Prayer as a Path to Finding Joy in Suffering

This is a prayer that the Holy Spirit brought me to pray for the hurtful and misguided people in my life, i.e., what the Bible calls my "enemies."

   

May God bless you.

May He remove all evil from within you.

May He bring you joy, happiness, peace, and love.

And, May He open the windows for you to have a wonderful life.

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

May you reap its spiritual rewards, like my "enemies" and I seem to have reaped thus far.

image - https://channelingerik.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/FindingJoyInSuffering-600x314.jpg

Like/Follow a New Facebook Page!

I recently reached a point of frustration with the international denial of what abortion entails. So I started a Facebook Page entitled, "Let's Stop Killing Babies in the Womb." [To reflect a broader ProLife coverage, the name has since been changed to "Let There Be Life."]

It starts in the womb. The only way to abort a pregnancy or abort a baby is by killing the baby. There is just no getting around it. By using vocabulary that reflects what really happens, truth and awareness can permeate our society and eventually lead more people to support Life.

Of course, ProLife isn't only about saving a baby; it's about raising a child. So tangential efforts include developing more efficient and loving adoption alternatives, getting pregnant women groceries and vitamins if they cannot afford them, guiding them in getting driver's licenses, health insurance for all involved. And more. Maybe you can help?

We are called by God and by each other to treat pregnant women in crisis with dignity. Telling them the truth is a good start. I hope you join the conversation. Click here.

Blessings,
Kathleen+

 New Facebook Page

Let's Stop Killing Babies in the Womb 

[To reflect a broader ProLife coverage, the name 
has since been changed to "Let There Be Life."]


 

https://www.facebook.com/lettherebelife1/

image - FB Page

Call to Prayer - Rosary Coast To Coast - October 7, 2018

This is especially dear to me since October 7 is the day I came back into the Catholic Church after many years away.  That was in 1997. The Feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary.   

Visit RosaryCoastToCoast.com

Feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary - Happy 20th Anniversary to Me!

October 7 is a favorite day of mine. First, it's the Feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. How awesome, in the true sense of the word, is that?  I love the Rosary and continue to pray it every day.

Second, October 7 is the day I came back into the Catholic Church, at St. Benedict Abbey, Still River, MA, after being lost for many years in the secular world.  The Sisters of Saint Benedict Center, Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Still River, MA, were instrumental in my return as well. That was in 1997. Today, October 7, 2017, is 20 years later, representing the 20th anniversary of my return! Yes, I am jumping up and down. God is good.

OTHER TIDBITS ABOUT THE ROSARY

The Rosary May Not Be In The Bible But...

~~~

It is beyond beneficial to pray the Rosary, not only for you, but for all those for whom you lift up in your intentions before using the beads. If you don't know the Rosary yet, here is one source of many to get you started.



                                                                            ~~~
Earlier this year, I went to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, Mexico. She is the Patroness of the Americas and the Patroness of the Unborn. While at the shrine, I was shown a wonderful Rosary in the store I entered. Each of the Our Fathers is a carved metal rose backed by a depiction of Our Lord's life.  The crucifix is my favorite part. In the center is a little bubble. When you hold it up to the light, right up to your eye, Our Lady of Guadalupe appears! It's beautiful. And it's scented with a magnificent aroma.

Our Lady of Guadalupe appears to Juan Diego at Tepeyac Hill.
She gives him roses as proof of her appearance.

~~~

RELATED POSTS

My Conversion Story

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary - Why 19?

Fighting the Good Fight

 A Woman In Support of An All-Male Priesthood (go to the middle of p.32). This was published on a previous anniversary.

Loving Those Rosary Beads

The Rosary Army

Happy Feast Day of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary

Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine Trip Report


  Pray the Rosary.

