What is a meditation with the three powers?

February 12, 2019

Scripture readings for the day:
Genesis 1:20-2:4a Six Days of Creation and the Sabbath; In the beginning...
Psalm 8 'What are human beings that you are mindful of them?'
Mark 7:1-13 'You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.'

As I reflected, this came to me;
'God has given you everything, yet you put in place rules for men, for whom everything was created, and to whom also everything has been given.'

In my Mary Day by Day book of meditations, I was struck that in my state of life, as wife, as mother, I ask Mary to obtain all the graces I need, and to help me to cooperate with them faithfully.

The Lord has given me a task, the Go Fund Me project for my son, and I put rules and requirements in place for him in my mind, and I do not do anything because I am anxious.

I am no different than the Pharisees in this Gospel reading of Mark.  Thank you, Lord. I shall move forward now in this. Please help me to be obedient to your will. Amen.

Go Fund Me project for my son Devon:
Help Single Dad Heal From Violent Attack

[50] First Point. The first point will be to bring the memory on (the Scriptures in this case), and then to bring the intellect on the same, discussing it, considering it; and then to move the feelings more with the will (and then to prayer).  (Paraphrased)
Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.  First Week
[45] It is a meditation with the three powers.

Book: Mary Day by Day
Minute Marian meditations for every day of the year, including a Scriptural passage, a quotation from the saints, and a concluding prayer.  With an introduction by Rev. Charles G. Fehrenbach, C.SS.R.
ISBN 9781937913076

What is the First Colloquy in the Triple Colloquy?

Poem
Encounter with Mary in the Three Part Colloquy [62]

I get all wrapped up
in the veils
of my Mother's presence.
I hear the swooshing
of her garments
As she passes me by.
I feel the hems
of her garments
brushing over my feet.
She also is near
and comes to help me,
puts her hand
on my breastbone,
and speaks gently to my heart.
I am her child
And she is my mother.
Thanks be to God
for this indescribable gift.
Amen

"I went out by night...and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that had been broken down..." 
Nehemiah 2:13a

May 23, 2016, excerpt from my spiritual journal

'What is the Wall of Mary like in your life?'   'The Wall of Mary.'
These words kept coming to me this past week.
I felt led to read Nehemiah's story of his scrutiny of the walls of Jerusalem, by examination of them by night.  The Book of Nehemiah is about the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, but it is also a story about the walls that need to be in place, or rebuilt, around our hearts.

I am in the midst of a family crisis.
I prayed the Rosary all night. I prayed all the mysteries of the Rosary:
Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, Luminous.  The true Rosary, before culture got so busy.

'You have rebuilt your Wall of Mary.'
'You have rebuilt the Wall of Mary in your life.'
I heard these words...then...

'Just as a mother holds as treasures in her heart,
the memories of her child's life,
so too my Mother holds in her life,
the Mysteries of my life.

When you hold the treasure of the Mysteries of my life
in your life,
you have rebuilt The Wall of Mary
in your life.

The Wall of Mary consists of the Mysteries
of my life and hers.
These are the Mysteries of my life.
When you contemplate my life,
you see your life in mine.'

'This is the Wall of Mary that must be built into the life of every believer.' 

[147] First Colloquy. One colloquy to Our Lady, that she may get me grace from her Son and Lord that I may be received under his standard; and first in the highest spiritual poverty, and - if his Divine Majesty would be served and would want to choose and receive me - not less in actual poverty; second, in suffering contumely and injuries, to imitate Him more in them, if only I can suffer them without the sin of any person, or displeasure of his Divine Majesty; and with that a Hail Mary.

The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola
Second Week; The Fourth Day: Meditation on Two Standards.

How can I prepare for future desolation?

...last night's course, leading the group through the Examen Prayer...
(taken from my spiritual journal...)

As I looked at my day, my gratitude came from the evening's DVD session.

My heart was touched a few times, but most especially as I listened to Father Gallagher telling the story of the life of Saint Elizabeth Seton.  The part where I felt moved was when he spoke about her experience in the country and how the Lord had filled her with His love, and that she knew God to be her true Father, how she stayed with the Love of His Presence with her.

Each time I hear of the saints' encounters with the Lord, the Lord touches my heart, perhaps to show me how very real His Presence is in my life as well.

As I continued to look back on my day to see where the Lord wanted me to 'stay' a while, I remembered my walk with Jack (my husband) down to the river yesterday.  I also recalled the words the Lord brought to me the day before: to focus my attention on our life as a couple.  He had shown me the previous day that it is very simple, easy, to show my love - as Jack himself said to me years ago and what has stayed with me - that words are easy, but that it is what we do that shows love.  I can take walks with him, cook very simple meals that are pleasing to him, other things as well that are simple but show love and care.

