That Old Time Religion

I've been wishing very deeply that there might be a Tridentine Mass at a parish near my neck of the woods, but not so. I miss the Latin mass of old with the altar facing the faithful and the communion rail that we all knelt down on to receive the body and blood of Our Lord with such reverence.

Today I got out one of my old missals, The New Daily Missal, to be exact, dedicated to St. Joseph and published in 1959 with an imprimatur from Francis Cardinal Spellman, archbishop of N.Y. How it took me back to my days in Catholic grade school and our times in church. We would go for Mass on holy days, for practice on our entrance hymns as well as communion and closing hymns.

There was always a deep sense of awe and holiness that would come over me when I entered the Church then. Plus the parishoners showed such respect for the real presence of Our Lord on the altar by their demeanor, their dress, and their attention to what was actually happening on the altar. We could pray and meditate on what the priest was doing and what it meant as he said the Mass.

I miss all of that and I miss the customs that seemed to be written in stone.....who knew that once Vatican II came in, much of the above would simply fade away. I pray that one day we may have that reverence and deep desire for prayer and community that we had then, but seem to have lost along the way trying to be 'up to date' and all about 'us' instead of all about Jesus Christ who died for our sins.

Simple Devotion

The title of my post lets you know that I've joined the weekly devotional at The Simple Woman
blog. I feel as though I was led to this wonderful and humble site and that reading it will help me in my spiritual journey, so thank you, Peggy, for creating such a restful and inspiring haven for all of us to come to.

For Today...

Dear Lord,

I bring you my shortcomings... my impatience, my anger and resentment at times which I am trying so hard to overcome. I cannot hope to make a dent in these sins without your grace and your help which is always so freely given.....forgive me.

I bring you my worship and praise... for all of the blessings I receive day in and day out, many of which I don't always recognize or thank you for as I should.

I bring you my prayer... that I may be more loving and understanding toward those I love as well as those I don't care for. I also pray for my son's return to his family who love him so very much and miss him dreadfully.

You spoke to me...

Romans: 8:15
"For the spirit that God has given you does not make you slaves and cause you to be afraid; instead, the Spirit makes you God's children, and by the Spirit's power we cry out to God, "Father, my Father"!

My Patron Saint for 2009

St. John of Egypt

Feastday: March 27
394

One of the most famous early desert hermits, a noted prophet of his era. He was born in Lycopolis, modern Assiut, Egypt, and became a hermit at the age of twenty. He was walled up in a hermitage near Assiut, with a single window opening onto the public. There he preached to vast crowds each weekend. He predicted two military victories for Emperor Theodosius I, and they were proven accurate in 388 and 392. The cell in which John spent his life was discovered in 1925.

Many of you are familiar with Marianne's blog, The Patron Saint of the Year Ministry at which you can read many wonderful inspiring posts and can request a patron saint for the year. I did just that and the saint who chose me, is listed above with some information regarding his life. As Marianne mentions on her blog, if your saint is not well know, rejoice, because he or she has now chosen you to make themselves known and to intercede for you.

I looked up information on him but there's precious little to be had. I did smile however when I read that he was a hermit! My family members have accused me of being a hermit in this modern day and age, saying that I'm much too content to stay home and I need to get out more. When I was young my best friend Margie and I used to dream about growing up and getting an apartment together, getting wonderfully interesting jobs, but by and large, being hermits. Margie passed away at the very tender age of 48 and I miss her to this day.....who knows, perhaps she had a hand in nudging St. John of Egypt to be my patron saint for 2009.

Eternal rest grant unto her oh Lord, and may all the faithful
departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

Happy New Year to All!

Here we are on the very first day of the very first 2009 that ever was or will be and isn't it exciting! I had a wonderful Christmas shared with my husband and our family which includes 5 grown kids and their spouses and our 3 grandchildren with a new one on the way in April, so we have much to be thankful for in our lives.

Sunday mass still hasn't been attended but I have hope that I will go back starting this Sunday and begin my year in the best way I can....sharing my time with the Lord who gave it to me in the first place, and receiving His grace and His body and blood (having gone to Confession, of course).