In JMJ+,
Kathleen





images - https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/ 
- http://f.tqn.com/y/catholicism/1/S/x/-/-/-/Iraqi_Christians_Pray_Rosary.jpgimages/I/51Z5ZhY-3iL.jpg
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQJTaKHnoVt9LDWwyXCFk-6U4HR1b3jWpOPz6QSureJ9JEC68KTd7rEnAqtEtt3PbYul3yHiuSA9m2MlwcUzEE4Ztd1EQ8d5awPm20BkzcDZNDLTeemBgcvLGVLiLVldVeMjuU0y7aT4/s1600/juan+diego+and+virgin+de+guadalupe.jpg
- http://www.hail-mary-rosaries.com/images/CD_Praying_with_Our_Lady_of_the_Most_Holy_Rosary.jpg

8 Things Every Catholic Should Be Doing Every Day - #5, Talk About [and to] God

                 

 5. Talk about God [and to God]
I'm not sure why we lose our childhood wisdom and innocence, but we can get it back. Do you remember having an imaginary friend? Talking to her, feeding her, playing games with her, and including her in everything. That's what #5 is about, except that the friend is not imaginary in this case. The friend is real and omnipotent. Talk to Him, offer Him a sacrifice, play games with Him, feed Him "dinner," tell Him your woes, thank Him for bringing you into this world, ask Him to care for your children, mention Him in a conversation with another adult or a child -- all day long. It is the most important relationship we will have, so we must find ways to nurture and rely upon it.

God is a personal God. Imagine if we all tapped into this wonderful resource. +

       
         



images - http://www.biblechurch.org/chbc/images/sermons/TalkToGod.jpg
- https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b8/22/df/b822dfcb98e1370ed12380dc8e3f49dd.jpg 
- http://www.lovethispic.com/uploaded_images/68732-Talk-To-God-Though-Short-Little-Prayers.jpg
- http://www.christianitycove.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/TalkAboutGod_thumb1.jpg
- http://www.godtalkstoyou.com/images/God%20Wants%20To%20Talk%20To%20You.jpg
- http://tuneinnmusic.com/images/Acm-You%20can%20talk%20to%20God.png
- http://www.biblequotebook.com/go/images/if-you-are-afraid-talk-to-god-47.png

1. Start Your Day With Prayer, Your Bible, and a Talk With Your Mother (Mother Mary, that is)

I'm following up on my previous blog entry, so let's get started.

Reminder: 8 Things Every Catholic Should Be Doing Every Day is of the theme, "Back to Basics," at least in my discernment. Venturing down that pathway, we attempt to strengthen our love for God by resetting our compasses in an attempt to get closer to Him. Because we are humans, it is a meager attempt, but God will augment our efforts.

The approach embraces the gradual inclusion of new practices, so we stay enthused about our mission. It is a reminder that the "8 Things" and the "Back to Basics" theme are acts of love. Here is suggestion #1:

1. Start your day with prayer, your Bible, and a talk with your Mother, i.e., our Mother 
    Mary.

     PRAYER     
     Every day is a new opportunity to seek God's will - so that we may carry it out. 

     An effective way of doing both is this morning ritual. 

     I do parts of this already, but I need some tuning up. That means, if I want to grow 

     closer to God, I need to improve my discipline. I need to follow through on my 

     commitment to start the day with prayer. When I do follow my discipline, I usually 

     say 1 of 2 prayers, or both. 1) St. Ignatius of Loyola's "Suscipe."

Lord Jesus Christ, please take all my freedom,

my memory, my understanding, and my will.

All that I have and cherish,

you have given me.

I surrender it all to be guided by Your will.

Your love and Your grace

are wealth enough for me.

Give me these, Lord Jesus,

and I ask for nothing more.

Amen.

     Or, 2) The Third Step Prayer In 12-Step Programs

And I add, "through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen."

     The Holy Spirit will guide you in developing your own routine with the prayers that draw 
     you closest to God. As always happens in the spiritual life, you may eventually change 
     those prayers.


     THE BIBLE
     Last year, I decided I wanted to read the whole Bible, not necessarily the Commentary
     and other reading that helps bring further enlightenment, but at least the Bible itself.
     I was going to read it chronologically, by chapter anyhow. I started out reading it in the 
     morning, like this suggestion suggests, then I found myself slipping and trying to 
     read it before bed. Let's just say, I need to regroup and try again.


