Ijournal 121216 # 51. Advent, week 3. December, Month of the Divine Infancy. Feast of our Lady of Guadulupe. Maxim by St. Vincent De Paul. Quotes by Fr. Alban Goodier, Stephen Beale, and Our Lady’s words to her servant St. Juan Diego. Holland's childhood poem. Article: "Holy Spirit, Who Spoke through the Prophets", by Tim Schuuman. "The Three Comings of the Lord", by St. Bernard of Clairvaux. Audio presentation: "DO I NEED A SAVIOR? AN ADVENT RETREAT GUIDE ON THE PROPHET ISAIAH", by Fr. John Bartunek.
Excerpts From: Meditations. “Meditations for Advent and Easter, by the author of 'Meditations for Lent'.”
"Aspiration. —O sweet Infant Jesus, come and prepare us for Thy eternal kingdom.
Let us not desire that hours of suffering should pass quickly; for we believe they are hours of purification, of preparation for our place in the eternal temple. Let us not desire that they should hasten, lest we should be less fit for the place for which we are destined, or less " precious " than the Heart of Jesus designs to make us. Alas I if, by our murmurs or impatience, we should deprive ourselves of the least touch of that purification which He is giving us daily with His own wounded hand! Alas if, by our petulance or pride, when reproved or advised by our superiors, we should deter them from admonishing us, and thus lose a brightness perhaps transferred to a more perfect soul".
"Aspiration. —O sweet Infant Jesus, come and prepare us for Thy eternal kingdom.
Let us not desire that hours of suffering should pass quickly; for we believe they are hours of purification, of preparation for our place in the eternal temple. Let us not desire that they should hasten, lest we should be less fit for the place for which we are destined, or less " precious " than the Heart of Jesus designs to make us. Alas I if, by our murmurs or impatience, we should deprive ourselves of the least touch of that purification which He is giving us daily with His own wounded hand! Alas if, by our petulance or pride, when reproved or advised by our superiors, we should deter them from admonishing us, and thus lose a brightness perhaps transferred to a more perfect soul".
"Our Eternal Father ordained that His Son, Jesus, should know all life's stages: infancy, childhood, youth, and that He should be like us in everything, except sin. Our God made Man and Savior was born as a helpless baby, who, in deep humility, relied on His Mother for all His needs. As He grew, He was obedient to His Mother and Father sanctifying the Holy House in Nazareth with His Divine Nature united to His Human State. There is no condition of growth that Jesus has not sanctified for us by living it Himself". By Antonio Maria Sicari, OCD
"Amalekites. Not very nice people. Sacrificed baby's to the god of darkness. God sent Abraham to them to make them extinct.
Aztecs. Also not too nice. Sacrificed people by ripping their still-beating hearts out of their chests to placate the god of darkness, Tezcatlipoca. For one feast they sacrificed atop of the great pyramid of Tenaochtitlan 80,000 people in three days with a line of victims stretching 2 miles long. God sent his Mother to them to save them from extinction.
Today is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It commemorates the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary to a little native man, Saint Juan Diego, of the Aztec people.
Her coming to the Aztecs heralded the conversion of over 10 million people in a few years.
In a few decades the people that were a waring culture, intent on conquering different tribes of peoples to find more victims for sacrifice, had become peace loving and God fearing and had replaced human sacrifice with the Holy Sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
We need her again today." Fr. Samuel Medley, SOLT
Info from this site: http://www.catholic.org/homily/yearoffaith/story.php?id=48892
Aztecs. Also not too nice. Sacrificed people by ripping their still-beating hearts out of their chests to placate the god of darkness, Tezcatlipoca. For one feast they sacrificed atop of the great pyramid of Tenaochtitlan 80,000 people in three days with a line of victims stretching 2 miles long. God sent his Mother to them to save them from extinction.
Today is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It commemorates the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary to a little native man, Saint Juan Diego, of the Aztec people.
Her coming to the Aztecs heralded the conversion of over 10 million people in a few years.
