While remembering all his youthful follies, he remembers how God's unfarthomable grace has been a shield for him, how grace leads to discover his faith into Three in One God.
Two saints, mother and son receive a vision of heaven at Ostia, near Rome. It was the last moment of the two being together, looking heaven ward, and later St.Monica died and was buried there.
A place of prayer and peace, a place of love and charity where being together with the mother of our Divine Lord, and recitation of Holy Rosary knocks the doors of Heaven.
What is Holy Spirit? Many wonder that how Holy Spirit may be, and what would it be like or how does it work and so and so forth. We may not be able to describe its physical appearance. But it is sure that we would know when we are in the land of our heavenly father. We cannot measure the work of the Holy Spirit since it has done so numerous works and still performing it. The measurement we know is too incomplete to measure the vast ocean of wonderful work. Has anyone done measuring the amount of the water in the ocean or has anyone weighted the mountains in the scale?
Theologians say, it is the spirit of God. Holy Spirit works within us, watching over us as a guide for each one of us. Would it be true, yes that’s true and the truest in this Universe. Without it will our hearts work? Will our cells grow? Will our memory last to be use in the future? Without the Holy Spirit there will be something absurd for us the human beings. The Holy Spirit is on earth since from the beginning of the creation of this universe.
By it we are sustained, given shelter, secured in peace and many other uncountable blessings. They figure Holy Spirit as in the form of a white Dove or in the form of blazing fire. Why, there are evident in the New Testament, when Jesus is baptized the holy spirit descended as a dove and when the time of Pentecost the holy spirit descended again as in the form of tongues of fire. At the time of the creation of the Universe the Spirit of God hovers over the earth, the same spirit who came to Jesus when he was baptized by John the Baptist. Again, in the Old Testament, Noah used a dove to bring the good news that is peace of the earth.
Now, what I came to understand is the Holy Spirit would also be like wind, the air we breathe, without air what will happen, but only few know the power of Holy Spirit. It contains life of the world. When we pray even in our minds he speaks to us in turn. Do we know it? It is the reality.
There is a prayer we usually pray at anytime of the day even in the night. It is …...
Breathe in me O Holy Spirit, that I may think what is holy
Guide me O Holy Spirit, that I may realize what is holy
Attract me O Holy Spirit, that I may love what is holy
Strengthen me O Holy Spirit, that I may defend what is holy
Defend me O Holy Spirit, that I may never lose what is holy.
This short prayer is so powerful when one prays with reverence.
This prayer is the prayer of our Order of the Discalced Augustinians OAD.
By praying this short prayer, May all be blessed!
And these are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit,
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Gentleness
Pray with faith, so the gifts of the Holy Spirit will manifest in our daily lives.
Thank You and God Bless.
The result of all this has been ore of the great tragedies of the Church in our times: the significant number of Catholics who have left her because they couldn't accept or cope with such a fearful concept of God. There is often a sadness or even bitterness against the Church among many of those who have left her — the result of a tragic misunderstanding of the very heart of our faith: who God is for us.
One of the most popular saints of this century is Therese of Lisieux, the Carmelite nun who died in 1897 and was canonized a saint by the Church only 28 years later in 1925. Her statue is found in very many Churches all over the world attesting to her popularity.
Yet Therese was only 24 years old when she died and had spent her entire life in the small French town of Lisieux and its environs except for one trip to Rome. When she died of tuberculosis, one of the other Carmelites asked what they could possibly put in her obituary after such an uneventful life.
Why then is Therese so popular a saint today? One reason might be her autobiography, "The Story Of A Soul," in which she sketches out her "little way" to holiness. Therese believed that we need not accomplish great things for Christ in order to attain deep holiness but rather that if we do the 'little things' in life with a great deal of love —a kind word, putting up with the faults of others cheerfully, doing a small kindness without seeking recognition — we can come to great sanctity, for it is not so much what we do for Christ that ultimately matters but the love with which we do it. Her life itself was living proof of her 'little way,' and the ordinary people of the world — the housewives, workmen, students, priests — can easily identify with Therese and her spirituality.
But perhaps an even more profound reason for Therese's popularity and relevance is the very basic insight she had into our times and the needs of the Church today. She grew up and lived in the French Catholicism of the end of the last century and in Carmelite monastery, both of which were influenced by the semi-Jansenism and strictness of the times. Therese suffered through a period of intense scrupulosity while still very young. Yet despite these influences in her life, she was able to grow beyond them and with God's grace come to a profound appreciation and experience of the very basic reality of the gospel as revealed to us in John's first letter: "God is love, and he who lives in love, lives in God and God in him" (1 Jn 4:16).
