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On this Feast of St Ignatius of Loyola, here is an excerpt from him (from Magnificat, p. 420):
(describing a time of desolation)"...Our old enemy places before us every obstacle to divert us from what has begun, attacking us very much. He acts completely counter to the first lesson, often plunging us into sadness without our knowing why we are sad. Nor can we pray with any devotion...
So here the person fighting has to identify the enemy. If it is a time of consolation, we must lower and abase ourselves, and reflect that soon the trial of temptation will come. If temptation, darkness, or sadness come, we must act against them without allowing any bitterness, and wait in patience for the Lord's consolation, which will evaporate all disturbances and shadows from outside."
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Jesus, Friend of Sinners
I have not come to call the righteous but sinners. (Lk 5:32)
Psalm 51
"The most difficult part of ongoing conversion is admitting that we really are sinners and allowing God to see and forgive us as we are, with all our faults unmended and all our flaws showing, especially the ones over which we seem to have no control. (Magnificat, July 2010, p. 403)
Psalm 51
"The most difficult part of ongoing conversion is admitting that we really are sinners and allowing God to see and forgive us as we are, with all our faults unmended and all our flaws showing, especially the ones over which we seem to have no control. (Magnificat, July 2010, p. 403)
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Healing
"I have heard your prayer and seen your tears, I will heal you." (2Kgs 20:5)
"Sickness is a harbinger of death. Jesus cured the sick as a countersign: in the reign of God, there will be neither illness nor dying. By taking death upon himself on the cross, Jesus cured the one incurable reality that haunts the human race: mortality." (from Magnificat, July 2010, p. 373)
Fr. McAlear also spoke about healing. He said that people want healing, they need healing. People hunger for healing -- if they don't have true bread, they will go for anything that holds promise....
But it's not so much about the healing itself, but to go through the healing to the heart of Christ. It's about relationship....
"Sickness is a harbinger of death. Jesus cured the sick as a countersign: in the reign of God, there will be neither illness nor dying. By taking death upon himself on the cross, Jesus cured the one incurable reality that haunts the human race: mortality." (from Magnificat, July 2010, p. 373)
Fr. McAlear also spoke about healing. He said that people want healing, they need healing. People hunger for healing -- if they don't have true bread, they will go for anything that holds promise....
But it's not so much about the healing itself, but to go through the healing to the heart of Christ. It's about relationship....
Saturday, July 24, 2010
All Michigan Catholic Charismatic Conference
From talks by Fr. Richard McAlear
"If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you 'give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water." John 4:10
The gift of God is the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit is living water.
John 8:1-11 -- The woman caught in adultery is a snapshot of the gospel message: "Woman..." You are that person. Read the passage putting your own name in.
He lowered himself (incarnation)
wrote in the dirt (man was made from dust)
with his finger (if, by the finger of God,...)
raised himself up (resurrection)
Parallels story of Susanna in the Old Testament. In the old, the emphasis was justice -- he saved the just. In the new testament, he saved the unjust (forgave). She was brought to the temple to be shamed, embarrassed and humiliated. They hoped to shame Jesus, embarrass him and humiliate him. Thus, Jesus identified himself with the sinful. He is the friend of sinners. Therefore it is shameful for us to act out of arrogance toward another, because we are ALL sinners (we have all fallen short of the glory of God.) It grieves the Holy Spirit that we would think ourselves better than others who are sinful.
"If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you 'give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water." John 4:10
The gift of God is the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit is living water.
John 8:1-11 -- The woman caught in adultery is a snapshot of the gospel message: "Woman..." You are that person. Read the passage putting your own name in.
