Here is a beautiful poem By Kathleen Raine found in the Liturgy of the Hours. Enjoy this Advent meditation on the mystery of the Annunciation and the Incarnation. 

Photo: (C) Spirit Singing, R. Massaro, St. Hilary Church Akron, Ohio

Northumbrian Sequence IV

Let in the wind,
Let in the rain,
Let in the moors tonight,

The storm beats on my window-pane,
Night stands at my bed-foot,
Let in the fear,
Let in the pain,
Let in the trees that toss and groan,
Let in the north tonight.

Let in the nameless formless power
That beats upon my door,
Let in the ice, let in the snow,
The banshee howling on the moor,
The bracken-bush on the bleak hillside,
Let in the dead tonight.

The whistling ghost behind the dyke,
The dead that rot in the mire,
Let in the thronging ancestors,
The unfilled desire,
Let in the wraith of the dead earl,
Let in the dead tonight.

Let in the cold,
Let in the wet,
Let in the loneliness,
Let in the quick,
Let in the dead,
Let in the unpeopled skies.

Oh how can virgin fingers weave
A covering for the void,
How can my fearful heart conceive
Gigantic solitude?
How can a house so small contain
A company so great?

Let in the dark,
Let in the dead,
Let in your love tonight.

Let in the snow that numbs the grave,
Let in the acorn-tree,
The mountain stream and mountain stone,
Let in the bitter sea.

Fearful is my virgin heart
And frail my virgin form,
And must I then take pity on
The raging of the storm
That rose up from the great abyss
Before the earth was made,
That pours the stars in cataracts
And shakes this violent world?

Let in the fire,
Let in the power,
Let in the invading might.

Gentle must my fingers be
And pitiful my heart
Since I must bind in human form
A living power so great,
A living impulse great and wild
That cries about my house
With all the violence of desire
Desiring this my peace.

Pitiful my heart must hold
The lonely stars at rest,
Have pity on the raven’s cry,
The torrent and the eagle’s wing,
The icy water of the tarn
And on the biting blast.

Let in the wound,
Let in the pain,
Let in your child tonight.

-by Kathleen Raine

Peace be with you!

Rosemarie, OCDS

CARMELITE FEAST DAYS

Photo: R. Massaro-Carmelite Monastery-Cleveland, Ohio

Carmelite Feast Day: St. John of the Cross-Dec. 14
Happy Feast Day to all Carmelites!

Song of the Soul That Rejoices 
in Knowing God Through Faith.

A poem by St. John of the Cross

That eternal spring is hidden,

for I know well where it has its rise,

although it is night.

I do not know its origin, nor has it one,

but I know that every origin has come from it,

although it is night.

I know that nothing else is so beautiful,

and that the heavens and the earth drink there,

although it is night.

I know well that it is bottomless

and no one is able to cross it,

although it is night.

Its clarity is never darkened,

and I know that every light has come from it,

although it is night.

I know that its streams are so brimming

they water the lands of hell, the heavens, and earth,

although it is night.

I know well the stream that flows from this spring

is mighty in compass and power,

although it is night.

I know the stream proceeding from these two,

that neither of them in fact precedes it,

although it is  night.

This eternal spring is hidden 

in the living bread for our life's sake,

although it is night.

It is here calling out to creatures;

and they satisfy their thirst,

although in darkness,

although it is night.

This living spring that I long for,

I see in this bread of life,

although it is night.

Peace be with you!

Rosemarie, ocds

THE DARK NIGHT OF THE CHURCH

Dear Secular Carmelites,

The entire Church-the body of Christ- is experiencing a dark night of faith and of the spirit. Now is the time for us to remain faithful to our calling of prayer on behalf of the Church.

During this time of purgation, let us call upon Our Lady under the titles of Our Lady of Mount Carmel,Our Lady, Mother of the Church, and Our Lady, Star of the sea, to help us and guide us through this storm. 

Let us remain faithful to the charism of Carmel: to pray for priests and seminarians. Let us pray for our Holy Father, all bishops, and all those in leadership positions within the Church. May they keep their minds and hearts fixed on Jesus.

Come, Holy Spirit, enlighten us and guide us!

Peace be with you!

