All Hallow's Eve

In honor of this whole season in which we remember our beloved dead, (the actual meaning of Halloween--All Hallow's Eve) I am posting this video. During this time of waning outdoor light, our minds turn to the inevitable time when we will no longer be alive here on earth.

All Hallow's Eve

In honor of this whole season in which we remember our beloved dead, (the actual meaning of Halloween--All Hallow's Eve) I am posting this video. During this time of waning outdoor light, our minds turn to the inevitable time when we will no longer be alive here on earth.

Nevermore

In honor of All Hallows Eve, here is a recording of Edgar Allen Poe's poem, The Raven, read by Christopher Walken.

Nevermore

In honor of All Hallows Eve, here is a recording of Edgar Allen Poe's poem, The Raven, read by Christopher Walken.

Singin' Bird, Hon!

I'll eat my hat if this bird (or its person) isn't from Baltimore!

Singin' Bird, Hon!

I'll eat my hat if this bird (or its person) isn't from Baltimore!

seven squirrels
culinary cramming--
first freeze

Bzyantine Prayer Ropes

Today's gospel from Luke 18 was the story of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee. The tax collector , who was justified by his humility in the face of God, prayed, "O God, be merciful to me, a sinner."

This put me in mind of the Eastern Christian tradition of the Jesus Prayer. This prayer is said in groups of 33 or commonly, 100, and kept track of on a prayer rope or chotki. The Jesus Prayer is also called The Prayer of the Heart.

It is suggested that you pray the prayer to the rhythm of your breathing, praying "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God," as you inhale and "Have mercy on me, a sinner" as you exhale. As it becomes a part of your day, it can be a way of following Paul's directive in Thessalonians to "Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17

Other prayers that can open or close the Byzantine Prayer Rope are the Prayer of the Righteous Thief "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom" or Psalm 51.

Here is my YouTube version of Psalm 51, set to Byzantine chant from the Great Friday Liturgy.



For more information see this site. To purchase one, see the St. Seraphim Prayer Rope page.

Bzyantine Prayer Ropes

Today's gospel from Luke 18 was the story of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee. The tax collector , who was justified by his humility in the face of God, prayed, "O God, be merciful to me, a sinner."

This put me in mind of the Eastern Christian tradition of the Jesus Prayer. This prayer is said in groups of 33 or commonly, 100, and kept track of on a prayer rope or chotki. The Jesus Prayer is also called The Prayer of the Heart.

It is suggested that you pray the prayer to the rhythm of your breathing, praying "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God," as you inhale and "Have mercy on me, a sinner" as you exhale. As it becomes a part of your day, it can be a way of following Paul's directive in Thessalonians to "Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17

Other prayers that can open or close the Byzantine Prayer Rope are the Prayer of the Righteous Thief "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom" or Psalm 51.

Here is my YouTube version of Psalm 51, set to Byzantine chant from the Great Friday Liturgy.



For more information see this site. To purchase one, see the St. Seraphim Prayer Rope page.

Pray for California

Please pray for all those affected by the fires in California. So many people have been made homeless by these horrible fires. Pray, too, for the fire fighters and rescue workers.

Saint Florian was a third century Roman officer, who served in Austria and who was said to have put out a fire in a town by throwing just one bucket of water on it. After being ordered to execute a group of Christians, he refused and professed his own faith. He was cruelly martyred by being scourged, half-flayed alive, set on fire, and thrown into the river Enns.

Oh, Saint Florian, beg Our Lord to intervene in the fires that are raging in California, and draw all people there under the protective mantle of Our Lady.

Pray for California

Please pray for all those affected by the fires in California. So many people have been made homeless by these horrible fires. Pray, too, for the fire fighters and rescue workers.

Saint Florian was a third century Roman officer, who served in Austria and who was said to have put out a fire in a town by throwing just one bucket of water on it. After being ordered to execute a group of Christians, he refused and professed his own faith. He was cruelly martyred by being scourged, half-flayed alive, set on fire, and thrown into the river Enns.

Oh, Saint Florian, beg Our Lord to intervene in the fires that are raging in California, and draw all people there under the protective mantle of Our Lady.

New Catholic Diet Blog

Stop on over at the new Catholic Diet Inspiration Blog. It is a much needed voice for menu moderation from a Catholic perspective. As a middle aged American woman, I can tell you how challenging this is!!

I especially liked the post about "All-you-can-eat" places. They are not "All-you-want-to-eat" or "All-you-should-eat," the blogger points out, but "All-you-can-eat". There is a big difference between these three approaches. From now on, I am going to enjoy my time at "All-you-should-eat" places, and I think I'll be a lot better off!

