throughout the region. He taught in their synagogue and was praised by all. Jesus came to Nazareth where he had been raised and, entering the synagogue on the sabbath as he was accustomed, he got up to read. The book of the prophet, Isaiah, was given to him and he found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind and the release of prisoners. To preach a year of favor from the Lord.” Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down. All the eyes of the synagogue were upon him. He said to them, “This day, this reading is fulfilled in your hearing.” |
💡Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you).
YOUR RESPONSE
MC= Wow! This day in the synagogue is different from all the other days. Least expected was it for me to feel the power of the words of Jesus as they fell from the Master's lips. Many times words come and words go, but these words are thundering in my spirit. They can be felt, tasted, touched, and they are begging to take root, to blossom and produce fruit for my good and that which serves to glorify God.
Our part is essential to the fulfillment of the Mission. We must prepare ourselves so that we will know our part in the play when our turn comes up. God does His part and we have to do our part as well.
YOUR RESPONSE
MC= Wow! This day in the synagogue is different from all the other days. Least expected was it for me to feel the power of the words of Jesus as they fell from the Master's lips. Many times words come and words go, but these words are thundering in my spirit. They can be felt, tasted, touched, and they are begging to take root, to blossom and produce fruit for my good and that which serves to glorify God.
Our part is essential to the fulfillment of the Mission. We must prepare ourselves so that we will know our part in the play when our turn comes up. God does His part and we have to do our part as well.
For truly, good news is entering into my bones, snapping chain links, one by one. Ropes are being shredded as they break apart, locks are being unclicked, a melodious melody reigns. All this can be heard as the power of the words are tearing down strongholds. Visual acuity is gradually increasing as scales are being unpeeled in slow motion. We should always be mindful that the favor of the Lord is always with. A year is signifying a long time so that means The favor is always on our side. Usually we are thinking the favor is not on our side. So in not about worthiness, let's have expectations kicked up a notch based on favor. When He handed the scroll back, fireworks went off. An explosions in the minds of everyone occurred when He said this day this reading is fulfill. No doubt was it in any way than what what had just proclaimed.
MC= These three attract me:
We should at all times be mindful that the favor of the Lord is always with. A year is signifying a long time, so that means the favor of God is always on our side, not an isolated event. Usually we are thinking the favor is not on our side, rather than thinking it is on our side. Careful consideration shows it is not about worthiness, but about favor. That should help kick up our expectations a notch, because all is based upon favor. 💖Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words)
MC= 1. 🖍I am poor touches my heart: Preach your gospel to me. I am a captive. Set me free. I am blind. Help me to see.
📌Resolutions: ( Possibly you might want to make your own.)
🛎The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has anointed me. MC= Come Holy Spirit, entrance and romance me. (Taken from what was given me by the Holy Spirit to say after communion along with other aspirations. 1 Corinthians 3:9 "For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building. |
"From the Sayings of the Desert Fathers", from The Christian Coptic Orthodox Church Of Egypt
Info from this site:
http://www.coptic.net/articles/sayingsofdesertfathers.txt
" A brother questioned Abba Poemen in this way, 'My thoughts trouble me, making me put my sins aside, and concern myself with my brother's faults'. The old man told him the following story about Abba Dioscorus (the monk), 'In his cell he wept over himself, while his disciple was sitting in another cell. When the latter came to see the old man he asked him, "Father, why are you weeping?" "I am weeping over my sins," the old man answered him. Then his disciple said, "You do not have any sins, Father." The old man replied, "Truly, my child, if I were allowed to see my sins, three or four men would not be enough to weep for them. "
+ + + This is what Abba Daniel, the Pharanite, said, 'Our Father abba Arsenius told us of an inhabitant of Scetis, of notable life and of simple faith; through his naivete he was deceived and said, "The bread which we receive is not really the body of Christ, but a symbol. Two old men having learnt that he had uttered this saying, knowing that he was outstanding in his way of life, knew that he had not spoken through malice, but through simplicity. So they came to find him and said, "Father, we have heard a proposition contrary to the faith on the part of someone who says that the bread which we receivve is not really the body of Christ, but a symbol." The old man said, "it is I who have said that." Then the old men exhorted him saying, "Do not hold this position, Father, but hold one in conformity with that which the catholic Church has given us. We believe, for our part, that the bread itself is the body of Christ as in the beginning, God formed man in his image, taking the dust of the earth, without anyone being able to say that it is not the image of God, even though it is not seen to be so; thus it is with the bread of which he said that it is his body; and so we believe that it is really the body of Christ." The old man said to them, "As long as I have not been persuaded by the thing itself, I shall not be fully convinced." So they said, "Let us pray God about this mystery throughout the whole of