Fourth Sunday of Advent Lectionary: 12
Sound the trumpet in Zion; the day of the Lord is near; he comes to save us, alleluia.
It is now the hour for you to wake from sleep, for our salvation is closer now than when we first accepted the faith. The night is far spent, the day draws near. Let us cast off deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. – Romans 13:11-12
December 20
O Key of David,
opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom:
come and free the prisoners of darkness!
The words we don’t hear enough today, backed up by action. “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you”.
The entire world today seems to be on an “Escalator”. The anger and outrage at everything is so thick, you can see it like a fog rolling in, forgetting that not every “escalator” goes up when we get on.
Newton’s Third Law: For every action there is an equal and opposite re-action. Looking at this today in society, one can easily assess that for every action there is blown out of proportion over re-action.
“You offended me” is the phrase of the day and one that can be only followed by “I’m calling my attorneys”. Or, “You don’t deserve to live because you offended me”. That last line can be seen from the gang ridden streets of Chicago all the way to the Middle East, as its no different. Society as a whole, is staring to mimic a perpetual sandbox fight of six year olds in which everyone throws their sucker in the sand and stomps away to get the older brother to beat up the perceived evil kid who called someone a name or dare to knock down a “sand castle” created.
To be “Offended” is to be resentful or annoyed, typically as a result of a perceived insult. What is behind that? Pride. A deep rooted, nasty, maggoty pride that needs to be cut out completely. To do this takes humility.
When I hear souls today try to use the key trigger words like, Crusades, Molestation by Priests, Inquisition and the anti-Catholic mantra of the day, as a means of looking for anything they can grasp, as a means to make the entire faith look bad, or offend me personally, I pity them for the simple fact of what they can not see, that my faith isn’t based on the mistakes nor sins, little or big, of anyone. My faith is built on and in, the Love that Jesus Christ has for us all. On His cross, the words that left His lips, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”.
What comes with forgiveness? Forgiveness is the biggest, baddest weapon on the face of this earth. There is nothing stronger then it when it is given for and out of love for the other. It cuts to the heart of the problem and allows two souls to speak and not scream. It immediately deescalates all situations in which the soul can be placed in when it is received from the party it is given to. When it is not received, the soul giving it, not only places it firmly in our Lords hands, but receives the peace needed from our Lord to continue without any need for the receiver to acknowledge the forgiveness given as the soul understand it has done all it could and peace is achieved.
May our Lord bring His peace this Christmas, to all who seek it, through humility, in saying we are sorry, showing we are sorry and accepting the forgiveness that is given.
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us
O Root of Jesse’s stem,
sign of God’s love for all his people:
come to save us without delay!
December 18
O Leader of the House of Israel,
giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:
come to rescue us with your mighty power!
December 17
O Wisdom of our God Most High,
guiding creation with power and love:
come to teach us the path of knowledge!
From the USCCB
On this past Sunday, my family and I were blessed to attend Holy Mass at Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala, which has been deemed as a Holy Door pilgrimage site. I had found this out about a week ago, while attending Holy Mass on my birthday, which turned out to be a Holy Mass celebrated for the Immaculate Conception.
My health problems have been flaring up, even in recent days, so for me to actually make it, with my entire family, on the day the Holy Door was blessed and opened, along with attending Holy Mass after, I consider a HUGE gift of our Lord. I cried. For many years, close to twenty, of asking, seeking, wondering, repenting, lamenting, praying and crying, became rejoicing. Its not to say that simply by me walking through that door means my conversion of heart is over, but it reached a point in letting go. Letting go of the past and accepting the mercy and justice of our Lord. It reached a “growing” point that only our Lord can measure.
Saturday night before hand, I found myself looking at different religious art on the internet. This is something I love to do. My husband and I don’t have much money, so being able to see the beautiful paintings and other items on the internet gives me an outlet, to spend time with our Lord in a way that is very personal. We scroll through different sites and He leads me through different countries and far away museums showing me all the wonderful artwork that I would never be able to see in any other way. We found this painting below, of our Lord as the Holy Child in the Tabernacle.
Going back to Sunday’s Holy Mass, along with walking through the Holy Door. Fr. Peter came out and the doors were shut. Holy Mass began outside, he blessed the doors, the hammer hit them and they were opened so Mass could continue. The crowd processed inside through them and Holy Mass continued. As Father began his Homily, it was all about “The Waiting”. He mentioned a list of things we wait for, and as he did, I whispered to my husband, I had been waiting for this day for close to twenty years. I would love to say that every Holy Mass I have ever attended is etched in the forefront of my memory, but all have not. There are many! But, not all of them can hold a position like this one has.
When father continued his “Waiting” homily, I listened intently putting in perspective of the past 2015 years since our Lord rose from the dead. In the last, minuscule in comparison, 49 years of my life. then again in the “waiting” to receive our Lord in the Eucharist while out of communion. Waiting for doctors test results. Waiting to have tests done. Coming around then, to the mercy of our Lord, for giving me the time to wait.
