Mary's Memories - The Sorrowful Mysteries

The Agony in the Garden

I felt my heart begin to break when I knew Jesus and His Apostles had left for the Garden.  The Apostles were uneasy.  They sensed that My Son was sorrowful.  He had warned them that He would be killed, but they did not believe.  I fell to my knees with the other women and we began to pray.  Jesus began to suffer in the Garden.  He felt the weight of sin on his shoulders and satan was there to tempt Him again.  Jesus was sorrowful beyond words.  I could feel His sorrow in my heart.  How he could bear the weight I do not know.  I’ve never known such sorrow.  He asked His Father to let this cup pass, but the Father withdrew.  Jesus accepted His cup for love of us.  His soul was at peace, but He knew what was to come.  When they came to arrest Him, My Jesus identified Himself to the soldiers of the temple.  They began to beat Him.  When Peter tried to stop this by cutting off the ear of the soldier, Jesus reminded Peter that this what was meant to be.  Jesus healed the soldier’s ear.  The other soldiers were stunned.   My Son was beaten and taken to both Herod and Pilate.  My Jesus, My Beautiful Son!  My heart weeps.  My heart weeps when I see You.  My precious Child.  I love You!

The Scourging at the Pillar.

How could I look?  Jesus did not look like Himself.  His beautiful face was swollen and bruised.  His eye was swollen shut.  When asked about the charges, Jesus would not answer.  Pilate tried to calm the crowds.  He knew that Jesus did not do anything wrong, but he was afraid.  He ordered Jesus to be scourged.  My Son!  My Son!  You are the Son of God, but they do not know You!  These are the people who were cheering You and calling You the Messiah.  Now they are calling for your death.  My Son!  I am here.  I hear the whips as they strike Your flesh.  I feel the whips as they rip into Your flesh.  I see the blood flow from Your skin.  Your flesh is hanging in shreds, and they continue to beat You.  The sear of the air on Your wounds brings tears to My eyes.  My Son, how do You bear this pain?  They want to kill You.  Pilate did not order that.  My God!  My God!  Protect Your Son!  I am weak.  How much more weak are You, My beautiful Child?  At last, the beatings have stopped and the soldiers are giving You back Your clothing that is soaked with your blood.  You can barely walk.  You lost so much blood!  If they only knew how much You loved them!   I see You looking at me.  I am here, My Son!  I am here.  Be strong!  I. am. here.


The Crowning with Thorns

I didn’t realize they could find new ways to torture You.  Now, they are mocking You?  They are laughing at You and calling You the King of the Jews?  My Son, You are a King.  You will not show them, but You continue to pray for them and forgive them.  My Son, You are My God, too.  
Does Your love know an end?  Your love for us is unending.  I am with You as you walk this road.  I am here.  What is that in the soldier’s hand?  Is that supposed to be a crown?  I thought the mocking and the spitting were enough, now they are going to crown You with thorns?  How can they torture Love?  Oh, my Jesus!  I don’t know that I can bear this!  They have pulled Your clothes away.  The bleeding has started again. Oh, your most precious blood hits the ground!  They are giving you  a purple robe?  Oh, My Son!  They mock You even more!  They laugh.  They don’t know.  Yet, you pray for them, and You have forgiven them.  My Jesus, Your love is beyond all measure.  I die each time they harm You.  I must forgive them as You have forgiven them.  My Jesus!  My Son!  I am here with You.


The Carrying of the Cross

They have condemned You to die.  Pilate was afraid of the crowd.  They screamed for Your death and asked for Barabbas.  You who have done no wrong.  You who are Love.  They screamed for Your death, and Pilate gave in.  His wife warned Pilate to have nothing to do with You.  She knows You.  She loves You.  I see her in the window weeping as Pilate condemns you to death.  Pilate has washed his hands of You.  He is turning You over to be killed.  They drag You through the streets.  You are so weak.  How can You walk?  Your body has been beaten and you’ve lost so much blood.  My Dearest Son!  They have condemned Love!  They have condemned Love!  I must forgive as You forgive.  Now, I must watch You die.  How can You carry the cross?  John will get me closer to You.  You must know that I am here with You!  I will help You with Your cross.  John will get me closer to You.  Oh, Jesus, My Son, my heart breaks as I see Your disfigured face.  I see Your flesh hanging from Your body.  I see Your blood soaked garments.  I see Your eyes, and You see mine.  I cannot get close enough to help You.  John will take care of me.  Have no worries.  I forgive as You have forgiven.  My beautiful Son.  You are love, and they hate You.  They do not realize what they are doing.  The soldiers have forced Simeon to help You.  He does not understand the great graces You have given Him.  He knows that You will die.  You know that You will die.  Even as the torture continues, You forgive.  My Jesus, My Son, My God!  I love You.

