tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88402375623161338572024-02-18T22:59:20.994-08:00Christ in the Present MomentAnyone stumbling upon this blog is invited to join process to seek and find Christ in the present moment, and to climb the Stairway to Heaven. "Christ in the Present Moment" journals implementation of a life attempting to live out the Order of the Present Moment. Author is devout Roman Catholic. It is recommended to read from first post forward. See also: www.orderofthepresentmoment.blogspot.com.The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-46785296419935662992013-11-20T10:15:00.006-08:002013-11-20T10:22:34.186-08:00Comments Upon a Poster Seen on FB<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Someone posted this poster on FB, and I could not help but comment on it. It was from an organization that calls itself for highly effective women. I disagree. I know what it maybe means in terms of the world and pop culture, but some of the richest assistance I have had has come from very miserable people who are being tested in the fires of the furnace. To see someone struggling to figure out his own life is a very real and honest person. For those of us who do not have it all together and are not perfect, we can certainly benefit from those who also know they are not perfect and who are still trying to figure out his or her own life. It is a process. I find the struggling sufferers to be quite inspiring, actually. But I commented, as below the photo and statement on it.</span><br />
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Don't ask advice from someone who can't figure out his own life. Rather look for inspiring and happy people. </div>
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<a class="_4-eo" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=596496107070467&set=a.442525019134244.106888.277295595657188&type=1" rel="theater" style="width: 371px;"></a><br />
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<a class="_4-eo" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=596496107070467&set=a.442525019134244.106888.277295595657188&type=1" rel="theater" style="width: 371px;"><img alt="Don't ask advice from someone who can't figure out his own life. Rather look for inspiring and happy people.
www.gifew.org" class="img" height="375" src="https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/s526x395/1452364_596496107070467_1009507962_n.jpg" style="left: 0px;" width="373" /></a></div>
<a class="_4-eo" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=596496107070467&set=a.442525019134244.106888.277295595657188&type=1" rel="theater" style="width: 371px;">
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Authentic.Em/posts/10151717634636400"><abbr class="timestamp livetimestamp" data-utime="1384962414" title="Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 7:46am"><br /></abbr></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[3wtrl].[1][3][1]{comment10151717634636400_27351007}.[0].[1].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3]"><span data-reactid=".r[3wtrl].[1][3][1]{comment10151717634636400_27351007}.[0].[1].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[3wtrl].[1][3][1]{comment10151717634636400_27351007}.[0].[1].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[0]">This
makes me sad, actually. I find that if I ask advice of people who may
be unhappy, especially if their unhappiness is due to much life
experience the hard way, I gain far more insights and help than from
those who are "happy." Often times, I have found that "happy" people
are thus because they have not suffered much. Of course, if you find
one that is "happy" due to being in a lull in the realities of life and
have come through the other side of the fire--for the time being--then
that is good, too. They then can encourage and say we all come through
the fire in faith, and also that person if wise will say he or she will
be back in the fire again. I don't always trust those whose lives are
sugar-coated. Was Jesus always happy? I don't think so. Scripture
does not reveal that; He wept over Jerusalem and drove out the
money-changers. He was not "happy" in the agony of the garden, nor in
his scourging nor on the cross. He was wise, resigned, filled with love
and forgiveness, and perfectly beautiful in showing us that we may not
have happiness in this life, but in the next. I find some young people
turn to me for advice because they know I have suffered and am not what
one would call, in this world's terms, "happy". These are people with
very serious troubles, and they want advice from someone who has not
masked suffering. They know I have experience but also know I grow
through it, and they want to do the same. They know I cry real tears
and have had very hard knocks, and they evidently see something in my
sorrows that makes them feel comfortable to consult me. "Happy" people,
to me, can actually seem intimidating and not so real. And this goes
especially if the "happy" people are masking their reality, for living a
full life does not preclude a life of much suffering.</span></span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[3wtrl].[1][3][1]{comment10151717634636400_27351007}.[0].[1].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3]"><span data-reactid=".r[3wtrl].[1][3][1]{comment10151717634636400_27351007}.[0].[1].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[3wtrl].[1][3][1]{comment10151717634636400_27351007}.[0].[1].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2l8nb].[1][3][1]{comment10151717634636400_27351123}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[2l8nb].[1][3][1]{comment10151717634636400_27351123}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3]"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".r[2l8nb].[1][3][1]{comment10151717634636400_27351123}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2l8nb].[1][3][1]{comment10151717634636400_27351123}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2l8nb].[1][3][1]{comment10151717634636400_27351123}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[0].[0]">On
another note, why do people for centuries find solace and wisdom in the
Psalms? They are written by those who are plaintive and suffering, who
feel lost and beaten down and betrayed. They would be not considered
"happy" people, and thus according </span></span><span data-reactid=".r[2l8nb].[1][3][1]{comment10151717634636400_27351123}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[3]"><span data-reactid=".r[2l8nb].[1][3][1]{comment10151717634636400_27351123}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[2l8nb].[1][3][1]{comment10151717634636400_27351123}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[3].[0].[0]">to
this axiom offered to never consult others who do not have their own
lives figured out, would not be anyone to consult for advice. The
Psalms are so very poignant for the very reason they were written by
those who suffered and were "unhappy", who saw those people who seemed
"happy" and always had things going their way, but yet could not relate
with them. Of course, these lowly ones in their sorrow and turmoil and
difficulties, turned to the Lord, their Rock and Comforter and Adviser.
I submit that highly effective people--women, men, children alike--live
in truth and reality and seek help from God or those who are close to
God. Those close to God may often be the ones who seem the worst off
and struggling, but who cling to God and turn to Him always. That,
perhaps, is the difference, and the sign-post of who we should be
consulting and turning to: first God, and then those who know and love
God and live the way of the cross. And, that is not going to seem all
that "happy". It is enduring faith, though, that marks them. Not
happiness.</span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></i></span></div>
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The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-61857917406527799392012-11-30T15:28:00.000-08:002012-11-30T15:28:04.676-08:00Vicissitudes of Life in Christ<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We have these periodically, those of us who sincerely give ourselves over to the Lord and strive for His will always. Vicissitudes. Changes that are not necessarily pleasant, changes that provide contrast and comparison, changes that evoke suffering if one does not willow branch bend to the winds.<br />
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The seasons come and go.<br />
<br />
Since last spring ebbed with the neck injury, and summer brought the realization that something was still seriously wrong with the right shoulder after the fall in the chapel the year before and that resultant rotator cuff surgery, autumn produced yet another surgery on the shoulder--this one far more serious, painful, and lengthy in recovery.<br />
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But the deepest pain came from the prelates and priests of Holy Mother Church. Yet with those stunning and shocking events, the doors closing on the temporal Catholic world, came yet more instruction from His Real Presence in such a profound and potent question that answered itself within the dream vision and ensuing peace beyond all telling.<br />
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It is not easy, of course, to have the kind of faith necessary to grasp and hold onto the numinous. The mortal mind and emotions wants inclusion even if a hermit. The mortal mind clings to the temporal aspects--a typical enough, mortal thing to do! But this one must let go of that even more now, and endure and grow spiritually, open to God within and without one's being.<br />
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To be told that I am not to go to any parish was stunning. Priests and bishops say the darn'dest things. To be told that it is because one is too intelligent, too well read, too spiritual, different, and a mystic--is even more outrageous.<br />
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To hear an elderly bishop lie and deny and whine and not share responsibility for errant spiritual direction, was pathetic beyond disappointing. To have to report a criminal activity that had been not reported properly to the police, was yet another agonizing duty. But the soul is clean; and if the prelate and retired prelate and the other top honcho resented the truth being told, finally, they can tell it to God someday. That the one prelate discredited me to another, is as he chose, threatening me in a thin and sing-song voice. Yes, I said go ahead, resort to gossip mongering if that is what you desire.<br />
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Well, as has been spoken and written thousands of years ago, "As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord."<br />
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Fifty pages of a book were written prior to the serious shoulder surgery. Just now is the arm out of the sling, other than driving. It was immobilized for over five weeks, and the recovery is slow and painful. The degree of pain of having ones biceps severed and re-attached, anchored down into the shoulder bone in three places in a new location, is beyond description. I have wondered if the one whose direction caused the fall resulting in the injury and two surgeries, of which the obedient victim had to pay the financial, emotional and physical consequences, will suffer sharing this pain, somehow, in eternity. It is possible, if we believe in the final judgment and the eternal fires, in whatever form our punishments and remediation will take.<br />
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For now, this soul remains even more the evolving and progressing hermit. The laptop with the pages of the book written, is in repair. If the book is to begun anew, that is all right. So much more has happened in exile, that the truth will take on greater significance.<br />
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As the friend, Julian of Norwich, wrote years past: All is well and all shall be well.</div>
The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-91623425729608608722012-08-19T12:03:00.000-07:002012-08-20T03:08:28.027-07:00Dreams and Prayers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Lord has shown me all the more the hermit, but most definitely is asked me why I'd want the shown complexity and temporal complications in the offing, rather than Him directly? In the dream and upon waking, there was no quibbling from deep in my soul: I want Him directly. All the other held no sway whatsoever.<br />
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A prayer is, for all of us, to know God's will and how He wills to utilize us. In this time period of additional suffering, physically, but unjustly from another, there is a question as to if one should not speak or write truth, if others might be offended by the truth. I ponder if Jesus was passive and did not speak the truth even though others might--and did--take offense. Yet there is the point that is good, to not speak rashly, only from anger that is not righteous indignation.<br />
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The prayer request of His Real Presence, on a personal level within my soul, is if He desires me to write and speak the truth of what has transpired, or if He wills that I remain plucked out and to write of Him and to do what I can in the solitude of His Real Presence--in small physical actions of gardening and hermitage maintenance, provided the right shoulder will stop flaring seriously with pain whenever manual labor is attempted. It does take, then, a couple months of therapy to get the shoulder to simmer down, in addition to prednisone, and the previous time, an injection in the shoulder--only to have it flare all the more, quickly, with some manual labor.<br />
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I know I would personally prefer to be removed from the temporal issues that go on and on without seeming end, and do not lead the soul in any manner to the spiritual, at least not effectively nor directly. The temporal Catholic crud exists, and if writing and challenging by explaining and revealing would help people to desire the spiritual more, that would be a good thing. But I doubt it would challenge or inspire any more than in prior efforts and events. In reading a well-researched and non-embellished bio of John of the Cross, I am reminded yet again of the mystic's plight as well as the usual, eventual outcome of removal to one degree or another, from the temporal effects of power, prestige and position--all harbingers of much pride and prohibition to the depths, breadths and heights of the spiritual assent. He realized he would have to escape death by figuring out a means of escape, and the stories of a dog leading him out, or other such "miracles", simply are not true. But escape he did, and saved his life from those entrenched in the temporal Catholic malaise, although those ensnared do not realize they are not free from nets that hold them within a certain space--not only physically sometimes, but definitely mental and emotional, sometimes willful, ensnarement.<br />
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Once John of the Cross escaped, he found his most precious times and teaching to be when in nature and removed from the temporal Catholic exigencies, the nets that are perhaps helpful in their structure up to a certain point, but can become limiting if the view remains of earth and not of heaven, not of the spiritual.<br />
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What impresses me in reading the writings and lives of mystics of the past, of Catholic mystics in particular, is their point of debarkation from the temporal Catholic confines, that world so alluring and helpful for a season or more, but with some aspects that go sour, that become tainted with the politicizing and the prevaricating of people of all vocations, who may not seek more than, or even seek less than, what His Real Presence desires in our spiritual progression. In that way, it can become a snare rather than a pathway or channel to the deep waters of spiritual growth.<br />
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These mystics do not write of the temporal Catholic crud of the day or the decade. Little to nothing is mentioned of parishes or politics. At times some is mentioned of the trials and obstacles meted out by others, insecure, threatened, or envious of the mystic's love and desire for union with God. But mostly the writings are of God and the process and progress in seeking and finding His Real Presence. <br />
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To write and speak truth of the process, of the temporal limitations in my own reality and experience, or to keep on in exile, writing of God in Himself and quietly communing in the solitude and silence? I have been highly encouraged to do the writing of the journey and of the redemption in exile; but it is rather a painful write--as the mind and emotions do not even want to be reminded in any way, of what transpired of the temporal aspects, over the years. <br />
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God will answer the prayers, though. He will decide what He wills. In the meantime, an answer certainly came with the surge in shoulder pain, so debilitating and limiting. It may prove to be quite a life-altering suffering. Only time will tell, unless some miraculous healing comes to the shoulder.</div>
The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-69363524840925572512012-07-20T07:03:00.001-07:002012-07-20T07:03:06.105-07:00Progress with Writing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Writing, unhindered by the world and done in creative, realistic freedom, is coming along very well. Thanks be to God! The project is finally coming to fruition. I can write and share without negativity affecting honesty, as we are people of Christ, of His truth being paramount. Many people are most encouraging the process and product.<br />
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Just wanted to update readers, for now. I may privatize these posts yet again, but for now wanted to share the good news of progress in writing and sharing my particular journey.<br />
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God bless His Real Presence in us!</div>The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-37016236070256653992012-07-04T09:29:00.004-07:002012-07-04T09:29:48.831-07:00Progression<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Much has transpired in my spiritual and physical life in recent months. His Real Presence has wrought much deeper, inner conversions. There are many changes--too many to write and not necessary to share. This has gone beyond what is even helpful to others to share, or so it seems. Whenever I figure out how to place these posts on a privatized mode, I shall do so. For previous readers, I pray for you and wish for you union with God while yet on this earth. This is what I continue to seek, to pray for, to desire for myself, as well. The road becomes quite narrow, and it takes twists and turns so totally unexpected, that there comes a time when even the soul on the path marvels at the unexpected aspects, and the mystery of God in His providence and wisdom. In recent weeks and months, my life has become far more healthy as a result of facing realities and truths, and of turning more to His Real Presence in abject honesty and dependence, and being plucked out of other distractions that dissipate the growth and freedom in facing oneself that the Holy Spirit so ably effects, or can, when we let go of the inculcation of human-created customs and notions. Love God.<br />
