Together

 Feast of the Holy family, New Year's Eve

Together.

Gospel LK 2:22-40

The Lord made it possible for Zecchariah to see the infant Jesus and recognize Him. Blessed are we who may obtain such a boon from the Lord and  to recognize Him in His infancy.

The Lord makes promises to those He loves, and since He loves everyone, the covenant is with everyone, and the benefits of His love flow freely to all who love in return.

No matter what we have set our hopes on, it cannot be more important to us than the Lord is to all men. To learn holy desire, we are tried in our hopes and the affections of our hearts until we learn to discern what is good from what is evil, from that which brings health and that which is most foully diseased and pernicious.

It was sin that robbed us of our ability to see and hear the Lord; it was death that robbed us of our life, for our life was different before we sinned.

Just as He was tried in the garden of Gethsemane, so too we will be tried; rest will not descend on us and there will be no delight such as we may seek, so long as there remains any particle of us that is not given over to Him in our hearts.

He came to the garden to pray, to be lifted up and seek the words of His Father and His pleasure. He was prevented from resting and His hopes were dashed, because it was more important that we obtain redemption and are saved than that He should escape the horrors of the death decreed for Him

In the violation of His Body lay the Will which desired only His Will.

This world is destined to be changed and replaced by something wonderful and something blessed. Thus, our hearts need to be set on God who alone can institute what is new and right; something great and perfect which is fitting for the just and righteous.

He has pointed out the just and the righteous , not so they may be seen as excellent to lord over us, but to be rightly disposed in their hearts as example for us, so that the world might be fitting for the Lord and His presence can be our eternal consolation.

It is indeed a gift to be wounded, to be pierced through, and it is adaptable to the needs of the Lord for our brothers and sisters. He needs them to be happy, serving Him, praising His Name, and giving our lives over to Him.

We need everything because our sin has stripped us of our heritage.

The heritage He holds for us will be perfect and complete. Thus the inheritance is divine, the joy to come.

Will our sacrifice be any less? To be perfect it must be total and not held back or reserved by us in any way, regarding Him. Thus, a nail driven in a hand or foot is total, and the act of imparting them is total. The pain is perfect pain, for it washes sins away, the sins of brothers and sisters. And now that you know what He is asking, establish peace in your hearts. In His peace rest undisturbed, and your joy will be complete. He will give what you need to give all for Him and be at peace, resting in His Will. When they came for Him in the garden, He surrendered Himself to them and made Himself known so they would not take the wrong man, for He alone could be available for the cross and the nails were His alone, and so He had to ensure that He received what was His. He received for us what He would not impose on us, even if He had the right and the power, which He did.

Thus the world is subject to the Lord, and all will be disposed according to His pleasure, because He did not insist on His own rest and pleasure, but desired what was held in store for Him which would redeem us.

would He give us so much and not enable us to receive it and accept it without reservation? He enables us to do His Will, and has already made allowance for our weaknesses, so that His Will might be accomplished anyway.

A day is coming when the whole world will see Him, His glory and His  peace which accompanies Him everywhere. The world will be glad to see the establishment of what He held in hiddenness for us.

If we could see the invisible, it would be impossible to understand without our union with the Lord. So let us not fret about signs and wonders, but realize that peace and light accompany Him and the day of revelation gladden our hearts. Peace be yours in all things.

Together

 Feast of the Holy family, New Year's Eve

Together.

Gospel LK 2:22-40

The Lord made it possible for Zecchariah to see the infant Jesus and recognize Him. Blessed are we who may obtain such a boon from the Lord and  to recognize Him in His infancy.

The Lord makes promises to those He loves, and since He loves everyone, the covenant is with everyone, and the benefits of His love flow freely to all who love in return.

No matter what we have set our hopes on, it cannot be more important to us than the Lord is to all men. To learn holy desire, we are tried in our hopes and the affections of our hearts until we learn to discern what is good from what is evil, from that which brings health and that which is most foully diseased and pernicious.

It was sin that robbed us of our ability to see and hear the Lord; it was death that robbed us of our life, for our life was different before we sinned.

Just as He was tried in the garden of Gethsemane, so too we will be tried; rest will not descend on us and there will be no delight such as we may seek, so long as there remains any particle of us that is not given over to Him in our hearts.

He came to the garden to pray, to be lifted up and seek the words of His Father and His pleasure. He was prevented from resting and His hopes were dashed, because it was more important that we obtain redemption and are saved than that He should escape the horrors of the death decreed for Him

In the violation of His Body lay the Will which desired only His Will.

This world is destined to be changed and replaced by something wonderful and something blessed. Thus, our hearts need to be set on God who alone can institute what is new and right; something great and perfect which is fitting for the just and righteous.

He has pointed out the just and the righteous , not so they may be seen as excellent to lord over us, but to be rightly disposed in their hearts as example for us, so that the world might be fitting for the Lord and His presence can be our eternal consolation.

It is indeed a gift to be wounded, to be pierced through, and it is adaptable to the needs of the Lord for our brothers and sisters. He needs them to be happy, serving Him, praising His Name, and giving our lives over to Him.

We need everything because our sin has stripped us of our heritage.

The heritage He holds for us will be perfect and complete. Thus the inheritance is divine, the joy to come.

Will our sacrifice be any less? To be perfect it must be total and not held back or reserved by us in any way, regarding Him. Thus, a nail driven in a hand or foot is total, and the act of imparting them is total. The pain is perfect pain, for it washes sins away, the sins of brothers and sisters. And now that you know what He is asking, establish peace in your hearts. In His peace rest undisturbed, and your joy will be complete. He will give what you need to give all for Him and be at peace, resting in His Will. When they came for Him in the garden, He surrendered Himself to them and made Himself known so they would not take the wrong man, for He alone could be available for the cross and the nails were His alone, and so He had to ensure that He received what was His. He received for us what He would not impose on us, even if He had the right and the power, which He did.

