Harvesting The Fruits of Contemplation

Thank you Allison Gingras and Elizabeth Riordan for hosting "Worth Revisiting” every Wednesday and inviting Catholic bloggers to re-post their favorite articles there.  Go there now (and every Wednesday). You will be inspired by the variety of spiritual insights these authors share. Visit Allison at  Reconciled To You and Elizabeth at Theology Is A Verb during the rest of the week.  It will be time well spent. Here is my contribution: We Stand With You Lord - No Matter The Price We May Be Asked To Pay!  (Originally published June 25, 2015) May the following words penned more than 50 years ago by Rev. M. Raymond, O.C.S.O. encourage us during these trying times and our pending exile in a world that has, for the most part, turned its back on the Lord who created them, died for them, yet still offers all of us eternal life: (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons ) "There was pain in Egypt - yet, I say it was he...

Here is what the poet P. Claudel read into the priest’s imploring look as he turned to the people and recited the words Dominus vobiscum (The Lord be with you): (Image source: Wikimedia Commons) The Lord is with you, my brothers! My brothers, did you hear me? My little flock, it is not only the paten, it is not only the chalice with the wine, it is you—the whole of you—that I would like to hold and raise in my hands... See, the collection plate is coming round. Have you nothing else to give, except that miserable farthing?

I am honored to be part of this Virtual Book tour. Until a few years ago, I was not a big fan of fiction. Much of what I had picked up was too trashy, unrealistic, overly violent or poorly written.  A friend assured me there was much of value in the genre and challenged me to explore the hidden treasures she and other writers had discovered or helped bring to print. Dying For Revenge, The Lady Doc Murders-Book One is one of the gems I would have missed had she not brought this novel to my attention. I will try not to repeat what my fellow bloggers have already posted during this virtual book tour of Dr. Barbara Golder’s first novel. You can get a real feel for this thriller by taking a look at the book’s trailer produced by its publisher, Full Quiver Publishing. Doctor Golder has skillfully and seamlessly woven her life experiences as a Catholic, forensic pathologist and attorney into a page turning, thrilling and fascinating murder mystery tha...

Th ank you, Allison Gingras and Elizabeth Riordan, for hosting "Revisiting Wednesday” every week and inviting Catholic bloggers to re-post their favorite articles there.    Go there now (and every Wednesday). You will find sound spiritual nourishment there. Visit Allison at  Reconciled To You and Elizabeth at Theology Is A Verb during the rest of the week.  You will enjoy your visits. I am trying something new this week - linking to a 4 minute podcast of an earlier post.  I Love You! I Will Always Love You! (Photo©Michael Seagriff) Have you ever wondered what Jesus might be thinking as He gazes through the locked tabernacle doors at those sitting in the pews in front of Him...? I  have. You can listen to my musings here.

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons ) "Jesus wishes to reign in me; that is His whole ambition. That is the kingliness of His love; that is the end of His Incarnation, of His Passion, of His Eucharist. To reign in me, to reign over me; to reign in my soul, in my heart, over my whole life, over my love, that is the second heaven of His glory. Oh! Yes, Lord Jesus come and reign! Let my body be Your temple, my heart Your throne, my will Your devoted servant; let me be Yours forever, living only of You and for You.” (St. Peter Julian Eymard from Eucharistic Prayer Book: For Members of The People’s Eucharistic League )

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons ) There is a vital lesson to learn from the paralytic in John's Gospel. When we fail to listen to, and answer the specific question, God places in our hearts, we may lose the opportunity to receive a great and undeserved gift. Listen here .