Be a Contemplative in Action

March 29, 2020
excerpt from my spiritual journal

The raising of Lazarus, John 11:1-45

Do not fear, my child.  I am with you. I shall not abandon you.

When Lazarus was sick, I was with him.  When he passed, I was with him.  When he walked out of the tomb, even then I was with him.  So am I with you.

There will never be a time in your life that I will not be with you.  For as it is written, I am with you to the end.

Trust in me, my child, and lean not on your own understanding.  These times are hard for many.  In their hearts they suffer. In their bodies they suffer.  Yet I am with you.

When you pass from this world I shall be with you, for I was there at the moment of your conception, when you were a thought in your Father's mind, and I too was there, from the beginning, as it is written.  Will I leave you at the hour of death, No, for I am in you and with you always.  So too when it is time, I will be with you and take you to where I am.

Pray, my child.  Always pray.  And trust in me.  As it is written...

I am the Resurrection and the Life.

Shall not he who is risen from the dead also be there when you pass from this world into the next?  Yes, I tell you.  And as it is written...
You shall rejoice and be glad.

Trust in me my child and lean not on your own understanding.

Amen.

~ ~ ~

Here now we read, in the midst of the corona virus, the story of the raising of Lazarus from the tomb.

The story of Lazarus, from the Book of John.  And the Book of John is a book of signs.

And now the sign is for our own time, in a way more real than ever, and more needed than ever.

Let us pray for those who have passed from this world, and for those who are passing now, that the Lord accompany them to their eternal home with him just as he was with them when they entered this world at the moment of their conception.

I am the Resurrection and the Life, says the Lord.

May the Lord take their hand at the moment of their death and lead them home.

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord.

Pray continually for those passing from this world.
The Divine Mercy Chaplet.
Amen.
How to pray The Divine Mercy Chaplet

What is "Grace enough" - for my own heart; for others?

"Grace enough"...For My Own heart

February 5, 2020 excerpt from my spiritual journal

"Jesus came to his home town, and his disciples followed him."  Mark 6:1

Jesus comes to my heart; and I follow him there.  He speaks to me what is best for me, giving me guidance, and comforts me.  When Peace reigns in my heart, I know he is there.  And in times of trial and tribulation, even then I know His Presence, I know he is there.  Else I would not stand.  I am able to walk through the difficult times because he reigns in my heart.  I watch, I guard my heart.  Why would I not?!  Who would not lock the doors of their home to keep it safe?!  Yet the enemy of human nature is stealthy, tries to build a nest that is not his own and enter in.  Even then, there is a guard at the door of my heart.  For I am never alone.  My own thoughts guide me.  The angels and saints surround me.  And Mother Mary has me under the mantle of her love.  Never fear.  Be of good courage.  Do not lose heart.  Be not afraid.  Trust in the Lord.  These words guide me and guard me. For I am the Lord's and he is mine.

In Jesus' Name. Amen.

"Grace enough"...For Others

February 8, 2020 excerpt from my spiritual journal

The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught.  He said to them, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while."  For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.  And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves.  Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them.  As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.  Mark 6:30-34

Even in our tiredness, there is always a need.  And that which is strongest in us will prevail.

Help for others is always there.  Love and compassion that come from the Heart of Christ is always there within us, and when the moment is right, He is there, with His power and strength, to help us in all of our needs.  Discernment and wisdom, the Word of God, the desire to serve with a heart of compassion and love, all this will prevail over the fatigue and tiredness that come from the trials of life.

The Lord will prevail for He is Goodness and Truth Himself and His Heart knows no other way.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.  Trust in the Lord.  Amen.

Ignatian Rules for Discernment, First Week Rules [313-327] 
[320] Seventh Rule.  The seventh: Let him who is in desolation consider how the Lord has left him in trial in his natural powers, in order to resist the different agitations and temptations of the enemy; since he can with the Divine help, which always remains to him, though he does not clearly perceive it: because the Lord has taken from him his great fervor, great love, and intense grace, leaving him however, grace enough for eternal salvation.

*Source

DRAW ME INTO YOUR FRIENDSHIP, The SPIRITUAL EXERCISES

David L. Fleming. S.J.

The Seventh Rule Discernment of Spirits, Father Timothy Gallagher OMV