Thus the world is subject to the Lord, and all will be disposed according to His pleasure, because He did not insist on His own rest and pleasure, but desired what was held in store for Him which would redeem us.

would He give us so much and not enable us to receive it and accept it without reservation? He enables us to do His Will, and has already made allowance for our weaknesses, so that His Will might be accomplished anyway.

A day is coming when the whole world will see Him, His glory and His  peace which accompanies Him everywhere. The world will be glad to see the establishment of what He held in hiddenness for us.

If we could see the invisible, it would be impossible to understand without our union with the Lord. So let us not fret about signs and wonders, but realize that peace and light accompany Him and the day of revelation gladden our hearts. Peace be yours in all things.

Reflection

It was a privilege to be in this place
when I took this photo of a creek in 
eastern washington.

In reflecting lately, and how can you avoid reflection in this season of penance and rejoicing? In certain things I have improved and gained certain victories, and in other aspects, I did not, let us say.

Of the positive outcome, I am certain. Of other aspects, I am not so sure. One thing seems to be certain, and that is things are not very clear. The obfuscation is resultant from things beyond our control.

The instinct is to preserve what is shown to be irrefutably right and good, and to reject what is obviously speculative and untried. There are dangers in both directions. Like the island of Iceland, now being torn apart by sea floor spreading, nothing is standing still. But excessive rigidity threatens our peace of mind as much as throwing away everything including the baby in the bath water. 

Beyond a certain point, parents discard the diapers and rubber pants, to try potty training their child. The delicate act of encouraging and discouraging must be full of love to work. The rewards are great. It is a lot less work and bother to have a child gain control of body functions. That is a good thing, but it was unavoidable to have a child pooping in his diapers, and necessary; just as necessary as for an adult. but the adult knows where to go and what to do when the time comes for evacuation of the bowels.

The modern times produced disposable diapers, whereas, in the past, diapers were put in a diaper pail full of bleach water and were rinsed  clean later then there was time.

We need the ability to judge our actions in the light of God. Even for someone who rejects God, a person  needs to look at where they have been and to decide where they are going, and I submit, that it is impossible to get anywhere without God. So what if He imposes restraints on us? It is better for us to be restrained than to get killed by our indiscretion. And in time, a child restrained recognizes that it was a good thing to have been restrained so as to avoid injury.

Pain has an indispensable part to play in learning, although, pleasure has a role to play as well. How much we gain from one another when we learn from one another, and to give way mutually.

What a great matter it is when we learn to do what is right and good, and choose to live that way, rather than to embrace the path of personal pleasure in everything. We gain a great deal by our abilities, especially, to learn to love others even at the cost of pain to ourselves. 

It is a great thing to refrain from displeasing God and others, even loved ones. It may seem unnecessary whilst we lack context by which to judge, a viewpoint only gained by time and distance. When we begin to love Him, He blots out all the rest with love, filling our whole horizon, as it were, in every direction, and reassurance rises from our be-ing, and God overflows into us with delight and bliss.

Regardless how infrequently that may be, the delight is so intense that it can outweigh all else. Then we must love Him even more, in order to love Him more than ourselves or even our pleasure at having tasted His bliss again. One cannot be happy otherwise.

If we only arrive at the moment of divine pleasure and stop growing or changing, we have been suffocated by ourselves, and we won't last long that way, for there is a blessing in breathing cool, clean air again.

A new year presents itself, with all the changes and variations in the theme of our living. Some of these things will undoubtedly be painful and unpleasant. Not to worry, it is all under His supervision and in His care.

We can be part of the happiness of others if we choose to do the things that will make them happy. The sounds of love don't just happen, you have to make them :) What sensation did it bring you when you saw someone troubled, smile? Surely there was pleasure in helping? Sometimes we get the chance, and we certainly can pray for opportunities. 

It had been written that Jesus, on the cross, would drink wine one last time, and it happened just before His death, so that He Himself could proclaim that it had been done, and finally all things required had been accomplished. We share in that moment too, from time to time.

Reflection

It was a privilege to be in this place
when I took this photo of a creek in 
eastern washington.

In reflecting lately, and how can you avoid reflection in this season of penance and rejoicing? In certain things I have improved and gained certain victories, and in other aspects, I did not, let us say.

Of the positive outcome, I am certain. Of other aspects, I am not so sure. One thing seems to be certain, and that is things are not very clear. The obfuscation is resultant from things beyond our control.

The instinct is to preserve what is shown to be irrefutably right and good, and to reject what is obviously speculative and untried. There are dangers in both directions. Like the island of Iceland, now being torn apart by sea floor spreading, nothing is standing still. But excessive rigidity threatens our peace of mind as much as throwing away everything including the baby in the bath water. 

Beyond a certain point, parents discard the diapers and rubber pants, to try potty training their child. The delicate act of encouraging and discouraging must be full of love to work. The rewards are great. It is a lot less work and bother to have a child gain control of body functions. That is a good thing, but it was unavoidable to have a child pooping in his diapers, and necessary; just as necessary as for an adult. but the adult knows where to go and what to do when the time comes for evacuation of the bowels.

The modern times produced disposable diapers, whereas, in the past, diapers were put in a diaper pail full of bleach water and were rinsed  clean later then there was time.

We need the ability to judge our actions in the light of God. Even for someone who rejects God, a person  needs to look at where they have been and to decide where they are going, and I submit, that it is impossible to get anywhere without God. So what if He imposes restraints on us? It is better for us to be restrained than to get killed by our indiscretion. And in time, a child restrained recognizes that it was a good thing to have been restrained so as to avoid injury.