In a few decades the people that were a waring culture, intent on conquering different tribes of peoples to find more victims for sacrifice, had become peace loving and God fearing and had replaced human sacrifice with the Holy Sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
We need her again today." Fr. Samuel Medley, SOLT
Info from this site: http://www.catholic.org/homily/yearoffaith/story.php?id=48892
By St. Vincent De Paul
"We should take as a maxim never to be surprised at current difficulties, no more than at a passing breeze, because with a little patience we shall see them disappear. Time changes everything."
MTA = Valuable advice to heed that often passes like a ship in the night. Lord help me to understand the valuable jewel that patience is.
"We should take as a maxim never to be surprised at current difficulties, no more than at a passing breeze, because with a little patience we shall see them disappear. Time changes everything."
MTA = Valuable advice to heed that often passes like a ship in the night. Lord help me to understand the valuable jewel that patience is.
🌑 “He was to be born of a Virgin.He was to be born at Bethlehem; and yet by an apparent contradiction He was both to come out of Egypt and was to be called a Nazarene. He was to be of the line of David. His birth was to be both a matter of rejoicing and a source of lamentation. He was to grow up a King, and yet He was to be the humblest and the meekest of the humble and meek. He was to be the Savior, and yet was Himself to perish. He was to perfect the Law, and yet the Law was to be ended by this new legislation. He was to give meaning to all the symbols and sacrifices, and yet was to put an end to them all. Such clear vision, surrounded by such mystery, made up the dawn of the great day.” By Fr. Alban Goodier
🎾 "Just as the temptations of the flesh had been at the origin of the first sin of Adam and Eve, so now also the flesh would become the source of our salvation.This idea, that all things are recapitulated in Christ, is both very biblical and very patristic.For example, Irenaeus also saw Mary as the new Eve and the cross as the new tree from the Garden of Eden". By Stephen Beale
🌕 "Listen and let it penetrate your heart…do not be troubled or weighed down with grief. Do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not your fountain of life? Are you not in the folds of my mantle? In the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else you need?” Our Lady’s words to her servant St. Juan Diego
🎾 "Just as the temptations of the flesh had been at the origin of the first sin of Adam and Eve, so now also the flesh would become the source of our salvation.This idea, that all things are recapitulated in Christ, is both very biblical and very patristic.For example, Irenaeus also saw Mary as the new Eve and the cross as the new tree from the Garden of Eden". By Stephen Beale
🌕 "Listen and let it penetrate your heart…do not be troubled or weighed down with grief. Do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not your fountain of life? Are you not in the folds of my mantle? In the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else you need?” Our Lady’s words to her servant St. Juan Diego
Of course that sharing triggered a poetic response, making it hard for me not to add by my two cents in collaboration.
🏃🏽On a quick kick
🏃🏽Adding a title and a graphic:
🏃🏽Christian Souls~ From Whom Blessings Day by Day Unfolds
🏃🏽On a quick kick
🏃🏽Adding a title and a graphic:
🏃🏽Christian Souls~ From Whom Blessings Day by Day Unfolds
🖌Holland Collins =Around us, high waves of life break and roll
🖌tmm=But never should we let that stop us from achieving our goal
🖌Holland Collins=We're usually swept by one or more each day
🖌tmm=We rise to the occasion with prayers ascending to heaven to help lift heavy burdens that at the feet of Jesus we do lay
🖌Holland Collins=But God blessed some of us with a Christian Soul
🖌tmm=People who help you see that there's really no need to walk around feeling like around your neck is an albatross or a troll
🖌Holland Collins=To help others, distressed, on their way
🖌tmm=We rise to the occasion with prayers ascending to heaven to help lift heavy burdens that at the feet of Jesus we do lay
