Harvesting The Fruits of Contemplation

“There are beggar-souls whom God feeds without there doing anything for it, to whom He gives heaven in order to hear their eternal thanks, who go to heaven apparently in the midst of pleasures but in reality are sorely tried by everything and everybody, who seemed to do nothing good or worthwhile; but their hearts belong to God, their wills are resigned and theirs is a strong love, not a sentimental love that loves only an impulse. Precious souls indeed who make their purgatory on earth, who please the good God, and who always go to Him no matter how they feel or where they are. Be one of these souls. Take my word for it; go to our Lord like a beggar, a very poor beggar, but one who is loved and privileged, whose only virtue is gratitude, and whose only merit is to know how to ask and receive, to want to be always in debt for everything to his Benefactor, to add daily to the sum of his debts with joy, to be insolvent but loving. ‘Blessed are you who are poor; the Kingdom of God is

[ There are two propositions we must reject, every time they are uttered: “I am personally opposed to abortion, but I cannot impose my religious beliefs on others” and “I will not politicize the Eucharist.” The first proposition is the mantra of dissident Catholic politicians; the second is the errant voice of cowardly shepherds. Both are absolutely sinful and evil. Our Bishops must speak the Truth with one unanimous voice . This is an issue close to my heart and often in my thoughts. That is why I imagined having the following experience and why this post is much longer than my normal offering: ] (Photo by Sylvain Brison on Unsplash )     Judge: Counselor would you like to cross examine his Eminence? Counselor: Yes, indeed. Thank you, your Honor. Bishop we all know how difficult your responsibilities are and the many challenges you face each day ministering to your flock. Even Solomon would be sorely tested. Bishop: Thank you, counselor. Counselor: I am going to ask you a s

Pondering Tidbits of Truth is my simple and inadequate way of providing nuggets of spiritual wisdom for you to chew on from time to time.     Catherine Doherty de Heuck, Servant of God “We eschew any kind of cross. Yet, when we’re discouraged, the cross is the answer. When I’m discouraged, I remember that I have recourse to the only thing I know will keep me from absolute discouragement, and that is Calvary. Whenever I feel that the things of this world are too much for me, I take refuge at the foot of the cross.”  (From T he Cross Is The Answer , appearing in February 2021 issue of Restoration )   St. Catherine of Siena "He will provide the way and the means, such as you could never have imagined. Leave it all to Him, let go of yourself, lose yourself on the Cross, and you will find yourself entirely."  (From The Dialogue )   St. Bernadette Soubirous "O my God, I do not ask you to keep me from suffering, but to be with me in affliction. Teach me to seek you as