I reached out via the internet to a few devoted Catholic women who write for an online publication and their responses to me couldn't have been more helpful and full of caring and grace and after thinking about this I realized that even those responses were sent to me by Jesus who is calling me and never gives up on me.....thank you Jesus and thank you for a brand new year with no mistakes in it yet, during which I can begin again....such a gift from God.

Thought in General

We have been so blessed with our former home selling (especially in this downward housing market) and the purchase of our lovely, smaller more cozy home. Life is good and I know I have the good Lord to thank for this and all my blessings,......blessings which I and many others take for granted each and every day. I pray for more awareness of just how precious each day we live is and will always be.

As we watched United Flight 93 movie/documentary the other night, I realized once again just how great a loss we all suffered as a nation and how we must never forget those who perished, never knowing that 'that day' in 2001 would be their last day on earth. The brave souls on flight 93 have been immortalized and rightly so.....can you imagine knowing that death was certain and yet, being brave enough to force the plane down to save more lives? I will pray for all whose lives were lost on that horrible day in our history each and every night and I will thank God for all the good people in our world. May we never lose faith in that very fact and always strive to keep His name and our faith alive and well.

Reflecting Again!

I've searched and googled till I'm blue in the face, looking for what St. Damasus, my saint for 2008, might be the patron saint for, and I could only find one thing.........are you ready for this...........patron of archeologists! Now, not only am I anything but a digger of the dirt, I don't even garden, for heaven sakes! Ergo, my wondering.....

I've prayed and asked St. Damasus to open my mind to just what he can help me with as well as his intercessions for my prayers and supplications. Could it be though, that he will help me dig down deep into the recesses of my mind and
a. make a thorough and good confession
b. thereby begin attending Sunday mass once again
c. bring necessary things to my mind which I need to work on
d. unearth all sorts of 'food for thought'

These are just a few of the things that I've been reflecting on and welcome your thoughts as well.

My Patron Saint for 2008

I've been picked by St. Damasus and below have copied some facts about his life from http://www.americancatholic.org ..........

December 11
St. Damasus I
(305?-384)


To his secretary St. Jerome, Damasus was “an incomparable person, learned in the Scriptures, a virgin doctor of the virgin Church, who loved chastity and heard its praises with pleasure.”

Damasus seldom heard such unrestrained praise. Internal political struggles, doctrinal heresies, uneasy relations with his fellow bishops and those of the Eastern Church marred the peace of his pontificate.

The son of a Roman priest, possibly of Spanish extraction, Damasus started as a deacon in his father’s church, and served as a priest in what later became the basilica of San Lorenzo in Rome. He served Pope Liberius (352-366) and followed him into exile.

When Liberius died, Damasus was elected bishop of Rome; but a minority elected and consecrated another deacon, Ursinus, as pope. The controversy between Damasus and the antipope resulted in violent battles in two basilicas, scandalizing the bishops of Italy.

During his pontificate Christianity was declared the official religion of the Roman state (380), and Latin became the principal liturgical language as part of the pope’s reforms. His encouragement of St. Jerome’s biblical studies led to the Vulgate, the Latin translation of Scripture which the Council of Trent (12 centuries later) declared to be “authentic in public readings, disputations, preachings.”

Comment:

The history of the papacy and the Church is inextricably mixed with the personal biography of Damasus. In a troubled and pivotal period of Church history, he stands forth as a zealous defender of the faith who knew when to be progressive and when to entrench.

Damasus makes us aware of two qualities of good leadership: alertness to the promptings of the Spirit and service. His struggles are a reminder that Jesus never promised his Rock protection from hurricane winds nor his followers immunity from difficulties. His only guarantee is final victory.

Quote:

"He who walking on the sea could calm the bitter waves, who gives life to the dying seeds of the earth; he who was able to loose the mortal chains of death, and after three days' darkness could bring again to the upper world the brother for his sister Martha: he, I believe, will make Damasus rise again from the dust" (epitaph Damasus wrote for himself).