The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus

My Son, My Son.  The nails have pierced Your Hands and Feet.  The soldiers have allowed us to be closer to You now.  There is no turning back.  The soldiers continue to mock You.  They are even casting lots for Your clothes which are stained with Your most precious blood.  The Jewish leaders are screaming at You.  They want You to prove You are God and come off the cross by yourself.  My Jesus!  How do you bear this pain?  I am not sure I can bear this pain, yet You bear this without complaint.  My Son, I do forgive them.  You have forgiven them.  You have promised one thief that he will join You in Paradise today.  The other, You have offered the chance for forgiveness.  He has refused You.  My heart continues to break.  I kiss Your feet.  They are so cold and blue.  You are shivering in the cold.  You’ve asked for something to drink, but they give you a drink to numb Your pain.  You refuse that.  You are willing to take the pain of sin completely on You.  My Son!  My Son!  My heart is broken.  Yet, You are still my strength.  Your breath is so shallow now.  Your pain is so great.  I dare not touch You for fear of causing You pain.  I see Your eyes as You hang on that cross.  I must touch You.  It’s almost the third hour now.  I see Your eyes closing.  I hear You call out to Your Father.  Jesus, He has not abandoned You, even if He did, I will not, but He has not abandoned You.  You are one with Him.  He feels Your pain, and He weeps.  My Jesus!  You have died.  My heart breaks for love of You.  The earth has quacked.  The temple is greatly damaged.  My Son, You are truly dead!  Your body is cold and is beginning to stiffen.  My Jesus!  We will lay You to rest soon.  Come back!  Come back!  I need You.  My tears are like cold rain drops.  The rain has been falling.  Your body is washed.  Your Father has washed His Son’s Body.  You lay here in my arms.  I do not want to let You go.  John reminds me that he is now my son and that I am his mother.  We must go.  Once the Sabbath has passed, Your body will be prepared for death.  There is very little time now.  John touches my arm.  We must leave.  He weeps as I do.  You are love.  Your mission is finished.  My heart is broken. 

30 Words - Finding God in the Ordinary

A fly on a stem.

A leaf on a plant.

Where do I find You, O God?

 Your Hand moves through creation.

The great I AM, an Artist!

Our God!

Five Easy Ways to Prepare for Lent

“Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”  Romans 13: 11-14

A week from today is Ash Wednesday.  Lent begins.  Like a runner prepares for a race, we must prepare for the spiritual journey of penance and reparation.  Advent is a time of preparation for a meeting with the newborn Jesus.  Lent is a season of endurance as we detach ourselves from the world to meet the Risen Christ in grace.  As this sacred season begins, let us  journey together determined, expecting, and prepared to grow in holiness as we follow Jesus on His road to Calvary and His Resurrection.

1) Meditate on the meaning of Lent and pray.  Spend 5 minutes or more each day focusing on what Jesus might ask of you during this season.  Open your mind, heart, and soul to Him.  Ask Jesus to inspire you in this  journey.  Seek His direction as you walk  the way of the cross with Him.

2) Focus on Jesus.  No matter what you do in preparation for Lent, focus your time and energies on Him.  Prepare to surrender all to Him so that you, as His child, can give your “fiat” to walking that painful way of the cross that He walked.  Keep Jesus in your sight.  Never take your eyes off of Him.  Vow to follow Him with love and joy, no matter the cost.

3) Learn the requirements for fasting and abstinence that our Church asks us to perform during Lent.   Commit yourself to practice these requirements without resentment.  Study and decide which other practices of repentance and reparation you will use to grow in holiness during Lent. 

4)  Mark your calendars.  Note the days on which we must fast.  Note the days on which we must abstain from meat during Lent.  Mark the days of special services at Church, for example,  the Stations of the Cross.  Make note of times when the Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered at your church or other churches in the area.  Mark the days and times of special prayer  services, such as Eucharistic Adoration that you will attend.  Be prepared.  Reserve your babysitters now,  if necessary.  Mark those days down and attend the services that you can. 

5) Make your grocery shopping list in preparation for Lent.  If you know when the days of fasting and abstinence are observed, then you will have the necessary foods on hand for fasting.


“I can do all things through him who strengthens me. “ Philippians 4:13

Astounded by the Silence

The storm last night was fierce.   The winds were so bad that the plow trucks were pulled off the roads and no travel was recommended.  The only ones on the roads were law enforcement standing by closed road signs so that no one would try to pass through them.  We owe them for their quiet work in the storm.

