A Prayer Group Tale

Everything about the Prayer Group irritated the pastor, Father Diotrophes.  They were overly pious.  Because of their kindheartedness, he couldn’t be angry with them.  But he was.  Their leader wore a pectoral cross, bigger than the pope’s.  He was a little deaf, so when he was told something, he just gave you that subservient, obedient smile, nod, and move on.  You never knew if he understood what you said, or he understood, and decided to ignore you, or he forgot.

The others in the group, which was only about two or maybe three, were inconsequential.  It really was a lame little group.  They have the entire church to meet in and they met in the sacristy.  They’re in the way.  Father Diotrophes told the leader to move, but they still met in the sacristy.  And their junk was everywhere.  In the vestry drawers were bottles of holy water, prayer books, holy cards, a relic, rosaries, chaplets, etc.  Milk crates filled with their Bibles, Catechisms, music, Magnificats, etc. , were stacked in a corner.  The metal closet housed their statues, large crucifix, and candles.
They were less than a handful of people, and they took over the church!

It was a ridiculous situation. Father prayed over it.

Since asking them to move, didn’t work, he had to take matters directly in his hands.  They didn’t take hints, either.  Father was abrupt and sharp with them, but they obediently accepted whatever he threw at them.  Then they’d forget and go back to doing whatever they did.

What did they do?  Well, they prayed the rosary.  They were forever rattling their beads.  How could they stand it?  Sure the rosary was a catholic tradition.  But nowadays, people are more educated and need Lectio Divina, and scripture sharing, and book discussion groups.  Perhaps, he should try a different tactic and shepherd them more.

Yes, that’s what Father Diotrophes decided.  He’d help them.
 
And that’s how Father Diotrophes came to find himself praying the rosary, one night.  He was sitting in the middle of them.  At least, he got them to move out of the sacristy and into a back room!  (They’d probably forget and be back there, next week.)  They took forever praying the rosary.  They added what they called the Fatima prayer, and then they had a personal intention for each decade.  Whew!  They turned a ten minute prayer into a routine that was longer than his Mass!  And that’s not all.  They had what seemed like a hundred “add-ons!”   Once the rosary was completed, they added an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be, for the intentions of the Holy Father.  Then they added three Hail Mary’s for an end to abortion.  Then they prayed a prayer to St. Michael, the Archangel.  Then a prayer for priests.  Then he forgot what else because he zoned out.

Good grief.  Lord have mercy.

Finally, it came to an end.  They were so happy and proud, and looked up to Father Diotrophes with such respect and reverence, that he felt his distemper melt away.  He explained to them that the rosary was good, but he wanted them to learn about their faith, and he introduced a form of prayer called Lectio Divina. This is a slow, contemplative praying of the Scripture.  Lectio Divina will give them rhythm. Within this rhythm, they will discover an increasing ability to offer more of themselves and their relationships to the Father, and to accept the embrace that God is continuously extending to them in the person of his son, Jesus Christ.

Father Diotrophes was very proud of himself.  They asked no questions.  He was encouraged and continued.  “Prayer is standing in the presence of God with the mind, that is, at that point of our being where there are no divisions or distinctions and where we become one with Him.  There God’s Spirit dwells and hearts speak to hearts, because we are standing before the face of the Lord, all-seeing, within us.”

The group was enthralled.  “Yes, Father.”  They said in chorus.

Father Diotrophes was satisfied.  He left them smiling and bowing.  Father was happy to have done some pastoral work, and felt pretty good about himself.

But, just as his hand was about to turn the knob on the door, the group came running to him, “Father, Father, we have forgotten the prayer you taught us.”  And as he turned around to face them, his mouth opened in astonishment.

The three of them seemed transfigured before him.  Their clothes were brilliantly white.  And their faces!  (Dear God!)  Their faces were radiant.  An aura surrounded them so incandescent, that he had to close his eyes and step back.
When he opened them, everything was back to ordinary.

Father Diotrophes, overwhelmed by what he saw said, “Just continue, praying the Rosary.  Our Lord loves to hear your prayers to His Mother.”

Sunday Snippets--A Catholic Carnival

This is an experiment.  I'm diving into the pool, head first.  I'm joining a group of Catholic bloggers at RAnn's place. Take a few minutes and visit!  

As I understand it, I'm to link to my weekly posts.  Since I post, just about every single day, I'm only linking to my week's favorites.

Monday and Tuesday, I posted about American Catholicism.

Tuesday began strange.  I really didn't have anything to write about except my walk.  Well, I was very surprised to see the hits I got.  More than usual!  So I have to note that post.

Wednesday I don't think would interest anyone.  But Thursday's Swimming in God was good.  I think so, anyway.

Friday was just what you would expect of me.  Nothing new.  Saturday would only be of interest to Dominicans.  And today, Sunday was bleh.

So four post I'd like to offer the Catholic Carnival at This n' That Blogspot.