     TALK WITH YOUR MOTHER
     I love having Mary as my spiritual mother. Of course, she fills in for all the deficiencies 
     of my mother here on earth, who I also love and miss. She passed away 2-1/2 years
     ago. I sometimes pray/talk with Mary in the morning, but it has not been a discipline of 
     mine. I usually connect with her later in the day, on a whim.  I like the idea of regularly 
     checking in with her first thing.  I am going to give it a try - sometime soon.

Please pray that I find the fortitude to persevere and strengthen my relationship with God. 
I pray the same for all of you. +


Next Blog Entry - Suggestion #2. Smile, Use Your Manners, Be Kind, Give Out Hugs



images - https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/64/96/db/6496db42b41d3c5f84b7d5e7356402b2.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d6/15/eb/d615ebb02a98019f192dad8ff45f235e.jpg

Beautiful Womanhood

My older son is coming home to visit soon and my mind stepped back in time to when the Empty Nest Syndrome was ruling my roost. I was reminded of when he & his younger brother were steadily in college and not at home. My heart ached - and was elated for them as well. At different times, I experienced different layers of all that is associated with children flying the coop. This time, I reflected back to when I was pregnant. I reflected on the fact that I cannot be and never will be pregnant again. I have gone through menopause, and as many positive things there are about this phase of my life, I rue about what at times feels like a loss of my femininity. No more menstrual cycles, no more pregnancies, no more babies to rear, no more soccer games to attend.  

Many women embrace and are glad about those facts. I, however, still yearn for another child. I want to be vibrantly pregnant again. I want the chance to be less neurotic. In between, I want my menstrual cycle, not only because it signifies that I could get pregnant (God willing), but because it was integral to my womanhood. It provided a cadence to my female life. Without it, I have at times been at a loss about who I am. Of course, the loss has diminished with time, and with prayer and Jesus and the Catholic faith, I have been blessed with the opportunity to expand my development of the word womanhood into later stages of life. 

Given the fact that I was repulsed by and even afraid of my womanhood for so long in my younger years (see my conversion story), this is a miracle of sorts. I love being female. I love being a woman. I love men being men. I love that I can let men be men, unlike my pre-Catholic-conversion when I was angry and usually felt that women got short changed.

Perhaps if my marriage did not end up in divorce, and perhaps if my husband and I had ten+ children, my yearning to have more would have less pull on me. But maybe not. 

My mind will now step back into today where I can appreciate the depth and beauty of God's gift of reminiscing. He truly is amazing.

In JMJ+,

Kathleen

image - http://beautifulwomanhood.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/BW_logo.png

Princess Bride Revisited - Prepare to Pray

        "Hello. My name is Kathleen Laplante. You killed my Father's Son. Prepare to pray."

That is my spoof on a popular quote from the movie Princess Bride.  I am being silly, but there is some truth to it.  Jesus was killed and we must continue to pray.  In one form or another, our lives can become prayer, especially during Lent.

Prayer is one of the three stabilizing legs of the Lenten season:  prayer, fasting, almsgiving.  “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour?" (Matthew 26:40) is the famous phrase the disappointed Jesus says to the Apostles, when they fall asleep on Him that foreboding night.  We may fall short like the Apostles, but the point is to strive to make all things prayer.

Monks are familiar with that concept.  Prayer is their life and they have a lot to teach us.  Once a year, the monks at St. Benedict Abbey in Still River, MA, bring in a speaker/leader and go on retreat for a week.  Last October, Fr. Cassian of San Benedetto in Italy was the speaker.  He gave ten conferences which had the common thread of "praying without ceasing".  The list is below.

Please go to CONFERENCES ON PRAYING WITHOUT CEASING for the links.  Fr. Cassain will be revealing one conference per week, every Friday, until just before Holy Week.  The first four have already been posted.