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God bless His Real Presence in you!</div>The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-30604700833487273882012-01-30T09:54:00.000-08:002012-01-30T09:54:14.028-08:00John of Avila: Third Sermon on the Holy Ghost<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I share with you some highlights of St. John of Avila's third sermon on the Holy Ghost. These excerpts are taken from <i>The Holy Ghost</i> (Scepter, 1959). What the saint writes of our essential need for the Holy Ghost and recognition of the Trinity is crucial to what I have attempted to share of some insights gained while in a profound state during Mass.<br />
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While extolling all the aid the Holy Spirit will provide us, St. John of Avila asks, "What must we do so that we may have Him?" He answers, thus: <i> "Let us go to the most holy Virgin. She is deeply loved by the Holy Ghost and He by her....He that was from eternity made Himself mortal; He that was rich became poor: and all this was accomplished through the power, the operation, the direction and the wisdom of the Holy Ghost....Let us beseech her who is so loved by the Holy Ghost to obtain for us the grace to speak of this important guest."</i><br />
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Then John of Avila asks his listening--and us his reading--audience,<i> "Have you received the Holy Ghost?" Do you possess Him within you? Blessed be the soul who has received Him! Blessed be he who by believing has received this guest! He gives Himself to man in return for man's faith in Him....Do you long for Him to be infused into your hearts?...It is not enough to ask Him to come, to wish to receive Him, unless your actions merit His coming to you. Your deeds must be in harmony with your conversations and your desires, if this great guest is to come and dwell in your soul."</i><br />
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Jesus tried to explain to the apostles why He was physically leaving their presence--He Who had been among them in person, comforting, fortifying, and teaching them His doctrine. <i>'I go, and I will ask the Father; and He shall give you another Paraclete in my place.' Who is this Paraclete? 'The Spirit of Truth who will dwell within you, and teach you not wrong ideas and false doctrines, but the truth!'"</i><br />
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Again we are reminded of the words of Jesus: <i>"If any one love Me, he will keep My word. And my Father will love him, and we will come and make our abode with him."</i> John of Avila exhorts us to ponder these words and carry out this order to love Him. <i>"'He who keeps my word, loves me.' What does this mean? How am I to keep His word? How am I to show my love for Him? You must love Him; and to show that you truly love Him, you must reject and renounce all that prevents you from loving and serving Him worthily." </i>This takes effort, but Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit will help us.<br />
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When it seems impossible that anyone other than Jesus Christ could ever console the apostles if He were not with them, Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come to comfort them. As St. John of Avila paraphrases, we, too, come to be consoled. <i>"'Then you will no longer grieve because I go. Another Paraclete will come equal with Me, who will comfort and cherish you even more than I.' Only God could heal this wound, and this is a powerful argument to believe in the divinity of the Holy Ghost. Because if the Holy Ghost were less than God, He could not comfort the apostles in the sorrow they felt at Christ's absence. Jesus Christ is God: If the Paraclete who was to be sent were less than Christ, He could not be God....It is clear, then, that since Christ said He would send them a Paraclete who would be able to console them, as He could, this Paraclete must be God, as Jesus Christ was God. No one but the Holy Ghost could fill the void in their hearts, for He, like Jesus Christ, is God."</i><br />
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And the following seems, to me, to express quite clearly the availability and type of<i> </i>union that all may have with God--although the effects of union come in various ways and often not with visible signs. <i>"How shall I explain...the relationship the Holy Ghost wants to establish with your soul? It is not incarnation exactly; but a state where the soul is united with God in a union so close and so complete, that it resembles incarnation. The incarnation was a union in which the divine Word united in His one person the divine and human natures. But this is not the case in our union with the Holy Ghost, for we are joined to Him in a union of grace. The former union is called the incarnation of the Word, and the other may be called spiritualization by the Holy Ghost.</i><br />
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<i>"Today the Holy Ghost preaches the same message that Jesus Christ preached, teaches the same doctrine, consoles and delights man as He did. What more could you ask for? What more could you look for? What more do you want? For you have within you a counselor, a tutor, a director. One who will guide you, advise you, encourage you, put you on the right road, who will accompany you in everything you do, and everywhere you go. Finally, if you do not lose sanctifying grace, He will go by your side so that you may neither do, say nor think anything that is not inspired or directed by Him. He will be your faithful and true friend; if you do not leave Him, He will never leave you."</i><br />
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Well, the Holy Spirit is God, as Jesus Christ is God, as the Father is God. Thus they are His Real Presence, the Trinity. John of Avila repeats again that <i>"As Christ during His life on earth performed marvelous cures among the sick who needed Him and asked for His help, so this Teacher and Paraclete performs spiritual cures among those souls in whom He dwells and with whom He is in union through grace....Christ, as man, went among men performing these holy deeds, which He oculd not have done if He were not God, so we say that they were the work of God and Man. And we call the wonders accomplished by the Holy Ghost in the heart where He dwells, the work of the Holy Ghost and man, though man here plays a lesser part."</i><br />
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Further, St. John of Avila writes exemplifying what Jesus was trying to explain to the woman at the well. <i>"...Christ, Our Lord, has said, 'If any man thirst, let him come to Me and drink.' And if a man comes to Him and drinks of the water of the Holy Ghost and receives this Paraclete, this divine breath of the Holy Ghost, he will be filled, he will be comforted, he will be taught, he will be preserved from all error and doubt.</i><br />
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<i>St. Bernard says that He will teach you everything; sometimes when alone with you--at other times through the mouth of another. He is anxious to instruct, console, help and strengthen you. If there were many disciples who wished to be taught this doctrine, who wished to study in this school, they would all be able to learn of this gentle Spirit, source of all wisdom.... </i>John of Avila adds, <i>"but in this school only they will profit by the teaching of the Holy Ghost and be accepted as His disciples...them that are weaned from the milk, that are drawn away from the breasts of their mothers: these are taught by the Holy Ghost. He is in communication with them; He gives Himself to them. Have the courage, brethren, to wean yourselves for God's sake!...Wean yourselves from your own will, from your own judgment! Renounce and depart from your nature, your own opinions!</i><br />
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Now St. John of Avila asks a most important question: <i>What use is there in being baptized and believing in Jesus Christ if I have not the Holy Ghost?...As circumcision was the outward sign of the Jew, so is baptism the outward sign of the Christian, but neither baptism nor anything else can save you if you have not the Holy Ghost....Those who are baptized and have not the Holy Ghost are children of God, but not legitimate children....</i><br />
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<i>"Who desires Him?...In veneration of the Holy Ghost...from this time forward, reverence and honor this Guest, serve Him faithfully; even if sorrows come to you, try to work to make Him happy; even if you have to sleep on the floor, give Him your bed; and even if you have to suffer hardship, do what you can to please Him. For love and reverence of Him, I ask you to honor Him. Do not give yourself over to the devil! Do not exchange this Paraclete for anyone! You cannot live without either the Holy Ghost or the devil. What a difference between these two guests! Let us look attentively at the apostles...like them you should perform works of mercy and do good to everyone you can at this time. They were locked in, together with the blessed Virgin Mary; call her, win her over, as that other widow importuned and won over Elijah."</i><br />
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<i>"...He will come now to those who call on Him with piety. It is indeed amazing to see the gentleness and love with which He taught the apostles to preach and pray. St. Peter says, 'Brethren, you have sinned; know your sins and do penance for them, for the Lord will pardon you and send you a gift. Get ready your hearts to receive it.' May God reveal your hearts to you, your inward disposition so that you may recognize your sins...and make you weep for them! With your whole heart call on Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and if you do this the Holy Ghost will come to you.</i><br />
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<i>"He is pure: how could He come to me who am unclean? That is the question. Why has the Holy Ghost so much love for Jesus Christ? Because Jesus Christ placed Himself willingly on the Cross, in obedience to the Eternal Father and the Holy Ghost; which is why the Holy Ghost will come to you in Christ's name, and will not be repelled by your wretchedness....You see it is quite true that man is not a suitable dwelling for the Holy Ghost, just as the Cross was not the place for our Redeemer, Jesus Christ; but through this union with the Cross, has come about the union of the Holy Ghost with man. </i><br />
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<i>"The Holy Ghost advised and inspired Jesus Christ to put Himself on that mean and repellant place--the Cross; and because He did so, the Holy Ghost will come to that other mean, repellent place--the heart of man. Call Him in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, because He will most certainly come and give Himself to you, and present you with all His gifts. He will enlighten your understanding. He will make you burn with love for Him, and will give you grace and glory."</i><br />
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Yes, this was a lengthy sermon; but what truth and goodness we now have even in such a short synopsis of citations? We must have faith. It takes faith and a loving weaning, if we have been clinging to but one Person of the Trinity. Now we can see through Jesus' own words that He desires us to accept more, to not only love and desire Him with all our strength, minds and hearts, but also to love and desire the <i>who</i> He went to and asked the Father to send us: the Holy Spirit. We must now learn of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Father, the Trinity. The Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, teaches us today, now. The Three-in-One resides in our hearts and we in Him.<br />
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This is one lesson I am being taught in the state of ecstasy that only happens during Mass--any Mass. Perhaps others have not done as I had done, to be out of balance in my love and single-focused understanding of Jesus. But once I learned about remaining in His Love--His Real Presence needed to lead me forth to grasping that He is the Trinity, and His Real Presence desired me to love all of Him: the Son, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. All are in the Mass and All are in each Sacrament, and All in each Sacrament are in the Mass. <br />
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The Mass is the stairway to heaven. His Real Presence, the Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is fully in the fullness of the Mass. And this extends to the reality that we take the fullness of His Real Presence in the Mass, with us, as we are sent out with His Real Presence in our thoughts and actions into the world of our daily lives. With each encounter and thought, we approach all, knowing each Sacrament is alive and is living reality within us: His Real Presence, the Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.<br />
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God bless His Real Presence in us and in all Sacraments within us that we present in each moment. Yes, it is living, now truly understood: <i>The Trinity in the Present Moment.</i><br />
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<i> </i></div>The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-67508160325146478062012-01-29T10:14:00.000-08:002012-01-29T10:14:45.105-08:00Sin, Soon; John of Avila, Continued<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A reader and spiritual friend emailed, asking me to consider writing about sin. She is correct in that it is good to ponder: What is sin? Understanding the answer to this question makes easier or at least strengthens the ability in conquering the temptation and acting out of sin. A confessor shared with her some of what is and is not sin; and a confessor after Mass this evening spoke briefly, also, as I asked him his expertise. Also at ready is the tried and true Tanquerey: <i>Treatise on the Spiritual Life. </i>The late great Archbishop writes much, clearly, on the topic of sin.<br />
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However, I beg some time. (Some of my own flaws include being drawn off in other directions. (<i>He who scatters will not gather.</i>) I don't want this, but it happens; I allow it. Lack of discipline, I call it. We will learn later if this is, or could be, a sin.) But now we proceed with writing of the Holy Spirit, from the third of St. John of Avila's six sermons.<br />
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<i>"<b>We</b> will come to him and will make our abode with him (John 14:23).</i> St. John of Avila bases this sermon upon Jesus' promises to the apostles and to all of us that if we keep His commandments, if we remain in His love, He will be our dwelling place. Who is <i>He</i>? Who is <i>We</i>?<br />
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The following excerpt from John of Avila's Holy Ghost homilies is key to our understanding of the fullness of His Real Presence: <i>Who, then, are those who are to come?</i> <i>The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost--because wherever the Father and the Son are, the Holy Ghost is with Them. The Three Persons of the Blessed Trinity....And We will not go away--said our Redeemer. 'We will make our abode with him.' </i><br />
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At this point, John of Avila further discusses why God made man. "So that he might love God, and loving Him possess Him, and possessing Him, enjoy Him, and enjoying Him, become blessed. Men were created that they might enter into a state of bliss...." And man did enjoy bliss until we sinned. But now Jesus tells the apostles (and us) that we do have a pathway of union with God, possible in the indwelling of the Trinity, through a process of our salvation.<br />
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Then the saint describes the religious men and women as well as the married thinking they can better dedicate themselves to God by going into seclusion or by avoiding work other than prayer and fasting. But no, <i>"God has called you to a certain state of life and in it you must gain salvation. Be conscientious about doing your duty, and He will give you the grace of salvation." </i>Yet here he inserts a realistic warning: <i>"The devil will never let you be contented if you are leading a holy life, but will make you dissatisfied in order that you may lose the peace of mind you should feel in the state to which God has called you. He will make you hope for what cannot be, for the impossible."</i><br />
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The way to avoid the pitfalls of sin and the tricks of the devil is to remain in His Love. We must live in Christ in the present moment, yes, but we are discovering that Christ is not alone but is One in Three Persons, always. Wherever is Jesus Christ is the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus came that we might have life and live it fully. How do we know if our souls are truly alive? <i>"By the kind of life your soul leads. When your soul is alive it loves and knows God and devotes itself entirely to His service. The death of the soul occurs in three ways: through neglect, through error, through the passions. In the soul that does not love God, the will, the reason and the memory are dead. When the soul is dead, it cannot perform a good action."</i><br />
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<i>"'By me, if any man shall enter in, he shall be saved, and he shall go in and go out, and shall find pastures' (John 10:9). Since Jesus Christ is the door, where will this door lead? To the Holy Ghost.</i><br />
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Consider the many Scriptures that depict the breath of life blown into the dead. Recall, for example, in the Old Testament when Elijah placed himself over a dead child and breathed upon him, bringing life. Think about how many times Jesus imparted the Spirit into the sick as well as the dead, healing and reviving them to fullness of life. <i>"He who does not receive the breath of Christ, no matter how rich or powerful he may be...is poor, weak and wretched....Vine and branches are nourished with the same sap; Head and body are sustained by the same holiness: the spirit of Christ and the spirit of those who are incorporated in Him, is all one....Jesus and all His servants were chiseled by the troubles and persecutions of this world and therefore, His servants deserved to dwell with Christ."</i><br />