Rosemarie, OCDS

Traditional Prayer to Our Lady, Star of the Sea

Ave Maris Stella
Hail bright star of ocean,
God's own Mother blest,
Ever sinless Virgin,
Gate of heavenly rest
Taking that sweet Ave
Which from Gabriel came,
Peace confirm within us,
Changing Eva's name.
Break the captives' fetters,
Light on blindness pour,
All our ills expelling,
Every bliss implore.
Show thyself a Mother;
May the Word Divine,
Born for us thy Infant,
Hear our prayers through thine
Virgin all excelling,
Mildest of the mild,
Freed from guilt, preserve us,
Pure and undefiled.
Keep our life all spotless,
Make our way secure,
Till we find in Jesus
Joy for evermore
Through the highest heaven
To the Almighty Three
Father, Son, and Sprit
One same glory be, Amen.

  

CAUSE OF GREAT JOY: Another Carmelite Blessed!

Beatification of Venerable Marie Felice, OCD
June 23, 2018! Affectionately known as "Chiquitunga" was beatified today in Paraquay.
Contracting Hepatitis at the age of 34, her final words before dying: "How happy I am! … What a joy to meet my Jesus! … Jesus, I love you, what a sweet encounter! Virgin Mary!"

Read more about her:

https://cruxnow.com/…/paraguayan-catholics-rejoice-for-bea…/

Blessed Marie Felice, pray for us!

Peace be with you!

Rosemarie, OCDS

Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

O God, who prepared a fit dwelling place for the Holy Spirit in the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, graciously grant that through her intercession we may be a worthy temple of your glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.


Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, OCDS

CORPUS CHRISTI

CORPUS CHRISTI

As secular Carmelites, we can be witnesses in the world of God's love by being a witness to our charism of prayer.  In the quotes below, our Holy Mother, St. Teresa, teaches us to linger with the Lord after receiving Him in Holy Communion.

In our busy lives, are we guilty of running out of church as soon as Mass is over?  Is it "business as usual" just a few moments after we have just received Jesus, the Bread of Life?  Of course, sometimes it is necessary for us to leave immediately, but let us take to heart the teaching of St. Teresa and stay with Our Lord after Communion.  This is a wonderful time for mental prayer, and even if we only have fifteen minutes to stay with Jesus, it is fifteen minutes of heaven that will prepare us for the challenges of the day.  

Our charism is prayer.  Let us make every effort to receive Jesus daily, if possible. Let us make our heart a dwelling place for the Living God.

Photo:  R. Massaro C)2018 Spirit Singing

​

The feast of Corpus Christi was one of St. John of the Cross' favorite feast days.  Here are a few lines of his poem The Song of the Soul that Rejoices in knowing God through Faith:

This eternal spring is hidden in this living bread for our life's sake,
although it is night.
It is here calling out to creatures; and they satisfy their thirst, although in darkness,
because it is night.

This living spring that I long for,
I see in this bread of life,
although it is night. 

From The Way of Perfection, Chapter 34:

No. 10:

...He has many methods of showing Himself to the soul, through great interior feelings and through other different ways. Be with Him willingly; don't lose so good an occasion for conversing with Him as is the hour after having received Communion. If obedience should command something, Sisters, strive to leave your soul with the Lord. If you immediately turn your thoughts to other things, if you pay no attention and take no account of the fact that He is within you, how will He be able to reveal Himself to you? This, then, is a good time for our Master to teach us, and for us to listen to Him, kiss His feet because He wanted to teach us, and beg Him not to leave.

No: 12:

But after having received the Lord, since you have the Person Himself present, strive to close the eyes of the body and open those of the soul and look into your own heart. For I tell you, and tell you again, and would like to tell you many times that you should acquire the habit of doing this every time you receive Communion and strive to have such a conscience that you will be allowed to enjoy this blessing frequently. 

St. John of the Cross, pray for us!

St.  Teresa of Jesus, pray for us!

Peace be with you!

Rosemarie, OCDS

I have experienced this presence of the three Persons, which I mentioned at the beginning, up to this day which is the feast of the Commemoration of St. Paul. They are very habitually present in my soul. Since I was accustomed to experience only the presence of Jesus, it always seemed to me there was some obstacle to my
seeing three Persons, although I understand there is only one God. And the Lord told me today while I was reflecting upon this that I was mistaken in thinking of things of the soul through comparison with corporeal things, that I should know that these spiritual things are very different and that the soul is capable of great rejoicing. It seemed to me there came the thought of how a sponge absorbs and is saturated with water; so, I thought, was my soul which was overflowing with that divinity and in a certain way rejoicing within itself and possessing the three Persons.