New Catholic Diet Blog

Stop on over at the new Catholic Diet Inspiration Blog. It is a much needed voice for menu moderation from a Catholic perspective. As a middle aged American woman, I can tell you how challenging this is!!

I especially liked the post about "All-you-can-eat" places. They are not "All-you-want-to-eat" or "All-you-should-eat," the blogger points out, but "All-you-can-eat". There is a big difference between these three approaches. From now on, I am going to enjoy my time at "All-you-should-eat" places, and I think I'll be a lot better off!

morning coffee--
liquid motivation,
barely tasted

The Ellen Thing

I'm going to weigh in on the Ellen Degeneres controversy.

Ellen adopted a puppy from Mutts and Moms, an adoption agency run by two women in Pasadena, California. After spending 9 days with a trainer (Ellen said on her show that this was for the purpose of making sure the dog got along with her cats) the puppy went home with Ellen. Shortly thereafter, Ellen decided that she couldn't deal with a puppy that young. (Again, she said on her show that it was just "too hyper".)

Ok. I can rant about how naive Ellen was to think that a puppy wouldn't be "hyper", but it happens. This is why Mutts and Moms has written in their contract that any dogs adopted through them that need to be re-homed, should be given back to the agency.

Ellen signed that contract, but then gave the puppy to her hairdresser.

All this took place with about a 2 week period. When the agency called to see how the puppy was doing in Ellen's home, she told them the truth. Because of the above mentioned stipulation in the contract, as well as the fact that the hairdresser's family included 2 girls under the age of 14 (who would not be allowed to adopt a dog that small from the organization) the agency repossessed the dog from the hairdresser.

So, Ellen goes on her show and cries (literally) to the world about how unfair all this is. The result? These two women whose livelihood involves helping homeless animals are now receiving bomb and death threats. Their living, as well as their lives, are threatened by a group of media-crazed fans who, apparently, have no lives of their own.

Again, on her show, Ellen complained that she had spent $3,000 dollars on the dog, implying that that much money should have counted for something, surely.

There are a couple of issues here. First, for many people who still have some sort of ethical head on their shoulders, gobs of money do NOT buy morality.

Second, the girls in question 11 and 13, I think, are more than old enough to learn the life lesson that rules, for the most part, are made to be followed and that not following rules has consequences. In spite of the fact that the dog was not with them for very long, Ellen sobbed about how "bonded" they were to the dog. Maybe so, but love involves wishing the greater good for the loved one, whether it is what you want or not. Ellen is more than financially capable of purchasing another dog for this family, either through a reputable breeder, or through an adoption agency.

What a lesson that would be to those girls. "I was wrong," Ellen has said. Fine. That is only the first, small step. She should have gone to her hairdresser's home, apologized to the girls, and promised to accompany them to the agency to go through the proper channels to get them a dog that would be a good fit with their lives. It's called "making amends".

The next bit of amends that Ms. Degeneres needs to make is to the two women who own Mutts and Moms. Thanks to her television histrionics, they are receiving death threats and may loose their business. She needs to publicly reprimand her "fans" who have made these threats and beg them to help these women and the good work they do with homeless animals.

The Ellen Thing

I'm going to weigh in on the Ellen Degeneres controversy.

Ellen adopted a puppy from Mutts and Moms, an adoption agency run by two women in Pasadena, California. After spending 9 days with a trainer (Ellen said on her show that this was for the purpose of making sure the dog got along with her cats) the puppy went home with Ellen. Shortly thereafter, Ellen decided that she couldn't deal with a puppy that young. (Again, she said on her show that it was just "too hyper".)

Ok. I can rant about how naive Ellen was to think that a puppy wouldn't be "hyper", but it happens. This is why Mutts and Moms has written in their contract that any dogs adopted through them that need to be re-homed, should be given back to the agency.

Ellen signed that contract, but then gave the puppy to her hairdresser.

All this took place with about a 2 week period. When the agency called to see how the puppy was doing in Ellen's home, she told them the truth. Because of the above mentioned stipulation in the contract, as well as the fact that the hairdresser's family included 2 girls under the age of 14 (who would not be allowed to adopt a dog that small from the organization) the agency repossessed the dog from the hairdresser.

So, Ellen goes on her show and cries (literally) to the world about how unfair all this is. The result? These two women whose livelihood involves helping homeless animals are now receiving bomb and death threats. Their living, as well as their lives, are threatened by a group of media-crazed fans who, apparently, have no lives of their own.

