The Inspired Traditionalist: July 2006

Monday, July 31, 2006

A Free Mind

From The Imitation Of Christ

Chapter 26

The Excellence of a Free Mind, Which is gained By Humble Prayer rather than by Reading

Disciple:

Lord, this is the work of a perfect man, never to let one's mind slacken from attending to heavenly things and to pass through many cares, as it were without care, not like one torpid, but by a certain prerogative of a free mind, which does not cleave by an inordinate affection to anything created.

2. Preserve me, I beseech thee, O my most merciful God, from the cares of this life-LUKE XXI. 34, that I be not too much entangled by them; from the many necessities of the body, that I may not be ensnared by pleasure, and from all hindrances of the soul, lest being over-come by troubles I be cast down.

I do not say from those things which wordly vanity covets with so much eagerness, but from those miseries, which, by the general curse of our morality, as punishments weigh down and keep back the soul of Thy servant from being able, when it will, to enter into liberty of spirit.

3. O my God, who art unspeakable sweetness, turn into bitterness for me all carnal comfort which withdraws me from the love of things eternal, and wickedly allures me to itself, by setting before me a certain present delightful good.

O my God, let not flesh and blood prevail over me- 1 COR. Xv. 50, let it not overcome me; let not the world and its transitory glory deceive me-JOHN II. 17; let not the devil overreach me by his devices.- 2 COR. II. 11.

Give me fortitude that I may stand my ground; patience, that I may endure, and constancy, that I may persevere.

Give me, in lieu of all the comforts of this world, the most delightful unction of Thy Spirit, and instead of carnal love, infuse into me the love of Thy name.

4. Behold! eating, drinking, clothing, and other necessaries appertaining to the support of the body, are burdensome to a fervent spirit.-WIS. IX. 15.

Grant that I may use such things with moderation, and not be entangled with inordinate affection.

It is not lawful to cast them all away, for nature must be supported; but to require superfluities and such things as are most delightful thy holy law forbids; for otherwise the flesh would grow insolent against the spirit.-GAL. V. 17.

In all this I beseech Thee let Thy hand govern and direct me, that I may no way exceed.

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Union With Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament

From The imitation of Christ

Chapter 13

A Devout Soul ought to Desire, With Her Whole heart, To be united to Christ in This Sacrament

Disciple:

Who will give me, O Lord, that I may find Thee alone, that I may open my whole heart to Thee, and enjoy Thee as my soul desireth; and that now no man may despise me-CANT. VIII. 1, nor anything created move me or regard me, but Thou alone speak to me, and I to Thee, as beloved is wont to speak to his beloved, and a friend to entertain himself with his friend.-EXOD. XXXIII. 11.
This I pray for, this I desire, that I may be wholly united to Thee and may withdraw my heart from all created things, and by the Holy Communion, and often celebrating, may more and more learn to relish heavenly and eternal things.
Ah! Lord God, when shall I be wholly united to Thee, and absorbed in Thee, and altogether forgetful of myself?

Thou in me, and I in Thee; and so grant us both to continue in one.-JOHN XV. 5.

2. Verily thou art my beloved, the choicest amongst thousands-CANT. V. 10, in whom my soul is well pleased to dwell all the days of her life.

Verily Thou art my peace-maker-CANT. VIII. 10, in whom is sovereign peace and true rest; out of whom is labor and sorrow and endless misery.

Thou art, in truth, a hidden God-IS. XLV. 15, and Thy counsel is not with the wicked; but Thy conversation is with the humble and the simple.-PROV. III. 32.

Oh, how sweet is Thy spirit, O Lord, who, to show thy sweetness towards thy children, vouchsafest to feed them with the most delicious bread which cometh down from heaven!-JOHN VI. 50.

Surely, there is no other nation so great, that hath gods so nigh them as Thou our God are present-DUET. IV. 7, to all Thy faithful; to whom, for their daily comfort, and for the raising up of their hearts to heaven, Thou givest Thyself to be eaten and enjoyed.