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<i>"He who desires the Holy Ghost, let him love and obey and desire Jesus Christ forever! Is it of little importance that the Father should love you? There are no better chains with which to hold the Holy Ghost than by loving Jesus Christ. 'Because you have loved me,' says Jesus Christ, 'the Father himself loveth you,' because you loved Me very much. He who loves Jesus Christ and desires Jesus Christ will in return receive the Holy Ghost." </i><br />
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Later in this sermon, St. John of Avila inspires what is required of us, as Christ is our example. He quotes St. Paul: <i>"'For if the blood of goats and of oxen and the ashes of a heifer, being sprinkled, sanctify such as are defiled, to the cleansing of the flesh; how much more shall the blood of Christ, who by the Holy Ghost, offered himself unspotted to God, cleanse our conscience from dead works, to serve the living God?' Hebrews 9:13-14.</i>...<i>It was the Holy Ghost that moved and incited Christ to shed His blood so readily for us.</i><br />
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<i>"Do not be frightened because the Holy Ghost has brought you today to be placed on a cross...." </i>John of Avila concludes this sermon by reminding us that through, with and in Christ, the Father and the Holy Spirit will bring us to all goodness of union in such a way as to defy our fears and sufferings of this life. We must keep our eyes, thoughts, hearts and souls upon heaven while existing in this realm.<br />
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I am reminded, personally, of how easy it is to be deceived. The evil one can work through but one person to discourage us or misunderstand and mistreat. Then others around that one person can follow suit, being used by the devil to go along with one person doing wrong--not that one still not realizing he or she is deceived. Thus the ugliness spreads, and this includes the person mistreated, for the devil deceives and works on that one, too, who reacts to the persecution with upset and anger. This is how evil can spread without any of the people realizing they are being used by the devil.<br />
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How quickly the devil works on us--just as surely and soon as we desire to live in Christ in the present moments. Then when we are drawn into His Real Presence--the Father, Son and Holy Spirit--the devil strikes harder yet more secretively. How better than to engage those who we'd least suspect of being hurtful, to turn upon the soul who is newly adopted into the abode of the Trinity? And what great mercy of His Real Presence, the Trinity, to bring all sufferings and confusions to good in strengthening the soul even when all had seemed lost in chaos!<br />
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You can consider events in your own lives. Of mine, I reflect briefly on the seemingly long-lasting coma of my ugliness and hurt--the snapping remarks, the chaos with relationships, my growing fear of others, the roller coaster days and nights. I also consider with amazement the harsh and cruel ordeals of what some people said and did to me that defied normalcy...to which I reacted, at times, with the grace of His Real Presence but more often with the human failings of one inexperienced in rough, devil-clever, spiritual warfare. I was so deceived; yet His Real Presence continued the gracious ecstasies which, beyond my understanding at the time, brought more hurt, unkindness, awkwardness and isolation. <br />
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The reality is that no matter how low we fall nor how many times we succumb to the deception, no matter how hurt (yes, it comes to physical injury) or how often we complain, wail, or snipe back, His Real Presence lifts us up. Jesus Christ shows us how to be crucified; even when we do not suffer well at all, the Holy Spirit reminds us to carry the cross for at some point we realize our love we had in the good times has bound us to Him. He, They, the Three in One, His Real Presence--the Holy Trinity--have come to make Their abode in us. We are through, with and in Him: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. For this time, at least, the coma of ugliness has been lifted and His breath revivifies not only our lives but our minds, hearts and spirits in even greater faith, hope and charity!<br />
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It is worth <i>all</i>. I can say this now, thanks to so many who prayed for me--even those who departed due to my human failings and blindness. How unexpectedly treacherous is the journey...but for His Mercy! All glory and thanksgiving to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! <i> </i><br />
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<i>God bless His Real Presence in us!</i><br />
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<br /></div>The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-44334335224915262322012-01-19T12:47:00.000-08:002012-01-28T13:03:03.909-08:00St. John of Avila: Second Sermon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>First let us share excerpts from a letter by Fulgentius of Ruspe, bishop. His words augment what is good to grasp regarding the progression of Jesus Christ in His love for us, leading us to the Father and the Holy Spirit. Perhaps mainly lessons for my soul, the insights I am understanding may be meaningful to others. Also, continuing from the previous post, I want to underline the reality that in not fragmenting Jesus by diminishing His Oneness with the Father and the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ as distinct Second Person of the Trinity lived with us in this world. He is the way, the truth, and the life. It is just that His way, truth and life do not relegate us to the temporal alone.</i><br />
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<i>In this letter by Bishop Fulgentius of Ruspe, his points supports the insights.</i> "Notice at the conclusion of our prayer we never say, 'through the Holy Spirit,' but rather, 'through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.' Through the mystery of the Incarnation, Jesus Christ <i>became man, the mediator of God and man. He is a priest for ever according to the order of Melchizedek. By shedding his own blood he entered once and for all into the Holy Places. He did not enter a place made by human hands, a mere type of the true one; </i>but, he entered heaven itself, where he is at God's right hand interceding for us. Quite correctly, the Church continues to reflect this mystery in her prayer."<br />
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St. John of Avila, in his Second Sermon on the Holy Ghost, also comments: <i>"Jesus Christ entered into heaven itself, says St. Paul, that he might appear in the presence of God to offer His passion and obtain the Holy Ghost for us. We will be helped through the intercession of Jesus Christ because we will receive the Holy Ghost."</i><br />
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Fulgentius, on the topic that Christ lives forever to make intercession for us, ends his letter: <i>"We do not, however, only say 'your Son' when we conclude our prayer. We also say, 'who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit.' In this way we commemorate the natural unity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is clear, then, that the Christ who exercises a priestly role on our behalf is the same Christ who enjoys a natural unity and equality with the Father and the Holy Spirit."</i><br />
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We now pick up again with St. John of Avila's Second Sermon, in which he explains again to the apostles (and us) that it is to our advantage for Jesus to leave. <i>"'It is expedient to you that I go. For if I go not, the Paraclete will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you....I shall send you one whose name is Paraclete, one who will teach you not only about the things of today, but even about the things of the future; who will tell you who I am, for you do not yet know Me well; one who is the Spirit, who will make you understand in your inmost soul that it is not necessary to have ears to hear Him, or eyes to see Him; one who will never leave you but who will be with you when you eat, when you sleep, when you are in the church, and when you are at home; one who indeed will be your companion, for He will never be separated from you. Be glad that I am going, because this Teacher is coming to you. All that I have told you, He will expound. He will be your Master, your Tutor, your Comforter. He will console you. Be glad that I am going."</i><br />
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This is an interesting next point. St. John of Avila perhaps challenges the thoughts of many, but if we ponder his words, we realize perhaps that we have fragmented Jesus from the fullness of His Person in the Trinity, as God. Perhaps we have held ourselves back from what Jesus wants to teach us and where He desires to lead us, just as the apostles were clinging to his humanity. Indeed, what do we image when we think of Jesus? What do we consider to be His Real Presence? Is it the Trinity?<br />
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St. John of Avila: <i>"The humanity of Jesus Christ, the Man, was not perfect as the Holy Ghost is perfect. For the humanity of Christ was created and the Holy Ghost was God. The divinity of Christ did not go away, because His divinity had not come down from heaven; neither did His divinity rise to heaven; only His body and soul left the world, and as Man, He was less than the Holy Ghost. You are wrong then to ask Him not to go. The Holy Ghost must come. 'When the Paraclete cometh, he shall give testimony of me.' And when you know who I am, then you will understand that it is right that I should leave.</i>" Next, St. John of Avila reminds us that if we do not fully participate or accept this fact and feast of Pentecost, we have no share in anything Christ has done or ever will do--His birth, fasts prayers, scourging, death, resurrection, nor ascension.<br />
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Then St. John of Avila asks, <i>"Do you think this is to esteem this feast [Pentecost] too highly? Jesus did all that He did in order that men might take part in this feast. So sings the Church at this time--To participate in His divinity: what does that mean? It means to celebrate this feast fittingly, to receive the Holy Ghost, who is God Himself....Cannot I get along well enough without the Holy Ghost? No, in deed. Woe to Him who has not the Holy Ghost within him." </i><br />
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Now he quotes St. Paul. <i>"Let none be dismayed--says St. Paul--do not live in the flesh; you do not live by your own wisdom; your conduct is not ruled by your will, your own desires. He who was such a great preacher said to you in truth: 'But you are not in the flesh, but in the spirit'...because the Spirit of God abides within you. And so that you may understand that your beatitude depends upon having the Holy Ghost as your guest know that if 'any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.' It is necessary to say this again and again....He who has not the spirit of God, is not of God. He is not the child of God and he will not be saved."</i><br />
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And later in the sermon, again: <i>"'He who has not the Spirit of Christ is none of His. Think over them, dwell on them. How do you feel about them? He who lives by his own spirit, does not belong to Christ. You are not to live according to your own intellect, your own will, or your own judgment; you are to live in the Spirit of Christ....Free yourselves from earthly cares so that you may receive in your hearts the Spirit of Christ. I should say 'of Jesus Christ' because the Spirit of God proceeds from Him as God and dwells in Him as Man."</i><br />
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Perhaps these words do not make sense or seem hard to apply to our daily lives and time in which we live. All I can share is that they make much sense to me and help me comprehend all the more why the troubles and conniptions of the temporal keep us ensnared even if they seem what others are doing--even, perhaps especially, in the temporal aspects of the Church--what St. Bernard terms "the visible Church." First we need to be people of Christ's Heart and Spirit; the temporal can unfold as it will, after, in ways that would astound us. Union with God means union with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit and the Father. Our spirits (of which St. Teresa of Avila considers to be the deepest, richest, innermost part of us and encompasses our souls and all else within) must be open to and accepting of His Real Presence, the Trinity. To live in the Spirit of Christ is to live in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and They in us.<br />
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St. John of Avila, in the Third Sermon, asks us who it is that Jesus refers to when He says "We" will come and make our abode with you. But beyond all these words, we must simply and fervently beg His Real Presence of which, yes, Jesus is One and All with the Father and the Holy Spirit, to become very real in our lives, in our bodies, minds, hearts, souls and spirits. We must live beyond temporal--not excluding temporal, but <i>beyond. </i>When we have passed through various grade levels in school, we do not ever dismiss or exclude these levels, but we move beyond in progression. That is it.<br />
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<i>This morning my little ministry continued of positively reinforcing Catholics who exemplify fine Christian behaviors and witness. There were four or five contacts made, perhaps seven, including one heart-felt apology. Yes, I apologize to any I have upset or been frustrated with, or unkind to. This includes those I do not know personally who may read these posts. With the ecstasies during Mass and reading more of St. Teresa and other mystics who explain such matters, I understand that these phenomenon can go on for years until the soul is more purified and acceptable to His Real Presence for spiritual matrimony. Perhaps my soul will never be acceptable until long after death and the fires of purgatory. However, I do know that I expected Catholics to be very advanced in virtues, not envious, not proud, not controlling or icy, but very charitable and kind. We should not have expectations of others, but of ourselves; of this I'm sure now. All the more, I know His Real Presence has taught me that it is easy to get distracted by the too temporal aspects--negative ones, perhaps especially in the Church. It is best to seek balance within His Real Presence, and then we may find that there is not so much that needs to be accomplished otherwise, as faith, hope and love effectuate all.</i><br />
<i> </i></div>The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-21577990549876668072012-01-18T10:31:00.000-08:002012-01-28T13:00:59.054-08:00John of Avila<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I
now, with blessed relief, turn to John of Avila, born January 6, 1500
and died May 10, 1569. Spanish mystic, priest, preacher, saint and now
to be Doctor of the Church (announced by Pope Benedict XVI on August 20,
2011). He inspired and corresponded with St. Teresa of Avila, and soon
I'll find out if he also corresponded with St. John of the Cross. I've
ordered a book of his spiritual letters as well as a study of his life,
including his famous <i>Audi Filia</i> which is supposed to be a brilliant guide in the spiritual life. Reading but four sermons, I'm convinced!</div>
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John
of Avila was born into a wealthy, pious family of Jewish converts. His
parents died while he was in seminary; he sold his inherited
property and gave to the poor. He is patron of secular priests in
Spain. He is holy help and friend to many, now these five centuries
hence, we thankfully have his writings.</div>
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From the dust jacket of <u><i>The Holy Ghost</i></u>: <i>"The sermons contained in this volume treat of the necessity of knowing, conversing with, and abandoning oneself to the Holy Ghost, since His is the task of completing the work of Jesus Christ: they show that Christian perfection must be based on the operation of the Holy Ghost in the soul."</i> When I selected this small volume from the hermitage shelves, it was due to mostly to read the thoughts of St. John of Avila--recently brought to mind by the Pope in an address to youth in Madrid, Spain. Yet, as His Real Presence wills, the content immediately reinforces the insights I have received during Mass and of which I have previously tried to describe. From St. John of Avila's thoughts, I am going to offer excerpts that stand out to me.<br />
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St. John of Avila offers description of the apostles' great attachment to the human person of Jesus, such as they were despondent when He said during the time after His Ascension that He was leaving them. <i>"'I go...and I will ask the Father; and he shall give you another Paraclete,' that is comforter."</i> The apostles looked to the sky wherein Jesus ascended. <i>Raising their thoughts and voices to heaven, they said: 'Lord, we long for Thee and we do not know Thee; we wish Thee to come and we do not know who Thou art. Of Thy mercy, deign to come and console our hearts; come Lord for we are indeed sorrowful without Thee.'"</i><br />
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And John of Avila recommends we imitate the apostles in their longing and desire for the Holy Ghost, since the incarnate Jesus was no longer with them. We must ask, <i>"Comforter of my soul! Come, console me!" </i><i> </i><br />
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<i>"The first requirement for the coming of the Holy Ghost in our souls is that we should be aware of His power, and that we should believe that He can accomplish marvels. However sad a soul may be, He is sufficient to console it; however worthless, He can make it valuable; however lukewarm, He an fire it; however weak, He can strengthen it; however lacking in piety, He can inflame it with ardent devotion.</i><i> What is the way to bring the Holly Ghost to us? It is to be aware of His might."</i><br />
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<i>"The second requirement for the Holy Ghost to be willing to come into our hearts (so that we may not be rejected or found wanting) is to have the will to receive Him as our guest, sincerely and anxiously to desire His coming....Be devoted and faithful in the service of Jesus Christ and in your hopes for the coming of the Holy Ghost, and have no dealings with evil and meanness, because the consolation of the Spirit is very gentle. Very little will hinder its coming and it does not take pleasure in the things of this world."</i><br />