Again, on her show, Ellen complained that she had spent $3,000 dollars on the dog, implying that that much money should have counted for something, surely.

There are a couple of issues here. First, for many people who still have some sort of ethical head on their shoulders, gobs of money do NOT buy morality.

Second, the girls in question 11 and 13, I think, are more than old enough to learn the life lesson that rules, for the most part, are made to be followed and that not following rules has consequences. In spite of the fact that the dog was not with them for very long, Ellen sobbed about how "bonded" they were to the dog. Maybe so, but love involves wishing the greater good for the loved one, whether it is what you want or not. Ellen is more than financially capable of purchasing another dog for this family, either through a reputable breeder, or through an adoption agency.

What a lesson that would be to those girls. "I was wrong," Ellen has said. Fine. That is only the first, small step. She should have gone to her hairdresser's home, apologized to the girls, and promised to accompany them to the agency to go through the proper channels to get them a dog that would be a good fit with their lives. It's called "making amends".

The next bit of amends that Ms. Degeneres needs to make is to the two women who own Mutts and Moms. Thanks to her television histrionics, they are receiving death threats and may loose their business. She needs to publicly reprimand her "fans" who have made these threats and beg them to help these women and the good work they do with homeless animals.

early fall morning
dense fog hugs the ground
spirits walk

Rockin' Bird

Snowball, the bird, taught himself to rock to this Backstreet Boys song. Check out his head action at the end.

Rockin' Bird

Snowball, the bird, taught himself to rock to this Backstreet Boys song. Check out his head action at the end.

Ave Maria for Peace

Today's Ave Maria for peace is by Josquin Desprez (1440-1521). It's one of my favorite Ave Marias to sing and to listen to.



I think the last line is especially well done. The words , O Mater Dei, memento mei. Amen translate to, "Oh Mother of God, remember me. Amen." Listen to the way the music comes out like a prayer.

Indeed, he who sings, prays twice.

Ave Maria for Peace

Today's Ave Maria for peace is by Josquin Desprez (1440-1521). It's one of my favorite Ave Marias to sing and to listen to.



I think the last line is especially well done. The words , O Mater Dei, memento mei. Amen translate to, "Oh Mother of God, remember me. Amen." Listen to the way the music comes out like a prayer.

Indeed, he who sings, prays twice.

St. Ignatius of Antioch

Today is the feast day of Saint Ignatius of Antioch. Ignatius was converted to Christianity by John the Apostle and appointed bishop of Antioch by Saint Peter.

He was the first recorded person to refer to the Christian Church as "Catholic." Some time before the year 107, St. Ignatius wrote,

Where there is Christ Jesus, there is the Catholic Church.

The word "Catholic" comes from the Greek word katholikos which means "universal". The church, the Christian church, was the Catholic Church in the time right after the apostles.

All the Christian Churches, whether in Jerusalem, Rome or elsewhere were all part of the One Church founded by our Saviour Jesus Christ. That one Church was "Catholic"--Universal--and still takes its teachings directly from the Apostles--the men who were hand picked by Christ while He walked on the earth.

Jesus gave Peter the "keys to the kingdom of Heaven" and gave him (and the men he ordained by the laying on of hands) the "power to bind and loose." (Matthew 16: 19) That power exists today, as it did in the first century, in the Catholic Church.

Its members, men, women, lay and religious, lowly and leaders are far from perfect. Many are not even "good". But, Jesus promised that

You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. ~Matthew 16:19

That is a promise that St. Ignatius believed in, in the years that the first Apostles still walked and taught.

St. Ignatius of Antioch

Today is the feast day of Saint Ignatius of Antioch. Ignatius was converted to Christianity by John the Apostle and appointed bishop of Antioch by Saint Peter.

He was the first recorded person to refer to the Christian Church as "Catholic." Some time before the year 107, St. Ignatius wrote,

Where there is Christ Jesus, there is the Catholic Church.

The word "Catholic" comes from the Greek word katholikos which means "universal". The church, the Christian church, was the Catholic Church in the time right after the apostles.

All the Christian Churches, whether in Jerusalem, Rome or elsewhere were all part of the One Church founded by our Saviour Jesus Christ. That one Church was "Catholic"--Universal--and still takes its teachings directly from the Apostles--the men who were hand picked by Christ while He walked on the earth.

Jesus gave Peter the "keys to the kingdom of Heaven" and gave him (and the men he ordained by the laying on of hands) the "power to bind and loose." (Matthew 16: 19) That power exists today, as it did in the first century, in the Catholic Church.