3. For what other nation is there so honored as the Christian people?

Or what creature under heaven so beloved as a devout soul, into whom God cometh, the He may feed her with His glorious flesh?

O unspeakable grace! O wonderful condescension! O infinite love, singularly bestowed upon man!

But what return shall I make to the Lord for this grace, and for so extraordinary a charity?-PS. CXV. 12.

There is nothing that I can give Him that will pleaase Him better, than if I give up my heart entirely to God, and unite it closely to Him.-PROV. XXIII. 26.

Then all that is within me shall rejoice exceedingly when my soul shall be perfectly united to my God; then He will say to me: If thou wilt be with Me, I will be with thee: and I will answer Him: Vouchsafe, O LOrd, to remain with me, and I will willingly be with Thee.

This is my whole desire, that my heart may be united to Thee.

Saturday, July 29, 2006

Coming Closer

From My daily Bread

Chapter 6

Coming Closer

Christ:

My Child, when I am present to you, all is well and nothing seems to difficult. When I speak to you, you need no human consolations. When I am silent, no human words can console you. Seek to realize how truly I am your All. Whatever helps you in this life is only an instrument of Mine.

2. It is a great accomplishment to know how to speak with Me. My conversation is with the humble and the simple. I speak to those who do not have a false idea of their own importance. My message is easily understood by those who do not complicate their lives with too many interests and useless activities.

3. Show me a true purity of soul. Refuse to depend too much on wordly consolation and do not look overanxiously for earthly remedies. In using natural remedies, you must still see My hand leading you on. You please me very much when you put your confidence in My understanding, interest, power and love.

4. When you have learned to concentrate on Me, no achievemnet or occupatio will distract you too much from Me. You will refuse to let your desires become too strong, no matter how good they may be. At all times you will be ready to give up whatever you are doing if I so wish. In all things, you will aim at nothing and desire nothing except My Will.

5. As far as you can control your earthly interests, only so far can you be united with Me. As freedom from wordly desires brings you My peace, so does freedom from worldly self- seeking bring you closer to My Heart.

Think:

No matter how good a work may be, I must not desire it so strongly that I lose my peace of soul. No matter how hard I may work on something, I should not become over-eager for success. God will bring success in His own way and in His own good time. My human nature is always looking for self-satisfaction. I can guard myself against all unreasonable self-love by abandoning myself to God's divine providence in all my undertakings. By accepting the results as His holy Will, I shall be giving Him the kind of glory which He desires of me. I shall eliminate all self-deception and shall attain true purity of heart. God will find no obstacles in me and He will draw me into a lasting friendship with Him.

Pray:

My Jesus, true center of my life, let my attention be so fixed on You that I may be aware of You in everything I do. I will never seperate myself from You by undue anxiety or over-eagerness for success. In the good works which I perform, I want You to take charge. I desire to surrender myself entirely to You in all my occupations. No longershall my will lead me on, but Yours. I shall always strive to make my best efforts. The results are Yours to decide. My greatest joy from now on will be to work for love of You. Amen

Friday, July 28, 2006

Peace and Progress

From The Imitation Of Christ

Chapter11

Acquiring Peace and Zeal for Our Spiritual Progress

We might have much peace if we would not busy ourselves with the sayings and doings of others and with things which belong not to us.

How can he remain long in peace who entangles himself with other people's cares, who seeks occasions abroad, and who is little or seldom inwardly recollected?

Blessed are the single-hearted for they shall enjoy much peace.

2. What was the reason why some of the saints were so perfect and contemplative?

Because they made it their study wholly to mortify in themselves all earthly desires; and thus were enabled, with every fibre of the heart, to cleave to God, and freely attend to themselves.

We are too much taken up with our own passions, and too solicitous about transitory things.
And seldom do we perfectly overcome so much as one vice nor are we earnestly bent upon our daily progress; and therefore we remain cold and tepid.

3. If we were perfectly dead to ourselves, and in no way entangled in our interior, then might we be able to relish things divine and experience something of heavenly contemplation.