As Holy Mass concluded, I found myself in His peace. There was a moment when I realized I had a busy week ahead with Doctor appointments and forgot all about the pain I was having. I thought how beautiful it would be, to be able to receive Anointing of the Sick, since I had just received our Lord and walked through the Holy Doors. It had been a while since I had receive Anointing and being that my condition may need surgery, what a beautiful day to have this done. It wasn’t as if I NEEDED to get this done NOW. That “feeling” wasn’t present. I was not pushing for this. It was as if it was a suggustion to my soul that really became something I should do, but, only if it could be done, it would be good.
As we were leaving the Church, I told my husband I was going to ask Father if I could receive Anointing. I waited for the crowd to pass me by, and when it became thin and father wasn’t bombarded with souls, with only a few souls left, I approached Father and asked him. He told me he had to be at the airport within thirty minutes to catch a flight and told me, VERY humbly and graciously, that I could call the office in the morning and one of the other priests would be able to do just that for me ASAP since my first appointment was on Tuesday. He told me he would DEFINITELY keep me in his prayers as he was about to rush off. I pray no one takes this as a NON act of Mercy as I can see, it truly was our Lord at work through him, telling me no. I was at peace with his answer, and thought how I would be able to just attend the next day, and ask my Parish Priest for the Sacrament. My family and I left and had a few moments at home, “waiting”, before my older daughter had to be at our home Parish for singing in Festival of Carols.
As we arrived at our Parish, the Church was a bit dark as we walked in, I dipped my hand in the holy water font and genuflected turning to our Lord in the Tabernacle. To my surprise, the doors of the Tabernacle were wide open, and our Lord had been moved for this event. We took our seats in the pews, and “waited”. After a few moments, I noticed my Pastor mingle with others. I went to him and asked him, if he had time after, if he could give me the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. He graciously said yes that it wouldn’t be a problem.
The caroling was beautiful and at times, everyone in attendance was asked to stand and sing along. Between carols, we reflected on scripture readings and Gospels, ending the afternoon with a beautiful sense and understanding of the magnitude and meaning of our Lords birth, and the time spent by many souls “waiting” for Him, before His birth.
When all was over, my “waiting” for the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, was over as well. Father called me to the back of the Church. We were standing next to the Baptismal Font facing the Altar. I looked up the aisle to the Tabernacle of our Lord, behind the Altar which the doors were wide open. As Father began the prayers over me, that painting of the Holy Child Jesus in the Tabernacle, very vividly, came to mind. Some things, with His grace, you just know.
Praise, honor and glory to our Lord, Jesus Christ, now and forever.
Forgive me for not posting anything for this picture. I am in awe. Here is a link. Please read.
I could not agree more… As this “idolatry” is where our Lord called me from.
Walter Brueggemann on Idolatry – ANNOTATE
God and guns? Old Testament scholar and theologian, Walter Brueggemann, shines a light on nationalism and idolatry in the American church.
Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone! Therefore, you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today. Drill them into your children. Speak of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest.
Gaudete Sunday /ɡaʊˈdeɪteɪ/ (pronounced with three syllables: gow-day-tay) is the third Sunday of Advent
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.
Indeed, the Lord is near.
There have been many things that have taken place in the life of my family, the world, and in general for all society, that in many cases could be seen and are seen as tragic. In the silence and pain of all our suffering, one thing is True. Our Lord is with us, He knows our suffering and He is with us through it. He is King of all suffering as none can compare with His.. As my last post sated:
This morning I am filled with a peace that only our Lord can give and I am grateful. This wonderful peace today is born from knowing that no matter what may come, in Christ, nothing can take away the JOY of knowing He is Lord. “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”
We know and understand, there is truly much more to come then the suffering we endure here in exile, in regards to His glory we will share with Him when He comes. “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
Endure with Him. Stay in His light and remain with Him in all circumstances. It is He who brings low and raises high. Repent and anticipate His coming with joy!
Third Sunday of Advent USCCB
Lectionary: 9
This morning I am filled with a peace that only our Lord can give and I am grateful. This wonderful peace today is born from knowing that no matter what may come, in Christ, nothing can take away the JOY of knowing He is Lord. “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”
Last night, I was experiencing some great pain from what ever is going on inside my body and was troubled to see how my not being able to carry out some duties as mom and wife, was starting to weigh on my husband. My children filled the gap between us that was growing wider, with arguing about frivolous things. As I called for peace in this home, no one but our Lord heard my cry.
I was informed by my doctor that the blood work was back and they were ruling out anything wrong (cancer or disease) with my liver and pancreas, which to me, was great news. However, they have not ruled out a penetrating ulcer, which makes total sense with the amount of anti-inflammatory medicine I take for my spinal issues. Ulcer penetration is a complication in which the ulcer erodes through the intestinal wall without digestive fluid leaking into the abdomen. Instead, the ulcer penetrates into an adjoining organ, such as the pancreas or liver. The signs of penetration are more severe pain without rhythmicity or periodicity, and the spread of the pain to the lower back.
Next Tuesday, I have an appointment to find out more as more tests are scheduled. In the mean time, I have to ignore the pain and suffering because other things need attention. My children and my husband. That doesn’t mean our Lord is ignoring me. On the contrary, I am finding Him with me, every second as my pain and suffering is joined to His. As He is giving me His attention, I find it crucial now, to give that same attention to them.