🖌Holland Collins=These Souls are usually modest and humble
🖌tmm=Vigilant to the spiritual road blocks that can cause someone to falter and stumble
🖌Holland Collins=By which they are distinguished from the others
🖌tmm=The visible face of Christ, cause over their souls an abundance of grace gently blankets and covers
🖌Holland Collins=From them, one never hears a grumble
🖌tmm=The Holy Spirit's presence helps them avoid that which could be labeled a spiritual fumble
🖌Holland Collins=And they are proudly claimed by all as Christian Brothers
🖌tmm= Like their counterparts Christians Sisters, God the Father unifying spirit above them all mightily hovers
🖌Holland Collins=Instead of in one's self trying to hide
🖌tmm=It's all about living in & for Jesus, moment by moment in Him to abide
🖌Holland Collins=In one of these Souls one can confide
🖌tmm=As they offer a shoulder to lean on, making a difference in helping another to stem the tide
Holland Collins=And rather than letting these breaking waves drown us
tmm=Or resulting in one walking around moody and always ready to pick a fuss
🖌Holland Collins=We can always speak to the one of these disciples of Jesus
🖌tmm=Eliminating the need to constantly complain or cuss
🖌Holland Collins=Now, in reverence, our hearts we can nod
🖌tmm=Thanking God on bended knees, with folded hands as we incorporate in worship the use of our God given bod
🖌Holland Collins=To those Christians Souls, the greatest gift of God
🖌tmm=Let us be among those caring & sharing His gifts of love that continues on the journey till our bodies hit the mighty sod
🖌tmm=Amen and amen!!!
🖌tmm=Christian Souls such as Holland a Godsend!!!
If a heart nods in reverence as stated by HC, then sooner or later the reality is:
🖌tmm=But never should we let that stop us from achieving our goal
🖌Holland Collins=We're usually swept by one or more each day
🖌tmm=We rise to the occasion with prayers ascending to heaven to help lift heavy burdens that at the feet of Jesus we do lay
🖌Holland Collins=But God blessed some of us with a Christian Soul
🖌tmm=People who help you see that there's really no need to walk around feeling like around your neck is an albatross or a troll
🖌Holland Collins=To help others, distressed, on their way
🖌tmm=We rise to the occasion with prayers ascending to heaven to help lift heavy burdens that at the feet of Jesus we do lay
🖌Holland Collins=These Souls are usually modest and humble
🖌tmm=Vigilant to the spiritual road blocks that can cause someone to falter and stumble
🖌Holland Collins=By which they are distinguished from the others
🖌tmm=The visible face of Christ, cause over their souls an abundance of grace gently blankets and covers
🖌Holland Collins=From them, one never hears a grumble
🖌tmm=The Holy Spirit's presence helps them avoid that which could be labeled a spiritual fumble
🖌Holland Collins=And they are proudly claimed by all as Christian Brothers
🖌tmm= Like their counterparts Christians Sisters, God the Father unifying spirit above them all mightily hovers
🖌Holland Collins=Instead of in one's self trying to hide
🖌tmm=It's all about living in & for Jesus, moment by moment in Him to abide
🖌Holland Collins=In one of these Souls one can confide
🖌tmm=As they offer a shoulder to lean on, making a difference in helping another to stem the tide
Holland Collins=And rather than letting these breaking waves drown us
tmm=Or resulting in one walking around moody and always ready to pick a fuss
🖌Holland Collins=We can always speak to the one of these disciples of Jesus
🖌tmm=Eliminating the need to constantly complain or cuss
🖌Holland Collins=Now, in reverence, our hearts we can nod
🖌tmm=Thanking God on bended knees, with folded hands as we incorporate in worship the use of our God given bod
🖌Holland Collins=To those Christians Souls, the greatest gift of God
🖌tmm=Let us be among those caring & sharing His gifts of love that continues on the journey till our bodies hit the mighty sod
🖌tmm=Amen and amen!!!
🖌tmm=Christian Souls such as Holland a Godsend!!!
If a heart nods in reverence as stated by HC, then sooner or later the reality is:
May we all this Holy Season and every day of our lives be true Christian Souls, living God and neighbor as self.