As I looked out this morning, we were lucky, at least in our neighborhood.  I don't see any damage.  There are a few, small tree branches down.  The wind is still blowing, but not like last night.  Internet and cable are down.  The quiet is loud.  My ears seem ache in the quiet.

I feel isolated.  Normally by this time, I have checked my email, connected on Facebook, and traversed my favorite sites on the internet.  Now, I can't.  I can't reach out and connect to those people whom I have come to know and care about because the internet is down, and all I have is silence.  Silence. 

I think about Isaiah who sought The Lord in the storm, and Isaiah found Him not.  I think about Isaiah who sought The Lord in the earthquake, and Isaiah found Him not.  I think about Isaiah who sought The Lord in a small cave, and heard The Lord say in a tiny voice, "Here I AM." 

Silence, the sound of God, greater than the strongest storm or earthquake on earth.  Silence, the gift of God, greater than the heavenly chorus.  Silence as I sit and see the snow fly past my windows.  Silence, the channel to God.  Listen, He is calling you!

Facebook, Memes, and the Universe

What a Burden!
I mean being the only one to take care of yourself!

I recently saw a post on Facebook from the universe.  It said something to the effect of: where you've been has made you what or who you are.   It concluded with the comment: "Clever you."
There are many of these memes on Facebook, actually, almost anywhere you look on the web.  My reaction this morning was, "Oh. My. Goodness.  The very thought of being in total control of everyone and everything that has affected your life or will affect your life, would crush me under the weight of the burden to succeed and make myself whole with no one’s help."  Sheesh!

Then I read in Sacred Scripture, "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:30

Enough said. 

Elisabeth Kubler Ross Reminds Us

Vivien Leigh aka Scarlett O'Hara Speaks in Gratitude

Daily Reflections From Father Robert Barron Sent to Your Inbox. Pay attention now!

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30 Words: Angel In Prayer

Sweet Angel in prayer,

Awed at the sight of God,

Always praising,

Always singing

Filled with rapture at His Throne.

Pray for us who cannot see Him.

Pray for Love.

In the Midst of the Storm

Life is never without challenges.  It’s easy to be good and choose God when life is calm, and there are no storms to navigate.  Life is much easier if we are not being pelted by rain and dodging the fearful lightning strikes as we walk.  Our fears and anxieties  rage against us, unleashed by the storm.  Where is the peace God promised us?  How can we survive this onslaught of rage and violence?  What can we do?

We can pray.  Prayer is the primary and most effective weapon we have been given to battle any evil, any storm.   When we humble ourselves and pray, we surrender our will to God’s Will.  God’s Will is love.  God’s Will is peace.  God’s Will is that we become saints.  He doesn’t cause the storms, but He allows them to happen so that through the gift of free will, we can choose Him and grow closer to Him through our sufferings.  We can choose His Will.  We can allow God to use the storm to purify our souls.  We only need to keep our eyes on Him.  Through prayer, we open ourselves up to God and His graces pour down on us.

How should we pray?  For what should we pray? Pray for God's Will to be done.  Pray for the graces to surrender yourself totally to Him.  Pray for God’s love to heal our hurts and pain.  Pray for those who have caused us great pain in this storm.  God loves each of His children, even those for whom we do not care.  God even loves those who have hurt you. Even as Jesus hung on the cross, tortured and dying, He prayed for those who hurt Him.  He saw them through the eyes of love.  We can choose to see those who have hurt us through the eyes of God, or we can choose to see these people through our pain, hurt, and sorrow.  We are entitled to our emotions, but in spite of our emotions, we must seek God and choose His Holy Will.  We might not want to pray for good things to happen to those we don't like or don't love, but we must pray for them and see them through the eyes of God’s love.   We must pray for healing for ourselves and others.  We must pray for the strength to forgive.  We must pray for the graces to reconcile ourselves to God when we sin, for we are all sinners. 

Pray! Pray! Pray!  This is the message of Our Lady.  Pray until prayer becomes a joy to you.  Pray for those who hurt you.  Pray for those whom you do not love.  Pray for your enemies.  Pray for those whom you love.  Pray for you.  (Yes, pray for you.)  Pray that you bear the fruits of God's love for all to see.  Pray that you live and walk in God's love each day.  God will never say no to this.  God will give you the graces and strength you need to overcome your trials and walk through the storm.  God will hold you in His loving arms and guide you as you walk.