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This next citation is what amazes me in its linkage with not fragmenting Jesus, and rather to be willing to grow into union with the Trinity by uplifting our devotion and love, as well, to the Father and the Holy Spirit. <i>"Note what was said to the apostles, when they were looking up at the sky in suspense, when the Lord ascended into heaven. They were closely united to Him. They were longing and hoping for the visit of the Holy Ghost; they were anxious to see the Holy Ghost as their Master had declared they would; they were oblivious of themselves as they looked at Jesus Christ when He ascended into heaven. Blessed be He, who was so solicitous for our good; who did not content Himself merely with looking after us and taking care of us; but when He had ascended into heaven was so anxious about His own, that He sent down two angels dressed in white garments who said to them: 'Ye men of Galilee, why stand you looking up to heaven? This Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven shall so come--with the same majesty--as you have seen him going into heaven.'</i><br />
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<i>"And they were told to go to the Cenacle, because there the Holy Ghost would come upon them. You need not spend the whole day looking into the sky; you need not spend it praying or meditating. Go, my brethren, to the Cenacle. Do not spend your time thinking on the bodily presence of Christ! I have often said to you that the reason the Holy Ghost did not come to the apostles while Jesus Christ was in this world was because they were transported in the Master's presence, and that alone contented them, and although the presence of Our Lord was so good and holy, it hindered the apostles from being perfect, and on this account Jesus Christ wished to go away. 'My disciples, you are deeply attached to Me, you love Me greatly. I know that when you are with Me you are content; but I love you even more and to prove My love, I shall go away, so that the Holy Ghost may come and make you more perfect, and bring your thoughts closer to God,' Does this not show you that the presence of Jesus Christ in some degree hindered the coming of the Holy Ghost?</i><br />
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<i>"The Holy Ghost is jealous. Do not think He is not exacting. 'I am the Lord,' said God to Moses. So that you may understand, brethren, that if you are fond of your confessor, however holy he may be, or of the preacher who gives you good advice and consoles you, the Holy Ghost will not come until you have renounced an excessive love of human beings. The Holy Ghost wishes to be alone with you....'But Father, he is a saint, and guides me along the road to God, and encourages me when I am in difficulties.' Jesus Christ was holier<span style="color: blue;">*</span> and even He hindered the coming of the Holy Ghost. The servant of God, the confessor and the preacher should not stand in the way of the Holy Ghost, who should be a staircase up which you can climb to God. Love--even innocent love--will stand in the way....What you love...let it be for God and in God...."</i><br />
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<i style="color: blue;">*</i> On this point I wish to clarify that St. John of Avila is not suggesting that Jesus Christ is not God; later in another sermon he makes it quite clear in his explanation of the Trinity. But what he is saying is that a dependency, such as the apostles had, upon the earthly presence of Jesus hindered the disciples spiritual evolving because they were attached to the man, not God in God. Note that the disciples repeatedly were confused and misunderstood some of what Jesus was trying to teach them of the spiritual life and souls, when He was among them in person. It is not too unlike what St. Paul preaches that we must grow from being milk-fed to eating meat. We must not think of things below but learn to ponder that which is of heaven. We must be ready to climb the stairway to heaven, and that requires a willingness and desire to not cling to one phase of our spiritual understanding and learning but to allow Jesus Christ to lead us into life in the Holy Ghost and the Father, as well. Later, also, John of Avila will explain that there is no union with the Trinity--Father, Son and Holy Ghost--without entering into the school of the Spirit.<br />
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St. John of Avila continues in this sermon to describe and explain the passion and death of Jesus Christ, and the sacrifice He made on earth as a means to lead us to union with Him--with God, the Trinity, His Real Presence--beyond this earth but yet while we exist on this earth. It is all progression, and yes, we learn of Jesus and by Jesus, and this is but one more phase of what He teaches, what He lived and died and ascended into so that we would progress also through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. <i>"Since then, through the merits of Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost gives Himself to us, do not cease to ask for Him and to desire Him ardently! Dedicate yourself to Him who willc ome to your soul and you will receive great consolation and no one will succeed in taking Him from you. Prepare your dwelling-place!..."</i><br />
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It isn't that we diminish Jesus Christ in teachings. It is that we allow Christ to lead us beyond the temporal aspects of dependency. This is how Jesus can become fragmented, isolated out in our spiritual lives, such as I have tried to give examples even from my own single-minded focus and devotion for quite awhile, having come from a Protestant background that perhaps more so emphasizes Jesus alone. But to know Jesus is to know God, as Jesus is God and came to earth to save us...and to lead us further than we had been able to grasp with our confusions in the temporal. Part of the mission was to not only suffer and die but necessarily to introduce us to the Holy Spirit, lead us to that stairway to heaven, possible now, through passing beyond the temporal to the spiritual in a very real way.<br />
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<i> </i>And, it is not a matter of fragmenting the Holy Spirit, either, to a single-minded focus, relegating the spiritual to a temporal mold, or of phenomenon. Later, also, St. John of Avila explains how necessary is this movement of being led by Jesus in progression, and that nothing much more can be fulfilled in the spiritual life without expanding our bodies, minds, hearts and spirits to the indwelling of the Trinity, and he repeats it will not happen without the Holy Ghost being truly alive in us and us in Him.<br />
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It is truly exciting; and more than exciting, as it is all truth to be actually lived! I address His Real Presence and desire to see the Trinity always, not fragmenting any one or other of the Persons. I pray to be totally open to the fullness of God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Perhaps others already comprehend, but I usually if not always think of Jesus the man--not even imaging Jesus the infant or Jesus the ascended. Much of my praying had been to Jesus alone. I had total devotion to the Eucharist; and I still have devotion but not to the diminishing or fragmenting of any of the Persons of the Trinity. I came to learn in my angel's telling me he was taking me to the stairway to heaven, that this means my mind's understanding had to be opened up like tearing away any blockages to the stairway, such as even cardboard taped across the stairwell.<br />
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Perhaps this is also why the temporal aspects that can be quite distracting and ugly, and are all the more upsetting. The obstacles such as simply wanting to be able to sit during Mass on a chair that my temporal body can endure, or of being caused physical harm by someone who did not want to research or gain insights from a professional who knows of states that can occur in the progression of the soul--must be removed. That is also why reading this first sermon of our next Doctor of the Church struck me to the core in letting go a spiritual director, even though there is great fondness and appreciation for him. But we must love God in God, and be willing to abandon imbalanced devotion. We must not deny any of the Three Persons of the Most Holy Trinity total temporal and spiritual access to our souls. Begin with the Mass and the fullness therein; then live a total awareness of His Real Presence in all moments.<br />
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<i>Citations from: John of Avila. <u>The Holy Ghost</u>. 1959. Dublin: Scepter, pp. 9-28.</i><br />
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<br /></div>The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-25346530831550805912012-01-17T10:47:00.000-08:002012-01-28T13:00:29.663-08:00Scandal of the Chair Cross<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Having returned from the orthopedic surgeon, the left shoulder is hopefully a muscle problem and not the rotator cuff. It should improve by the end of the week; if not, I am to return. It is embarrassing to have to say how the shoulder was injured, right after their knowing how the other shoulder was injured and the resultant surgery. Yes, as a friend reminded, I explained it in a delicate manner with some humor. </i></div>
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<i>I'd promised I'd try to write about the Holy Ghost sermons of St. John of Avila upon return. However, friends called to find out the doctor results and to help figure out now about the chair, how to get it from inside the chapel's wheelchair area through some double doors and behind the holy water receptacle, after Mass, and to retrieve it and set it up, prior. Obviously, the elderly are not going to be asked, although it is they who would want to help as age tends to succor needs through compassion.</i></div>
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<i>This morning a young woman sat nearby and remained after Mass. I ventured to ask if she would be wiling to put the chair away. Ah, youth! We love the directness and common sense in some! She immediately asked why it had to be put anywhere? What was wrong with it just staying where it was? She was incredulous. I explained that </i><i>"they" wanted it put out through the double doors in the back and tucked behind the holy water receptacle. This time she shrugged and again asked, "Why?" She thought it unnecessary. So I went to the double doors to see where is this holy water receptacle, and would have had to go through the doors to find it; but I did not go through the doors. They are immensely heavy, and I could not open them given my two pained shoulders. </i></div>
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<i>Returning to the astute young woman, I commented, "You know, we are all Christians here, aren't we?" She nodded and smiled. I continued, "I think you are correct that there is nothing wrong with the chair here, and if someone stronger and abler is bothered and wants to carry it back and put it behind the holy water receptacle, he or she is welcome to do so." The young woman nodded and smiled again, returned to her prayers, but not before I told her how very intelligent and adorable she is...for she is! What sensible thinking!</i></div>
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<i>How I've been beleaguered with simply trying to have a seat I can sit on in Mass for the past over two years is, again, scandalous yet laughable. Each day I'd wrestle the chair in and out of the car, lug it in, lug it out--other than when I could not due to the right shoulder rotator cuff problem. But today it took a young woman with her no-nonsense Christianity to affirm that there is nothing wrong with a wood folding chair in the wheelchair area; there is plenty of space for other disabled. I suppose I looked ancient to her, as well, and what was I doing worrying about relocating a chair... anywhere? </i><br />
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<i>We must not forget that at least sometimes, Christian reason must prevail over nonsense that becomes a scandal to others possessed with wholly, holy common sense understanding. As a long-time friend has suggested: It would be nice if there was a little bit of charity in this situation. I suppose the dearth of administrative charity has been the scandal of the chair cross, all along. Yet it is a glorious cross, despite the ludicrous aspects. This chair cross was one of spiritual illumination, highlighted this morning by a 20-something's simple and stark wisdom. The best part: she agreed, "We are Christians."</i><br />
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<i>Now the image comes of the priest on Holy Thursday kneeling before parishioners while washing and drying their naked feet. Surely a wood folding chair left in the chapel for an older, handicapped parishioner is not an inexcusable scandal, we hope and pray. </i><br />
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<i>St. John of Avila, enlighten us! I will share your thoughts on the Holy Ghost in the very next post!</i></div>
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<br /></div>The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-89257966036614260022012-01-16T09:52:00.000-08:002012-01-28T13:00:11.379-08:00Progress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
During the night, the pain allowed for more prayers and an update on a beautiful little girl who is just diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of pediatric cancer. Tumors have settled in her brain and coat her spinal column. All the more our picayune naggings and hauntings of the evil one can irritate us when we consider, otherwise, the seriousness of illnesses these holy innocents face in children's hospitals all over the world.<br />
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How many times do we offer our old and annoyingly painful lives in exchange for just one of these sweet children to be able to live and enjoy a full life? Yet, we remain here for some reason; today I considered it might be due to my not being pure enough to be exchanged for such a sweet and beautiful child...not that God is in the business of making mortal exchanges. But, there have been instances of those who made offerings for certain intentions, and mysteriously they developed illnesses while their well-intended offering was seemingly miraculously being fulfilled.<br />
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A spiritual daughter of Padre Pio is one such case in point. She offered herself as a victim and prayer that he would finally go to San Giovanni Rotundo and begin his mission in earnest. A terminal illness developed, Padre Pio came to see her, and that broke the hidden chains restraining his going and remaining at the monastery to which God called him. Raffaelina Cerase died soon after, her offering fulfilled. There's more to it, but this gives the idea. It is a win-win situation, always.<br />
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Today a most kind occurrence happened prior to Mass. In confession, a young priest offered to ask (on my behalf) the head priest if the chair could remain in the chapel, thus sparing me pain, suffering and more injury in having to lift it from the car and carry it in and out each day. We agreed that the devil is doing all to keep me from Mass. What is also obvious but not to the one who persecutes the most, is that the devil is using that person to inflict much of the suffering! The devil loves to work from within the Church, often with those in the Church who we would think are inured to such tricks. The devil stops at nothing--nothing but His Real Presence or who He sends to stop the antics.<br />
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I decided that while the young priest is most chivalrous in Christian kindness, I should muster courage to ask the head priest once again and not have this kind priest be placed in the middle. In fact, I sometimes have concern that those who may help me could take some brunt by the devil. So after Mass I made the request myself. It is all so very silly--if it were not for the bodily pain, cost, and incapacitation the lifting and carrying of the chair cross has caused. The head priest listened and agreed finally that the chair can remain in the chapel but must be removed between Masses and stored outside some double doors, near a holy water font. Of course, I cannot move the chair now with both shoulders a mess; however I promised to try to find someone to do this for me.<br />
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It is ironic that this person prays daily for one of my family members to return to the Faith, when the person's very actions toward me has caused the family member all the more to despise and consider evil, the Church, and has not spoken to me because I remain Catholic. See the tangles the devil likes to create and retain, all the while with stupid ironies known to some...and total blindness in others he uses to live out the very ironies?<br />
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As St. John of Avila reminds in His sermons on the Holy Spirit, we must wean ourselves from the temporal aspects and all the more call upon the Father and the Son to send the Holy Ghost, and pray the three of Them, the Trinity, abide in us and us in Him. St. John of Avila repeats that there will be no union without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as One in the Trinity. Again we glimpse why the saints always came to the love and understanding of where the Son leads us; and St. John of Avila presents it so clearly, utilizing Scripture passages.<br />
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Perhaps later, after my appointment with the orthopedic surgeon to make sure the left shoulder is not a torn rotator cuff, I will share more on John of Avila's writings on this topic. It explains best what I have been trying to describe in His Real Presence as the Trinity, and to not fragment Jesus--or any of the Three Persons--to the diminishing of the Others. In the Mass, All are present and All must be revered and uplifted with no fragmenting of One or Two or even sullied distraction from the Three in One Being.<br />
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<i>God bless His Real Presence in us!</i><br />
