Ruth: Week 2 Day 6

I have not been able to read all the meditations of each day but am trying to get at least one a day read this second time through. I think after this consecration is through I am going to go back and take one medication a day in order and go prayerfully through them again. There is so much spiritual direction in each one. Day 6 was a good example this week.
Anyway, when I read Week 2 Day 6 1st Meditation, it just seemed to sumarize how we are called to live as Christians.
It tells us "You must therefore throw away any obstacles to grace, if you desire to receive it." and then it tells us how.
Look for a hidden place, love to abide there alone
Seek comfort from no one, but rather pour out devout prayer to God.
Keep a contrite mind and a pure conscience.
Count the world as nothing.
Set time alone with God before all passing things.
Don't take delight in passing things but in God.
Be separated from others and keep the mind away from all temporal comfort. (1 Peter 2:11)
Overcome self and bring all things into subjection triumphing over ones self.
Tear out and destroy the extravagant leanings towards yourself and toward all personal and material goods.
To love self inordinately is at the bottom of all evils and must be rooted out and overcome.
Strive to die completely to self and to rise above self.
Put to death all wicked and indisciplines affections, and don't cling to anything created.   .....
For me, it does not tell me all this in a way that makes me want to give up.... I know there is so much more depth available in my walk with Jesus, I yearn for it and He is ushering me to go there.
To me, many of these meditations are gut wrenchingly powerful....when I take the time to really pray and meditate on what I am reading.

Carol re: week 3

While reading the intro to week 3, I had a strong urge to share a portion that just jumped out at me from page 142.

If we wish to know Mary, then we must earnestly beg Him for this grace and privilege and, besides praying for it, we should also perform some penance, make some pilgrimage or go to visit some church named after her.

We must offer up some little acts of mortification, denial of our own will, our desires and tastes, etc. We must use every means possible to induce God to look favorably upon us and to grant our request. We will turn to the angels and seek their intercession. We will beg the saints to plead with God for us. We will pray for the souls in purgatory and ask them, in return, to pray to God that He might share His secret with us.

When we have done all this, when we have confessed our unworthiness, and heard or said Mass and received our Divine Lord in her honor, we will then ask Him to grant this special favor of which we are so unworthy. We will say:

Lord, look upon our unworthiness and show us Thy mercy. Pour into our minds but one single ray of Thy Holy Spirit and make us know Mary. Let Thy glory and mercy shine by stooping to speak to us--as you once stooped down and became man for us. Thou has hidden these things from the wise and prudent, but revealed them to little ones--please reveal to us the greatness, power, majesty, beauty and mercy of Mary, our Mother.

Thomas a Kempis ... A brief story on the Power of the Eucharist

We have had lots of reading from the Imitation of Christ thus I thought you might enjoy this little posting about the Mass. "The author of The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis lived to the age of 92. Of the 63 years he lived as a monk, 58 were spent as an ordained priest.  In his Chronicle of Mount St Agnes he relates two miracles of the Holy Eucharist. Regarding the first of these he tells us:

 

 

One of our brethren commenced to say Holy Mass at the altar of St Agnes.  For a long time he had been obliged to make use of two crutches in order to go there.  After having said Mass he found himself, through the power of Jesus Christ and the intercession of St Agnes, so much strengthened that he was enabled to leave his crutches behind, returning to us in choir with a joyful heart. 

 

 

One of the brethren asked him of what he had done and thought during Holy Mass; he replied, 'I considered the words of the Evangelist St Luke, who himself relates of Jesus, "And all the people sought to touch Him, for there went virtue out of Him and he healed them all." Therefore the Most Holy Sacrament, in union with the prayers of the saints, is able even now to heal the sick in soul and in body." 

.......Today is the feast of St Agnes..........

 

SOURCE: Eucharistic Miracles, Joan C Cruz

SOURCE:  www.catholic.org (Saints and Angels)

Reconciliation Prep

I've collected these scripture references for reflection in preparing for Reconciliation....

1 Corinthians 3:16-20
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Galatians 5:13-23
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Ephesians 4:1-32
Philippians 2:1-16
Colossians 3:1-25
1 Corinthians 7:3-5, 14
Matthew 25
2 Peter 2:19-21
Deuteronomy 11:13-17
Revelations 3:1-22
You probably have others............

Litany of Humility

One thing that has touched me in this second week of preparation for Consecration to Mary has been the praying of the Litany of Humility. In other preparation books I haven't encountered this prayer as part of the preparation.

It has been most helpful in seeing a fault that all people struggle with. The desire to be accepted and to be well thought of by others. It seems at first that this is a good thing but you can see as you pray the Litany of Humility that there is a tendency then to only look for acceptance and affirmation from others instead of the Lord. That doesn't last in life and in the end can leave us always looking for affirmation from others. We base our value in what others think instead of rooted our value in our sonship in Christ.

If we seek to please others by putting our needs second to others it is then we begin to experience the peace and lasting joy that comes from living as God lives and living as Mary lives. The life of self-sacrifice.

So this prayer has opened to me the true spirit of Mary. I am very thankful for that this week.

God bless and pray for the Packers everybody!

Funeral Homily - Mary is Our Mother

I attended a funeral this morning for Dorothy, the mother of our good friend, JoAnn, who is a member of this five-week preparation.  It was a beautful funeral Mass including the homily focusing on Mary as our mother. Fr. Bob, the presider, a good friend and a participant of this preparation blog, is allowing me to post part of that homily. I know a sermon does not have the same power when read versus hearing it given but I hope you will still see the beautiful connection this has to our preparation, of seeing Mary as our mother and advocate, and blessing of including her rosary in our daily prayers.  When JoAnn opened her mom's purse after the death there on the top was a prayer for a happy death. To the very end, Dorothy was a pillar of love and faith for her family, parish and community. May we be likewise.
======

Fr. Bob's homily ................When I was visiting with Dorothy’s children one thing that was mentioned over and over again was her strength in the face of difficulty.  Sometimes we wonder how people keep things together when life throws us curveballs.  How did Dorothy keep her joy?  How did Dorothy remain the pillar that we leaned on as we made our pilgrimage of life?  Well, the answer is: she had a mother!

