Fred Astaire Friday

Apparently, Fred Astaire played the drums, too.

Fred Astaire Friday

Apparently, Fred Astaire played the drums, too.

Excellent Lenten Spiritual Reading

I found a wonderful site with free Catholic books for downloading!

The two that are most helpful to read during Lent are Lent, Learning to Love Like Jesus by Fr. Sean Finnegan and A Rule of Life by Michael Woodgate.

I am currently reading the latter book and it is very readable and appropriate for Lent. It talks about the importance of a Rule of Life which includes prayer, fasting and almsgiving (the three pillars of Lent). The point of Lent, after all, is growing closer to Christ, and continuing that growth on a permanent basis--a new life. We are continually invited by Christ to rest in His loving arms and avail ourselves of His mercy.

God gives us a yearly opportunity to renew our committment to Him and listen to His voice in our life.

Don't let this Lent pass you by.

Excellent Lenten Spiritual Reading

I found a wonderful site with free Catholic books for downloading!

The two that are most helpful to read during Lent are Lent, Learning to Love Like Jesus by Fr. Sean Finnegan and A Rule of Life by Michael Woodgate.

I am currently reading the latter book and it is very readable and appropriate for Lent. It talks about the importance of a Rule of Life which includes prayer, fasting and almsgiving (the three pillars of Lent). The point of Lent, after all, is growing closer to Christ, and continuing that growth on a permanent basis--a new life. We are continually invited by Christ to rest in His loving arms and avail ourselves of His mercy.

God gives us a yearly opportunity to renew our committment to Him and listen to His voice in our life.

Don't let this Lent pass you by.

Saint Joseph, Pray for us!

I'm feeling led to pray for families lately. There are so many families under attack right now. Everyone is feeling strain of one sort or another.

Saint Joseph is the patron saint of families, workers, selling houses and a happy death. All, believe it or not, that touch me in one way or another right now, and many others besides.

Saint Joseph was the protector and head of the Holy Family, and as such, intercedes before God for all families on earth. He is the model of persistence, trust in the Lord, and hearing His voice. His legacy is not one of words, but one of deeds.

Let us pray that he protects us and our loved ones during these challenging times .

Saint Joseph, spouse of the Virgin Mary, protect all those families who are looking for a means to sustain themselves. Show those looking for work, God's will for them and give them patience in their search. Guide those looking for housing, as well as those looking to sell their home, so that they find each other. Watch over those close to death, their families and caregivers. Help them see God's Presence at the side of their loved ones.

Saint Joseph, Pray for us!

I'm feeling led to pray for families lately. There are so many families under attack right now. Everyone is feeling strain of one sort or another.

Saint Joseph is the patron saint of families, workers, selling houses and a happy death. All, believe it or not, that touch me in one way or another right now, and many others besides.

Saint Joseph was the protector and head of the Holy Family, and as such, intercedes before God for all families on earth. He is the model of persistence, trust in the Lord, and hearing His voice. His legacy is not one of words, but one of deeds.

Let us pray that he protects us and our loved ones during these challenging times .

Saint Joseph, spouse of the Virgin Mary, protect all those families who are looking for a means to sustain themselves. Show those looking for work, God's will for them and give them patience in their search. Guide those looking for housing, as well as those looking to sell their home, so that they find each other. Watch over those close to death, their families and caregivers. Help them see God's Presence at the side of their loved ones.

Remember, man, that you are dust

Today is Ash Wednesday. A day for remembering where we have come from and where we are going. A day to resolve to repent and follow God's teachings more closely.

Ash Wednesday begins Lent--a time for resolving, with God's help, to walk the path that He gives us, knowing that we do not walk it alone.

Receiving ashes in any Catholic church today, is open to all, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, for we all will die.


Remember, man, that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.

Repent and believe in the Good News.

Remember, man, that you are dust

Today is Ash Wednesday. A day for remembering where we have come from and where we are going. A day to resolve to repent and follow God's teachings more closely.