Pain has an indispensable part to play in learning, although, pleasure has a role to play as well. How much we gain from one another when we learn from one another, and to give way mutually.

What a great matter it is when we learn to do what is right and good, and choose to live that way, rather than to embrace the path of personal pleasure in everything. We gain a great deal by our abilities, especially, to learn to love others even at the cost of pain to ourselves. 

It is a great thing to refrain from displeasing God and others, even loved ones. It may seem unnecessary whilst we lack context by which to judge, a viewpoint only gained by time and distance. When we begin to love Him, He blots out all the rest with love, filling our whole horizon, as it were, in every direction, and reassurance rises from our be-ing, and God overflows into us with delight and bliss.

Regardless how infrequently that may be, the delight is so intense that it can outweigh all else. Then we must love Him even more, in order to love Him more than ourselves or even our pleasure at having tasted His bliss again. One cannot be happy otherwise.

If we only arrive at the moment of divine pleasure and stop growing or changing, we have been suffocated by ourselves, and we won't last long that way, for there is a blessing in breathing cool, clean air again.

A new year presents itself, with all the changes and variations in the theme of our living. Some of these things will undoubtedly be painful and unpleasant. Not to worry, it is all under His supervision and in His care.

We can be part of the happiness of others if we choose to do the things that will make them happy. The sounds of love don't just happen, you have to make them :) What sensation did it bring you when you saw someone troubled, smile? Surely there was pleasure in helping? Sometimes we get the chance, and we certainly can pray for opportunities. 

It had been written that Jesus, on the cross, would drink wine one last time, and it happened just before His death, so that He Himself could proclaim that it had been done, and finally all things required had been accomplished. We share in that moment too, from time to time.

Rest

 

We are spent too soon for lack of rest.

Christmas Day December 25th, 2023 Seattle, Washington

If you can see that someone urgently wants to talk to you, don't push them aside and walk away. Find out what is on their mind. In that mind might be the answer to a problem you have been worrying about. Who knows, it could save you a lot money, or make you very rich, and a whole lot of people might be bettered by the moment you shared with someone on your very busy day.

While some people are genuinely busy, most are not so busy they can't notice someone else itching with something on their mind. 

Distractions in prayer might be an opportunity for God to point out to you someone He wants closer to Him dearly. How is He supposed to do that if neither the other person, nor yourself are open to communication. Obviously, if you push someone aside you are laying a cross of pain on their shoulders when you had it in your power to open the heavens themselves to the joy of sharing with someone.

I use the metaphor of a garden often because it is so apropos. People go to gardens to relax, enjoy the flow of the fresh air and the warmth of the sun shining down; they like be with the ducks and eagles and just relax in the peace flowing through. Surely a soul who has been crucified is worthy of the rest?

On the night when He was betrayed, Jesus went to the garden of Gethsemane, and olive orchard where He could plead with His Father for some way out of what He was confronting in His mind the next day. So He knows a thing or two about what you and everyone is going through. How can one find courage if he also cannot find hope of a respite. I assure you if you come to the garden to rest within yourself and fix your gaze upon His Face, He will fill you with peace no matter what the pain. I have had ample opportunities to experience that in my life when I so often felt pinned down, nailed to the cross and overwhelmed with despair and no light to indicate another way.

I drank my cup and allowed my Lord to do what He had  in mind. There is strength in such things such as dying men desire desperately.

So perhaps we have reached a point today when we can appreciate just how much He wishes to reveal Himself to world so dedicated to killing everyone off. It is the Lord's wish that people reconsider where they stand.

Rest

 

We are spent too soon for lack of rest.

Christmas Day December 25th, 2023 Seattle, Washington

If you can see that someone urgently wants to talk to you, don't push them aside and walk away. Find out what is on their mind. In that mind might be the answer to a problem you have been worrying about. Who knows, it could save you a lot money, or make you very rich, and a whole lot of people might be bettered by the moment you shared with someone on your very busy day.

While some people are genuinely busy, most are not so busy they can't notice someone else itching with something on their mind. 

Distractions in prayer might be an opportunity for God to point out to you someone He wants closer to Him dearly. How is He supposed to do that if neither the other person, nor yourself are open to communication. Obviously, if you push someone aside you are laying a cross of pain on their shoulders when you had it in your power to open the heavens themselves to the joy of sharing with someone.

I use the metaphor of a garden often because it is so apropos. People go to gardens to relax, enjoy the flow of the fresh air and the warmth of the sun shining down; they like be with the ducks and eagles and just relax in the peace flowing through. Surely a soul who has been crucified is worthy of the rest?

On the night when He was betrayed, Jesus went to the garden of Gethsemane, and olive orchard where He could plead with His Father for some way out of what He was confronting in His mind the next day. So He knows a thing or two about what you and everyone is going through. How can one find courage if he also cannot find hope of a respite. I assure you if you come to the garden to rest within yourself and fix your gaze upon His Face, He will fill you with peace no matter what the pain. I have had ample opportunities to experience that in my life when I so often felt pinned down, nailed to the cross and overwhelmed with despair and no light to indicate another way.

I drank my cup and allowed my Lord to do what He had  in mind. There is strength in such things such as dying men desire desperately.

So perhaps we have reached a point today when we can appreciate just how much He wishes to reveal Himself to world so dedicated to killing everyone off. It is the Lord's wish that people reconsider where they stand.

Interesting

 I have noticed something interesting. If misfortune strikes and it is everywhere, it has to be the hand of God trying to get our attention and spare  us something worse. Injuries and losses happen all the time to people, but it is not every day that the whole planet is either turning lush meadows into deserts, or lush deserts are being turned into meadows. Simply put, there is no substitute for obedience, and any disobedience is corrected so that we can learn right habits. Of course, we are free to do as we please, but if crops wither in the sun and cattle die for lack water, you are going to get very hungry.

