7 November 2020

The Persecuted Church

A church that suffers no persecution but enjoys the privileges and support of the things of the earth – beware! – is not the true church of Jesus Christ. A preaching that does not point out sin is not the preaching of the gospel. A preaching that makes sinners feel good, so that they are secured in their sinful state, betrays the gospel’s call.

                     Blessed Oscar Romero (1917-1980)

6 November 2020

Cherishing the Will of God

Reflect every day on the fact that He Who has granted you the morning has not promised the evening, and, should He grant this, He gives no assurance of the following morning. Spend each day, therefore, as if it were the last; cherish nothing but the will of God, for you will have to render a strict account for every moment.

                Lawrence Scupoli (1529-1610)

 5 November 2020

Contemplating Heaven

From this valley of tears, turn your gaze continually to God, ever awaiting the moment when you will be united to Him in heaven. Often contemplate heaven, and fervently exclaim: What a beautiful abode there is above! It is destined for us! Sigh longingly after its possession. Sometimes say, while your eyes are moist with tears: Nothing in this world pleases me; I no longer care for anything but my God. Yes, I hope, yes, I wish to possess Him, and I hope this of the mercy of God, through the merits of my Savior’s Passion and the dolors of my good Mother Mary.

               Saint Paul of the Cross (1694-1775)

 4 November 2020

Patiently Accepting

If we patiently accept through love all that God allows to happen, then we will begin to taste even here on earth something of the delights the saints experience in heaven. But for this we must serve God willingly and lovingly, seeking to obey the Divine Will rather than to follow our own inclinations and desires. For the perfection of love demands that we desire for ourselves only whatever God wills. Let us implore the good God unceasingly to grant us this grace!

            Saint Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641)

 3 November 2020

Our Existence

For what purpose does the Lord add day after day, year after year, to our existence? In order that we may gradually put away, cast aside, evil from our souls, each one his own, and acquire blessed simplicity; in order that we may become, for instance, gentle as lambs, simple as infants; in order that we may learn not to have the least attachment to earthly things, but like loving, simple children, may cling with all our hearts to God alone, and love Him with all our hearts, all our souls, all our strength, and all our thoughts, and our neighbor as ourselves.

                  Saint John of Kronstadt (1829-1908)

 2 November 2020

Praying From the Heart

Here are 10 positive things that happen EVERY time we pray from the heart:

1. We Receive…
2. We Follow God’s Will…
3. We Profess Our Faith …
4. We Imitate Christ – …
5. We Enter Into A Relationship With God …
6. We Increase Our Chances For Salvation …
7. We Obtain What God Wants To Give Us…
8. We Practice Humility…
9. We Obtain Peace…
10. We Use Our Time Wisely…

Obviously, the prayer that I’m speaking of above is sincere, “from the heart” dialog with God. Going through the motions” or babbling rote phrases will not produce the above results. When we truly mean the words we pray, however, we can count on every one of these benefits. Remember this the next time you’re tempted to put off praying, thinking that it will do no good. There is no more productive activity we can do on this earth!

                 Gary Zimak

 1 November 2020

Judging Our Neighbors

You know only his sin... are you going to condemn him for it, and destroy your own soul? And how do you know what tears he has shed about it before God? You may well know about the sin, but you do not know about the repentance.

                      Abba Dorotheos