Its members, men, women, lay and religious, lowly and leaders are far from perfect. Many are not even "good". But, Jesus promised that

You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. ~Matthew 16:19

That is a promise that St. Ignatius believed in, in the years that the first Apostles still walked and taught.

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

Today is the feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque whose vision of Christ on December 27, 1673 during adoration, helped to advance devotion to the Sacred Heart.

Scripture says that

from within Him rivers of living water shall flow
~John 7:37

and he (was) pierced for our transgressions.
~ Isaiah 53:5

After his death for us on the cross,

one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately there came out blood and water.
~John 19:34

Jesus invites each of us to

come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light
~Matthew 11:28-29

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

Today is the feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque whose vision of Christ on December 27, 1673 during adoration, helped to advance devotion to the Sacred Heart.

Scripture says that

from within Him rivers of living water shall flow
~John 7:37

and he (was) pierced for our transgressions.
~ Isaiah 53:5

After his death for us on the cross,

one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately there came out blood and water.
~John 19:34

Jesus invites each of us to

come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light
~Matthew 11:28-29

Sleeping With Bread

Today's Sleeping With Bread is about Autumn. Although we have no fall color here yet, except the occasional brown and lots of green still, I am very grateful for the cooler weather!!!

During college, I decided that cool weather was God's way of greeting me every morning, as I walked to breakfast. I really appreciate the seasons. I'm kind of a season-dork. Every seasons brings a new wreath on my door, new candles around my house, and new icons/statues on my mantel.

I think the Church has seen that "to everything there is a season" and follows God's creation throughout the Church year.

Sleeping With Bread

Today's Sleeping With Bread is about Autumn. Although we have no fall color here yet, except the occasional brown and lots of green still, I am very grateful for the cooler weather!!!

During college, I decided that cool weather was God's way of greeting me every morning, as I walked to breakfast. I really appreciate the seasons. I'm kind of a season-dork. Every seasons brings a new wreath on my door, new candles around my house, and new icons/statues on my mantel.

I think the Church has seen that "to everything there is a season" and follows God's creation throughout the Church year.

A Little About Icons

I was pointed to a very interested article by someone on a Byzantine/Orthodox forum about Icons in the Home in Russian Orthodox culture. The customs surrounding Icons in Russian Orthodoxy bring the Presence of God, the Holy and Mighty One, into their daily lives.

...peasants’ tables are often so arranged that it is impossible to sit with one’s back to (them); the table is jammed up into the Ikon corner so that it appears as if the Ikons themselves are sitting down to the meals. Before eating, one bows to the Ikon and crosses oneself three times and one repeats the ritual after the meal and then adds, “Thank you,” addressing the master
of the house.

If you sleep in a Russian home, the Ikon with its little lamp before it looks down upon you all night and guards you from evil.

...all the homes (are seen) as private ante-chambers of the village church, that in passing from the church to the home one’s reverence remains unaltered, and that all lived in the remembrance of the immanence and nearness of God.

I guess many Christians today would think all this a little weird and extreme. But, I think that in these and other customs talked about in this article, such as crossing one's self when passing a Church, the sense of the Presence of God in the everyday is heightened.

We have lost the sense of the sacred in this country. We no longer see God as He is--everywhere and All Powerful. We no longer even treat our Churches as sacred places. We no longer treat the human body as the temple that the Lord created it to be. I think a little reverence and the reminder of religious icons and some of the customs surrounding them would not be misplaced in today's society.

A Little About Icons

I was pointed to a very interested article by someone on a Byzantine/Orthodox forum about Icons in the Home in Russian Orthodox culture. The customs surrounding Icons in Russian Orthodoxy bring the Presence of God, the Holy and Mighty One, into their daily lives.

...peasants’ tables are often so arranged that it is impossible to sit with one’s back to (them); the table is jammed up into the Ikon corner so that it appears as if the Ikons themselves are sitting down to the meals. Before eating, one bows to the Ikon and crosses oneself three times and one repeats the ritual after the meal and then adds, “Thank you,” addressing the master
of the house.

If you sleep in a Russian home, the Ikon with its little lamp before it looks down upon you all night and guards you from evil.

...all the homes (are seen) as private ante-chambers of the village church, that in passing from the church to the home one’s reverence remains unaltered, and that all lived in the remembrance of the immanence and nearness of God.

I guess many Christians today would think all this a little weird and extreme. But, I think that in these and other customs talked about in this article, such as crossing one's self when passing a Church, the sense of the Presence of God in the everyday is heightened.