He lowered himself (incarnation)
wrote in the dirt (man was made from dust)
with his finger (if, by the finger of God,...)
raised himself up (resurrection)
Parallels story of Susanna in the Old Testament. In the old, the emphasis was justice -- he saved the just. In the new testament, he saved the unjust (forgave). She was brought to the temple to be shamed, embarrassed and humiliated. They hoped to shame Jesus, embarrass him and humiliate him. Thus, Jesus identified himself with the sinful. He is the friend of sinners. Therefore it is shameful for us to act out of arrogance toward another, because we are ALL sinners (we have all fallen short of the glory of God.) It grieves the Holy Spirit that we would think ourselves better than others who are sinful.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
St Mary Magdalene
On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb....(John 20:1)
"Mary Magdalene followed Jesus faithfully in life and stood by him at his death, sought him in the desolation of the tomb, and bore joyful witness to his resurrection. She remains a lively icon of deep personal devotion to Christ the Savior." (from Magnificat, July 2010, p. 314)
"Holy desires...increase in their fulfillment;...It is right that the soul after bearing in its heart a wound of love brought on by its burning desire, should reach out for healing at the sight of the doctor...So Mary loved, who turned a second time to the sepulcher she had already looked into...Her search had been redoubled by the power of love." St. Gregory the Great, in Magnificat July 2010, p. 313.
"Mary Magdalene followed Jesus faithfully in life and stood by him at his death, sought him in the desolation of the tomb, and bore joyful witness to his resurrection. She remains a lively icon of deep personal devotion to Christ the Savior." (from Magnificat, July 2010, p. 314)
"Holy desires...increase in their fulfillment;...It is right that the soul after bearing in its heart a wound of love brought on by its burning desire, should reach out for healing at the sight of the doctor...So Mary loved, who turned a second time to the sepulcher she had already looked into...Her search had been redoubled by the power of love." St. Gregory the Great, in Magnificat July 2010, p. 313.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Feast of St Elijah
"With zeal I am zealous for the Lord God of hosts." 1 Kings 19:10
July 20 is the Feast of St Elijah in the Carmelite calendar. This is a major feast for all Carmelites since Elijah is considered the founder of the order.
"For those first Carmelites, and for their successors throughout the centuries, Elijah was truly their leader and father, and the image of this life can be seen clearly in theirs." ~ from Journey to Carith: The Sources and Story of the Discalced Carmelites by Peter-Thomas Rohrbach
Let's pray for zeal for the Lord and a greater outpouring of the spirit of prophecy on this feast.
Intercessions from today's morning prayer:
God our Father spoke in former days through the prophets, but today he speaks to us in his Son, through whom he wishes the whole world to be joined to him. Let us humbly pray: R: Lord, draw us to yourself.
Lord, you revealed yourself to the prophet Elijah in silence and solitude;
--- help us to put aside all that prevents us from hearing your voice, so that we may seek and find you. R:
When he was thirsty, you gave Elijah refreshing water at the torrent of Karith;
--- may we drink at the living springs of love and contemplation. R:
As he walked to Mount Horeb, you filled Elijah with strength;
--- may we who are strengthened by the Body and Blood of Christ press on unwearied in our journey to you. R:
Lord, you revealed yourself to Elijah in the whisper of a gentle breeze;
--- in attentive silence and with an obedient spirit may we receive every inspiration of the Holy Spirit. R:
Lord, you raised up Elijah like a fire and made him zealous for your glory;
--- may we too burn with the fire of your love, to serve the Church and our brethren in all our work. R:
July 20 is the Feast of St Elijah in the Carmelite calendar. This is a major feast for all Carmelites since Elijah is considered the founder of the order.
"For those first Carmelites, and for their successors throughout the centuries, Elijah was truly their leader and father, and the image of this life can be seen clearly in theirs." ~ from Journey to Carith: The Sources and Story of the Discalced Carmelites by Peter-Thomas Rohrbach
Let's pray for zeal for the Lord and a greater outpouring of the spirit of prophecy on this feast.
Intercessions from today's morning prayer:
God our Father spoke in former days through the prophets, but today he speaks to us in his Son, through whom he wishes the whole world to be joined to him. Let us humbly pray: R: Lord, draw us to yourself.
