Ijournal entry 022717 # 9. February, the month dedicated to the Holy Family. The Rule of St. Benedict. Quotes by Henri Nouwen, St. Jose Escriva , and Servant of God Little Brother Marcel Văn CSsR. Book: "With God in America: The spiritual Legacy of an Unlikely Jesuit, Fr. Walter Ciszek, S.J. Part 3. Online retreat: "Taste and See: Experiencing God with Our Sense of Smell". Audio homily: "Tolerance & Sacrifice", by Friar Fr. Antonio.
"Families today face many struggles, both through cultural pressure and through the personal struggles that accompany family life. Despite these struggles — and partly as a result of conquering them — families have great capacity for love and joy, a joy that is strengthened through the peace and truth found in Christ"
Info from this site:
http://www.kofc.org/en/domestic-church/parish-programs/holy-family-consecration.html#/
http://www.kofc.org/en/domestic-church/parish-programs/holy-family-consecration.html#/
"If we wish to prefer a petition to men of high station, we do not presume to do it without humility and reverence; how much more ought we to supplicate the Lord God of all things with humility and pure devotion. And let us be sure that we shall not be heard for our much speaking, but for purity of heart and tears of compunction. Our prayer, therefore, ought to be short and pure, unless it chance to be prolonged by the inspiration of divine grace. In community, however, let prayer be very short, and when the superior has given the signal let all rise together"
(MC= Let all who find they have very few words to their prayers, take comfort, as the Holy Spirit, it is as it should be. For long winded people like me, may God have mercy and surely let every word be by the inspiration of Divine grace)
(MC= Let all who find they have very few words to their prayers, take comfort, as the Holy Spirit, it is as it should be. For long winded people like me, may God have mercy and surely let every word be by the inspiration of Divine grace)
Another soul heads home, RIP Cal. Sample the veggies.
🔘 "There is beauty and goodness right where we are. And only when we can see the beauty and goodness that are close by can we recognize beauty and goodness on our travels far and wide. There are trees and flowers to enjoy, paintings and sculptures to admire; most of all there are people who smile, play, and show kindness and gentleness. They are all around us, to be recognized as free gifts to receive in gratitude". By Henri Nouwen
⭕️ "Everything may collapse and fail. Events may turn out contrary to what was expected and great adversity may come. But nothing is to be gained by being perturbed. Furthermore, remember the confident prayer of the prophet: "The Lord is our judge, the Lord gives us our laws, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us." Say it devoutly every day, so that your behaviour may agree with the designs of Providence, which governs us for our own good". St. Jose Escriva
🎾 "Jesus does not like to see you troubled. He wants simply that we are conscious of our powerlessness and that we put in him all our confidence". By Little Brother Marcel Văn CSsR
⭕️ "Everything may collapse and fail. Events may turn out contrary to what was expected and great adversity may come. But nothing is to be gained by being perturbed. Furthermore, remember the confident prayer of the prophet: "The Lord is our judge, the Lord gives us our laws, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us." Say it devoutly every day, so that your behaviour may agree with the designs of Providence, which governs us for our own good". St. Jose Escriva
🎾 "Jesus does not like to see you troubled. He wants simply that we are conscious of our powerlessness and that we put in him all our confidence". By Little Brother Marcel Văn CSsR
My tribute to Cal is in a form of a poem. Referred to him as uncle Cal, as he was a very helpful family friend. He guided me in purchasing my first computer, the IBM Aptiva. How exciting a time that was for me. He thought nothing of sharing his programs and giving me helpful tips, staying on the phone as long as needed. Maybe being a draftsman helped fine tune the virtue of patience, because He was very patient and kindhearted. Always ready to pitch in where needed, just call on Cal, a jack of all trades. Thank God for his life and may he find pardon and peace with the mercy of God granting him eternal rest and letting the perpetual light of Christ shine down upon him forever. Amen.