All of us have a human need for a mother and in the life of faith it is no different.  Today in the Gospel we see Jesus give us his mother Mary to help us and to be with us through our Christian lives.  It is truly Mary’s guidance and prayers that allowed and helped Dorothy remain a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. 

In the gospel passage for today’s Mass we are with Jesus in his last agony on the cross and in his most difficulty hour when most people would be thinking about themselves, Christ is thinking and loving his Church that will be born from his side in a few moments.  Jesus in his last agony on the cross is pretty much abandoned.  There is no apostle to be found except John.  There are no followers to be seen, they all left him.  There are no friends except a group of the women who walked with him and his mother Mary.  In the midst of that loneliness when one would want to be close to his mother, he turns to St. John and says, “Woman, behold your son.” And he says to John, “Behold your mother.”  In this last moment of love towards his Church he gives us his Mother Mary.  That act of love of Jesus from the cross was not just for St. John.  That act of love from the cross was for Dorothy (and each one of us) as well.

Jesus thought of Dorothy just as much as he thought of St. John.  And before he died he speaks the mysterious words, “I thirst.”  He doesn’t thirst for merely plain water.  Rather he thirsts to do the will of the Father and the will of the Father is that none of what Christ has been given will be lost.  Jesus thirsts for the love of every human being made and redeemed in his image and likeness. 

So from that moment on as the Church was born from the side of Christ, we have all been given a wonderful companion on the way of discipleship.  Mary walks with us in our joys and our sorrows.  She helps when we are lost.  She points us to her Son.  She never gives up on us and she gives us and makes present the gentleness of God.

I think that is one reason why Dorothy was so devoted to the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  The familiar prayers, the repetition of the same words is like the spiritual apple pie that reminds us of home.  The rosary in its deepest essence should be the spiritual apple pie that reminds us of the kingdom of heaven.  When we smell the sweet and familiar smell of the rosary we know that our lives are directed towards the kingdom of heaven. 

And as Our Lady revealed to St. Dominic the promises of the Rosary, one of them states, “Those who are faithful to recite the Rosary shall have during their life and at their death the Light of God and the plenitude of His Graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the Merits of the Saints in Paradise.”

Those words sound a lot like the last moments of Dorothy’s life.  The last couple of days before Dorothy died, she was unresponsive.  But as the moment of her death approached her eyes opened, and her left hand started to rise up as if she was seeing something.  She looked surprised maybe.  What was happening was the fulfillment of that promise of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Mary was with Dorothy all throughout her life and why wouldn’t she be with Dorothy at the moment when she made the most important journey of her existence, the passage from death to life. 

One thing we can say as we lay our mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to rest is that God is faithful to those who love him.  God, who begins all the good work in us, does and will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.  The day of Christ Jesus for Dorothy was on Saturday the day dedicated to our Lady.  We hope and pray in this Mass that he has completed his day in Dorothy’s life. 

May we who remain honor and love our mother, grandmother, sister and friend by living our faith with trust like Dorothy did.  Let us pray that one day we shall be reunited again in the peace of God’s kingdom.

(Together we pray) Jesus, remember her when you come into your kingdom.  

Ruth: Week 2 a few quotes

We have some great readings to help prepare and give us a renewed appreciation for the sacrament of Reconciliation. Some quotes that struck me are:
p. 110 We enter the "tomb" of the confessional and leave our sins and guilt there, emerging as a new person, having put off the "old man" and put on the new." as from Eph. 4:22-23.
p. 113  "If you feel you could do more penance than that which the priest gives you, then tell him so and ask for additional penance."  ......  Have YOU ever done this?  I have wanted to since reading it the first time through but it seems that by the time Father gives the penance, I am focused on the penance and making a good Act of Contrition and I keep forgetting to ask for a harder penance. I had never heard of doing this until reading this book. What is your experience with this?
p. 114 "What are you doing if you are not looking after your own soul?" It is so easy to get busy doing good things, even church things, and caring for ones responsibilities that it is easy to coast through the day with minimial time made for God. Plus the more one goes deeper in the spiritual life the more one yearns to spend more quality time with God.  At first it is a big thing to say daily prayers, then you are called to pray the rosary, then attend daily Mass, then read more scripture and spiritual reading, make consecrations and novena, etc.  The more time we are focused on the Lord the more we yearn for Him and the more we can focus on him in the midst of all the responsibilities of daily life.  ... there is always so much more ...
Mary please help us to stay focused on Jesus and united to Him throughout the day. Let every breath we take give Him praise.
p. 119 reminds us "There a man profits most and merits more abundant grace, wherever he overcomes himself and mortifies the spirit."   The word mortify has been hitting me over the head for years now. I am such a wimp. I am so appreciative of the continues reminder to pray and fast (mortification).
I could go on and on with quotes. There is so much good stuff on every page.  This book can be read over and over and I think you will still find food for the journey.     May Mary lead us all closer to her Son, Jesus.

Reverence toward God and ardent love of Christ

"Believe me; the devil fears the vigils of pious souls, and their fastings, their voluntary poverty, their loving compassion, their humility, but most of all their ardent love of Christ our Lord. As soon as he sees the sign of the Cross, he flees in terror."

St Anthony the Abbott  a.k.a. - Anthony of Egypt, Anthony of the Desert,

 Lived 251-356     Feast Day - January 17  

St. Anthony's talents at spiritual direction were famous, and many people traveled to the desert to seek his advise.  St Athanasius, who knew Anthony and wrote his biography, said, 

"Anthony was not known for his writings nor for his worldly wisdom, nor for any art, but simply for his reverence toward God."

St. Anthony, pray for us on our journey through and with Mary to Jesus.