Ash Wednesday begins Lent--a time for resolving, with God's help, to walk the path that He gives us, knowing that we do not walk it alone.

Receiving ashes in any Catholic church today, is open to all, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, for we all will die.


Remember, man, that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.

Repent and believe in the Good News.

Wednesday Outrageous Watch

For today's Wednesday Outrageous Watch, I wanted to highlight an apparently new twist to official public events for the president. The Obama administration has taken to commissioning and pre-approving prayers for rallies and other public events. This is unprecidented in modern political history.

When the president went to Elkhart, Indiana for a nationally televised town hall meeting earlier this month, administration officials asked conservative Republican Ryan Culp ahead of time to compose the prayer and call "an aide from the White House Office of Public Liaison to recite it for vetting" according to US News and World Report. This is a departure from the practice of previous administrations.

For a party often wary of too much mixing of church and state, the Democratic administration seems all too eager to be seen as a party of prayer--as long as it meets with their approval beforehand.

Wednesday Outrageous Watch

For today's Wednesday Outrageous Watch, I wanted to highlight an apparently new twist to official public events for the president. The Obama administration has taken to commissioning and pre-approving prayers for rallies and other public events. This is unprecidented in modern political history.

When the president went to Elkhart, Indiana for a nationally televised town hall meeting earlier this month, administration officials asked conservative Republican Ryan Culp ahead of time to compose the prayer and call "an aide from the White House Office of Public Liaison to recite it for vetting" according to US News and World Report. This is a departure from the practice of previous administrations.

For a party often wary of too much mixing of church and state, the Democratic administration seems all too eager to be seen as a party of prayer--as long as it meets with their approval beforehand.

Shrove Tuesday

Today is Shrove Tuesday. Traditionally, Shrove Tuesday is the day to cook and eat lots of foods that will use up the eggs, sugar and oil forbidden during the 40 penitential days of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday.

The word "shrove" refers to the hearing of confessions.

"In the week immediately before Lent everyone shall go to his confessor and confess his deeds and the confessor shall so shrive him." (Theodulphus)

In Germany, (and areas near me in Pennsylvania), Shrove Tuesday is known as Fastnacht or, the eve of the fast. Instead of making pancakes, a German Fastnacht tradition is to make donuts. My grandmother used to make her own donuts on Fastnacht.

The resulting frenzy to use up all the foods forbidden during Lent, gave birth to Carnival and Mardi Gras. Carnival comes from the Latin carne levare, or "taking away of flesh", which could refer both to the prohibition on meat eating, as well as the resulting submission of one's own human nature to things above.

Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday" and has taken on a life of its own in places such as New Orleans, in the U.S.

I'll admit that my foray into Anglicanism will make me forever see the day before Ash Wednesday as Shrove Tuesday.

Shrove Tuesday

Today is Shrove Tuesday. Traditionally, Shrove Tuesday is the day to cook and eat lots of foods that will use up the eggs, sugar and oil forbidden during the 40 penitential days of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday.

The word "shrove" refers to the hearing of confessions.

"In the week immediately before Lent everyone shall go to his confessor and confess his deeds and the confessor shall so shrive him." (Theodulphus)

In Germany, (and areas near me in Pennsylvania), Shrove Tuesday is known as Fastnacht or, the eve of the fast. Instead of making pancakes, a German Fastnacht tradition is to make donuts. My grandmother used to make her own donuts on Fastnacht.

The resulting frenzy to use up all the foods forbidden during Lent, gave birth to Carnival and Mardi Gras. Carnival comes from the Latin carne levare, or "taking away of flesh", which could refer both to the prohibition on meat eating, as well as the resulting submission of one's own human nature to things above.

Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday" and has taken on a life of its own in places such as New Orleans, in the U.S.

I'll admit that my foray into Anglicanism will make me forever see the day before Ash Wednesday as Shrove Tuesday.

Feast of The Chair of Saint Peter

In honor of today's feast of The Chair of Saint Peter, here is a video set to the music Tu es Petrus by Palestrina.