And the Lord said to me that He was pleased:  I had made Jack's almost favourite supper, pizza (a healthy recipe), and also that we had gone for a good walk together.

Now what I understand is that this, my strengthened relationship with Jack, this is where I will be strengthened for the trials ahead.

And I also recall that the Lord has said to me that Jack is the sign to me that I am not alone, and that He is with me.

This is the sign to the world that God gives us in marriage: as my husband is with me, so too God is with me, and will never abandon me.

Thank you Lord Jesus.  You know me more than I know myself.  I have asked you to strengthen me for the trials ahead, and you have shown me that it is in my very relationship with my husband that I will be strengthened for the trials of life.

Thanks be to God!  Amen.

Tenth Rule.  The tenth: let the one who is in consolation think how he will conduct himself in the desolation which will come after, taking new strength for that time. (323)

The Soul of Elizabeth Ann Seton, a Spiritual Autobiography

Discerning Hearts - scroll down to listen to audio teaching on the Tenth Rule, as presented by Fr. Timothy Gallagher

Dreams and visions in Spiritual Direction

A little background...
First prophecy of the Passion

Jesus began to make it clear to his disciples that he was destined to go to Jerusalem and suffer grievously at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, to be put to death, and to be raised up on the third day. Then, Peter took Jesus aside and said, 'No this must not happen to you.'

How many of us have said the same thing when we heard that something not so good was going to happen, or was happening, to ourselves, or to someone we loved?

And Jesus tells Peter that the way he is thinking is man's way, not God's way.  'If anyone wants to be a follower of mine...let him take up his cross and follow me.'  Matthew 16:21-25

The Transfiguration
" Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone.  Then in their presence he was transfigured: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light.  Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them; they were talking with him.  Then Peter spoke to Jesus, 'Lord,' he said 'it is wonderful for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.'  He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and from the cloud there came a voice which said, 'This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour.  Listen to him.' When they heard this, the disciples fell on their faces, overcome with fear.  But Jesus came up and touched them.  'Stand up,' he said 'do not be afraid.'  And when they raised their eyes they saw no one but only Jesus.

As they came down from the mountain Jesus gave them this order, 'Tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead'. "
Matthew 17:1-9

How close is heaven and earth!

Only a vision away.

I am always amazed at what transpires in prayer.  The Lord is indeed ever near.

Here, my life is hard.  There is, of course, much joy and beauty - the joy of playing dolls and make-believe with my grandchildren, the joy and love of hugs, my dear husband, my children, my family, my friends - but there is also pain: my daughter-in-law's illness, three years now, and all the ups and downs of daily life.  A plane has disappeared, and the whole world is wondering, and suffering, along with the families and friends of these dear loved ones.

A mystery to us, but not to our God.  May the Truth of Jesus Christ be in this situation for all concerned!

My life too can be mystery.  I don't know what is ahead.

But sometimes, if I am attentive, the Lord will give me a glimpse of something.  It can be as simple as a vision of a sink overflowing because a plate has blocked the dishwasher's flow of water from going down the drain (I didn't pay attention to that one!).  It can be as complex as a dream about a job cut and a letter of farewell dictated in the night.  Read about that one here...

When my Dad died I had a dream.  I dreamed that I was in an empty room.  I had the sense that it was a waiting room.  There were two doors in the room, on opposite sides of each other.  One door opened, and my Dad came into the room.  He came to me and took me into his arms.  I put my arms around him and held onto him.  Not a word was said.  I knew in my dream that he had passed away, but the one thing that was very real to me, was how solid he felt in my arms.  He was real, and I felt very comforted.  Then, just as quietly as he had come, he let go of me and left through the other door.  I knew in my mind that he had to go.  But the peace and comfort of his presence stayed with me.  The next morning, I spoke to  my Mom.  I didn't mention to her right away what had happened to me.

She told me that she had had a dream.

My Dad had come to her.  The room was filled with light.  He took her into his arms and they danced and talked.  It was wonderful she said.  Then he left.

Because of my dream, I was able to be present to my Mom with hers, and to tell her that the Lord loves her so much He gave her this special gift.

We will see my Dad again, but I have here, now - through recollection - a place to feel comfort.  The dream, the vision, is always given for a purpose.  For my Mom and I, it was given for comfort and sustenance, for hope and promise.

As it was for the disciples.

As we begin our Lenten journey, let us ask God to open the eyes of our hearts.

The Lord is very near.

How close is heaven and earth?

Only a vision, a dream, a consolation away.