Therese in a real sense foreshadowed the Second Vatican Council in pointing to our Lord as a God of infinite love — the very opposite of the image of a strict judge that somehow over many years had insinuated itself into our faith. The overwhelming, infinite and tender love of God for each of us — not fear — should be the pervading reality of our faith and our lives, coloring all else. God in his infinite love has revealed himself to us as "Abba," — Tatay, in Filipino— our dearly beloved Father whom we are to love and trust in return.
Whenever the temptation to revert to the image of a fearful or angry God surfaces, one need only read, reflect and pray over Jesus' parable of the prodigal son. The father, like God with us, allows the son to go off and squander his inheritance. He doesn't force him to come home, for freedom is necessary for love, and the father longs for his son's love. And so, the father waits; we can imagine him going out every day and looking off into the distance for his son. Then one day he recognizes him far off, returning to him. And Jesus then reveals the incredible image of who God is, and his personal love for each of us sinners: 'While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran to the boy, embraced him in his arms and kissed him tenderly"(Lk 15:20-21).
The 'father' of course is God and the whole story is filled with his love, and tender compassion and mercy for each of us, his sons and daughters. This is God's revelation of who he really is for us.
As Jesus has warned us, there will be the cross in our lives (Lk 9:23); there will be suffering at times, particularly as his disciples (Jn 15:20-21). Moreover, the human condition itself postulates that there is a need for at least a minimum of laws or structures in the Church and in society for their proper functioning.
But the ultimate meaning and pervading reality of our lives is not to fulfill laws or to live in fear of God if we don't. The deepest meaning of our lives is to learn how to love, to truly share as children in the life of God who is love. In other words, the primary witness and deepest motivation of our lives is to be lovers, not lawyers...
This following writing is scanned from the book named: Lovers andLawyers and other approaches to faith written by Fr. Donald McQuade. Which I read recently and find it interesting and gives insight, so let me share the first chapter of his booklet. (I am not sure of I might be accused of the theft of the copyrighted book?) But I just want to share so that my beloved Christian Brethren will read and afterward have conversion in life.
Lovers and Lawyers
"You do not live under the law but under God's grace."—Rom 6:14
In recent years there have been a number of books and even a couple of Broadway plays spoofing the ways of the pre-Vatican II Church, especially the Catholic schools and religious customs of those times: the super-strict nun, the loud priest in the confessional, the 'mysteries' of the old Lenten fast, etc.
No doubt there is a good bit of exaggeration about what actually went on and, having grown up in those times, I do not see most of it as bad or as funny as depicted. Nevertheless, the parodies do make a point. It does seem that there was something out of 'sync' in those times — a rigidity and legalism, a sternness that affected not only the Church but almost all of society.
Perhaps it was the result of the uptight and often hypocritical Victorian Era that preceded it. The idea of "fulfilling the law" was pervasive — in the Church, in society and in personal lives. Legalism was very much in vogue. "How far can I go before I commit a mortal sin?" "How much of the Mass must I attend in order to fulfill my obligation?" The punishment for any failure to follow the law and live as one 'should' was expected to be rather severe.
In the old parish missions a priest would usually preach fire and brimstone to be suffered eternally by those who did not fulfill their moral duties. Parishioners might take fright and be 'converted,' only to lapse back into their usual ways in a short while. Fear by itself really can't hold us too long.
At the root of this rigidity, legalism and fear, there was a flawed concept of who God is. True Christians professed that God was our Father who loved us. But somehow he often came across very much like our earthly fathers; our human ways o thinking, acting and feeling were projected onto God.
And so it was assumed that God as a Father would expect his children (us) to obey him completely and if we didn't, he would be disturbed an might even become righteously angry. In fact there even seemed to be a tendency at times to overdo it and God was experientially if unconsciously seen less as a Father who loved us than as a judge seeking `justice,' or perhaps an accountant tallying up our sins against us. to be continued
“I am the real vine, and my father is the gardener. He breaks off every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and prunes every branch that does not bear fruit, so that it will be clean and bear more fruit.”(Jn 15:1-2)
Christ said these words from the mouth of John and let it be written by his holy inspiration. What for? We may ask. Yes it’s good to know what the lord has said to his chosen people. He says these words to remind us in our daily actions, to be with him always as we are the children of his. He loves his body as well as the branches. Would he be willing his branches to be cut off? Suppose your finger’s nail is eaten by the fungi. Will you stay without going to have any treatments? Or if your foot is painful will you not take any immediate treatment? Yes, of course because of the pain we will be murmuring if there is no proper cure for it.
At the same time, when we are his branches, his holy limbs he loves them as his body. In the Philippians, we are even called adopted children. Are we worthy enough to be so? But if we are not we must move ourselves toward God. Humbling ourselves, let the mercy overflow in our hearts and pondering His sacred words in our daily life there would be the best answer for our individual lives.