Tu es Petrus is Latin for "Thou art Peter", from the Bible: Thou art Peter, and upon this Rock I will build my church. (Matthew 16:18)



The video is captioned in Latin and German. Here is the Latin with the English translation.

Tu es Petrus/You are Peter,
et super hanc petram/And upon this Rock
ædificabo/I will build
ecclesiam meam/My Church

et portæ inferi/and the gates of hell
non prævalebunt adversus eam./shall not overcome it.
Et tibi dabo/And I will give you
claves/the keys
regni cælorum/of the kingdom of heaven.

et quodcumque ligaverdis/and whatsoever you bound
super ternam/on earth
erit ligatum/shall be bound
in cælis/in heaven
et quodcumque solveris/and whatsoever you loose
super teram/on earth
erit solutum/shall be loosed
in cælis/in heaven.
Et tibi dabo/And I will give you
claves/the keys
regni cælorum/of the kingdom of heaven.

Feast of The Chair of Saint Peter

In honor of today's feast of The Chair of Saint Peter, here is a video set to the music Tu es Petrus by Palestrina.

Tu es Petrus is Latin for "Thou art Peter", from the Bible: Thou art Peter, and upon this Rock I will build my church. (Matthew 16:18)



The video is captioned in Latin and German. Here is the Latin with the English translation.

Tu es Petrus/You are Peter,
et super hanc petram/And upon this Rock
ædificabo/I will build
ecclesiam meam/My Church

et portæ inferi/and the gates of hell
non prævalebunt adversus eam./shall not overcome it.
Et tibi dabo/And I will give you
claves/the keys
regni cælorum/of the kingdom of heaven.

et quodcumque ligaverdis/and whatsoever you bound
super ternam/on earth
erit ligatum/shall be bound
in cælis/in heaven
et quodcumque solveris/and whatsoever you loose
super teram/on earth
erit solutum/shall be loosed
in cælis/in heaven.
Et tibi dabo/And I will give you
claves/the keys
regni cælorum/of the kingdom of heaven.

New Feature--Wednesday Outrageous Watch--WOW

Beginning next week, there will be a new feature here at The Well—The Wednesday Outrageous Watch. On Wednesdays, we will feature something outrageous that a member of our government has said or done, or a piece of outrageous legislation that is being proposed.

It is important to keep up with what is going on in our government. Rights that are not well guarded are easily lost!

Watch this space on Wednesdays for updates on what the government is doing with your tax dollars.

New Feature--Wednesday Outrageous Watch--WOW

Beginning next week, there will be a new feature here at The Well—The Wednesday Outrageous Watch. On Wednesdays, we will feature something outrageous that a member of our government has said or done, or a piece of outrageous legislation that is being proposed.

It is important to keep up with what is going on in our government. Rights that are not well guarded are easily lost!

Watch this space on Wednesdays for updates on what the government is doing with your tax dollars.

Universalis--an aid to daily prayer

I wanted to highlight an excellent website. Universalis is a great aid to prayer and spiritual reading.

Each day, they give you the Invitatory Psalms, Office of Readings, Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, Night Prayer, and Mass Readings for the day. I especially appreciate the Office of Readings, which includes readings, not only from the Bible, but from Church Fathers. On Fridays, the daily Psalms always include Psalm 51, one of my favorites. Here is a version of the Psalm that I posted on my YouTube channel.

Look for a link to Universalis on the top of this blog. The content of the banner changes, telling us what day of the liturgical calendar we are currently celebrating.

Universalis--an aid to daily prayer

I wanted to highlight an excellent website. Universalis is a great aid to prayer and spiritual reading.

Each day, they give you the Invitatory Psalms, Office of Readings, Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, Night Prayer, and Mass Readings for the day. I especially appreciate the Office of Readings, which includes readings, not only from the Bible, but from Church Fathers. On Fridays, the daily Psalms always include Psalm 51, one of my favorites. Here is a version of the Psalm that I posted on my YouTube channel.

