Day Twenty-eight
Part 3 Chapter 7
"The Church"
How contemporary this chapter seems! Of course while Monsignor lived in an age when Catholic women scoffed at the Index of Forbidden books, we live in an age when they vehemently scoff at Church Teaching.
There was so much material in this book that demands further reflection, discerned resolutions and actions that I feel just at the beginning when reading "The End" on the last page.
Several women have suggested getting together one evening to discuss things in person. For those of you who live in my area, would you like to do that? Is there a preferred night of the week?
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Fourth Week of Lent - Monday
Day Twenty-seven
Part 3 Chapter 6
"The Eucharistic Education of the Child"
I am accustomed to considering the challenges of parenting in our current age and culture. This chapter reminded me that I should spend at least as much time considering the myriad of ways that Our Lord continues to provide for the needs of his children. In those early years of the twentieth century, with the First World War on the horizon, Communism, the debauchery of the 20's, genocides, the years of deprivation during the thirties, and all the horrors of the culture of death looming; God drew humanity, especially young children, closer to His Eucharistic presence. He provided the strength they would need to hold true to the Faith in the midst of such darkness. Not every parent understood how such a young child could possible understand the great mystery of Jesus in the Eucharist. Wonderful priests and sisters cooperated with the will of God to offer the guidance they needed.
By the time I began raising children, there was a myriad of educational aids that helped me explain the Eucharist to my little ones. I have taken it for granted that a Catholic mother would say to her babe in arms, "Look, sweetie! Look at Jesus there!" (in Father's hands, in the monstrance, in the tabernacle) This chapter reminds me that I have taken this gift for granted. The ways in which my children benefited (and continue to benefit) from Eucharistic adoration, beautiful educational books and videos about the Eucharist, Eucharistic Congresses and processions in our diocese and parish will only be fully revealed at the end of time, but I have already glimpsed some of fruits.
The problem with taking something for granted is that I can easily forget that there are still parents who do not believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and they are not able to offer their children the beauty of Truth on the central mystery of our Faith. Are my blessings in this area provisions?
Part 3 Chapter 6
"The Eucharistic Education of the Child"
I am accustomed to considering the challenges of parenting in our current age and culture. This chapter reminded me that I should spend at least as much time considering the myriad of ways that Our Lord continues to provide for the needs of his children. In those early years of the twentieth century, with the First World War on the horizon, Communism, the debauchery of the 20's, genocides, the years of deprivation during the thirties, and all the horrors of the culture of death looming; God drew humanity, especially young children, closer to His Eucharistic presence. He provided the strength they would need to hold true to the Faith in the midst of such darkness. Not every parent understood how such a young child could possible understand the great mystery of Jesus in the Eucharist. Wonderful priests and sisters cooperated with the will of God to offer the guidance they needed.
By the time I began raising children, there was a myriad of educational aids that helped me explain the Eucharist to my little ones. I have taken it for granted that a Catholic mother would say to her babe in arms, "Look, sweetie! Look at Jesus there!" (in Father's hands, in the monstrance, in the tabernacle) This chapter reminds me that I have taken this gift for granted. The ways in which my children benefited (and continue to benefit) from Eucharistic adoration, beautiful educational books and videos about the Eucharist, Eucharistic Congresses and processions in our diocese and parish will only be fully revealed at the end of time, but I have already glimpsed some of fruits.
The problem with taking something for granted is that I can easily forget that there are still parents who do not believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and they are not able to offer their children the beauty of Truth on the central mystery of our Faith. Are my blessings in this area provisions?
____________________________________
Additional resources:
"The King of the Golden City", study edition, is wonderfully rich and layered so that people of differing ages are able to benefit from reading it and reflecting on it.
"Little Catechism on the Eucharist" by New Hope Publications
Father Antoine, with the Brothers of St. John, has a wonderful program for leading children in Eucharistic Adoration.
