why pray without ceasing

Why should we pray without ceasing?

~~~~

"The tree beside running water 

is fresher and gives more fruit."

Saint Teresa of Ávila

Una Hermosa Mañana

"Desde el Cielo una hermosa mañana
Desde el Cielo una hermosa mañana

La Guadalupana, La Guadalupana,La Guadalupana
 bajó al Tepeyac"
(canción tradicional de la Guadalupana)

¡Gracias a 
Nuestra Santísima Madrecita de Guadalupe!

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

     One of the greatest deceptions of the evil one is that hatred is more powerful than love. Let us fuel our souls and hearts with the supernatural Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Receiving God's love in the Holy Eucharist, we live out the truth, that His Love cannot be defeated. Praises be to Jesus forever and ever!

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom 

and the knowledge of the holy is prudence." 

Proverbs 9:10 Douay Rheims Roman Catholic Bible

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

1)Wisdom - the highest of these supernatural gifts, this gift enables us to love and desire our Creator above all things. 
2)Understanding - is the supernatural ability to grasp teachings of our faith.
3)Counsel- supernaturally helps us to follow the Holy Spirit's guidance in all of our actions.
4)Fortitude- is the supernatural courage to uphold our faith even unto death.
5)Knowledge- supernaturally enables us to choose our actions in a manner that conforms to the will and commandments of our Heavenly Father.
6)Piety - This supernatural gift has been lost in our modern times. It is the beautiful and sweet reverence we show to our Almighty Father out of our great love for Him.
7)Fear of the Lord- This has also been lost in modern society. We fear rejecting or sinning against the Lord because we love Him so much. Motivated by this love, we deeply desire to obey rather than to offend our Heavenly Father.

Eucharistic Procession

     Our Parish Priest has re established the tradition of a yearly Eucharistic Procession on the Solemnity of the feast of Corpus Christi.I especially remember a procession which took place a few years ago.

     Carrying the Blessed Sacrament in a Monstrance, Father was accompanied by a small group of parishioners and a faithful altar server bearing holy incense. We walked through our town, praying the  Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, reading Scripture passages and singing hymns. At the edge of town, we crossed a bridge where we greeted some people fishing on this warm resplendent afternoon. 

     A couple passing through town got out of their truck and reverently genuflected while making the sign of the Cross.

     At the conclusion of our procession, before we convened inside the Church for Benediction, a Knight of Columbus graced us with beautiful bagpipe music.

Prayer Before a Crucifix:

"Behold, o good and most sweet Jesus, 

I fall upon my knees before Thee 

and with most fervent desire beg and beseech Thee 

that Thou would impress upon my heart 

a lively sense of faith, hope and charity, 

true repentance for my sins, 

and a firm resolve to make amends. 

And with deep affection and grief, 

I reflect upon Thy five wounds, 

having before my eyes 

that which Thy prophet David spoke about Thee, 

Oh good Jesus. 

"They have pierced my hands and feet, 

they have counted all my bones." 

AMEN

Communion Prayer

My Lord Jesus Christ, 

I firmly believe that I am about to receive, in Communion,

Your Body, Your Blood, Your Soul and Your Divinity.

I believe it because You have said it

and I am ready to give my life to maintain this truth. 

Amen

A Story of a Mother Praying for Her Children

         My mother recalls that when she was a little girl, there was a woman at Church who she always saw quietly praying her Rosary~before Mass began, and again after Mass. My mother described the woman as being serene and focused, only occasionally glancing to smile briefly at others. My mother often wondered for whom this woman was praying so intently~perhaps she was praying for her children.

     So impressed by this story, I've had my mother tell it to me again. I can almost visualize the quiet praying woman. 

     Recollection of this story occupies my mind more frequently with time. Whenever friends at church converse asking each other to lift our loved ones in prayer, the woman in my mother's story comes to mind. I never actually saw her, yet I have a perception of her~quietly kneeling and completely focused as she devoutly prays her Rosary. 

at all times

I will bless the Lord at all times

His praise shall be always in my mouth
In the Lord shall my soul be praised  

Let the meek hear and rejoice

O magnify the Lord with me

And let us extol His name forever.