Look for a link to Universalis on the top of this blog. The content of the banner changes, telling us what day of the liturgical calendar we are currently celebrating.

The Contribution of Fred Astaire

This week's Fred Astaire Friday comes from Hollywood Singing and Dancing: A Musical History. The narrator is Shirley Jones.

The Contribution of Fred Astaire

This week's Fred Astaire Friday comes from Hollywood Singing and Dancing: A Musical History. The narrator is Shirley Jones.

Lord, Be Not Far From Me

In times of trouble, Scripture tells us to "be calm and keep watch, (for) the Devil, your enemy, is circling you like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, strong in faith." (1 Peter 5:8-9)

So much is happening today in our world and in our lives. We are being tested and we are being attacked. But God does not leave us orphans. (John 14:18) Instead, he promises us that "I will never leave you or forsake you." (Joshua 1:5) and "I am with you always, until the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20)

God is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament and as close as a prayer. Let us pray with the Psalmist:

I stretch out my arms to you,
I stretch out my soul, like a land without water.

Come quickly and hear me, O Lord,
for my spirit is weakening.

Do not hide your face from me,
do not let me be like the dead,
who go down to the underworld.

Show me your mercy at daybreak,
because of my trust in you.

Tell me the way I should follow,
for I lift up my soul towards you.

Rescue me from my enemies:
Lord, I flee to you for refuge.

Teach me to do your will,

for you are my God.

~Psalm 142(143)

Lord, Be Not Far From Me

In times of trouble, Scripture tells us to "be calm and keep watch, (for) the Devil, your enemy, is circling you like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, strong in faith." (1 Peter 5:8-9)

So much is happening today in our world and in our lives. We are being tested and we are being attacked. But God does not leave us orphans. (John 14:18) Instead, he promises us that "I will never leave you or forsake you." (Joshua 1:5) and "I am with you always, until the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20)

God is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament and as close as a prayer. Let us pray with the Psalmist:

I stretch out my arms to you,
I stretch out my soul, like a land without water.

Come quickly and hear me, O Lord,
for my spirit is weakening.

Do not hide your face from me,
do not let me be like the dead,
who go down to the underworld.

Show me your mercy at daybreak,
because of my trust in you.

Tell me the way I should follow,
for I lift up my soul towards you.

Rescue me from my enemies:
Lord, I flee to you for refuge.

Teach me to do your will,

for you are my God.

~Psalm 142(143)

Special Intention

Please pray for my family. We are in the process of moving my mother into a full time care facility. Besides being a difficult decision for us, this will be virtually intolerable for her twin sister who currently lives with her and refuses to move, This makes it all the more difficult for those of us who are left with the task of facilitating this move.

Thank you all very much.

Special Intention

Please pray for my family. We are in the process of moving my mother into a full time care facility. Besides being a difficult decision for us, this will be virtually intolerable for her twin sister who currently lives with her and refuses to move, This makes it all the more difficult for those of us who are left with the task of facilitating this move.

Thank you all very much.

Good Bread, Good Blog

I've added a new blog to my sidebar under "Other. " The blog is Alexandra's Kitchen. Alexandra has a wonderful recipe for Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day. I must warn you that it does take a bit more time than that, but it is a great, crusty, knead-free bread.

Once you make the starter, with yeast, water, salt and flour, you can keep it in the fridge and use some each day for baking. It is a great way to use your pizza stone, if you have one. If not, you don't have to use it.

You can sit the dough out for the required 40 minutes while you prepare dinner and heat the oven.

Great for those dark, February evenings.

Note: The recipe itself comes from Jeff Hertzberg and Zoë François' book called Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: The Discovery That Revolutionizes Home Baking. Check out their website, www.artisanbreadinfive.com.

Good Bread, Good Blog

I've added a new blog to my sidebar under "Other. " The blog is Alexandra's Kitchen. Alexandra has a wonderful recipe for Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day. I must warn you that it does take a bit more time than that, but it is a great, crusty, knead-free bread.