When my older children were young, we were a part of an Armata Bianca group in our parish.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Day Twenty-six
Part 3 Chapter 5
"The Communion of Little Children"
In an early post, I treated the historical context of Monsignor's book. In this chapter, he is writing in the years immediately following a papal decree that lowered the age of First Holy Communion from 12 (sometimes 11) to 7, the age of reason. Revealed in this chapter is the challenge that many priests faced when they tried to convince their parishioners of the suitability of such a young child to receive Holy Communion. Removed as we are from this controversy, the chapter may seem to yield little benefit for our present age. Consider, however, his treatment of those who believe their judgments wiser than the Holy Father's on certain issues. The distinction he makes between those who act out of disdain and those who simply require fraternal correction is as relevant today as a century ago. Similarly, all parents can benefit from a reminder of the solemn duty and privilege we've been given, from each child's baptism, to educate him in the Faith and tend to his spiritual obligations.
Part 3 Chapter 5
"The Communion of Little Children"
In an early post, I treated the historical context of Monsignor's book. In this chapter, he is writing in the years immediately following a papal decree that lowered the age of First Holy Communion from 12 (sometimes 11) to 7, the age of reason. Revealed in this chapter is the challenge that many priests faced when they tried to convince their parishioners of the suitability of such a young child to receive Holy Communion. Removed as we are from this controversy, the chapter may seem to yield little benefit for our present age. Consider, however, his treatment of those who believe their judgments wiser than the Holy Father's on certain issues. The distinction he makes between those who act out of disdain and those who simply require fraternal correction is as relevant today as a century ago. Similarly, all parents can benefit from a reminder of the solemn duty and privilege we've been given, from each child's baptism, to educate him in the Faith and tend to his spiritual obligations.
Third Week of Lent-Saturday
Day Twenty-five
Part 3 Chapter 4
"Communion of Children and Young People"
This was both a heartening and convicting chapter for me to read. My oldest son is fifteen and a half years old. I do not need to be convinced that the battle for his purity in this society is fierce . I believe that the Eucharist is Who the Church professes. Monsignor aligned those two truths, side by side; all that remains is the submission of my will to what must be done.
Part 3 Chapter 4
"Communion of Children and Young People"
This was both a heartening and convicting chapter for me to read. My oldest son is fifteen and a half years old. I do not need to be convinced that the battle for his purity in this society is fierce . I believe that the Eucharist is Who the Church professes. Monsignor aligned those two truths, side by side; all that remains is the submission of my will to what must be done.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Third Week of Lent - Friday
Day Twenty-four
Part 3 Chapter 3
"Holy Communion"
This chapter is full of historical references that might warrant further explanation. Monsignor's teaching, however, is timeless--for the soul in a state of grace, frequent reception of Holy Communion is an unfailing aid to growth in perfection.
At the turn of the twentieth century, the prevailing attitude among the lay faithful was that Holy Communion could only be daily received by the holiest members of the Church, usually priests and nuns. This is not to suggest that such an attitude had existed consistently up to that time or that there weren't voices in the Church advocating for more frequent reception of Holy Communion. Monsignor's writing clearly expresses hope and joy in response to Pope Pius X's declaration that frequent reception of Holy Communion was beneficial for souls in a state of grace.
Pope Pius X wrote often on the Eucharist. He lowered the age for reception of Holy Communion from 12 to 7 years in 1910. He was also a champion of orthodoxy against the dangers of modernism. Monsignor wrote in the early years of the twentieth century with words of hope inspired, undoubtedly, by the Holy Father's vision. It was somewhat sad for me to read his words knowing that the First World War was only a few years away, Facism and Communism would soon follow along with a second World War, Holocaust and nuclear weapons before that century came to a close. Monsignor, of course, wouldn't have known what was coming. I cannot help but wonder if the orthodoxy and return to frequent reception of Holy Communion wasn't Providential preparation, designed to strengthen the faithful for the decades to come.
Do I take for granted the privilege of living in a time when I am able to receive Our Eucharistic Lord daily? Will a time come in my lifetime when I will not have access to that daily Eucharistic grace?