The whole and greatest hindrance is, that we are not free from passions and lust and strive not to walk in the perfect way of the saints.

And when we meet with any small adversity we are too quickly dejected and turn away to seek after human consolation.

4. If we strove like valiant men to stand up in the battle, doubtless we should see our Lord help us from heaven.

For He is ready to help them that fight and trust in His grace: Who furnishes us with occasions of combat that we may overcome.

If we place our progress in religion in these outward observances only our devotion will quickly be at end.

But let us lay the axe to the root that, being purged from passions, we may possess a quiet mind.

5. If every year we rooted out one vice we should soon become perfect men.

But now we often find it quite otherwise: that we were better and more pure in the beginning of our conversion than after many years of our profession.

Our fervor and progress ought to be every day greater, but now it is esteemed a great matter if a man can retain some part of his first fervor.

If we would use but a little violence upon ourselves in the beginning, we might afterwards do all things with ease and joy.

6. It is hard to leave off our old customs; but harder to go against our own will.
But if thou dost not overcome things that are small and light when wilt thou overcome greater difficulties?

Resist thy inclination in the beginning, and break off thy evil habit, lest perhaps by little and little the difficulty increase upon thee.

Oh, if thou wert sensible how much peace thou wouldst procure to thyself and joy to others; by behaving thyself well thou wouldst be more solicitous for thy spiritual progress.

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Becoming a Companion of Jesus

From My Daily Bread

Chapter 35

Becoming a Companion of Jesus

Christ:

My Child, turn to Me as often throughout the day as your duties will permit. learn to turn to Me as others turn to their loved ones and friends. I will give your mind great thoughts, which will raise you above your narrow earthly view. My thoughts will refresh you, console you, make you wise, strengthen you, and give you joy.

2. Prepare your soul for My loving companionship, and I shall draw closer to you with greater graces. I shall raise you up from your natural human level to My heavenly heights. there you will have a broader view of life, a deeper understanding, and a greater strength for life's daily activities and burdens.

3. Strive to meditate upon My earthly life. learn to enter into all that I have experienced on earth. Every thought, every word, every act of Mine was lived for the love of you. You have a place in My earthly life, and My life belongs to you. Therefore, learn to share in it now through meditation and reflection.

4. Learn to pierce the barriers of time and space by the use of prayer. The more you strive to step into My earthly life and become a companion of Mine in it, the more actively will I share your earthly life by granting you greater graces.

Think:

What a wonderful privilege- to be able to step into the earthly life of Jesus and become a closer companion of His! I can share His every thought, word, and action. Ah! But isn't that just a bit of imagination on my part? No. He lived every second of His earthly life for me. Being God, He thought of me personally from all eternity. Surely He did not stop thinking of me while He was working out my salvation. Because of His infinite love for me, His earthly life belongs to me. for my sake he lived each moment of it. I have every right to step into it and share it with Him through mental prayer, I can do this by contemplating what He did, meditating on what He said, and considering what He thought and felt in each event.

Pray:

My loving Saviour, my heart is overflowing with joy having discovered a precious secret today! I can step over the barriers of time and space. I can come to You in Your earthly life as You come into mine. Today I have found You in a new way. I will not let You go, but will hold on to You. I desire to do whatever is necessary to become a true companion of Yours. As earthly friendship requires time, attention, and sympathetic understanding, so to will I give you my time, my attention. I will make my best efforts to nderstand you better. by daily meditating upon what you said and did in Your earthly life. I shall read a portion of Your life and mentally live it with You for a while each day. You will grant me the grace to gain the same benefits from this experience as i might have gained Had I follwed You as one of Your disciples. Lord, grant me the faith and the love which i need to give myself to You in this wonderful method of prayer. Amen.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Daily Need of Patience

From My Daily Bread

Chapter 51

Daily Need of Patience

Christ:

My child, though you may plan all things and arrange everything with the greatest care, you will still have many opportunities to exercise the virtue of patience. You cannot eliminate the unexpected, the unforseen, and the unavoidable. In many cases your best remedy and weapon will be an intelligent patience with yourself as well as others.

