Ladies of God just want to thank you all for the wonderful, inspirational and profound articles on our blog.
Just the other day I met with my spiritual mentor and discussed with her a personal issue that was troubling me. She referred me to the "Wedding at Cana" and how the Blessed Mother presented the problem to her Son regarding the wine. 1) She presented the problem.....(2) She put the problem in his hand...(3) and then waited for the results.... So lets remember these basics when we are struggling with an issue in our lives.
Thank you all for being there for me in my spiritual journey. God bless!!!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Religious Freedom in the United States
Quote by President Obama at the Notre Dame Commencement in June of 2009:
-"So let's work together to reduce the number of women seeking abortions by reducing unintended pregnancies, and making adoption more available, and providing care and support for women who do carry their child to term. Let's honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion, and draft a sensible conscience clause, and make sure that all of our health care policies are grounded in clear ethics and sound science, as well as respect for the equality of women."-
The Department of Health and Human Services informed the Catholic Bishops that under Obama-Care the so called "Conscience Clause" will not be applicable for Catholic-run agencies, organizations, hospitals, hospice and the like, and that we MUST ACCEPT MEDICAL COVERAGES FOR PROCEDURES CONTRARY TO OUR CONSCIENCE.
My sisters in Christ, if this unjust law is allowed to stand, religious freedom in the United States of America is dead. This great country that was founded on the principals of equality and religious freedom for all will never be that place for our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and all future generations. This president in one span of 4 short years has managed to do away with our rights as people of faith to live as our consciences dictate.
Please join me in doing all we can to reverse this unjust and tyrannical law from our books. Of course you should write to your congressmen and to the White House to let them know what you think of this over-reach of the federal government. But more importantly sisters we need to pray. "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Bishop Olmsted has asked us to pray the Rosay to the Immaculate Mary ask for her intersession in this and to fast and offer sacrifices.
After reading an article about a Knight of Columbus that was fasting from meat on Fridays to save lives at an abortion clinic, my family began to do the same. We are adding Tuesday to our meat-fast for a change to this unjust law and will be offering the Rosary daily for the same. We ask you to join us sisters in any way you can. As God saved Malta through the petitions of the rosary, He can save the United States from being destroyed from within.
Pray, pray, pray without ceasing, but worry not Sisters, our God is in command!!
-"So let's work together to reduce the number of women seeking abortions by reducing unintended pregnancies, and making adoption more available, and providing care and support for women who do carry their child to term. Let's honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion, and draft a sensible conscience clause, and make sure that all of our health care policies are grounded in clear ethics and sound science, as well as respect for the equality of women."-
The Department of Health and Human Services informed the Catholic Bishops that under Obama-Care the so called "Conscience Clause" will not be applicable for Catholic-run agencies, organizations, hospitals, hospice and the like, and that we MUST ACCEPT MEDICAL COVERAGES FOR PROCEDURES CONTRARY TO OUR CONSCIENCE.
My sisters in Christ, if this unjust law is allowed to stand, religious freedom in the United States of America is dead. This great country that was founded on the principals of equality and religious freedom for all will never be that place for our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and all future generations. This president in one span of 4 short years has managed to do away with our rights as people of faith to live as our consciences dictate.
Please join me in doing all we can to reverse this unjust and tyrannical law from our books. Of course you should write to your congressmen and to the White House to let them know what you think of this over-reach of the federal government. But more importantly sisters we need to pray. "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Bishop Olmsted has asked us to pray the Rosay to the Immaculate Mary ask for her intersession in this and to fast and offer sacrifices.
After reading an article about a Knight of Columbus that was fasting from meat on Fridays to save lives at an abortion clinic, my family began to do the same. We are adding Tuesday to our meat-fast for a change to this unjust law and will be offering the Rosary daily for the same. We ask you to join us sisters in any way you can. As God saved Malta through the petitions of the rosary, He can save the United States from being destroyed from within.
Pray, pray, pray without ceasing, but worry not Sisters, our God is in command!!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, I brought the Eucharist to the hospital and one situation stood out. An elderly man was so
happy that I came to give him the communion, you could see in his eyes that he may not have a lot of time left
here on this earth. After he received Jesus, the radiant glow that shined on his face was overwhelming. He
looked beautiful, I can still see his face in front of me, the smile on his face, the look of peace in his eyes.
