Harvesting The Fruits of Contemplation

I usually take a look at my journal entries at the end of each month to refresh my aging mind as to what insight I might have received from that month's daily Mass readings but may have already forgotten. Never too profound are these simple notes. But sometimes, they do get my attention again. Thought I would share a few. May 3, 2011 Jesus is the way, the truth, the life. Would others come to know that by observing the way in which I live my life? Do I really know Jesus? That is to say, have I personally encountered this Jesus? Do I have a personal relationship with Him or do I treat Him as my lucky charm on Whom I can call in times of trials to extricate me from pending harm? How often do I talk to Him and His Father? Do I really listen to what they and the Holy Spirit have to say? The proof that I really believe in You Lord, John tells me (Jn 14:6-14), is if I am doing even greater works than You did!   Oh…Oh…Why do I feel like someone just hit me across the head with 2 by 4?

Just came across this moments ago on Following The Truth with Gary Zimak.  I haven't heard John Michael Talbot or this specfic song in some time. I thought sharing it tonight  would be a neat way to end this Lord's Day and, God willing, begin another day tomorrow. God's blessing be with you and all whom you love.

Imagine what we, our families, our priests, our Church, our communities and our world would be like if the Eucharist was, in fact, the source, center and summit of our daily lives. The following two men have something significant to share with all of us, be we lay men and women, priests or religious, about the value of Eucharistic Adoration. May our spiritual journey and desire for holiness be enriched by reading and reflecting on what they have said. Father James M. Sullivan, O.P. – “Adoration is not just one more thing to do, like going to the store, the doctor, etc.   It is an encounter with Christ.   His love changes and orders our life.” Fulton Sheen, Servant of God – “The priest should think of the practice of the daily Holy Hour, as something to continue for his whole life…the daily Holy Hour gives us wisdom…The mind of the priest who lives close to the tabernacle door gains a special illumination.   The priest's mind and heart are best guided when they seek the

Our Church’s teaching on the Eucharist is long standing, clear and includes the following: the Eucharist must be the source and center of our daily lives; whenever possible Catholics Churches are to keep their doors open for some period of time each day to facilitate visits before the Blessed Sacrament; pastors are to encourage such visits; they are also to promote and encourage their parishioners' participation in Eucharistic Adoration, setting an example for their flock by doing so themselves; and they are to support the establishment and continuation of  regional chapels of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration when their own parishes are unable to sustain such a vital devotion solely by themselves. What a different world this would be if we were to follow these life-changing practices! As someone who has spent more than ten years coordinating Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration in a local parish and encouraging this devotion elsewhere, it has been difficult to understand at times

Does not God who remains in the world   under the species of bread, who empties Himself to such a degree,   merit a limitless love in return? St.Maximilian Kolbe

I am new at this "blogging" thing but have already come to appreciate that an occasional break from the normal fare might be appreciated by those who may be visiting this site. Like doing jigsaw puzzles? Ever done any on-line? How about puzzles with a Catholic flare?  Then you will probably enjoy this . I know the amazing woman who set this up, an inspiring author, would appreciate your visit. We Dominicans should be joyful folk. Truth be told we are not always so. So for all the sourpusses, Dominican or otherwise, that may happen upon this blog it's time to be joyful and to laugh. So check this out. Don't thank me, thank God from whom all good things come! God's blessings this day upon all of His creatures.

We believe in the love of God for us. To believe in love is everything. Love is our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. You have the Eucharist. What more do you want? Saint Peter Julian Eymard

I have wondered occasionally what you must have thought when you first saw two little bodies squirming around in their cribs, squawking and demanding so much attention from others.   Joseph, you were certainly old enough to understand who these two little runts were and why they required so much attention.   But John, you were still in diapers and barely able to walk.   You must have had some difficulty sizing up your new brother and sister and accepting your sudden relegation from king of the roost to third in line.   Jane and I certainly had no idea who you were or what kind of future we would all have together. I am sure my primary and sole focus at the time was to get fed and to be the center of attention.   From family stories that I have heard, Jane had the same idea and the upper hand.   Knowing Mom and Dad, I doubt you guys ever felt neglected after our arrival. I suspect you both knew we were just two more creatures God sent for everyone to love.   Thank God our paren

Sometimes as you drive around, you simply have to get out of your car and allow the beauty of God's creation stir your imagination and capture your heart  On those occasions, let your eyes prayerfully process the images God has placed before you. Be still! Gaze upon the work of His Hands! Be filled with awe, amazement and gratitude! Or Or As magnficient as these images may be, they are nothing in comparison to He Who awaits your visit: Our Abandoned, Ignored and Forgotten Lord

May the following song and reflection from St. Bernard lead to your frutiful contemplation of our Blessed Mother this day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRI5F54kc_g&feature=related "When in danger, anguish, or in doubt, think about Mary, invoke Mary.   Let Mary always be on your lips, may she never be absent from your heart.   To obtain her help and intercession, always follow the example of her virtues.   You will not go astray, if you follow her.   You will not despair if you call to her.   You will not get lost if you think about her.   If she is holding you by the hand, you will not fall.   If she is protecting you, you have nothing to fear.   You will not grow weary if she is your guide.   You will reach port safely if she is looking after you." One other suggestion: Don't forget to participate in the worldwide Rosary Crusade this Friday, May 13! http://www.savior.org/wwrc/ "O Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse to thee!"

More than a century and half ago, St. Peter Eymard made the following observations:   “Alas, it is but too true: Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament is not loved! He is not loved by millions of pagans, by millions of infidels, by the millions of schismatics and heretics who either do not know anything of the Eucharist or have no notions about it. Among so many thousands of creatures in whom God has placed a heart capable of loving, how many would love the Blessed Sacrament if only they knew it as I do! Must I not at least try to love it for them in their stead? Even among Catholics, few, very few love Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament.   How many think of Him frequently, speak of Him, come to adore Him? What is the reason for this forgetfulness and coldness? People have never experienced the Eucharist, its sweetness, the delights of His Love. They have never known the goodness of Jesus! They have no idea of the extent of His love in the Most Blessed Sacrament.   Some of them hav