Once you make the starter, with yeast, water, salt and flour, you can keep it in the fridge and use some each day for baking. It is a great way to use your pizza stone, if you have one. If not, you don't have to use it.

You can sit the dough out for the required 40 minutes while you prepare dinner and heat the oven.

Great for those dark, February evenings.

Note: The recipe itself comes from Jeff Hertzberg and Zoë François' book called Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: The Discovery That Revolutionizes Home Baking. Check out their website, www.artisanbreadinfive.com.

Litany of the Sacred Heart for Valentine's Day

The most important heart is Jesus' Heart. The most important love is the love that Jesus has for each of us and the love we can give to Him. That Love is available to us no matter what our situation in life.

Happy Saint Valentine's Day.



Sacred Heart of Jesus I believe in Your love for me.

Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like Your Heart.

Litany of the Sacred Heart for Valentine's Day

The most important heart is Jesus' Heart. The most important love is the love that Jesus has for each of us and the love we can give to Him. That Love is available to us no matter what our situation in life.

Happy Saint Valentine's Day.



Sacred Heart of Jesus I believe in Your love for me.

Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like Your Heart.

Fred Astaire Friday

Today's Fred Astaire Friday is a change of pace. Fred is the mystery guest on What's My Line.

Fred Astaire Friday

Today's Fred Astaire Friday is a change of pace. Fred is the mystery guest on What's My Line.

World of Mothers

Marilena has invited me to contribute to her new blog "World of Mothers".

Its a beautiful blog just for us moms (even if your kids are grown--ours are).

Stop on by if you get the chance.

World of Mothers

Marilena has invited me to contribute to her new blog "World of Mothers".

Its a beautiful blog just for us moms (even if your kids are grown--ours are).

Stop on by if you get the chance.

Our Lady of Lourdes

Today is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of the Sick.

There are so many who are hurting among us; so many who are sick. Let us pray fervently for their recovery and offer up our own sufferings for all those who need us.

Our Lady of Lourdes, our Mother, lead us in prayer to the Father for all those who are sick and suffering today. Open our hearts to help all those we come in contact with and help us to use our own sufferings to bring grace and healing to ourselves and others.

In Christ's name we pray.

~Amen

Our Lady of Lourdes

Today is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of the Sick.

There are so many who are hurting among us; so many who are sick. Let us pray fervently for their recovery and offer up our own sufferings for all those who need us.

Our Lady of Lourdes, our Mother, lead us in prayer to the Father for all those who are sick and suffering today. Open our hearts to help all those we come in contact with and help us to use our own sufferings to bring grace and healing to ourselves and others.

In Christ's name we pray.

~Amen

Are indulgences "back?"

The New York Times has written an article on indulgences which has caused some confusion among those who get their information about the Church primarily from such sources.

Indulgences, contrary to popular opinion are not the buying of time off purgatory.

Indulgences are "the remission before God of the temporal punishment due for sins already forgiven as far as their guilt is concerned." (Enchiridion of Indulgences) This remission of sin is not done under our own power. The sin, in this case, has already been forgiven (see the requirement of confession for an indulgence, below.) The grace comes from Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.

The requirements for an indulgence to be granted are:

1. the faithful must receive the sacrament of confession, either eight days before or after the pious act is performed,
2. receive Holy Communion on that day
3. and recite prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father (one Our Father and one Hail Mary is the minimum, but any other additional prayers may be added).

For a plenary indulgence, all attachment to sin must be absent. If some attachment to sin remains, the indulgence is partial. Theologically, this makes complete sense. If one has confessed one's sins and has a firm purpose of amendment, it logically follows that any "time" in purgatory will be necessarily lessened. This has nothing to do with buying or selling. It has to do with changing one's life through the grace of God.