Part 3 Chapter 3
"Holy Communion"
This chapter is full of historical references that might warrant further explanation. Monsignor's teaching, however, is timeless--for the soul in a state of grace, frequent reception of Holy Communion is an unfailing aid to growth in perfection.
At the turn of the twentieth century, the prevailing attitude among the lay faithful was that Holy Communion could only be daily received by the holiest members of the Church, usually priests and nuns. This is not to suggest that such an attitude had existed consistently up to that time or that there weren't voices in the Church advocating for more frequent reception of Holy Communion. Monsignor's writing clearly expresses hope and joy in response to Pope Pius X's declaration that frequent reception of Holy Communion was beneficial for souls in a state of grace.
Pope Pius X wrote often on the Eucharist. He lowered the age for reception of Holy Communion from 12 to 7 years in 1910. He was also a champion of orthodoxy against the dangers of modernism. Monsignor wrote in the early years of the twentieth century with words of hope inspired, undoubtedly, by the Holy Father's vision. It was somewhat sad for me to read his words knowing that the First World War was only a few years away, Facism and Communism would soon follow along with a second World War, Holocaust and nuclear weapons before that century came to a close. Monsignor, of course, wouldn't have known what was coming. I cannot help but wonder if the orthodoxy and return to frequent reception of Holy Communion wasn't Providential preparation, designed to strengthen the faithful for the decades to come.
Do I take for granted the privilege of living in a time when I am able to receive Our Eucharistic Lord daily? Will a time come in my lifetime when I will not have access to that daily Eucharistic grace?
____________________________________
Additional notes:
"On Frequent Reception of Holy Communion" Pope Pius X
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Third Week of Lent - Thursday
Day Twenty-three
Part 3 Chapter 2
"Visits to the Blessed Sacrament"
Oh, my poor imagination. When I think of all the trivial purposes, to say nothing of the sinful ones, for which I have employed my ability to imagine and yet never before have I imagined what Our Lord does in the tabernacle. It seemed so natural, once it was read, to consider that the total offering of Self that Jesus made at Calvary continues with His Eucharistic presence in the tabernacle. He does not simply wait, passively, for someone to visit. His Body and Soul are actively offering sacrifice and praise to the Father while humbly contained in the tabernacle. What a privilege that any human person may 'visit' and be a part of such an action!
Part 3 Chapter 2
"Visits to the Blessed Sacrament"
Oh, my poor imagination. When I think of all the trivial purposes, to say nothing of the sinful ones, for which I have employed my ability to imagine and yet never before have I imagined what Our Lord does in the tabernacle. It seemed so natural, once it was read, to consider that the total offering of Self that Jesus made at Calvary continues with His Eucharistic presence in the tabernacle. He does not simply wait, passively, for someone to visit. His Body and Soul are actively offering sacrifice and praise to the Father while humbly contained in the tabernacle. What a privilege that any human person may 'visit' and be a part of such an action!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Third Week of Lent - Wednesday
Day Twenty-two
Part 3 Chapter 1
"The Holy Mass"
"It sometimes happens that you find the Mass too long: you do not know what to say to our Lord while He is on the altar. Let me propose to you an inexhaustible subject for conversation. Expose to Jesus whatever you desire as mothers. Tell Him your trials, yours fears, and your hopes. Ask Him the solution of all those difficulties which so often perplex you. If Jesus reproaches you, it will never be because you have asked too much, but rather because you have failed to be discreet in your petitions. A mass during which you would not cease to cry out your miseries to Jesus, would be a mass well heard, provided that you were not less solicitous for spiritual favors than for those of the temporal order."