Prayer Request

Three friends who are trying to make this preparation have situations that need your prayers.
JoAnn's mother passed away on Saturday morning. The funeral will be Wednesday.
Sue's uncle is near death.  Please pray that he is spiritually well prepared for his death and pray for his family.
Carol's mother-in-law lives with them and has major health issues that are stressing them. Her husband also has health issues. Please also pray for their children who are away from the faith and in discouraging situations.
These situations need our prayers and let us remember to continue to pray for all those making this preparation.
May the Lord bless and protect us as we strive to grow closer to Him.
Mary, Help of Sinner, pray for us.

Catholic Sinners

This was an interesting day . . . at once, I am a beloved daughter of the most high God, and I am a horrible sinner! How do I reconcile the two? I am a slave of Christ (Mancipia Christi), a mere creature, an unprofitable servant . . . dust . . . nothing. If I saw myself as God sees me, then I would die out of fright! God mercifully doesn't show me this scary image. Nevertheless, I must ask God to let me see myself in a more truthful light -- always in union with Mary -- to obtain from God this great grace.

How grateful am I to God for all He has given me? Does the ugly head of pride enter the picture as I give credit to myself for my accomplishments, possessions, acts of charity, etc.? Don't I realize that pride spoils any works I have done . . . it contaminates them? Oh Lord, help me to be humble!

It struck me to read how as Catholics, our sins take on a greater culpability. When we sin, we are like Satan, who refused to serve God: Non serviam (I will not serve). There is no greater evil than sin. In the Catholic Church resides the fullness of the means of salvation. That doesn't mean that non-Catholics can't go to heaven. It simply means that our spiritual toolbox is fuller than theirs . . . we have more tools at our disposal. Granted . . . many Catholics don't know what those tools are . . . or how to use them. But once we are aware of what we have as Catholics, what the Church teaches, how we are to live our lives in cooperation with God's grace . . . then we take on a greater sense of responsibility, both for ourselves and others. To whom much is given, much is expected. At this stage, no longer can we claim ignorance . . . "Oh, I didn't know that was wrong or sinful."

So . . . Catholic sinners are worse than pagan sinners. Yes, if I fully avail myself of the treasures, blessings, graces, sacraments, etc. of the Catholic Church, then I should be able to more easily resist sin and temptation. I like St. Thomas' explanation. I love the Scriptural quotes. In the story of the vigilant and faithful servants, "the servant who knew his master's will, but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will, shall be beaten severely." (Luke 12:47) This story presents an accurate depiction of mortal sin. When you meet the 3 conditions of a mortal sin: full knowledge, full consent, and grave matter, you've committed a "deadly" sin, you've cut yourself off from God and His grace . . . and the punishment will be more severe. On the other hand, "the servant who was ignorant of his master's will, but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating, shall be beaten only lightly." (Luke 12:48) This is like venial sin. Full knowledge is missing. The punishment is less severe. You are not completely cut off from God or the Body of Christ.

"Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more." (Luke 12:48)

And Wisdom 6:7: "The mighty shall be mightily tormented." Ouch! Or as the NAB renders it: "For those in power, a rigorous scrutiny impends."

And as St. Thomas states, "Sin becomes much more scandalous when the sinner is honored for his position." If I am known as a practicing Catholic, committed to my Faith, and then I publicly sin -- what kind of example am I setting? Am I causing scandal? Are observers saying . . . "If Kim does it, it must be okay"? Am I now responsible for the actions and perhaps even the eternal destiny of others?

I must shamefully place myself at the feet of the Blessed Mother, the Refuge of sinners. A mother can put up with the most gruesome sights and situations when the good of the child is at stake. I remember when I was little, it was almost always my Mom who cleaned up the mess when I was sick and threw up!

Mary will receive me, like a prodigal daughter, the moment I realize what I have done by my sins. She will console me with the thought of the new spiritual birth, for which I am now preparing. She will tell me that, as the Mother of Mercy, she has a special role to play in the conversion of sinners and in bringing about their reconciliation with God. I need Mary like I need mercy. For she is the Mother of Mercy. "Refuge of sinners, pray for us!"

Notes for Week 2 from Fr. Parker's previous sessions (Notes from 3 people)

From Tricia
All actions should be done through, with, in, and for Mary so to perform them through, with, in and for Jesus.

Mother Theresa had a great devotion to Mary. She taught followers to live in company of Mary, grow in PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP
with Mary, give the gift of self to Mary - entrusting all things to her. This is the secret of the saints.

Interior Disposition should be:
give all to Mary during the day - worries, doubts, etc...
allow Mary to fully intervene in your life
be wrapped in Mary's mantle

Second week: 
Pray, this week, for the gift of true contrition for sins.
Ask Mary for a portion of her humility.
Mortify will.


From Tina: Week 2

Here is a synopsis of what Father Parker said last night:

Review of what we were reading for Week 2:

First, Father said “Don’t be scared” after reading and doing the Examination of Conscience.

On page 107 the second last indent, “Do not spend all of your time just examining your conscience…”, we are also trying to increase our sorrow for our sins, and he emphasized the part too about remembering that the degree of contrition can remit all temporal punishment too.

Page 109: “God loves the sinner, but hates the sin, which can whither and dry up our soul…it needs spiritual food, feed it on things of God.

Pg 111: Sorrow is an act of the will and cannot always be felt. From the middle of the first paragraph to the end of that paragraph, “Feelings have nothing to do with it. The real measure and test of the depth…” When you go to confession you need to make a serious resolve to avoid that sin in the future.

We will not always have consolations and feel good about our prayer, spiritual progress. Fr. Parker said, “In the beginning God gives candies to draw us in. But later we have desolations and dryness.” If we get too much consolations and sweet things “we can fall in love with the consolations and not God.”