We have lost the sense of the sacred in this country. We no longer see God as He is--everywhere and All Powerful. We no longer even treat our Churches as sacred places. We no longer treat the human body as the temple that the Lord created it to be. I think a little reverence and the reminder of religious icons and some of the customs surrounding them would not be misplaced in today's society.

Hail Mary for Peace

Today's Ave Maria for Peace is from Celtic Woman.

Hail Mary for Peace

Today's Ave Maria for Peace is from Celtic Woman.

immutable
specters retreat behind
morning mist

Touching YouTube

This video shows Paul, a British cell phone salesman on the show Britain's Got Talent. As Lifeisgreat said to me in her e-mail, you can see the judges...well...judging him based on his looks and profession just as soon as he walks out on stage. Watch who he really is.

This is how God sees each of us.
Straight past the surface and into the heart.

Touching YouTube

This video shows Paul, a British cell phone salesman on the show Britain's Got Talent. As Lifeisgreat said to me in her e-mail, you can see the judges...well...judging him based on his looks and profession just as soon as he walks out on stage. Watch who he really is.

This is how God sees each of us.
Straight past the surface and into the heart.

Ora et Labora

Today's Gospel is the story of Mary and Martha. Martha was busy cooking and serving while Mary sat at the Lord's feet. When Martha complained to Christ, He said,

"Martha, Martha. You worry about so many things. Only one is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part. It will not be taken away from her." (~Luke 10: 41-42)

Traditionally, the Church tells us that this story is showing us the two sides of the spiritual life: Action and Contemplation.

Martha is busy serving her Lord. For centuries, the Church has educated the young, fed the hungry, clothed the naked and helped the poor. During the so-called "Dark Ages", rather than keeping knowledge hidden from the masses, as is sometimes commonly supposed, the Church preserved that knowledge through monks who painstakingly copied books of all kinds out by hand. Indeed, as Thomas Cahill asserts, the Church, "saved civilization."

In order to continue doing that, though, the Church needs to stand fast in Her teachings and not give in to the ways of the world. It needs to be a light for Christ in today's narcissistic darkness.

In this day of instant information, Christ's teaching is needed more than ever. There needs to be a voice for life, a voice for service, and a voice for Christ in the din of worldly voices that surround us every day. The Church can still "save civilization."

Service without contemplation and prayer, however, is like a "gong booming or a cymbal clashing" (1 Corinthians 13), which is why Jesus told Martha that Mary had "chosen the better part." Today, especially, modern man finds it hard to fathom that anyone, especially vibrant young people, would "waste" their lives praying in a convent or monastery. It does happen, though--increasingly so in recent years.

The orders who have focused only on action to the negation of prayer and study of Scripture and Church teachings are fast aging out of existence. The ones whose membership are booming are the ones who offer a true alternative to the world--an opportunity to give up everything for God and to serve His people through His Church. Young people are flocking to traditional orders as a way to counteract, through prayer, the despair and enui of modern civilization.

By living a life of prayer, these sisters, brothers and priests are not only doing us a great spiritual service, they are showing us how to live as Christians. They are providing us with spiritual role models and acting as teachers along our journey to Christ.

Both contemplation and action are necessary parts in our world today. Balance is essential. Let us follow the teaching of Saint Benedict.

Ora et Labora.

Prayer and work.

Ora et Labora

Today's Gospel is the story of Mary and Martha. Martha was busy cooking and serving while Mary sat at the Lord's feet. When Martha complained to Christ, He said,

"Martha, Martha. You worry about so many things. Only one is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part. It will not be taken away from her." (~Luke 10: 41-42)

Traditionally, the Church tells us that this story is showing us the two sides of the spiritual life: Action and Contemplation.

Martha is busy serving her Lord. For centuries, the Church has educated the young, fed the hungry, clothed the naked and helped the poor. During the so-called "Dark Ages", rather than keeping knowledge hidden from the masses, as is sometimes commonly supposed, the Church preserved that knowledge through monks who painstakingly copied books of all kinds out by hand. Indeed, as Thomas Cahill asserts, the Church, "saved civilization."

In order to continue doing that, though, the Church needs to stand fast in Her teachings and not give in to the ways of the world. It needs to be a light for Christ in today's narcissistic darkness.

In this day of instant information, Christ's teaching is needed more than ever. There needs to be a voice for life, a voice for service, and a voice for Christ in the din of worldly voices that surround us every day. The Church can still "save civilization."