Our civilization cannot survive too unpredictable climate. Economies cannot survive the disruption of desertification or the ravages of the stupidity of wars. It is, plainly, a time of repentance. We cannot prosper without the help of the Lord, and He is not going to help war mongers kill millions to satisfy some idiot's lust for blood, or to aid his greedy schemes trying to bring all power and wealth in one man's hand.

It is a time to pray for healing of climate, end of wars and the reconstruction of nations. While you are rebuilding, make a time to listen to the Lord stock-still in silence dedicated to Him alone. It is so beneficial to do so, that it is ludicrous that anyone should think they can stay safe and sound in their home without the nearness of the Lord. He is closer than what we know.

Peace be with you, and may all illness be healed and all souls blessed.

Interesting

 I have noticed something interesting. If misfortune strikes and it is everywhere, it has to be the hand of God trying to get our attention and spare  us something worse. Injuries and losses happen all the time to people, but it is not every day that the whole planet is either turning lush meadows into deserts, or lush deserts are being turned into meadows. Simply put, there is no substitute for obedience, and any disobedience is corrected so that we can learn right habits. Of course, we are free to do as we please, but if crops wither in the sun and cattle die for lack water, you are going to get very hungry.

Our civilization cannot survive too unpredictable climate. Economies cannot survive the disruption of desertification or the ravages of the stupidity of wars. It is, plainly, a time of repentance. We cannot prosper without the help of the Lord, and He is not going to help war mongers kill millions to satisfy some idiot's lust for blood, or to aid his greedy schemes trying to bring all power and wealth in one man's hand.

It is a time to pray for healing of climate, end of wars and the reconstruction of nations. While you are rebuilding, make a time to listen to the Lord stock-still in silence dedicated to Him alone. It is so beneficial to do so, that it is ludicrous that anyone should think they can stay safe and sound in their home without the nearness of the Lord. He is closer than what we know.

Peace be with you, and may all illness be healed and all souls blessed.

Tears

There is so much suffering, so much sadness. When I see something that touches my heart, the tears well up in my eyes. Moments of exaltation wait in ambush everywhere. It is the way those suffering can catch a glimpse of God, like sunrise peeking over the horizon or a mountaintop to paint the sky.

Solitude is a magnificent thing all by itself, and it gets a bum rap from people intimidated by such austerity. Still, even in such solemnity, each such tearful moment is also a moment of gratitude to a God who invited me to the cross, then made me forget the pain by raising up my heart so it might fill with the tears to give the Lord, for the fruition of all solemn austerity is the offering of self to God.

It is like a little boy dancing to the drums and music with a beautiful lady, and receiving a hug for thanks.

In this time of winter approaching, perhaps bitterness will fill our hearts with sadness and the emptiness of solitude. Remember then, the heart filled with tears; in receiving your gift, He did not spill a single drop.

Tears

There is so much suffering, so much sadness. When I see something that touches my heart, the tears well up in my eyes. Moments of exaltation wait in ambush everywhere. It is the way those suffering can catch a glimpse of God, like sunrise peeking over the horizon or a mountaintop to paint the sky.

Solitude is a magnificent thing all by itself, and it gets a bum rap from people intimidated by such austerity. Still, even in such solemnity, each such tearful moment is also a moment of gratitude to a God who invited me to the cross, then made me forget the pain by raising up my heart so it might fill with the tears to give the Lord, for the fruition of all solemn austerity is the offering of self to God.

It is like a little boy dancing to the drums and music with a beautiful lady, and receiving a hug for thanks.

In this time of winter approaching, perhaps bitterness will fill our hearts with sadness and the emptiness of solitude. Remember then, the heart filled with tears; in receiving your gift, He did not spill a single drop.

Gold

 

Gold requires fire, to be free
from the rock it is in. 
Can you stand the fire?

All the terrifying visions which visited St. Francis and St. Padre Pio, did not visit St. John of the cross, in spite of his name. Yet the total sacrifice they desired did visit St. John of the Cross, and was not less violent than the bloody sacrifice of the others.

He was able to endure and withstand the violence of God's love and come away stammering to enchant the souls of visionaries everywhere. 

Who else might have grown up in poverty and simplicity which they espoused as the companions of their soul? How many other living torches have been enkindled with the love of God?

Look about you and see the gentle spirits that have tasted the cross and entered heaven. Look about you, and encourage the ones who are lost in pitiful pain, looking for their true Companion, and the way into the Garden to be with God. 

They are not afraid that anyone might hear them because they would be unable to understand what they heard, but it might drive them deeper into the furnace of His love.  If that were to happen, they would only stagger smoldering in love, lost and looking for the way. You cannot see beforehand, where He wants your steps to tend, but you will arrive where He intended, and be nourished by the Garden's rest.

Gold

 

Gold requires fire, to be free
from the rock it is in. 
Can you stand the fire?

All the terrifying visions which visited St. Francis and St. Padre Pio, did not visit St. John of the cross, in spite of his name. Yet the total sacrifice they desired did visit St. John of the Cross, and was not less violent than the bloody sacrifice of the others.

He was able to endure and withstand the violence of God's love and come away stammering to enchant the souls of visionaries everywhere. 

Who else might have grown up in poverty and simplicity which they espoused as the companions of their soul? How many other living torches have been enkindled with the love of God?

Look about you and see the gentle spirits that have tasted the cross and entered heaven. Look about you, and encourage the ones who are lost in pitiful pain, looking for their true Companion, and the way into the Garden to be with God. 

