Catholic Fire

"Everything and everyone is is won by the sweetness of our words and works." "Every virtue in your soul is a precious ornament which makes you dear to God and to man. But holy purity, the queen of virtues, the angelic virtue, is a jewel so precious that those who possess it become like the angels of God in Heaven, even though clothed in mortal flesh." ~ St. John Bosco

SCRIPTURE: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all long suffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life."-- 1 Timothy 1:15b-16 REFLECTION: As a post-abortive woman, I (Carmen Pate) made this my life verse following my brokenness before the Lord and the receiving of His forgiveness. This verse is a reminder to me that I must never waste God's mercy towards me, but instead allow Him to use meas an example of His love, His patience, and His amazing grace. The Apostle Paul was the first to identify himself as the "chief of sinners." Certainly, it is easy for us to point to his record of sins and understand why he would claim this label as his own. We may wonder silently if it might more appropriately be the label for the abortionist inside the clinic, or the Planned Parenthood counselors, or the NARAL activists....

One of the best but least recognized spiritual guides is Saint Leonard of Port Maurice (1676-1751), a Franciscan friar known for his preaching in defense of the Immaculate Conception. He offered four “rules” to help achieve peace of soul. 1. To be attached only to God. Status and wealth may be beneficial, but to be overly concerned about them is to invite inner spiritual havoc. The soul’s primary need is communication with its Creator. One needs to view objects and persons in reference to God and His will if peace is to reign. To be “dead” to the world and creatures is paramount. 2. To surrender to Divine Providence. All Catholic spiritual writers are unanimous on this point: Sanctity and inner peace are attained only when God’s will holds sway. The Lord knows best. Humbly accepting His will is vastly different from reluctantly putting up with it. When a person yields to the divine plan, he demonstrates a belief that God will sustain him—come what may. 3. To welcome suffering and hard...

Via Esther. A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fear based on past experiences. An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment. A loss of interest in judging other people. A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others. A loss of interest in conflict. A loss of the ability to worry. Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation. Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature. Frequent attacks of smiling. An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

Too many husbands and wives expect their partners in marriage to give only what God can give: eternal ecstasy. Yet if any man or woman could do that, he would be God. We are right to want the ecstasy of love, but if we expect to enjoy it through the flesh, which is merely on pilgrimage to God, we prepare ourselves for disappointment. The first ecstasy of love is not an illusion; but is only a kind of travel folder, a foretaste, a preview, urging body and soul to start the journey toward eternal joys. If the first ecstasy passes, the change is not an invitation to love another person, but to love in another way -- and the other way is the Christ Way, the way of Him who said: "I am the Way." ~ Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, "Way to Happiness", Fawcett Publications, Greenwich, Conn., 1957, page 75.

source You can complain because roses have thorns or you can rejoice because thorns have roses. ~ Tom Wilson