Community

There are all sorts of communities.  I fit into many.  The one that I'm most comfortable in is my religious community.  However, next would be my parish community.  In both these, I can be "me."  In my work community I have to think.  You never know what repercussions might follow any careless comments I might make.  The same with internet communities.  My neighborhood community has to be kept at a respectful distance.  I don't particular like some of these people, but we're neighbors, if not friends.

Today, at a going away reception for our parish priest, I experienced my parish community.  I feel that we related to each other as Christ did.  I helped serve others.  Fellowship with Christ means fellowship with my brothers and sisters.  After all, we make up the body of Christ.  In listening to the different conversations of my brothers and sisters I felt, and saw, how open and receptive we are to each other. Our responses seemed so respectful and considerate of each other.

It just reminded me that wherever Christians come together in His name, He is present.  He was there.

Blessed Diana, Cecilia, and Amata

According to the Order of Preachers Calendar, today is the memorial of Bl. Diana and Cecilia.  I don't know why Amata isn't included, because she's Blessed, too.  In fact, the three of them are buried together.  That's why I've included all three.

Diana is the one we know about.  Cecilia, less so.  Amata we know virtually nothing.  Diana and Cecilia have noble families.  Diana's family opposed her entering the convent.  St. Dominic, himself, gave Diana her habit.  It took a few years before Diana's family finally gave into her entering religious life.

Mostly, we know about Diana because of her correspondence with the second Master of the Order, Jordan of Saxony.  She kept all his letters.  He wrote to her because of St. Dominic's concern for her, personally, but also to support her in her leadership as the Mother Superior of her convent.

Let us honor these blessed virgins by loving one another with mutual affection, as they taught us.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus

Quite a while ago, a prophet once told me that I would have a great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

I was sort of put off by that prophecy.  Some pictures depicting the sacred heard of Jesus are too gory.  I guess that was the artistic style of the times.  Other pictures are too sappy: doe eyed Jesus, effeminate Jesus, just ridiculously silly.

So the pictures didn't turn me on.  Maybe the story of the devotion would draw me into Jesus' heart.  It starts with a Visitation Sister, Margaret Mary Alacoque, in the seventeenth century.  She was blessed with heavenly visions.  And she was so blessed by Jesus giving her His heart and teaching her what it meant (His unmitigated love, compassion, and suffering for humanity) and asking her to tell others of His heartfelt love.

Over the years, the devotion has grown.  I have an image of the sacred heart in my bedroom and I sometimes meditate on it.  Today, the nineteen day after Pentecost is the Feast of the Sacred Heart and I'm going to try and make the nine first Fridays as the following Promises describe.

Promises of the Sacred Heart[edit]

Basilica of the Sacred Heart inKoekelberg, Brussels, Belgium

Sacred Heart Basilica, Paris.

Jesus Christ, in his appearances to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, promised these blessings to those who practice devotion to his Sacred Heart. This tabular form of promises was not made by Saint Margaret Mary or her contemporaries. It first appeared at 1863. In 1882, an American businessman spread the tabular form of the promises profusely throughout the world, the twelve promises appearing in 238 languages. In 1890, Cardinal Adolph Perraud deplored this circulation of the promises in the tabular form which were different from the words and even from the meaning of the expressions used by St. Margaret Mary, and wanted the promises to be published in the full, authentic texts as found in the writings of St. Margaret Mary.^[29]

1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
2. I will give peace in their families.
3. I will console them in all their troubles.
4. I will be their refuge in life and especially in death.
5. I will abundantly bless all their undertakings.
6. Sinners shall find in my Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall rise speedily to great perfection.
9. I will bless those places wherein the image of My Sacred Heart shall be exposed and venerated.
10. I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.
11. Persons who propagate this devotion shall have their names eternally written in my Heart.
12. In the excess of the mercy of my Heart, I promise you that my all powerful love will grant to all those who will receive Communion on the First Fridays, for nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance: they will not die in my displeasure, nor without receiving the sacraments; and my Heart will be their secure refuge in that last hour.

The last promise has given rise to the pious Roman Catholic practice of making an effort to attend Mass and receive Communion on the first Friday of each month.

Great efficacy of converting people has been attached to the use of the image of the Sacred Heart.