For readers who have only experienced the Novus Ordo Mass (New Rite - introduced in the years following the Second Vatican Council), it may seem strange to imagine people reading a book, even a prayer book, during Mass. During the time in which Monsignor Lejeune was writing, however, such a thing was often the participation of a lay person at Mass. He or she desired, to varying degrees then just as now, to pray throughout the Holy Sacrifice. Some would pray a rosary rather than read a prayer book. Rather than those actions, we might be more accustomed today to the sad example of someone completely distracted or simply following the correct postures while the mind is wandering to thoughts of lunch or afternoon activities. Regardless, Monsignor is imploring us to actively participate during the Mass through prayer. There are more than enough moments of silence before, during, and immediately following every Mass to allow for reflection and even meditation. Choosing a subject for reflection ahead of time can be a helpful tool, especially if motherly duties upon arrival at church still involve what you might crisis management. There is no need to wait on the calm feeling to set in before undertaking your reflection; if you have little ones, that feeling might not come for the entire hour. It can be quite fruitful then to choose a topic that brings you great joy to consider so that your joy might radiate outward while putting the shoe back on her little foot for the fourth time.
Lent may be a wonderful time to replace something with a daily Mass. It is worth praying about incorporating a commitment to daily Mass in your rule of life. (Remember what Monsignor counseled though about it being easier to add something; you may want to put only one extra day in your rule to start.)
Part 3 Chapter 1
"The Holy Mass"
"It sometimes happens that you find the Mass too long: you do not know what to say to our Lord while He is on the altar. Let me propose to you an inexhaustible subject for conversation. Expose to Jesus whatever you desire as mothers. Tell Him your trials, yours fears, and your hopes. Ask Him the solution of all those difficulties which so often perplex you. If Jesus reproaches you, it will never be because you have asked too much, but rather because you have failed to be discreet in your petitions. A mass during which you would not cease to cry out your miseries to Jesus, would be a mass well heard, provided that you were not less solicitous for spiritual favors than for those of the temporal order."
For readers who have only experienced the Novus Ordo Mass (New Rite - introduced in the years following the Second Vatican Council), it may seem strange to imagine people reading a book, even a prayer book, during Mass. During the time in which Monsignor Lejeune was writing, however, such a thing was often the participation of a lay person at Mass. He or she desired, to varying degrees then just as now, to pray throughout the Holy Sacrifice. Some would pray a rosary rather than read a prayer book. Rather than those actions, we might be more accustomed today to the sad example of someone completely distracted or simply following the correct postures while the mind is wandering to thoughts of lunch or afternoon activities. Regardless, Monsignor is imploring us to actively participate during the Mass through prayer. There are more than enough moments of silence before, during, and immediately following every Mass to allow for reflection and even meditation. Choosing a subject for reflection ahead of time can be a helpful tool, especially if motherly duties upon arrival at church still involve what you might crisis management. There is no need to wait on the calm feeling to set in before undertaking your reflection; if you have little ones, that feeling might not come for the entire hour. It can be quite fruitful then to choose a topic that brings you great joy to consider so that your joy might radiate outward while putting the shoe back on her little foot for the fourth time.
Lent may be a wonderful time to replace something with a daily Mass. It is worth praying about incorporating a commitment to daily Mass in your rule of life. (Remember what Monsignor counseled though about it being easier to add something; you may want to put only one extra day in your rule to start.)
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Third Week of Lent - Tuesday
Day Twenty-One
Part 2 Chapter 10
"Spiritual Imperfection"
The information in this chapter is completely new to me. Never have I encountered this explanation of spiritual imperfection. I always associated it, wrongly it seems, with a fault or weakness. There have been occasions, however, that I can recall which would fit Monsignor's definition. Is this new to anyone else?
Part 2 Chapter 10
"Spiritual Imperfection"
The information in this chapter is completely new to me. Never have I encountered this explanation of spiritual imperfection. I always associated it, wrongly it seems, with a fault or weakness. There have been occasions, however, that I can recall which would fit Monsignor's definition. Is this new to anyone else?
____________________________
Additional Notes: "Trois Pas Dans l'Amour de Dieu" translates as "Three Not in God's Love".
Monday, March 12, 2012
Third Week of Lent - Monday
Day Twenty
Part 2 Chapter 9
"The Government of the Tongue"
Ouch!
Is that too brief a post?