Pray to your guardian angel.  Ask your angel to be on guard and keep you away from sources of temptation.  Resist the urge to gossip.  Resist the urge to think  unkind thoughts.  Resist the urge not to pray.  (Remember satan does not want you to connect with God.  satan will try to deceive you and convince you that God is not listening to you when you pray.  satan will put obstacles in your way.  Rejoice, then!  You are bearing good fruits.) 

 Enlist the army of saints, known and unknown in heaven, to intercede for you before the throne of God.  Ask them to bless you and keep you.  Ask them to intercede for you that you might not fall in this storm. Through prayer, choose holiness, choose God. 

Of course, you will fall at times and fall into sin, but  continue to pray as you’ve never prayed before.  Open your heart, your mind and your soul to God and He will work miracles in you.  God will touch your heart and your life in ways you cannot know, understand or expect.  Of course, the road is full of obstacles.  Of course, the road is full of challenges.  This is to be expected.  Even Jesus was tempted.  Even Jesus was challenged.  He knows what we go through in the storm.  He is our God Man.  He is our Brother.  He is our God.  He is the God of Miracles.  Pray.  Bear the holy fruits of prayer. 

When you fall, seek God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Be humble.  Admit you've sinned.  Open your heart to God.  Seek forgiveness.  Give forgiveness.  As Jesus said  when Peter asked: “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?”  Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy times seven.” Matthew 18: 21-22

Pray!

Pray and pray with your heart.  The road is rarely easy.  Be one with God through prayer.  Be Holy.  One day, you will be a saint.  You will see God, and He will say, “Well done.  Welcome Home.” 

Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication

1 Kings 8: 22-30

"Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands to heaven. He said, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and steadfast love for your servants who walk before you with all their heart, the covenant that you kept for your servant my father David as you declared to him; you promised with your mouth and have this day fulfilled with your hand. Therefore, O Lord, God of Israel, keep for your servant my father David that which you promised him, saying, ‘There shall never fail you a successor before me to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your children look to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.’ Therefore, O God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you promised to your servant my father David.

“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built! Regard your servant’s prayer and his plea, O Lord my God, heeding the cry and the prayer that your servant prays to you today; that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may heed the prayer that your servant prays toward this place. Hear the plea of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place; O hear in heaven your dwelling place; heed and forgive."

20 Easy Ways to Become a Saint

Look straight ahead at God.  Make Him first in your life.

Pray.  Pray every minute, every hour, and every day.

Obey the commandments.

Receive the sacraments frequently.

Use the gift of the Sacrament of a Reconciliation regularly.

Love God.  Strive to do His Holy Will which is Love.

Attend Mass, especially on Sundays.

Praise God.  Rejoice in a His Holy a Will.

Reject sin.  When you sin, seek reconciliation in the confessional. 

Repent.  Strive to overcome your weaknesses.  Confess.

Be kind to others, but most importantly, be kind to yourself.

Fast.  Yes, I said fast. 

Read Sacred Scripture daily.  Listen to the Word of God as He speaks to you in scripture.

Offer your sufferings to God.  There is great value in suffering.

Surrender your life to God.  Let Him direct your life.  No matter which path He chooses for you, know that it is His will.

Trust God. 

Let God be God.  Don't stand in His way.  Let Him work the miracles.  Know that you are not in charge. 

Rejoice in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit!

Receive the Eucharist with love and devotion.  Know that the Eucharist is Jesus, our King and brother.

Adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. 











 

Thomas Aquinas on Sorrow

Thomas Aquinas on Faith

Snippets of God - Where do you Find God! I found Him in 100 Different Ways in One Day, on this Day of Love!

Where do You Find God?