The selling of indulgences did occur during Luther's time. It was one of Luther's chief arguments against the Church. Selling of indulgences is NOT in line with Church teaching and was done by unscrupulous members of the clergy during Luther's day. The resulting schism goes to show how serious such scandalous acts are. Indeed, Jesus said, "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea." (Matthew 18:6)

Are indulgences "back?"

The New York Times has written an article on indulgences which has caused some confusion among those who get their information about the Church primarily from such sources.

Indulgences, contrary to popular opinion are not the buying of time off purgatory.

Indulgences are "the remission before God of the temporal punishment due for sins already forgiven as far as their guilt is concerned." (Enchiridion of Indulgences) This remission of sin is not done under our own power. The sin, in this case, has already been forgiven (see the requirement of confession for an indulgence, below.) The grace comes from Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.

The requirements for an indulgence to be granted are:

1. the faithful must receive the sacrament of confession, either eight days before or after the pious act is performed,
2. receive Holy Communion on that day
3. and recite prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father (one Our Father and one Hail Mary is the minimum, but any other additional prayers may be added).

For a plenary indulgence, all attachment to sin must be absent. If some attachment to sin remains, the indulgence is partial. Theologically, this makes complete sense. If one has confessed one's sins and has a firm purpose of amendment, it logically follows that any "time" in purgatory will be necessarily lessened. This has nothing to do with buying or selling. It has to do with changing one's life through the grace of God.

The selling of indulgences did occur during Luther's time. It was one of Luther's chief arguments against the Church. Selling of indulgences is NOT in line with Church teaching and was done by unscrupulous members of the clergy during Luther's day. The resulting schism goes to show how serious such scandalous acts are. Indeed, Jesus said, "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea." (Matthew 18:6)

Stimulus Package--take action

Are you dissatisfied with the Stimulus Package as it currently stands? Are you frustrated that President Obama is not living up to his promise to open up all proposed bills to 5 days of public scrutiny? Are you angry that Speaker Pelosi has said that children are a drain on the economy? Are you infuriated that the House version of the bill states that "more expensive" medical products will no longer be prescribed"
under direction to doctors from the federal government?!

Click here to find out who your elected officials are, and write them about this bill.

Educate yourself about this bill and then take action!

Stimulus Package--take action

Are you dissatisfied with the Stimulus Package as it currently stands? Are you frustrated that President Obama is not living up to his promise to open up all proposed bills to 5 days of public scrutiny? Are you angry that Speaker Pelosi has said that children are a drain on the economy? Are you infuriated that the House version of the bill states that "more expensive" medical products will no longer be prescribed"
under direction to doctors from the federal government?!

Click here to find out who your elected officials are, and write them about this bill.

Educate yourself about this bill and then take action!

What did he say?

The above quote is from yesterday's National Prayer Breakfast. I wonder if the President realizes how ironic it is. Maybe he truly doesn't think that pre-born human beings are people. Maybe he doesn't believe in God. Or, maybe he does realize the irony and is hoping to placate those "ignorant" pro-lifers. Either way, we need to pray.

What did he say?

The above quote is from yesterday's National Prayer Breakfast. I wonder if the President realizes how ironic it is. Maybe he truly doesn't think that pre-born human beings are people. Maybe he doesn't believe in God. Or, maybe he does realize the irony and is hoping to placate those "ignorant" pro-lifers. Either way, we need to pray.

What's my line?

I got on a What's My Line kick while searching for some Astaire vids and found this one. Amazing what was popular on television in those days. Bishop Sheen's tv program, Life is Worth Living was watched by 20 million viewers on 123 stations.

What's my line?

I got on a What's My Line kick while searching for some Astaire vids and found this one. Amazing what was popular on television in those days. Bishop Sheen's tv program, Life is Worth Living was watched by 20 million viewers on 123 stations.

For My Guy

For My Guy

Just a Suggestion

I miss Red Green.

Just a Suggestion

I miss Red Green.