No one on earth could ever understand fully, the position, place and condition a soul is in,nor the experiences, good and bad, they are going through completely, except our Lord. Its as if its just Him and me now, as I am sure its always been but I just couldn’t see it, walking through this entire experience, forgetting self and trying to bring peace in this home, in this family that just can’t see what is going on here. When I can see this, I can see my children and husband in the Light. I can understand more, the things that they can’t understand yet. Rather than become distant and uncaring to their needs, I am more and more careful in regards to how I attend to them. Mercy being the key. As our Lord pours His mercy on me, I am just a funnel in which that same mercy pours down into this home, on to my husband and children. Even when it is not reciprocated from them, as they are vessels also, that will hold it, until He determines when they shall need and use it through remembering if they choose through free will to do so with His grace. That is the peace and joy I have today. It is His, our Lords.
Pondering, “What you sow is not brought to life unless it dies.” Oh how true this is.
Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
“How much wrong we do to God and his grace when we affirm that sins are punished by his judgment before putting first that they are forgiven by his mercy! It is truly so. We have to put mercy before judgment, and in every case God’s judgment will always be in the light of his mercy.”” – Pope Francis
How many times do we jump off the “cliff of assuming” the worst about someone, some event or the opinion of others before first exerting the gift of mercy,through listening to what it being said, paying attention to what is being done (seeing the bigger picture) and examining the facts of the matter at hand? How often do we truly “ponder” what it means to have a listening heart of love for that cry from our neighbor before passing judgement on what they are trying to do or say? One of the most wonderful gifts of mercy is simply listening to someone. To hear them and locate where they are. Meaning, to see with our Lord’s heart, the struggle they are in and to try to lend a hand to help them up and out of it. An extra set of ears, just being there for them, is mercy.
Most times rather than listen to our neighbor seeking help, we quickly pull out that sword of righteousness and finish them off with our own pride, which doesn’t do our Lord’s gift of patience much good, nor does it give much honor, praise or glory back to Him if we don’t switch gears and use the gift of humility. When we extend the gift of mercy through listening, we are actually using the gift of patience we have obtained by the Holy Spirit through our own tribulations. Tribulations, much the same as our neighbors are also going through. Never forget where you came from.
Do you remember the “STOP! DROP! AND ROLL!” fire safety technique taught to us as children? When engaging in discussions the same can be applied to our faith. STOP speaking and listen. DROP the assumption you have of the neighbor. AND ROLL away the stone preventing you from being merciful first, before trying to help them to roll away the stone you feel is holding them back. That little extension of mercy, can and often times is a hidden gift to you from our Lord, that you just can’t see yet. Think about what is being said and use discernment to see what God is telling you to do and say. Think of all the times you were in that situation and how many wrong turns you also took before “listening” to our Lord’s direction on how to get out. Not what “you” think you should do and say. Never jump to conclusions because with our Lord, with the repentant sinners life, conclusions regarding ourselves, once held by the penitent in regards to our own lives and ideas, change drastically for the better when we use His grace in the way it was intended to be used, trusting completely in His mercy and accepting His judgement. Peace!
The Vatican has announced the official hymn for the Jubilee Year of Mercy – See Here
Misericordes sicut Pater
Misericordes sicut Pater! [from Luke 6:36, the official motto of the Jubilee]
1. We give thanks to the Father, for he is good [from Psalm 135:6]
in aeternum mercy eius
He created the world with wisdom
in aeternum mercy eius
He leads his people in history
in aeternum mercy eius
He forgives and welcomes His children [from Luke 15]
in aeternum mercy eius
2. Let us give thanks to the Son, Light of the nations
in aeternum mercy eius
He loved us with a heart of flesh [from John 15:12]
in aeternum mercy eius
we receive from Him, to Him we give ourselves
in aeternum mercy eius
the heart to open to those who hunger and thirst [from Matthew 25,31ss]
in aeternum mercy eius
Misericordes sicut Pater!
Misericordes sicut Pater!
3. We ask the Spirit the seven holy gifts
in aeternum mercy eius
source of all good, sweet relief
in aeternum mercy eius
comforted by Him, offer comfort [from John 15: 26-27]
in aeternum mercy eius
I love hopes and endures all things [from 1 Cor 13.7]
in aeternum mercy eius
4. We call for peace to the God of all peace
in aeternum mercy eius
the earth awaits the gospel of the Kingdom [from Matthew 24,14]
in aeternum mercy eius
grace and joy to those who love and forgive
in aeternum mercy eius
will be the new heavens and the earth [from Revelation 21.1]
in aeternum mercy eius
Misericordes sicut Pater!
When my daughters started this school year, in both classrooms, were sign up sheets for various programs for family’s to help out with through the year. As I looked about my fifth graders room sheet, I had noticed no one has signed up for the 5th grade retreat, which would be taking place this Advent. I had never helped with one and figured I would, since no one else would.
Time had passed and months flew by until I was contacted about two weeks ago. Her teacher had caught me in person and mentioned that she would be emailing me the information and we needed to sit down and discuss what the theme would be along with other items that would be taking place. I waited patiently and another week came and went. No email. I asked my husband if she had emailed him and he did not receive any information either. So I sent her an email asking her what we needed to do. For some reason, the email never go through. A few days later, I received a general email from the school, in which all family’s were notified, talking about the upcoming retreat and that we needed to nail down a date. I responded back, being it was a Friday, I knew I wouldn’t hear back until at lease Sunday evening. The email bounced back. It seemed as if something didn’t want me to partake in any way shape of form in doing anything for this retreat I had signed up for, months ago, that no one wanted to do.