I sought the Lord and He heard me

He deliered me from al my troubles. 

(The words of King David)

Douay-Reims  Roman Catholic Bible 

Psalm 33(34):2-5

the redemptive message

     September is dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Because of His infinite love for all humans, God created us and all of nature on earth and in the heavens. Jesus suffered and died to make it possible for Heaven to be the ultimate destination of our immortal souls. Our Blessed Mother suffered every pain with Jesus on our behalf. Society attempts to highlight the importance of technology and material things, elevating possessions above the sanctity of life. Technology has the potential to outstrip in speed and impact, the simple message of God's generous love for all humankind. This all too frequently devalues human life in the eyes of many. The urgency of sharing the redemptive message of Jesus cannot be overestimated. Our Holy Father asks us to join him in prayer for the Centrality of the Human Person (general prayer intention) and for the Mission to Evangelize (mission intention).

"And thy own soul an sword shall pierce, 

that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed."

Luke 2:35

Douay Rheims Roman Catholic Bible

a closer union

     The month of August is dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament. As Catholic Christians, all of our actions must be carried out in a spirit of respect, honesty, fairness and charity. We are so often "the only Bible" that is read by those in our midst. Our behavior is a powerful expression of the extent to which our hearts are united to Christ. We are recipients of the Blessed Sacrament. Lord, please help us to be generous vessels of Christ's love for all of mankind. Our Holy Father asks us to join him in prayer for the conduct of participants in and observers of sports (general intention) and those people who aspire to Live the Gospel(mission prayer intention). Saint Francis of Assisi said to preach the Gospel with our actions, and "if necessary use words". Lifting our Hearts to Jesus in all our actions, may we inspire and draw all whom we encounter to a closer union with Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

"By this all men shall know that you are my disciples, 

if you have love for one another."

2 John 13:35

Douay Rheims Roman Catholic Bible

Loving Jesus with the Heart of Mary~ Papa Francisco en Filadelfia 2015

I was so inspired by the humility of these young people who publicly and without ceasing, reverently prayed the Rosary.

determination

     I am so thankful for the example of the women in my life 

who with unfaltering determination
and generous devotion

faithfully pray the Holy Rosary
the timeless thread 

weaving love 

and holding families together 

through every joy and tribulation.

Rest

How tranquil is our daily prayer and work

when we enjoy the rest that God gives us each week.

"The seventh day is the day of the Sabbath,

That is the rest of the Lord thy God."

 Deuteronomy 5:14

"And he said to them-the sabbath was made for man 

and not man for the sabbath. 

Therefore the Son of man is Lord of the Sabbath also."

Mark 2:27-28

Douay Rheims Roman Catholic Bible

Lent 3 ~ Good Works ~ Alms Giving

   Lent is a beautiful time of growing closer to Christ by giving of ourselves through the good works of prayer, fasting and alms giving. In these ways, we aspire to imitate Our Blessed Lord in the way that he gave Himself, without reservation,  to all of us. Fear is the greatest obstacle to generosity. Holy Scriptures teach us that love casts out all fear.

     While visiting Guatemala, I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the people there. Their life is a life of poverty by our country's standards. What amazed and humbled me was the freedom with which people gave of their time, work and goods. They did not hold back. There was no measuring of how much was given nor was there an expectation of anything in return. Giving to those in need came easily.
     It is said that the higher one's income, the more difficult it is to be generous. Are material possessions too much to lose? Why is it so difficult to share? Why are prayers of petition more desperate and fervent than prayers of thanksgiving? What is so frightening about giving away material possessions? Elaborate household alarm systems and expensive storage of never used items underscore the anxiety attached to protecting material goods. What is so scary about losing what is so easily lost? The despair associated with holding on to things is evenly matched with the despondency of not having enough. All of this occurs with the full awareness of nearby poverty. 
     A dear friend is a contemplative nun. She owns nothing. Her peaceful smile is ever present. She fears nothing, not even death. Her only concern is that she is not giving Jesus enough love.
     May this Lent's alms giving take away our fear and fill us with the love of Christ.