Revelation 21:3-4 "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away everytear from their eyes, and there will be no moredeath or mourning or crying or pain, for theformer things have passed away.” |
Isaiah 35:10 "And the ransomed of the LORD will return And come with joyful shouting to Zion, With everlasting joy upon their heads. They will find gladness and joy, And sorrow and sighing will flee away" |
2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!" |
👤Cal, Cal, Cal,
👤To many you were a good buddy and a pal
👤Anyone who knew you would have no trouble admitting it
👤You were a man to whom many talents by God was granted
👤In numerous circumstances, not for a few but for many you put them to good use
👤Never turning away one in need, of help you would absolutely no one refuse
👤For all of your kindness
👤May in God's sight you enjoy eternal bliss
👤A Scripture that sets things straight
👤Is 1 Peter 4:8
👤To many you were a good buddy and a pal
👤Anyone who knew you would have no trouble admitting it
👤You were a man to whom many talents by God was granted
👤In numerous circumstances, not for a few but for many you put them to good use
👤Never turning away one in need, of help you would absolutely no one refuse
👤For all of your kindness
👤May in God's sight you enjoy eternal bliss
👤A Scripture that sets things straight
👤Is 1 Peter 4:8
👤Your concern for helping out and loving neighbor as thyself, puts you in the category not with the losers but with the ones that big time wins
👤For all the good that you did for others, you really did it for the Master, yes for Him
👤So now in the heavens your works can shine brightly and not in the least be dim
👤God granted you the precious gift of life
👤And of course here we all pass not unscathed, but eventually bit by the bug of sin and strife
👤But it's the blood of Jesus that saves and our sincere repentance
👤So thanks be to God you were graced to acknowledge Jesus and responded with goodwill, embracement, and acceptance.
👤So very thankful
👤Ever so grateful
👤A God given blessing
👤To meet on the path of life with you and be granted moments of joy while spiritually journeying
👤Into my family's life by divine intervention you crossed
👤Without which many joys to us would most certainlyhave been lost
👤Knowing exactly what He was doing, God fearfully and wonderfully created you,
👤And prepared a place for you to return to
👤As a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend, neighbor, teacher, coworker, and a knight, and all around handy man, for those having had the experience of knowing you, blest we all were
👤Our wishes are that your eternal reward, peace and happiness with God be great, bidding you good bye till we get to say hello again in Christ Jesus, yes sir, yes sir!
👤For all the good that you did for others, you really did it for the Master, yes for Him
👤So now in the heavens your works can shine brightly and not in the least be dim
👤God granted you the precious gift of life
👤And of course here we all pass not unscathed, but eventually bit by the bug of sin and strife
👤But it's the blood of Jesus that saves and our sincere repentance
👤So thanks be to God you were graced to acknowledge Jesus and responded with goodwill, embracement, and acceptance.
👤So very thankful
👤Ever so grateful
👤A God given blessing
👤To meet on the path of life with you and be granted moments of joy while spiritually journeying
👤Into my family's life by divine intervention you crossed
👤Without which many joys to us would most certainlyhave been lost
👤Knowing exactly what He was doing, God fearfully and wonderfully created you,
👤And prepared a place for you to return to
👤As a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend, neighbor, teacher, coworker, and a knight, and all around handy man, for those having had the experience of knowing you, blest we all were
👤Our wishes are that your eternal reward, peace and happiness with God be great, bidding you good bye till we get to say hello again in Christ Jesus, yes sir, yes sir!
Book: "With God in America: The spiritual Legacy of an Unlikely Jesuit, Fr. Walter Ciszek
Excerpts from the book:
"St. Ignatius gives great attention to the disorder of sin; he invites the retreatant to meditate on the triple sin of the angels, of Adam and Eve, and of ourselves. Considering sin we must be objective: i.e., not influenced by our feelings, desires, and wishes, but in all humility considering it as it is, asking God’s help for a better understanding. Our repugnance, shunning excuses, dissatisfaction, personal attitudes, or any such hindrance on our part are barriers to a good meditation on sin.
Open-mindedness, sincerity, humility, and simplicity are required before we begin. Thus disposed, God will help us and reveal the malice of sin in its fullness.
👼🏼The sin of the angels.