That following Sunday, I had entered the Parish Hall between Masses and our Pastor was there. He had called out to me from across the room, but called me by another name. I looked at him and he did it again. I said to him, no Father, I am Peggy. He said your not so & so? I said no Father. My name is Peggy, you know, Violet and Chloe’s mom? He laughed a bit and called me that other persons name again and said he wanted to talk to me about the upcoming Seventh grade retreat. I said to him, Father, that is not me. We haven’t nailed down a date yet for the retreat and I haven’t heard any news as to when it is yet. He said yes we did and I need to talk to you about it, calling me the other persons name again. Once again, I told him, I was not her and did not have a child in the seventh grade. He looked at me puzzled for a moment and with that his eyes widened and said, okay. Your Violets mom. It finally registered with him. I left and went back home, immediately checking my email to see if any news came through and nothing was there, once again.
The following morning, my husband took our girls to school and I had him inform my daughters teacher that all the emails I had sent were bounced back and I just could not get any information through to her to get this going. The day after that, on my way into school to pick up my girls, a parent told me that she was working on the retreat and was wondering if I could help them. I informed her of all the things that had taken place and would love to help along with telling her I was grateful that someone was doing something as it was like I was being sabotaged at every turn in trying to do anything for this event. It seemed as if everything I was doing, was blocked and just couldn’t get anything through. As if I wasn’t supposed to be doing this even though I had volunteered for it. She had informed me that the day for the retreat was just set for December 10th and it would only be a few hours in the morning. I was grateful for any information and thrilled that it would be taking place. Along with being very grateful to our Lord, that someone had done something to get the ball rolling. She told me she would email me some ideas, I left and went home. Guess what? No emails received. He knows what we NEED before we ask.
Last Friday, First Friday, as I attended Holy Mass with the school children, something happened. Keep in mind my health is not the greatest and I have struggled with many strange things over the years, out of the ordinary things, from needing emergency surgery for a Spontaneous Heterotopic Pregnancy to congestive heart-failure that had originally been diagnosed as seasonal allergies along with degenerative disks in my spine that once, pinched my spinal chord in my neck and made it seem as if I had a stroke. Last Friday, was no different. While at Holy Mass, just before the Consecration, it was as if someone jabbed me just under the ribs with a knife on my right side. It brought me to my knees as it took my breath away for a split second and as fast as it happened, the pain was gone. I continued to concentrate on our Lord and joined my pain with His Wounded Sacred Heart, as through the rest of Holy Mass, I was at peace with Him, although still in slight pain. As I left Mass, I was a bit perplexed as to what this could be. I had my gallbladder removed just last year and hadn’t had that type of pain since back when I still had one. I prayed. The next day, I attended Holy Mass again as it was First Saturday and I was meeting with my Carmelite Brothers and Sisters for our monthly meeting. As I sat in prayer and contemplation, the pain returned a few times, although not as strong and I knew something was up. Something was wrong and needed to be looked at. Being that it was the weekend, I would put it off until Monday to call since the pain was not so great and could be dealt with by just taking it easy. Our Lord had me completely at peace and I continued on with light chores and prayers.
Sunday came and after my family and myself attended Holy Mass, I received a phone call from another classmate of my daughter, in regards to the retreat. We spoke at length of different ideas she had designed and asked my opinion on a few other things and we agreed on all of them in regards to how the children would have a wonderful morning. It was done. I only had a few ends to tie before this coming Thursday for making Advent Calender’s themed for the Year of Mercy, for the remainder of Advent until Christmas. As I hung up the phone with her, it dawned on me, our Lord provides. He knew I was going to have health issues that would get in the way of doing as much as needed to be done for this Children and He, in His MERCY, provided for them. Although most of what took place seemed to be one way, in which it looked as if I may have dropped the ball, or someone did, it actually wasn’t. All these little inconveniences, steering me away from what I wanted to do, even though through good intention, needed to take place to ensure the children’s fifth grade retreat was able to be taken care of, by someone other than me, because I was not going to be in any shape to follow through with it. Our Lord is MERCIFUL. He knows what He is doing and He knows EVERYTHING. He knows the plans He has for us.
I had called my doctor yesterday, Monday, and gave his nurse all my symptoms. They made room and got me in today, beginning a whole series of tests. I will not have my blood work back until Friday, as they are currently looking for something wrong either with a bile duct or something with the liver or pancreas. My doctors orders are to RELAX and REST and not to do much of anything while he plots out the next course of diagnosis, be it CT Scan or MRI, after he discuses this more in detail with the Radiologist. If I get a fever or worse pain, I am to go to the ER for emergency treatment. All this, while I discuss it all, with our Lord, the true Doctor, in contemplation and prayer. That being said, it would put a HUGE damper on this Fifth Grade Retreat that WILL now take place on this Thursday, without me, if I was kept in charge of it. If I had anything seriously planned, if I had been given the entire task. It would have been compromised by an unforeseen, by me, health issue that our Lord most surely did know about. That is the mercy of our Lord as seen by a very grateful soul. Praise, glory and honor to our Lord, Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen
I was blessed tonight, is such a beautiful way while attending Holy Mass. I was planning on attending, but found myself in the midst of a much more beautiful gift. I wanted to spend this day with our Lord and celebrate the Feast of St. Ambrose…… It seems he took the back seat tonight.