2. Every man has his daily share of troubles and trials. sometimes it may be bodily pain and discomfort. At other times it may be mental or spiritual suffering, some annoyance, disappointment, or anxiety. Sometimes you may feel that I have deserted you. Then again, you may have to bear misunderstandings, misinterpretations, or even bad will from your neighbor. In fact, there are times when you are a burden and a bother to yourself.

3. Everybody would like to free of these trials, but it cannot be. They are a part of your earthly life. Wherever you turn, you will always find my cross in one form or another. Patience will help you bear it more easily. This virtue will help yoou keep your soul at peace, so that you may continue to walk toward Heaven in time of trials.

Think:

I see only too clearly how wonderful a virtue patience is. It is the key to peace, even joy, in time of trouble and suffering. I need never be surprised, resentful, disappointed, or sad when things go badly for me. Wherever I go, I bring with me one of my greatest troubles and burdens-myself, with all my unreasoning desires and endless wants. Through the virtue of patience I can gain greater possesion of myself. I shall more easily see how to deal with the trials facing me.

Pray:

My Jesus, King of true glory, You embraced a life of suffering and trials for love of me. You mounted a throne of shame and agony for my sins. Can I expect, or even desire, a life of ease, with everything going as I wish? When I consider what You chose to suffer for my sake, the disappointmensts, hatred, ingratitude, humiliation, injustice, and more, can I want a life of planned successes and pleasant friendships? No, Lord. If I really love You, I shall desire a patience to accept the heartaches, aggravations, and disappointments which come my way. Make me more like You in a life like Yours. No greater glory is possible to any man. Amen.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Feast of St James

A Must read Post

On the Feast of

St James.

Well done Tom!!!

Recta Ratio

Solitude and Silence

From the Imitation of Christ

Chapter 20

The Love of Solitude and Silence

Seek a proper time to retire into thyself, and often think of the benefits of God.
Let curiosities alone.

Read such matters as may rather move thee to compunction than to give thee occupation.
If thou wilt withdraw thyself from superflous talk and idle visits, as also from giving ear to news and reports, thou wilt find time sufficiient and proper to employ thyself in good meditations.

The greatest saints avoided the company of men as much as they could and chose to live to God in secret.

2. "As often as I have been amongst men" said a philosopher, "I have returned less a man;" this we often experience when we talk long.

It is easier to keep retired at home than to be able to be sufficiently upon one's guard abroad.

Whosoever, therefore, aims at arriving interior and spiritual things, must, with Jesus, go aside from the crowd.-JOHN V. 13.

No man is secure in appearing abroad, but he who would willingly lie hid at home.
No man securely speaks but he who loves to hold his peace.
No man securely governs but he who would willingly live in subjection.
No man securely commands but he who has learned well to obey.

3. No man securely rejoiceth unless he hath within him the testimony of a good conscience.-2 COR. I. 12.
Yet the security of the saints was always full of the fear of God.
Neither were they less careful or humble in themselves, because they were shining with great virtues and graces.
But the security of the wicked arises from pride and presumption; and will end in deceiving themselves.
Never promise thyself security in this life, though thou seem to be a good religious man, or a devout hermit.

4. Oftentimes they that were better in the judgement of men have been in greater danger by reason of their too great confidence.
So that it is better for many not to be altogether free from temptations but to be often assualted; that they may not be too secure lest, perhaps, they be lifted up with pride, or take more liberty to go aside after exterior comforts.

Oh how good a conscience would that man preerve, who would never seek after transitory joy, nor ever busy himself with the world!

Oh how great peace and tranquility would he possess, who would cut off all vain solicitude, and only think of things of God, and his salvation, and place his whole hope in God!

5. No man is worthy of heavenly comfort who has not diligently exercised himself in holy compunction.
If thou wouldst find compunction in thy heart retire into thy chamber, and shut out the tumult of the world, as it is written: "Have compunction in your chambers." -PS. IV. 5. Thou shall find in thy cell what thou shalt often lose abroad.