The rosy, red sunset.
The touch of a warm breeze in the dead of winter.
The Sloppy, Wet Kisses from my dog.
The smile of a stranger on a bleak day.
Sunrise a few minutes earlier in the day.
Huge, fluffy snowflakes that you catch on your tongue.
Getting home safely when the roads are hazardous.
The Rosary centered in my Hand.
Early Morning Mass.
The Eucharist.
The Joy of seeing friends up early to worship side by side.
The priests who dedicate themselves to God.
The back of the Church, my favorite place to pray
The confessional where I reconcile with God
Breakfast with a friend
Pancakes and bacon
The women and men who pick up my trash on a cold day
The red cardinal that stalks my yard for food
The young man who shovels my sidewalk
The deer I saw scamper through the ravine
The car that stopped to offer a ride to someone walking in the cold.
The pharmacist who gave me advice on my medication
Claire, a young friend who is having a baby
My warm blanket
A delicious meal with a friend
The silence of old friends when words are not needed
The joy of a new friend
A prayer group
My dog cuddling with me in bed
Friends I’ve never met, except online, but are dear to my heart.
The thought of spring getting closer.
Thoughts of Rain
Memories of Thunderstorms
Thoughts of Flowers
A rosemary bush growing inside
The images collected by my camera
Sunrise
Stacks of books ready to read
Notebooks with blank pages for writing or drawing
Silence
Music
Wonderful smelling shampoo
Diet Coke
Great food and drink with friends
A gathering of minds for discussion
A wet bump noses from my dog, even if it’s at 4:30 AM
My lava lamp
A wonderful haircut
Snow and easy driving
Prayer
Prayer with Friends
A phone call from a much loved cousin
A kind word from a friend
A blessing from a friend
A special prayer group
A priest in full vestments saying weekday Mass
A priest who has taken a fifth vow as a slave to Mary
Marian devotions
Remembering the smell of ozone after the rain
The joy of a new baby
Kicking back and reading a book
Whispering a prayer of thanksgiving
A Happy Mistake
A Photo which brings tears to your eyes
Sun Dogs on a cold day
A video which makes you laugh
The kindness of a stranger
The flow of graces after confession
The Whisperings of the Holy Spirit which inspire you to go to confession
A good book
Warm socks on a cold day
A crochet scarf to keep my neck warm
Fingerless gloves which keep my hands warm
A light breakfast
Fresh orange juice
Being home on a snowy day
Lighting a fire to keep warm
My IPad
A wonderful haircut
A luxurious shower
A warm  fluffy towel
Homemade soap
Homemade lotion
Warm, fluffy slippers
Fresh air
A car that starts in the cold
Good sturdy boots
A walk in the snow crystals
Not falling down on the walk
A light in the dark
A flashlight with fresh batteries
A shoveled sidewalk where I plan to walk after the snow
A dog who loves to walk in the snow
A dog who walks slowly in the snow
Putting on my glasses and realizing they are clean
A meal in the crockpot that’s ready for supper
Candles with supper
Soft napkins
Colorful plates
Crusty bread spread with coconut oil

30 Words - A Hug From God

A hug from God!

A surprise from God!

A reminder from God

that He Loves Us!

A Miracle?

A Small One, I guess,

a Gift from Our Savior and Lord.

 

Rosary of Abandonment

The Rosary of Abandonment
By Fr. Dolindo Ruotolo


God come to my assistance
Lord make haste to help me. Glory be. Our Father.
Hail Mary.

1st Decade: Jesus, You take over!
(10 times on the beads of the Hail Mary). Glory be.

2nd Decade: Mother Mary, guide me.
 (10 times on the beads of the Hail Mary). Glory be.

3rd Decade: Jesus you take over!
(10 times on the beads of the Hail Mary). Glory be.

4th Decade: Mother Mary, guide me.
 (10 times on the beads of the Hail Mary). Glory be.

5th Decade: Jesus, you take over!
(10 times on the beads of the Hail Mary ). Glory be.

In conclusion:
Hail Holy Queen

Novena of Surrender

Day 1
Why do you confuse yourselves by worrying? Leave the care of your affairs to me and everything will be peaceful. I say to you in truth that every act of true, blind, complete surrender to me produces the effect that you desire and resolves all difficult situations.

O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything! (10 times)

Day 2
Surrender to me does not mean to fret, to be upset, or to lose hope, nor does it mean offering to me a worried prayer asking me to follow you and change your worry into prayer. It is against this surrender, deeply against it, to worry, to be nervous and to desire to think about the consequences of anything. It is like the confusion that children feel when they ask their mother to see to their needs, and then try to take care of those needs for themselves so that their childlike efforts get in their mother’s way.
Surrender means to placidly close the eyes of the soul, to turn away from thoughts of tribulation and to put yourself in my care, so that only I act. Saying “You take care of it.”

O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything! (10 times)


Day 3
How many things I do when the soul, in so much spiritual and material need turns to me, looks at me and says to me; “You take care of it,” then close its eyes and rests. In pain you pray for me to act, but that I act in the way you want. You do not turn to me, instead, you want me to adapt to your ideas. You are not sick people who ask the doctor to cure you, but rather sick people who tell the doctor how to. So do not act this way, but pray as I taught you in the Our Father: “Hallowed be thy Name”, that is, be glorified in my need. “Thy kingdom come”, that is, let all that is in us and in the world be in accord with your kingdom. “Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven”, that is, in our need, decide as you see fit for our temporal and eternal life.
If you say to me truly: “Thy will be done”. Which is the same as saying: “You take care of it”. I will intervene with all my omnipotence, and I will resolve the most difficult situations.

