Private Vows in The Laity/Spirituality

[BarbTherese]

   

"Do not neglect hospitality" (Heb 13,2) https://dailygospel.org/AM/gospel?utm_source=newsletter

There were two disciples on a journey together. They did not believe and yet they were speaking about the Lord. Suddenly he himself appeared but in a form they were unable to recognise… They invited him to share their company, as one does with a traveller… So they prepared the table, set the meal, and the God whom they had failed to recognise in Scriptural explanation they now discovered in the breaking of bread. Thus it was not in hearing God’s commandments that their minds were opened but in doing them: “For it is not those who hear the law who are just in the sight of God; rather, those who observe the law will be justified” (Rom 2,13). If anyone wants to understand what he has heard, he should hasten to carry out whatever of it he has already managed to grasp. The Lord was not recognised while he was speaking; but he deigned to make himself known when he was offered a meal.

So let us delight in hospitality, my very dear brethren; let us take pleasure in practising charity. With regard to this Paul affirms: “Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels” (Heb 13,1f.; Gn 18,1f.). Peter says, too: “Be hospitable to one another without complaining” (1Pt 4,9). And Truth itself declares to us: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me”… “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine,” the Lord will say on Judgement Day, “you did for me” (Mt 25,35.40)… Yet in spite of all this, how lazy we are before the grace of hospitality! Let us take our measure of this virtue’s greatness, my brothers. Let us welcome Christ to our table so that we may be welcomed at his eternal banquet. Let us show hospitality to Christ present in the stranger at this present time so that when judgement comes we may not be like strangers whom he does not recognise (Lk 13,25) but he may receive us like brothers into his Kingdom.

[BarbTherese]

From Divine Office (General Calendar)

                                         Tuesday 25th April 2023  

Feast St Mark Evangelist

 

Morning Prayer https://universalis.com/20230425/lauds.htm

Evening Prayer https://universalis.com/20230425/vespers.htm

Night Prayer    https://universalis.com/20230425/compline.htm     

 

Office Readings

Second Reading

                              From the treatise "Against the Heresies" by St Irenaeus

                                              Preaching truth

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The Church, which has spread everywhere, even to the ends of the earth, received the faith from the apostles and their disciples. By faith, we believe in one God, the almighty Father who made heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them. We believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who became man for our salvation. And we believe in the Holy Spirit who through the prophets foretold God’s plan: the coming of our beloved Lord Jesus Christ, his birth from the Virgin, his passion, his resurrection from the dead, his ascension into heaven, and his final coming from heaven in the glory of his Father, to recapitulate all things and to raise all men from the dead, so that, by the decree of his invisible Father, he may make a just judgement in all things and so that every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth to Jesus Christ our Lord and our God, our Saviour and our King, and every tongue confess him.

  The Church, spread throughout the whole world, received this preaching and this faith and now preserves it carefully, dwelling as it were in one house. Having one soul and one heart, the Church holds this faith, preaches and teaches it consistently as though by a single voice. For though there are different languages, there is but one tradition.

  The faith and the tradition of the churches founded in Germany are no different from those founded among the Spanish and the Celts, in the East, in Egypt, in Libya and elsewhere in the Mediterranean world. Just as God’s creature, the sun, is one and the same the world over, so also does the Church’s preaching shine everywhere to enlighten all men who want to come to a knowledge of the truth.

  Now of those who speak with authority in the churches, no preacher however forceful will utter anything different – for no one is above the Master – nor will a less forceful preacher diminish what has been handed down. Since our faith is everywhere the same, no one who can say more augments it, nor can anyone who says less diminish it.

 

 

                          

[BarbTherese]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           

Summary of the Spirituality of St Therese of Lisieux  https://catholicstrength.com/2017/06/11/a-short-summary-of-the-spirituality-of-saint-therese-of-lisieux/

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“In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28)

 

Introduction: A short summary like this is by its very nature inadequate and needs to be balanced out and given more depth by the writings of professional theologians who have written books about the life and spirituality of St. Therese of Lisieux. Moreover, the best way to gather in the spirituality of Saint Therese is to read her autobiography, either in its traditional, edited version or in its full version. Nevertheless, I hope I capture in this note some of the key elements of St. Therese’s spirituality which, in turn, caused her to become a great saint and Doctor of the Universal Church. We may say therefore, in reference to the above quote, that Saint Therese loved God intensely and therefore fulfilled the purpose in life to which God called her.