Monsignor's counsel is not harsh like that which would come from a man who enjoys making people wince. No, his words have the sting of truth in me like a scalpel exposing the center of an infected wound. The intention is healing; I can only thank the Lord for bringing the specific details of this fault to my attention, along with the blessings for my soul and for my children if I repent and change my ways.
Part 2 Chapter 9
"The Government of the Tongue"
Ouch!
Is that too brief a post?
Monsignor's counsel is not harsh like that which would come from a man who enjoys making people wince. No, his words have the sting of truth in me like a scalpel exposing the center of an infected wound. The intention is healing; I can only thank the Lord for bringing the specific details of this fault to my attention, along with the blessings for my soul and for my children if I repent and change my ways.
_______________________________
Definitions:
The word "prurience" is used early in the chapter. That word is usually related to things which are lewd, however that connection doesn't seem to bear out in the context of the word in subsequent sentences. Perhaps there was an meaning in the early part of the twentieth century that has not been retained in modern usage.
Odious means repulsive.
Loquacity means a propensity to talk excessively.
Disparagement is belittling another person.
A repast is a meal.
Malignity refers to a desire to do some evil to someone.
A repast is a meal.
Malignity refers to a desire to do some evil to someone.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Third Sunday of Lent
Day Nineteen
Part 2 Chapter 8
"The Interior Life"
Monsignor wrote about a saint who experiences little, if any, sensible consolation in the interior life and yet perseveres and bears much fruit. Of course, in our day, one's mind cannot help but think of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. She may be the one we know best, but her experience is not unique. It can certainly be a challenge to persevere in the face of difficulty or the absence of the feeling of assurance. If we pursue this course ourselves, however, then we can be better disposed to teach our children this way to spiritual progress.
I loved the invitation to imagine Jesus in the tabernacle, even when we are far away by human standards. How true that the distance in miles and existence of walls between Him and us is as nothing to Him.
Part 2 Chapter 8
"The Interior Life"
Monsignor wrote about a saint who experiences little, if any, sensible consolation in the interior life and yet perseveres and bears much fruit. Of course, in our day, one's mind cannot help but think of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. She may be the one we know best, but her experience is not unique. It can certainly be a challenge to persevere in the face of difficulty or the absence of the feeling of assurance. If we pursue this course ourselves, however, then we can be better disposed to teach our children this way to spiritual progress.
I loved the invitation to imagine Jesus in the tabernacle, even when we are far away by human standards. How true that the distance in miles and existence of walls between Him and us is as nothing to Him.
_____________________________________
Definitions: Torpor is a state of physical inactivity or insensibility.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Second Week of Lent - Saturday
Day Eighteen
Part 2 Chapter 7
"The Art of Rising After We Fall"
Last June, I was blessed to read "Searching for and Maintaining Peace" along with several godly women. That wonderful book also emphasized the need for an immediate rising after a fall and a maintenance (or quick restoration) of interior peace. Before reading that book, it had never occurred to me how prideful, offensive to Christ's mercy, and damaging to my interior life it was to indulge in discouragement and sometimes even self-loathing after falling. This chapter reinforces those truths.
Perhaps reading this chapter is the first time that you have considered your behavior after a fall, even into mortal sin. This chapter would be a wonderful source of meditation! We shall, my sisters, sin again. It is a sad truth. Convinced then of our situation, it is prudent to make a plan for action after we do. Rather than make us callous to the offense of our sins and careless in our struggle, such a plan can remind us of how helpless we are without God's mercy, how dear a price this mercy cost, and how lovingly Our Lord extends His mercy to sinners.
Part 2 Chapter 7
"The Art of Rising After We Fall"
Last June, I was blessed to read "Searching for and Maintaining Peace" along with several godly women. That wonderful book also emphasized the need for an immediate rising after a fall and a maintenance (or quick restoration) of interior peace. Before reading that book, it had never occurred to me how prideful, offensive to Christ's mercy, and damaging to my interior life it was to indulge in discouragement and sometimes even self-loathing after falling. This chapter reinforces those truths.