Likewise I had experience when I was together with my family. My father and I used to work in the backyard of our house as I can help him a little. So when we were one day in the backyard, my father removing the unwanted plants and grasses. Carried them and piled them up to the stem of a fruit bearing plants. I helped him removing the unwanted grasses and carried them to the plants where he wanted to give a natural fertilizer. Occasionally these fruit bearing plants will not bear any fruits; my father will be patiently giving more amount of fertilizer. Finally when the limited time is over he was exhausted in giving the fertilizers he cut off the plant and made it firewood.
I felt that is what God the father is going to do in heaven when the time of judgment comes. We will be paid what we’ve done in this earthly journey. I am not threatening but what I want to say is that when we are the branches of Christ we have the right to bear good fruits, to be good Christians. We are welcomed to this holy inspiration. To help people around us, to sympathize those who are in need, if not how could we be called Christians, since Christ gave himself for his followers to rinse the sins of ours. Especially we are called to have faith, love and hope.
“Instead, I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I heard from my father. You did not choose me; I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit that endures. And so the father will give you whatever you ask of him in my name. This, then is what I command you: love one another.”(Jn 15:15b-17)
All these occurrences around Therese could not be kept in a private sphere. The interest of the public was aroused. Especially on Fridays, large crowds of visitors would come. The Bishop of Regensburg, Antonius von Henle, had been very cautious concerning the occurrences in Konnersreuth. Public discussions got stormier all the time, so the Bavarian Conference of Bishops decided to get a scientific basis for the philosophical-theological examination of the phenomenon. By order of the Diocesan Authorities, Therese had to undergo medical observation from July 14 - 28, 1927, headed by Dr. Seidl from Waldsassen and Prof. Dr. Ewald from Erlangen. Especially the phenomenon of living without taking any food should be watched and scrutinized by checking her weight, temperature, pulse frequency, and laboratory examinations of her secretions and blood. Four sworn in nurses watched over Therese around the clock, following strict orders of the two Doctors. To check the process, the Doctors themselves came in from time to time, without prior notice. The results of the examinations verified, that "in spite of the intense observation ... not even this could be observed, that Therese Neumann, who was not a second alone, ate anything..."
In October 1927, the Bavarian Conference of Bishops passed a resolution concerning Therese Neumann, to admonish the public "not to form a final judgment on the matter of Konnersreuth, until the Church Authority had decided about this case, and to refrain from visits." The Diocesan Authorities explained in a circular letter "Oberhirtliches Verordnungsblatt" for the Diocese of Regensburg, no. 10, 1927, the necessity for this decision: "This decision was necessary to prevent something like a pilgrimage, even before the basis for this has the attestation of the Church; but even more so, to keep evil-minded people away, who refer to their personal visit in Konnersreut and disseminate untrue reports,... false information, blaspheme all that is supernatural and holy". Furthermore, in this report the process and the results of the fifteen days of strict watch were made known. Referring to the investigational examination it was verified, that not the smallest amount of food had been taken. After this decision of the Diocese, a written permission of the Diocese was required to enter the house of the Neumann family. But even this step could not stop the crowds, so it was given up.
When the National Socialists came to power between 1933 and 1945, a difficult time of plight began for Therese. The National Socialistic Press published sarcastic articles about her person all over Germany. State authorities never missed a chance to put her to shame, cause her inconvenience or threaten her with prosecution or arrest. However, she never had to take any physical reprisal. She made no secret of the fact, that she rejected the political course and the person of Hitler. After Word War II had ended, crowds of visitors came again, among them many American soldiers. Over the years, many people received help, advice and comfort. Many found their faith anew or their faith was strenghtend. Although she never wanted to be the centre of publicity, she did not withdraw from visitors. People lusting for sensation, however, met a harsh rejection from Therese. The visitors were a burden to the Neumann family; it meant considerable restrictions in their daily life. Despite of all this, they continued to live a simple life. Also, the place Konnersreuth was nothing but a village, it did not take advantage of the situation for a profitable tourist attraction.
Therese died on September 18, 1962, after she had suffered from Angina Pectoris for some time. Before she was burried on September 22, 1962, four medical Doctors examinated the corpse und verified, that, even 4 days after death, no rigidity of death (rigor mortis) and no cadaverous smell could be noticed. The corpse was so flexible that some feared an apparent death (suspended animation). Up to this day, many people honour Therese and visit her grave. The Rectory of Konnersreuth alone has received over 40.000 motions from around the world, calling for her Beatification.
