THREE WORDS OF WISDOM

I LOOK FORWARD

Today, as we celebrate the end of the liturgical year in the church, we will now turn our attention to the season of Advent and prepare for the coming of the Lord. The Church helps us to prepare to celebrate Christmas by having the people of God enter into a time of retreat, the Advent season.  As a point of reflection we may ask ourselves, Do I look forward to Advent and the time of prayer and reflection it offers? If not, what do I look forward to?

We can tell something about a person when we find out what sorts of things they look forward to. I'm sure we all have relatives and friends who tell us they are looking forward to watching their favorite sports team, or some people look forward to a shopping trip or seeing the latest movie. Some look forward to seeing children and grandchildren. These can all be good things to look forward to.

Let's look at this desire on a deeper and spiritual level. Spiritually, what do we look forward to?  Do we look forward to going to Mass, Adoration, or Confession?  Or each Sunday, is it an effort to drag myself out of bed to go and worship the Living God?  Have I looked forward to spending one hour in Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament? Or do I find myself attached to the tv and not able to pry myself from my comfort zone, to go and pray before the Living God? Do I look forward to Confession? Or do I find myself putting off, week after week after week, the opportunity to seek mercy and forgiveness from the Living God, present in the Sacrament of Confession?

As Secular Carmelites, we can examine our conscience by asking some questions about the desires of our heart:  

*Do I look forward to the daily period of meditation?

*Do I look forward to praying the Liturgy of the Hours?

*Do I look forward to attending Mass and receiving the Holy Eucharist?

*Do I look forward to the next meeting and prepare by studying my formation materials?

*Do I look forward to the days of fast and the celebration of the Carmelite Saints?

*Do I look forward to making Temporary or Final promises?

*Do I look forward to going to Confession?

*Do I look forward to the crosses God will send me for my sanctification?

On a more general examine, we can ask ourselves:

*Do I look forward to helping someone, or performing acts of charity?

*Do I look forward to spending time with my spouse?

*Do I look forward to studying holy Scripture?

*Do I look forward to reconciling with someone I have hurt, or with someone who has offended me?

Each Sunday, at Mass, during the recitation of  the Creed, we state, as the Body of Christ, what we look forward to:

" I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come..." Do we really? Do we really look forward to meeting Christ face-to-face? Do we really look forward and desire to enter the Kingdom of Heaven? If we really desired and looked forward to entering into the presence of God, our lives would reflect it. We would be more charitable, we would be more helpful, we would be less selfish, we would look forward to many other things instead of worldly pastimes, to sinful pastimes. 

Our world is in great need of prayer, for there are many people who look forward to hurting and even plotting to kill their neighbor. There are people who, each day beat, torture, and starve children and receive pleasure from it.  The enemies of the Church want to destroy our churches and kill in the name of God, and they look forward to this with great pleasure. God help us!...what sinful and evil things enter the mind and heart of man!

If we are truly on the road of perfection, we will look forward to the Holy Spirit's work in us to make us holy.  If we are truly looking forward to the the life of the world to come, we would be working to see the Kingdom reflected in our lives, now. We would look forward to being merciful instead of being easily offended and holding a grudge. We would look forward to being peacemakers instead of troublemakers. We would truly mourn over our own sins instead of looking for an opportunity to rejoice over the faults of others.

The Saints are the people God gives us as examples. They went through life always looking forward to His coming, always looking forward to the resurrection and the life to come...They always looked for an opportunity to forget themselves and serve their neighbor. But most importantly, they always looked forward to glorifying God in all that they did and to have others do the same.

Let us look forward to the coming of Christ in our lives at each moment of our existence. The time of quiet prayer and reflection in our Advent retreat helps us to be aware that Emmanuel, "God is with us." Let us look forward to meeting him each day and uniting ourselves with him so that we can be holy in thought, word, and deed.  Becoming Christlike is what prepares us for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come...

Peace be with you!