Spiritual Warfare--Helping the Holy Spirit by keeping the mind clear

I was relating the many trials that so many people known to me are currently experiencing, to a friend at church last Sunday when she suggested that we are "under attack." I admit to not having thought of that, and of being oddly comforted by that thought. For, Who can beat the Evil One but God Himself, and "if God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

At any rate, when I read the following passage from Diadochus of Photica on Universalis this morning I remembered my conversation.

Those who are struggling in battle ought always to keep their souls free of the tumultuous waves of distraction. If they do this, the mind will be able to distinguish among the thoughts that come to it. The good thoughts, sent by God, they can store in the treasure-house of their memory. The evil thoughts, sent by the devil, they can throw out.

Clearing and purifying the mind is the task of the Holy Spirit alone – just as when a house is being burgled, the spoils can only be recovered if a strong man bursts in and despoils the burglar. Therefore we ought to keep our souls at peace so that the Holy Spirit is welcome there, so that the lamp of knowledge will always be lit – for when it is, the dark and bitter impulses of the devil will be easy to see and they will be reduced to creeping helplessness as they are caught in that holy and glorious light.

This is why St Paul says ‘Do not extinguish the Spirit’ – that is, do not sadden the Holy Spirit with evil acts and thoughts, or his light may cease to protect you. Of course the eternal and life-giving Spirit is not actually extinguished: rather, it is the sad turning away of the Spirit that leaves the mind wrapped in gloom and without the light of knowledge.

~Diadochus of Photica, "On Spiritual Perfection"

Let us use the twin gifts of prayer and spiritual reading (Lecto Divina) to refresh our minds and keep them attuned to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Here is an essay on Lecto Divina and Haiku. It talks about slowing down and letting a passage of Scripture speak to your heart. I think this is important in letting the light of the Holy Spirit into our sometimes dark and frightening lives.

Spiritual Warfare--Helping the Holy Spirit by keeping the mind clear

I was relating the many trials that so many people known to me are currently experiencing, to a friend at church last Sunday when she suggested that we are "under attack." I admit to not having thought of that, and of being oddly comforted by that thought. For, Who can beat the Evil One but God Himself, and "if God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

At any rate, when I read the following passage from Diadochus of Photica on Universalis this morning I remembered my conversation.

Those who are struggling in battle ought always to keep their souls free of the tumultuous waves of distraction. If they do this, the mind will be able to distinguish among the thoughts that come to it. The good thoughts, sent by God, they can store in the treasure-house of their memory. The evil thoughts, sent by the devil, they can throw out.

Clearing and purifying the mind is the task of the Holy Spirit alone – just as when a house is being burgled, the spoils can only be recovered if a strong man bursts in and despoils the burglar. Therefore we ought to keep our souls at peace so that the Holy Spirit is welcome there, so that the lamp of knowledge will always be lit – for when it is, the dark and bitter impulses of the devil will be easy to see and they will be reduced to creeping helplessness as they are caught in that holy and glorious light.

This is why St Paul says ‘Do not extinguish the Spirit’ – that is, do not sadden the Holy Spirit with evil acts and thoughts, or his light may cease to protect you. Of course the eternal and life-giving Spirit is not actually extinguished: rather, it is the sad turning away of the Spirit that leaves the mind wrapped in gloom and without the light of knowledge.

~Diadochus of Photica, "On Spiritual Perfection"

Let us use the twin gifts of prayer and spiritual reading (Lecto Divina) to refresh our minds and keep them attuned to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Here is an essay on Lecto Divina and Haiku. It talks about slowing down and letting a passage of Scripture speak to your heart. I think this is important in letting the light of the Holy Spirit into our sometimes dark and frightening lives.

Save The Words!

Save The Words asks you to adopt a word in danger of being taken out of the dictionary from lack of use.

My words so far?

Jobler, long play, cloakatively and ten cent store.

Where is "ice box"? That's what I want to know.

Save The Words!

Save The Words asks you to adopt a word in danger of being taken out of the dictionary from lack of use.

My words so far?

Jobler, long play, cloakatively and ten cent store.

Where is "ice box"? That's what I want to know.