Before Holy Mass began, in prayer, I offered this Mass for all the intentions of each and every one of my followers on social media.
I THOUGHT Holy Mass was for the feast of St. Ambrose BUT as it began, it was for our Holy Mother’s Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. I wasn’t aware of this and was quite surprised, in a very JOYFUL way. Holy Mass tonight, was also for the celebration of the opening of the Holy Door at the Vatican. The Parish I attended tonight, is one of the designated Holy Door Parishes to which all Catholics in San Diego can make a Pilgrimage to during the Holy Year of Mercy.
It was a pure gift to be there tonight. Although the actual blessing of the Holy Door is not until Sunday, it was truly remarkable to be here tonight and the gift of surprise was unlike any I have received. Let the mercy flow, Lord!
Thank you Mama Mary. Thank you!
After the Holy Door of St Peter’s is open on December 8, the Holy Doors of the other papal basilicas will be opened in subsequent days. As well, as a sign of communion of the whole Church, the pope has requested that every diocese in the world open a similar “Door of Mercy” for the local celebrations of the Jubilee. – See more at: http://www.missionsandiego.org/pope-francis-presents-bull-of-indiction-of-jubilee-year-of-mercy/#sthash.RkeoWYRO.dpuf
I don’t like to blow my own horn, ever. Today is my 49th birthday. Next to the gift of life, Mercy from our Lord added with the Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis through our Lords Church, is the greatest gift any soul can receive outside of Eternal Life with our Lord Himself. Celebrate Life!
Tomorrow, the Jubilee of Mercy begins. For my birthday, I seek to help with Mercy, bringing souls back into communion with our Lord. I ask all my readers to please take advantage of the Jubilee of Mercy and use the grace our Lord is giving YOU ALL, to come home to Him. Seek Him and you will find Him. The door is open! Ask!
Today, I am dedicating my blog and the posts within for the next year, to be used as a tool of Mercy for souls in need who desire time with our Lord. When I first heard of this beautiful upcoming year, I was in awe. For the past twenty years, I have been on a path back to our Lord and have experienced Him living, much alive in all aspects of life. There are souls who do not believe you can prove that He even exists, and there are souls who need no proof as the very fact they have lived, is proof enough. When He reveals Himself in every aspect of your life, that empty hole in your heart, that we try to fill with anything but Him, becomes a place that only He and you, together, can exist in and nothing else can fill you with more joy than this encounter with Him, as it is the foundation to build all life in Christ, on. May our Holy Mother Mary be the model of faith, we all seek to emulate in the sorrow and pain we experience and know that no matter how hard it may be, our Lord has the final word.
When we accept His mercy, we accept His justice. With the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), comes Absolution.
I pray for the conversion of souls this year, as I have been and hope that this Year of Mercy brings a personal encounter with Love to each soul in such a way, turning away from that Love, is never even part of the equation.
Our Lord Jesus Christ loves you very much. Its a love unlike any other. When that Love is placed first, above all else in your life, His life, alive , becomes alive in you.
Peace! Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You.
Let all who thirst come; let all who desire it, drink from the life-giving water (Revelation 22:17)
Come, Lord Jesus. Come and visit your people.
We await your coming. Come, O Lord.
Second Sunday of Advent
Lectionary: 6
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths:
all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
‘I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.’ – Albert Einstein
The sticks are the crosses we are to carry and the stones are the hearts of men, without the fear of God in them….
Man can grind up & destroy EVERY weapon on the face of the planet and he will still kill his own brother using his own stone cold heart, by his own selfish hand.
The problem society has today isn’t guns, its disdain for God, disdain for the Truth, disdain for anything holy, right and just. When God is removed from “society”, as has been being attempted, society loses Fear of the Lord, and fear of the Lord holds all society in check. Fear of the Lord balances society so it is not tossed into chaos but remains in His peace. Without Fear of God, there isn’t any respect for anyone’s life. That loss of respect for life, is the problem we have today. Period.
The entire world is in need of a conversion of heart. The devil will always blame God, blame the innocent and blame all he can on what is good while creating as much chaos as he can, pushing man into a frenzy to enact more laws when the ones he truly needs have already been written on his own heart. The devil will always try to push all society into the pit of hell. A heart of stone does more killing, physically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually than any weapon man can create.
The entire world is in need of a conversion of heart. Pick up your cross with our Lord’s most Sacred Heart and carry it with Him again and smash that heart of stone that seeks what is never attainable in a heart of stone, replacing it with the attainable heart of flesh. LOVE!
Our Lady of Fatima said “In the end, My Immaculate Heart will triumph”. Look to her as your role model to ensure our Lord will remove the stone and create an Immaculate Heart in you.
“We the Christians are the true Israel which springs from Christ, for we are carved out of His heart as from a rock.” — St. Justin Martyr (d. 165)
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” — Matthew 11:29
“There is in the Sacred Heart the symbol and express image of the infinite love of Jesus Christ which moves us to love in return.” — Pope Leo XIII
EDIT TO ADD: From a Priest friend on Facebook
Kyrie, eleison.