Update as Requested

Thank you, as always, Seminarian Matthew, for taking the time to comment on my blog. I've been neglecting it because I know that I should have news to report that I've gone back to weekly Mass but sadly, that is not the case, so because of that I haven't wanted to post and confess my obvious sins here online. Writing these words it strikes me that the only person I need to consider with my confession is our dear Lord, for He alone knows what's in my heart and He alone, can forgive my laziness and indifference.

I have been reading His word and pray every night and often during the day, and I talk to the Lord as I go about my everyday life, however, I know that doesn't take the place of fulfilling my obligation as a Catholic, to attend the holy sacrifice of the Mass, and receive the Body and Blood of Jesus. If I had to get right down to the knitty gritty of WHY I don't go to Mass, I'd have to say a combination of pure laziness and pride because I don't like all the singing, nor can I find a minute to meditate, and therefore justify (or at least try to) my non-attendance.

Please pray for me and I hope you won't think ill of me, Matthew, for you have been a friend for awhile now and I continue to pray for you.

Looking Back!

I've been reading my previous posts and find that I haven't been to Sunday mass in quite awhile now. This isn't a good thing, I know, and I'm not about to give up....no way! The Lord has blessed me abundantly and in a much older post I wrote about not receiving an answer to one of my long held requests in prayer. I'm happy to say that I've received an answer and although it's not fully presented itself as yet, I'm well on my way to fulfillment and I know it's from Jesus, my Lord and my Saviour.

I will continue to try my best to live as the Lord would want me to and to get back to Mass as I know this is important above all else. So, dear readers, if you're out there, please pray for me and I will pray for you and your intentions as well!

Counting Our Blessings

The past few months have been a bit trying for me, medically speaking. In late August I was diagnosed with Type II Adult Onset Diabetes, which really hit me hard. I didn't want to believe it, no way, no how, but my blood sugars have been running above normal for a good year or so, and the time had come to face the facts that I could no longer dispute. This meant a huge change in my dietary choices, my exercise (or up to now, lack of it) and general outlook. I have to test my blood 2 x's a day at the least to see what is happening with the foods I'm eating, etc. That part isn't as bad as I thought it would be, but the exercising is what gets me down. I hate it, but I know it's NECESSARY....darn!
Also, a couple of weeks ago I got a call back to get more films done for something questionable which I won't go into, but the worry of that is nerve wracking, to say the least. I pray to Our Dear Lord that all will be well when I go back and get re-checked. If anyone is out there reading this, please keep me in your prayers.
I was reading my last two posts and wondering how I have been doing at trying to truly enjoy all the little things each and every day and this situation makes that effort even MORE important to me. I must do better and stay 'in the moment' for each and every moment of the day so that nothing escapes the opportunity to thank God and to know how blessed I am!

Thanking God for My Blessings

This morning, the weather is beautiful.....it's a bluer than blue sky and absolutely no humidity, with a refreshing breeze blowing. I took my coffee outside and soaked it all in while I silently thanked God for His glorious world. The beauty of the trees, the colorful flowers blooming all around us, the beautiful blue of the sky with the white puffy clouds, all this and so much more.

Beauty surrounds us everyday in so many ways, ways which I must admit, I sometimes fail to appreciate as I should. The things in our homes that possess beauty and give us a feeling of comfort and joy are things that can sometimes become so familiar that we forget to notice or use them as we should......at least that's the case for me.

I have many lovely items such as a special tea pot given to me by my grandmother who has since passed away and who I miss so much. I don't use this teapot nearly enough and that is something I intend to rectify beginning today. No more 'saving it for a special occasion.....life is getting shorter all the time and 'now is the appointed time', not some time in the future, which it seems, never comes to pass.

Other things like crystal glasses and serving pieces, a special vase to put some fresh flowers in, my Fiesta cups and saucers instead of just plain mugs all the time. Then there's the sparkling clean kitchen counters after I've polished them and the homemade foods and smells that eminate from my kitchen that I sometimes don't even take the time to enjoy!

Yes, I am promising Our Dear Lord that I will try each and every day to look and actually see the beauty that surrounds me in my day to day life, not only in the big things, but more importantly, in the smaller, less obvious ones. I ask for your prayers, dear readers, that I remember to be thankful as often as humanly possible by the grace of God, our Heavenly Father.