This is how it should be, every time we receive Jesus, we should feel radiant, knowing that we are a part of Him, that He is being carried inside us, that we are an extension of what we have received. When I give communion, I have my own personal Adoration. I feel so blessed to be called to this ministry!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
A Catholic Response on YouTube
Please check out the many Catholic responses. My dear Episcopalian friend called my attention to it - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dqnfz4y8uA
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
CHRISTIAN UNITY
I wrote this 'Rapper'-like poem in response to the young man who uploaded a video about Jesus hating religion. He claims to love Jesus, but HATE religion. I think it is very sad when people who say they follow Christ bring each other down. I believe that Christ wants us to unite, despite our differences, to love above all things. So here is my version of what I would say to this modern day poet.
Your opinion dear brother has been heard throughout the land
And your prejudice is obvious; you’ve shown us your hand
You see my problem is not with those that follow Christ,
But with evil, and dominions and all those anti-christs
You love Jesus in your heart you say
Others love Him too in their own unique way
In a Forest,
In a Church,
In a Forest,
In a Church,
In a Home,
In a Jail
In a Jail
Peace to all my brothers, Peace to all the Earth
Jesus is hard to follow,
The road is narrow and long,
But the rewards are countless
Would you say I’m wrong?
We should not hurt each other, with our words and with our songs,
We should work for Christian unity, it is for that He longs,
So I say to you dear brother
Dividing is not right
We must defend each other
To make this world more bright
Why should anyone follow Jesus?
When all we do is fight
Why should anyone follow Jesus?
When Christians can not unite.
I say we work together to fix what may be wrong
Without hurting one another, let’s lift our voice in song.
Come one and all to see the world as He wants it to be
We can unite, we can hold hands in love and liberty.
Peace
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Blood of the Lamb
One of the most beautiful gifts that Blessed John Paul the Great left us was the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary.
Tonight as I was meditating on the Wedding Feast at Cana, I could see the scene playing out like a movie, or a memory. The guests joyfully sharing stories making a cacophony of sounds. Servers busy bringing trays of food, others refilling cups. The families of the happy couple co-mingling and welcoming their respective friends and families. The Rabbi at a place of honor, nodding sagely at comments in his vicinity. There is music, and dancing and laughter. Our lady notices a whispered conversation between the servants and the somber look on the face of the head waiter. Coming closer she comes to understand the dilemma. The wine has run out and this is a tremendous blow to the honor of the family. Her caring heart wants to help and she turns to her son.
What a wonderful, normal scene. It could have been a day in anyone's life. A happy day with family and friends. Then the extraordinary happens.
Jesus takes the large jars used for the Jewish ritual washing and he makes the finest tasting wine out of the water. Ordinary water becomes the choicest of wines.
The bible consistently shows prefigurement from the old testament to the new. From the old covenant to the new covenant.
In Genesis, God saves his people with the blood of the lamb. Smearing the blood on the door jam signified that you were one of God's chosen people and the angel of death passed-over that home, doing no harm.
Jesus is the Lamb of God and his blood washes us clean of our sins so that death will be but a gateway to everlasting life and does us no harm. I was struck with the fact that the jars of water that Jesus turned into wine were WASHING JARS. He turns wine into HIS cleansing blood at the passover (last) supper, that washes us of our sins. From washing jars of water to wine, to the blood of the lamb of God that washes us of our sins. The tremendous poetry of this struck me to the heart today.
What amazing symmetry is found in each book of the bible? Things like this occur to me all the time as I read scripture or meditate on the mysteries of the rosary. Our religion brings these truths out at every mass as it goes from old testament to new in the readings. And then of course the psalm reading that also emphasizes the central theme of the day.
Thank you God for the amazing love letter you wrote to your children! AND for the Magesterium of the church that puts it all together in a logical, cohesive manner.
Tonight as I was meditating on the Wedding Feast at Cana, I could see the scene playing out like a movie, or a memory. The guests joyfully sharing stories making a cacophony of sounds. Servers busy bringing trays of food, others refilling cups. The families of the happy couple co-mingling and welcoming their respective friends and families. The Rabbi at a place of honor, nodding sagely at comments in his vicinity. There is music, and dancing and laughter. Our lady notices a whispered conversation between the servants and the somber look on the face of the head waiter. Coming closer she comes to understand the dilemma. The wine has run out and this is a tremendous blow to the honor of the family. Her caring heart wants to help and she turns to her son.
What a wonderful, normal scene. It could have been a day in anyone's life. A happy day with family and friends. Then the extraordinary happens.