Rosemarie of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, ocds

The Path of Light-A year on Pilgrimage with St.Teresa of Jesus

Words of Wisdom from St. Teresa:

In this excerpt, St. Teresa refers to her previous writings in which she tells us that she found more freedom to serve God by giving up friends and relatives which "tire me very much." She continues on this theme of spiritual freedom in a letter she wrote from St. Joseph's at Avila in 1563.  She tells us to attach ourselves to the Cross and to place our trust in God to prevent us from falling into sin.

It is a little more or less than nine months ago that I wrote the above, which is in my own handwriting. Since then, not turning back from the favors God granted me, it seems to me I have received again, insofar as I understand, much greater freedom. Up until now, I thought I needed others, and I had more trust in help from the world. Now, I understand clearly that all this help is like little sticks of dry rosemary and that in being attached to it there is no security; for when some weight of contradiction or criticism comes along, these little sticks break. So I have experience that the true remedy against a fall is to be attached to the cross and trust in Him who placed Himself upon it. I discover that He is the true friend, and through this friendship I find in myself a dominion by which it seems to me I could resist, providing God doesn't fail me, anyone who might be against me.

Though now I understand this truth so clearly, I used to be very fond of being liked. No longer does being liked matter to me; rather, it seems in part to weary me, except in the case of those with whom I discuss my soul or whom I am thinking of helping...

In the very severe trials and persecutions and opposition I experienced these past months, God has given me great courage; and the greater these trials were the greater was the courage, without my growing tired of suffering. Toward persons who spoke evil of me, not only did I feel I bore no harsh feelings but it seemed to me I gained new love for them. I don't know how this came about; it was a blessing given by the hand of the Lord.

Official Website of the 2015 Congress-Holy Hill, Wisconsin



Peace be with you!
Rosemarie of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, ocds

The Path of Light: A year on pilgrimage with St. Teresa of Jesus

On October 15, 2014 the official year of preparation to celebrate the 500 anniversary of the birth of St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila) began.

The Vicar General said that the “Path of Light” pilgrimage will depart from Ávila on October 15, 2014 (feast day of the Saint), and traverse Teresian places throughout the world in the five continents –Europe, Asia, America, Africa, and Oceania– including active missions, until its return to Ávila on March 28, 2015. As of this date, “Path of Light” will be undertaken by the 17 Teresian foundations.
Father Emilio José Martínez announced that throughout the entire journey, Saint Teresa’s cane will be carried as a very symbolic relic-sign. “As its objective, this project invites everyone to walk along with Teresa. For that reason, we have chosen this relic. The Community of Carmelite Friars of Ávila permitted this with immense generosity. It will allow Saint Teresa to be very present on the five  continents,” explained the Discalced Carmelite Vicar General.

Father Antonio González, Secretary General of the Fifth Centenary, will head the project until January 7. The project also includes the creation of materials for a “Path of Light” photographic exposition, gathering the best images of the pilgrimage to make a pictorial background of Saint Teresa’s family and friends in the five continents.

A documentary to help us draw near to Saint Teresa and the Discalced Carmelite Order by means of this journey will also be made.



Peace be with you!
Rosemarie of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, ocds

Spiritual Direction with St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila)

Next week, Discalced Carmelites throughout the world will be celebrating the solemnity of St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila) on October 15th. In light of her upcoming feast day here are some words of wisdom from our Holy Mother, St. Teresa. This excerpt is from her Way of Perfection.

TWO KINDS OF LOVE


What I would like to say a little about now is how this love for one another must be practiced. I would like to speak also of the nature of this virtuous love--which is the love I want practiced here--and how we know if we have this love; for our Lord recommended it so highly and so urgently to his apostles. What I say will be in conformity with my dullness of mind; and if in other books you find a detailed explanation don't take anything from me, for perhaps I don't know what I'm talking about.

Two kinds of love are what I'm dealing with: One kind is spiritual, because it in no way seems to stir sensuality or affect the tenderness of our nature so as to take away purity. The other is spiritual mixed with our sensuality and weakness or good love, for it seems to be licit, as is love for our relatives and friends. I have already said something about it.