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<i><span style="color: lime;">And let us please pray for the little children so suffering in all the hospitals of the world!</span></i></div>The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-5926187254182543752012-01-15T13:25:00.000-08:002012-01-28T13:01:55.930-08:00Remaining, Abiding: The Progression Is Painful<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Tucked into the spiritual life is the cost of progression. It seems one never quite expects certain things to happen or not happen. The great saints and mystics all mention this fact of individualized "instruction" with only general precepts laid out, fine though they be. The spiritual journey is rugged. The consolations are given, but as St. Teresa of Avila reminds, the mountains and valleys become increasingly high and low with more extremes and intensity of occurrences.<br />
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I mentioned details that seem nastily impossible to occur among Christians, the Body of Christ, the Church. But they indeed occur as much today as when St. John of the Cross was abducted, held in a small cell, tortured and nearly starved by his own religious brothers. Today the left shoulder is in the sling; tomorrow I will know if I must contact the orthopedic surgeon. Last night the very thoughts of which the confessor yesterday warned, erupted angrily. Shooing them aside was no easy task especially trying to sleep with a painful back that is best if body is on one side or the other. Now, with both shoulders in pain, weariness won out in upset, or so it seemed, until morning Mass.<br />
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The priest had encouraged very much, saying that the devil, of course, is riled with me--and for me not to give up but to continue the praying, spiritual reading, being at Mass even under such upsetting circumstances. He also reminded that God knows every detail of what others are doing, although He is allowing the abuse for strengthening my faith and endurance. Plus, it is experience in learning to deal with the devil. While he said there will be a reward and to keep that in mind, when the onslaughts creep into the emotions and memory, it seems...who cares about any reward?<br />
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So today I went to two Masses and will soon be at the third. Not always would I do this, but the need is great. Some dear souls are praying for the left shoulder to be healed, but thus far His Real Presence is willing otherwise in that matter. At Mass the soul is utilized to bathe one priest in particular, with love, healing, peace and forgiveness; I am relentless in desire that the obstacles be removed and beauty and goodness and truth reign freely.<br />
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After reading yet another St. John of Avila sermon on the Holy Spirit, the soul is uplifted along with the graces of Mass, prayer, and praising. There are so many negatives to be healed, but reading the saints and mystics and Scripture intones hope even if the soul is not registering so much the content. However, the content of the Holy Spirit is resonating, and the desire renews for His Real Presence to take abode increasingly in my soul with prayers for this for everyone.<br />
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I'm arming myself with another book to read, and that is one that bespeaks the reality: knowledge is power. This book is simply titled <i>Satan</i>. It is time for me to renew knowledge of just what I am up against, rather than being tripped more than what might be necessary.<br />
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This is another horrific period in which to navigate the trials, suffering, injustices and provocations. Ultimately, the grace of God saves us from ourselves and others...for those who believe, love, seek and pray.<br />
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But as to love being suffering and suffering being love, others see it as truth, as well. That is why I return to Mass when some friends and family members are so upset that I would remain in such conditions, they no longer speak to me. These things happen in the spiritual journey, also. It is quite painful and makes it all seem the more lonely. Perhaps that is yet another reason for frequenting the sacraments and participating in His Real Presence often in Mass.<br />
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<br /></div>The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-72341888755336614132012-01-14T11:23:00.000-08:002012-01-28T13:01:33.702-08:00Peace During Mass<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>There is always peace during Mass, no matter the devil's attempts to stop a soul from being there, or the lack of Christian charity that lurks among Catholics. Today's Gospel is a reminder that Jesus came to call us sinners, the sick...not the healthy holy.</i><br />
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<i>Alas, my little note must express a truth, that I am unworthy to take even five minutes of the others' time. Plus, when we suffer enough and love enough, we begin to grasp that love is suffering and suffering is love. </i><br />
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<i>And, as the left shoulder now is wrenched from using it to lift the chair out of the car, today I had to drag it, like the cross that it is, which brought extended, angry glares from the good Christians within the chapel. Not one offered to help me with my chair-cross. I left it there, although the custodian most likely will be instructed to remove it. Then it will be back on the floor for me, curled up behind the pew in the wheelchair section, small pillow for my head.</i><br />
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<i>What more can a soul do who desires to attend Mass under such circumstances? One has to deal with the physical handicaps with humility and take what comes as eye and gossip scourges. Pray! Pray! How horrible is our judgment when we inflict added suffering upon others. So much did I beg His Real Presence to please heal a young man--perhaps ill with cancer or blind and weak--led in by his parents. Thanks be to God he can sit on the padded pews, but please heal him of his sufferings preventing an active, vibrant full life--if it be Thy Holy Will.</i><br />
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<i>Am returning soon to the chapel for confession and more reading of St. John of Avila's third sermon on The Holy Ghost. He is at the part of John's Gospel in which Jesus is explaining remain in My love, and the "We" will come and dwell in you and you in us. St. John of Avila asks: And who is this "We"? It is the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost--the Trinity!</i><br />
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<i>These sermons in a small book of St. John of Avila's writings on the Holy Ghost are...divine!</i><br />
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<i>And, His Real Presence: Why is it that I always feel as if some hostile eyes are reading what I write, lurking about, desiring to pounce on any word or thought they misunderstand or pluck a word or thought they deemed be riffled? It is just always there, that sense of ill-intent, perhaps ignorantly so, but yet out there, hovering, hotly breathing over the snowy expanse of my soul's expression. Yes, Most Holy Trinity, it is an honor if so, the scouring eyes as much as the cross-chair and both shoulders' pain.</i><br />
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<i> </i></div>The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-27698929952190623302012-01-14T07:37:00.000-08:002012-01-28T13:01:21.290-08:00Love Is Suffering: More on Painful Realities as Spiritual Good<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Am not yet discussing how suffering is love and love is suffering, other than to repeat: love to suffer, and suffer to love. Rather, this is more about discerning spirits and how to view painful realities as spiritual good. Inherent in this view is the innate necessity of comprehending to some degree that to love is to suffer and to suffer is to love. One must fly to other levels and dimensions to grasp this painfully good reality.<br />
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A friend called last evening, just after returning from confession. I may encounter His Real Presence in this sacrament yet today. The soul was jangled following yesterday's attempt in the baptism renewal. Padre Pio aptly considered confession to be eminently important for the soul, calling it the re-baptism, linking the altar to the confessional.<br />
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There may be unrest following counsel from counsel or confessor. If so, I turn to St. Ignatius' Discernment of Spirits. Find it in the Fourth Week, Part II: Rules for the Discernment of Spirits, Week One and Week Two.<br />
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The friend above mentioned is reading a trilogy on the topic, written by a Jesuit priest who presents the information in three volumes in an attempt to explain for the lay person, how to discern between the good spirits and the bad. I find that reading the few pages suffices with content; however, I am sure that the books on the topic give contemporary examples that may be more accessible in style.<br />
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In part, some experiences leave spiritual desolation. This desolation is allowed by God when He wants to teach us and guide us, strengthen us. Or, the desolation can be implanted by the evil one in order to disrupt and corrupt our virtues, aiming ultimately for the theological virtues of faith, hope and love. Also, when there is a desolation that the soul recognizes and advances through with virtue and merit, there is a consolation coming. But when we have a consolation (and this can be brought by God or smoothly inserted by the devil), the good purpose is to give relief but also to build the soul for further testing and trials. In some ways, I suppose, this interplay is our spiritual ladder to climb.<br />
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The reasonable advice is given, and I share a nutshell version. In desolation stick to the faith and stability. In consolation, remain faithful, grateful and serenely humble.<br />
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As a personal example, I must discern if the riling of the spirit yesterday came as a result of considering continuing with one who so desires a call to make an appointment. However, in the course of the conversation, the reality of incorrect direction and inability to grasp or research certain aspects of mystical theology, came forth once again. The tremendous love is there, and the desire to have spiritual conversation as well, but it is one-sided in the latter aspect. Sometimes we cannot break from tradition; and sometimes His Real Presence chooses to lead souls via unconventional routes.<br />
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Is this small example teaching an aspect of discernment of spirits? How did the soul react following the encounter? Was it torn between desire and love of what might or could be, and the painful realities of what was and is and most likely will continue to be? Does this make it a bad spirit that is trying to keep the soul from continuing with the person; or is it God trying to warn the soul that it is unwise to continue? The soul can stir and fret, as regardless, the devil loves to have a soul in unrest.<br />
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A simple resolution is for the soul to come to closure, to lay out the painful realities either in writing or in review personally and/or with a trusted friend who knows the path already trod in the situation. Yes, in this case there have been outrages as well as physical harm, although the counsel may not have intended those outcomes. Could it be that His Real Presence wants the soul to continue to have salt rubbed in the wounds and be at ready for more unintended but real agony? Sometimes asking the questions brings resolution in the actual discernment. Sometimes questions only increase tension.<br />
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Then the soul returns to prayerful consideration, and a plan evolves. In this case, viewing the on-going harm done that interferes with daily activity, not to mention the upset, it seems best to consider other wise counsel. Plus, know that emotions and feelings--especially good, warm fuzzies-- can ensnare us in the ring of emotions, and that ring is external to the center of the soul in which reside the intellect and will. What one wishes often is not the reality of what was, is and will be.<br />
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For now, in this case, it is advised to kindly decline more meetings that tend to cause disruption of spirit as well as injury--even though the soul so loves the dear guide. He has declined meeting for spiritual discussion, cannot break with tradition, and so best to let it gently reside in his own peace. Love is suffering, and it is much suffering to let go of someone loved for the unknown, yes, of the Beloved. It seems pathetic to admit that there is a fear of sorts, of the unknowns involved in letting go of lovely but painful temporal ties and placing the soul consciously in the mystery of His Real Presence. However, if the letting go is a wrong move, His Real Presence will correct it over time.<br />
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That is what we must remember in love and in suffering, when we learn to suffer and suffer to love: Take courage, take prayer, take discernment of spirits, then take steps always toward the Beloved even if it seems one is letting go of what one hoped would be perhaps the best temporal spiritual good. His Real Presence knows; and He will collect and correct the soul if He intended not that step.<br />
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Write the loving note of gratitude but of letting go, at least for now. Or do whatever step is necessary in whatever situation in which discernment has been effected. It can easily be a gentle, small step; try not to lunge or leap but let go lovingly, softly, sweetly as possible. But be firm with oneself if the pain is strong from much love. The more love, the more pain. Yes, in this sense, suffering is love and love is suffering...yet even that painful reality was not grasped by the other.<br />
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Let it go and wait for the Beloved in this matter. The soul will know soon enough if it was right discernment. There will be peace replacing the unrest, if so.</div>The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-1830681073696062222012-01-13T07:53:00.000-08:002012-01-13T07:53:16.502-08:00Painful Realities are Spiritual Good<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The snow begins lightly, then thickens. It is so in the spiritual journey of trials. The Lord allows them lightly at first; then they fall more heavily upon the body, mind, heart and spirit. St. Teresa of Avila shares some of these painful realities. She writes of them in third person in her <i>Life</i> as well as includes examples in <i>The Way of Perfection </i>and <i>Interior Castles.</i> <br />
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However, sometimes one learns most of this saints' painful realities by reading books by scholars who have researched all her writings as well as that of others who knew her, in order to discover some of the actual details. I, for one, find details helpful as encouragements in my personal spiritual journey.<br />
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At times I have been criticized for writing personally--tidbits transpiring in my life as a Catholic, a hermit, a victim soul and as a human being who is an imperfect but aspiring follower of Christ. Much has occurred in the past three years, some of which I have touched upon in these blogs. But I have not shared some of the recent ordeals which had me at the very door of spiritual death...or so it seemed to myself, family and friends. And the spiritual governs and affects the body, mind and heart.<br />
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For one thing, there has been injustice and persecution from Catholics in particular. This includes some who do not know me other than through anonymity, but most do not know me other than seeing me at Mass, daily. Way back, the late Irish Da said that I am like one the farmer has marked, and the other chickens sense it is different and try to peck it to death. So the farmer has to remove it and place it in a separate coup for protection. I admit that I have not handled the persecution always with grace. Sometimes I have wept and other times I have snapped back verbally. I mention these situations as mostly being the ones regarding local parishioners who are detractors. Some have been very outlandish in their attacks, garnering the ear of any new priest who passes through in order to influence him negatively toward what has become a rather visible situation.<br />
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Teresa of Avila is the first Catholic person I recognized, after the fact, in a corporeal vision other than the Virgin Mary. This event occurred long before I converted to Catholicism. But her writings and life, even now, prove very helpful on a personal level as well as for anyone reading this post. She is our friend and guide, thankfully having written what is so helpful, including her personal experiences. Recently we renewed friendship, she and I, when I happened to open a book I've had for awhile which consists of various Discalced Carmelite priests and scholars' contributions on various topics of her life. The first I read, <i>"Mystical Ecstasy According to St. Teresa"</i>, was immediately helpful.<br />
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<i>"In fact, </i>almost twenty years before St. John of the Cross made the redaction of his first work, <i>The Spiritual Canticle, St. Teresa had already finished her Life, in which she describes with all precision and profundity the nature of mystical ecstasy. Moreover, the reason which urged her to write the ife was the rich ecstatic experience which she had been unable to understand or interpret at the beginning of her profound spiritual crises. Neither the reading of learned books nor her frequent discussions with theologians could satisfy her. Only when the Lord gave her to understand the significance of her ecstatic experiences, and gave her the power to express them, did her spiritual crises cease....Her own personal experience, then, and the special help of God made it possible for St. Teresa to grasp and express what in the beginning she did not at all understand. </i>"*<br />
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Her sharing saved me from yet more despair. The entire book of essays remind me, also, that there will be ugliness and trials from those we would least expect: from other Catholics, from family members, from priests and religious. The very aspects of mystical phenomenon which can emanate love, healing and peace to those all around can become the very goads with which others can torment and reject the person who never anticipated such things nor less that they would publicly occur.<br />