Some good advice from Father Jay Finelli (obviously this is directed to Catholics … !)
Are you concerned with the shooting today in San Bernardino? Are you concerned with terrorism? Are you concerned with all the many evils taking place in our world today (the times in which we live)?
Well, do something about it!
1) Go to Mass tomorrow (and as often as possible)
2) Pray your Rosary
3) Go to Adoration and make at least one Holy Hour a week
4) Pray the St. Michael Prayer throughout the day
5) Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet
6) Go to Confession frequently
7) Turn away from sin, away from the world, repent and believe in the Gospel
8) Now that you have done #7, live it
Do all of the above and more and in no particular order!
(This advice doesn’t preclude other kinds of action: political discussion on homeland security, and gun violence, for instance. It is the foundation for any kind of action, or ought to be. The kind of action most of us get involved in: interminable online discussions, meme wars which only establish us in our own positions, and feelings of superiority to others, and acerbic commentary, don’t achieve much, if anything. They certainly don’t help us become saints, I don’t think.)
Wishing all my readers a beautiful Advent Season and prayers for a beautiful time of preparing our souls for the coming of our Lord.
The USCCB has an Advent calendar that can help you enter the season with activities and prayer suggestions. Click on this link for more and lets start this beautiful journey of Advent.
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” Matthew 25:31-32
ACT OF DEDICATION OF THE HUMAN RACE TO JESUS CHRIST THE KING MOST SWEET JESUS REDEEMER
Most Sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before You. We are Yours, and Yours we wish to be; but to be more surely united with You, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to Your Most Sacred Heart. Many indeed have never known You; many, too, despising Your precepts, have rejected You. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to Your Sacred Heart.
Be King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken You, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned You; grant that they may quickly return to their Father’s house, lest they die of wretchedness and hunger. Be King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of Truth and the unity of Faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one Shepherd.
Grant, O Lord, to Your Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give tranquility of order to all nations; make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the Divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to It be glory and honor forever. Amen.
Used with permission from Fr. Jacob Bertrand
Thank you Lord Jesus Christ, for allowing us to make it through this day without a media reported or actually perpetrated ISIS attack against Your Holy Church on the Solemnity of Christ the King, King of the Universe or any place they have said today. ¡Viva Cristo Rey! For You O Lord, are King. You O Lord are Lord. You O Lord are God.
As I sat in front of our Lord in Exposition Friday night, I began to ponder my entire life in general. I could see it among a tangled mess of fishing line, but it was different. What used to be tangled and trapped, was now a ball of line in a tangled mess, in my hands. I began to ponder the mess and see the knots in this mess, thinking of how, if it could be even remotely possible, to sit and untie all those horrible knots of sin. I asked our Lord how I could even remotely confess this mess and in prayer, He gave me the roots of that entire mess which caused my leaving Him in the first place.
A few weeks ago, I began to pray a novena I had not prayed before, Unfailing Novena To The Virgin Mary Untier of Knots. As I began, I placed my entire self into her hands, giving her everything I have seen, everything I was confused over, everything that had lead me astray and everything I had done. It was our Holy Mother in this Novena, who cut me lose from that tangled mess I had tangled myself in. When she placed it in my hands and I was able to see, I was unsure what to do with it. How could I fix this? It was our Lord in Exposition who made it clear to me, that all that sin was worthless and can not be used for anything. That “line of thought” I had was nothing but a mess and it was now in my hands to do what is right and just with it. In asking our Lord and in Him giving me the “roots”, of the cause, pride, covetousness and lust, I knew the only course of action to take, was to place it in His hands in His beautiful Sacrament of Confession, where He could toss it away, never to be used again by me or others, to never become tangled again in. This isn’t something we can just toss away ourselves by thinking we will never become tangled again because we are curious creatures and we forget the things that hurt us, hurt others also.
When we become tangled in a sinful “line of thought” it becomes a mess we tangle and capture others in, dragging them down into the deep sins we commit. Unless we are cut loose completely, the evil one tugs us back down, bringing others with us, no matter how close to our Lord we become. When we hand it to our Lord in His Sacrament of Confession, He cuts the line, He burns it and it can never be used against us again, and we become free.
I am grateful to our Lord for His gifts, especially the gift of His Mother to us, who teaches us how to use the NEW “line of thought” through her beautiful model.
Jesus Christ is my King.
Pondering 2 Peter Chapter 2
The shoulder I lean on, the shoulder I cry too, the shoulder I look for, the shoulder always there belongs too my Lord, whom shoulders my burdens, my tears, my suffering, my pain, my troubles, my trials and my tribulations, replacing them with His joy
See:
Our Lord appointed 12 Apostles. His mission didn’t change because of one betrayer. Our mission is His mission. His mission is Love.
In a few weeks, we Catholics will be experiencing the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. If our Lord is giving us this time of Mercy,time to turn back to Him, how then can we not extend that mercy we will been given, to others in need?
I find myself pondering James 2:13 “For the judgment is merciless to one who has not shown mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.”
We are not called to live in fear of anyone or anything but are called to live only in the fear of our Lord.