Jesus takes the large jars used for the Jewish ritual washing and he makes the finest tasting wine out of the water. Ordinary water becomes the choicest of wines.
The bible consistently shows prefigurement from the old testament to the new. From the old covenant to the new covenant.
In Genesis, God saves his people with the blood of the lamb. Smearing the blood on the door jam signified that you were one of God's chosen people and the angel of death passed-over that home, doing no harm.
Jesus is the Lamb of God and his blood washes us clean of our sins so that death will be but a gateway to everlasting life and does us no harm. I was struck with the fact that the jars of water that Jesus turned into wine were WASHING JARS. He turns wine into HIS cleansing blood at the passover (last) supper, that washes us of our sins. From washing jars of water to wine, to the blood of the lamb of God that washes us of our sins. The tremendous poetry of this struck me to the heart today.
What amazing symmetry is found in each book of the bible? Things like this occur to me all the time as I read scripture or meditate on the mysteries of the rosary. Our religion brings these truths out at every mass as it goes from old testament to new in the readings. And then of course the psalm reading that also emphasizes the central theme of the day.
Thank you God for the amazing love letter you wrote to your children! AND for the Magesterium of the church that puts it all together in a logical, cohesive manner.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Spiritual Desolation vs. Dark Night of the Soul
EWTN had an enlightening segment on Spiritual Desolation & Dark Night of the Soul.
In Spiritual Desolation one often experiences feelings of sadness, heaviness & disheartenment. It is a work of the enemy, discouraging us & discouraging hope.
Dark Night of the Soul was experienced in saints such as, St. John of the Cross, St Teresa of Avila & Mother Teresa of Calcutta. In Dark Night of the Soul, God is calling us to lead us into Contemplative Prayer, which also involves purification/suffering. This prepares us for a deeper union with our Lord. Although Dark Night involves spiritual suffering, it is intended by God to lead us nearer/closer to him!
So Prayer, Prayer. Prayer. In John 16: 32-33( When Jesus was leaving his disciples to go through his Passion) "But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you may have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."
EWTN had an enlightening segment on Spiritual Desolation & Dark Night of the Soul.
In Spiritual Desolation one often experiences feelings of sadness, heaviness & disheartenment. It is a work of the enemy, discouraging us & discouraging hope.
Dark Night of the Soul was experienced in saints such as, St. John of the Cross, St Teresa of Avila & Mother Teresa of Calcutta. In Dark Night of the Soul, God is calling us to lead us into Contemplative Prayer, which also involves purification/suffering. This prepares us for a deeper union with our Lord. Although Dark Night involves spiritual suffering, it is intended by God to lead us nearer/closer to him!
So Prayer, Prayer. Prayer. In John 16: 32-33( When Jesus was leaving his disciples to go through his Passion) "But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you may have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
One Catholic and Apostolic...
I have heard it said that when there is a disagreement among protestants, they simply leave and start a new church. When Catholics disagree, they build a new room IN the church.
Answers to prayer, result of disagreement, gifts to the church, whatever your perspective, we are rich in the different Orders that serve the Church. I invite you to add to this post any information that you may come across on our many lay and consecrated orders.
THE MARIANISTS
The Marianists came into being as a result of the persecution of the Catholic Church during the French Revolution. A wily priest named Father William Joseph Chaminade found clever ways to bring Mass to the French Catholics. This resourceful priest would dress as a tinker, frequently made to hide in water barrels and small cramped hidey-holes. Finally forced to flee to Spain, Father Chaminade prayed fervently for his beloved flock in France. While praying before a statue of Our Lady of the Pillar in Saragossa, he felt inspired by Mary to rebuild the Church in France. As Mary birthed our Lord, Father Charminade felt a deep conviction that new life would be born in the French Church.
As has been the case throughout the history of our Church two holy women partnered with Father Chaminade to initiate communities that began to transform the shattered faith of a shattered country. Adele de Batz de Trenquelleon became the foundress of the Marianist Sisters, the Daughter of Mary Immaculate. Marie Therese de Lamourous, a laywoman, spent her life ministering to the poor in Bordeaux. These three fashioned communities of faith that transformed a nation.
"The Marianist Way: Holy women and men, lay and Religious, living and praying in communities, convinced that through Mary, CHRIST CAN BE BORN INTO EACH AGE THROUGH OUR HOLINESS AND OUR GOSPEL SERVICE." -Catholic Digest, December 2011
The Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament
Founded by St. Peter Julian Eymard (once a Marianist) in France, the mission of this order is to respond to the hungers of the human family with the riches of God's love manifested in the Eucharist.