I also heard the words: "Don't try to hold Me within yourself, but try to hold yourself within Me." It seemed to me that from within my soul--where I saw these three Persons present--these persons were communicating themselves to all creation without fail, nor did they fail to be with me.  
St. Teresa of Jesus, Spiritual Testimonies No. 14


Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, OCDS

Carmelite Quote

HAPPY FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH, THE WORKER!

Photo: R. Massaro St. Joseph Church Circleville, Ohio

St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila):
One day after Communion, His Majesty earnestly commanded me to strive for this new monastery with all my powers, and He made great promises that it would be founded and that He would be highly served in it. He said it should be called St. Joseph and that this saint would keep watch over us at one door, and our Lady at the other, that Christ would remain with us, and that it would be a star shining with great splendor.






Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, OCDS

Photo: R. Massaro Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church Buckeye Lake, Ohio

Christ is Risen!

Are you still sharing your Easter joy with family and friends?  I hope so.  This is also the time in the church year when we console the heart of Our Lady during Compline, or Night Prayer. Instead of singing the Salve Regina, we traditionally chant the Regina Coeli (From Easter until Pentecost).  It is short, but beautiful:

In English: Queen of Heaven

. Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia:

℟. The Son whom you merited to bear, alleluia.

℣. Has risen, as He said, alleluia.

℟. Pray for us to God, alleluia.

℣. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.

℟. For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia.

℣. Let us pray:

O God, who through the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ gave rejoicing to the world grant, we pray, that through his Mother, the Virgin Mary, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord.

℟. Amen.

Traditionally chanted in Latin by the Carmelites and all religious orders:

Regina caeli

V. Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia.
R. Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia.
V. Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia.
R. Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.

V. Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, alleluia.
R. Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia.

Oremus. Deus, qui per resurrectionem Filii tui, Domini nostri Iesu Christi, mundum laetificare dignatus es: praesta, quaesumus; ut per eius Genetricem Virginem Mariam, perpetuae capiamus gaudia vitae. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

From YouTube, the beautiful Gregorian chant of the Antiphon:

https://youtu.be/yzMa0qzwagA

Peace be with you!

Rosemarie, OCDS

CARMELITE QUOTE

 EASTER MEDITATION

St. Teresa of Jesus On the Mercy and Compassion of His Majesty

SOLILOQUIES #10

O God of my soul, how we hasten to offend You and how You hasten even more to pardon us! What reason is there, Lord, for such deranged boldness? Could it be that we have already understood your great mercy and have forgotten that Your justice is just?

The sorrows of death surround me. Oh, oh, oh, what a serious thing sin is, for it was enough to kill God with so many sorrows! And how surrounded you are by them, my God! Where can You go that they do not torment You? Everywhere mortals wound You.

O Christians, it's time to defend your King and to accompany Him in such great solitude. Few are the vassals remaining with Him, and great the multitude accompanying Lucifer. And what's worse is that these latter appear as His friends in public and sell Him in secret. He finds almost no one in whom to trust. O true Friend, how badly they pay You back who betray You! O true Christians, help your God weep, for those compassionate tears are not only for Lazarus but for those who were not going to want to rise, even though His Majesty calls them. O my God, how You bear in mind the faults I have committed against You! May they now come to an end, Lord, may they come to an end, and those of everyone. Raise up these dead; may Your cries be so powerful that even though they do not beg life of You, You give it to them so that afterward, my God, they might come forth from the depth of their own delights.

Lazarus did not ask You to raise him up. You did it for a woman sinner; behold one here, my God, and a much greater one; let Your mercy shine. I, although miserable, ask life for those who do not want to ask it of You. You already know, my King, what torment it is for me to see them so forgetful of the great endless torments they will suffer, if they don't return to You.

O you who are accustomed to delights, satisfactions, and consolations, and to always doing your own will, take pity on yourselves! Recall that you will have to be subject forever and ever, without end, to the infernal furies. Behold, behold that the Judge who will condemn you now ask you; and that your lives are not safe for one moment. Why don't you want to live forever? Oh, hardness of human hearts! May Your boundless compassion, my God, soften these hearts.


Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, OCDS

A Meditation on the Cross

Jesus said to all: “Whoever wishes to be my follower must deny himself his very self, take up his cross each day, and follow in my steps.  Luke 9:23

As we begin Holy Week, let us reflect on how closely we follow Jesus each day.