See Chapter 10. Divine Administrator - A Prophetic Word

How do I act in times of spiritual consolation? Rule 10 [323]

Journal entry of...August 16, 2013

A battle again to Peace.  How did the night pass for my son and his baby?  Were they safe?  I struggled for Peace, for Trust in God.  This is the treasure I have learned that I must store up in heaven, a treasure that will not fail:  Trust in God.

As I struggled, this worship song came to me,
"If the Lord God is for us,
who can be against,
the people the Lord has called his own."

I kept hearing the verse, If God is for us, who can be against us?
My heart lifted and I felt such Peace and Joy, not of this earth but of heaven, of the Lord Himself.  I stayed in this quiet, in this Peace and Joy that lifted me up.  I knew in my heart that to stay there, with the Lord, to abandon myself to His touch, would be a blessing for me, a healing, a strengthening, a gifting in some way for future trials.

"With God on our side who can be against us?"  Romans 8:31
I wrote in my journal, and in my Bible, under today's date, that these things had come to me...my fear and anxiety for my son and the baby were overwhelming me.  The battle to find Peace was hard.  And the Lord touched me with this song.  Thank you Lord Jesus.
Thank you Lord God.

...as I continue my morning of prayer...
Liturgy of the Hours.
Prayer to Saint Stephen, that he pray for our family; as King of Hungary in the year 1000, "he was just, peaceful, pious, exactly observing the laws of the Church, and ever seeking the welfare of his people.  He founded many dioceses and spent great energy in fostering the work of the Church."
August 16, Stephen of Hungary.

Then I read, prayed on page 1452, in the Responsary:
'In the depths of his heart, the law of God is his guide.
- In the depths of his heart, the law of God is his guide.
He will never lose his way.
- The law of God is his guide.'

Thank you Lord for this assurance
a struggle to find Peace these last two days.
St. Stephen of Hungary, pray for us!
Thank you Lord Jesus.  Amen.

Ignatian Rules for Discernment [313- 327]
Rules for perceiving and knowing in some manner the different movements which are caused in the soul, the good, to receive them, and the bad to reject them.
[323] Tenth Rule.  The tenth: let him who is in consolation think how he will be in desolation which will come after, taking new strength for then.

Tenth Rule of Discernment

What is spiritual journaling?

(I have not blogged for a while...my spiritual journaling, however, continues without cease.  Here is today's entry from my spiritual journal of August 15th, 2013...)

August 15, 2013  The Assumption of Our Lady

A very difficult situation for one of our children.  Yet there is nothing I can do.  Can I rescue them?  Can I save them?  Only the Lord can help.

He is an adult.  He must make his own decisions.  I pray asking the Lord to bless him with Wisdom.  And me too.  To help me to see this through His eyes, through the eyes of Jesus Christ.

It is not easy. It is very hard.  And I feel that my heart is breaking.  This is how it was with Mary.  'And a sword will pierce your heart.' (Luke 2:35b)

I must be like her, and treasure all these things in my heart.

She was told that a sword would pierce her heart.  Many swords, seven, pierced her heart.

It is this way for all mothers.

And Mary shows us the way.

She treasured all these things in her heart.  So must I.  Even as I pray for my children, I must treasure these things in my heart.

It will be the same for them, for my children.

I pray three Hail Mary's...and the Gloria.

And a Peace settles over me.

Thanks be to God!

'The Lord has done great things for me.  Holy is his name.' Luke 4:39-56

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Review Prayer by Keeping a Journal

Novena of the Three Hail Marys

What is Contemplation?

July 23, 2012


John 6:1-15  The Miracle of the loaves
"He himself knew exactly what he was going to do." John 6:7


This morning as I read the Scripture for Sunday, these words stood out for me:
'He himself knew exactly what he was going to do.'


And this is the Lord: He does know exactly what He is going to do concerning all the concerns I bring before Him.


As He extended His hand and invited me into the Scripture, I saw large fields and a sea of people.


I saw how some were occupied with their families and needs, and so did not seem to be aware of the miracle that was taking place, the multiplication of the loaves, the baskets never emptying - yet Jesus provided for them.


Jesus showed me a mother holding her child to her and looking at the same time at what Jesus was doing, showing me how I should be.


I saw others who were aware that it was not possible for the basket to still be full after feeding so many.


I can be so occupied with my concerns, and not be aware, of how much the Lord is working in my life, and in the lives of those around me.


Help me Lord.
Open my eyes.
Let me see your good work,
that I may praise my Father in heaven.


I feel a Peace and a Joy within me.
Thank You Lord.

Orientations for Spiritual Growth, Gospel Contemplation - a fuller explanation

the WORD among us Daily Mass Reading & Meditation