Born in France at a time of anti-clerical sentiments, St. Peter Julian Eymard nonetheless became a priest at the tender age of 23. His intense devotion to Mary brought him to Marianist Order, where he served faithfully for many years before starting his own order. Many hardships were endured in the early years of the fledgling order whose main apostolate mission was to evangelize the young workers and children the made up the majority of the workforce in Paris.
St. Peter Julian Eymard anticipated the renewal of the church through Vaticans I and II and had a vision of priests, deacons, sisters and lay people living lives of total dedication to the Eucharist. He wrote on the 'Total Gift of Self' in relation to the devotion of one's whole being to the service of God. About Eucharistic Prayer he says the following; " Eucharistice prayer has an additional merit: it goes straight to the Heart of God like a flaming dart; it makes Jesus work, act, and relive in His Sacrament; it releases His power. The adorer does still more; he prays through Jesus Christ and shares Our Lord's role as Intercessor with the Father and divine Advocate for His redeemed brethren.
An interesting idea that came about in my research was of Eucharistic Petition. In this form of petition, one does not look at God as someone to manipulate for graces, but instead, one looks at God as being in total control and the only source of graces. By petitioning God in Eucharistic adoration we are acknowledging our complete dependence on Him. You acknowledge by the act of petition that Jesus is truly present and truly God. This is a attitude of extreme humility and faith.
Other quotes by St. Peter Julian Eymard:
"Belong entirely to God through love, entirely to your neighbor through a gracious charity, entirely to the divine Eucharist by the offering and sacrifice of your whole self. Bear with yourself in the patience of our Lord." (To Mrs. Stephanie Gourde, October 23, 1859)
Answers to prayer, result of disagreement, gifts to the church, whatever your perspective, we are rich in the different Orders that serve the Church. I invite you to add to this post any information that you may come across on our many lay and consecrated orders.
THE MARIANISTS
The Marianists came into being as a result of the persecution of the Catholic Church during the French Revolution. A wily priest named Father William Joseph Chaminade found clever ways to bring Mass to the French Catholics. This resourceful priest would dress as a tinker, frequently made to hide in water barrels and small cramped hidey-holes. Finally forced to flee to Spain, Father Chaminade prayed fervently for his beloved flock in France. While praying before a statue of Our Lady of the Pillar in Saragossa, he felt inspired by Mary to rebuild the Church in France. As Mary birthed our Lord, Father Charminade felt a deep conviction that new life would be born in the French Church.
As has been the case throughout the history of our Church two holy women partnered with Father Chaminade to initiate communities that began to transform the shattered faith of a shattered country. Adele de Batz de Trenquelleon became the foundress of the Marianist Sisters, the Daughter of Mary Immaculate. Marie Therese de Lamourous, a laywoman, spent her life ministering to the poor in Bordeaux. These three fashioned communities of faith that transformed a nation.
"The Marianist Way: Holy women and men, lay and Religious, living and praying in communities, convinced that through Mary, CHRIST CAN BE BORN INTO EACH AGE THROUGH OUR HOLINESS AND OUR GOSPEL SERVICE." -Catholic Digest, December 2011
The Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament
Founded by St. Peter Julian Eymard (once a Marianist) in France, the mission of this order is to respond to the hungers of the human family with the riches of God's love manifested in the Eucharist.
Born in France at a time of anti-clerical sentiments, St. Peter Julian Eymard nonetheless became a priest at the tender age of 23. His intense devotion to Mary brought him to Marianist Order, where he served faithfully for many years before starting his own order. Many hardships were endured in the early years of the fledgling order whose main apostolate mission was to evangelize the young workers and children the made up the majority of the workforce in Paris.
St. Peter Julian Eymard anticipated the renewal of the church through Vaticans I and II and had a vision of priests, deacons, sisters and lay people living lives of total dedication to the Eucharist. He wrote on the 'Total Gift of Self' in relation to the devotion of one's whole being to the service of God. About Eucharistic Prayer he says the following; " Eucharistice prayer has an additional merit: it goes straight to the Heart of God like a flaming dart; it makes Jesus work, act, and relive in His Sacrament; it releases His power. The adorer does still more; he prays through Jesus Christ and shares Our Lord's role as Intercessor with the Father and divine Advocate for His redeemed brethren.