1. 2/7: Praying Without Ceasing (49:00)
2. 2/14: Praying the Divine Office: The Connection with the Desert Tradition (44:12)
3. 2/21: Praying the Divine Office: Nihil Operi Dei Praeponatur (Let Nothing Be Preferred to the Work of God) (45:51) [included handout]
4. 2/28: Lectio Divina (41:24)
5. 3/7: Personal Prayer; St. John Cassian (46:07)
6. 3/14: Personal Prayer; Lessons from the Rule of St. Benedict (36:49)
7. 3/21: The Minor Orations; The Eucharistic Prayer (41:42) [included handout]
8. 3/28: Mass Euchology in the Roman Canon (38:35)
9. 4/4: The Mass Chants (46:37) [included handout]
10. 4/11: The Ordo Missae (The Order of the Mass) (44:00) [included handout]

Wishing you a Blessed and Holy Lenten Season,
Kathleen +



image - http://osbnorcia.org/2014/02/21/conferences 

I Am The 51-Year-Old Who Wrote To The 14-Year-Old

Warning:  Graphic language in title of article

I read this article today:

I'm The 14-Year-Old Who Wrote The "Jesus Isn't A Dick So Keep Him Out of My Vagina" Sign In Texas And Was Labeled A "Whore" By Strangers Online

 

Then I wrote to the author:

 

Dear Tuesday,

You write, "I know someone who has had a few abortions. She now says that abortion is bad and she fights against a woman's right to choose." Listen to her. She knows what she's talking about.

As for the mother's right to choose, she has always had the right and always will -- to choose to engage in sex.  That is where the choice begins. She knows the consequences before she engages, and if she wants to be seen as a mature woman, she should either accept the consequences of her decision by giving birth to her baby if she becomes pregnant, or she should not engage in sex at all.

I am praying for you, Tuesday.  I am sure a lot of other people are too. I am hopeful that you will eventually have a conversion (hopefully before you have any abortions yourself) and realize the primary fight of ProLifers is for the baby's right to life.  The woman already has one.

Just remember that someone honored your right to life and brought you to where you are today.  Would you really want to go back in time and ask your mother to consider aborting you? Peace.

image - http://www.mdrtl.org/aboutus.html

I Choose To Be Optimistic About Marriage

Today, a gentleman I know told me he and his wife will soon be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary.  I congratulated him and I said, "You know, not a lot of people can say that these days."  That's the unfortunate truth.

I looked at him, and from my heart I said, "Good for you."  I truly cherish long-term anniversary announcements, maybe because my marriage only made it to eleven years, maybe because a lot of couples aren't even making it that far, and maybe because I have come to treasure marriage after I learned so much about it during my divorce and then during my annulment and then during the ongoing forgiveness and reconciliation that occurred between my ex-husband and me as we reared our children from separate households and simply grew softer with time.

I pray that  that men and women will eventually wake up to the mayhem which they have caused counter to the holy institution and Sacrament of marriage these years, and I pray that we will return to a society in which marriage is the bedrock.  If we can't do that, then I hope we come to a society in which those of us who believe marriage is the cornerstone of our existence, are allowed to freely embrace that lifestyle.

I not only pray for these things, I pray for these things with the hope of the Risen Christ.

Congratulations Jack!!


image - http://www.natcom.org/CommCurrentsIssue.aspx?volume=6&issue=1

The Pharisees Exist Among Us

I asked a friend of mine recently for a ride to the bus stop, where I was going to catch a bus to see my son.  His reply was basically no.  His reason?  He had to attend his Bible study.  Now I know we are not supposed to judge others, but I can't help myself in this case.  I know him.  He goes to his Bible study group every week, and has gone every week for at least a couple years.

I can't help but think that this person is being like the Pharisees, who couldn't see the forest for the trees. They challenged Jesus because His disciples took, cleaned and ate some grain from a field they walked through on a Sabbath. They were quite hungry and were taking it for food, not for harvest. The Pharisees, however, claimed that Jesus allowed His disciples to work on the Sabbath.