"Holy Spirit, Who Spoke through the Prophets", by Tim Schuuman
Info from this site:
http://www.reformedworship.org/article/september-2011/holy-spirit-present-advent
🕊Litany of ResponseThe Lord promised to be God to Abraham, Sarah, and their children, calling them to walk faithfully before him, and blessing the nations through them.🕊God chose Israel to show the glory of his name, the power of his love, and the wisdom of his ways. The Lord gave them the law through Moses and led them by the prophets, shaping a people in whom God is revealed—a light to the nations.
When Israel spurned God’s love—lusting after other gods, trusting in power and wealth, and hurting the weak—God scattered them among the nations, yet kept a faithful remnant and promised them the Messiah.
🕊A prophet to speak good news, a king to crush evil and rule the earth with justice, a priest to be sacrificed for sinners. God promised to forgive their sins and give them a new heart and a new spirit.
The Spirit of the Lord moved mightily upon them, effecting change, stirring them to action.
🕊But who has believed the prophets’ messages? To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?
Info from this site:
http://www.reformedworship.org/article/september-2011/holy-spirit-present-advent
🕊Litany of ResponseThe Lord promised to be God to Abraham, Sarah, and their children, calling them to walk faithfully before him, and blessing the nations through them.🕊God chose Israel to show the glory of his name, the power of his love, and the wisdom of his ways. The Lord gave them the law through Moses and led them by the prophets, shaping a people in whom God is revealed—a light to the nations.
When Israel spurned God’s love—lusting after other gods, trusting in power and wealth, and hurting the weak—God scattered them among the nations, yet kept a faithful remnant and promised them the Messiah.
🕊A prophet to speak good news, a king to crush evil and rule the earth with justice, a priest to be sacrificed for sinners. God promised to forgive their sins and give them a new heart and a new spirit.
The Spirit of the Lord moved mightily upon them, effecting change, stirring them to action.
🕊But who has believed the prophets’ messages? To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?
🕊Thunder in the desert!
🎼Song: “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” https://youtu.be/8wl4u8lnDQs
🕊Notes_This week’s focus: how the Holy Spirit spoke through the prophets in the Old Testament, preparing the way for Jesus to come into the world to redeem Israel and all who believe. The Spirit continues to “prophesy” through creation, the Bible, and directly to our hearts, preparing us and the world for Christ’s return. Just as the Spirit was present at creation, the Spirit was moving and working through God’s chosen people to prepare the way for Jesus’ coming.
Name some of the prophets from the Old Testament, and then ask, What is a prophet? The prophets’ job was to call the people back to God. Prophets warned people of the consequences of their actions and called them to repentance. The heart of the prophets’ message was God’s promise of eternal redemption through the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Who gave the prophets the words to say? Who gave them their power? The Holy Spirit!
As the candle is lit, say, “We light this candle to remember that God’s Spirit worked through the prophets and his people to prepare the way for Jesus’ arrival, so that we could be saved from our sins. In the same way, the Spirit is moving among us now, preparing our hearts for Jesus’ return. Like the prophets, we are God’s messengers to tell people about God’s love for them.”
🕊Notes_This week’s focus: how the Holy Spirit spoke through the prophets in the Old Testament, preparing the way for Jesus to come into the world to redeem Israel and all who believe. The Spirit continues to “prophesy” through creation, the Bible, and directly to our hearts, preparing us and the world for Christ’s return. Just as the Spirit was present at creation, the Spirit was moving and working through God’s chosen people to prepare the way for Jesus’ coming.
Name some of the prophets from the Old Testament, and then ask, What is a prophet? The prophets’ job was to call the people back to God. Prophets warned people of the consequences of their actions and called them to repentance. The heart of the prophets’ message was God’s promise of eternal redemption through the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Who gave the prophets the words to say? Who gave them their power? The Holy Spirit!
As the candle is lit, say, “We light this candle to remember that God’s Spirit worked through the prophets and his people to prepare the way for Jesus’ arrival, so that we could be saved from our sins. In the same way, the Spirit is moving among us now, preparing our hearts for Jesus’ return. Like the prophets, we are God’s messengers to tell people about God’s love for them.”