During the Advent season, the readings and hymns tell us to make straight the path of the Lord for he is coming. During the Lenten season, the road is not so straight, it has become very rocky and difficult to travel, for we know it leads to Calvary. Just as in Advent, we proclaim, “He is coming," now in Lent, we know He is going… goingto Calvary for us. Do we have the courage to die to self and follow him to the Cross? 

As Carmelites, we are called to follow the Crucified and Risen Lord, we can ask ourselves:

Do I follow Jesus for a little while in prayer and then go in another direction when

the road of daily challenges and frustrations becomes too difficult?

Do I follow Jesus when I am receiving spiritual consolations and great lights

and inspiration in prayer, then, at the first experience of spiritual dryness give up prayer?

Do I stray from the road to Calvary by being unforgiving to that person who has hurtme very deeply?

Here is the image of the cross that St. John of the Cross drew himself. The original is very small. The impact of this tiny image is very spiritually moving, because St. John draws the image with a view of the Cross from above, as if the Father is looking down on His Son and his sacrifice. Perhaps we can meditate on St. John’s Cross this week. 

​

Here is a link to an article about St. John’s Cross:

https://aleteia.org/2017/09/22/discover-the-crucifix-drawn-by-saint-john-of-the-cross-after-a-mystical-vision/

From the writings of St. John of the Cross:

…He was thereby compelled to cry out: My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?[Mt. 8:20]. This was the most extreme abandonment, sensitively, that he had suffered in His life. And by it he accomplished the most marvelous work of his whole life, surpassing all the works and deeds and miracles that he had ever performed on earth or in heaven.That is, he brought about the reconciliation and union of the human race with God through grace.                                             The Ascent of Mount Carmel, Book Two, Chapter 7, No. 11

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

Because, by your holy Cross, You have redeemed the world.

Peace be with you!

Rosemarie, OCDS

Spiritual Direction with St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila)

Here is an excerpt from the book Conversation with Christ by Peter Thomas Rohrbach in which St. Teresa of Jesus gives us practical advice about prayer:

St. Teresa advises us to choose a comfortable position at prayer; but, she wisely adds, a position that is not too comfortable--else drowsiness might set in. Meditation is a period in which we unite ourselves with God; it should not be devoted to the practice of physical mortifications entailed in rigid posture, or the like. It might be better to begin our meditation on our knees. This will aid us in drawing our attention to Christ; but when bodily weariness begins to assert itself, it is entirely proper to change one's position. Hence, prayer may be made while sitting, or standing, or even while walking. Here again the individual must select for himself the posture most conducive to his own meditation...

As regards the position of the eyes, common sense would furnish the answer. We definitely will not be able to sustain a conversation with Christ while we are gazing at passersby, or studying the interior of some church. If we make our meditation in a place free from noise or commotion, it might be possible to keep our eyes open and continue our conversation with Christ. But if one is in the midst of  a variety of distractions, the eyes must, of necessity, remain closed...

At the beginning of prayer, St. Teresa advises the soul to humble itself before God. This can be done by a brief consideration of one's own faults.

Peace be with you!

Rosemarie, OCDS

 A Meditation on the First Station of the Cross: 

Jesus is Condemned to Death

Photo: R. Massaro (C) 2018 Spirit Singing Cathedral of the Incarnation Nashville, TN

In the cross is the height of virtue and the perfection of all sanctity. Without the cross there is no salvation for our souls, nor hope of life eternal. Take your cross, then, and follow Jesus, and you will go into everlasting life.

Remember that Jesus has gone before you bearing His cross and has given His life for you upon that cross, so that you may bear your own cross and long to die on it for love of Him. For if you die with Him, you will also live with Him; and if you have shared His suffering, you will also share His glory. 
The Imitation of Christ, Book 2, Chap. 12, No. 2

Have you ever been falsely accused of something? Perhaps it was something very minor, but the accusation still hurt you. Maybe you still recall this event, saying to someone, "Do you remember the time so-and-so said I never returned his book?"  Perhaps, it was an accusation for something more serious that got your family members involved, your employer involved, or members of an organization involved. If we have been falsely accused we can identify with Jesus who was falsely accused and sentenced to death.

As we meditate on this First Station, we can recall the events of the false accusations against us and see that they are minor compared to what Our Lord suffered for us, however, our Merciful Savior invites us to offer to him the troubles of our heart. He is ever-ready to heal the hurtful memories we hold closely to our heart. He is ready to help us to forgive all those who have hurt us. 