They are not afraid that anyone might hear them because they would be unable to understand what they heard, but it might drive them deeper into the furnace of His love.  If that were to happen, they would only stagger smoldering in love, lost and looking for the way. You cannot see beforehand, where He wants your steps to tend, but you will arrive where He intended, and be nourished by the Garden's rest.

Delights

 

One of the delights of the Christmas season is the anticipation. Anticipation of good things, warm hugs and splendid natural phenomena; heavy fluffy snow fall or fantastic frost crystal displays in the sky or on the trees.

Circumstances do not always cooperate with things and places to allow for the marvels, but for the Christian, the newness of life is springing up everywhere that humans dwell.

Celebrating the newness of life is an ancient pastime in the long dark winter nights. That time when for the new born, the body works perfectly and there are no deficiencies. Childhood is loved world-wide for its freedom from things that hurt and limit abilities. It is celebrated as a time when parents enjoy the beauty of their children and dream of the possibilities in the lives of their children. To live to see that flowering and the joy of wonder that is becoming. Parents do all they can to enable their children to do marvelous things, as a vicarious way of participating with them in experiences that are fantastic.

Not every childhood is so idyllic, and it does not take long before children notice the ugliness in life. People deliberately hurt one another, taking what is not lawfully theirs, and forcing others to do what they do not wish. 

Not everyone is born in perfection, and lives can be very short. There can be no word said that does not hurt some. Our enemies in the world are spiritual in nature and never learned the Divine gratitude, but were maimed by malignant selfishness that regards nothing in it native holiness.

That is why it is so important to celebrate Christmas and the season of it, defying evil's desires. The overcoming of evil in the world is celebrated by Christians and revealed in His glory. It is unthinkable that the Son of God should come into the world in so humble a manner without being recognized by someone and celebrated with high festivals, because of its gift - Salvation.

In every season, we recognize that victory of Jesus that is eternal life. Jesus depended on the Father to work a miracle, and lived to tell of it, rising into Heaven to return to His Father, waiting for a time to reveal the  plan of God for all. Alleluiah.

Delights

 

One of the delights of the Christmas season is the anticipation. Anticipation of good things, warm hugs and splendid natural phenomena; heavy fluffy snow fall or fantastic frost crystal displays in the sky or on the trees.

Circumstances do not always cooperate with things and places to allow for the marvels, but for the Christian, the newness of life is springing up everywhere that humans dwell.

Celebrating the newness of life is an ancient pastime in the long dark winter nights. That time when for the new born, the body works perfectly and there are no deficiencies. Childhood is loved world-wide for its freedom from things that hurt and limit abilities. It is celebrated as a time when parents enjoy the beauty of their children and dream of the possibilities in the lives of their children. To live to see that flowering and the joy of wonder that is becoming. Parents do all they can to enable their children to do marvelous things, as a vicarious way of participating with them in experiences that are fantastic.

Not every childhood is so idyllic, and it does not take long before children notice the ugliness in life. People deliberately hurt one another, taking what is not lawfully theirs, and forcing others to do what they do not wish. 

Not everyone is born in perfection, and lives can be very short. There can be no word said that does not hurt some. Our enemies in the world are spiritual in nature and never learned the Divine gratitude, but were maimed by malignant selfishness that regards nothing in it native holiness.

That is why it is so important to celebrate Christmas and the season of it, defying evil's desires. The overcoming of evil in the world is celebrated by Christians and revealed in His glory. It is unthinkable that the Son of God should come into the world in so humble a manner without being recognized by someone and celebrated with high festivals, because of its gift - Salvation.

In every season, we recognize that victory of Jesus that is eternal life. Jesus depended on the Father to work a miracle, and lived to tell of it, rising into Heaven to return to His Father, waiting for a time to reveal the  plan of God for all. Alleluiah.

Veni

DAY'S SAINTS
Blessed James of Viterbo, Hermit
Edburga of Thanet, Benedictine
Gospel LK 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”
But Mary said to the angel,
“How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?”
And the angel said to her in reply,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God.”
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.”
Then the angel departed from her.

+

He comes to you.

Perhaps the one most momentous statement of all Scripture, "for nothing is impossible for God."

Put your hopes in Him for protection and to prosper in heavenly ways, and fear nothing from God, for you have found favor with Him.

Ask for peace, and it will be given, and ask Him to receive your penances and sacrifices for your brothers and sisters, for He will not deny you.

You who are intent on pleasing the Lord can never displease Him, and He longs to hear your voice. Come alone to the garden, let the gardenia and the rose scent the air of evening as you wait for Him. 

In the midst of violence and din, dwell in peace, dwell in grace and forsake sin.

So as to silence those who do not believe the Lord, peace settles over the land, and the children of God rejoice at His coming disposing themselves utterly for Him, for He comes to those awaiting. He does not tarry, but as the light of day appears swiftly over the edge of the world, He comes and His angels prepare the way for His children.

Be at peace, for He dwells in peace.

Veni

DAY'S SAINTS
Blessed James of Viterbo, Hermit
Edburga of Thanet, Benedictine
Gospel LK 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”
But Mary said to the angel,
“How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?”
And the angel said to her in reply,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God.”
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.”
Then the angel departed from her.

+

He comes to you.

Perhaps the one most momentous statement of all Scripture, "for nothing is impossible for God."

Put your hopes in Him for protection and to prosper in heavenly ways, and fear nothing from God, for you have found favor with Him.

Ask for peace, and it will be given, and ask Him to receive your penances and sacrifices for your brothers and sisters, for He will not deny you.

You who are intent on pleasing the Lord can never displease Him, and He longs to hear your voice. Come alone to the garden, let the gardenia and the rose scent the air of evening as you wait for Him. 

In the midst of violence and din, dwell in peace, dwell in grace and forsake sin.