O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything! (10 times)

Day 4
You see evil growing instead of weakening? Do not worry, Close your eyes and say to me with faith: “Thy will be done, You take care of it.” I say to you that I will take care of it, and that I will intervene as does a doctor and I will accomplish miracles when they are needed. Do you see that the sick person is getting worse? Do not be upset, but close your eyes and say “You take care of it.” I say to you that I will take care of it, and that there is no medicine more powerful than my loving intervention. By my love, I promise this to you.

O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything! (10 times)

Day 5
And when I must lead you on a path different from the one you see, I will prepare you; I will carry you in my arms; I will let you find yourself, like children who have fallen asleep in their mother’s arms, on the other bank of the river. What troubles you and hurts you immensely are your reason, your thoughts and worry, and your desire at all costs to deal with what afflicts you.

O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything! (10 times)

Day 6
You are sleepless; you want to judge everything, direct everything and see to everything and you surrender to human strength, or worse- to men themselves, trusting in their intervention,- this is what hinders my words and my views. Oh how much I wish from you this surrender, to help you and how I suffer when I see you so agitated! Satan tries to do exactly this: to agitate you and to remove you from my protection and to throw you into the jaws of human initiative. So, trust only in me, rest in me, surrender to me in everything.

O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything! (10 times)


Day 7
I perform miracles in proportion to your full surrender to me and to your not thinking of yourselves. I sow treasure troves of graces when you are in the deepest poverty. No person of reason, no thinker, has ever performed miracles, not even among the saints. He does divine works whosoever surrenders to God. So don’t think about it any more, because you mind is acute and for you it is very hard to see evil and to trust in me and to not think of yourself. Do this for all your needs, do this all of you and you will see great continual silent miracles. I will take care of things, I promise this to you.

O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything! (10 times)


Day 8
Close your eyes and let yourself be carried away on the flowing current of my grace; close your eyes and do not think of the present, turning your thoughts away from the future just as you would from temptation. Repose in me, believing in my goodness, and I promise you by my love that if you say “You take care of it.” I will take care of it all; I will console you, liberate you and guide you.

O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything! (10 times)

Day 9
Pray always in readiness to surrender, and you will receive from it great peace and great rewards, even when I confer on you the grace of immolation, of repentance and of love. Then what does suffering matter? It seems impossible to you? Close your eyes and say with all your soul, “Jesus, you take care of it.” Do not be afraid, I will take care of things and you will bless my name by humbling yourself. A thousand prayers cannot equal one single act of surrender, remember this well. There is no novena more effective than this:

“O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!”

O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything! (10 times)

Mother, I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you I always want to belong completely to Jesus.

Father Dolindo Ruotolo

Father Dolindo Ruotolo
(1882-1970)

A Prophet for our Time

O Jesus, I Surrender Myself to You

On November 19, 1970 Don (Fr) Dolindo Ruotolo died at the age of 88.  Padre Pio once said of this priest from Naples, Italy, "The whole of paradise is in your soul".  His name "Dolindo" means "Pain" and his life was rich with this pain.  As a child, a teenager, a seminarian and a priest, he experienced humiliation which was the realization of the prophetic words of a bishop who said, "You will be a martyr, but in your heart, not with your blood."

In his profound humility, he was able to hear the words of God.  Even with his hidden life, he was one of the greatest prophets of the last century.  He wrote to Bishop Hnilica in 1965 that "a new John will rise out of Poland with heroic steps to break the chains beyond the boundaries imposed by the communist tyranny."  On this postcard, he wrote words of consolation for Poland and all the countries suffering under the communist regime.  This prophecy was realized in the papacy of John Paul II. 

In his tremendous suffering, Dolindo became more and more a child who lived his self offering to the Divine Father.  "I as totally poor, a poor nothing.  My strength is my prayer, my leader is the will of God which I let Him take me by the hand.  My security over the uneven path is the heavenly mother Mary."

One of the treasures from the words which Jesus spoke to Dolindo was the teaching about total abandonment to God.  In the upcoming novena, Jesus is talking to Father Dolindo and also to you.

Isaiah 2:17

Matthew 7: 7

It's easier in the winter to Dress Appropriately for Church, but summer is coming...

This guide for appropriate dress at mass comes from the Philippines.  I feel that this is an excellent guide for appropriate dress at Mass.  It is non confrontational.  It simply shows what is appropriate dress and what is not.  This illustration guides and empowers attendees, whether male or female, to respect the sanctity of Mass and the greatness of our God. 

