Ijournal entry 071816 #29. July, Month of the Precious Blood. Aphorism by St. Thomas Aquinas. Quotes by ST. BRENDAN, Saint Leo the Great, and Don Schwager. Book:"Divine Intimacy: The test of Hope" , by Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen. "Hope", St. Catherine of Siena. Video presentation: "Entrusted With Sorrows", by Johnnette Benkovic and Ralph Martin
"It is said that the Blessed Virgin venerated the Most Precious Blood of her infant Son on the day of His circumcision as she collected the first relics of His Precious Blood on a piece of cloth. On that momentous occasion she united her tears with that of the Word Incarnate on account of not so much of the sensible pain but of His supernatural sorrow for the hard-heartedness of mortals.
It was the first of seven blood-sheddings of Our Divine Savior, the rest being:
🏹2. The Agony in the Garden
🏹3. The Scourging at the Pillar
🏹4. The Crowning with Thorns
🏹5. The Way of the Cross
🏹6. The Crucifixion
🏹7. The Piercing of His Heart"
Info from this site: http://www.tfp.org/tfp-home/catholic-perspective/july-month-of-the-most-precious-blood-of-our-lord.html
It was the first of seven blood-sheddings of Our Divine Savior, the rest being:
🏹2. The Agony in the Garden
🏹3. The Scourging at the Pillar
🏹4. The Crowning with Thorns
🏹5. The Way of the Cross
🏹6. The Crucifixion
🏹7. The Piercing of His Heart"
Info from this site: http://www.tfp.org/tfp-home/catholic-perspective/july-month-of-the-most-precious-blood-of-our-lord.html
"It's too little to say that everything is good because it exists, or because God created it. Rather, it should be put this way: because the being of the world participates in the divine being which pervades it to its innermost core, the world is not only a good world; it is in a very precise sense holy". By St. Thomas Aquinas
MTA= Our perspective radically changes as truth is internalized, transforming our lives inside out. Hope becomes alive as faith serves as the fulcrum helping us to transcend the mundane and worldly point of view. Believing in the good and holy, will inspire us to add to that, not be pessimistic detractors, and work towards preserving that divine order. Amen.
MTA= Our perspective radically changes as truth is internalized, transforming our lives inside out. Hope becomes alive as faith serves as the fulcrum helping us to transcend the mundane and worldly point of view. Believing in the good and holy, will inspire us to add to that, not be pessimistic detractors, and work towards preserving that divine order. Amen.
⚫️ “Help me to journey beyond the familiar and into the unknown.
Give me the faith to leave old ways and break fresh ground with You. Christ of the mysteries, I trust You. to be stronger than each storm within me. I will trust in the darkness and know that my times, even now, are in Your hand. Tune my spirit to the music of heaven, and somehow, make my obedience count for You. AMEN." By PRAYER OF ST. BRENDAN
🔴 "Never complain, for Jesus owes you nothing, and if you must lament, let it be a moment of love. I accept the trial as you wish me to accept it and got as long as you wish, provided you let me always keep love of you in my heart". By Fr. De Rouville
⚪️"Virtue is nothing without the trial of temptation, for there is no conflict without an enemy, no victory without strife". By Saint Leo the Great
🔵 "Jesus brings the justice of God's kingdom tempered with divine love and mercy. He does not bruise the weak or treat them with contempt, but rather shows understanding and compassion. He does not discourage the fainthearted but gives hope, courage, and the strength to persevere through trying circumstances. No trials, failings, and weaknesses can keep us from the mercy and help which Jesus offers to everyone who asks. His grace is sufficient for every moment, every situation, and every challenge we face". By Don Schwager
Give me the faith to leave old ways and break fresh ground with You. Christ of the mysteries, I trust You. to be stronger than each storm within me. I will trust in the darkness and know that my times, even now, are in Your hand. Tune my spirit to the music of heaven, and somehow, make my obedience count for You. AMEN." By PRAYER OF ST. BRENDAN
🔴 "Never complain, for Jesus owes you nothing, and if you must lament, let it be a moment of love. I accept the trial as you wish me to accept it and got as long as you wish, provided you let me always keep love of you in my heart". By Fr. De Rouville
⚪️"Virtue is nothing without the trial of temptation, for there is no conflict without an enemy, no victory without strife". By Saint Leo the Great
🔵 "Jesus brings the justice of God's kingdom tempered with divine love and mercy. He does not bruise the weak or treat them with contempt, but rather shows understanding and compassion. He does not discourage the fainthearted but gives hope, courage, and the strength to persevere through trying circumstances. No trials, failings, and weaknesses can keep us from the mercy and help which Jesus offers to everyone who asks. His grace is sufficient for every moment, every situation, and every challenge we face". By Don Schwager
This Ijournal entry was definitely suppose to be about "Hope". Not sure what or for who, but for sure someone is being spurred on to hope. The new "rhema" word is hope. So hope, hope hope. Driving home from church this acrostic came:
H old
O n
P ersevere
E dure
It's like The Lord is on the top of a mountain with a Bull horn and is proclaiming loud and clear the words: Hope, Hope, Hope. It's seems the general consensus is you all have a little faith, because of not you wouldn't be here, so now it is to hope, hope, hope.