I want to speak now about the love that is spiritual, that which is not affected by any passion; where passion is present the good order is thrown into complete disorder. And if we deal with virtuous persons discreetly and moderately, especially confessors, we will benefit...

May it please God that I understand this love; and even more, that I know how to speak of it, for I don't think I know which love is spiritual, or when sensual love is mixed with spiritual love, nor do I know why I want to speak about this spiritual love...

The persons the Lord brings to this state are generous souls, majestic souls. They are not content with loving something as wretched as these bodies, however beautiful they may be, however attractive...All other affections wearies these persons, for they understand that no benefit comes from it and that it could be harmful...

Now, note well that when we desire love from some person, there is always a kind of seeking our own benefit or satisfaction, and these perfect persons have already trampled underfoot all the good things and comforts the world has to offer them. 

It will seem to you that such persons do not love or know anyone but God. I say, yes they do love, with a much greater and more genuine love, and with passion, and with a more beneficial love; in short, it is love. And these souls are more inclined to give than to receive. Even with respect to the Creator Himself they want to give more than to receive. I say that this attitude is what merits the name "love," for these other base attachments have usurped the name "love."
Way of Perfection, Chap. 6, 2-7

In these excerpts from St. Teresa's Way of Perfection, we can get a feel for her difficulty in describing the soul who possesses perfect, pure love.  In the last excerpt she gets to the heart of the matter with her statement that many times our attachments and affections are under the guise of real love.

I once knew a nun, now deceased, who told me , " I love you with the same love that Jesus loved us with on the Cross." Wow! has anyone said anything remotely like that to you lately or ever?  This statement from good Sr. Agnes reminds me of another holy person we all know: Bl. Teresa of Calcutta, or "Mother Teresa" as she was affectionately known.  She is on record as saying, "There is not two loves, or three loves, there is only one love. And God is love!"

As Catholics, as Christians, as Carmelites, we should be striving to become Christlike in thought, word and deed.  Let us ask the Holy Spirit to give us the gift of perfect charity. A charity that manifests itself in holy conversations with others. 

Based on St. Teresa's writings and description of these majestic pure souls who love purely, here are some of the qualities I believe these holy souls possess if one were to converse with them:

*The truth would be spoken with charity and kindness.

*They would not criticize others "behind their back."

*They would not offer empty flattery.

*They would bring God into the conversation-praising him or his 
   gifts they see in others.

*They would be free of sentimentality or drama.

*They would have no interest in discussing things "of the world."

*They would refrain from gossip.

*They would refrain from bragging-would not boast about 
  themselves or their accomplishments.

*They would not complain.

*They would be genuinely concerned about you. 

*You would leave their presence feeling spiritually uplifted and 
   inspired to serve God better.

Did you see yourself in any of these items?  If we make the effort to love others when we speak to them, God will help us and purify our motives so that we are not self-seeking-seeking to be loved with a selfish and worldly affection from others. This takes time. It takes humility to not seek praise and affirmation from others. Because these attachments and desires are part of our human nature. When we constantly make the effort to forget ourselves and seek to console and strengthen others, when we strive to be loving and kind and merciful, then we know we are on the right track to becoming Christlike and to love others with the same love that he loved us with as he died on the Cross for us.

God is love!

Peace be with you!
Rosemarie of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, ocds

The Cell of St. Therese-The Carmel of Lisieux

HAPPY FEAST DAY TO ALL CARMELITES AND TO EVERYONE!

SAINT THERESE, PRAY FOR US!

SUBMIT YOUR PETITION TO BE PLACED IN THE CELL OF ST. THERESE

(Don't forget to use your translate button) If you still have a problem, click on "Intentions de priere" on left side bar and then click on "Envoyer une intentions de prière"

THE SISTERS HAVE OPENED THEIR ARCHIVES!!!!