Perhaps reading this chapter is the first time that you have considered your behavior after a fall, even into mortal sin. This chapter would be a wonderful source of meditation! We shall, my sisters, sin again. It is a sad truth. Convinced then of our situation, it is prudent to make a plan for action after we do. Rather than make us callous to the offense of our sins and careless in our struggle, such a plan can remind us of how helpless we are without God's mercy, how dear a price this mercy cost, and how lovingly Our Lord extends His mercy to sinners.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Second Week of Lent - Friday
Day Seventeen
Part 2 Chapter 6
"Examination of Conscience"
Within this chapter is to be found yet another reason for drawing up, and living by, a rule of life. There are many excellent aids available for the soul seeking a thorough examination of conscience, yet they still leave those tiny hiding places for sins we do not wish to see. Submitting to a rule of life seems to shine a new light into those areas. It exposes the parts of our will that resist taming. It more clearly identifies the circumstances surrounding our falls. Moreover, examining one's conscience daily, in relation to living a rule of life and making good resolutions, can be used to prepare for the day to come; in this way each day acquires a spiritual and eternal focus/purpose.
Monsignor's presentation of the examination method of St. Ignatius illustrates the treasures of Christ's Church, which seem unending. I am overwhelmed with the provision Our Sweet Lord has left for us! There is no need for us to grope in the darkness. He has revealed the deepest purpose of human life and a lighted path toward its fulfillment.
Part 2 Chapter 6
"Examination of Conscience"
Within this chapter is to be found yet another reason for drawing up, and living by, a rule of life. There are many excellent aids available for the soul seeking a thorough examination of conscience, yet they still leave those tiny hiding places for sins we do not wish to see. Submitting to a rule of life seems to shine a new light into those areas. It exposes the parts of our will that resist taming. It more clearly identifies the circumstances surrounding our falls. Moreover, examining one's conscience daily, in relation to living a rule of life and making good resolutions, can be used to prepare for the day to come; in this way each day acquires a spiritual and eternal focus/purpose.
Monsignor's presentation of the examination method of St. Ignatius illustrates the treasures of Christ's Church, which seem unending. I am overwhelmed with the provision Our Sweet Lord has left for us! There is no need for us to grope in the darkness. He has revealed the deepest purpose of human life and a lighted path toward its fulfillment.
___________________________________
Definitions:An ascetic is one who pursues perfection in virtues in large part through a penitential life.Thursday, March 8, 2012
Second Week of Lent - Thursday
Day Sixteen
Part 2 Chapter 5
"Good Resolutions"
"Form once again those same resolutions which you have broken so many times. Form them with a humble distrust in yourselves, but with a boundless confidence in God."
I went to Confession today and so I am particularly aware of an area that needs attention. Reading Monsignor's advice on how to make a good resolution has armed me with a new ... well, resolve.
The resolution should be
Part 2 Chapter 5
"Good Resolutions"
"Form once again those same resolutions which you have broken so many times. Form them with a humble distrust in yourselves, but with a boundless confidence in God."
I went to Confession today and so I am particularly aware of an area that needs attention. Reading Monsignor's advice on how to make a good resolution has armed me with a new ... well, resolve.
The resolution should be
- precise
- practical
- constant
_____________________________________
Definitions: Caprice is an impulsive change of mind.
Velleities are wishes or inclinations not strong enough to lead to action.
Inertia is the tendency to remain unchanged, doing or not doing.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Second Week of Lent - Wednesday
Day Fifteen
Part 2 Chapter 4
"Meditation"
"You must try again." When it comes to the pursuit of perfection ("accomplishing the will of God in a constant and generous fashion"), I think that this advice of Monsignor Lejeune is as profound as it is brief. It is a worthy mantra for every 'present moment'.