The above was added after everything was already posted on the web, also had to switch desserts. The YouTube video was the straw that broke the comel's back (idioms are my shout out to my family that have all passed on, never really hear things like that anymore). Now on to serving up the veggie. The above can be considered the salad dressing (blue cheese is my favorite).
It came to mind how it was such a sad time and tears flowed and flowed in church because of my mom's stroke, which resulted in her becoming a quadriplegic. The priest at church told me: you are crying against God's will. Now that might sound really harsh, but if you know the person, and know they have demonstrated respect and care for you, your response will be different from what it would be towards the same thing said by an enemy or a stranger. It's a fact that God sends comfort in a variety of ways, but the truth must always be spoken in love. My comfort came from the arms of some parishioners, (Colleen & Dr. Roy, souls so dear) and support was not lacking. Father's truth is still with me today, and the bottom line is that He was right. When something happens it's for me to say that God may purposely want this, but He is allowing this. Do you want to fight against Him or do you want His presence and assistance to help you get through the trial? If the answer is in the affirmative, in wanting God's presence and assistance, it's to then cry on His shoulders in prayer. It's to ask for help to make it through while offering up the pain as reparation for my sins and for those of the world. This is an opportunity to develop more trust, that this is a part of God's plan, even if not directly. In the end it will prove to be a trust worthy plan, one that is serving for good and will somehow bring glory to God.
H old
O n
P ersevere
E dure
It's like The Lord is on the top of a mountain with a Bull horn and is proclaiming loud and clear the words: Hope, Hope, Hope. It's seems the general consensus is you all have a little faith, because of not you wouldn't be here, so now it is to hope, hope, hope.
The above was added after everything was already posted on the web, also had to switch desserts. The YouTube video was the straw that broke the comel's back (idioms are my shout out to my family that have all passed on, never really hear things like that anymore). Now on to serving up the veggie. The above can be considered the salad dressing (blue cheese is my favorite).
It came to mind how it was such a sad time and tears flowed and flowed in church because of my mom's stroke, which resulted in her becoming a quadriplegic. The priest at church told me: you are crying against God's will. Now that might sound really harsh, but if you know the person, and know they have demonstrated respect and care for you, your response will be different from what it would be towards the same thing said by an enemy or a stranger. It's a fact that God sends comfort in a variety of ways, but the truth must always be spoken in love. My comfort came from the arms of some parishioners, (Colleen & Dr. Roy, souls so dear) and support was not lacking. Father's truth is still with me today, and the bottom line is that He was right. When something happens it's for me to say that God may purposely want this, but He is allowing this. Do you want to fight against Him or do you want His presence and assistance to help you get through the trial? If the answer is in the affirmative, in wanting God's presence and assistance, it's to then cry on His shoulders in prayer. It's to ask for help to make it through while offering up the pain as reparation for my sins and for those of the world. This is an opportunity to develop more trust, that this is a part of God's plan, even if not directly. In the end it will prove to be a trust worthy plan, one that is serving for good and will somehow bring glory to God.