How do you feel about this?  Should people be allowed to wear anything they choose for the sake of getting them to Mass?  Or should there be some restrictions on what a person can wear?

 

30 Words - I am the light of the world

Then Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."

John 8:12

What is Love?

February is the month of Love.
What really is love?
 

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8,
“ Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;  it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end."


Love is Truth.
Love is all
Love gives all.
Love never ends.

Ordinary Time Ordinary Life

Living in ordinary time

Jesus lived the majority of His earthly life in ordinary time.  He was the son of Joseph and Mary.  Joseph was a carpenter.  Mary was Joseph's wife.  Joseph was the father, the  earthly father, of Jesus.  Mary was the mother of Jesus.  They were an ordinary family living an ordinary life. 

The world saw nothing extraordinary about this family.  The sun rose and set.  The rain fell.  They were good neighbors.  Joseph had friends.  Mary had friends.  Jesus had friends.  Nothing was out of the ordinary.   Jesus, Mary and Joseph were a family.

They would attend Temple together.  They would gather with family and friends to celebrate the feast days.  Joseph, Mary, and Jesus would make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem each year.  They traveled in a caravan.  They ate.  They slept.  They lived an ordinary life in ordinary time. 

Babies were born.  New families were made joyful with the arrivals.  Grandparents cooed at the new babies.  Mary held the new babies close to her.  She would help the new mothers when grandparents could not.  Joseph would help those who needed help.  Joseph often sent Jesus on errands to help those who could not help themselves.  Jesus would give His food to the poor.  Jesus would bring home stray animals.  Mary gave up trying to control the number of God’s creatures who would follow Jesus.  She knew He would always be safe with them.  God provided them with food for these animals and birds.  

Mary and Joseph would watch Jesus comfort anyone who was sad.  He would remind them of the goodness of God.  The adults would smile when they heard Jesus talk.  Mary and Joseph would look at each other in awe and wonder.  Often, they did not know what to say.  At night, after Jesus was asleep, they would look at their Son and wonder.  Joseph would pray to the Father and ask Him for guidance.  Jesus was the Son of God and Mary.  Joseph was overwhelmed with gratitude for the gift he had been given by the Father.  Joseph was the guardian of these precious lives. To the world,  this family was an ordinary family.

Joseph would ask advice of the elders about raising a Son.  The elders would smile and give their advice.  Grandmothers would give their advice to Mary about her beautiful Son.  She would smile and listen with care, always honoring their intentions to help her with love.  Their was nothing extraordinary about this family.

The village watched as Jesus grew into manhood.  When Joseph died in the arms of Jesus and Mary, the villagers brought food, love and support for the grieving family.  Jesus became the provider for His Mother.  Most in the village assumed that she would seek another husband, but they knew that Jesus would provide for her if she did not.  Matchmakers tried to find a wife for Jesus, but they were just an ordinary family.

So, when Jesus unrolled the scrolls and told the villagers that the prophesy of Isaiah had been fulfilled in Him, He was not surprised when everyone asked, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph?  Is not Mary His Mother?”

He was not ordinary, but He lived in ordinary time.

Mary's Memories: The Luminous Mysteries

Mary's Memories
Meditations on the Luminous Mysteries

The Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan
I knew it was time for my Son, Jesus, to leave home and begin His public ministry.  I was elated that He would soon be revealed as the Promised Messiah, but I knew that He would suffer.  The Father had been preparing both of us for this day.  I felt a great deal of pain knowing that Jesus would suffer for love of His people, but I knew that salvation was at hand.  I knew that Jesus would deliver His people from the depths of sin.  John was born before Jesus.  Elizabeth said that John jumped in her womb when I cradled Jesus in my womb.  John says that he baptizes with water, but that the one who is to come will baptize with the Spirit.  There's Jesus in the water with John being baptized.  I see a great light forming over the head of my Son.  The Father is speaking, "This is My Beloved Son in whom I AM well pleased."

The Wedding at Cana

I heard that Jesus is on His way with some of His followers.  He was looking forward to this wedding feast.  There He is!  There's my Son!  Jesus has brought some men with Him.  They are the men that Jesus has chosen.  I must welcome them.  Jesus and His friends have already found a place to sit.  I'll bring them some food and drink.  They must be very hungry from their journey.  I see that the waiters are very upset.  They have run out of wine.  My Son smiles at me and greets me with the love only the Son can give.  "Mother," he says.  "Meet my friends."  I smile and give them some bread and cheese.  They are so hungry.  I can see the waiters are trying to decide what to do.  "Jesus, they have no more wine."  Jesus stops eating and looks at me with His beautiful smile, "Woman, what would you have Me do?  My hour has not yet come."  I smiled at Jesus.  I knew what He would do next, and He knew that I knew.  Jesus would not refuse my request.  His time had come.  I called the waiters over.  "Do whatever He tells you."  Jesus smiled and sighed.  He told the waiters to fill 6 pottery vessels with water, then to take the vessels to the head waiter.  They did this.  Then they knew.  The water had been turned into the finest wine.  There would be no embarrassment at this wedding.  Jesus' new friends didn't know what to say.  They didn't need to talk.  I brought them more food to eat.