It was also helpful for me to be reminded that fruitful prayer is not synonymous with good feelings. The chapter on cataloging souls treated the inability of feelings to assess the state of one's soul, so too are they unreliable as a way of assessing the fruitfulness of our prayer/meditation. "...the merit and fruit of prayer do not consist in arousing sentiments which produce a certain sweetness and sensible consolation. It is not necessary for you to experience these emotions: it suffices for you to desire them with a firm and determined will. When it pleases God to send you these sentiments, receive them with gratitude, but do not be grieved by their absence. God does not ask them from you, He requires only what is in your power. To love God in prayer with a firm will, is the true and solid love that He demands of you. This other love is tender love that does not depend on you."
Monsignor's notes on the "how to" of meditation are easy to follow, provided we engage our will and actually do it. I will print out that section for reference while I learn to follow it from memory.
Part 2 Chapter 4
"Meditation"
"You must try again." When it comes to the pursuit of perfection ("accomplishing the will of God in a constant and generous fashion"), I think that this advice of Monsignor Lejeune is as profound as it is brief. It is a worthy mantra for every 'present moment'.
It was also helpful for me to be reminded that fruitful prayer is not synonymous with good feelings. The chapter on cataloging souls treated the inability of feelings to assess the state of one's soul, so too are they unreliable as a way of assessing the fruitfulness of our prayer/meditation. "...the merit and fruit of prayer do not consist in arousing sentiments which produce a certain sweetness and sensible consolation. It is not necessary for you to experience these emotions: it suffices for you to desire them with a firm and determined will. When it pleases God to send you these sentiments, receive them with gratitude, but do not be grieved by their absence. God does not ask them from you, He requires only what is in your power. To love God in prayer with a firm will, is the true and solid love that He demands of you. This other love is tender love that does not depend on you."
Monsignor's notes on the "how to" of meditation are easy to follow, provided we engage our will and actually do it. I will print out that section for reference while I learn to follow it from memory.
_____________________________________
Definitions: Pusillanimity means contemptible fearfulness or cowardice (I had no idea this was a word.)
Efficacy is similar to effectiveness.
Exigencies are urgent or immediate needs.
A mendicant is one who begs.
_________________________________
Additional notes: CCC #2705-2708 treats meditation.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Second Week of Lent - Tuesday
Day Fourteen
Part 2 Chapter 3
"Spiritual Reading - What Books to Read"
We're at the halfway point in our reading, ladies.
In the last post, I included another booklist that you might want to consider, and in an earlier post mentioned "Searching For and Maintaining Peace". Monsignor Lejeune certainly presented enough titles to keep me occupied for quite some time. My experience is that the Holy Spirit does a wonderful job of putting eager souls in touch with the right titles--it's when I'm directing my search that I overreach or otherwise get off-track.
I did take some umbrage at his statement about women being "too sensitive" and "too susceptible to what is known in medicine as autosuggestion" as regards the works of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. Perhaps it is my inexperience with offering spiritual direction to women (or men for the matter) or my modern sensibilities that are to blame, but Monsignor's words there struck me as a bit condescending and over-generalizing.
"My Spirit Rejoices" about Elizabeth Leseur
"Married Saints and Blesseds Through the Centuries"
Thank you, Michele, who found this link to our book in an audio format. http://www.jmjsite.com/a/12/12wpo.pdf
Part 2 Chapter 3
"Spiritual Reading - What Books to Read"
We're at the halfway point in our reading, ladies.
In the last post, I included another booklist that you might want to consider, and in an earlier post mentioned "Searching For and Maintaining Peace". Monsignor Lejeune certainly presented enough titles to keep me occupied for quite some time. My experience is that the Holy Spirit does a wonderful job of putting eager souls in touch with the right titles--it's when I'm directing my search that I overreach or otherwise get off-track.
I did take some umbrage at his statement about women being "too sensitive" and "too susceptible to what is known in medicine as autosuggestion" as regards the works of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. Perhaps it is my inexperience with offering spiritual direction to women (or men for the matter) or my modern sensibilities that are to blame, but Monsignor's words there struck me as a bit condescending and over-generalizing.