Therese has been venerated since her death, her life was obviously virtuous and many miracles have occured during her life time and since her death. Countless people wish her saintliness to be authorized by the Church. Alone to the Rectory of Konnersreuth, more than 40.000 motions have been submitted for a process of Beatification, coming from all over the world. In 2005, Gerhard Ludwig Müller, Bishop of Regensburg, formally opened the proceedings for her beatification.
Therese Neumann was born on April 8, 1898, during the night of Good Friday/Holy Saturday in Konnersreuth in Bavaria (Oberpfalz) Germany. She was the first child of 11 of Ferdinand Neumann, a tailor, and his wife Anna Grillmeier. As it was the custom, soon after birth, she was baptized, on Easter Sunday, April 10, 1898, in the parish church St. Laurentius in Konnersreuth. Therese grew up in a modest home. Work in the house was a main task. There was not much of an opportunity for children's play, because each of the children had to do some work on the small farm or in the tailor´s shop, according to their strength and ability. The parents raised their children consistently Christian. She attended elementary school from 1904 - 1911. She was known as a diligent and good pupil.
The small income of the parents made it necessary for the children to earn some money for the daily living of the family, as soon as possible. For that reason, Therese worked already in the afternoons during the last half year of Elementary school (1910-11) in the Castle of Fockenfeld. By age 14 (1912) she worked full time as a maid on a rather large property in Konnersreuth. Therefore, during the years 1911 - 1914, she attended only Sunday school. According to her final report card, she earned good and very good grades for the subjects of Religion, Science, Reading, Arithmetic, Essay and Penmanship. Therese was an intelligent and healthy child. During her school years, nothing extraordinary was noticed. She was known for her cheerful mind and showed great responsibility at an early age. On July 12, 1908, she was confirmed by the Bishop Antonius von Henle in Waldsassen. On April 18, 1909, she received First Holy Communion.
At the age of fifteen Therese began thinking about becoming a missionary Sister to Africa. But in 1914, the First World War prevented her entry into that Order. When her father was drafted in 1914, she promised her parents to postpone entering the convent until her father returned from the war. Because the owner of the estate was drafted to serve in World War I, Therese took over the position of the head-servant. Because she was physically very strong, the work on the farm and in the fields went well. She loved plants and animals, the change of seasons as well as natural events. As a soldier on leave in World War I, her father came home and brought a devotional picture of the French Therese of Lisieux (Thérèse Martin) of the Carmelite Order for his daughter. At age 16, Therese Neumann became interested in the biography of "Little Therese", venerated her and prayed for her beatification.
In 1918 a tragic injury changed her life. During a fire, Therese was helping to pass buckets of water to put it out when she injured her back. This injury led her to fall uncontrollably to the ground on succeeding days. These falls brought on paralysis and blindness. She developed pneumonia, digestive problems, abscesses formed in her ears causing a loss of hearing and bed sores developed. These physical sufferings continued for six years until she developed appendicitis. Her family and doctors expected imminent death.
She miraculously regained her sight in 1923 through prayers to St. Teresa, "The Little Flower." Later Therese Neumann's limbs were instantaneously healed. From 1923 onward, Therese has abstained completely from food and drink, except for the daily swallowing of one small consecrated wafer. February 16, 1926 was a new decisive turning point in Therese's life. She fell ill again, in addition, an ear abscess developed, and at times bloody water and pus trickled out of her eyes. Often the pain gave her sleepless nights, i.e. on the night of Thursday/Friday March 4/5, 1926 she couldn't sleep. Suddenly, she had a vision. She saw Jesus kneeling in the Garden of Gethsemane. At the same time, she experienced a pain on the left side of her breast, of such intensity that she thought she would die. Then blood started to run down from this place. The trickling of blood lasted until the next midday.
The other signs of illness remained. The ear abscess broke open on Holy Saturday, but she was bedridden until 1927. On the night of Thursday she had a second vision - substantially the same, yet extended by the scene of the scourging of Jesus. On the following Friday, March 19, 1926, she saw also the crown of thorns put on, and on Friday, March 26, 1926, the carrying of the Cross and the fall under the Cross. On Good Friday, April 02, 1926, she saw the complete Passion, and in the early morning of Easter, the Resurrection of Christ. The visions were accompanied by blood-wounds, which appeared not only in the heart area, but by the end of the year, in all places of the wounds of Christ, the Stigmata.
Therese had this vision of the Passion again and again until her death, during 36 years each time in over 30 separate visions every Friday, except on those Fridays from Christmas to Lent, Easter to the Feast of the Sacred Heart and on any Fridays which coincided with a high feast or an octave of a feast. During her visions, her eyes, heart and head bled; during Lent, her hands, feet, knees and right shoulder also bled...on Good Friday, bleeding would occur on her chest and back too. The Stigmata on her heart, hands and feet stayed visible, but never became inflamed or festering ...unless a remedy was applied.
