Harvesting The Fruits of Contemplation

 Let us end this Month of the Most Holy Rosary with these thoughts: “The Rosary is a powerful weapon to put the demons to flight and to keep oneself from sin… If you desire peace in your hearts, in your homes, and in your country, assemble each evening to recite the Rosary. Let not even one day pass without saying it, no matter how burdened you may be with many cares and labors .” (Pope Pius XI –   Encyclical - Gravescentibus malis )

 ( (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.   From much of what has been written recently, some would have us conclude that the problems with, within the Catholic Church and with how the secular world views the Church are the result of the Church’s obstinate insistence on hammering home one difficult moral principle after another and its failure to make its primary mission the physical, emotional, medical, and social well-being of all those in need. (Abbey at Genesee) Correct me if I am wrong. Is it not beyond dispute that most individuals claiming to be Catholic (and certainly most non-Catholics) do not even know the essential Truths of the Catholic Faith or the reason why the Church teaches these Truths?   Is this not the result of po...

(St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, NYC) It's Sunday (almost) and time to join an interesting group of Catholic bloggers at RAnn's place  where you are sure to find something that will touch your heart and stir your soul. Take a few minutes and visit! This week's question: my favorite saint. St. Catherine of Siena.  Read her biography, The Life of St. Catherine of Siena written by her confessor, Blessed Raymond of Capua and The Dialogue , a spiritual classic, and you will love her too.

As Catholics,  the Eucharist must be the source, center and summit of our lives - that which fuels, sustains and transforms our lives here on earth. This Truth can never be repeated or shared enough. May this small sampling of Eucharistic images found on Pinterest reignite a passion for our Eucharistic Lord in our hearts, minds and souls.

"Praying the rosary with Mary is a memorial – making present in our own time an event in salvation history. By mediating on the mysteries of the Rosary, Mary brings that event to us, so we can experience its power and grace.   Mary draws us to her Son.   Use your imagination. Meditate on the mysteries.   It will help you grow in your relationship with Jesus.   We are with Him and with Mary in these events."   (Father George P. Schommer, O.P.)

(Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center)   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 “The Church exists to serve man by showing him the ultimate truths that pertain to his spiritual well-being. It exists to show man the path to heaven and salvation, and to light his way on the path with the light of Christ. It is false to its vocation when it is more concerned with man’s temporal happiness and well-being than the State of his immortal soul.” (From Lumen Gentium: The Church of Our Time Looks at Herself )   St. Francis de Sales   “Tribulations considered in themselves are dreadful things: looked at in God’s Will, they are things of love and delight.” ((From Finding God’s Will For You )   Ven. Fulton J. Sheen “Tolerance applies only to persons, but never to principles. Intolerance applies only ...

  Here’s the latest review from award winning author, Karen Kelly Boyce.   This book is still available for only $.99 . What are you waiting for? Get your copy HERE! In this fascinating collection of short stories and essays, author Michael Seagriff, leads the reader into a multi-generational world view that includes humor, common sense, and a sense of the eternal. He looks back in time to his beloved father and introduces the reader to a man who put his family before himself and depended on God for all things.