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In my own life, the cruelty has mostly come from priests. Yes, it was painful that some parishioners would lie about me, tell others awful things totally fabricated, as well as to make ugly faces and even do the crazy signal about their ears and point at me when I'd walk into Mass. Then there were those who would physically harm me when I was unable to move or speak or see, as the ecstasies last the entire period of Mass and often slightly beyond when the angels and saints continue to praise God in prayer and music beyond our temporal awareness. (There is a reason why we should remain still and adoring for a few minutes after Mass!)<br />
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Perhaps most painful is the physical-emotional unkindness and injustice. A tiny example: Due to disability of constant, high-level pain (for years after car accident and surgeries), I cannot sit on certain padded seats. While hurtful it is to be disallowed all parish involvements due to the head priest not liking the ecstasy occurring and his discomfort with spiritual matters, I was also disallowed from chapel renovation committee. It burns: I made a large financial contribution. O happy fool? All pews are now padded; I truly cannot sit on them without--within hours--utter, painful incapacity. <br />
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This has been my cross for years; it is no surprise. But the priest would not allow me to bring in a wood folding chair for quite some time. He finally relented to my tearful pleas, but I have to carry the chair in and carry it out; he would not allow the chair to remain or be stored in either of two storage areas more easily accessible. While he did not like the ecstasy occurring during Mass, he would not allow me to be in the confessional or the choir loft during Mass. My doctor gave me a handicap permission so that I do not have to carry the chair across the parking lot but can park close, but still it is an ordeal for someone my age with a terrible back, to be lifting the chair in and out of the car and into the chapel and back out after Mass, back into the car. On rare occasion a parishioner will offer to help, but it is a matter of timing if one is arriving at the exact same moment. Well, this is a minor incident, after all. There are by far worse.<br />
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Then, when my spiritual director interrogated me monthly for over a year on what happens in this state during Mass, and then consulted with some archbishop or other, and they decided surely I could make it stop if I tried harder, I was ordered to stand in the back of the chapel during Mass. I tried to point out I had tried all manner of getting it to stop and consulted a doctor on the West Coast who is gifted in the paranormal, but no, the spiritual director was insistent that somehow standing would stop it. I obeyed. Immediately at the start of Mass, per usual, the ecstasy overtook my body, mind, heart and soul, and the body fell to the ground from a standing position. The shoulder was injured, requiring the very painful rotator cuff surgery. I have not been able to get health insurance for years, and on top of that injury, there were others at the hands of parishioners. <br />
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The Diocese refuses to help pay the costs. They did use a limited liability med pay-out that barely covered the initial doctor visits and imaging tests. An employee, the CFO of the diocese whose salary is paid by us peons in the pews, said even that small amount was a "gift" from them. The head priest refused to do anything to try to educate or stop people from hurting me during Mass. My attorney, a devout Catholic, finally said to post two signs, and if people hurt me with the signs posted, to file police reports and have them arrested. The signs have helped, but they also have been the point of yet more ridicule and persecution for my having to post them for my own protection. The attorney said to sit in the handicap pew, and that has caused parishioners and priests to accuse me of wanting to be noticed. There is never any end to what others think, whether or not negatively or, in some cases worse, thinking too highly and thus being awkward around me.<br />
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Anyway, this is just a smidgeon of some of what has occurred of the actual physical and mental trials that very much affected the emotions. I started a little site online which offers some items I can make, trying to help generate some income to pay for the medical costs for the surgery. Even doing that has brought persecution from some who think I am making light of my hermit vocation.<br />
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When St. Teresa of Avila writes that the trials can be far more painful than the consolations, she has this quite aptly and correctly stated. Yet, the consolations do bring the person through the darkness and into a kind of strength that one did not think possible. While now some family members do not speak to me because I remain a Catholic after the injustices and persecutions that reduced me to a heap of tears and despair, His Real Presence has lifted me beyond the sadness of their misunderstanding and the resultant isolation. I understand why and how, and I trust that His Real Presence knows fully what He is doing. He chooses what will stretch us the most.<br />
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I have no rancor at this point, and shortly after I returned to Mass (yes, my own spiritual director not once, but twice, directed me to not go to any Mass which caused the most dreadful state of soul imaginable to the point of death) because a former abbot stepped in to say that the direction was wrong and to return to Mass, His Real Presence gave a glorious infusion of unconditional love into my soul during a daily Mass ecstasy. This unconditional love has helped me in ways that I would not believe had I not known how otherwise ugly my previous unwanted, sniping word thoughts could be!<br />
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Plus, now I see that there are those who love me very much, even if they are not on earth to remind me. And, there are those on earth who are so kind and supportive, even if they are not able to tangibly show it due to the lay of the land in a parish. But there are some who show kindness in a smile, a hug, a word of loving welcome. And even though I cannot have the spiritual director to guide me, as he cannot go against the head priest or step in to defend or right the injustices, for I cannot be obedient to what has proven to be rather disastrous direction, he and I are on most good and loving terms as spiritual friends. <br />
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Here again, what is written more candidly by St. Teresa and by others who have culled her writings and those of others who knew her, has been most helpful to me in these trials. She went through painful trials at the advice and direction of priests and religious and finally concluded that they did not know, themselves, and at a certain point His Majesty (as she calls Him) or His Real Presence (as I call Him) teaches the soul, just as St. John wrote in his First Letter, that when anointed, He becomes the teacher. St. Paul writes similarly, and yet in some ways, this takes all the more faith and in some aspects the soul may feel more humanly alone. It is necessary, all of it.<br />
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In closing on this rather long, personal post, someone who privately wrote said sometimes what I write sounds as if I am angry. Angry? Well, yes, of course! There is so much more that could be written of the horrible persecutions, misunderstandings, and downright cruelties by the ones who one would hope could be compassionate and even act as we understand Christians are to act, that it would take volumes and only result in going over the ugly and painful once again. But perhaps the anger can also be termed as deep hurt, for it was all very hurtful; and until one can grasp that this is exactly as His Real Presence needs the soul to feel in order to comprehend what He has felt, does it then make any positive sense. To explain that to family and friends who are not Catholic, goes beyond what they can grasp. <br />
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Some lapsed Catholics also use the visible injustices as more reason to remain away. My son, for example, is not speaking to me, either. It is not a matter of my having divulged the wrongs. While I did have my handful of faithful friends who prayed and grieved with me, the injustices popped out from those who did the injustices, such as the diocese employee who was overtly rude when the hospital business office called to ensure surgery payment, only to be told that the diocese had changed their mind and would not pay. I will yet be judged and scourged by some who read my blogs for having been this open. I do not want anyone to go through what I've been through, but I suppose they won't. It will be different for each body, mind, heart and soul, for we each will be trained and honed by His Real Presence according to what--well, what <i>works!</i> His Real Presence knows best, always.<br />
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One could still question why His Real Presence allowed so much of the injustice to be known to others--other than He knew it would be exquisitely painful for me to endure the shame of what I love so much, the Church, to look so ridiculously cruel to one of Her own. But it is only us humans. Just think how Jesus felt when the High Priests and Pharisees so mistreated Him publicly--His very own temple priests, family and friends! Anyway, on this very snowy morning, having shared how helpful are the writings of those who endured much upset and retained their faith, I suppose I am one who is enduring, as well, by the grace of His Real Presence. He is all love--is His Real Presence--above all else.<br />
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<i>God bless His Real Presence in all of us!</i><br />
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<br /></div>The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-25125033624729300962012-01-12T14:41:00.000-08:002012-01-12T14:41:16.670-08:00From the Inside, Looking Out<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Much has to do with perspective. When I was writing about His Real Presence as the Most Holy Trinity--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--in the fullness of Mass, it seemed so obvious. However, one must know that the Word of God, the Word Incarnate, is very much a part of the Trinity and thus central to the Mass and our lives, as we become incarnate beings upon conception.<br />
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Once we comprehend the Son, remaining in His Love, and grasp the Word of God expressed in the sacerdotal prayers of Jesus with the Father, as well as the resurrection and ascension Scriptures leading us to the Holy Spirit (the Paraclete), we open into the Trinity.<br />
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Sometimes it seems obvious, from comprehending from the inside out, but it is not obvious to others...not yet. But surely now it is. We may be able to grasp how easy it is to fragment Jesus, to diminish His Real Presence when we do not elevate our bodies, minds, hearts and spirits to the fullness of the Mass, all the Sacraments, as evidenced in each of the Three Persons of the Most Holy Trinity. St. John of Avila writes of this in sermons.<br />
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Teresa of Avila developed intimate friendship with the Blessed Trinity, as do all the saints, to my knowledge and that of various scholars and writers of the mystical life who elucidate the understanding that comes in love, in balance, of each Person as One: Triune God. <i>"Now she </i>[St. Teresa]<i> realizes the full truth of the promise made by Our Lord, 'If any man love me, He wil keep my word and the Father will love him and We will come and make Our abode in him' (Jn 14, 23.)</i> <br />
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St. Teresa herself writes:<br />
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<i>"...by means of an intellectual vision, in which by representation of the truth in a particular way, the Most Blessed Trinity reveals itself in all three Persons. First of all the spirit becomes enkindled and illumined as it were by a cloud of the greatest brightness. It sees these three Persons individually, and yet by a wonderful kind of knowledge that is given to it, the soul realizes that most certainly and truly these three Persons are one substance and one Power and one Knowledge and One God Alone, so that what we hold by faith the soul may be said to grasp by sight, although nothing is seen by the eyes, either of the body or of the soul, for it is no imaginary vision. Here All Three Persons Communicate Themselves to the soul and speak to the soul and explain to it those words which the Gospel attributes to the Lord, namely that He and the Father and the Holy Ghost will come to dwell with the soul which loves Him and Keeps His Commandments"</i> <i>(Interior Castle, VII, ch. VII, p. 331).</i><br />
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<i> </i>This comes in stages and phases and not all at once. It is not the same for everyone but yet again, it is the same. The nuances vary; the message is constant. For me, from the inside looking out, it is that in our time we are somewhat out of balance. Some emphasize the Living Word and a personal relationship with Jesus; they may be called Protestants and Evangelicals. Some emphasize the Holy Spirit; they may be called charismatics and pentecostals. Catholics may fall into either or other categories. How many go to Mass late and leave early, saying at least they received Jesus? What about the Catholic charismatic renewal and those who meet to evoke the charisms?<br />
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From the inside looking out during Mass, this is what I have learned and know: We must elevate our love and devotion of His Real Presence as realized in all the Holy Sacraments in which the Holy Trinity is in All and All in One, although distinct Persons as well. All Sacraments are within the Mass; His Real Presence is the Holy Trinity as Each are One and Abide One with Another--and desire us to abide in Him and in Them, as One Body. We must not fragment any One Person of the Trinity, nor emphasize one over the other, no matter how tempting this may be due to trends in society and ecclesial groups, even in the Church.<br />
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I may not be expressing this well, but understand that it is a heartfelt attempt to share what has come during the ecstasies, although the purity of them is actually rather gross at times, filtered with concerns of the intellect which resides with the will in the center of the soul. But as St. Teresa expresses, the spirit is beyond the soul, or deeper, in some way difficult to express, yet encompasses the soul.<br />
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Regardless, His Real Presence has chosen for this soul, for now to continue in this imperfect state during Mass, as ecstasy is only part of spiritual betrothal and is not spiritual matrimony. But it is teaching this soul much about its weaknesses as well as giving the soul much to pray about and to learn of others, of His Real Presence as the Holy Trinity in each Person and as One, and the desire of His Real Presence to draw each of our souls individually and as part of the Body, to Himself forever.<br />
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<i>God bless His Real Presence in you! All peace on earth!</i></div>The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-12403122947600281112012-01-02T09:28:00.000-08:002012-01-02T09:28:39.838-08:00The Anointing You Receive<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Let what you heard from the beginning </i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>remain in you. <br />
If what you heard from the beginning </i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>remains in you,<br />
then you will remain in the Son and in the Father. <br />
And this is the promise that he made us: </i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>eternal life. <br />
I write you these things about those who would deceive you. <br />
As for you,<br />
the anointing that you received from him </i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>remains in you,<br />
so that you do not need anyone to teach you. <br />
But his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and not false; <br />
just as it taught you, remain in him.</i></span></div>
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[from First Letter of John, Chapter 2]<br />
</div>The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-19996077679022395692012-01-01T11:36:00.000-08:002012-01-01T11:37:27.683-08:00The Trinity Remains a Trinity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
From a letter by St. Athanasius:<br />
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<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Even when the Word takes a body from Mary, the Trinity remains a
Trinity, with neither increase nor decrease. It is for ever perfect. In
the Trinity we acknowledge one Godhead, and thus one God, the Father of
the Word, is proclaimed in the Church.</i></span></div>
</div>The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-62543370169548598452011-12-27T17:42:00.000-08:002011-12-27T18:49:08.263-08:00All Peace on Earth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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All peace on earth! All PEACE on EARTH!<br />
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So much has occurred, but the bulk is not to be shared--not that it is wrong to share, but that it would take long to write and many might not find it helpful. But much has also been accomplished in a freeing nature, of releasing the soul from that which was hindering at a temporal level.<br />
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For one thing, finally an abbey phone call brought consultation by its recent abbot, who said the direction I was receiving was <i>wrong</i>. The reason for the phone call was total upheaval in the spiritual life: chaos, upset, despair and darkness. If anyone experiences such, and one's spiritual director does not respond or help, St. Ignatius writes well on the topic of discernment of spirits in his <i>Exercises</i>. Otherwise, or additionally, confer with someone on equal or better experiential status as one's spiritual director if the director is not available or responding, and if the condition continues. Well, this is what happened, and the remedy for this soul, at least. And what a blessing!<br />