Pg 113: Satisfaction for Sin: First sentence - he emphasized the special and much greater efficacy that penance prayers have for making satisfaction. Just saying 3 Hail Mary’s on our own, and saying 3 Hail Mary’s after the priest gives them as our Penance makes a huge difference – we are saying them for Penance under Obedience for one thing (and 2 other things that give Penance special efficacy and power but he didn’t say what the other 2 things were….) He also said we can ask for a greater penance if we wish. The priest doesn’t want to scare off the person, but if we are capable and desire a greater penance we should ask.

Page 117: top of the page first couple paragraphs – this is “shock treatment” to get us to wake up and take notice, but “remember that God is infinitely merciful. Stick with it, be courageous, keep going forward, God has brought you here to this through Our Lady.” Refer to page 125: “On Grace and Humility” section, “Nor does progress in the spiritual life consist…grace of devotion has been withdrawn.” God knows His purpose for doing to us what He does.

Page 132: 2^nd full paragraph: “I know your hidden thoughts…” If He could let Jesus go through His Agony in the Garden, why should we not have our difficulties? But, “not my will but Yours be done.” And, “It is often when you think that I am far from you that I am often nearer.”

We should ALWAYS be seeking to please God – not ourselves - or what makes us feel good. Example again of advice of St. Therese – we don’t want to go to Purgatory not because it will be hard to go through the suffering, but we don’t want to go there because it would bring displeasure to God for me to have to go there.

Father Parker also had a friend visit him Monday from his old parish in Batavia - Holy Crosss – and she brought him a first class relic of blessed Francis Xavier Selos. He read us some tidbits about him and blessed us with the relic. He had a great love of and devotion to Our Lady, he did everything for love of God and through Mary.

Ruth:  Consecration to Mary ...... Lesson #2    Class notes

Special note = The Consecration is fully approved by church

        Pope John Paul II had sincere devotion

We are striving for: performing and offering all ones actions to, for, and with Mary to be with and for Jesus

deeper union with Jesus is ultimate goal and benefit of union with Mary

Should be working toward more prayer each day and attending Mass and Communion daily if possible.     depends on ones responsibilities but effort should be make to attend as often as possible.  More frequent confessions should also be a fruit of this consecration. 

Mortification is essential.  (Father STRESSED THIS.)

Example of saints ..... Father quoted Blessed Mother Teresa

"beg Our Lady to keep us near her heart so as to be closer to the heart of her Son"

Mary was a daily presence in Mother Teresa's life.

Living with Mary means daily encounter with her.

We are investing time... to encounter Mary ...to have a personal relationship with her as did Jesus

Secret of the saints = Devotion to Mary

Great Saints = Great love for Eucharistic Jesus and Mary

Most priest who are not faithful don't have devotion to Mary.

Hand over to Mary all details of daily life in formal, intentional way. Incorporate Mary in your day.

Interior discipline:  Give all to Mary, your joys, sorrows, difficulties ... asking Mary to wrap us in her mantle..... words of Mary to St. Juan Diego are also to use as her children ...

Words of Our Lady of Guadalupe       "Listen, my son, to what I tell you now: Do not be troubled nor disturbed by anything; do not fear illness nor any other distressing occurrence, nor pain. Am I not your mother? Am I not life and health? Have I not placed you on my lap and made you my responsibility? Do you need anything else."               (This would be nice to add at the end of each rosary.)

Question & Answer:   These are 4 or 5 meditations for each day.  You can do all at once or divide them throughout the day.

Week #2   Examines capital sins

don't have to re-confess ALL sins when making General Confession.  Must confess all unconfessed sins ... humility needed ....asks Spirit to help you make a good confession and ask Mary to accompany you into the confessions where you will receive forgiveness & mercy from her son.   We are sinners in desperate need of mercy.

       Father referred to the scriptures   Luke 23  (the good thief ... repented and turned to Jesus ) 

   Luke 18  Pharisees vs the publican

   Luke 5   St. Peter ... repentent          

 I am not repeating the quotes Father gave as they are listed above.

How is week 1 going?

I had an intersting talk with a young lady yesterday who was a bit overwhelmed by the readings this week.  She said she thought she was living a good life until she started reading this book.  We talked about living the standards of the world vs living the stardards set by the Gospel and our deeper love for the Lord. This chapter is really calling us to live our faith 100%. It is challenging but please don't give up.  This week we are examining our lives. As we continue the preparation we will be given more tools for the journey.  Take advantage of what each week of this preparation has to offer.  Hang in there and let us know how you are doing... Remember you are journeying with Jesus and Mary and with people from New York to Cedar Rapids.  May Mary wrap you in her mantle and intercede for you as you grow in holiness.

Ruth - Looking ahead - Making your consecration

Today I received a note that I think applies to many of you. Here is part of it:


I know that our consecration to Jesus through Mary takes place on February 11 -- the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, but what does it entail? ........... What do we do ..... on that day --- or is it a private thing I can do in my own home? Do we go to Mass? Do we need a priest to be involved in the process? What can you tell me? I haven't really read ahead in the book.


Here is what Father suggested for those who could not attend the parish held consecration ceremony:
1.  Print off the consecration.
2.  If possible, attend Mass on the day of the consecration, and after Mass kneeling in the front of church before the tabernacle or before the statue of Mary, recite the consecration prayer and then sign and date the consecration right there before the Lord and our Blessed Mother.  Keep your signed consecration paper in your bible as a constant reminder of your love and commitment. (If you can't attend Mass or visit the church, make the consecration as special an event as possible in whatever situation you are in. It is the prayerful consecration that is important.)
3. At our consecration in church, we each put a flower in a vase near the statue of Mary.  You might want to bring a small vase of flowers to leave before Mary on this special day and as a symbol of love.
4. Then celebrate the day as a special feast day.  You might want to renew your consecration each year on this feast day in the same way beginning again with this guide or some other preparation guide.


A couple other things you will want to consider is to plan your General Confession into your schedule so that it happens.   
If you have never been enrolled in the brown scapular and the miraculous medal you will want to ask a priest to provide that for you.  I will give you more ideas on that later. If you have been enrolled before it is a lifetime enrollment so you just have to continue wearing or begin wearing your spapular again.