Thy cell, if thou continue in it, grows sweet; but if thou keep not to it it becomes tedious and distasteful. If in thy beginning of thy conversion thou accustom thyself to remain in thy cell and keep it well it will be to thee afterwards a dear friend and a most agreeable delight.

6. In silence and quiet the devout soul goes forward and learns the secrets of the Scriptures.

There she finds floods of tears, with which she may wash and cleanse herself every night, that she may become more familiar with her Maker, the farther she lives from all the wordly tumult.-PS. VI.

For God with His holy angels will draw nigh to him who withdraws himself from his aquaintances and friends.

It is better to lie hidden and take care of one's self than neglecting one's self to work even miracles.

It is commendable for a religious man to go seldom abroad, to fly being seen, and not desire to see men.

7. Why wilt thou see what thou must not have? "The world passeth away and the concupiscience thereof."-JOHN II. 17.

The desires of sensuality draw thee abroad, but when the hour is past what dost thou bring home but a weight upon thy conscience and a dissipation of heart.
A joyful going abroad often brings forth a sorrowful coming home; and a merry evening makes a sad morning.
So all carnal joys enter pleasantly but in the end bring remorse and death.
What canst thou see elsewhere which thou seest not here? Behold the heavens and the earth, and all the elements; for of these are all things made.

8. What canst thou see anywhere which can continue long under the sun?
Thou thinkest perhaps to be satisfied, but thou canst not attain to it.
If thou couldst see all things at once before thee what would it be but a vain sight?-ECCLES. I. 14.
Lift up thine eyes to God on high and pray for thy sins and negligences.-ECCLES. III. 4; PS. CXXII. 1.

Leave vain things to vain people, but mind thou the things which God hath commanded thee.
Shut thy door upon thee, and call to thee Jesus thy beloved.
Stay with Him in thy cell, for thou shalt not find such great peace anywhere else.
If thou hadst not gone abroad, nor hearkened to rumors, thou hadst kept thyself better in good peace; but since thou art delighted sometimes to hear news thou must thence suffer a disturbance of heart.

Monday, July 24, 2006

One year ago Today

Today marks the One Year Anniversary of The Inspired Traditionalst.

I would like to thank all my readers for the support I have received in this past year. I am very grateful for the wonderful people I have met.

I hope to continue this for a long time to come. I have received abundant graces in the last year that I am very grateful for as well.

I hope to meet many more beautiful people in the Blogger World

I am also looking forward to continuing with " Two Hearts Ablaze" (my joint site with Tom Fitzpatrick) as well. Thanks for tuning in and encouraging me

Sunday, July 23, 2006

God and His Creatures

From the Book My Way of Life

Confraternity of the Precious Blood

Chapter VIII

Work in World Government

A section taken from this chapter inspired from the reading of todays Gospel

Such works are wonderous to us, not because they are supernatural but because they so far surpass our own powers. Indeed Augustine points out, the prodigies of the devil are really lying wonders: "either because he will deceive mens senses by means of phantoms, so that he will not really do what he will seem to do; or because, if he works real prodigies, they will lead those into falsehood who believe in him." This hoary procedure of Satan has been employed for so many centuries that it has become almost a rigid routine in winning his dupes: startle them into a blind faith in him by showing them novelties beyond human power in order that, in that blindness, they might accept poisonous evil he has prepared for them. Men invite this very catastrophe when they search for knowledge of the future from stars, ouija boards, cards, tea leaves, palms, bumps on the head or self-induced darkness of the seance room. It is the element of reality behind good-luck charms, love potions, and voodoo curses; all these are invitations to the devil to exercise a power superior to that of the physical world.

Saturday, July 22, 2006

Compunction of Heart

This passage comes from My Daily Bread

The Confraternity of The Precious Blood

Chapter 22

Christ:

My Child, how can any man abandon himself to the pleasures of this earthly life?