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Back to Mass, and also there was additional information gathering on the state, the ecstasies, during Mass. This research resulted in better assurance that it has nothing to do with trance states. The retired abbot had said as much, as well as a noted doctor familiar with the paranormal, but even though some said they were not bothered by it, they still could not grasp, understand, or be at peace with the occurrence. Naturally, this causes the person experiencing such, unnecessary stress.<br />
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So all peace on earth; all PEACE on EARTH! All peace in the soul! His Real Presence chose what He wills during Mass. Then a book stood out in the mind, one attained a few months ago, edited by Fr. Gabriel and Fr. Thomas, Discalced Carmelite priests. This book contains essays written by various experts on the writings of St. Teresa of Avila and cover the spiritual life as she illuminated the phases and experiences. This is most helpful as a reminder; we always benefit by the spiritual wisdom of great mystics and by re-reading in different formats and books in different phases of our lives. Yes, we might have read the works earlier, but to read again, filtered through others' writings, can be of great benefit, cyclically, on the journey.<br />
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The hermit life is discerned as definite. The suffering is discerned, but it is not necessary to focus on being a victim soul or not. It is best to love, to learn to love, and to learn to love to suffer, for while on earth we shall know earthly pain.<br />
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All peace on earth! All PEACE on EARTH! God bless His Real Presence in all souls! His Real Presence, the Most Holy Trinity, creates all souls! What a beautiful essay in the above mentioned book, expresses friendship with and in the Holy Trinity! This is life and love in His Real Presence. <i>Enjoy.</i><br />
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<i>Thomas, Fr. and Fr. Gabriel, O.D.C. 1963. <u>St. Teresa of Avila: Studies in her life, doctrine and times</u>. Westminster: The Newman Press.</i><br />
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<br /></div>The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-50378856288148197802011-12-03T16:44:00.001-08:002011-12-05T17:50:14.031-08:00A Little Thought About Misery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have been pondering many things, among them the novel by Stephen King, titled <i>Misery</i>. In it, the fiction writer Paul Sheldon is held captive by a possessive Annie Wilkes, a deranged fan of Sheldon's fiction. In the end, Sheldon realizes in order to live, he must make one final attempt; Annie comes to a height of rage, and he fights her for his life.<br />
<br />
Sheldon succeeds. Later, maimed by the ordeal, his literary agent asks him if he would be willing to write a non-fiction, detailing the horror he endured some two years prior. His agent knew it would be a best-seller; the public wants to know such details of misery.<br />
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Sometimes it seems I should write of that which would be nearly unbelievable. Those close to me say it is unbelievable if they were not here, seeing it occur, unfold, in the sheer horror of that it truly is. At times I think I should struggle out. But I am out, in actuality, in reality other than the attachment that is mine alone, deep within. That deep within is what must be severed, for all else has been taken away. Someday perhaps I will write about what actually has occurred, from start to finish, the persecution: misery.<br />
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Later: I have noticed, often truly, that persons or groups of persons who are persecuted often end up persecuting others. Sometimes it is the very groups of persons who they feel persecuted. This came up when I noticed someone belonging to a group who has been persecuted by Christians--some of them--put up an image of a sacrilegious nativity. It is a good reminder, a great lesson.<br />
<br />
To have the heart so wounded, one would think or hope that all the anger and bitterness would have been bled out. Blessed are they who are persecuted. Did Jesus say so they could turn around and persecute others? It would also seem that for anyone who has suffered in the heart, deeply enough, that there would never be a desire to ever persecute others, no matter what.<br />
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The types of persecution of which I am thinking and write, are not the niggling little things, such as people disagreeing in minor ways over details, thoughts, opinions. The persecution in mind, is that which wounds the heart (emotions and mind) and comes from deep exclusions, judgments, and swathing assumptions--even physical injury--that literally affect the daily lives of those persecuted.</div>The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-13678690206816589532011-12-03T05:56:00.001-08:002020-05-30T19:46:36.440-07:00Questions on the Most Holy Trinity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A reader has asked some very good questions. They may seem basic to some, but the more I pondered and began to suggest some reference materials to read for more precise answers, the more I realized the questioner and questions are a gift from the Divine Persons (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) encouraging me to study once again and more in depth. The spiritual life is like a spiraling double helix, and we grow intertwined and spiraling in a direction with increased awareness and understanding. This comes from graces at a spiritual level which can in practical means include outstanding writings to read and ponder.<br />
<br />
The questions from the reader are as follows: Are you saying that you can approach the Trinity without Jesus? Is not
Jesus our portal to the Trinity? How do you conceive of the Trinity?
When you pray, who/what are you with?<br />
<br />
The initial answer: <i>Perhaps I will write more in depth on this topic, although my other
readers understand the Trinity, so it might be redundant for them. If
you have a <u>Catechism of the Catholic Church</u> or could borrow one from a
parish, please read about the Trinity in sections 232-256 (approx.).
You will find that Jesus is the Second Person of the Holy Trinity; the
Father is the First Person, and the Holy Spirit is the Third Person.
However, they are Three in One. All three Persons would be considered
portals of prayer and interaction, yet each have more distinct
functions. I can't say that any of the Persons are portals "to the
Trinity," for they ARE the Trinity. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Another good resource that is
fairly complete and detailed is Msgr. Adolphe Tanquerey's <u>The Spiritual
Life: A Treatise on Ascetical and Mystical Theology</u>. Tan publishes a
paperbound copy, but online you may be able to purchase a used
hardbound. The Blessed Trinity (Three Divine Persons) is detailed in
sections 90-101. Specifically, when we pray, we are within the Trinity,
which by grace draws us in by varying degrees dependent upon the state
of our souls in any given moment. We are in prayer within the Three
Divine Persons of the One Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. While
brief, I hope this helps. I highly recommend the other reading, though.
Every now and then I re-read from books I have here, as I feel it
helps me always to keep learning. I really like Garrigou-Lagrange's
writings. He has a couple volumes just on the Holy Trinity. There's
much out there to read by proven theologians and makes learning more
about the Faith a joy for us. </i><br />
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Then, considering that yes, most of the readers with whom I am in contact privately do understand the Most Holy Trinity, some may not. Indeed, suddenly I realized that His Real Presence is graciously offering me an opportunity here, to pick up again in another level and phase of life a renewed study of the Trinity. Recently I've been reading the homilies of St. John of Avila, recently proclaimed Doctor of the Church, on the topic of the Holy Ghost. But this morning I turn to the hermitage library room and pluck off the shelves, Pere Garrigou-Lagrange's <i>The Trinity and God the Creator: A Commentary on St. Thomas' Theological Summa, Ia, q. 27-119</i>.<br />
<br />
I will continue ancillary reading in books on the Holy Spirit, since personally in my own Protestant faith earlier years provided mostly learning about Jesus and God the Father. I thank the questioner, for this is providing me with the next foci of personal learning and growth as well as perhaps some assistance to readers who may not have easy access to some of the books or time for studying the topic<i>. </i>I will share, hopefully, simply and warmly, as between personable seekers of God, rather than in a scholarly tone. I personally prefer personable!<br />
<br />
These few words from <i>The Catechism of the Catholic Church</i> (while there is much more others may read on their own), are what I will ponder this morning while doing some hermitage tasks:<br />
<br />
<i>"The Faith of all Christians rests on the Trinity;" </i>and, <i>"The whole history of salvation is identical with the history of the way and the means by which the one true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, reveals himself to men 'and reconciles and unites with himself those who turn away from sin.'"</i> [232; 234]<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-21001731982694583032011-11-29T18:08:00.001-08:002011-11-30T08:53:34.947-08:00Go Gently<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The second week of passing unnoticed commenced with thoughts of a Dylan Thomas poem. While the line <i>go gently into this dark night</i> passed through the mind, in fact the first and repeated line in the poem is <i>Do not go gently into this good night.</i> Thomas wrote the poem at his dying father's bedside. He wanted his father to fight death.<br />
<br />
But this death to self--one greater than any prior--despite its moments of resentment, confusion and anger, for the main has been filled with great peace if not gentle passing. With the one good arm thrown into the air, the heart can say in the frustrating moments to God: <i>You alone know what it all is. You alone can make it so that what seems unthinkable that has happened, could all change.</i><br />
<br />
Only one arm thrown up in the air? The other is still mending from shoulder surgery. But it is mending, mercifully and gratefully yet very, very slowly. The surgeon says to be more cognizant of pain level and stop using it when the pain increases; do not let the pain get out of control. There are some things we ought to notice.<br />
<br />
Dreams continue. One was nightmarish and had to do with the question of if one is ridding and being rid of desire to be noticed, would one write to be read? Is anonymity in the authorship enough? One would think not, since assuming there are readers of what one writes, there is a sense or degree of being noticed, at least anticipated. Another dream was instructive in remaining away from a place of notice. <i>Even at night, my heart counsels me (Ps. 16).</i><br />
<br />
The Carthusians publish with the simple <i>A Carthusian</i>. But the writer knows his writings are likely read and read by many. Does this prove the writer has a desire to be noticed? Only God and the writer would know; and it is most likely that only God would truly know--that Seeker and Knower of hearts.<br />
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Yes, a few fingers of people have reacted to what I've shared in emails--good friends--who display their own lurking desires to be noticed. Yes, it is so, that the only real way to know if one has a desire to be noticed, is to be able to cease going places where one is noticed. An additional step is to cease doing that which would bring notice, even if the ones noticing do not know the noticed. Effects of the person can be noticed. A parent, particularly involved mothers, can feed an imperceived desire to be noticed by living through the note and notice of her children. Some people justify--rationalize--their activities as using their gifts, assuming no one else could do what they are doing and thus taking spots that otherwise other people could participate and fill just as well, better, or less well. It is mostly a need for notice that goes unrecognized unless even for a day, the positions are relinquished.<br />
<br />
For a couple hours, a week ago, thoughts turned to how it would be if those who suggested the desire to be noticed would actually stop their own desire to be noticed. Well, what indeed would that be, and could they even see to do it? But of course, it is not their crucifixion, is it? No, it is mine. It is my call to uproot and expose any lurking taproot and ancillary roots desiring to be noticed. Not everyone has the full opportunity to do this, to have already had much pulled up and tossed away.<br />
<br />
The spot on the handicap pew is already replaced, no doubt, by some person either greatly overweight--unable to kneel or stand at "appropriate" times--or handicapped by some other means.<br />
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It is true that sooner than later, we shall all pass unnoticed, never more to be noticed on the face of this earth. The effort continues here, silently, softly, sensibly, to go gently into this dark night. As long as there is not the resentment or doubt, the death is filled with trust and faith and peace.<br />
<br />
His Real Presence took me to Mass the other night in the quiet darkness of anonymity in some other realm more real than this reality. There I received His Real Presence in the Sacrament of Eucharist and yet the ecstasy within the ecstasy of the real dream dimension. God bless His Real Presence in all souls! Go gently into this dark night. His Real Presence in the present moment silently beckons.</div>The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-90958896551534826912011-11-24T15:57:00.001-08:002011-11-24T17:20:19.621-08:00To Go Unnoticed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Recently, in a confession regarding meekness (or lack therein), the subject of the "desire to be noticed" surfaced. Surely, yes, it was an inspiration from God in the confessor, and one to be pondered and prayed. Whether or not there is a <i>desire to be noticed</i> in any of us, we could hardly rightly discern. It is one of those subtle, even subconscious, vices (human enough, it was said) that we can only assume to be there, within us, to some degree even if in imagining some situation in which we might be noticed.<br />
<br />
The only admission to make, for any person, is yes, there is a desire to be noticed. How could anyone rightly say no, especially when there is no way of really knowing until one does whatever necessary to halt the desire? And what is the only sure way to halt a desire to be noticed--or at least to prove one way or another if it is there or not?<br />
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The antidote to desire to be noticed is to simply not be noticed.<br />
<br />
Of course, we must explain with some discussion. The greatest circumstance for being noticed is by those who recognize us from our presence physically among them, with some aspect of knowing--such as a name, a face, a position, activity, or more. Yet, it is among our most intimate family members (with exception of children who vie for attention among siblings and parents) and friends of longest duration that the desire to be noticed seems immune. We just <i>are</i> as we <i>are</i> with these...barring those mentally ill who crave attention and notice even within the inner circle.<br />
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Another immunity from being noticed is that of large, public places in which people are intent upon a goal other than noticing strangers. A grocery store, mall, airport, walkway, or driving a car amidst traffic are places and situations in which there is not repetition of recognition and/or the purpose for being there is so goal-oriented (looking for a product on store shelf). Thus one can go veritably unnoticed in such situations and places; if noticed, the circumstance is beyond ones control--unless the desire to be noticed creates an effect, to note.<br />
<br />
Wearing garb that stands out--colors and fashion so very unique, individual, or ritualistic as to be eye-catching and identifiable--cannot qualify in the passing unnoticed test. Being exceptional in negative ways--of crime or acting out against the norms in ways noticeable--is sure to be noticed.<br />
Excesses in eating, too much or too little, bring notice in body size. The same occurs in speech: too much, too loud, too little, too soft. So it goes in any number of situations in which we could be noticed beyond simply being repetitively recognized.<br />
<br />
Again, some situations of being noticed may not be within our control. These are few, however, once a person determines decisively to snuff any suspect desire to be noticed by simple removal of all that causes notice, including locations in which one is recognized--especially if that notice is deemed a problem or flaw. Yet, very few actually have the opportunity to limit or eradicate or even test the desire to be noticed. But most if not everyone can test it at least for a brief experiment.<br />
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A hermit has the luxury of time and opportunity. Being hidden from the eyes of men is one basic premise of the eremitic life. This is a tremendous grace--to be able to test out, to practice, to live one's life increasingly unnoticed. Unless one must work in a set place, repetitively so in which others will recognize and know over time, the hermit otherwise is quite free to begin the test and to live it henceforth. There really are few places one must frequent, frequently. Other than worship, the chance of repeated recognition or knowing is amazingly limited in the daily necessities.<br />
<br />
In worship, one can be unnoticed for the most part, by changing location, and within location by change of seating area, or worship times, and frequency. If by some odd chance something befalls to create notice beyond one's control, then there may be removal, beyond one's control. If one is yet charged to delete any lurking desire to be noticed and all other means to remain unnoticed have been utilized (appearance and behavior), then one can eliminate other possible situations of recognition, of being noticed. It may seem extreme, but rooting out desire to be noticed is rather an extreme process.<br />
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What are signs of proof, after one has done all to pass unnoticed and God has removed even by atypical means the possibility of being noticed, that one does not <i>desire</i> to be noticed? It seems that one sign is that willingness of the person to be unnoticed, to accept the circumstances of removal. Another indication could be that of heightened focus in prayer, spiritual reading, absorption in His<br />