Jesus and the Pharisees

Jesus reminded them that there are exceptions to laws.  In this case, when a person needs something very much, God's love is more important than His law.  The Pharisees were hyper-focused on the "rule" or the "law", such that they didn't see the bigger picture, which in this case is charity to a fellow Christian. 

In my example, my friend could not extend himself by missing his Bible study to bring me to the bus stop.  I may be off in my judgment of him, but even so, my idea is still valid.  We all know many Catholics who can not see the forest for the trees.  They are the Pharisees among us today.  I know, because, at times, I am one of them.

"Oh, Dear Jesus, please give me the grace to see clearly,

so that I may imitate You more closely."

image - http://www.stmaryswestmelbourne.org/homilies/95-twenty-second-sunday-in-ordinary-time-b.html

Christian Attitude

Jesus Washing the Apostles' Feet

I manage the Facebook Page for the Melkite Greek Catholic Church I attend.  I have been posting entries from the Primer of beliefs and traditions from the Eparchy of Newton's web site.  Today's was Christian Attitude.

Christian Attitude

The proper attitude of a follower of Jesus Christ is clearly written on every page of the New Testament: To be a servant to one another. As fallen human beings we have a desire for others to treat us with respect, honor, deference. Jesus taught us by His own sublime example, that this is wrong. He taught us that in His Kingdom the one who considers himself least is the greatest! As St. Basil the Great wrote: "Though He was in the bosom of His God and Father since before the beginning of time, He emptied Himself and took the form of a servant."

What is a servant? A servant is someone who is concerned about the needs of others rather than his on needs and who seeks not to receive respect but to give it to others. The paradox is that in this self-emptying (which we call metanoia) that we receive the highest possible honor: the Imitation of Christ our Savior!" - http://melkite.org/PRIMER.htm#Attitude

I have a hard time with this.  I think most people do in our society.  We can't seem to distinguish between being a servant and being a slave.  Where is the line crossed?  I don't know the answer, but I am pretty sure my mind tells me I am closer to the slave line more often than I really am.  Hence, I could be of service to more people than I currently am, and hence, most of us probably could be of more service than we are.

To top it off, there are groups like the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  I don't know if that is a proper use of the word.  I am an editor, so I seek these things out.  Slave usually connotes unwillful servitude.  I know there is nothing unwillful about these Slaves; I have seen some of them in action.  So I just don't get it.  I'll keep searching though.

"Lord Jesus, show me the way."

image - http://therosarytrail.com/jesus-as-servant/

Catholic Prayers From The East

I bought a wonderful Eastern prayer book published by Sophia Press.  It is called the Publicans Prayer Book.  When I read it, I yearn for the Divine.  Here are some samples.

Morning Prayer

O Heavenly King, Consoler, Spirit of Truth, present in all places and filling all things, the Treasury of Blessings and the Giver of Life, come and dwell in us, cleanse us of all stain and save our souls, O Good One!

Fifth Ode - Excerpt

You are the source of all light and Creator of the ages, O Lord:  direct us in the light of Your commandments, for we know no other God but You.

From The Great Fast, First Ode
It is time for repentance; I come to You, my Creator.  Remove my heavy yoke of sin, and in Your compassion, grant me the forgiveness of my sins.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!
Like the Prodigal, O Savior, I have squandered the wealth of my soul on dissolute living, and I am barren of the fruits of virtue.  In my hunger, I cry out:  O compassionate Father, come out to meet me and take pity on me!

From The Paschal Hour
Christ is risen from the dead, and by His death, He has trampled upon Death, and has given life to those who were in the tombs! (This sounds wonderful when chanted in church.)
From Anavathmi, p. 475
Many a pain have I sustained since my youth. Be my assistance, O my Savior, and save me.
O you, the enemies of Sion, flee in your shame before the Lord, for you shall wither like grass before the fire...