God condemned the angels for all eternity for one sin, while he has spared me in spite of all my sins. I’m still living, not condemned nor eternally punished. God had mercy on me. What striking contrast there is between the angels and myself, their sins and mine, God’s treatment of them and of me. He condemned them for all eternity after their one sin and spared me despite my having sinned so often. The wrath of God afflicted them but spared me. Why? Am I better than they? No, they sinned once and my sins are many.
The reason for such action on God’s part is to be sought in his mercy, goodness, and love. The condemned angels are an example of God’s wrath: they are deprived of his vision for all eternity, separated from him, tortured in hell without end. The fallen angels are an object of God’s justice, receiving what they deserved, while I with my many sins am an object of his mercy, goodness, and love—pardoned, blessed, and tolerated again and again, after my repeated sins. It seems there is no end to God’s mercy towards me, though the possibility of being the victim of his justice is real, actual, and possible. Can I be certain that the next time I commit a sin God will not mete out a just punishment, in the same manner as he has punished the angels? The possibility of falling under God’s justice is a fearful thought. One that should keep you on guard against sin, constantly imploring God for his forgiveness and mercy for yourself and others. That holy and salutary fear should not leave us for a moment. That fear will keep us from sin, or at least make us reflect before committing it. With this renewed spirit, thank God for all his goodness and in the humility of thy heart seek thy salvation.
What am I worth in comparison with all men? Many excel me in natural and spiritual gifts. With angels and with the saints in heaven there is no need of making comparisons. And if compared with God, I am nothing—the most insignificant of creatures who dared to sin against his Creator. Vile, selfish, corrupt, yet sullen enough to live with people and presumptuous enough to pray to God whom I offended. Sin made me obnoxious, degraded in the eyes of God, a monster that only sin could make. Yet in spite of all this, the Lord regarded my nothingness, preserved me, cared for me, and delivered me from hell itself without my deserving this in the least.
Where is God’s justice? Where are his sanctity and other attributes, to condescend so low because of me and lavish his blessings on one so unworthy of them? Why this for me? Why spare me, when you did not spare others far worthier than I? Confused, abased, humiliated to the depths, Lord, I express my deep gratitude to thee. You have done so much for me, let me do something for thee. Whatever you ask from me, I shall do, however humiliating, difficult, dangerous—or even most ordinary, but requiring hidden sacrifice, immolation, in daily insignificant and unrecognized actions. Or, with all sincerity yet modest and simple humility, if you call for a total sacrifice of life itself, your unworthy servant is ready. There is nothing I will refuse you, if you will it. You have conquered sin, evil, and death itself; that is why you are life and resurrection itself."
Excerpts from the book:
"St. Ignatius gives great attention to the disorder of sin; he invites the retreatant to meditate on the triple sin of the angels, of Adam and Eve, and of ourselves. Considering sin we must be objective: i.e., not influenced by our feelings, desires, and wishes, but in all humility considering it as it is, asking God’s help for a better understanding. Our repugnance, shunning excuses, dissatisfaction, personal attitudes, or any such hindrance on our part are barriers to a good meditation on sin.
Open-mindedness, sincerity, humility, and simplicity are required before we begin. Thus disposed, God will help us and reveal the malice of sin in its fullness.
👼🏼The sin of the angels.
God condemned the angels for all eternity for one sin, while he has spared me in spite of all my sins. I’m still living, not condemned nor eternally punished. God had mercy on me. What striking contrast there is between the angels and myself, their sins and mine, God’s treatment of them and of me. He condemned them for all eternity after their one sin and spared me despite my having sinned so often. The wrath of God afflicted them but spared me. Why? Am I better than they? No, they sinned once and my sins are many.
The reason for such action on God’s part is to be sought in his mercy, goodness, and love. The condemned angels are an example of God’s wrath: they are deprived of his vision for all eternity, separated from him, tortured in hell without end. The fallen angels are an object of God’s justice, receiving what they deserved, while I with my many sins am an object of his mercy, goodness, and love—pardoned, blessed, and tolerated again and again, after my repeated sins. It seems there is no end to God’s mercy towards me, though the possibility of being the victim of his justice is real, actual, and possible. Can I be certain that the next time I commit a sin God will not mete out a just punishment, in the same manner as he has punished the angels? The possibility of falling under God’s justice is a fearful thought. One that should keep you on guard against sin, constantly imploring God for his forgiveness and mercy for yourself and others. That holy and salutary fear should not leave us for a moment. That fear will keep us from sin, or at least make us reflect before committing it. With this renewed spirit, thank God for all his goodness and in the humility of thy heart seek thy salvation.