Real Presence in the Word and all Sacraments, thanksgiving, as well as in daily, temporal tasks. A true spirit of holy indifference and spiritual detachment from self occurs; and with it comes a sense of freedom in the Trinity that brings a peace to the soul.<br />
<br />
Another proof is that one thoroughly loves not being noticed and realizes it even loathed notice. <br />
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Others may discourage such action, even if they were the ones to suggest there is a desire to be noticed. Suddenly they may interject that one does not really need to rid out the desire by taking actual action, embracing the only sure antidote to such a desire by determining to simply, profoundly, decisively avoid being noticed. Yes, it takes some courage and forethought, much self-examination and figuring out the lay of the land and ones own habits both outer and inner, in time and space. But it is a worthwhile effort--not just to imagine what it would be like, but to actually effect the reality of not being noticed. It is possible if but even for a day or week, or in small eclipses of notice, bit by bit.<br />
<br />
Having the opportunity to stop being noticed brings with it a freedom not experienced in the temporal realm, not even in the visible church. The freedom brings the soul to the immolation of self required for mystical union, even if for short embraces now and then with the Divine.<br />
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<i>Note: To cease writing and sharing writing is one point of being noticed, even if the writer is anonymous. The sharing of thoughts if read by others repetitively, or the same readers to a point of recognizing the sequence and style of prose, could be a type of notice. Does the subconscious or conscious have a desire that the writings are noticed? What is the test--to cease writing? Or, cease comment availability and thus not know if the writing is being read; be as in a supermarket venue in which if noticed, it is beyond one's control? Or, if negative comments, do they assist in the self-annihilation, the death to any lurking desire to be noticed? There may be other aspects of being noticed that one does not notice in the realm of note but to pray for fool-proofs.</i></div>The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-69472655631372937922011-11-18T10:04:00.001-08:002011-11-18T10:49:34.075-08:00His Real Presence in the Present Moment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Am praying the way through pain, per usual; this time it is the shoulder that is not healing well or properly, from rotator cuff surgery two months ago. But there is another pain, and that is of being directed that I am not to go to Mass.<br />
<br />
It is all of the present moment, and the spiritual director outstanding, a gift from His Real Presence, the Holy Trinity, to my soul. This one is the peak of what any soul could desire and came per his own volition, desiring, as he said, to be the "earthly guardian" of my soul. For anyone reading, God does provide sooner or later, who and what we need according to His Knowing.<br />
<br />
There has been anger at times, my having to wait across the street in a parking lot for a friend after Mass, who brings His Real Presence in the Eucharist to me to receive, sometimes under the cover of darkness. Last Saturday evening while waiting, the amazing question of how God would allow this rather bizarre situation to continue--as I stood watching the inner-lit Cathedral and hundreds of people within. And there was I, on the outside, not allowed to be at Mass, not having done anything other than experienced for over three years a mystical state that came unbidden, each and every Mass.<br />
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Yes, it is amazing, how His Real Presence can become jealous of our love being out of balance, perhaps--too much love for the temporal reflections of His Real Presence, of His Church, as it were. How could I have ever realized the imbalance other than His removing me? As a daughter remarked (and we did laugh in that same amazement of awe in how God allows what humans would consider the unthinkable) that this surely is the first time this prelate had to direct someone to <i>not</i> go to Mass.<br />
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There is much more to this situation, however. It is that of learning to venerate and love His Real Presence in Itself--or Himself--or however His Real Presence, the Trinity, is given in proper pronoun. The practice of training the soul, the mind, the thoughts, the words and images and full awareness to living in His Real Presence in the present moments, is profoundly challenging.<br />
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So much emphasis and devotion came previously from this soul for the Eucharist, to now as it sees, was the diminution in comparison, of His Real Presence in all the Sacraments, very much so His Living Word that comes from the very Mouth of God. To even "see" the Trinity--His Real Presence--when in thought and adoration before the Tabernacle or when was allowed to be in Mass and prior to the mystical state occurring, takes a training of perspective and admittance of a truth that lay hidden from this soul's conscious recognition.<br />
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Now it is to sign notes and emails to family and friends: God bless His Real Presence in you. At the conclusion of receiving His Real Presence in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, to speak to the confessor, my director: God bless His Real Presence in you! To kiss his ring and speak the words, to receive His Real Presence in the Eucharist which he brings after confession, and to know with the newness of some great revelation to this soul, finally, now in these present moments, that this is His Real Presence now, the Holy Trinity, as they are One, as the Second Person describes in various descriptions in the Gospel of John chapters 13-17.<br />
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The practice of remaining in His Real Presence's Love, as remaining in His Real Presence which is the Three Persons of the Trinity, continues daily and nightly. No longer must there be fragmentation of Jesus, separating Him out and separating out His Real Presence in one Sacrament, but to know and recognize always, now, His Real Presence in fullness and unity, as One is not without the Other of the Three Persons, the Holy Trinity, in all the Sacraments--not any intended to be less beloved than any others, and to present one's soul always, now and forever, in greatest reverence and love to each Sacrament and to each soul filled with His Real Presence.<br />
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Consider a spouse approaching the other spouse with the reverence with which one approaches His Real Presence in the Eucharist. Consider a soul approaching in person or thought, His Real Presence--the Trinity--in any of the Sacraments, listening to and pondering His Living Word, with the same devotion, respect, attention and love with which one approaches reception of His Real Presence in the Eucharist.<br />
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The world of souls in the Church would then be elevating the love and devotion and recognition of the Trinity, His Real Presence interlocking One with the One with the One. The love and devotion to His Real Presence in the Eucharist would not be diminished but also heightened; and most noticeably the love and devotion of His Real Presence would be elevated in kind, in the Sacraments of the Word, Penance, Healing, Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage and Holy Orders, as lived in the totality of Mass.<br />
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Consider then, learning to live in His Real Presence in the present moment. The title of the blog will not change, at least not for now. But the accuracy would be: <i>His Real Presence: the Trinity--in the Present Moment.</i><br />
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Being removed from attending Mass, under obedience to my spiritual director, has taught me much, as God would have it! For one thing, His Real Presence is coming to the level of understanding that allows a participative love and devotion without fragmenting or diminishing any Person of the Trinity or Sacraments or souls but rather of elevating all as whole and fully Divine.<br />
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One morning, upon awakening, the soul was told: <i>You are in the Mass and the Mass is in you.</i> This consolation was repeated several times, and it is true enough, and will be when all mortals at temporal death will not be going to our parishes for Mass and we see, if not now or beforehand, that in His Real Presence is in the Holy Trinity, mystically intertwined as the Vine to the branches and the branches to the Vine. We will live His Real Presence in the present moment for all eternity, the interlocking of what in our temporal lives was the temporal and mystical melding in the Mass as becoming the interlocking in our mystical lives, an eternal Mass in which His Real Presence is present in each moment in souls.</div>The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840237562316133857.post-10482900714492747012011-11-17T09:26:00.001-08:002011-11-18T08:20:18.870-08:00Great Things for God<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Many in the Catholic world know about St. Therese of Lisieux's "Little Way of Love." She was the baby of the family, a girl of 15 entering the Carmelites, with elder sisters as her "mothers" since their mother died quite young. Also known as "the Little Flower", Therese's autobiography <i>The Story of a Soul</i> inspired and caught the imaginations of thousands after her death at age 24 in 1897. How fascinating to consider that one could please God by doing little things.<br />
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Somehow, over the ensuing century, in our times, it seems that the idea of doing little, or even <i>very little</i>, has taken root in people...not having to do much at all regarding spiritual matters, or pleasing God. The idea of being known, famous, and great is the rage through insta-fame via internet videos, dressing and acting in ways to garner attention, and doing the illegal for attention. People want to make it BIG in this day and age--even Christians trying to break into the book market, Christian radio and television talk programs.<br />
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When Pope John Paul II was yet alive, people declared him "JPII the Great." How many have been inspired and wanted to follow suit in some Mother Teresa-type, documentary quality outreach--start and hope for a big, great, well-known project, even their own religious order or movement? So, is the Little Flower's little way little? Look how big and great it became. <br />
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As a child, I recall sitting in the back of a high school auditorium watching a play performed by my mother's high school drama class. I was young enough not to be left home alone at night. During the performance, at a certain point, for whatever reason, I thought about God. I sensed Him; and I promised deep in my soul that I would do <i>great things for God</i> some day. I really, really meant it.<br />
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The promise and thoughts of it never left, although over the years my life was nipped and tucked whenever I'd begin to rise in the world, even the world of the temporal church--first Protestant and then Catholic. A couple weeks ago the intensity of the promise to do great things for God arose once more. Another memory surfaced--that of an elder sister who taunted me when I was a teen and again said that I was going to do something great for God. She challenged, "What are you going to do? You're just a kid." I responded, tearfully yet determined, "I don't know what, but I will do it when I am grown up!"<br />
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Over the years, it seems there is more curtailing of worldly interactions and activity whenever I renew the promise to do great things for God. This has been true in the secular or church world. Currently, I am directed that I must not go to Mass. It has to do with a rare situation in Mass, such that my director has determined it for the best that I not attend due to issues some have had, injury sustained, and a priest's being uncomfortable with it. Amazing it is, how God truncates in ways unanticipated!<br />
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Once more I ponder a childhood promise to do great things for God. I begin to understand just how great is this promise and how greatly can everyone do great things for God! The Little Flower never really fooled me with her Little Way. Maybe it worked well in that time period to motivate people to offer their little thoughts and actions. But Therese, other than being a little girl (relatively so in personality and age when she died), did great things for God through her suffering, teaching novices, and praying for missionaries. None of what she did was little at all.<br />
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Yet I've noted some adult Little Flower enthusiasts, in child-like voices, say they can only do little things because they are so little, like the Little Flower. Has the charm of the Little Way, over time, become an excuse and means for relegating ourselves to very little, and thinking it is quite humble to do so, all the while restricting ourselves from all the great things that a soul can do for God?<br />
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Of course, many of us comprehend the idea behind the Little Way--to encourage those who feel they cannot do anything at all for God, to at least help them think they can do something very little. But there is also another way, a way of doing great things for God. It is a matter of changing perspective and attitude to that of God's greatness. Thus, I am going to do--have done all my life--<i>great</i> things for God. I can do great and greater in each present moment of my life: great writing for God, great reading for God, great cleaning the garage for God, great suffering for God, great praying for God, great living, loving, laughing and crying for God...and great realizing God's greatness, all <i>for God!</i><br />
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How can this be? Does it go against humility? Is this not outrageous to think or speak or write that one can do great things for God? But what would be at all <i>wrong</i> with doing great things for God? Why relegate and limit ourselves to doing little or even less for God?<br />
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Humility, according to Msgr. Adolphe Tanquerey in his classic on the spiritual life, involves truth and justice. We must know ourselves as we are and act upon that knowledge. He writes of St. Thomas who says that <i>in man two things may be considered: what there is of God, and what there is of man. Of man there is whatever points to defect; but of God, all that makes for salvation and perfection.</i><br />
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Tanquerey adds that <i>justice, then, absolutely demands that we render to God, and to Him alone, all the honor and glory. </i>Yes, there is some good in us, our good nature and our supernatural privileges. Humility lets us see this good but that it is contemplating the gifts and graces of God in us, not ourselves that we admire. God is great and expects great things from us, for He is great who made us and all things.<br />
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I recall the Irish Da, a priest of many years, having chastised me. "Why is it that you think you have to do something <i>big</i><i>?" </i>Well, what is wrong with doing something big for God if our great God has given us great graces? Isn't it all right to do <i>great</i> things for God? What's so terrible about that? <br />
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As I was telling my dear spiritual director about doing great things for God, he--not immediately grasping this--mentioned the Little Flower and humility. I persevered despite his saying I'm resistant, which is true. After confession I exclaimed, "This sacrament is a great thing for God!" Then I mentioned a young mother who understood what I was saying about doing great things for God. She got it! She realized changing diapers is a great thing for God--perhaps even greater if a greater mess.<br />
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Everything can be a great thing for God because God is great. The Little Flower did not really do little things; all that she did were actually great things for God. Yes, when I asked the spiritual director, "Is it not true that St. Therese did great things?" he admitted it is so. Why think and do <i>little</i> when everything we think and do is great for Him due to His greatness? In fact, we do anything at all because it is God's greatness that is doing it, for His Real Presence is great in our souls, as God greatly created all souls. What a great thing for God is a soul who recognizes God's greatness in creating souls! Thus every soul is a great soul, simply in being greatly created by our great God who is all greatness. <br />
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This is all very great--just thinking of it is a great thing for God. Remaining in His Love is a great thing for God, and all we do are great things for God once we realize that it is the great God Who in His greatness--the greatness of His Real Presence, the great Trinity that is great Love--is doing it all, gives us all these great graces, to do all these great things for God. We are filled with His greatness and give back what is given, all great things for God.<br />
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Tears, struggles, thoughts, praises, despairs, virtues--no matter how rudimentary in our delivery--all are great things for God. So perhaps the Little Flower really meant that all the little things she did for God, of course, are actually great things for God. How else or other can they be when He is so great and it is all from His greatness? Doing great things for God is possible only in humility for it is humility that dictates the reality that all greatness is God, not us, and even the little is great: for, through and in God. How joyous to know that God gives us all graces to do great things for Him!<br />
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When a soul recognizes its Great Creator, God, all that flows from the Great God through that soul into thought and action is a great thing for God. Now to put a painful arm and shoulder back into the sling: a great thing to do for God.<br />
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<br /></div>The Catholic Hermithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05958578272436613474noreply@blogger.com0