Lord, you revealed yourself to the prophet Elijah in silence and solitude;
--- help us to put aside all that prevents us from hearing your voice, so that we may seek and find you. R:
When he was thirsty, you gave Elijah refreshing water at the torrent of Karith;
--- may we drink at the living springs of love and contemplation. R:
As he walked to Mount Horeb, you filled Elijah with strength;
--- may we who are strengthened by the Body and Blood of Christ press on unwearied in our journey to you. R:
Lord, you revealed yourself to Elijah in the whisper of a gentle breeze;
--- in attentive silence and with an obedient spirit may we receive every inspiration of the Holy Spirit. R:
Lord, you raised up Elijah like a fire and made him zealous for your glory;
--- may we too burn with the fire of your love, to serve the Church and our brethren in all our work. R:
Obstacles to faith
Gospel for today: Matthew 12:38-42
"In today's world, many people are blind to the supernatural because of pride...
...Pride is the principle obstacle in our struggle. But there are other obstacles, such as a comfort-seeking environment with its instinctive aversion to sacrifice and the Cross. This environment rings with it subtle tempting attachments which will provide plenty of human reasons for not doing the will of God. Following God's will is a joyful way, but it also requires constant effort and self-surrender. It means 'savage sincerity' in spiritual direction. It means keeping a lock on our heart and a brake on our will. We need to purify our heart from its wayward affections so that it can be filled with the true love of Christ. It is indeed hard to appreciate the light when one's vision is clouded.
...Laziness and love of comfort are two other obstacles which can affect our struggle." --from In Conversation With God, vol. 4, pp. 194-5
"In today's world, many people are blind to the supernatural because of pride...
...Pride is the principle obstacle in our struggle. But there are other obstacles, such as a comfort-seeking environment with its instinctive aversion to sacrifice and the Cross. This environment rings with it subtle tempting attachments which will provide plenty of human reasons for not doing the will of God. Following God's will is a joyful way, but it also requires constant effort and self-surrender. It means 'savage sincerity' in spiritual direction. It means keeping a lock on our heart and a brake on our will. We need to purify our heart from its wayward affections so that it can be filled with the true love of Christ. It is indeed hard to appreciate the light when one's vision is clouded.
...Laziness and love of comfort are two other obstacles which can affect our struggle." --from In Conversation With God, vol. 4, pp. 194-5
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Always tell the truth
"Always tell the truth - in what is important and in what seems a small matter.
In a world where so many people habitually think little of a lie and indulge in pretences, we, as Christians must be men and women of truth who always flee from the smallest falsehood. This is how people should know us - as men and women who never tell lies even in matters of little importance, as men and women who shut out of their lives anything that smacks of dissimulation, hypocrisy and duplicity, and who know how to put matters right if they make a mistake. Then our lives will be filled with a great apostolic fruitfulness, for people always trust an upright person, one who knows how to speak the truth with charity and understanding towards all and without hurting people. ...
It is not a matter of knowing just how far we can go in saying things that are untrue before we incur a grave fault. It is a matter of hating lying in all its forms. It's a matter of telling the whole truth, and, when out of prudence or charity this can not be done, then we will hold our tongue and not invent little 'white lies' that falsely ease our consciences. We must love the truth in itself and for itself, not only in the things that can benefit ourselves or other people in a personal way. We must abhor lying as something stupid and despicable, for whatever reason it is resorted to. We must hate it because it's an offence against God, who is supreme Truth. --from In Conversation With God, vol.4, p.115-116
In a world where so many people habitually think little of a lie and indulge in pretences, we, as Christians must be men and women of truth who always flee from the smallest falsehood. This is how people should know us - as men and women who never tell lies even in matters of little importance, as men and women who shut out of their lives anything that smacks of dissimulation, hypocrisy and duplicity, and who know how to put matters right if they make a mistake. Then our lives will be filled with a great apostolic fruitfulness, for people always trust an upright person, one who knows how to speak the truth with charity and understanding towards all and without hurting people. ...
It is not a matter of knowing just how far we can go in saying things that are untrue before we incur a grave fault. It is a matter of hating lying in all its forms. It's a matter of telling the whole truth, and, when out of prudence or charity this can not be done, then we will hold our tongue and not invent little 'white lies' that falsely ease our consciences. We must love the truth in itself and for itself, not only in the things that can benefit ourselves or other people in a personal way. We must abhor lying as something stupid and despicable, for whatever reason it is resorted to. We must hate it because it's an offence against God, who is supreme Truth. --from In Conversation With God, vol.4, p.115-116
Friday, July 16, 2010
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
This feast, instituted in the 14th century by the Carmelite Order, commemorates the anniversary of the day in 1251 when the Blessed Mother gave the brown scapular to St. Simon Stock. "The scapular is an external sign of the filial relationship established between the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother and Queen of Mount Carmel, and the faithful who entrust themselves totally to her protection, who have recourse to her maternal intercession, who are mindful of the primacy of the spiritual life and the need for prayer" (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy 205)
"The Blessed Virgin Mary watches unceasingly with a mother's loving care over the brethren of her Son, and lights us along our pilgrim way to the Mount of your Glory, our beacon of comfort, and the embodiment of all our hopes as members of the Church" (Preface for Our Lady of Mount Carmel).
taken from The Magnificat, July 16, 2010 page 235
"The Blessed Virgin Mary watches unceasingly with a mother's loving care over the brethren of her Son, and lights us along our pilgrim way to the Mount of your Glory, our beacon of comfort, and the embodiment of all our hopes as members of the Church" (Preface for Our Lady of Mount Carmel).
taken from The Magnificat, July 16, 2010 page 235
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
"Ah, my Lord, Your help is absolutely necessary for me; without You I can do nothing. In Your mercy, O God, do not allow my soul to be deceived and to give up the work it has begun. Give me light to know that my whole welfare depends on perseverance.
Make me understand that my faith in You must rise above my misery, and that I must never be alarmed if I feel weak and fearful. I must make allowance for the flesh, remembering what You said, O Jesus, in Your prayer in the garden: 'The flesh is weak...' If You said that You divine and sinless flesh was weak, how can I expect mine to be so strong that it does not feel afraid? O Lord, I do not wish to be preoccupied with my fears nor to be discouraged at my weakness. On the contrary, I wish to trust in Your mercy, and to have no confidence whatever in my own strength, convinced that my weakness comes from depending on myself."
--from St. Teresa of Jesus, Interior Castle II, 1-Con, 3, quoted in Divine Intimacy #231.
Make me understand that my faith in You must rise above my misery, and that I must never be alarmed if I feel weak and fearful. I must make allowance for the flesh, remembering what You said, O Jesus, in Your prayer in the garden: 'The flesh is weak...' If You said that You divine and sinless flesh was weak, how can I expect mine to be so strong that it does not feel afraid? O Lord, I do not wish to be preoccupied with my fears nor to be discouraged at my weakness. On the contrary, I wish to trust in Your mercy, and to have no confidence whatever in my own strength, convinced that my weakness comes from depending on myself."
--from St. Teresa of Jesus, Interior Castle II, 1-Con, 3, quoted in Divine Intimacy #231.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Desperate Faith
Scripture: Matthew 9:18-26
Grace: For desperate faith
The official interrupted Jesus. The woman interrupted Jesus. Each was desperate for His help - and He responded immediately to both. Desperation is meant to drive us to Him.
Grace: For desperate faith
The official interrupted Jesus. The woman interrupted Jesus. Each was desperate for His help - and He responded immediately to both. Desperation is meant to drive us to Him.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
My Lord and my God
Scripture: Psalm 31
Grace: To believe
"Jesus said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here and see my hand, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.' (John 20:27) Saint Thomas' experience gives meaning to the medieval mystics' reflections on Christ;s glorified wounds as a refuge in which one is safe from the snares of sin and death. The psalm invites us to entrust ourselves in faith to the protective care of the Savior's all=powerful but wounded hands." -- from Magnificat, July 2010, p. 53
Grace: To believe
"Jesus said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here and see my hand, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.' (John 20:27) Saint Thomas' experience gives meaning to the medieval mystics' reflections on Christ;s glorified wounds as a refuge in which one is safe from the snares of sin and death. The psalm invites us to entrust ourselves in faith to the protective care of the Savior's all=powerful but wounded hands." -- from Magnificat, July 2010, p. 53
Thursday, July 1, 2010
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