Originally this poem was written for Larry, then it was revised after reading a bit in the book: "This Tremendous Lover", by Dom Eugene Boylan, O.C.R.
~ Panic Not When the Going Gets Rough ~ With Jesus Hang Tough ~
♒️Banged up & battered by life, so wishing it was just a slight cut or knick
♒️Useless to stress to the point of being weak & almost getting sick
♒️Know that as trouble comes there is no need to panic
♒️Run to God, trust & let go, though initially, not an easy move to make nor does it happen quick
♒️But to do so is to be heading in the right direction armed with the right attitude, any other, like a bad habit you must resolve to kick
♒️Cause Christ Jesus can handle problems, there's not one He can't unequivocally lick
♒️Remember this about trouble, it doesn't last always
♒️We are to hope against hope and pray to persevere to get through dark days
♒️To do so, it indeed handsomely pays
♒️At all cost keep your mind stayed on God, on what the book of Scripture says
♒️Fear not and have great HOPE if in God you are trying to abide
♒️Cause there is a place in the Sacred heart of Jesus where one can run & safely hide
♒️A repentant sinner with a contrite heart, He will never, never, ever chide
♒️One who chooses to remain humble & close by His side
♒️Expect that the support & love from some will flame red hot at first
♒️Then without fail it waxes & wanes, and like a fragile bubble do eventually burst
♒️Dissatisfaction often ensues, then here comes a real spiritual longing, & a famine causing hunger & thirst
♒️Or sometimes a fit of depression, which is even worst
♒️ABANDONMENT to Divine Providence alleviates stress & worry, let them now RIP, they've died
♒️What results is God's freedom where you can live large & wide
♒️Thank God that will happen for all the HUMBLE who for Him rightly decide
♒️Let your choice infallibly be on the wings of love with the Holy Spirit, in hope & in faith do always abide.
♒️God's Blessings will then come forth, you His child aren't among the cursed
♒️Grace will be the balm for the healing of your soul as it is tenderly, carefully nursed
♒️Divine Mercy will be da ocean in which you'll always be immersed
♒️Emerging you will find your traveling path miraculously reversed
♒️You battle not alone in da trenches, know help is ever at your side
♒️God's LOVE is solid, not like the many other failures you have unsuccessfully tried
♒️The everlasting faithfulness of da Almighty, you won't ever be denied
♒️The Lord will see you through, a one of a kind true, merciful & loving guide
♒️Jesus' power and might will help you to always & forever stem every tide
♒️So FAITH mount the wings of love with the Holy Spirit & travel life hopeful in peace & joyfully ride
♒️Banged up & battered by life, so wishing it was just a slight cut or knick
♒️Useless to stress to the point of being weak & almost getting sick
♒️Know that as trouble comes there is no need to panic
♒️Run to God, trust & let go, though initially, not an easy move to make nor does it happen quick
♒️But to do so is to be heading in the right direction armed with the right attitude, any other, like a bad habit you must resolve to kick
♒️Cause Christ Jesus can handle problems, there's not one He can't unequivocally lick
♒️Remember this about trouble, it doesn't last always
♒️We are to hope against hope and pray to persevere to get through dark days
♒️To do so, it indeed handsomely pays
♒️At all cost keep your mind stayed on God, on what the book of Scripture says
♒️Fear not and have great HOPE if in God you are trying to abide
♒️Cause there is a place in the Sacred heart of Jesus where one can run & safely hide
♒️A repentant sinner with a contrite heart, He will never, never, ever chide
♒️One who chooses to remain humble & close by His side
♒️Expect that the support & love from some will flame red hot at first
♒️Then without fail it waxes & wanes, and like a fragile bubble do eventually burst
♒️Dissatisfaction often ensues, then here comes a real spiritual longing, & a famine causing hunger & thirst
♒️Or sometimes a fit of depression, which is even worst
♒️ABANDONMENT to Divine Providence alleviates stress & worry, let them now RIP, they've died
♒️What results is God's freedom where you can live large & wide
♒️Thank God that will happen for all the HUMBLE who for Him rightly decide
♒️Let your choice infallibly be on the wings of love with the Holy Spirit, in hope & in faith do always abide.