As Carmelites, let us remember the teaching of our Sister and Saint, Therese, the Little Flower. She teaches us in her Little Way, to offer up these things and keep them hidden, so that only the Father sees what we are suffering and offering up for Him.  We must get over our ego that instructs us to tell anyone who will listen how we have been wronged and falsely accused. 

Scripture tells us that God is slow to anger and quick to forgive. Let us strive to grow in virtue, virtue that helps us to become Christlike, so that,we become quick to forgive all those who hurt us in life.

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.
Because, by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.






Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, OCDS

STAINED GLASS SCAPULARS

Reflections on the Rule of the Secular Order of

 Discalced Carmelites

Photo: R Massaro Copyright (2018)Spirit Singing

Lent has begun and people have thought about what they will give up as a Lenten sacrifice. I encourage all of us as Secular Carmelites to enter into this holy season by resolving to live our Carmelite promises more faithfully, because the vocation to Carmel can be summed up in the three pillars of the Lenten season: Prayer, Fasting, almsgiving.  As Carmelites, we are called to live out the spirit of the Lenten season throughout the year.

I know, I know, this challenge may sound shocking and frightening, because we live in the world. Right? We have families, and jobs, and other responsibilities. But  I remind myself and all of us who are professed that we stood before the Altar and made a promise to God in the company of our brothers and sisters in community and before the Communion of Saints that we would strive to “Follow the Crucified and Risen Lord.” Do we take this promise seriously each day?

How do we live out the pillars of the Lenten season?

PRAYER

We are called to pray daily, not only the Liturgy of the Hours, but we are to spend ½ hour in quiet prayer. This is the minimum requirement.  Let us truly make an effort to offer more of our time to the Lord.  We can pray at home or go to Mass daily and pray before and after Mass. We can make a Eucharistic Holy hour.  One only has to read the news to see that our world is in desperate need of prayer, of conversion. It is the spiritual call of the Carmelites to pray on behalf of the Church. 

FASTING

We don’t have to give up great things.  We can incorporate St. Therese’s Little Way into our penitential life by giving up something small each day.  Perhaps it’s about not having a favorite food, or having water instead of another favorite beverage. But let’s go deeper. Can we give up our need to talk or respond instead of truly listening to someone? Do we always need to be heard? Do we always need to give our opinion?  Let us give up being critical of others, of gossiping. We can help someone at home by saving them from some housework or chore. Can we give up an hour’s sleep to get up earlier and start the day with prayer? There are so many ways we can live more deeply our calling to accept the cross and to be intimate friends with Jesus Christ. 

The Order of Carmel is one of the most penitential orders in the Church.  The traditional Discalced Carmelite nuns observe strict papal enclosure. They only go out in public for medical reasons. The nuns sleep on hard beds and adhere to a vegetarian diet. They fast from the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross until Easter and they live this life of penance in a spirit of great joy! We share the same Carmelite Rule of St. Albert with the nuns. However, we are not asked to give up as much and yet we make excuses. Let us pray for the nuns who are praying and offering sacrifice for us every day.

ALMSGIVING

As Carmelites we are to participate in an active apostolate. Are you involved at your parish? Many times we can perform works of charity right at home. The Carmelite is called to share the fruit of his prayer, this is our Lenten Almsgiving that we are called to live out in our daily lives. The fruit of our prayer is nothing less than offering to others mercy, justice, and peace, the spirit of the Beatitudes.  So, along with living the three pillars of Lent, I encourage us to meditate on the Beatitudes. This holy state of being, of being Christlike is the great witness we give as Carmelites. 

From our Carmelite Promise:

I ____________________, inspired by the Holy Spirit, in response to God’s call, sincerely promise to the Superiors of the Order of the Teresian Carmel, and to you my brothers and sisters, to tend toward evangelical perfection in the spirit of the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, obedience, and of the Beatitudes, according to the Rule of St. Albert and the Constitutions of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, for the rest of my life. I confidently entrust this, my Promise, to the Virgin Mary, Mother and Queen of Carmel. 

Let us pray for each other that we have the courage to follow the Crucified and Risen Lord not only during Lent but each and every day of our Carmelite life.

Peace be with you!