CLICK ON THE PHOTO

Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, ocds

TABERNACLES

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Buckeye Lake, Ohio

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Buckeye Lake - Video Maker

Peace be with you!
Rosemarie of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, ocds

SPIRITUAL LIFE DICTIONARY

TODAY'S TERM: SANCTITY

Photo: R. Massaro-Our Lady of Fatima Shrine Lewiston, NY

In today's spiritual term we can see in its shadow the word "sanctus," which means holy.  However, in the Catholic Dictionary from which the following definition is taken, we get directly to the point of the meaning of this word: sanctity is purity of heart, obtained through the heroic gift of charity, bestowed on an individual by the Holy Spirit.

Sanctity: An eminent degree of "charity, from a pure heart, and a good conscience, and an unfeigned faith." (I Timothy 1:5)
The Catholic Dictionary by Donald Atwater

One of the marks of the Catholic Church is that it is holy.  As members of the Church, the Body of Christ, we are called to personal holiness and purity of heart. And the Church is praying for our sanctification at each and every Mass.  I have been thinking about this lately, because I especially like the Eucharistic Prayer that entreats the Lord to bring us to the fullness of charity.

Eucharistic Prayer II states:
Remember, Lord, your Church, spread throughout the world, and bring her to the fullness of charity...


And this beautiful phrase from Eucharistic Prayer III:
Be pleased to confirm in faith and charity your pilgrim Church on earth...

Let's go back to what the Letter of Timothy stated at the beginning of this post. He describes the one who is holy. They possess:

*An eminent degree of charity
*A pure heart
*A good conscience
*An unfeigned faith

We could do a meditation and examination of conscience on these spiritual qualities of a holy person.

Do I possess a high degree of charity? Do I go the extra mile, forgetting myself and my wants to help someone in need? Do I fast and pray for others?  Do I make sacrifices for others? Do I pray for my enemies?

Do I possess a pure heart?  Well, perhaps this is hard to determine. St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila) teaches us that the truly humble and pure of heart don't even know they possess these gifts. They observe them in others and pray for these gifts to be bestowed on them.  But we could in some way tell if we have the makings of a pure heart-

* Is the initial movement of my soul-my "first response" towards 
   charity? 

*Am I saddened and mournful over my sins and the sins of the 
  world?

* Do I try to console the heart of God who is much-offended in the
   world? 

*Do I have empathy for those who are suffering?

* Do I see the good in people who at first sight may be "written off"
   by society?

*Do I treat those who have hurt me differently than those who have
  been kind to me?

A good conscience. A good conscience is an informed conscience. It is a conscience that is formed according to the teachings of the Holy Catholic Church. A good conscience brings true peace to the soul. This person is at peace with God and his neighbor.

An unfeigned faith. Do I have a sincere and genuine faith?  Do I truly love God and his Church?  Do I go to church just to please my spouse or others? Do I have a desire to share my faith with others?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that the Church is the universal Sacrament of Salvation. I would say we are in good hands!  For the Catechism states: "The Church, in Christ, is like a sacrament--a sign and instrument, that is, of communion with God and of unity among all men. The Church's first purpose is to be the sacrament of the inner union of men with God..."

As Secular Carmelites, this is the heart of our vocation: union with God.  That is why we are called to attend Mass daily, if possible. We are to be Eucharistic people. This sacramental life opens the door to union with the Beloved. Then, fed by the Lord and strengthened and confirmed in love, we go out to be of service to our neighbor. Oh! The beauty and simplicity in the call of the Christian and the Carmelite! It's not complicated. The Church makes it very easy for us. 

As I stated in the beginning. The Church is praying for us, praying for us to be saints.

...The Church's structure is totally ordered to the holiness of Christ's members. And holiness is measured according to the great mystery in which the Bride responds with the gift of love to the gift of the Bridegroom. Mary goes before us all in the holiness that is the Church's mystery as "the bride without spot or wrinkle."
Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 773.

Let us pray for each other.


Peace be with you!
Rosemarie of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, ocds