Trusting!

I'm currently reading a book called Trusting Yourself by M.J. Ryan, author of Random Acts of Kindness and The Power of Patience. I like so much of what she writes and one thing that truly made sense to me was the idea that we need to re-learn to REALLY trust ourselves again and in so doing we then can trust God even more deeply.

I think God created us to trust in the inate qualities He instilled inside each of His children. As we grow up we forget to trust ourselves and of course, God as well. We feel flawed most of the time either trying to keep up with the Joneses' or we've become hyper-critical and wind up feeling static in our everyday lives, which I don't think Jesus ever wanted for us.

To me, He gave us free will along with good old fashioned common sense and in this day and age we need to start using that common sense now more than ever. Pressure is everywhere to be better, be smarter, be thinner, be more active, be more financially sound, be ALL THAT AND 3 BAGS OF CHIPS too!!!! It can get a person down but if we try to remind ourselves each and every day to trust in the Lord knowing that He wants us to trust in ourselves too, I think we'll be much happier.

Now when I say trust in myself, I'm talking about the 'real me', the deep down soul of myself that knows who I am and desperatelty wants to be that person, flaws and all. No, that doesn't mean I stop working on trying to do better and be better every day, but only in those things that Our Dear Lord is concerned with.....not the world in general. How will I know what those things are? We always hear either Our Lord whispering in our ear, or our guardian angel, or perhaps a particular saint that we may have a deep faith in, but WE ALWAYS KNOW .

These have been some of my thoughts over the past few days and I'm glad I've had the chance to share them with any of you who may stop by to read my blog from time to time. Naturally, your responses are always welcomed.

"Insist on yourself; never imitate...nothing can bring you peace but yourself". Ralph Waldo Emerson (I would re-phrase this quote, if I may be so bold, to say: 'nothing can bring you peace but being the true self God created you to be').

June, Already!

I watched the original movie, 'The Omen' with Gregory Peck and Lee Remick yesterday and I have to say, it sent a few chills through me. Just contemplating some of the things written in Revelations and paying attention to just how quickly the world is changing every day is enough to make one sit up and take notice, or should I say, more likely, get down on one's knees and pray like there's no tomorrow.....for one of these days, who knows?

It troubles me that the devil is so powerful and always seems to take such good care of his own...does it you? Another movie that causes one to think more deeply is 'Fallen' with Denzel Washington and it also sites Revelations from the bible. It seems that evil is growing stronger all the time and every way we turn we're faced with it and must pray for the grace to resist.

Sorry if this post reads such gloom and doom, but I felt moved to post just what you're reading here. On that note, may the Lord be with all of you and with us all as we try to stay in God's graces, under His protection, and in His love every moment of each day.

Spring has Sprung!

Yes, the glory of the Lord can be see far and wide as everything begins to bloom! This morning I received a package in the mail from my sweet daughter-in law and son. Opening it I discovered a pink pot filled with bulbs of various flowers which will bloom at different times throughout the spring and possibly even the summer. Such sweethearts, my son and his lovely wife who never forget to remember!

What a testament of God's love and care for each His human children when we look at His creations such as the birds, the trees, the flowers and their vibrant colors and shapes.
We start out in our mother's womb, we're born, and we begin to grow and to bloom in our own unique way. Each of us is a wonderous creation of God and He loves us in and for our individual uniqueness. Hopefully, we then strive to grow in His love and to become vibrant in our faith, hope, and charity. This is what I wish for myself, and for all of you, dear readers.

Easter Week

It has been quite a long time since I've posted here but my quest to become closer every day to Our Lord is ongoing. This is such a holy season and I hope I've grown in my faith, day by day. Having the benefit of reading some of the inspiring Catholic blogs out there has been a source of reflection and prayer for me.

I have so far to go and if anyone is even reading my blog, would you please pray for me. The resurrection gives me so many thoughts and longings, at the same time. I want to rise a little bit more each day in my faith and trust in God and honestly don't think I've done very well. It is the season of hope and renewal though, so I will continue on my daily path and know that I can get help whenever I reach out.