An interesting idea that came about in my research was of Eucharistic Petition. In this form of petition, one does not look at God as someone to manipulate for graces, but instead, one looks at God as being in total control and the only source of graces. By petitioning God in Eucharistic adoration we are acknowledging our complete dependence on Him. You acknowledge by the act of petition that Jesus is truly present and truly God. This is a attitude of extreme humility and faith.
Other quotes by St. Peter Julian Eymard:
"Belong entirely to God through love, entirely to your neighbor through a gracious charity, entirely to the divine Eucharist by the offering and sacrifice of your whole self. Bear with yourself in the patience of our Lord." (To Mrs. Stephanie Gourde, October 23, 1859)
"Have a great love for Jesus in his divine Sacrament of Love; that is the divine oasis of the desert. It is the heavenly manna of the traveller. It is the Holy Ark. It is the life and Paradise of love on earth." (To the Children of Mary, November 21, 1851)
We proclaim the reality of God’s love in the Eucharist by our “gift of self” to Him and our brothers and sisters. By prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and an active apostolic life, we strive to make Christ in the Eucharist better known and loved.
Monday, January 9, 2012
What does it mean to you?
Since the new words ofthe Mass has been instated I am uplifted by the priests' words at the end of the 'Our Father'.
"Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and *safe from all distress*, as we wait for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ"
These words remind me that I do not walk alone in my day(s). I know I do not deserve his Mercy / His help / His forgiveness / His love yet he lovingly gives me all these and then some more.
Yes Lord, help me endure the everyday distress - the pain / suffering / misery / loneliness / frustrations / saddness / fear / longings / misunderstandings with others / anger / disappointments ........and that's just this mornings list. Later today there may be others and come tomorrow there just may be new ones. This list can go on-and-on-and on, but I know you understand because your son experienced them all...........
Yes Lord, keep me safe from sinning due to these many distresses I experience. With confidence and faith, hope and love and lots of patience, I wait upon the Lord for this beautiful grace.
I agree, prayer is always a conversation with God. I am thankful that our Catholic Church as many prayers and devotions for us to choose to help me start and remain in that dialogue.
What is your distress for today? And, have you asked God to walk with you in that emotion?
"Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and *safe from all distress*, as we wait for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ"
These words remind me that I do not walk alone in my day(s). I know I do not deserve his Mercy / His help / His forgiveness / His love yet he lovingly gives me all these and then some more.
Yes Lord, help me endure the everyday distress - the pain / suffering / misery / loneliness / frustrations / saddness / fear / longings / misunderstandings with others / anger / disappointments ........and that's just this mornings list. Later today there may be others and come tomorrow there just may be new ones. This list can go on-and-on-and on, but I know you understand because your son experienced them all...........
Yes Lord, keep me safe from sinning due to these many distresses I experience. With confidence and faith, hope and love and lots of patience, I wait upon the Lord for this beautiful grace.
I agree, prayer is always a conversation with God. I am thankful that our Catholic Church as many prayers and devotions for us to choose to help me start and remain in that dialogue.
What is your distress for today? And, have you asked God to walk with you in that emotion?
Saturday, January 7, 2012
YEAH, I'm an editor!
Hello all Holy Ladies of ENDOW!
What a terrific meeting today. Welcome to our new sister-in-Christ. May she be fed by the Holy Spirit so she may pour out her love upon all she encounters!
Was anyone able to find Tom Boothe's song Fragrance Prayer online???? We need to post that link to our blog spot.
Our next meeting is Jan. 21st same time - same dinningroom table. And, I am very interested to hear George Weigel on Jan. 28th.
2012 is off to a excitingly holy start! Peace.
Here is the link to the Frangrance Song by Tom Booth:
http://www.mycatholicvoice.com/media/BMThnH
Prayer Warrior
What a terrific meeting today. Welcome to our new sister-in-Christ. May she be fed by the Holy Spirit so she may pour out her love upon all she encounters!
Was anyone able to find Tom Boothe's song Fragrance Prayer online???? We need to post that link to our blog spot.
Our next meeting is Jan. 21st same time - same dinningroom table. And, I am very interested to hear George Weigel on Jan. 28th.
2012 is off to a excitingly holy start! Peace.
Here is the link to the Frangrance Song by Tom Booth:
http://www.mycatholicvoice.com/media/BMThnH
Prayer Warrior
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