this week and we believe that God will reveal it to us." The old man received this saying with joy and he prayed in these words, "Lord, you know that it is not through malice that I do not believe and so that I may not err through ignorance, reveal this mystery to me, Lord Jesus Christ." The old men returned to their cells and they also prayed God, saying, "Lord Jesus Christ, reveal this mystery to the old man, that he may believe and not lose his reward." God heard both the prayers. At the end of the week they came to church on Sunday and sat all three on the same mat, the old man in the middle. Then their eyes were opened and when the bread was placed on the holy table, there appeared as it were a little child to these three alone. And when the priest put out his hand to break the breadd, behold an angel descended from heaven with a sword and poured the child's blood into the chalice. When the priest cut the bread into small pieces, the angel also cut the child in pieces. When they drew near to receive the sacred elements the old man alone received a morsel of bloody flesh. Seeing this he was afraid and cried out, "Lord, I believe that this bread is your flesh and this chalice your blood." Immediately the flesh which he held in his hand became bread, according to the mystery and he took it, giving thanks to God. Then the old men said to him, "God knows human nature and that man cannot eat raw flesh and that is why he has changed his body into bread and his blood into wine, for those who receive it in faith."Then they gave thanks to God for the old man, because he had allowed him not to lose the reward of his labour. So all three returned with joy to their own cells". + + +
Info from this site:
http://www.coptic.net/articles/sayingsofdesertfathers.txt
" A brother questioned Abba Poemen in this way, 'My thoughts trouble me, making me put my sins aside, and concern myself with my brother's faults'. The old man told him the following story about Abba Dioscorus (the monk), 'In his cell he wept over himself, while his disciple was sitting in another cell. When the latter came to see the old man he asked him, "Father, why are you weeping?" "I am weeping over my sins," the old man answered him. Then his disciple said, "You do not have any sins, Father." The old man replied, "Truly, my child, if I were allowed to see my sins, three or four men would not be enough to weep for them. "
+ + + This is what Abba Daniel, the Pharanite, said, 'Our Father abba Arsenius told us of an inhabitant of Scetis, of notable life and of simple faith; through his naivete he was deceived and said, "The bread which we receive is not really the body of Christ, but a symbol. Two old men having learnt that he had uttered this saying, knowing that he was outstanding in his way of life, knew that he had not spoken through malice, but through simplicity. So they came to find him and said, "Father, we have heard a proposition contrary to the faith on the part of someone who says that the bread which we receivve is not really the body of Christ, but a symbol." The old man said, "it is I who have said that." Then the old men exhorted him saying, "Do not hold this position, Father, but hold one in conformity with that which the catholic Church has given us. We believe, for our part, that the bread itself is the body of Christ as in the beginning, God formed man in his image, taking the dust of the earth, without anyone being able to say that it is not the image of God, even though it is not seen to be so; thus it is with the bread of which he said that it is his body; and so we believe that it is really the body of Christ." The old man said to them, "As long as I have not been persuaded by the thing itself, I shall not be fully convinced." So they said, "Let us pray God about this mystery throughout the whole of this week and we believe that God will reveal it to us." The old man received this saying with joy and he prayed in these words, "Lord, you know that it is not through malice that I do not believe and so that I may not err through ignorance, reveal this mystery to me, Lord Jesus Christ." The old men returned to their cells and they also prayed God, saying, "Lord Jesus Christ, reveal this mystery to the old man, that he may believe and not lose his reward." God heard both the prayers. At the end of the week they came to church on Sunday and sat all three on the same mat, the old man in the middle. Then their eyes were opened and when the bread was placed on the holy table, there appeared as it were a little child to these three alone. And when the priest put out his hand to break the breadd, behold an angel descended from heaven with a sword and poured the child's blood into the chalice. When the priest cut the bread into small pieces, the angel also cut the child in pieces. When they drew near to receive the sacred elements the old man alone received a morsel of bloody flesh. Seeing this he was afraid and cried out, "Lord, I believe that this bread is your flesh and this chalice your blood." Immediately the flesh which he held in his hand became bread, according to the mystery and he took it, giving thanks to God. Then the old men said to him, "God knows human nature and that man cannot eat raw flesh and that is why he has changed his body into bread and his blood into wine, for those who receive it in faith."Then they gave thanks to God for the old man, because he had allowed him not to lose the reward of his labour. So all three returned with joy to their own cells". + + +
"Interior Freedom", by Fr. Jacques Philippe
Link to audio presentation:
https://secure-ec.libsyn.com/p/b/5/b/b5bc02256070652b/Fr._Philippe_11-16-13_T003.mp3?d13a76d516d9dec20c3d276ce028ed5089ab1ce3dae902ea1d06ce8434d4cc5a87a8&c_id=6446865
Link to audio presentation:
https://secure-ec.libsyn.com/p/b/5/b/b5bc02256070652b/Fr._Philippe_11-16-13_T003.mp3?d13a76d516d9dec20c3d276ce028ed5089ab1ce3dae902ea1d06ce8434d4cc5a87a8&c_id=6446865