I wish each and every one of you a blessed Easter season and a new and lively love for each other day by day.

The New Year

It's officially 2007, can you believe it? I'm hoping this year will bring me closer to the Lord 'each and every day', because it's been a struggle for me in 2006 but I tried not to give up. I'm feeling quite disappointed in not having an answer to a prayer I've prayed for quite a long time now. I wonder why the Lord won't grant me what I humbly ask in my prayer since it would harm no one and would only serve to make me a better person.....at least that's what I think, but perhaps the Lord thinks otherwise. If He does though, that doesn't help me with my disallusionment and my ever so slight feelings of underlying depression these days and I confess, even a feeling of "why won't You grant me this, O Lord"?

May I ask any of you who read my blog on occasion to pray for me in my continuous quest to grow in my Catholic faith and to each day grow closer to Jesus, and yes, could you also pray for my special intention because perhaps I just need more prayers?

Thank You, Jesus

I must first of all thank Jesus for nudging me many times throughout this past 6 months or so to return to Mass and go to confession.....I finally did both! Oh, I feel so much lighter in my mind since I was experiencing a good bit of guilt. I also want to take this opportunity to thank those of you who may have prayed for me on this. Frankly, I don't know if very many people even read my blog, but if you're out there and you're reading this, I thank you.

May we all have a wonderful, happy, and spiritually filled Christmas with the peace of Christ in our hearts as we share ourselves and what we possess with the Lord and with others.

Such Wonderful News!

It's with much humility and joy that I announce my saint for 2007 (who "chose me") is Blessed Mother Teresa! I can hardly believe such a priviledge being accorded to me in my pathetically selfish life. I've always known I tended toward the selfish side of things although I try not to and sometimes succeed, but oft times, do not. Therefore, it is a miracle in itself that I would be chosen by Mother Teresa who personifies generosity in her loving and worldly giving. I prayed last night for a saint who would help me in an undeniable way in 2007 and truly, my cup overflows!

A Saint for 2007

I just asked to have a saint being picked for me for 2007 at A Catholic Life blog and can't wait to see who I have for the upcoming new year. If you haven't signed up yet, just go to Moneybags (what he calls himself) website and request that a saint be picked for you. There's a previous post explaining all about it and how it came into being.

I have been reading spiritually inspiring things on many of the Catholic blogspots out there and they are very helpful to me. I feel the urge to get to confession more pressing than in the past and confess that I've missed Sunday Mass on a regular basis through my own fault. This deeply distresses me because I know it's a mortal sin and yet, haven't made the necessary changes so please, if you are reading this, pray for me to return to the Lord in the Eucharistic celebration.

I'm preparing for Christmas like so many of us at this time of year but it is very disheartening to see how commercial Christmas is becoming and devoid of Jesus, who is the reason for celebrating in the first place. All the emphasis is on how much money we spend and how many gifts we buy. So much of it this year is electronic and more and more sophisticated so that we're separated from each other in our own little "cyberworld".......and I feel as though this is what the future is going to hold more of, which is a very sad and scary thought.

My prayer every night this month will be for all of us to realize that the love we give one another, the courtesy, the kind words, the helpful deeds, and the prayers will be genuinely seen to be the true Christmas gifts which we can freely give to those whom we love, as well as those whom we come in contact with each day.

Little by Little

I'm getting into my faith again, little by little, as the title of this post says. I'm reading the online scriptures daily and also reading my bible study gospel of St. Matthew and looking up appropriate verses in my bible. I continue to say my nightly prayers and often pray throughout the day, but I still haven't begun attending Sunday Mass once again!

I mentioned my 'feeble' reasons for this in a former post, but I think it comes down to pure laziness and that age old desire to put myself first, instead of the Lord. It's not even very easy to type this confession, but type it I must because I think it's the first step in realizing that I need to go to confession badly, and then put one foot in front of the other and get back to Mass so I can partake of the body and blood of Our Lord, which He so generously offers.

St. Anne, pray for me and for all who search and seek Our Lord.