What am I worth in comparison with all men? Many excel me in natural and spiritual gifts. With angels and with the saints in heaven there is no need of making comparisons. And if compared with God, I am nothing—the most insignificant of creatures who dared to sin against his Creator. Vile, selfish, corrupt, yet sullen enough to live with people and presumptuous enough to pray to God whom I offended. Sin made me obnoxious, degraded in the eyes of God, a monster that only sin could make. Yet in spite of all this, the Lord regarded my nothingness, preserved me, cared for me, and delivered me from hell itself without my deserving this in the least.
Where is God’s justice? Where are his sanctity and other attributes, to condescend so low because of me and lavish his blessings on one so unworthy of them? Why this for me? Why spare me, when you did not spare others far worthier than I? Confused, abased, humiliated to the depths, Lord, I express my deep gratitude to thee. You have done so much for me, let me do something for thee. Whatever you ask from me, I shall do, however humiliating, difficult, dangerous—or even most ordinary, but requiring hidden sacrifice, immolation, in daily insignificant and unrecognized actions. Or, with all sincerity yet modest and simple humility, if you call for a total sacrifice of life itself, your unworthy servant is ready. There is nothing I will refuse you, if you will it. You have conquered sin, evil, and death itself; that is why you are life and resurrection itself."
Senses Part 3 Online Retreat: "Taste and See: Experiencing God with Our Sense of Smell"
Info from this site:
www.ignatianspirituality.com/24718/taste-and-see-experiencing-god-with-sense-of-smell
“Stop and smell the roses,” is a familiar invitation. It’s a call to slow down and to enjoy life as we live it. There are many different ways to word this. We could tell each other to “stop and look at the sky” or “stop and listen to the birds.” But I like that this proverb invokes the sense of smell, recognizing the power of fragrance to positively influence our daily lives.
Sure, there are times when the ability to smell seems more like a curse than a blessing. A stinky diaper, rancid garbage, or that overbearing perfume in a crowded elevator can make us wish, temporarily, that there were four senses instead of five. But the fact remains that the sense of smell can do a great deal to improve the quality of life. When you consider the wide appeal of scented candles and aromatherapy, you see how much power an inviting scent can have, and how often we use it to improve our well-being.
Smell is also distinctly connected with memory, so much so that a certain fragrance can bring back the past with a rush. Years ago, I remember being in the Communion line behind a woman whose soap or perfume (I’m not exactly sure which.) smelled exactly like the one my late grandmother used. Though it had been years since Grandma’s death, and though I had not even been conscious of her signature scent while she was alive, the smell flooded me with the sudden memory of her presence. It was a little gift, like grace, coming out of nowhere but so very welcome.
Even if it’s not charged with memory, an inviting fragrance can do so much to change our experience of a moment. When we smell something we love, we want to savor it, which involves pausing whatever we are doing and inhaling deeply, relishing the fragrance. This is different from the breathing we do most of the rest of the time, which is often shallow and quick, particularly when we are busy. To savor the scent of something means breathing intentionally, slowly. It means filling our lungs in a way that centers us and relaxes us. It means pausing in an appreciation that is its own kind of prayer. So to stop and smell the roses—or the coffee, or the pine forest, or the fresh pages of a brand-new book—is a very good thing indeed. It’s good for the body; it’s good for our mind; it’s good for our memories. And, as a reminder of the sweetness of God’s creation, it’s good for the soul.
🙏🏽Prayer
👉🏼Begin. Center yourself. Take three deep breaths and open yourself to God’s presence.
👉🏼Give thanks. Thank God for the gift of smell, for the things in the created world that generate inviting scents, and for the memories of your past.
👉🏼Review. Think of your favorite scents. Make a list of them if you like. Think of times when you’ve relished them and of the joy that they have brought you.