Service without contemplation and prayer, however, is like a "gong booming or a cymbal clashing" (1 Corinthians 13), which is why Jesus told Martha that Mary had "chosen the better part." Today, especially, modern man finds it hard to fathom that anyone, especially vibrant young people, would "waste" their lives praying in a convent or monastery. It does happen, though--increasingly so in recent years.

The orders who have focused only on action to the negation of prayer and study of Scripture and Church teachings are fast aging out of existence. The ones whose membership are booming are the ones who offer a true alternative to the world--an opportunity to give up everything for God and to serve His people through His Church. Young people are flocking to traditional orders as a way to counteract, through prayer, the despair and enui of modern civilization.

By living a life of prayer, these sisters, brothers and priests are not only doing us a great spiritual service, they are showing us how to live as Christians. They are providing us with spiritual role models and acting as teachers along our journey to Christ.

Both contemplation and action are necessary parts in our world today. Balance is essential. Let us follow the teaching of Saint Benedict.

Ora et Labora.

Prayer and work.

Sleeping With Bread

Today I am grateful for recovery, in whatever form it may come. Whether it comes from therapy, counseling, medication, twelve step programs, or a direct miracle from God, recovery is always a gift. Each and every step, no matter how small, is a gift from God.

Sleeping With Bread

Today I am grateful for recovery, in whatever form it may come. Whether it comes from therapy, counseling, medication, twelve step programs, or a direct miracle from God, recovery is always a gift. Each and every step, no matter how small, is a gift from God.

Peace Initiative

"Say the Rosary every day to obtain peace for the world"
(Our Lady of Fátima).

Marie and Ginny over at View From The Pews are starting a peace initiative. They are calling for bloggers to post a prayer for world peace on their blogs each week. Given Our Lady's call for the Rosary for peace in her appearance at Fatima, Portugal in 1917 (and today's Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary) I am going to make my prayer a version of the Hail Mary and add the intention of peace for all in the world to my daily Rosary.

Here is this week's Hail Mary for Peace sung by Chanticleer and written by Franz Biebl.

Peace Initiative

"Say the Rosary every day to obtain peace for the world"
(Our Lady of Fátima).

Marie and Ginny over at View From The Pews are starting a peace initiative. They are calling for bloggers to post a prayer for world peace on their blogs each week. Given Our Lady's call for the Rosary for peace in her appearance at Fatima, Portugal in 1917 (and today's Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary) I am going to make my prayer a version of the Hail Mary and add the intention of peace for all in the world to my daily Rosary.

Here is this week's Hail Mary for Peace sung by Chanticleer and written by Franz Biebl.

Our Lady of the Rosary

Today is the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.

The Rosary is a biblical prayer given to us by God, via the Angel Gabriel at his Annunciation to Our Lady.

Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
~Luke 1:28,42

The second portion of the prayer comes from Elizabeth's greeting to Mary.

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
~Luke 1:42-43

The Biblical origins of the Rosary are further enhanced by the mysteries. Each decade has associated with it, a different set of mysteries. While praying that decade, we are to meditate on these scenes from the life of Christ. When praying the entire 20 decades of the Rosary, we have gone all the way through the life of Christ, from the Mary's "Yes" to God at the Annunciation, to Christ's ministry on earth, His death, Resurrection and Ascension into Heaven, to the descent of the promised Holy Spirit on the Apostles.

The Assumption of the Virgin is based on the idea of Mary as Ark of the Covenant. In the Old Testament, the Ark of the Covenant held the very tablets with which God Himself wrote the ten commandments, and as such, the ark was very special and had to be built to God's exact specifications (Ex 25:9, 39:42-3). In 2 Samuel 6, the Israelites had lost the Ark. When King David sees the Ark being brought back, he says, "Who am I that the ark of the Lord should come to me?" (2 Sam 6:9). This directly foreshadows Elizabeth's prophesy in Luke:"And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1:43)

As the bearer of the Lord (Theotokos) Mary was kept free from sin, not by her own merit, but by God's saving grace. God the Father exists fully outside of time. He is the One who has existed from all time, since He is uncreated. As such, God knew that Mary's answer to His angel would be, "Yes" and He created her without stain of original sin. Without Christ's death on the cross, Mary's salvation would not be possible. Hence, Mary is able to say with all of us, "And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:47)

The Five Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Nativity
4. The Presentation
5. The Finding in the Temple

The Five Mysteries of Light

1. His Baptism in the Jordan
2. His self-manifestation at the wedding of Cana,
3. His proclamation of the Kingdom of God, with his call to conversion.
4. His transfiguration,
5. His institution of the Eucharist, as the sacramental expression of the Paschal
mystery.