Rosemarie. OCDS

SATURDAY OF OUR LADY

MARY'S JOY

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

Wold Day of Prayer for the Sick

February 11

Photo:R.Massaro (C)2013SpiritSinging-

Grotto-Lourdes, France

LOURDES OFFICIAL WEBSITE 

Today Mary dwells in the joy and the glory of the Resurrection. The tears shed at the foot of the Cross have been transformed into a smile which nothing can wipe away, even as her maternal compassion towards us remains unchanged. The intervention of the Virgin Mary in offering succor throughout history testifies to this, and she doesn't cease to call forth, in the people of God, an unshakable confidence in her: the Memorare prayer expresses thissentiment very well. Mary loves each of her children, giving particular attention to those who, like her Son at the hour of his Passion, are prey to suffering; she loves them quite simply because they are her children, according to the will of Christ on the Cross.

Benedict the XVI on the 150 Anniversary of Lourdes



Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, OCDS

THREE WORDS OF WISDOM

KEEPING A SECRET

Are you able to keep a confidence?  Do you see this as a special virtue? It is my opinion that this "virtue" is becoming extinct in our world, especially in the light of social networking.  People want to tell the whole world what is going on in their lives, revealing personal details about themselves and their friends.

What about living this virtue in the workplace? Are we in a position that requires us to keep information confidential?  Do we abide by this policy?  Do we manipulate people to get information in the workplace for our benefit? These are all questions that can serve as an examination of conscience.

I'm sure we have all experienced the person who has approached us saying, " Don't tell anyone, but..."  Or, " I'm not supposed to say anything, but..." When this statement shows its ugly head, we should stop the person in their tracks before we give them permission to reveal a confidence.  We should do this charitably, of course, by simply saying, "I'm sorry, please don't tell me, I don't need to know this." 

St. Bernadette is an example of heroic virtue in keeping a confidence. In her apparitions, she was given three secrets from our Lady that she never revealed her entire life.  People tried to get her to reveal the secrets.  They tried to figure it out by asking her certain questions. She would simply reply, "They concern only me." Some people may argue that she had special help from Our Lady to keep the secrets.  I respond that this same grace from the Holy Spirit is available to us, as well. 

When we think of heroic virtue in a saint, we don't usually think of the virtue of being able to keep hidden the secrets of the Lord. Human nature usually cries out for us to reveal to all who will listen what special favors the Lord has given to us.  In the spiritual life, people can get caught up in "journaling," writing down every experience that takes place and analyzing and record keeping...this can be a form of vanity and spiritual pride. 

What about the virtue of keeping silent about our spiritual woks and good deeds? Do we tell people we are fasting?  Do we tell people we are keeping a prayer vigil?  Do we tell people we get up early or stay up late to pray?  Do we account all we have done in charity in the past week?  Do we tell people about our every ache and pain and family problem and work problem and so on? Can we not suffer these things in silence to mortify ourselves and foster the virtue of humility? Can we not keep hidden these sufferings so that they go unnoticed in the world, but pleasing in the Lord's eyes? Let us challenge ourselves to live like the saints.  When reading a saint's biography, consider that there was so much more about the person that was left unsaid. May God be praised!

St. Therese of the Child Jesus' charism in the spiritual life was to keep favors hidden. She wanted to keep hidden her sacrifices and sufferings, her works of mercy and works of charity for the other sisters.  She had a pure heart that was motivated to please God alone. 

There are exceptions to this hidden spirituality of St. Therese and we can see this in the Order of Carmel in our Carmelite Doctors of the Church: St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila). St. Teresa wrote about her mystical experiences under obedience. She was not one to keep lengthy journals about these experiences, for she writes that if we have a true experience of God it will be impressed upon our heart and we will remember it forever.  She even stated that she had experiences of which the memory never faded, even after 20 or more years had passed.

It takes another virtue, humility, to keep a confidence entrusted to us by the Lord and by our friends.  Secrets of the hearts between lovers are intimate details that should be kept between lovers.  In the spiritual life, when God favors us with experiences of his great love for us, it is impossible to put these encounters  into words, a "built-in" mystical help from the Holy Spirit to help us to remain humble.

From the Imitation of Christ:

Those who confide their secrets to others, cautioning them not to repeat them to a soul, often cannot keep their own secrets, but betray both themselves and their confidants. From such foolish talk and such imprudent people, defend me, O Lord, that I become not their victim, or commit the same fault.

Let us pray for each other.

"But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:6)

Peace be with you!

Rosemarie, O.C.D.S.