"Even at the hour of death, incredulous, indifferent, hardened souls have been converted by simply showing them a picture of the Sacred Heart, which sufficed to restore these sinners to the life of hope and love, in a word, to touch the most hardened. It would, indeed, be a great misfortune to any apostolic man to neglect so powerful a means of conversion, and in proof of this I will mention a single fact which will need no comment. A religious of the Company of Jesus had been requested by the Blessed Margaret Mary to make a careful engraving of the Sacred Heart. Being often hindered by other occupations, there was much delay in preparing this plate. ' This good father,' writes the saint, 'is so much occupied by Mon- signor d'Autun in the conversion of heretics, that he has neither time nor leisure to give to the work so ardently desired by the Heart of our Divine Master. You cannot imagine, my much-loved mother, how greatly this delay afflicts and pains me. I must avow confidently to you my belief that it is the cause of his converting so few infidels in this town. I seem constantly to hear these words : ' That if this good father had acquitted himself at once of his promise to the Sacred Heart, Jesus would have changed and converted the hearts of these infidels, on account of the joy He would have felt at seeing Himself honoured in the picture He so much wishes for. As, however, he prefers other work, even though to the glory of God, to that of giving Him this satisfaction, He will harden the hearts of these infidels, and the labours of this mission will not be crowned with much fruit.' ^[30]

Scapular of the Sacred Heart[edit]

The devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus also involve the Scapular of the Sacred Heart. It is a Roman Catholic devotional scapular that can be traced back to Saint Margaret Marie Alacoquewho herself made and distributed badges similar to it.^[31] In 1872 Pope Pius IX granted an indulgence for the badge and the actual scapular was approved by the Congregation of Rites in 1900. It bears the representation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on one side, and that of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Mother of Mercy on the other side.

Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus[edit]

Dates for the Feast of the Sacred Heart, 2009-2020

Year	Date
2012	June 15
2013	June 7
2014	June 27
2015	June 12
2016	June 3
2017	June 23
2018	June 8
2019	June 28
2020	June 19

V. Lord, have mercy on us.
R. Christ, have mercy on us.
V. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us.
R. Christ, graciously hear us.
V. God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, formed in the womb of the Virgin Mother by the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, united substantially to the Word of God.
Heart of Jesus, of infinite majesty.
Heart of Jesus, holy temple of God.
Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High.
Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven.
Heart of Jesus, glowing furnace of charity.
Heart of Jesus, vessel of justice and love.
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love.
Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues.
Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise.
Heart of Jesus, King and center of all hearts.
Heart of Jesus, in whom art all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Heart of Jesus, in whom dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead.
Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father was well pleased.
Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received.
Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills.
Heart of Jesus, patient and rich in mercy.
Heart of Jesus, rich to all who call upon Thee.
Heart of Jesus, fount of life and holiness.
Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our offenses.
Heart of Jesus, overwhelmed with reproaches.
Heart of Jesus, bruised for our iniquities.
Heart of Jesus, obedient even unto death.
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance.
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation.
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection.
Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation.
Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins.
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who hope in Thee.
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in Thee.
Heart of Jesus, delight of all saints.

V. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
R. spare us, O Lord.
V. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
R. graciously hear us, O Lord.
V. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
R. have mercy on us.

V. Jesus, meek and humble of Heart,
R. Make our hearts like unto Thine.

Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, look upon the Heart of Thy well-beloved Son and upon the acts of praise and satisfaction which He renders unto Thee in the name of sinners; and do Thou, in Thy great goodness, grant pardon to them who seek Thy mercy, in the name of the same Thy Son, Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, world without end.

h/t: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_Heart

Swimming in God

St. Catherine of Siena teaches so many things.  For example, she helps children understand how God is everywhere.  Catherine, meditating upon her Communion, one day, thought how unworthy she was that He should come to her.  "Yes Catherine but I am worthy to come to thee."  And she pictured a fish in the sea and the sea is in the fish, so she was in God and God is with her.  It is as though we are swimming in God, isn't it?

A child then asks, "If God is everywhere, is He in hell?"

Yikes!  Well I guess so; He is everywhere.

St Catherine explains "It is as though we are swimming in God--that is how He is everywhere."  

Terce

For some reason this morning, Psalm 118, was especially meaningful for me.  In fact, I dropped into meditation during some verses, as the singing/chanting went on.  The verse, "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word..." set me to wonder if the affliction was physical or emotional. Personally, in either case (personal references) I don't think I was going astray.  I don't think one would necessarily know.  I don't think I was, but maybe.

Anyway, I was stopped by the affliction and drawn closer to God.  "It is good for me to have been afflicted, for I have deeply learned your statues."

"Comfort me then with your unfailing love, as you promised your servant.  Let your mercy come to give me life, for your law is my delight."

"My soul longs for your protection; your word is my hope of salvation.  I have kept watch for your promise.  'When will you comfort me?' I ask."

"Save me for I am yours, since I seek your statutes."

"Your precepts have given me knowledge, and I hate all that is false."

"I am ready to sacrifice my life for your Law that is always in my heart."

"May your promise uphold me that I may live; let me not hope in vain."

"I strain my eyes searching for your saving help, watching for the fulfillment of your just promise."

"Rescue me from humlan oppression, and help me keep your precepts."

"Favor me with your smile and teach me your statues."

That's my favorite verse--"Favor me with your smile..."  See what I mean?  This Psalm just groans humanity.  I think everyone will find something to relate to.    "...Lord; give me understanding according to your word."