Prayer

Fasting

Alms Giving

Lent 1 ~ Good Works ~ Prayer

     Lent is a beautiful time of growing closer to Christ by giving of ourselves through the good works of prayer, fasting and alms giving. In these ways, we aspire to imitate Our Blessed Lord in the way that he gave Himself, without reservation,  to all of us.

       Prayer is lifting our hearts and souls to God. This Heavenward act of love, characterized by its simplicity and beauty, can be expressed vocally or mentally. Spontaneous or recited, sung or signed, our offerings of praise, thanksgiving, petition, contrition are essential in our growing relationship with our Creator. True holy reverent prayer is accomplished only with the divine help of the Holy Spirit. And let us never underestimate the assistance of our Guardian Angel. Our Catholic Catechism is filled with a treasury of lessons about prayer. The writings of many Holy men and women of God teach us that the inevitable multitude of tangible and intangible distractions to prayer, present an overarching struggle which can only be counterbalanced by supernatural grace. This grace, which strengthens holy perseverance, comes from Our Almighty Father, and is delivered to us by the Blessed Virgin Mary. The intercession of Mary, and all of the Saints and Angels make it possible for us to successfully overcome every obstacle to remaining in union with Christ through prayer. God commands us to pray for one another, even if we are "enemies". Prayer is so powerful, yet so easily overlooked amid daily activities. It is true that "prayer changes things", especially the heart of the person praying. 
     The time we spend praying would be spent engaged in some other activity. So, in order to pray we must "give up" something we would otherwise be doing. Prayer involves us in a subtle act of sacrifice, the supernatural results of which are uniquely perceived by the soul.
   There are many opportunities for simple, quiet prayer during any busy day. Morning prayers and Scripture reading set a lovely tranquil pace for the remainder of the day. Jesus used to get away from the frenzy of activity that so often surrounded Him so as to spend time in solitude with His Father. Jesus listened To God. He listened to hear God's will. He was always disposed to obey, even when it required suffering. Healing, miracles, love and compassion flowed from Him without limits.
   I once read a sign that said "A day hemmed in prayer is less likely to unravel." I believe that a Lent woven in prayer embroiders our hearts ever more securely within the Heart of Jesus.

Prayer

Fasting

Alms Giving

Relámpago

Suddenly/Inesperadamente

Lightening/ El relámpago

The Countenance of Jesus/El Rostro de Jesús

Glory and Praises to Our Blessed Savior!

¡Gloria y Alabanzas a nuestro Santísimo Salvador!

Saint Padre Pio's Efficacious Sacred Heart Novena

(1) O my Jesus, You have said,

"Truly I say to you, ask and you shall receive, seek and you will find, knock and it shall be opened unto you." 

Behold, I knock, seek and ask for the grace of 

(name your request)

Recite the Our Father~Hail Mary~Glory Be, followed by 

"Sacred Heart of Jesus I place all my trust in Thee."

(2) O my Jesus, You have said,

"Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, 

he will give it to you." 

Behold,in your name I ask the Father for the grace of 

(name your request)

Recite the Our Father~Hail Mary~Glory Be, followed by 

"Sacred Heart of Jesus I place all my trust in Thee."

(3) O my Jesus, You have said,

"Truly I say to you, heaven and earth shall pass away, 

but my words will not pass away." 

Encouraged by Your infallible words, I now ask for the grace of

 (name your request)

Recite the Our Father~Hail Mary~Glory Be, followed by 

"Sacred Heart of Jesus I place all my trust in Thee."

O Sacred Heart of Jesus for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Your tender Mother and ours.

Recite the Hail Holy Queen followed by 

"Saint Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us."

Learn more about the Sacred heart Novenas:

http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/heart/sh_novena.htm

Discarded

Several years ago, I came across a discarded book. Its crumbling cover and pages were worn. The binding was flimsy. As I gently turned the fragile pages, I was at once overcome with awe at the Christ filled beauty within, and shocked that this neglected treasure might have ended up in the trash!

    

I decided to learn more about the priest who so carefully compiled the prayers and meditations. Reading these pages opened a miraculous window in my life as a lay Catholic woman. I have since enjoyed many of his other books, which never fail to enhance my gratitude for our Catholic faith.

click here for 

mommynovenas.org 

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¡Muchísimans Gracias~Dios te Bendiga!