Prayer to Your Guardian Angel
O Holy Angel, interceding for my wretched soul and passionate life, forsake me not, a sinner, nor shrink from me for my intemperance. Give no place for the subtle demon to master me through the violence of my mortal body. Strengthen my poor and feeble hand, and guide me in the way of salvation. O holy Angel of God, guardian and protector of my wretched body and soul, forgive me for all the insults I have given You every day of my life, and for whatever sins I may have committed during the past night. Protect me during the present day, and guard me from every temptation of the Enemy, that I may not anger God by any sin. And pray to the Lord for me that he may strengthen me in His fear, and make me, His slave, worthy of His goodness. Amen.

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos
(Mother of God, i.e. Mary)O most Holy Lady, Mother of God, light of my poor soul, my hope, my protection, my refuge, my comfort and my joy:  I thank You for having enabled me to be a partaker of the most Pure Body and the most Precious Blood of Your Son.  Enlighten the eyes of my heart, You who carried the Source of Immortality.  O most tender and loving Mother of the merciful God, have mercy on me, and grant me a repentant and contrite heart with humility of mind...make me worthy always, even to my last breath, to receive the most Pure Mysteries of Christ for the healing of my soul and body.  Give me tears of repentance and thanksgiving, that I may  chant and praise You all the days of my life, You who are ever blessed and glorified.  Amen.


images - http://mi9.com/wallpaper/free-good-morning-rising-sun-wallpaper_84537/
http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/civil-religion/sharon-autenrieth/image_af5a113e-7036-11e0-9e6f-0019bb30f31a.html
http://www.examiner.com/eastern-orthodoxy-in-san-francisco/eastern-orthodoxy-101-theotokos

Fighting The Good Fight

This is one of those times I am really grateful for the Catholic Faith I have.  I am in a nice rhythm with my routine.   I am religiously (no pun intended) doing my Rosary every day, as well as other prayers.  I am going to Adoration in the area.  I am relaxed with my home/work balance.  And my Catholic friends keep me fresh in my practice by being great role models.

It is not always this way.  There are times when my Faith feels like a burden, when life is too much to bear.  It weighs heavy in my body.  I don't do my Rosary every day.  I skip Adoration.  I even skip Sunday Mass at times.  :-(   And lastly, my friends seem like saints with whom I can never compare.  At least that is what my brain starts saying.

I know the dark phase can be put to good use.  I know I can draw more closely to Jesus then.  But, I have to say, I enjoy the lighter phase much more and I am happy to be there right now.  As you can tell, I have a long way to go before I am a Saint who truly knows the joy of suffering.  :-)

Here are some of the prayers I pray.  The picture shows praying hands, but very often, I am walking, or baking, or straightening up the kitchen counter and saying these to God as I go.

Personal One-Line Prayers
Jesus, help me with my devotion to Mary.
Lord Jesus, help me.
Lord Jesus, what do You want of me today?
Lord Jesus, I am a sinner. Have mercy on me.
O Mary, Queen of Peace, bring peace to all of us who reside in this upside down world.
Joseph, please watch over my sons, in particular, my older one for whom you are his patron Saint.
O Mary, conceived without sin, please pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Personal Version of St. Ignatius' Suscipe
.
Lord, Jesus Christ, please take all my freedom, my memory, my understanding and my will.  All that I have and cherish, You have given me. 
I surrender it all, to be guided by Your will.
Give me Your love and Your grace, and I ask for nothing more.  Amen. 
 .
The Memorare [I think this prayer played a part in my recent heightened interest in Mary.  It's in blue for Our Lady  :-)  ]
.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known
that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession, was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother;
to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O Good Jesus, hear me.
Within Your wounds hide me.
Separated from You, let me never be.
From the wicked one, protect me.
At the hour of my death, call me,
and bid me close to You, that with the Saints
where I can live and reign with You forever and ever.  Amen.
images - http://www.monkrock.com/index.cfm?load=page&page=36
http://www.popchurch.net/category/prayer/
http://acatholichomejournal.blogspot.com/2011/01/solemnity-of-mary-mother-of-god.html