👉🏼Have you ever had the experience of smelling something and instantly remembering a place, a person, or an experience? What was that like? Share the memory with God.
👉🏼Think of a few of your favorite activities. What role does smell play in each of them? Ponder how playing Frisbee would be different without the scent of freshly cut grass or how quilting would be different without the smell of the fabric. Think about how those smells enhance the experience.
👉🏼Look ahead. Tomorrow, pay particular attention to the smells you encounter as you go throughout your day. When the day is over, take a few minutes to review them and to notice which ones you most enjoyed.
🐾Action
👉🏼When you encounter a smell you love, take time to relish it. Breathe deeply and let your body relax as you savor the scent. Think of God’s goodness and love filling you with every slow, renewing breath.
Info from this site:
www.ignatianspirituality.com/24718/taste-and-see-experiencing-god-with-sense-of-smell
“Stop and smell the roses,” is a familiar invitation. It’s a call to slow down and to enjoy life as we live it. There are many different ways to word this. We could tell each other to “stop and look at the sky” or “stop and listen to the birds.” But I like that this proverb invokes the sense of smell, recognizing the power of fragrance to positively influence our daily lives.
Sure, there are times when the ability to smell seems more like a curse than a blessing. A stinky diaper, rancid garbage, or that overbearing perfume in a crowded elevator can make us wish, temporarily, that there were four senses instead of five. But the fact remains that the sense of smell can do a great deal to improve the quality of life. When you consider the wide appeal of scented candles and aromatherapy, you see how much power an inviting scent can have, and how often we use it to improve our well-being.
Smell is also distinctly connected with memory, so much so that a certain fragrance can bring back the past with a rush. Years ago, I remember being in the Communion line behind a woman whose soap or perfume (I’m not exactly sure which.) smelled exactly like the one my late grandmother used. Though it had been years since Grandma’s death, and though I had not even been conscious of her signature scent while she was alive, the smell flooded me with the sudden memory of her presence. It was a little gift, like grace, coming out of nowhere but so very welcome.
Even if it’s not charged with memory, an inviting fragrance can do so much to change our experience of a moment. When we smell something we love, we want to savor it, which involves pausing whatever we are doing and inhaling deeply, relishing the fragrance. This is different from the breathing we do most of the rest of the time, which is often shallow and quick, particularly when we are busy. To savor the scent of something means breathing intentionally, slowly. It means filling our lungs in a way that centers us and relaxes us. It means pausing in an appreciation that is its own kind of prayer. So to stop and smell the roses—or the coffee, or the pine forest, or the fresh pages of a brand-new book—is a very good thing indeed. It’s good for the body; it’s good for our mind; it’s good for our memories. And, as a reminder of the sweetness of God’s creation, it’s good for the soul.
🙏🏽Prayer
👉🏼Begin. Center yourself. Take three deep breaths and open yourself to God’s presence.
👉🏼Give thanks. Thank God for the gift of smell, for the things in the created world that generate inviting scents, and for the memories of your past.
👉🏼Review. Think of your favorite scents. Make a list of them if you like. Think of times when you’ve relished them and of the joy that they have brought you.
👉🏼Have you ever had the experience of smelling something and instantly remembering a place, a person, or an experience? What was that like? Share the memory with God.
👉🏼Think of a few of your favorite activities. What role does smell play in each of them? Ponder how playing Frisbee would be different without the scent of freshly cut grass or how quilting would be different without the smell of the fabric. Think about how those smells enhance the experience.
👉🏼Look ahead. Tomorrow, pay particular attention to the smells you encounter as you go throughout your day. When the day is over, take a few minutes to review them and to notice which ones you most enjoyed.
🐾Action
👉🏼When you encounter a smell you love, take time to relish it. Breathe deeply and let your body relax as you savor the scent. Think of God’s goodness and love filling you with every slow, renewing breath.
Audio Homily: "Tolerance & Sacrifice", by Friar Fr. Antonio
Audio link:
www.mixcloud.com/Friar_Antonio/sacrificial-love/
Audio link:
www.mixcloud.com/Friar_Antonio/sacrificial-love/