 

                               

                                 LITANY IN THE STEPS

                                      OF THE PASSION

              

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Most dear Jesus,
filled with sorrow during the agony in the garden,
covered with a sweat of blood while praying,
have mercy on us, O Lord.

Most dear Jesus,
delivered into the hands of the wicked by a kiss,
bound like a robber,
and abandoned by your disciples,
have mercy on us, O Lord.

Most dear Jesus,
condemned to death by an unjust Council,
taken as an evildoer before Pilate,
and ridiculed by the wicked Herod,
have mercy on us, O Lord.

Most dear Jesus,
publicly shorn of your garments,
and most cruelly scourged at the pillar,
have mercy on us, O Lord.

Most dear Jesus,
crowned with thorns,
beaten and blindfolded,
clothed in rich purple and mocked,
have mercy on us, O Lord.

Most dear Jesus,
likened to the infamous Barabbas,
rejected by your people,
and unjustly sentenced to death,
have mercy on us, O Lord.

Most dear Jesus,
burdened with the weight of the Cross
and led to the place of execution like a lamb to the slaughter,
have mercy on us, O Lord.

Most dear Jesus,
reckoned with the wicked, blasphemed, and derided,
and given gall to drink to mitigate your pain,
have mercy on us, O Lord.

Most dear Jesus,
dying on the Cross in the presence of Mary,
pierced with a lance that drew blood and water from your side,
have mercy on us, O Lord.

Most dear Jesus,
taken down and placed in the arms of your Sorrowful Mother,
have mercy on us, O Lord.

Most dear Jesus,
horribly bruised and marked with five wounds,
annointed for burial and placed in a tomb,
have mercy on us, O Lord.

My Jesus,
I thank you for dying on the Cross for my sins.
Have mercy on us, O Lord.

Amen.

 

 

[BarbTherese]

 

[BarbTherese]

   

Just my take! ...........Because God lives in the now, without beginning or end, it could be said that the suffering of those who, in free will, unite their sufferings to those of Jesus are redemptive.  God embraces the past and the future as His Now.  In uniting our suffering, in free will, to those of Jesus, we are ONE WITH HIS SUFFERING AND DEATH on Calvary in His own times, as in Baptism.  We are baptized into the suffering and death of Jesus with His Resurrection, therein the guarantee of our own resurrection.  

I have my theory of the why of water in Baptism too, but I will spare you that......at least for now, my now, which lives in time and space, with beginning and ending.  All indeed is temporary, only God transcends.

I fear Hell and an eternity with that evil; thing as I fear a quite literal burning in an ocean of fire forever.  That is, I fear heresy.  But more so, I seek Truth, that Truth may be more widely known, understood and therefore incorporated into life i.e. one's journey ........ thus more embraced, more loved.

"I am The Way, The Truth and The Life"  John Ch 14

[BarbTherese]

       

I am in more pain than ever just now.  Thankfully, I see my psychiatrist, Dr B, tomorrow afternoon.  My brother will make an appointment with my GP, Dr A, asap.  It is best that he makes appointments as he has far more commitments than I do.  I have none apart from him as my transport.  And he has his family and grandchildren.  I have told my family that their own family MUST always come first before me.  Their lives generally too.

Went for a bit of a walk yesterday, and met an older woman than I trying to use her relatively new self propelled wheelchair.  I have one now too, but have not learnt to use it as yet.   I chatted with that older lady, M, for about 10 mins. I was able to cheer her up, but I was well aware that it probably would pass in an all too short a time.  I can't go to to our small dining room as it means more special equipment to take my weight will need to be purchased and this Home has done enough for me, gone to enough extra expenses to house me.  We have a small dining room of about 10 residents as each block is broken up into smaller sections.  Most of the residents, rather all of them, go straight to their rooms after meals - thus little time to talk.  I figure therefore that The Lord wants me in this room with more time for prayer and writing. I will have to have my lovely artificial nails removed, they are much too long for fast touch typing.  Also, removing the nails would spare future expense.  I do wish I could wear a religious habit.  I am half lay woman, half religious at the moment and my 'religious habit' is hidden.  The habit preaches The Gospel before ever one word is spoken.  Not only that, it daily reminds one of one's lifelong commitment.  Added to that, I feel not at all anywhere near worthy.  I have a Miraculous Medal on a silver chain, with a cross on the way with a longer silver chain at the moment.  I do have my eye out for a dress that could be my habit, no veil..........nor success to date.   Or should I not be concerned at all?  "Be not anxious about what you are to wear"..........therein my answer.........if only I could stop being anxious about it!!!............I need a miracle of Grace to stop the anxiety.