♒️God's Blessings will then come forth, you His child aren't among the cursed
♒️Grace will be the balm for the healing of your soul as it is tenderly, carefully nursed
♒️Divine Mercy will be da ocean in which you'll always be immersed
♒️Emerging you will find your traveling path miraculously reversed
♒️You battle not alone in da trenches, know help is ever at your side
♒️God's LOVE is solid, not like the many other failures you have unsuccessfully tried
♒️The everlasting faithfulness of da Almighty, you won't ever be denied
♒️The Lord will see you through, a one of a kind true, merciful & loving guide
♒️Jesus' power and might will help you to always & forever stem every tide
♒️So FAITH mount the wings of love with the Holy Spirit & travel life hopeful in peace & joyfully ride
Book:"Divine Intimacy: The Test of Hope", by Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen
Presence of God – Give me, O Lord, invincible hope; teach me to hope against all hope, teach me to hope with all my strength.
MEDITATION: The Test of Hope
"We prove the firmness of our faith by persevering in it in spite of its obscurity; we prove that our hope is strong by continuing to hope in spite of adversity and even when God seems to have abandoned us. As an act of faith made in the midst of darkness and doubts is more meritorious, so is it with the act of hope uttered in desolation and abandonment. The three theological virtues are the most appropriate and fitting means of uniting us to God; in fact, the purer, more intense, and supernatural are our faith, hope, and charity, the more closely they unite us to Him. To help us reach this point, God leads us through the crucible of trials. The story of Job is re-enacted in some way in the life of every soul dear to God; he was tried in his property, his children, his own person, deserted by his friends, and ridiculed by his wife. He who had been rich and esteemed, found himself alone on a dunghill, covered from head to foot with horrible sores. But if God is good, if it is true that He desires our good, why does He permit all this? Why does He let us suffer? “For God made not death,” says Sacred Scripture, “neither hath He pleasure in the destruction of the living…. It was the wicked who with hands and words invited death”
Presence of God – Give me, O Lord, invincible hope; teach me to hope against all hope, teach me to hope with all my strength.
MEDITATION: The Test of Hope
"We prove the firmness of our faith by persevering in it in spite of its obscurity; we prove that our hope is strong by continuing to hope in spite of adversity and even when God seems to have abandoned us. As an act of faith made in the midst of darkness and doubts is more meritorious, so is it with the act of hope uttered in desolation and abandonment. The three theological virtues are the most appropriate and fitting means of uniting us to God; in fact, the purer, more intense, and supernatural are our faith, hope, and charity, the more closely they unite us to Him. To help us reach this point, God leads us through the crucible of trials. The story of Job is re-enacted in some way in the life of every soul dear to God; he was tried in his property, his children, his own person, deserted by his friends, and ridiculed by his wife. He who had been rich and esteemed, found himself alone on a dunghill, covered from head to foot with horrible sores. But if God is good, if it is true that He desires our good, why does He permit all this? Why does He let us suffer? “For God made not death,” says Sacred Scripture, “neither hath He pleasure in the destruction of the living…. It was the wicked who with hands and words invited death”
Wisdom 1:13-16 "Because God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living. For he fashioned all things that they might have being, and the creatures of the world are wholesome; There is not a destructive drug among them nor any domain of Hades on earth, For righteousness is undying. It was the wicked who with hands and words invited death, considered it a friend, and pined for it, and made a covenant with it, Because they deserve to be allied with it" |
Death and suffering are the consequences of sin, which God has not prevented because He has willed to leave man free. And yet not only sinners suffer, but the innocent also. Why? Because God wishes to try them as gold is tried in the furnace, purifying them and raising them to a good, to a state of happiness immeasurably superior to the goods and the happiness of earth. Thus God permits the sufferings of the innocent, and even uses the consequences of sin—wars, disorders, social and personal injustices—for the greater good of His elect. It is often true, however, that when we are undergoing a trial we neither see nor understand the reason for it. God does not account for His actions nor does He reveal His plans to us; therefore, it is difficult to endure in faith and hope—difficult, but not impossible, for God never sends us trials which are beyond our strength, just as He never abandons us unless we first abandon Him"