The Five Sorrowful Mysteries

1. The Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. The Crowning of Thorns
4. The Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion

The Five Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Crowning of the Blessed Virgin

Our Lady of the Rosary

Today is the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.

The Rosary is a biblical prayer given to us by God, via the Angel Gabriel at his Annunciation to Our Lady.

Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
~Luke 1:28,42

The second portion of the prayer comes from Elizabeth's greeting to Mary.

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
~Luke 1:42-43

The Biblical origins of the Rosary are further enhanced by the mysteries. Each decade has associated with it, a different set of mysteries. While praying that decade, we are to meditate on these scenes from the life of Christ. When praying the entire 20 decades of the Rosary, we have gone all the way through the life of Christ, from the Mary's "Yes" to God at the Annunciation, to Christ's ministry on earth, His death, Resurrection and Ascension into Heaven, to the descent of the promised Holy Spirit on the Apostles.

The Assumption of the Virgin is based on the idea of Mary as Ark of the Covenant. In the Old Testament, the Ark of the Covenant held the very tablets with which God Himself wrote the ten commandments, and as such, the ark was very special and had to be built to God's exact specifications (Ex 25:9, 39:42-3). In 2 Samuel 6, the Israelites had lost the Ark. When King David sees the Ark being brought back, he says, "Who am I that the ark of the Lord should come to me?" (2 Sam 6:9). This directly foreshadows Elizabeth's prophesy in Luke:"And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Luke 1:43)

As the bearer of the Lord (Theotokos) Mary was kept free from sin, not by her own merit, but by God's saving grace. God the Father exists fully outside of time. He is the One who has existed from all time, since He is uncreated. As such, God knew that Mary's answer to His angel would be, "Yes" and He created her without stain of original sin. Without Christ's death on the cross, Mary's salvation would not be possible. Hence, Mary is able to say with all of us, "And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:47)

The Five Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Nativity
4. The Presentation
5. The Finding in the Temple

The Five Mysteries of Light

1. His Baptism in the Jordan
2. His self-manifestation at the wedding of Cana,
3. His proclamation of the Kingdom of God, with his call to conversion.
4. His transfiguration,
5. His institution of the Eucharist, as the sacramental expression of the Paschal
mystery.


The Five Sorrowful Mysteries

1. The Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. The Crowning of Thorns
4. The Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion

The Five Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Crowning of the Blessed Virgin

Five Finger Prayer

I got this via e-mail as a forward and thought it was worth posting here.

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a 'sweet duty.'

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our Nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, 'The least shall be the greatest among you.' Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

Five Finger Prayer

I got this via e-mail as a forward and thought it was worth posting here.

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a 'sweet duty.'

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our Nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, 'The least shall be the greatest among you.' Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

Pictures

I have a fairly new cell phone that I have used to post pictures here and elsewhere. Unfortunately it has suddenly stopped being able to send them from my phone to my email address. I have no idea why. It could be because I had the audacity to drop it.

What rubs salt in the wound, though, is that it gives me this post that says, "Multimedia message sending failed." I am then forced to press "Ok."

It is NOT ok.

I want to be able to post my pictures!!!!!!

End of rant.

Pictures

I have a fairly new cell phone that I have used to post pictures here and elsewhere. Unfortunately it has suddenly stopped being able to send them from my phone to my email address. I have no idea why. It could be because I had the audacity to drop it.

What rubs salt in the wound, though, is that it gives me this post that says, "Multimedia message sending failed." I am then forced to press "Ok."

It is NOT ok.

I want to be able to post my pictures!!!!!!

End of rant.

The Small Things

As I sit here at work, editing in the cafe, I thank God for the small things. First, the tv here is on the blink. So, I don't have to watch either CNN or ESPN. Second, the radio station they have on is playing wonderful 70's music--music I know the words to and music that, for the most part, makes me smile. I have had enough of being forced to listen to suicide-inducing country music when I shop at home. (No offense intended to country music fans--I just can't take the melancholy.)

The Small Things

As I sit here at work, editing in the cafe, I thank God for the small things. First, the tv here is on the blink. So, I don't have to watch either CNN or ESPN. Second, the radio station they have on is playing wonderful 70's music--music I know the words to and music that, for the most part, makes me smile. I have had enough of being forced to listen to suicide-inducing country music when I shop at home. (No offense intended to country music fans--I just can't take the melancholy.)

October 4--St. Francis of Assisi

October 4th is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Aside from his popular patronage of animals and ecologists he is a revolutionary saint whose love for Jesus caused him to literally give everything he owned that he hadn't given to the poor back to his father who had contested his right to donate his belongings. He walked away naked and the bishop had to give him his cloak to wear.

He was a Christian at a time when many in the Church were not living as Christians should. One day, Francis was praying before a crucifix and Jesus spoke to him. "Francis," He said, "Rebuild my Church." Francis took the directive literally and began collecting stones before he realized that Jesus meant for Francis and his small band of followers to radically live out the Christian message and change the Church.

We are called to the same today. Today, Franciscans across the world live Jesus' message of radical poverty and total surrender to Christ.

One such group is the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. They serve the poor completely free of charge throughout New York, New Jersey, New Mexico, Texas, Ireland, England, and Honduras.

There are many other such groups living out the gospel in a radical way all over the world.

October 4--St. Francis of Assisi

October 4th is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Aside from his popular patronage of animals and ecologists he is a revolutionary saint whose love for Jesus caused him to literally give everything he owned that he hadn't given to the poor back to his father who had contested his right to donate his belongings. He walked away naked and the bishop had to give him his cloak to wear.

He was a Christian at a time when many in the Church were not living as Christians should. One day, Francis was praying before a crucifix and Jesus spoke to him. "Francis," He said, "Rebuild my Church." Francis took the directive literally and began collecting stones before he realized that Jesus meant for Francis and his small band of followers to radically live out the Christian message and change the Church.

We are called to the same today. Today, Franciscans across the world live Jesus' message of radical poverty and total surrender to Christ.

One such group is the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. They serve the poor completely free of charge throughout New York, New Jersey, New Mexico, Texas, Ireland, England, and Honduras.

There are many other such groups living out the gospel in a radical way all over the world.

Feast of the Guardian Angels

Today is the Feast of the Guardian Angels. Each and every one of us has a guardian angel given to us by God at our birth. Each little child, each old person, and all the busy men and women in between, whether they believe or not, have their own guardian angel who looks on the very face of God.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 18,

See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.

Padre Pio would send his guardian angel on errands of mercy to those in need. If you are worried about someone, ask your guardian angel to say a special prayer to Our Lord for them.

Paul tells us in Hebrews that,

And therefore we also having so great a cloud of witnesses over our head, laying aside every weight and sin which surrounds us, let us run by patience to the fight proposed to us.

Feast of the Guardian Angels

Today is the Feast of the Guardian Angels. Each and every one of us has a guardian angel given to us by God at our birth. Each little child, each old person, and all the busy men and women in between, whether they believe or not, have their own guardian angel who looks on the very face of God.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 18,

See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.

Padre Pio would send his guardian angel on errands of mercy to those in need. If you are worried about someone, ask your guardian angel to say a special prayer to Our Lord for them.

Paul tells us in Hebrews that,

And therefore we also having so great a cloud of witnesses over our head, laying aside every weight and sin which surrounds us, let us run by patience to the fight proposed to us.

On being the Queen:

Its a question of maturing into something that one's got used to doing and accepting the fact that here you are and it's your fate. In this existence, the job and the life go on together because you can't really divide it up.

Sounds rather like motherhood.

I was struck, while watching this, not only with Her Majesty's grace and graciousness but with her wisdom, which comes both which age and with living through *that* age. Amazing.

Hat tip to Fr. Jim Tucker.

On being the Queen:

Its a question of maturing into something that one's got used to doing and accepting the fact that here you are and it's your fate. In this existence, the job and the life go on together because you can't really divide it up.

Sounds rather like motherhood.

I was struck, while watching this, not only with Her Majesty's grace and graciousness but with her wisdom, which comes both which age and with living through *that* age. Amazing.

Hat tip to Fr. Jim Tucker.

Candle Award

I can't believe it! Another award!! Divine Mercy has nominated this blog for her beautiful candle award. I am very thankful!

Candle Award

I can't believe it! Another award!! Divine Mercy has nominated this blog for her beautiful candle award. I am very thankful!

Sleeping With Bread

Today, I am grateful for God's answering prayers. The Lord answers prayers in many different ways. Sometimes He says, "yes," sometimes, He says "no" and sometimes He says, "wait." We should pray, as Jesus did--"Thy will be done" and feel gratitude for God's ordering of our lives.

Sleeping With Bread

Today, I am grateful for God's answering prayers. The Lord answers prayers in many different ways. Sometimes He says, "yes," sometimes, He says "no" and sometimes He says, "wait." We should pray, as Jesus did--"Thy will be done" and feel gratitude for God's ordering of our lives.