[BarbTherese]

 

[BarbTherese]

From Divine Office (General Calendar)

                                             Wednesday 26th April 2023 

 

Morning Prayer https://universalis.com/20230426/lauds.htm

Evening Prayer https://universalis.com/20230426/vespers.htm

Night Prayer https://universalis.com/20230426/compline.htm

 

Office Readings

Second Reading

From the first apology in defence of the Christians by Saint Justin, martyr

                                             Baptismal regeneration

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Through Christ we received new life and we consecrated ourselves to God. I will explain the way in which we did this. Those who believe what we teach is true and who give assurance of their ability to live according to that teaching are taught to ask God’s forgiveness for their sins by prayer and fasting and we pray and fast with them. We then lead them to a place where there is water and they are reborn in the same way as we were reborn; that is to say, they are washed in the water in the name of God, the Father and Lord of the whole universe, of our Saviour Jesus Christ and of the Holy Spirit. This is done because Christ said: Unless you are born again you will not enter the kingdom of heaven, and it is impossible for anyone, having once been born, to re-enter his mother’s womb.

  An explanation of how repentant sinners are to be freed from their sins is given through the prophet Isaiah in the words: Wash yourselves and be clean. Remove the evil from your souls; learn to do what is right. Be just to the orphan, vindicate the widow. Come, let us reason together, says the Lord. If your sins are like scarlet, I will make them white as wool; if they are like crimson, I will make them white as snow. But if you do not heed me, you shall be devoured by the sword. The mouth of the Lord has spoken.

  The apostles taught us the reason for this ceremony of ours. Our first birth took place without our knowledge or consent because our parents came together, and we grew up in the midst of wickedness. So if we were not to remain children of necessity and ignorance, we needed a new birth of which we ourselves would be conscious, and which would be the result of our own free choice. We needed, too, to have our sins forgiven. This is why the name of God, the Father and Lord of the whole universe, is pronounced in the water over anyone who chooses to be born again and who has repented of his sins. The person who leads the candidate for baptism to the font calls upon God by this name alone, for God so far surpasses our powers of description that no one can really give a name to him. Anyone who dares to say that he can must be hopelessly insane.

  This baptism is called “illumination” because of the mental enlightenment that is experienced by those who learn these things. The person receiving this enlightenment is also baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, who was crucified under Pontius Pilate, and in the name of the Holy Spirit, who through the prophets foretold everything concerning Jesus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                  Introduction to The Devout Life

                                      St Francis de Sales

                             Introduction to the Devout Life

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DEAR reader, I request you to read this Preface for your own satisfaction as well as mine.

The flower-girl Glycera was so skilled in varying the arrangement and combination of her flowers, that out of the same kinds she produced a great variety of bouquets; so that the painter Pausias, 1 who sought to rival the diversity of her art, was brought to a standstill, for he could not vary his painting so endlessly as Glycera varied her bouquets. Even so the Holy Spirit of God disposes and arranges the devout teaching which He imparts through the lips and pen of His servants with such endless variety, that, although the doctrine is ever one and the visame, their treatment of it is different, according to the varying minds whence that treatment flows. Assuredly I neither desire, nor ought to write in this book anything but what has been already said by others before me. I offer you the same flowers, dear reader, but the bouquet will be somewhat different from theirs, because it is differently made up.

Almost all those who have written concerning the devout life have had chiefly in view persons who have altogether quitted the world; or at any rate they have taught a manner of devotion which would lead to such total retirement. But my object is to teach those who are living in towns, at court, in their own households, and whose calling obliges them to a social life, so far as externals are concerned. Such persons are apt to reject all attempt to lead a devout life under the plea of impossibility; imagining that like as no animal presumes to eat of the plant commonly called Palma Christi, so no one who is immersed in the tide of temporal affairs ought to presume to seek the palm of Christian piety.

And so I have shown them that, like as the mother-of-pearl lives in the sea without ever viiabsorbing one drop of salt water; and as near the Chelidonian Isles springs of sweet water start forth in the midst of the ocean; 2 and as the firemoth 3 hovers in the flames without burning her wings; even so a true stedfast soul may live in the world untainted by worldly breath, finding a well-spring of holy piety amid the bitter waves of society, and hovering amid the flames of earthly lusts without singeing the wings of its devout life. Of a truth this is not easy, and for that very reason I would have Christians bestow more care and energy than heretofore on the attempt, and thus it is that, while conscious of my own weakness, I endeavour by this book to afford some help to those who are undertaking this noble work with a generous heart.