So as to silence those who do not believe the Lord, peace settles over the land, and the children of God rejoice at His coming disposing themselves utterly for Him, for He comes to those awaiting. He does not tarry, but as the light of day appears swiftly over the edge of the world, He comes and His angels prepare the way for His children.

Be at peace, for He dwells in peace.

Come

 

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Gospel Lk 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God

to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,

to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,

of the house of David,

and the virgin's name was Mary.

And coming to her, he said,

"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."

But she was greatly troubled at what was said

and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Then the angel said to her,

"Do not be afraid, Mary,

for you have found favor with God.

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,

and you shall name him Jesus.

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,

and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,

and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,

and of his Kingdom there will be no end."

But Mary said to the angel,

"How can this be,

since I have no relations with a man?"

And the angel said to her in reply,

"The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.

Therefore the child to be born

will be called holy, the Son of God.

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,

has also conceived a son in her old age,

and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;

for nothing will be impossible for God."

Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.

May it be done to me according to your word."

Then the angel departed from her.

+

"I am not so far away that
you cannot hear me if your
love grows ardent enough.

I am obligated to observe this solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God because of the great number of favors She has granted me, most of which I never deserved.

Finding your way to God is more like beheld by the hand and led to God and His consolations, and those who languish in aridity can aske Her for a drop of water with assurance that She will hear and answer Her.

Never forget how much we owe Her, and Her Son. It is altogether fitting to offer our penances and sacrifices to Her to honor Her and Her Son.

All consolation belongs to God who does not spare us from His affections, and who does not spare us sharing in His passion, since it is all one great life.

Spend the day in gratitude to Mary, your Mother, and if you desire the sweetness and gentle love of a Mother in your life as it is, never lose hope of tasting that sweetness one more time from the hands of your celestial Mother.

Come

 

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Gospel Lk 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God

to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,

to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,

of the house of David,

and the virgin's name was Mary.

And coming to her, he said,

"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."

But she was greatly troubled at what was said

and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Then the angel said to her,

"Do not be afraid, Mary,

for you have found favor with God.

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,

and you shall name him Jesus.

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,

and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,

and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,

and of his Kingdom there will be no end."

But Mary said to the angel,

"How can this be,

since I have no relations with a man?"

And the angel said to her in reply,

"The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.

Therefore the child to be born

will be called holy, the Son of God.

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,

has also conceived a son in her old age,

and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;

for nothing will be impossible for God."

Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.

May it be done to me according to your word."

Then the angel departed from her.

+

"I am not so far away that
you cannot hear me if your
love grows ardent enough.

I am obligated to observe this solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God because of the great number of favors She has granted me, most of which I never deserved.

Finding your way to God is more like beheld by the hand and led to God and His consolations, and those who languish in aridity can aske Her for a drop of water with assurance that She will hear and answer Her.

Never forget how much we owe Her, and Her Son. It is altogether fitting to offer our penances and sacrifices to Her to honor Her and Her Son.

All consolation belongs to God who does not spare us from His affections, and who does not spare us sharing in His passion, since it is all one great life.

Spend the day in gratitude to Mary, your Mother, and if you desire the sweetness and gentle love of a Mother in your life as it is, never lose hope of tasting that sweetness one more time from the hands of your celestial Mother.

To See

Day's Saints
Blessed Bartholomew Fanti of Mantua, Carmelite
Blessed Guglielmo Saggiano, Mercedarian

Is 11:1-10 A shoot from the stump of Jesse

Gospel Lk 10:21-24

Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said,
"I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
No one knows who the Son is except the Father,
and who the Father is except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him."
Turning to the disciples in private he said,
"Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.
For I say to you,
many prophets and kings desired to see what you see,
but did not see it,
and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it."

+

The revelation to the shepherds.

Although many saw Jesus whom we have not seen, nevertheless, they did not see Him in His resurrected glory, and we might do well to aspire to see both while we live.

In this time, a time of longing, let us set our hearts upon that one Heart which died for our love. Crucified, He was able to give us His Blood, and by drinking of it, we may be healed of all that troubles us, and enjoy His company.

How the proud shall be humbled who have never aspired to see anything that mattered, with the eyes He gave them. Many an eye has led men astray into sin, and regret choked them in their old age while they longed for absolution and restoration of their pristine sight.

To be filled with the vision of His happiness, the glory that enlightens the universe is to be happy indeed, for it never passes as things pass in this world. All things that we love tend toward that unity which is complete in Christ. With himself, He completes us so we lack nothing and so our happiness may be complete. He has made a our little joys a means of uniting us to Himself, a little at a time.

The blessed do not speak of their unspeakable sufferings, the sorrows that linger for days and years, but which borne in silence leads men to God Himself in unity such as He grants in our lives.

We do well to remember all His benefits to us so that He may discover us at His side and complete His happiness by uniting us into a participation in Himself forever.

Such things suit us, so that He grants them because it ennobles us in His affection. To please Himself He may do many things, and some may be the occasion of consummate bliss and joy, in a joyless time that so lacks hope.

The heart that loves the Lord does not mind that His consolations are brief and fleeting, because they so enrapture the soul that everything else is forgotten, shining in a splendid light. Evil takes what it can snatch, but we still do not lack the happiness He meant we should have in a moment. The whole world shall be transformed as He was transfigured on the mountaintop, so that His glory is revealed for us to see and be delighted and comforted. 

To See

Day's Saints
Blessed Bartholomew Fanti of Mantua, Carmelite
Blessed Guglielmo Saggiano, Mercedarian

Is 11:1-10 A shoot from the stump of Jesse

Gospel Lk 10:21-24

Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said,
"I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
No one knows who the Son is except the Father,
and who the Father is except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him."
Turning to the disciples in private he said,
"Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.
For I say to you,
many prophets and kings desired to see what you see,
but did not see it,
and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it."