Terrorism is never to be feared, but rather needs to be reminded, in our hearts, of the terror it can face, in the presence of the Face of God. Our Lords own words to Judas need to come to mind, that being “Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”.
Knowing that the Mission of Love is eternal and ongoing, we can never lose sight to love one another and pray for those who persecute us, as the mission of hate has no mission, but only self gratification and that self gratification dies and like dust, is blown away by the wind.
Peace and continual praying for the conversion of hearts, as our Lord is converting my heart to love and serve Him in all created in His image.
A must read….
DECLARATION ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
DIGNITATIS HUMANAE
ON THE RIGHT OF THE PERSON AND OF COMMUNITIES
TO SOCIAL AND CIVIL FREEDOM IN MATTERS RELIGIOUS
PROMULGATED BY HIS HOLINESS
POPE PAUL VI
ON DECEMBER 7, 1965
After spending most of the morning in Holy Mass at Holy Cross Cemetary yesterday, celebrated by Bishop Emeritus Robert Brom for All Souls Day, I had the distinct honor, all giving to our Lord, to attend All Souls Day Requiem Missa Cantata and a visit to the Campo Santo Cemetery, Old Town San Diego.
I can say with my entire heart, our Lord wanted me here last night. Sunday I had tried to make it for Second Vespers and the entire area of Old Town San Diego was packed with people, so much so, it took me an hour just to drive through the town. There was no parking available as the people crowded the streets dressed in their Day of the Dead costumes. I had never attended anything like that before. Streets were closed down and blocked off and it was just a matter for me to get through and head back home. Last night, could have been the same, but the second I pulled behind Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, a woman got into her car and was leaving. Opening up a spot for me to attend.
As I started walking up to the Church, people were still dressed in costumes and eating, drinking and loud music was playing. It was actually chaotic. I’m not one for crowded places so for me, it wasn’t something that draws my attention. As I walked up the steps a woman dressed in her death costume was standing in front of the entrance of the Church, shouting to her friends to take her picture. It was chaos on the exterior of this beautiful Church. I walked past her and entered. The inside was quiet and our Lords Tabernacle had been covered as they began to set up for the Latin Rite Requiem Holy Mass.
I breathed a bit easier, genuflected and began to pray with our Lord. My soul became quiet and Holy Mass began. All in Latin, and as the celebration continues on, I was caught up into it. One of the most beautiful things that took place was a friend of mine from the Brothers of the Little Oratory, who was directing the schola, went up and pulled the bell rope to match the altar bells during the consecrations, doing this, announces to the world the sacrificial presence of Christ on the altar of his church. The entire city of Old Town San Diego was able to hear the presence of our Lord on His Altar. As this took place I was in complete joy. All the chaos outside and darkness knew our Lord was present.
At the end of Holy Mass, we began to light our candles again and began a lighted processional to the first Old Adobe Chapel, a few blocks from Immaculate Conception.
The Old Adobe Chapel was originally built in 1850 as a home, and was converted to a church by Don José Aguirre in 1858. After having been bulldozed for street realignment in the 1930s, the WPA rebuilt the adobe chapel in 1937. Much of the interior artifacts from the original chapel have been retained, including the tabernacle, the altar with its beautiful marbleized finish, some woodwork including pews and doors, and José Aguirre’s tombstone is laid in the floor. CLICK HERE
As we left the Church, I followed closely behind the Priest as the Brothers of the Little Oratory lead the way, singing. As we walked out into the streets, it was as if the entire world outside came to a screeching halt. We, in prayer and procession, entered into a place that was not expecting to see a Holy Procession. Taken by surprise, the world outside began to warm. I watched souls begin to pray with us, sing with us and follow us. As we walked down the packed streets of Old Town San Diego, it was as if we were parting the Red Sea. Swarms of souls moved out of the way without asking and began to make the sign of the cross, some take pictures and most of the souls smiled at the procession to the Old Adobe. We entered and blessed the grave of José Aguirre and prayed again. As we left, we began the beautiful procession, in candle light, song and prayer, again to Campo Santo Cemetery.
The same parting took place and traffic was stopped as we crossed the street and entered into the Cemetery to bless the graves. There were two souls inside who were not so impressed as they had other ideas as one man began to tell the other that he had no clue this was going to take place, but the other man, much calmer, was able to assure the other it was right that we should be there. We simply continued on and passed them into this place. Our Lord won the conflict and quiet was achieved to begin the blessing of the graves. We prayed again for the souls buried there and without incident, processed out, chanting in the battle cry of our Holy Mother all the way back to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
I had never seen so many souls taken in by an event as this before. It was so beautiful to see people stop and take notice that the dead that are buried in this pace, are not a simple tourist attractions and deserved prayer and respect. They, the precious dead, received both last night. Praise, glory and honor to our Lord.
Glory, praise and honor to our Lord Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen
“And since I’m going away to prepare a place for you, I’ll come back again and welcome you into my presence, so that you may be where I am.” John 14:3
How beautiful this place is, that our Lord is ever present, ever seen. Only now in exile, can He been seen in small portions, slightly revealed behind the veil that separates us here in exile from Him in completeness. When I can see Him today, and the way He makes my soul dance, I can’t even comprehend what ecstasy the soul shall be pulled into with Him in completeness.
I attended All Souls Day Holy Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery this morning and prayed for all the souls of my readers lost loved ones, all on social media and within my own family. I was blessed with the opportunity to find the grave of my old friends from the Legion of Mary and thought of how wonderful it was to be a part of our Lord’s life together with them. How much pain we have felt at the missing of them in our presence and all the souls who have touched our lives in so many special ways.
I have often pondered the fact that when I say so and so is a blessing to have in my life, its not actually MY life they are in, but rather, we are all together in our Lords Life, as He gathers us into One in Him.
The pain of losing a loved one, no matter the age, is devastating.I will not soon forget the loss of my own mom and dad and the realization that everything had changed completely and would never be the same. Grief is hard after the loss and nothing we can do can heal that pain of “someone missing”. We can, however, look at it in a much clear way, and understand that when we lose a loved one, its not truly losing, but gaining. We gain a soul closer to our Lord. We know we can never get that soul we loved back into our presence, BUT what we can do, is live in such a way, to ensure one day, we can be where they are in the presence of our Lord. Knowing we all will as this life is only temporary. We should rejoice for their pain in exile is over. There suffering is no more and the Holy Souls in Purgatory suffer in a way now, in which a recent quote I heard of St. Thomas Aquinas has said as: “The worst day in purgatory is better than the best day on earth” (pointed out by a dear friend: Aquinas wrote in the Summa that the pains of purgatory surpass all of the temporal pains of this life. That doesn’t mean that the quote above is false! This is also greater hope there than any other place.) We should be more aware of the pain souls are in, in exile here, struggling with the worldly and the lack of compassion for others. Therefore we are called to be One in Christ, to bring peace, hope and love to those in pain and suffering
Today, as I attended this beautiful Requiem Mass for the Holy Souls, it was the first time I was able to look more deeply into my own mortality. We all know one day we will no longer be “here”. I had arrived a half hour early and walked up to a man holding the handouts for the readings and songs. I took one from him and my eyes instantly captured the word on the cover, reading: “And since I’m going away to prepare a place for you, I’ll come back again and welcome you into my presence, so that you may be where I am.” John 14:3 I was filled with joy and began to happy cry. I truly look forward to that day He knows of.
In all the suffering we face, no matter how harsh we may believe it to be, we know this life in exile is not forever. We understand that place He has prepared for us, is under construction, until the hour He calls for us to come be with Him. Death no longer is to be feared, but embraced as it is only a moment in time, leading to eternal Life. Death to us, should be the “nativity” of the Soul in eternal life with our Lord. When we ponder the Nativity of our Lord, the moment He entered into this world for us, I can’t help but ponder as a repenting sinner, our leaving exile much in the same way, as the arrival into eternal life with Him.
Peace.
Graves of my mom and dad:
Prayer for the Poor Souls in Purgatory
English
V. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
R. And let the perpetual light shine upon them.
And may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Latine
V. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine.
R. Et lux perpetua luceat eis.
Fidelium animae, per misericordiam Dei, requiescant in pace. Amen.
“You will show me the path to life,
abounding joy in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.” Psalm 16:11
I love serving the homeless. I have been very close in many ways to walking in their shoes. I don’t have much to give, but what I have, I have no problem giving to those who have less than I do. Its said in this world that “the one with the most toys wins”. I couldn’t disagree more with this worldly statement. I know for a fact that the less attachment to the things in this world you have , the more peace in Christ you attain.
Yesterday as I was walking to Our Lady of the Rosary Church in San Diego, I noticed a man laying on the ground. As I got closer, without even thinking about it, I looked through my purse and found a few dollars. He was sleeping and the more looked at his face the more I seen our Lord. I couldn’t believe how much he reminded me of our Lord.
I tucked the money I had into his jacket and he never knew it. I continued on to our Lady of the Rosary, purchased a few things I needed, along with a few St. Nicholas Holy Cards. On my way back, I noticed I still had two dollars in my purse. The man was still laying on the ground and I tucked two more dollars into his coat with a St. Nicholas Holy Card.
He never knew I was there and the joy this brought to me is growing. Glory, praise and honor to our Lord. I LOVE serving Him in this way. All I can do, I can do for Him. ALl I have to give, I can give for Him. Please pray for this man and all our homeless brothers and sisters.
The prayer on the holy card I tucked into his jacket read:
God, Our Father, we pray that through Your intercession of St. Nicholas, you will protect our children. Keep them safe from harm and help them grow and become worthy in Your sight. Give them strength to keep their Faith in You; and to keep alive their joy in your creation. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen
St. Nicholas, Patron of Children, pray for us. All Saints of our Lord, pray for us. Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us all
The Lord publicly proclaimed it: ‘I’, he said, ‘have prayed for you Peter that your faith may not fail, and you, once being converted, must confirm your brothers’… For this reason the Faith of the Apostolic seat has never failed even during turbulent times, but has remained whole and unharmed, so that the privilege of Peter continues to be unshaken. —Pope Innocent III (1198-1216)
Thank you St. Pope John Paul II, for prayers answered…
As I was waking this morning, I couldn’t shake the thought of him, St. Faustina and the abyss of love that has replaced the abyss of misery that was my life.
Thank you Lord for him, for You and for your Divine Mercy.