The Three Comings of the Lord, by St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Info from this site: https://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/library_article/321/Three_Comings_of_the_Lord__St._Bernard.html
Excerpt from a sermon by St. Bernard of Clairvaux
"We know that there are three comings of the Lord. The third lies between the other two. It is invisible, while the other two are visible. In the first coming he was seen on earth, dwelling among men; he himself testifies that they saw him and hated him. In the final coming all flesh will see the salvation of our God, and they will look on him whom they pierced. The intermediate coming is a hidden one; in it only the elect see the Lord within their own selves, and they are saved. In his first coming our Lord came in our flesh and in our weakness; in this middle coming he comes in spirit and in power; in the final coming he will be seen in glory and majesty.
In case someone should think that what we say about this middle coming is sheer invention, listen to what our Lord himself ways: If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him. There is another passage of Scripture which reads: He who fears God will do good, but something further has been said about the one who loves, that is, that he will keep God’s word. Where is God’s word to be kept? Obviously in the heart, as the prophet says: I have hidden your words in my heart, so that I may not sin against you.
Keep God’s word in this way. Let it enter into your very being, let it take possession of your desires and your whole way of life. Feed on goodness, and your soul will delight in its richness. Remember to eat your bread, or your heart will wither away. Fill your soul with richness and strength.
Because this coming lies between the other two, it is like a road on which we travel from the first coming to the last. In the first, Christ was our redemption; in the last, he will appear as our life; in this middle coming, he is our rest and consolation.
If you keep the word of God in this way, it will also keep you. The Son with the Father will come to you. The great Prophet who will build the new Jerusalem will come, the one who makes all things new. This coming will fulfill what is written: As we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, we shall also bear the likeness of the heavenly man. Just as Adam’s sin spread through all mankind and took hold of all, so Christ, who created and redeemed all, will glorify all, once he takes possession of all"
Info from this site: https://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/library_article/321/Three_Comings_of_the_Lord__St._Bernard.html
Excerpt from a sermon by St. Bernard of Clairvaux
"We know that there are three comings of the Lord. The third lies between the other two. It is invisible, while the other two are visible. In the first coming he was seen on earth, dwelling among men; he himself testifies that they saw him and hated him. In the final coming all flesh will see the salvation of our God, and they will look on him whom they pierced. The intermediate coming is a hidden one; in it only the elect see the Lord within their own selves, and they are saved. In his first coming our Lord came in our flesh and in our weakness; in this middle coming he comes in spirit and in power; in the final coming he will be seen in glory and majesty.
In case someone should think that what we say about this middle coming is sheer invention, listen to what our Lord himself ways: If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him. There is another passage of Scripture which reads: He who fears God will do good, but something further has been said about the one who loves, that is, that he will keep God’s word. Where is God’s word to be kept? Obviously in the heart, as the prophet says: I have hidden your words in my heart, so that I may not sin against you.
Keep God’s word in this way. Let it enter into your very being, let it take possession of your desires and your whole way of life. Feed on goodness, and your soul will delight in its richness. Remember to eat your bread, or your heart will wither away. Fill your soul with richness and strength.
Because this coming lies between the other two, it is like a road on which we travel from the first coming to the last. In the first, Christ was our redemption; in the last, he will appear as our life; in this middle coming, he is our rest and consolation.
If you keep the word of God in this way, it will also keep you. The Son with the Father will come to you. The great Prophet who will build the new Jerusalem will come, the one who makes all things new. This coming will fulfill what is written: As we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, we shall also bear the likeness of the heavenly man. Just as Adam’s sin spread through all mankind and took hold of all, so Christ, who created and redeemed all, will glorify all, once he takes possession of all"
Audio presentation: "DO I NEED A SAVIOR? AN ADVENT RETREAT GUIDE ON THE PROPHET ISAIAH", by Fr. John Bartunek.
Link to audio retreat:
soundcloud.com/user-969231041/rg-36-audio-r2-2
Link to audio retreat:
soundcloud.com/user-969231041/rg-36-audio-r2-2