A thought came as I was thinking about this. We have this so called “pride” month in the very month dedicated to Jesus’ Sacred Heart, who although he was fully God and fully a man, never acted with pride. In fact, he lived His life completely at the will of His father. It’s so revealing that this group of people choose the word “pride” to identify with. Pride is the root of all evil- it’s really at the heart of sin. So it is to me very very revealing that this is called pride month. Lots of prayers needed because this is not really lifestyle or politics, but good vs evil. It’s about sin. And lest anyone think I’m judging, I know how my own pride leads me to sin too…. But I’m grateful in a way to see it and know it b/c it points out and continues to remind me that every single day I need to convert. I’m no better than others but only for grace of God can I continue to walk with Jesus.
I got an email from Bath and Body Works (I love their hand soaps) yesterday talking about all the things they're doing this month to celebrate "pride" and "self-love." Those terms really struck me. Straight from the devil.
I'm seeing more pictures of the devil popping up everywhere. In the stores on t-shirts etc. and other things. Creepy.
Oh, and am attending my aunts funeral today and found out one of my cousins is a "Shaman" who uses some kind of energy to talk to spirits and dead people. When a look of horror appeared on my face I was told she is a good shaman. Lord have mercy the beads are going up for her soul. Evil is everywhere.
I love your sharings. That's exactly where my heart is. Starting poustinas this month. Prayer, fasting and solitude.
It all reminds me of the first passages of the, 'Song of Songs', were the soul flees to Solitude to be with the Beloved. Song of Solomon 2:17 6My beloved is mine and I am his; he pastures his flock among the lilies. 17Before the day breaks and shadows flee, turn, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of Bether.
Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
Padraig, Have you read a lot of St. John of the Cross? He's my favorite Carmelite, along with St. Elizabeth of the Trinity
Yes, me too Katfalls. There is a series called Evil on Paramount+ that I was not aware of until recently because of their 3rd season trailer which depicts some awful images including some of satan - terribly scary images, truly.
No I must admit St John of the Cross was never my favourite. Rather it was St Teresa of Avila. I found St John a little too difficult to read an understand. I think St John marks the more medieval way of looking at Mysticism and St Teresa a more modern approach were the path of prayer is broken down into stages. I love this. I also love St Teresa's humour, humanity and love for story telling. I think after St Teresa, St Therese of Liseaux, also a Doctor of the Church and also a story teller. But I think of all Spiritualities I am fondest of the Carmelites because of their emphasis on personal prayer.
I love St John of the Cross though because of his writings on the Dark Night of the Soul, which are so very helpful. I have been thinking about him a lot recently in relation to our Holy Mother the Church who had just entered her own Dark Night, her Passion and Death and coming Resurrection. What can be applied to the individual Soul can also be applied to the Church at large. The Church is about to flee to the wilderness, to take refuge with the Mother of God in the Desert. Darkness and shadow all around her. Her Three Days in the Tomb. “God leads into the dark night those whom He desires to purify from all these imperfections so that He may bring them farther onward.” St John of the Cross.
Padraig, I love that depiction of processing the body of Jesus to the Tomb. Thank you! The one to Mary's right must be Mary Magdalen, and the other Mary to the right of Mary Magdalen (of the burial accounts). Matthew 27:1 Mary Mag′dalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the sepulchre. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, fill us with grace!
I think St. John of the Cross can be misunderstood, if it's read in light of Ascent to Mount Carmel alone. Living Flame and Spiritual Canticle ( Especially #1) gives a good overview of the whole of the spiritual life in a balanced way. Ascent is just a specialty book for a certain part of growing in union with God.
It is difficult to face the reality that we are living, with so much evil everywhere. It is tempting to quit working and go into our own safe space. I keep in mind that faith without works is dead, and we are called to bring forth good fruit from our work. It helps me to carry my cross in clinical practice.
I think you speak true here. You will know when/if you need to retreat. God bless you richly as you carry your heavy cross.
In a homily given a few years ago, the priest mentioned how Our Lady was really the only one who had perfect faith between the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. The Apostles were hiding & the holy women were preparing to go anoint the body in the tomb. He said to remember the faith of Our Lady of Solitude when feeling the darkness.
Soon no Arms will be left to the Church but the Holy Rosary. No Schools or hospitals or Colleges, no Vatican or Churches no public Ministry at all including the Public Sacrifice of the Mass. We will return to the Church of the Catacombs in hidden places. What priests there are will be considered hunted criminals. A false Church will remain, Satanic the Ape of the true Church. Actually we can see the forerunner of these events in the treatment of Traditional Catholics. What is happening , or beginning to happen to them will soon spread to the generality of the Church as a whole. By the way this Forum, this Home of Mary, is an Evangelical, Apostolic, Work of Charity. But the time will come for the Passion and Death of our Holy Mother the Church. Indeed it is already upon us. The Wolves have already entered the sheepfold and in fact , to a large extent already control it. What fools the Faithful and causes them to slumber is that in all outer forms the Church appears to continue. But it like a Beautiful Rich Mansion undermined by evil termites and ready to fold. But the Vatican has Fallen and her long Good Friday has begun....