Such people do not appreciate the miserable condition of their souls, nor the rapid passing away of this brief experience. They do not stop to think and to look beneath the surface of their daily activities. They laugh when they have many reasons to weep. Happy is he who can overcome the distractions which hinder him from straight thinking.

2. As for you, strive to develop within yourself a genuine compunction of heart. Compunction is a deep and lasting sorrow for your sins. It is not a gloomy or depressing sorrow, but an intelligent admission of your sins and a sincere determination to do something about them. Since compunction comes from a realization of how you have failed so good a God, it brings with it a readiness to accept anything from My Hand.

3. Compunction opens the way to many blessings and precious graces. When compunction fills your soul, the world will lose its magic attraction and will become more distasteful to you. Compunction will help you realize how quickly earthly joys pass away, while eternity goes on forever. You will see clearly that your sins have offended Me. One who has genuine compunction, is honest enough to admit his sins, and is truly sorry for them. His sorrow is proved by his sincere efforts to be rid of his faults.

Think:

Compunction is a great grace by which God helps me to face the truth about my sins. It also helps me to face the truth about my sins. It also helps me to prove my sorrow for my faults. By compunction a man begins to attack his faults and to practice the opposite virtues. I can be sure of my sincere sorrow only when I have begun to do something about my faults. Compunction is a lasting sorrow because it is not an emotion, but rather an intelligent admission of facts. It shows me my faults, God's goodness, and my own need to change for the better. Then it helps me undertake the daily taks of abandoning my faults and acquiring the opposite virtues.

Pray:

Lord, I want to live a cheerful life, but I do not want that kind of cheerfulness which refuses to admit the truth. I can admit my sins and still be cheerful, as long as I am doing my best to overcome and make up for these sins. I do not want any gift or talent which might make me proud, or worse in any way. Not everything that is high is holy; nor is every pleasant thing good. Good desires a re not always unselfish. You my Lord, are not always pleased with the things that we prize. It is far better to have compunction than to be able to talk about it. Grant me genuine compunction, so that i may hate my sins and daily fight against them. Amen

Friday, July 21, 2006

Interior Consolation

From the Imitation of Christ

Chapter 46

Having Confidence In God When Harsh Words Assail Us

Christ:

Son, stand firm and trust in Me; for what are words but words: they fly through the air, but hurt not a stone.
If thou art guilty think that thou wilt willingly amend thyself.
If thy conscience accuse thee not, think that thou wilt willingly suffer this for God's sake.
It is a small matter that thou shouldst sometimes bear with words, if thou has not as yet courage to endure hard stripes.
And why do such small things go to thy heart, but because thou art yet carnal, and regardest men more than thou oughtst!
For because thou art afraid of being despised, thou art not willing to be reprehended for thy faults, and seekest to shelter thyself in excuses.

2. But look better into thyself and thou shalt find that the world is still living in thee, and a vain desire of pleasing men.
For when thou art willing to be humbled nad confounded for thy defects, it is plain indeed that thou art not truly humble, nor dead to the world, nor the world crucified to thee.-GAL. VI. 14.
But give ear to My word, and thou shall not value ten thousand words of men.
Behold if all should be said against thee which the malice of men can invent hurt could it do thee if thou wouldst let it pass, and make no account of it? Could it even so much as pluck one hair from thee?-LUKE XXI. 18.

3. But he who has not his heart within, nor God before his eyes, is easily moved with a word of censure.
Whereas he that trusts in Me, and desires not to stand by his own judgement, will be free from fear of men.
For I am the judge and discerner of all secrets, I know how the matter passeth; I know both him that offers the injury, and him that suffers it.
From Me this word went forth: By My permission it happened, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed.-LUKE II. 35.
I shall judge the guilty and the innocent, but by a secret judgement I would beforehand try them both.