It is not, however, my own choice or wish which brings this Introduction before the public. A certain soul, abounding in uprightness and virtue, some time since conceived a great desire, through God’s Grace, to aspire more earnestly after a devout life, and craved my private help viiiwith this view. I was bound to her by various ties, and had long observed her remarkable capacity for this attainment, so I took great pains to teach her, and having led her through the various exercises suitable to her circumstances and her aim, I let her keep written records thereof, to which she might have recourse when necessary. These she communicated to a learned and devout Religious, who, believing that they might be profitable to others, urged me to publish them, in which he succeeded the more readily that his friendship exercised great influence upon my will, and his judgment great authority over my judgment.

So, in order to make the work more useful and acceptable, I have reviewed the papers and put them together, adding several matters carrying out my intentions; but all this has been done with scarce a moment’s leisure. Consequently you will find very little precision in the work, but rather a collection of well-intentioned instructions, explained in clear intelligible words, at least that is what I have sought to give. But as to a polished style, I have not given that a thought, having so much else to do.ix

I have addressed my instructions to Philothea, 4 as adapting what was originally written for an individual to the common good of souls. I have made use of a name suitable to all who seek after the devout life, Philothea meaning one who loves God. Setting then before me a soul, who through the devout life seeks after the love of God, I have arranged this Introduction in five parts, in the first of which I seek by suggestions and exercises to turn Philothea’s mere desire into a hearty resolution; which she makes after her general confession, by a deliberate protest, followed by Holy Communion, in which, giving herself to her Saviour and receiving Him, she is happily received into His Holy Love. After this, I lead her on by showing her two great means of closer union with His Divine Majesty; the Sacraments, by which that Gracious Lord comes to us, and mental prayer, by which He draws us to Him. This is the Second Part.

In the Third Part I set forth how she should practise certain virtues most suitable to her xadvancement, only dwelling on such special points as she might not find elsewhere, or be able to make out for herself. In the Fourth Part I bring to light the snares of some of her enemies, and show her how to pass through them safely and come forth unhurt. And finally, in the Fifth Part, I lead her apart to refresh herself and take breath, and renew her strength, so that she may go on more bravely afterwards, and make good progress in the devout life.

This is a cavilling age, and I foresee that many will say that only Religious and persons living apart are fit to undertake the guidance of souls in such special devout ways; that it requires more time than a Bishop of so important a diocese as mine can spare, and that it must take too much thought from the important duties with which I am charged.

But, dear reader, I reply with S. Denis that the task of leading souls towards perfection appertains above all others to Bishops, and that because their Order is supreme among men, as the Seraphim among Angels, and therefore their leisure cannot be better spent. The ancient Bishops and Fathers of the Primitive Church xiwere, to say the least, as devoted to their duties as we are, yet they did not refuse to undertake the individual guidance of souls which sought their help, as we see by their epistles; thereby imitating the Apostles, who, while reaping the universal world-harvest, yet found time to gather up certain individual sheaves with special and personal affection. Who can fail to remember that Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Onesimus, Thekla, Appia, were the beloved spiritual children of S. Paul, as S. Mark and S. Petronilla were of S. Peter (for Baronius and Galonius have given learned and absolute proof that S. Petronilla was not his carnal but spiritual daughter). And is not one of S. John’s Canonical Epistles addressed to the “elect lady” whom he loved in the faith?

I grant that the guidance of individual souls is a labour, but it is a labour full of consolation, even as that of harvesters and grape-gatherers, who are never so well pleased as when most heavily laden. It is a labour which refreshes and invigorates the heart by the comfort which it brings to those who bear it; as is said to be the case with those who carry bundles of xiicinnamon in Arabia Felix. It is said that when the tigress finds one of her young left behind by the hunter in order to delay her while he carries off the rest of her cubs, she takes it up, however big, without seeming over-weighted, and speeds only the more swiftly to her lair, maternal love lightening the load. How much more readily will the heart of a spiritual father bear the burden of a soul he finds craving after perfection-- carrying it in his bosom as a mother her babe, without feeling weary of the precious burden?

But unquestionably it must be a really paternal heart that can do this, and therefore it is that the Apostles and their apostolic followers are wont to call their disciples not merely their children, but, even more tenderly still, their “little children.”

One thing more, dear reader. It is too true that I who write about the devout life am not myself devout, but most certainly I am not without the wish to become so, and it is this wish which encourages me to teach you. A notable literary man has said that a good way to learn is to study, a better to listen, and the best to teach. And S. Augustine, writing to the xiiidevout Flora, 5 says, that giving is a claim to receive, and teaching a way to learn.

Alexander caused the lovely Campaspe, 6 who was so dear to him, to be painted by the great Apelles, who, by dint of contemplating her as he drew, so graved her features in his heart and conceived so great a passion for her, that Alexander discovered it, and, pitying the artist, gave him her to wife, depriving himself for love of Apelles of the dearest thing he had in the world, in which, says Pliny, he displayed the greatness of his soul as much as in the mightiest victory. And so, friendly reader, it seems to me that as a Bishop, God wills me to frame in the hearts of His children not merely ordinary goodness, but yet more His own most precious devotion; and on my part I undertake willingly to do so, as much out of obedience to the call of duty as in the hope that, while fixing the image in others’ hearts, my own may haply conceive a holy love; and that if His Divine Majesty sees me deeply in love, He may give her to me in an eternal xivmarriage. The beautiful and chaste Rebecca, as she watered Isaac’s camels, was destined to be his bride, and received his golden earrings and bracelets, and so I rely on the boundless Goodness of my God, that while I lead His beloved lambs to the wholesome fountain of devotion, He will take my soul to be His bride, giving me earrings of the golden words of love, and strengthening my arms to carry out its works, wherein lies the essence of all true devotion, the which I pray His Heavenly Majesty to grant to me and to all the children of His Church -- that Church to which I would ever submit all my writings, actions, words, will and thoughts.

ANNECY, S. Magdalene’s Day, 1608.

 

 

 

LITANY FOR A HAPPY DEATH

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Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary,
Pray for us.

All ye holy angels and archangels,
Pray for us.

Holy Abraham,
Pray for us.

Saint John the Baptist,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph,
Pray for us.

All ye holy patriarchs and prophets,
Pray for us.

Saint Peter,
Pray for us.

Saint Paul,
Pray for us.

Saint Andrew,
Pray for us.

Saint John,
Pray for us.

Saint Jude,
Pray for us.

All ye holy apostles and evangelists,
Pray for us.

All ye holy disciples of Our Lord,
Pray for us.

All ye holy innocents,
Pray for us.

Saint Stephen,
Pray for us.

Saint Lawrence,
Pray for us.

All ye holy martyrs,
Pray for us.

Saint Sylvester,
Pray for us.

Saint Gregory,
Pray for us.

Saint Augustine,
Pray for us.

Saint Basil,
Pray for us.

Saint Ambrose,
Pray for us.

Saint Francis de Sales,
Pray for us.

Saint Vincent de Paul,
Pray for us.

Saint Aloysius,
Pray for us.

Saint Stanislaus,
Pray for us.

All ye holy bishops and confessors,
Pray for us.

Saint Benedict,
Pray for us.

Saint Dominic,
Pray for us.

Saint Francis of Assisi,
Pray for us.

Saint Ignatius,
Pray for us.

Saint Philip Neri,
Pray for us.

Saint Camillus de Lellis,
Pray for us.

Saint John of God,
Pray for us.

All ye holy monks, hermits,
and founders of religious orders,
Pray for us.

Saint Mary Magdalen,
Pray for us.

Saint Lucy,
Pray for us.

Saint Scholastica,
Pray for us.

Saint Teresa,
Pray for us.

Saint Catherine,
Pray for us.

Saint Clare,
Pray for us.

Saint Ursula,
Pray for us.

Saint Angela Merici,
Pray for us.

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal,
Pray for us.

Saint Barbara,
Pray for us.

All ye holy virgins and widows,
Pray for us.

All ye saints of God,
intercede for us.

Be merciful unto us,
Spare us, O Lord.

Be merciful unto us,
Hear us, O Lord.

From Thy anger,
O Lord, deliver us.

From the peril of death,
O Lord, deliver us.

From an evil death,
O Lord, deliver us.

From the pains of Hell,
O Lord, deliver us.

From all evil,
O Lord, deliver us.

From the power of the devil,
O Lord, delivery us.

By Thy Nativity,
O Lord, deliver us.

By Thy Cross and Passion,
O Lord, deliver us.

By Thy death and burial,
O Lord, deliver us.

By Thy glorious Resurrection,
O Lord, deliver us.

By the grace of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter,
O Lord, deliver us.

In the Day of Judgment,
O Lord, deliver us.

We sinners beseech Thee,
hear us.

That Thou wouldst spare us,
we beseech Thee, hear us.

That Thou wouldst vouchsafe
to bring us unto true repentance,
we beseech Thee, hear us.

That Thou wouldst vouchsafe
to grant eternal rest to all the faithful departed,
we beseech Thee, hear us.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, forgive us our sins;
Grant that we may die in Thy love and Thy grace.

Lamb of God, by Thy Precious Blood,
We beseech Thee to hear us and to lead us to life everlasting.

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.

Let Us Pray

We beseech Thy clemency, O Lord,
that Thou wouldst vouchsafe
so to strengthen Thy servants in Thy grace that,
at the hour of death,
the enemy may not prevail over us,
and that we may deserve
to pass with Thy angels
into everlasting life.

Amen.

O Jesus, Who during Thy prayer to the Father
in the garden wert so filled with sorrow and anguish
that there came forth from Thee a bloody sweat;
have mercy on us.

Have mercy on us,
O Lord; have mercy on us.

O Jesus, Who wast betrayed by the kiss of a traitor
into the hands of the wicked,
seized and bound like a thief,
and forsaken by Thy disciples;
have mercy on us.

Have mercy on us,
O Lord, have mercy on us.

O Jesus, Who by the unjust council of the Jews
wast sentenced to death,
led like a malefactor before Pilate,
scorned and derided by impious Herod;
have mercy on us.

Have mercy on us,
O Lord, have mercy on us.

O Jesus, Who wast stripped of Thy garments
and most cruelly scourged at the pillar;
have mercy on us.

Have mercy on us,
O Lord, have mercy on us.

O Jesus, Who wast crowned with thorns,
buffeted, struck with a reed,
blindfolded, clothed with a purple garment,
in many ways derided,
and overwhelmed with reproaches;
have mercy on us.

Have mercy on us,
O Lord, have mercy on us.

O Jesus, Who wast less esteemed than the murderer Barabbas,
rejected by the Jews,
and unjustly condemned to the death of the cross;
have mercy on us.

Have mercy on us,
O Lord, have mercy on us.

O Jesus, Who wast loaded with a cross,
and led to the place of execution
as a lamb to the slaughter;
have mercy on us.

Have mercy on us,
O Lord, have mercy on us.

O Jesus, Who wast numbered among thieves,
blasphemed and derided,
made to drink of gall and vinegar,
and crucified in dreadful torment
from the sixth to the ninth hour;
have mercy on us.

Have mercy on us,
O Lord, have mercy on us.

O Jesus, Who didst expire on the Cross,
Who wast pierced with a lance
in the presence of Thy holy Mother,
and from whose side poured forth Blood and water;
have mercy on us.

Have mercy on us,
O Lord, have mercy on us.

O Jesus, Who wast taken down from the Cross,
and bathed in the tears of Thy most sorrowing Virgin Mother;
have mercy on us.

Have mercy on us,
O Lord, have mercy on us.

O Jesus, Who wast covered with bruises,
marked with the Five Wounds,
embalmed with spices,
and laid in the sepulcher;
have mercy on us.

Have mercy on us,
O Lord, have mercy on us.

V. He has truly borne our sorrows,
R. And He has carried our griefs.

Let Us Pray

O God, Who for the redemption of the world
deigned to be born,
to be circumcised,
to be rejected by the Jews,
and betrayed by Judas with a kiss;
to be bound with fetters,
and led like an innocent lamb to the slaughter;
to be ignominiously brought before Annas,
Caiaphas, Pilate, and Herod;
to be accused by false witnesses,
to be scourged, buffeted, and reviled;
to be spat upon,
to be crowned with thorns,
and struck with a reed;
to be blindfolded,
to be stripped of Thy garments,
to be nailed to a cross and raised thereon;
to be numbered among thieves,
to be made to drink of gall and vinegar,
and to be pierced with a lance:
By these Thy most holy sufferings, O Lord,
which we Thy servants commemorate,
and by Thy most holy Cross and death,
deliver us from the pains of Hell,
and conduct us,
as Thou didst conduct the penitent thief,
into Thy paradise,
Thou Who livest and reignest,
world without end.

Amen.

 

 

 

[BarbTherese]

                            

$3.99 on Kindle HERE

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Are you a young woman who is trying to put a smile on your face, but actually desiring a relationship? Have you encountered broken dreams and heart break? Do you feel out of place even among your church community? Wildflower addresses some of the most challenging topics for single women in todays world. Christian single women know that their satisfaction and joy comes from God, but it doesn’t mean that this is not a challenging season or calling. However, through addressing struggles such as loneliness, insecurities, navigating holidays, and choosing joy, Wildflower will take you on a journey of discovering how the Lord wants to use your difficulties to grow and bloom you in the unexpected places.

Emma Danzey authentically and humorously shares in her experiences as a young adult single woman. Each chapter focuses on a specific wildflower and how it blooms in beautiful ways. She teaches wisdom that she has received from God’s Word by pointing you to Bible characters who went through similar struggles. Then, at the end of each chapter there are personal study questions to process through on your own or with friends.

Whether this is a new challenge to you or an ongoing struggle, singleness can feel like a forgotten place, however if we surrender in these times, the Holy Spirit can do some of His most incredible work within our lives. We can grow in our love for the Lord and in knowing Him more, we will discover more of who He made us to be, Wildflowers. HERE

 

 

Edited April 25, 2023 by BarbTherese

[BarbTherese]

 

[BarbTherese]

                  

When we engage in the act of prayer itself, there is no preparing, no getting the right words, no posture to take, no mood to assume. We simply do it. Prayer is primal speech. We do not first learn to do it, and then proceed to do it; we do it, in the doing we find out what we are doing, and then deepen and mature in it.
- Edward Clowney

 

 

Forgive us if this day we have done or said anything to increase the pain of the world. Pardon the unkind word, the impatient gesture, the hard and selfish deed, the failure to show sympathy and kindly help where we had the opportunity, but missed it; and enable us so to live that we may daily do something to lessen the tide of human sorrow, and add to the sum of human happiness.
- F. B. Meyer

 

Accustom yourself gradually to carry prayer into all your daily occupation -- speak, act, work in peace, as if you were in prayer, as indeed you ought to be.
- Francois Fenelon

 

(He is not speaking of "saying" prayers, but of "prayerfulness" -- a steady orientation unto God beyond words -- which is established in us through regular times of prayer and meditation.)

[BarbTherese]

  

Tell Jesus everything: Pope Francis

Pope Francis has recommended making an examination of conscience at the end of each day as a way to invite Jesus into the joys and struggles of daily life. Source: CNA.

[BarbTherese]

  

Yesterday was ANZAC day in Australia.  I thought it was today.  Please say a prayer for all military:

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Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served". Wikipedia

 

[BarbTherese]

Divine Office (General Calendar)

                                                          Thursday 27th April 2023 

                                                             Third Week Easter

 

Morning Prayer https://universalis.com/20230427/lauds.htm

Evening Prayer https://universalis.com/20230427/vespers.htm

Night Prayer https://universalis.com/20230427/compline.htm

 

Office Readings https://universalis.com/20230427/readings.htm

             

[BarbTherese]

 

 

The 20 Decades of The Holy Rosary https://www.marquette.edu/faith/prayers-mysteries.php

  

 

 

How to Pray The Chaplet of Divine Mercy https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/pray-the-chaplet

  

 

Introduction to The Devout Life  

                                        Written by St Francis de Sales,

                              it is one of the simplest spiritual classics there is.

CHAPTER I. What true Devotion is.

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YOU aim at a devout life, dear child, because as a Christian you know that such devotion is most acceptable to God’s Divine Majesty. But seeing that the small errors people are wont to commit in the beginning of any under taking are apt to wax greater as they advance, and to become irreparable at last, it is most important that you should thoroughly understand wherein lies the grace of true devotion;—and that because while there undoubtedly is such a true devotion, there are also many spurious and idle semblances thereof; and unless you know which is real, you may mistake, and waste your 2energy in pursuing an empty, profitless shadow. Arelius was wont to paint all his pictures with the features and expression of the women he loved, and even so we all colour devotion according to our own likings and dispositions. One man sets great value on fasting, and believes himself to be leading a very devout life, so long as he fasts rigorously, although the while his heart is full of bitterness;—and while he will not moisten his lips with wine, perhaps not even with water, in his great abstinence, he does not scruple to steep them in his neighbour’s blood, through slander and detraction. Another man reckons himself as devout because he repeats many prayers daily, although at the same time he does not refrain from all manner of angry, irritating, conceited or insulting speeches among his family and neighbours. This man freely opens his purse in almsgiving, but closes his heart to all gentle and forgiving feelings towards those who are opposed to him; while that one is ready enough to forgive his enemies, but will never pay his rightful debts save under pressure. Meanwhile all these people are conventionally called religious, but nevertheless they are in no true sense really devout. When Saul’s servants sought to take David, Michal induced them to suppose that the lifeless figure lying in his bed, and covered with his garments, was the man 3they sought; and in like manner many people dress up an exterior with the visible acts expressive of earnest devotion, and the world supposes them to be really devout and spiritual-minded, while all the time they are mere lay figures, mere phantasms of devotion.