+

The revelation to the shepherds.

Although many saw Jesus whom we have not seen, nevertheless, they did not see Him in His resurrected glory, and we might do well to aspire to see both while we live.

In this time, a time of longing, let us set our hearts upon that one Heart which died for our love. Crucified, He was able to give us His Blood, and by drinking of it, we may be healed of all that troubles us, and enjoy His company.

How the proud shall be humbled who have never aspired to see anything that mattered, with the eyes He gave them. Many an eye has led men astray into sin, and regret choked them in their old age while they longed for absolution and restoration of their pristine sight.

To be filled with the vision of His happiness, the glory that enlightens the universe is to be happy indeed, for it never passes as things pass in this world. All things that we love tend toward that unity which is complete in Christ. With himself, He completes us so we lack nothing and so our happiness may be complete. He has made a our little joys a means of uniting us to Himself, a little at a time.

The blessed do not speak of their unspeakable sufferings, the sorrows that linger for days and years, but which borne in silence leads men to God Himself in unity such as He grants in our lives.

We do well to remember all His benefits to us so that He may discover us at His side and complete His happiness by uniting us into a participation in Himself forever.

Such things suit us, so that He grants them because it ennobles us in His affection. To please Himself He may do many things, and some may be the occasion of consummate bliss and joy, in a joyless time that so lacks hope.

The heart that loves the Lord does not mind that His consolations are brief and fleeting, because they so enrapture the soul that everything else is forgotten, shining in a splendid light. Evil takes what it can snatch, but we still do not lack the happiness He meant we should have in a moment. The whole world shall be transformed as He was transfigured on the mountaintop, so that His glory is revealed for us to see and be delighted and comforted. 

Endurance

 Suppose you knew that someone would suffer a great deal and the suffering would be stubbornly persistent. What would you say to that person? Would you try to console the person, or admonish them to bear the suffering patiently and with good will? Would you tell that person the suffering was going to go away, even if you knew it would not?

Suppose you knew that entire nations of people were going to suffer grievously, and for a long time because it was stubbornly persistent. Would you be silent about what you knew, or what would you do?

These questions are nothing new, and if people think someone spoke authentically about such things, they might swarm over them for relics, bits and pieces of clothing or things touched if perchance it might convey some spiritual blessing.

Speak the truth, live the truth you know. Tell it like it is, and if there is nothing else you can do, at least offer a prayer for suffering people to have patience and faith that God's love suffices.

Blessed are the people who endure patiently in docility with love, for they have done a mighty deed with God, to bring about salvation where it might not have been possible before.

On the other hand, there is nothing wrong in praying for the healing of sufferers and their souls so they might experience salvation. Blessed are those who allow themselves to be engulfed in distress for their sake, if only so that the Lord might see you care, where no one else has noticed or expressed concern.

For Jesus suffered the nth degree of impatience and the full depths of human suffering to the point He finally died giving Himself to the Father in love, for us.

This being the case, conserve your strength and energy for the sake of God's people and so you might be a conduit of grace to them of which you do not participate.

There is grace in suffering for someone else and foregoing consolations for their sake so they may be saved by savoring the fragrance of those graces, letting them slip through your hands instead of trying to clutch at them to keep some particle for yourself.

Our time is short, nor does God often ask a person to forego everything for very long; He is neither feeble nor faint and is not uncaring, but the shortest route through the pain is enduring what is troubling, and loving Jesus because you cannot bear to see Him suffering His cross without relief.

It is not the person who cannot enter into suffering that is troubled with it, but the one who knows full-well and does not mind and does not seek escape. He will be filled with love and consolation to the fullest, who suffered most fully.

The simplicity of suffering souls is most pleasing to the Lord who relishes it, and does not take without acknowledging the source.

In all things be at peace, and acknowledge the presence of the Lord whether you are aware of His physical presence or not. Neither seek suffering nor avoid it, but rest in His hands and receive what He is intent on giving you. Great graces may be obtained that way, for the relief of those who suffer most and who least deserved to suffer at all. 

He was born in a stable in a place with no other rest available. He was born to be crucified and rested on the cold stone of the sepulcher, having been prepared for His death by those faithful to Him. All this unfolded into space and time in the world so that things might unfold still further as they should today. The stable is in all time, and the cross stands starkly against the dark sky still, and will remain forever, so that salvation my be forever, and our enjoyment of His consolations might also be eternal, but our pains and participation in the cross for others knows its limit too. It is only eternity that is eternal and how should that be without a moment that it came? It came because YOU came to participate and be beside Him hanging on the cross's nails because of the intensity of your love which would not allow you to desert or abandon Him, and in the Garden some did abandon Him so that He must go when He did not want to go.

If you allow Him to bring suffering upon you even when you did not want it, you will not remain the same but will become like Him, and surely release will come for others for whom you endured? It is impossible that the cross should be without efficacy, ours or His.

Endurance

 Suppose you knew that someone would suffer a great deal and the suffering would be stubbornly persistent. What would you say to that person? Would you try to console the person, or admonish them to bear the suffering patiently and with good will? Would you tell that person the suffering was going to go away, even if you knew it would not?

Suppose you knew that entire nations of people were going to suffer grievously, and for a long time because it was stubbornly persistent. Would you be silent about what you knew, or what would you do?

These questions are nothing new, and if people think someone spoke authentically about such things, they might swarm over them for relics, bits and pieces of clothing or things touched if perchance it might convey some spiritual blessing.

Speak the truth, live the truth you know. Tell it like it is, and if there is nothing else you can do, at least offer a prayer for suffering people to have patience and faith that God's love suffices.