COLLOQUY
“Save me, O God, for the waters have come in even unto my soul. I stick fast in the mire of the deep, and there is no sure standing. I am come into the depth of the sea, and a tempest hath overwhelmed me. I have labored with crying; my jaws are become hoarse; my eyes have failed, whilst I hope in my God…. But my prayer is to Thee, O Lord, for the time of Thy good pleasure…. In the multitude of Thy mercy, hear me, in the truth of Thy salvation. Draw me out of the mire that I may not stick fast; deliver me from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters. Hear me, O Lord, for Thy mercy is kind; look upon me according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies. Turn not away Thy face from Thy servant … Save me, since Thou art my patience; O Lord, my hope, O Lord, from my youth…. I have always hoped in Thee…. O God be not Thou far from me, make haste to help me…. I suffer, but I will always hope, and will add to all Thy praise…. What great troubles hast Thou shown me, many and grievous; and turning, Thou hast brought me back to life, and hast brought me back again from the depths of the earth. Thou hast multiplied Thy magnificence, and turning to me, Thou hast comforted me”
Psalms 69 – 71
COLLOQUY
“Save me, O God, for the waters have come in even unto my soul. I stick fast in the mire of the deep, and there is no sure standing. I am come into the depth of the sea, and a tempest hath overwhelmed me. I have labored with crying; my jaws are become hoarse; my eyes have failed, whilst I hope in my God…. But my prayer is to Thee, O Lord, for the time of Thy good pleasure…. In the multitude of Thy mercy, hear me, in the truth of Thy salvation. Draw me out of the mire that I may not stick fast; deliver me from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters. Hear me, O Lord, for Thy mercy is kind; look upon me according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies. Turn not away Thy face from Thy servant … Save me, since Thou art my patience; O Lord, my hope, O Lord, from my youth…. I have always hoped in Thee…. O God be not Thou far from me, make haste to help me…. I suffer, but I will always hope, and will add to all Thy praise…. What great troubles hast Thou shown me, many and grievous; and turning, Thou hast brought me back to life, and hast brought me back again from the depths of the earth. Thou hast multiplied Thy magnificence, and turning to me, Thou hast comforted me”
Psalms 69 – 71
Psalms 69 A Cry of Anguish in Great Distress. "For the leader; according to “Lilies.” Of David. Save me, God, for the waters have reached my neck. I have sunk into the mire of the deep,where there is no foothold. I have gone down to the watery depths; the flood overwhelms me. I am weary with crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, from looking for my God. More numerous than the hairs of my head"are those who hate me without cause. Those who would destroy me are mighty, my enemies without reason. Must I now restore what I did not steal? God, you know my folly; my faults are not hidden from you. Let those who wait in hope for you, LORD of hosts, not be shamed because of me. Let those who seek you, God of Israel, not be disgraced because of me. For it is on your account I bear insult, that disgrace covers my face. I have become an outcast to my kindred, a stranger to my mother’s children. Because zeal for your house has consumed me, I am scorned by those who scorn you. When I humbled my spirit with fasting, this led only to scorn. When I clothed myself in sackcloth; I became a byword for them. Those who sit in the gate gossip about me; drunkards make me the butt of songs. But I will pray to you, LORD, at a favorable time. God, in your abundant kindness, answer me with your sure deliverance. Rescue me from the mire, and do not let me sink. Rescue me from those who hate me and from the watery depths. Do not let the flood waters overwhelm me, nor the deep swallow me, nor the pit close its mouth over me. Answer me, LORD, in your generous love; in your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide your face from your servant; hasten to answer me, for I am in distress. Come and redeem my life; because of my enemies ransom me. You know my reproach, my shame, my disgrace; before you stand all my foes. Insult has broken my heart, and I despair; I looked for compassion, but there was none, for comforters, but found none. Instead they gave me poison for my food; and for my thirst they gave me vinegar. May their own table be a snare for them, and their communion offerings a trap. Make their eyes so dim they cannot see; keep their backs ever feeble. Pour out your wrath upon them; let the fury of your anger overtake them. Make their camp desolate, with none to dwell in their tents. For they pursued the one you struck, added to the pain of the one you wounded. Heap punishment upon their punishment; let them gain from you no vindication. May they be blotted from the book of life; not registered among the just! But here I am miserable and in pain;let your saving help protect me, God, That I may praise God’s name in song and glorify it with thanksgiving. That will please the LORD more than oxen, more than bulls with horns and hooves: “See, you lowly ones, and be glad; you who seek God, take heart! For the LORD hears the poor, and does not spurn those in bondage. Let the heaven and the earth praise him, the seas and whatever moves in them! For God will rescue Zion, and rebuild the cities of Judah. They will dwell there and possess it; the descendants of God’s servants will inherit it;those who love God’s name will dwell in it" |
Psalms 70 Prayer for Divine Help. "For the leader; of David. For remembrance. Graciously rescue me, God! Come quickly to help me, LORD! Let those who seek my life be confused and put to shame. Let those who desire my ruin turn back in disgrace. Let those who say “Aha!” turn back in their shame. But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you, Those who long for your help always say, “God be glorified!” I am miserable and poor. God, come to me quickly! You are my help and deliverer. LORD, do not delay! |
PSALM 71 Prayer in Time of Old Age. "In you, LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your justice rescue and deliver me. listen to me and save me! Be my rock of refuge, my stronghold to give me safety; for you are my rock and fortress. My God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked, from the clutches of the evil and violent. You are my hope, Lord; my trust, GOD, from my youth. On you I have depended since birth; from my mother’s womb you are my strength; my hope in you never wavers. I have become a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge! My mouth shall be filled with your praise, shall sing your glory every day. Do not cast me aside in my old age; as my strength fails, do not forsake me. For my enemies speak against me; they watch and plot against me. They say, “God has abandoned him. Pursue, and seize him! No one will come to the rescue!” God, be not far from me; my God, hasten to help me. Bring to a shameful end those who attack me; Cover with contempt and scorn those who seek my ruin. I will always hope in you and add to all your praise. My mouth shall proclaim your just deeds, day after day your acts of deliverance, though I cannot number them all. I will speak of the mighty works of the Lord; O GOD, I will tell of your singular justice. God, you have taught me from my youth; to this day I proclaim your wondrous deeds. Now that I am old and gray, do not forsake me, God, That I may proclaim your might to all generations yet to come, Your power and justice, God, to the highest heaven. You have done great things; O God, who is your equal? Whatever bitter afflictions you sent me, you would turn and revive me. From the watery depths of the earth once more raise me up. Restore my honor; turn and comfort me, That I may praise you with the lyre for your faithfulness, my God, And sing to you with the harp, O Holy One of Israel! My lips will shout for joy as I sing your praise; my soul, too, which you have redeemed. Yes, my tongue shall recount your justice day by day. For those who sought my ruin have been shamed and disgraced" |
"Hope", by St. Catherine of Siena
“O hope, sweet sister of faith, you are that virtue which with the keys of the Blood of Christ unlock eternal life to us. You guard the city of the soul against the enemy of confusion, and when the devil tries to cast the soul into despair by pointing out the seriousness of its past sins, you do not slacken your pace, but full of energy, you persevere in fortitude, putting on the balance the price of Christ’s Blood. You place on the brow of perseverance the crown of victory, for you have hoped to obtain it by the power of His Blood”
“O hope, sweet sister of faith, you are that virtue which with the keys of the Blood of Christ unlock eternal life to us. You guard the city of the soul against the enemy of confusion, and when the devil tries to cast the soul into despair by pointing out the seriousness of its past sins, you do not slacken your pace, but full of energy, you persevere in fortitude, putting on the balance the price of Christ’s Blood. You place on the brow of perseverance the crown of victory, for you have hoped to obtain it by the power of His Blood”
Video presentation: "Entrusted With Sorrows", by Johnnette Benkovic and Ralph Martin
Link to YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/MTV8Y0AuJz0
Link to YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/MTV8Y0AuJz0