The Proclamation of the Gospel

After the wedding Jesus began to preach in temples and synagogues around Israel.  He publicly  cured the sick and cast out demons.  He preached repentance, love, and joy to all that He met.  Jesus forgave sinners their sin.  Jesus and His friends did not travel to the Gentiles.  He told me that there would be workers to do this later, but if a gentile came to Him with great faith, Jesus would heal them.  He healed the centurion's servant.  He healed the lepers.  He healed the daughter of the gentile woman who came to Him and begged Jesus to heal her.  Jesus saw her great faith and humility, and He healed her daughter.  Jesus also raised the dead.  Lazarus was His friend, yet, when Jesus heard that Lazarus was ill.  He waited.  He did not leave to heal him.  When Jesus finally arrived, Lazarus was dead.  My Jesus wept at the tomb.  People asked why He did not come when He heard that Lazarus was ill.  Jesus only replied, "Roll away the stone."  Then He said, "Lazarus, come forth."  Lazarus was brought back to life by my Son!   Finally they knew, Jesus was the Son of God.  Yet, so many hated Him and tried to harm Him, but they failed.  Jesus only said, "My hour has not yet come."

The Transfiguration
I did not see this, but Peter told me.  He said that Jesus asked the three of them, Peter, James and John, to go up with Him to the mountain.  He did not say why.  Peter thought they were going to pray.  Jesus loved to pray to His Father on the mountain top, in silence.  When they reached the top of the mountain, Jesus became brilliant with light.  The Apostles were frightened.  They dropped to their knees.  Then they say Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah!  The mountain was full of electricity and light.  Peter said there was no light as bright as this on earth.  Then, Peter, oh, dear Peter, said,"It's a good thing we are here, Lord, so that we can build tents for You and Moses and Elijah."  While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them up, and a voice form the cloud said, “This is My Beloved Son, Whom I love.  With Him I AM well pleased.  Listen to Him.”  The Apostles were terrified and fell to their knees.  At once the light was gone, and Jesus was alone. The Apostles did not know what to say or ask Jesus.  Jesus knew their thoughts and confusion.  He did tell them not to speak of this.  They didn't.

The Institution of the Eucharist.
This moment was so sacred.  The time for His Passion and Death were near.  Jesus asked the Father to give me strength to bear this with Him.  We both knew that it was for this reason He had been born.  Jesus and His Apostles were celebrating the feast of the Passover in a room above a house.  Just a few days before, Jesus had told His Apostles that He would soon be tortured and killed.  Peter, dear Peter, swore that this would not happen and the he would die protecting Jesus.  Jesus was overwhelmed with grief.  He did not want to suffer and die, but for love of us, He would and He would suffer and die with great joy knowing that we would be saved through His death.  He turned to Peter and said, "Get away from Me, satan."  Peter was shocked at this rebuke.  He knew he had offended Jesus, and he hung his head in shame.  Now the time had come, and Jesus' hour was near.  Before the meal began, Jesus took off his cloak, wrapped a towel around His waist and began to wash the feet of His friends.  Jesus told them that no man was greater than the master.  He told them to serve as He was serving.  Again, dear Peter said to My Son, "Lord I am not worthy.  You will not wash my feet."  Jesus again rebuked Peter.  Peter regretted what he had said.  "Lord, not only my  feet but my head as well."  Then they all sat down to eat the unleavened bread and bitter herbs.  Judas left.  Before anyone spoke, Jesus pronounced the prayers that had been said for centuries in our history, then He took the bread.  He broke the bread and gave it to His Apostles saying, "Take this and eat of it.  For this is My Body of the new covenant.  Do this in remembrance of Me."  No one spoke as Jesus gave each Apostle His Body.  Then He took the wine and said, "This is My Blood which will be shed for You.  Do this in remembrance of Me."  The Apostles drank the Blood of My Son.  My Heart began to shred.  When the meal was finished, Jesus and His Apostles left for the Garden.  

Isaiah: The Spirit of the Lord

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit