Harvesting The Fruits of Contemplation

For this great gift, we must be forever thankful! (Source: Catholic Exchange.com)

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons) I believe everything the Church teaches about the Holy Eucharist. I believe, even if I do not understand, even if I do not see. I know that those are blessed who do not see and yet believe. The Savior said so. It reminds me of the story that is told about St. Louis IX of France. One day a miracle took place in a nearby church. Someone came rush­ing to the King and said: "Hurry, Your Majesty! Jesus has appeared in the Host in human figure during Mass." But the King did not hurry. He did not even go. He said: "Let those go to see the miracle who have any doubt about the Real Presence. I need no miracle. I believe."

( (Image from Biblebios.com) [If God used Balaam’s donkey to get that prophet’s attention, I guess he can use me to get yours. May these periodic postings on the second and fourth Mondays of each month (God willing) generate fruitful discussion and faithful change.]   Far too many Catholics are not well-formed in the teachings of Christ's Church. Given this tragic reality, one would expect Catholic media to only publish the work of individuals and columnists who accurately set forth the tenets of the Catholic Church.  Over the years, too many publications claiming to be "Catholic" have consistently demonstrated a preference for doing just the opposite. A most recent example of this proclivity is a column that a local Diocesean newspaper published wherein its author wrote the following: “Putting an end to the killing of unborn babies is a priority for me, and it is a priority for the Catholic Church. But it is not the only priority. The co...

Thanks for visiting RAnn's place   where Catholic bloggers sample their wares. Come and browse. You are sure to find something that will touch your heart and stir your soul. Take a few minutes and visit! I just returned from visiting my sister and rather that hastily answer this week's question, I will wait until I have more time to reflect on it before posting my response. Before I left to see my sister, I managed to post the following: Big Hearted - Inspiring Stories From Everyday Families - Book Review Eucharistic Reflection - Inflame Me With Your Holy Love  Pondering Tidbits of Truth - November 21, 2013

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.                      Frank Morriss “Unfortunately, there is a tendency to think that the laity need only gather together and receive inspiration from the Holy Spirit. It is a situation readily open to that master of deceit – Satan, who can quite easily convince the foolish that he is indeed the holy spirit, when he is not even a holy spirit.” (From Lumen Gentium: The Church of Our Time Looks at Herself)

  (St. Agatha's, Canastota, NY) "O my beloved Jesus, O God, who has loved me with love exceeding! What more can you do to make yourself loved by ungrateful people? If we loved you, all the churches would be continually filled with people prostrate on the ground adoring and thanking you, burning with love for you, and seeing you with the eyes of faith, hidden in a tabernacle. But no, we are forgetful of you and your love. We are ready enough to try to win the favor of a person from whom we hope for some miserable advantage, while we leave you, Lord, abandoned and alone. If only by my devotion I could make reparation for such ingratitude! I am sorry that I also have been careless and ungrateful. In the future I will change my ways, I will devote myself to your service as much as possible. Inflame me with your holy love, so that from this day forward I may live only to love and to please you. You deserve the love of all hearts. If at one time I have despised you, I n...

We live in an upside down world. Demonic forces have conspired to redefine family and marriage in ways contrary to God’s law. Children are often considered an unwanted burden. Large intact families are mocked and criticized. Many children are raised in a moral vacuum and without the love and support of a loving mother and father. It is that world – our world - that needs and hungers for the truthful and inspiring stories of the faith-filled, struggling, imperfect loving families which Patti Armstrong and Theresa Thomas introduce us to in Big Hearted – Inspiring Stories From Everyday Families.