Harvesting The Fruits of Contemplation

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  . St. Pio of Petrelinca “There are two things in the world that will never forsake you: the eye of God that always sees you, and the heart of His Mother that always follows you.”   Venerable Fulton J. Sheen “We always make the same fatal mistake thinking that it is what we do that matters when really what matters is what we let God do to us. God sent the angel to Mary, not to ask her to do something, but to let something be done. Since God is a better artisan than you, the more you abandon yourself to Him, the happier He can make you.”   St. Pope John Paul II “ As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.”

"If we really loved the good God, we should make it our joy and happiness to come and spend a few moments to adore Him, and ask Him for the grace of forgiveness; and we should regard those moments as the happiest of our lives."  (Saint John Vianney)

Godhead Here in Hiding Whom I Do Adore - Lay Dominicans Reflect on Eucharistic Adoration is not just a book. It can be a vital tool to help foster Eucharistic Revival. Listen to Father Ignatius John Schweitzer, OP, Priest Promoter of the Lay Dominicans, Province of St. Joseph.  Please share his challenge with everyone you know: You can purchase copies of  Godhead Here in Hiding Whom I Do Adore - Lay Dominicans Reflect on Eucharistic Adoration   at Amazon.com

I was blessed to have received a pre-launch draft copy of Dan Burke’s most recent book, Finding Peace in the Storm – Reflections on St. Alphonsus Liguori’s Uniformity with God’s Will. How great it is to have two writers who have had a major impact on my spiritual development in the same book - St. Alphonsus and Dan Burke - both speaking to my heart and tugging my soul closer to God. Two voices - one from the 19 th century and the other among our midst - writing in perfect harmony. Dan writes in clear, concise and crisp language – easy to read and understand. His commentaries and reflection questions are a great aid to understanding all that St. Alphonsus has to offer on this topic. As usual, Dan does not leave his readers hanging in the wind wondering what to do next after reading this gem. He provides recommended reading materials and links to helpful websites for on-going spiritual formation and advancement. This was a timely read for me, a very helpful refresher and remind...

"What shall I answer if I have not responded to the love of Jesus – and not given Him the whole love of my heart – and not spent myself for Him Who loved me unto death, even unto the death of the Cross? What shall I answer when I find out that throughout my life, every hour of the day and night, Jesus was for me imprisoned in the tabernacle, pleading for me with the Father – wishing for me to visit Him, to unite Himself to me, and to be my faithful, my own God?" ( Meditation on the Passion - A Mistress of Novices of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary) Just one of the 250 soul-searching quotations you will find in Stirring Slumbering Souls

Praying With Your Eyes [I originally posted these thoughts more than twelve years ago. May they still speak to slumbering souls.] 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 magnificent as these images may be, they are nothing in comparison to He Who awaits your visit: Our Abandoned, Ignored and Forgotten Lord

"It is nightfall...One by one, the lights go out in the dwellings of men...Millions of stars twinkle in the vast vault of heaven...But on earth, one only star still glimmers — the tiny star of light in the sanctuary lamp. Its feeble rays struggle through the windows of a little church...it moves unsteadily to and fro...until it reaches you...Do you not see it? Jesus sends it to tell you that He never rests, that day and night, year in and year out, His heart is busy loving you, and the poor, and the unhappy — yes, even those who crucify Him."  (From Eucharistic Whisperings - Father Winfrid Herbst, S.D.S.)