Blessed are the people who endure patiently in docility with love, for they have done a mighty deed with God, to bring about salvation where it might not have been possible before.

On the other hand, there is nothing wrong in praying for the healing of sufferers and their souls so they might experience salvation. Blessed are those who allow themselves to be engulfed in distress for their sake, if only so that the Lord might see you care, where no one else has noticed or expressed concern.

For Jesus suffered the nth degree of impatience and the full depths of human suffering to the point He finally died giving Himself to the Father in love, for us.

This being the case, conserve your strength and energy for the sake of God's people and so you might be a conduit of grace to them of which you do not participate.

There is grace in suffering for someone else and foregoing consolations for their sake so they may be saved by savoring the fragrance of those graces, letting them slip through your hands instead of trying to clutch at them to keep some particle for yourself.

Our time is short, nor does God often ask a person to forego everything for very long; He is neither feeble nor faint and is not uncaring, but the shortest route through the pain is enduring what is troubling, and loving Jesus because you cannot bear to see Him suffering His cross without relief.

It is not the person who cannot enter into suffering that is troubled with it, but the one who knows full-well and does not mind and does not seek escape. He will be filled with love and consolation to the fullest, who suffered most fully.

The simplicity of suffering souls is most pleasing to the Lord who relishes it, and does not take without acknowledging the source.

In all things be at peace, and acknowledge the presence of the Lord whether you are aware of His physical presence or not. Neither seek suffering nor avoid it, but rest in His hands and receive what He is intent on giving you. Great graces may be obtained that way, for the relief of those who suffer most and who least deserved to suffer at all. 

He was born in a stable in a place with no other rest available. He was born to be crucified and rested on the cold stone of the sepulcher, having been prepared for His death by those faithful to Him. All this unfolded into space and time in the world so that things might unfold still further as they should today. The stable is in all time, and the cross stands starkly against the dark sky still, and will remain forever, so that salvation my be forever, and our enjoyment of His consolations might also be eternal, but our pains and participation in the cross for others knows its limit too. It is only eternity that is eternal and how should that be without a moment that it came? It came because YOU came to participate and be beside Him hanging on the cross's nails because of the intensity of your love which would not allow you to desert or abandon Him, and in the Garden some did abandon Him so that He must go when He did not want to go.

If you allow Him to bring suffering upon you even when you did not want it, you will not remain the same but will become like Him, and surely release will come for others for whom you endured? It is impossible that the cross should be without efficacy, ours or His.

Almost

DAY'S SAINTS
Charles de Foucauld, Union of Brothers and Sisters of the Sacred Heart
Blessed John Beche, Benedictines
Gospel Lk 21:29-33
Jesus told his disciples a parable.
"Consider the fig tree and all the other trees.
When their buds burst open,
you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near;
in the same way, when you see these things happening,
know that the Kingdom of God is near.
Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away
until all these things have taken place.
Heaven and earth will pass away,
but my words will not pass away."

+

A rose bud for the new born Lord.
Let us live in His childhood.

The Roman Empire destroyed Jerusalem and carried off the inhabitants to be sold as slaves, and everything torn down, until the wailing wall alone remained. That empire was overcome and passed away until it was no longer remembered. The empires of today exert another kind of domination over the world, and some worship it, being money, which can be exchanged for minds, hearts and souls, purchased to worship the false god of money. It will be laid low, and like all the empires that existed, before it, will be forgotten and be buried in the dust until someone trips on its stones to reveal its existence.

The people of God are His children, and they will know the passing of the heavens and the end of times before they enter into His rest to love Him forever. The phenomenon we know as death means the ones we love are with us for a time, and pass. But He does not forget them, and they persist, sharing His life, for they had shared His death.

We enter a penitential time so as to be more attentive to Him for a time. Then we celebrate His birth into this world, to free us from domination and conquest, to live as He lives forever. So, then, this is a time to celebrate, even in the most solemn moments, rejoicing that we may be refreshed and cleansed by our penances to be acceptable to Him when He arrives.

The children of God will be free, and in their freedom they will rejoice to do penance, for then a time will have arrived in which no one mourns or grieves.

Almost

DAY'S SAINTS
Charles de Foucauld, Union of Brothers and Sisters of the Sacred Heart
Blessed John Beche, Benedictines
Gospel Lk 21:29-33
Jesus told his disciples a parable.
"Consider the fig tree and all the other trees.
When their buds burst open,
you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near;
in the same way, when you see these things happening,
know that the Kingdom of God is near.
Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away
until all these things have taken place.
Heaven and earth will pass away,
but my words will not pass away."

+

A rose bud for the new born Lord.
Let us live in His childhood.

The Roman Empire destroyed Jerusalem and carried off the inhabitants to be sold as slaves, and everything torn down, until the wailing wall alone remained. That empire was overcome and passed away until it was no longer remembered. The empires of today exert another kind of domination over the world, and some worship it, being money, which can be exchanged for minds, hearts and souls, purchased to worship the false god of money. It will be laid low, and like all the empires that existed, before it, will be forgotten and be buried in the dust until someone trips on its stones to reveal its existence.

The people of God are His children, and they will know the passing of the heavens and the end of times before they enter into His rest to love Him forever. The phenomenon we know as death means the ones we love are with us for a time, and pass. But He does not forget them, and they persist, sharing His life, for they had shared His death.

We enter a penitential time so as to be more attentive to Him for a time. Then we celebrate His birth into this world, to free us from domination and conquest, to live as He lives forever. So, then, this is a time to celebrate, even in the most solemn moments, rejoicing that we may be refreshed and cleansed by our penances to be acceptable to Him when He arrives.

The children of God will be free, and in their freedom they will rejoice to do penance, for then a time will have arrived in which no one mourns or grieves.