Anyway, I hope this helps you with your plans and please don't hesitate to ask me questions like this.  Father Parker did make this a very special event for us and I hope that each of you can be blessed with a beautiful consecration day. 


In Christ ..... 
Offering myself to Jesus Through Mary .....

Ruth: Week 1 ... mortification

I don't have my book right now as I lent it to a friend whose book has not arrived yet but Corrine's post reminded me that I wanted to post on the call to prayer and fasting.  I am such a wimp when it comes to mortification. Like most people, I think it is a big thing if I give up something one day a week or give up something for Jesus for a period of time.  Now I know that Jesus appreciates even our smallest efforts but we are called and capable of so much more.  I know that we are not called to live like monks in the desert but we are called so live so much closer to the ideals that Jesus gives us.  This emphasis hit me the first time I read our book, it hits me when our pastor talks about it and it hit me again today reflecting on our readings. I am continually reminded of Father's sermon that I mentioned earlier about the Triple Triathlon. We are capable of so much more ...

Corrine: Day3, Wk 1..(Tues)

I don’t have any deep reflection here…….but this is what jumped out at me… and my reaction………
Day 3, Week 1, 3rd Meditation
….for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there are who go in thereat. How narrow is the gate and strait is the way that leadeth to life, and few there are that find it…. I’ve read this many times before, but it really struck me today…. Which path am I REALLY on !?

Day 2, Week 1, 4th Meditation
…to possess Incarnate Wisdom, Jesus Christ, we must practice mortification, renounce the world and self……. ……..He seeks for persons worthy of Him. He seeks because there are so few, that He can scarcely find any sufficiently detached from the world or sufficiently interior or mortified to be worthy of His Person…of union with Him……. “there are so few”…how many have thought they are in that few….on the narrow path….when….where am I really! I need to start …again and again and again! And to think that way way back in history the Israelites were stiffnecked! Who is stiffnecked?

Then, the #1 in To Obtain Possession of Wisdom…… This detachment permits us to possess worldly goods as though not possessing them, without being eager to acquire or being anxious to retain any; not complaining or worrying when possessions are lost….
And #4….flee from company…..even of devout persons, when association with them is useless and a waste of time…

This takes some reflecting……..or should I say discerning….
I sure wonder where the baby steps are here…… Jesus, Mary and Joseph……..guide us!

Carol: Thank you Kim

I want to thank Kim for her comments regarding forgiving people in our workplace. I work with some difficult people and each of your questions hit home.

Carol for Jessica

Jessica asked me a question on the introduction that I was not able to explain clearly enough to satisfy her mind. So please, if anyone can help me clarify the answer to the question , your help would be very much appreciated.

On pg. 12 under Meditation, Jessie asked what the meaning of the following was: We can ascend to the Lord either by (a) contemplation of the created work, or (b) by meditation on the revealed truths contained in Scripture and on the life of Jesus, or finally (c) by attaching ourselves to Christ with a lively faith in His power to introduce us into the bosom of the Father.

After trying to explain it to her (and I failed horribly) I suggested that she just read a little and be quiet for a short time and listen to her heart and that eventually God would speak to her. I also suggested asking everyone here for help.

The Beatitudes - A New Look

The beautitudes, even as I have studied them and taught them to others, have been a little difficult for me to grasp. The new Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture (Matthew volume -- Sri and Mitch) was very helpful. I picture Jesus going up the mountain, a place of divine revelation, and sitting, which is the posture of a rabbi teaching His disciples. The Greek word for happy (makarios) denotes blessedness or happiness, not in the sense of an emotional state, but in terms of being in a fortunate situation. Many of the people whom the world would consider to be among the most miserable -- the poor, the mourning, the meek, the persecuted -- Jesus proclaims to be in an advantageous situation, for God looks now with favor on them and assures them of consolation in the future.

The poor refers not just to those in economic hardship, but also the oppressed people of God who were in particular need of God's help. The reference to the poor in spirit puts the emphasis not on material poverty, but on one's inner attitude. It refers to those who take their powerlessness to heart, who recognize that God is the only one who can help them and who trust that God will act on their behalf.

When I am in a difficult situation, feeling helpless to do anything, do I remember that God is THE ONLY ONE who can help me, and do I trust that He will act on my behalf?

Jesus doesn't necessarily commend mourning as such, but He praises those who grieve over wickedness, whether it be afflicting others or causing them suffering directly. Even though they may not be able to change their circumstances around them, they can resist evil internally by "mourning" it. God will vindicate the faithful and they will be comforted. This comfort also belongs to those who repent and mourn for their own sins.

Do I "mourn" over the sins that I commit? Do I feel an internal sorrow . . . do I grieve over what I have done to my relationship with God and others? What about the sins of the world, the sins of our society, our country, the governments of the world . . .??

The meek are the lowly who patiently wait on the Lord amid their afflictions and refrain from responding in anger or with force against those who wrong them. They rely on God -- not their own strength -- to set things right.

This really applies to my workplace -- am I patient with my coworkers? Do I speak out in anger or derision or sarcasm when one of them gives me a hard time? What about my thoughts? Am I judging them unfairly or negatively? Am I treating them with anything but the love of Christ? Am I relying on God totally to set things right . . . in every area of my life?? Our Lord tells us that vengeance is HIS!

The image of hunger and thirst depicts someone seeking something with his/her whole heart. The person who hungers and thirsts for righteousness longs for God's saving action and seeks to do His will with the intensity of someone starving for food or dying of thirst. This beatitude refers to those who are not content with things as they are and refuse to stifle the restlessness of heart that points them toward something greater.

How intensely do I long for God's saving action and seek to do His will? May I never be content with the way things are . . . and continually strive to make my will one with God's.

Mercy is one of God's most outstanding attributes! Mercy involves an inward identification with those in need and an outward action of kindness and generosity toward them. In this beatitude, Jesus emphasizes the reciprocal nature of mercy. God will show His mercy to us to the extent that we are merciful to others.

Do I make an effort to put myself in the shoes of those in need? Do I have compassion for them and their situation? What do I do to make a difference?

In Hebrew, the heart is the center of a person's inner life -- the emotions, the intellect, and most especially, the will. The clean of heart are those who love God with undivided allegiance, with all their hearts. They pursue His will single-heartedly, without mixed motives. This beatitude echoes Psalm 24:3-5, where entrance into the temple required not only external purity, but also the internal disposition of a clean heart. Jesus commends those disciples whose external acts of faith reflect the inward attitude of a pure heart.

Do I love God with undivided allegiance? When I go to Mass, what is the internal disposition of my heart? Am I "clean of heart" so as to be worthy to receive our Lord's Body and Blood (although I guess we are never completely worthy)?

The Hebrew understanding of peace includes more than the absence of hostility. It denotes well-being and rightly ordered personal relationships and society. The peacemakers are those who strive to bring about harmony with God and with others in society. They seek to unite those who are estranged from one another and to be reconciled with their own enemies. They share in the Father's mission of reconciling the world to Himself.

Am I a friendly witness to the Catholic Faith? When people find out I'm Catholic, what do they see? How do I approach non-Catholics? Am I combative, self-righteous, or do I patiently and kindly explain the truths of the Faith?

In our obedience to God's law, we can be persecuted by the world. We are reminded of those heroes and prophets from the OT who were killed for their faithfulness to God, and especially the martyrs who died for the sake of the Torah in the time of the Maccabees. Christ's faithful followers should expect similar trials. Don't despair . . . Jesus promises us the kingdom of heaven!

Ruth: Week 1, Day 1 readings

I will not be posting every day on the readings but todays reading was accomplished in an interesting way.  The readings were from the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5-7.  I do not like the translation of the scriptures used in the book so this time I listened to the scriptures read to me on a CD set I received for Christmas.  It was beautiful.  I pictured myself in a crowd of people on a hillside, sitting there just mesmerized by Jesus speaking directly to me, encouraging me, admonishing me, teaching me, warning me, calling me.  It was a great way to meditate on these passages.
(For those that are interested, the CD series of the scriptures that I have is the "Truth & Life Dramatized Audio bible: New Testament" ... Voiced by internationally-renowned actors including: Neal McDonough, Kristen Bell, Sean Astin, Michael York,Blair Underwood, Malcolm McDowell, Stacy Keach,Brian Cox, Julia Ormond, John Rhys-Davies and many more.  The Truth & Life audio New Testament is a dramatized audio Bible from the RSV-CE translation and distributed by Zondervan.  http://www.truthandlifebible.com  -  Tom purchased my copy at our local Catholic book store but it is also available online.

Ruth: Triple Triathalon

At Mass this morning, Father mentioned that he met a man recently who had participated in a triple Ironman triathlon (Swim 7.2 miles, Bike 336 miles, Run 78.6 miles ... yes really). Father mentioned the training that went into this and the support of this man's family and friends that made this possible. This led Father to his point which was to talk about how many more great saints there would be if we all had a greater commitment to growing in our relationship with Jesus and with supporting each other on the journey. If a man can achieve such greatness on the human side (triple Ironman triathlon) we can do the same, in varying degrees on the spiritual side. We are all called to holiness.  He explained it better than I am doing (this is my take on it)  but this sermon brought our 5-week commitment to mind.  We need to, right now, make a commit to persevere in this spiritual Marathon for Jesus is calling each of us to "go deeper" in our spiritual walk with Him. May Our Lady, through this (re-)consecration be our guide into a deeper relationship with her son. Our training has begun (or continues)........

My thoughts on the portions before week 1

A few things that jumped out at me tonight in this section are as follows:

1. Begin our prayer in the presence of God

2. Formulate an intention for our prayer

3. Make an act of contrition before beginning our prayer


There's a lot more jammed in these paragraphs, but we must all start with "baby steps".

What I'm doing different this time

The first time my husband and I did this Consecration, we received our books late. Since I work night's (7 nights on and then 7 off) I spent my time just reading and trying to get on track. I finished just when Ruth did in time for the Consecration.

What I'm doing differently this time is highlighting everything that jumps out at me. I am also looking up words, that I don't understand and writing their meaning on the side of the paragraphs so that I can interchange the words with something I better understand. I also hope to be able to actually meditate more on some of the readings.

I feel that I really got a lot from the first time. I did the Consecration a while back from a shortened version, but I never really enjoyed it. This book is just absolutely wonderful. Hope everyone feels the same at the end of the 5 weeks.

Carol: I am posting for 4 people

I'm so excited to be doing this again. Included in my blog will be my husband, Clayton, and my daughter, Jessica. Temporarily, a close family friend by the name of Johnny will also be included until I can convince him to join the blog. Hopefully I can print off comments and questions for everyone to share.

Ruth,

Thanks for this opportunity to get closer to our Lady.

I pray for the discipline to be faithful to the daily reading/meditation. This is also perfect timing for those of us who will be participating in The Bible and the Virgin Mary bible study this Lent.

Some quotes from the Magnificat Advent Companion (December 22):

"Mary does not render God great; He is great. She does, however, allow Him to be great in her."

In her Magnificat, "Mary teaches us to rejoice in God's goodness, to receive His blessings gratefully, to proclaim His greatness, holiness, and saving strength, to testify to His regard for the lowly and the hungry, and to acknowledge His mercy and fidelity." Mary is the perfect model of how to be in relationship with God.

May she guide each one of us more and more towards her Son and draw us into her motherly embrace!

Ruth, Tricia's & Tina - Notes to start Week 1 (From last fall's program at church)

When we started this consecration in our parish, our pastor held a weekly meeting to briefly go over what we had read and would be reading.  He also tried to highlight the life of a saint each week, a saint who had a deep marian devotion.  I will post my notes and the notes of one or two friends.  Neither of us took these notes with the idea of posting them so they might be quite inadequate but maybe they will help someone.   Here is my first posting of the notes.

Ruth's Notes to start Week 1:

This Total Consecration is for a conversion of heart and growth in holiness.

This commitment will be at least one rosary a day and the readings which will take about a half hour to 1 hour  (of the 24 given to us by the Lord).

You are entrusting your life to Jesus under the care of His mother that she may bring to safely to her SON.

Preparation opens us for totally giving ourself to Jesus through Mary.

Make daily Mass as often as possible.    (If you can't make it to church you could always watch it on TV and make a spiritual communion....but best to get to daily Mass if you can)

Father talked about making a General Confession when we get to that section.   It is very important to take the time to make a good examination of conscience (provided in the book) and then make a good Confession. Make your Confession when it is not a busy time for the priest. You might want to make an appointment with Father for the General Confession so that you have the amount of time needed. It you call for an appointment tell the priest that you want to make a General Confession as they take longer.  It is OK to write down you sins or circle them in pencil in your book and bring that to confession with you.  You don't want to be rushed.  (General Confession is reviewing your entire life, reconfessing serious sins with greater repentance of heart. If you have already made a General Confession you can just start at that point for this one.)

Each day and week is divided the same way.

Week 1 Prayers

Week 1, Day 1 Meditation 1

                           Meditation 2

   Meditation 3

   Meditation 4

Week 1, Day 2 (1-4 more meditations)

etc.

Week 2 Prayers   (they change each week but you always also say a rosary)

Week 2, Day 1 Meditation 1

etc.

It will make sense when you start using the book.

Father also went over St. Louis de Montford's life.  You can get that on the internet.

Father Parker said if it is too overly burdensome for whatever reason to do all the day’s meditations, try to do at least one meditation well and the prayers..

Tricia's notes:

Week 1

John Paul II consistently prayed the spirituality of Monfort. He believed Mary brings us closer to Christ and leads us to Him. JPII was just one of many who followed Montort's spirituality. This is a spirituality that is fully approved by the Church.

Montfort's life:
apposed Jansenism-extremists about not receiving Eucharist because of "unworthiness"
touched by God at a very young age
college with Jesuits
a brilliant man
at a young age, Mary revealed his vocation to him
on his way the the seminary, (walked the entire way) he gave away everything he had--showed up in rags, looking like a poor
beggar
believed the Soul should breathe Mary as the Body breathes air

Primary purpose of the Consecration: conversion of heart and growth in holiness

First week: fast, give alms, and ask Mary for help you know and weed out faults

Here are Tina's Notes:

Here is some of what Father Parker talked about tonight:

He gave a little back ground about St. Louis de Montfort – one of 18 children, of whom 3 became priests and 3 others (maybe 4) other entered religious life. Very intelligent, knew from a very young age that he had a calling. Mary told him he would be priest. Not much money in his family w/18 children but he knew and he trusted that he would become a priest since Mary told him. A rich lady saw his holiness and intelligence and told him she would pay for his studies in Seminary.

His True Devotion manuscript was unknown for over 100 years when it was found in an old trunk. (Had been in manuscript form after he wrote it, ready to publish but then the French Revolution erupted and his manuscript was buried to save it from being burned by the revolutionaries. After it was over, the manuscript was unearthed but put in the old trunk and forgotten about. St Louis himself predicted that the unpublished manuscript would be hidden for a long time after his death.

Purpose of the Consecration –      Conversion of our hearts

                                                Growth in Holiness

We will prepare with these readings, meditations and prayers for 5 weeks, the on December 8^th we will have a Mass and after Mass Father will expose the Blessed Sacrament, set up a kneeler at the front. Each one of us will come up and sign our written Consecration in front of Jesus – that we are giving ourselves totally to Jesus through Mary.

There may be terms mentioned that you may wonder about – like “Holy Slavery” – that refers to us giving ourselves over totally to Jesus though Mary.

If you have questions about any terms or anything .... (ask on the blog.)

He suggested trying to go to Mass daily, or at least more frequently during the week than just on Sunday.

He also said that we are being called specially to make this Consecration, not everyone is called. And, because we are going to make this Consecration and because Satan and the demons don’t like it we may find that we have all kinds of crap (my word) thrown at us from the devil, so if it seems that all kinds of stuff is starting to happen to you to make it difficult or all kinds of temptations occur to throw you off track, don’t let it upset you. Father Parker will be praying for us and asks us to pray for him during this time as we all prepare for the Consecration. Father Parker gave us a special blessing and included those who also were going to be making the Consecration but were unable to be at the meeting in the Blessing.

There is a VERY thorough Examination of Conscience in this Consecration; in fact there is an ALL DAY examination on page 90 (Week 2, Day 2 – which would be November 11^th. (Father Parker suggested going to Confession (at the time it is in the preparation program) and also right before Feb. 11 when we make our Consecration.) He said we may want to make little  check marks in our books next to all that applies to us and bring it to the confessional with us in order to make a thorough confession. 

When you start Father suggested taking a pencil and marking each week’s day with the date, like Week 1, Day 1 is Jan. 9th. (I wrote the date for each day) We will be praying daily the suggested prayers for the week, (Week 1’s prayers are found on page 18 and 19) then the 1^st meditations for week 1, Day 1. Try to say the prayers suggested before or after each meditation for the day – as suggested in the book.

Week 2’s prayers are found on page 74 and following. Note that you don’t have to say each prayer before each meditation for these he suggests saying each prayer daily if possible; if not, then at least one prayer each day, etc. He adds more to the weekly prayers each week.

Week 3’s prayers are on page 145 and following. Then notice page 205 for Week 3 and through page 270…

Week 4’s prayers are on page 274 and following.

Hope this helps!

===========================

Ruth ... Participant List still growing as we start this spiritual adventure.

So far we have 12 people listed as blogging with us, two journeying with us but they don't have computers and I know of a few more people who just haven't signed in yet.  Others can still join us so don't hesitate to share this opportunity.

You are welcome to start posting on the preface and Tips section.  I would have already but just have not had time yet.  May Mary help us all to make time.  This is a five week commitment that will be a blessing to our spiritual life if we give it the priority it deserves.  Plan into your day, with you daily prayer time, at least a half hours of reading and meditating.

God bless you all.  Let's pray for each other.

Rene from Cedar Rapids

Have my book and ready to go. Thank you for your efforts and for getting us started with the Preface and Tips.

Ruth - Does everyone have their book? Let the blogging begin ...

I hope everyone has already acquired a copy of the consecration preparation book. I really think you will like the book we are using.  (It is described and pictured in an earlier post.)
We will be starting this five-week preparation on Sunday, January 9, but you are welcome to begin posting on the introductory readings.  As of Sunday you can post on the introductory readings and Week 1, Day 1.  On Monday we add Week 1, Day 2, etc.  You can alway post on earlier readings but don't post ahead of the scheduled day. If you are reading ahead you can always write your post and save it as a draft to post when we get to that reading.
On the TITLE line of each post, please indicate your name and the reading you are posting on.  (Examples:   Ruth - Tips on Prayer & Meditation   or    Ruth - Week 1, Day 4).  This makes it clear as to who is posting and on what reading.
Let the blogging begin... with comments on the Preface and on the Tips on Prayer and Meditation (pages 1-16).
I have started this blog but everyone is responsible for its success. Your postings and comments will help us all on our journey..... growing with and through Mary in our love for Jesus.  Always Jesus!

Ruth,
Thanks so much for getting this started. It is a great way to begin the new year in a focused way!
Corrine

Ruth, thanks for organizing this blog. I am so excited to do this (re)consecration. A beautiful experience and Mary has so much to teach us about her glorious Son.

Ruth, checking in!

Ruth: Greetings to Everyone and Reading Recommendation

Please post a greeting when you join this blog.

I live in Dubuque and attend St. Mary's Catholic Church in East Dubuque.   I look forward to sharing our awesome Catholic faith and this new adventure.

I have organized several book blogs and have always enjoyed the reading and blogging. When you post on the blog you can post your comments on the readings, questions from the readings, responses to the comments of others and/or your personal reflections. It is totally up to you.

Once you receive your book, and if possible before January 9th, you might want to read the Preface and Tips on Prayer and Meditation found in the front of the book. If your schedule will be busy in January you might also want to read the supplemental reading that is offered at the end of week 3 (beginning on page 205 and ending on page 270).

Anyway I look forward to journeying with you ...closer to Jesus through Mary.

Ruth: This is the book we are using.

Consecration to Mary: St. Louis De Montfort's True Devotion : Complete Five-Week Preparation : Prayers, Daily Meditations, Spiritual Guidance, Ceremony [Paperback]   

Everything you need to make your consecration to Jesus through the Blessed Virgin according to Saint Louis de Montfort's method in True Devotion to Mary. All the readings in one place.

Includes:

•Holy Scripture
•The Imitation of Christ
•True Devotion to Mary
•The Love of Eternal Wisdom
•The Secret of the Rosary
•The Secret of Mary
•Letter to the Friends of the Cross
•More!

You'll use it for prayer & meditation over and over. As advertised on EWTN.

420 pp. Softcover. 

Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary

       As many of you know, Tom and I participated in a five-week preparatory program that culminated with a total consecration of ourselves to Jesus with and through Mary. We used an excellent guide book that takes excerpts from several books.  It is a spiritual gold mine and it provides excellent spiritual direction.  
      We have quite a few friends and family members who are now interested in using this same book and making the consecration so we are going to go through the five-week preparation again.  Participants in this new session will start the five-week preparation for our consecration (or reconsecration) on January 9th.  If you are interested, you will have to order the book online or from your local Catholic bookstore and sign up for this blog. 

     We are setting up this blog so that anyone wishing to make this consecration can be part of a group. Accountability often helps one persevere through the five weeks.  On this blog participants can post comments or questions regarding the preparation readings any time during the five weeks beginning January 9th.  We would like you to post at least weekly but as often as you want. I will post some of the notes I have from the once a week sessions that were offered at our parish during our preparation. If we can't answer the questions that are posted concerning the daily readings, I will ask one of our local pastors or knowledgeable friends for an answer.  

    What is involved?

--  Daily prayer:  In your prayer time, you should be saying your rosary daily. In fact, our pastor said that praying the rosary daily is a basic requirement for signing up to make this consecration and is something everyone should be committed to.

--  You will also need about a half hour to read and meditate on the daily readings found in the consecration book.  Most days have 3 to 5 brief readings that you can read all at once or read and reflect on through-out the day. There are also a few prayers to choose from to pray before and after your readings.

--  If possible, try to attend Mass daily during the five-weeks. 

    People end their five-week preparation program on a Marian feast day. That will be the day you will make your formal consecration to Jesus through Mary.  We have decided to begin the five-week preparation time on January 9 and it will end on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, February 11th.

   We are glad that you are going to join us in the awesome spiritual adventure. It is really worth the time and all the effort you will put into it.  We believe the more you put into five-week preparation period, the more you will get out of it.

The book we will use is:

   St. Louis de Montfort's True Devotion: Consecration to Mary

      by Fr. Helmuts Libietis

      Published by Angelus Press

     Order line   1-800-966-7337     Cost $18.00

Here are a couple of links with more information about the Total Consecration: http://www.ourlady33.com/calltototalconsecration.htm

http://www.fisheaters.com/totalconsecrationmontfort.html

We look forward to seeing who the Lord brings together, uniting us in prayer. 

You may invite others to also join us in journeying closer .....

To Jesus Through Mary!

Ruth & Tom