4. The testimony of men oftentimes deceives; My judgement is true, it shall stand and not be overthrown.-PS. XV. 10.
It is hidden for the most part, and to few laid open in everything; yet it never errs, nor can it err, even though to the eyes of the unwise it seems not right.
to Me, therefore must thou run in every judgement and not depend upon thy own will.
For the just man will not be troubled whatever happens to him from God.-PROV. XII. 21.
And if anything be wrongfully pronounced against him he will not much care.
Neither will he vainly rejoice if by others he be reasonably excused.
For he considers that I am He Who searcheth the heart and the reins-PS. VII. 10. Who judgeth not according to the face, nor according to human appearance.
For oftentimes that is found culpable in My eyes which in the judgement of men is esteemed commendable.

Disciple:

5. O Lord God, the just Judge, strong and patient, Who knowst the frailty and perverseness of men, be Thou my strength and all my confidence, for my own conscience sufficesme not.
thou knowest that which I know not, and therefore in every reprehension I ought to humble myself, and bear it with meekness.
Pardon me, I beseech Thee, in Thy mercy, as often as I have not done thus, and give me again the grace to suffer still more.
For better to me is Thy plenteous mercy for the obtaining of pardon, than the justice which I imagine in myself for the defence of my hidden conscience.
Although my conscience accuse me not, yet I cannot hereby justify myself-1COR. IV. 4. for setting Thy mercy aside, in thy sight no man living shall be justified.-PS.CXLII. 2.

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Inspirational Passages

I thought that I would like to take some inspirational passages from some of the readings that I come across in my daily prayers and post them for you to enjoy as well. I will try to post a daily read, (even if it be a short passage) to share as the Holy Ghost guides me.

Today from the Imitation of Christ by Thomas a` Kempis

Chapter 30

Asking Divine Assistance, and Confidence in Recovering Grace

Christ:
Son I am the Lord, who give strength in the day of trouble. -NATHUM I.7.
Come to Me when it is not well with thee.
This is that which most of all hinders heavenly comfort,that thou art slow in turning thyself to prayer.
For before thou earnestly prayest to Me thou seekest in the meantime many comforts and delightest thyself in outward things.
And hence it comes to pass that all things avail thee little till thou take notice that I am he that delivers those that trust in Me. Nor is there outside of Me any powerful help,or profitable counsel, or lasting remedy.

But now having recovered spirit after the storm grow thou strong again in the light of My tender mercies; for I am at hand to repair all, not only to the full, but even with abundance and above measure.

2. Is anything difficult to Me? or shall I be like the one that promises and does not perform?- JER.XXXII> 27; NUMB. XXIII. 19.

Where is thy faith? Stand firmly and with perseverence.
Have patience and be of good courage, cofort will come to thee in its proper season.
Wait for Me, wait, I will come and cure thee.
It is a tempatation that troubles thee, and a vain fear that frighens thee.
What does that solicitude about future aaidents bring thee but only sorrow upon sorrow? "Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof."_ MATT. VI. 34
It is a vain and unprofitable thing to conceive either grief or joy for future things, which perhaps will never happen.

3. But it is human to be deluded with such imaginations; and a sign of a soul that is yet weak to be easily drawn away by suggestions of the enemy.
For he cares not whether it be with things true or false that he abuses and deceives thee, whether he overthrow thee with the love of things present or the fear of things to come.
"Let not, therefore, thy heart be troubled and let it not be afraid."-JOHN XIV. 27.
Believe in Me and trust in My mercy.
When thou thinkest I am far from thee, I am often nearest to thee.
When thou judgesty that almost all is lost, then oftentimes it is that thou art in the way of gaining the greatest merit.
All is not lost when anything falls out otherwise than thou wouldst have it.
Thou must not judge according to thy present feeling, nor give thyself up in such manner to any trouble, whencesoever it comes, nortake it so as if all hope were gone of being delivered out of it.

