Harvesting The Fruits of Contemplation

Few Pontiffs spoke with such clarity and authority than the late St. John Paul II. Anchor your soul to the certainty of His teaching.  Run from those who wish to replace the clear waters of Truth with doubt and uncertainty. They will lead you to eternal damnation. Truth does not hide itself behind ambiguity. Satan does:  

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 . Pope Pius XI "Christ must reign in our minds – which must assent firmly and submissively to all revealed truth and to Christ’s teachings. He must reign in our wills – which should bow in obedience to God’s laws and precepts. He must reign in our hearts - which, turning aside from all natural desires, should love God above all things and cling to Him alone. He should reign in our bodies and members , which should serve as instruments of our soul’s sanctification." (From Encyclical Quas Primas)

Thank you Allison Gingras  (Reconciled To You) and Elizabeth Riordan ( Theology Is A Verb ) for another opportunity to re-publish our favorite posts on Worth Revisiting . Stop for a visit now (and every Wednesday). The gifted writers who post there each week will no doubt have much of value to offer you. We live in times where clarity is needed: Hijacked!!  (Originally published July 7, 2016) Let someone dare suggest that this nation has the absolute moral right and legal obligation to regulate the manner and numbers of individuals who seek to immigrate to this country and a hoard of Bishops will trip over their brothers' feet to get to a microphone and condemn the heartless Catholics who make such a suggestion.  Yet, let Planned Parenthood kill and cut human beings into parts for resale and nary a prolonged and outraged episcopal whisper is heard. Suggest doubling the hourly wage, providing free healt...

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons ) Jesus, who knew the human heart so well, could not bear to see us pine [in this valley of tears] till the end of life, without at least a foretaste of heaven. His love for us suffered at the thought of having to delay so long the full and total gift of Himself to us. And so, in order that our exile might be endurable, that we might enjoy already on earth the inebriating perfume of the purity of paradise, that we might begin even in this place of trial to taste the happiness to be found in the possession of God, to satisfy His love and be our consolation, He created an earthly heaven: the Eucharist. (From The Holy Eucharist by Father Jose Guadalupe Trevino)

When I opened my review copy of Dying For Compassion The Lady Doc Murders – Book Two, it was like reconnecting with a close friend whose company I have missed and desired for some time. After reading and reviewing Dr. Barbara Golder’s first book, Dying for Revenge -T he Lady Doc Murders – Book One, I remember exhorting others to pray that her second novel would not be long in coming. Finally, it’s here! This gifted story-teller did not disappoint. Within just a few pages, I was back in Telluride with Dr. Jane Wallace, her persistent and engaging Irish suitor, Eoin Conner, her priestly ally and adviser, Father Matt, and a cast of even more intriguing and troubled souls. It was like I had never left Colorado.  Although I was not surprised that Eoin continued his romantic pursuit of the good doctor and relief from canonical bars to his remarriage, I was entertained, intrigued and stunned by this fascinating and fast-paced murder mystery. The story line and cha...