But, in fact, all true and living devotion presupposes the love of God;—and indeed it is neither more nor less than a very real love of God, though not always of the same kind; for that Love one while shining on the soul we call grace, which makes us acceptable to His Divine Majesty;—when it strengthens us to do well, it is called Charity;—but when it attains its fullest perfection, in which it not only leads us to do well, but to act carefully, diligently, and promptly, then it is called Devotion. The ostrich never flies,—the hen rises with difficulty, and achieves but a brief and rare flight, but the eagle, the dove, and the swallow, are continually on the wing, and soar high;—even so sinners do not rise towards God, for all their movements are earthly and earthbound. Well-meaning people, who have not as yet attained a true devotion, attempt a manner of flight by means of their good actions, but rarely, slowly and heavily; while really devout men rise up to God frequently, and with a swift and soaring wing. In short, devotion is simply 4a spiritual activity and liveliness by means of which Divine Love works in us, and causes us to work briskly and lovingly; and just as charity leads us to a general practice of all God’s Commandments, so devotion leads us to practise them readily and diligently. And therefore we cannot call him who neglects to observe all God’s Commandments either good or devout, because in order to be good, a man must be filled with love, and to be devout, he must further be very ready and apt to perform the deeds of love. And forasmuch as devotion consists in a high degree of real love, it not only makes us ready, active, and diligent in following all God’s Commands, but it also excites us to be ready and loving in performing as many good works as possible, even such as are not enjoined upon us, but are only matters of counsel or inspiration. Even as a man just recovering from illness, walks only so far as he is obliged to go, with a slow and weary step, so the converted sinner journeys along as far as God commands him but slowly and wearily, until he attains a true spirit of devotion, and then, like a sound man, he not only gets along, but he runs and leaps in the way of God’s Commands, and hastens gladly along the paths of heavenly counsels and inspirations. The difference between love and devotion is just that which exists between fire and flame;—love 5being a spiritual fire which becomes devotion when it is fanned into a flame;—and what devotion adds to the fire of love is that flame which makes it eager, energetic and diligent, not merely in obeying God’s Commandments, but in fulfilling His Divine Counsels and inspirations.

 

 

INTERCESSARY LITANY
OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL
FOR THE CONVERSION OF SINNERS

 

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Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us, Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.

God the Holy Ghost,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary,
Pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Queen of Heaven,
Pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, vanquisher of Satan,
Pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, most dutiful Daughter,
Pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, most pure Virgin,
Pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, most devoted Spouse,
Pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, most tender Mother,
Pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, perfect model of virtue,
Pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, sure anchor of hope,
Pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, refuge in affliction,
Pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, dispenser of God's gifts,
Pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, tower of strength against our foes,
Pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, our aid in danger,
Pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, road leading to Jesus,
Pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, our light in darkness,
Pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, our consolation at the hour of death,
Pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, advocate of the most abandoned sinners,
Pray for us sinners.

For those hardened in vice,
With confidence we come to thee, O Lady of Mount Carmel.

For those who grieve thy Son,
With confidence we come to thee, O Lady of Mount Carmel.

For those who neglect to pray,
With confidence we come to thee, O Lady of Mount Carmel.

For those who are in their agony,
With confidence we come to thee, O Lady of Mount Carmel.

For those who delay their conversion,
With confidence we come to thee, O Lady of Mount Carmel.

For those suffering in Purgatory,
With confidence we come to thee, O Lady of Mount Carmel.

For those who know thee not,
With confidence we come to thee, O Lady of Mount Carmel.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Hope of the Despairing,
Intercede for us with thy Divine Son.

Let Us Pray

Our Lady of Mount Carmel,
glorious Queen of Angels,
channel of God's tenderest mercy to man,
refuge and advocate of sinners,
with confidence I prostrate myself before thee,
beseeching thee to obtain for me
(State your intention here in silence).
In return I solemnly promise
to have recourse to thee in all my trials,
sufferings and temptations,
and I shall do all in my power
to induce others to love
and reverence thee
and to invoke thee in all their needs.
I thank thee for the numberless blessings
which I have received from thy mercy
and powerful intercession.
Continue to be my shield in danger,
my guide in life,
and my consolation at the hour of death.

Amen.