4. Think not thyself wholly forsaken, although for a time I have sent theee some tribulation, or withdrawn from thee the consolation, or withdrawn from thee the comfort which thou desirest; for this is the way to the kingdom of heaven.
And without doubt it is more expedient for thee, and for the rest of my servants, that thou be exercised by adversities than that thou shouldst have all things according to thy inclination.
I know thy secret thoughts; I know that it is very expedient for thy soul that hou shouldst sometimes be left without consolation, lest hou shouldst be puffed up with much success and shouldst take complacence in thyself,imagining thyself to be what thou art not.
What I have given I can justly take away and restore it again when I please.

5. When I give it is still Mine; when I take it away again I take not anything that is thine; for every good gift and perfect gift is Mine.-JAMES I. 17.
If I sen thee affliction or any adversity, repine not, neither let thy heart be cast down.
I can quickly raise thee up again and turn all thy burden into joy.
Nevertheless, I am just and greatly to be praised when I deal thus with thee.

6.If thou think rightly and consider things in truth thou oughtst never to be so much dejected and troubled for any adversity, but rather to rejoice and give thanks.
Yea, even to account this as a special subject of joy, that afflicting thee with sorrows I spare thee not-JOB VI.10.

"As My Father hath loved Me I also have loved you," said I to My beloved disciples-JOHN XV.9, whom certainly I did not send to temporal joys, but to great conflicts; not to honors, but to contempt; not to idleness, but to labors; not to rest, bu to "bring forth much fruit in patience."-LUKE VIII. 15. Remember these words, O my son.

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Happy Birthday

Today celebrating a birthday is my fellow blogging partner Tom Fitzpatrick

Recta Ratio

Have a Great Birthday Partner and have a huge piece of that chocolate cake

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Happy Fourth of July

I hope all of you have a safe and Happy Independence Day. Be careful with the fireworks!! And if you are anything like me and have to work tommorrow........And don't want to stay up late for the Spectacular Events you can always check out the links posted over at

Recta Ratio

I am kind of a "DUD", LOL, when it comes to being up past my bed time, so I think I will take Tom's suggestion and a good one at that. HMMMM what kind of wine shall I have???

Monday, July 03, 2006

SACRIFICE

Sacrifice is something that all of us do from time to time. We make exceptions for loved ones and friends. We try very hard to accommodate the ones we care for, and for the most part we do it without even thinking. This is something that the Lords expects from us.
But, for some this is a difficult task. There are those who do not find giving of themselves an easy thing to do. What may come naturally and without much consideration, can be quite the opposite for someone else. We can be very selfish and not want to go out of our way or routine for anything or anyone.
Christ made the ultimate sacrifice, He died for us. Although we can't just give up our lives for the sake of another we can give ourselves in other ways.
Put someone ahead of your own needs. Do something to brighten someones day, even just a kind word to a total stranger in the grocery store. Make someone feel special. Go the extra mile for someone at work.
Lent shouldn't be the only time you think of sacrificing of yourself. Almsgiving, Penances and Mortifications should be practised regularly and with complete oblation to Our Lord.
Marriage, Friendship and Our Children can be some of the most difficult relationships that people can find trouble in giving of themselves. Some find it easier to be more charitable toward their neighbor than their own flesh and blood. This can be a fear of being rejected by a loved one or a case much more serious. The first steps towards true Charity can be difficult and almost impossible for some to bear. We need to pray for those who have trouble dealing with Sacrifice and Hope the Holy Ghost will guide them to a closer union with God.
So for many of us who try to lead a truly Christ- like lifestyle, let us not forget that this can be difficult for many. May we try to be role models for these people so that they become more like Jesus

The Inspired Traditionalist

Monday, July 31, 2006

A Free Mind

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Union With Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament

Saturday, July 29, 2006

Coming Closer

Friday, July 28, 2006

Peace and Progress

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Becoming a Companion of Jesus

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Daily Need of Patience

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Feast of St James

Solitude and Silence

Monday, July 24, 2006

One year ago Today

Sunday, July 23, 2006

God and His Creatures

Saturday, July 22, 2006

Compunction of Heart

Friday, July 21, 2006

Interior Consolation

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Inspirational Passages

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Happy Birthday

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Happy Fourth of July

Monday, July 03, 2006

SACRIFICE

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