_______________________________
Given our vocations, these titles might also prove good spiritual reading and especially interesting for those who enjoy "true stories":"My Spirit Rejoices" about Elizabeth Leseur
"Married Saints and Blesseds Through the Centuries"
Thank you, Michele, who found this link to our book in an audio format. http://www.jmjsite.com/a/12/12wpo.pdf
Second Week of Lent - Monday
Day Thirteen
Part 2 Chapter 2
"Spiritual Reading - How to Engage in It"
Before beginning the discussion of this chapter, I'd like to suggest that we include the (15 minutes or longer, if you're able) spiritual reading in our rule of life. Also, you may want consider beginning this practice once you are finished with this book. Maybe you could keep a notebook or journal page on which you write thoughts and resolutions that come from this reading. Once you are finished with this book, you could take a few days to reflect on what you've written and pray about it--perhaps even speak to a holy priest about it. Then, while it is still Lent you could form those thoughts into a rule of life and content for future prayerful discernment/resolutions. I make this suggestion so that women who are already making time (maybe for the first time) each day to read this book and blog do not become overwhelmed by the inclusion of more reading.
Part 2 Chapter 2
"Spiritual Reading - How to Engage in It"
Before beginning the discussion of this chapter, I'd like to suggest that we include the (15 minutes or longer, if you're able) spiritual reading in our rule of life. Also, you may want consider beginning this practice once you are finished with this book. Maybe you could keep a notebook or journal page on which you write thoughts and resolutions that come from this reading. Once you are finished with this book, you could take a few days to reflect on what you've written and pray about it--perhaps even speak to a holy priest about it. Then, while it is still Lent you could form those thoughts into a rule of life and content for future prayerful discernment/resolutions. I make this suggestion so that women who are already making time (maybe for the first time) each day to read this book and blog do not become overwhelmed by the inclusion of more reading.
_______________________________
I am so filled with gratitude for being led to this book. The guidance Monsignor provides in this chapter is yet another reason; it is practical and yet lacks no depth. When a spiritual book takes hold of my mind and conscience the way that this one has, it is all I can do to keep myself from handing copies to everyone I know.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Second Sunday of Lent
Day Twelve
Part 2 Chapter 1
"Spiritual Reading-Its Advantages"
I don't think that I ever considered the particular value of spiritual reading, as Monsignor uses the term in this chapter. The writings of saints, or biographies of saints, can be such gentle and forgiving teachers. There have been many times when I realized that a particular work was beyond me, spiritually speaking, and I was able to simply return the book to the shelf without the guilt or shame that could have come from face-to-face direction. Even better, the book and its lessons will remain on my shelf until a time when I am better disposed to accept its wisdom.
It is an overwhelming gift to have many spiritual writings from our Church's two thousand year history. Through regular reading from the saints, in particular, someone living in an isolated or heavily non-Catholic area (or a mom greatly outnumbered by little ones all day) may have the benefit of a multitude of saintly 'friends' with whom to converse and from whom to learn.
Monsignor suggested 15 minutes each day to begin. I think that is a very reasonable goal. Let's do it!
Part 2 Chapter 1
"Spiritual Reading-Its Advantages"
I don't think that I ever considered the particular value of spiritual reading, as Monsignor uses the term in this chapter. The writings of saints, or biographies of saints, can be such gentle and forgiving teachers. There have been many times when I realized that a particular work was beyond me, spiritually speaking, and I was able to simply return the book to the shelf without the guilt or shame that could have come from face-to-face direction. Even better, the book and its lessons will remain on my shelf until a time when I am better disposed to accept its wisdom.
It is an overwhelming gift to have many spiritual writings from our Church's two thousand year history. Through regular reading from the saints, in particular, someone living in an isolated or heavily non-Catholic area (or a mom greatly outnumbered by little ones all day) may have the benefit of a multitude of saintly 'friends' with whom to converse and from whom to learn.
Monsignor suggested 15 minutes each day to begin. I think that is a very reasonable goal. Let's do it!
_______________________________
Additional notes:
I'd like to recommend "Searching for and Maintaining Peace" as a good book for people who are pursuing holiness and are at any place along the journey. Does anyone else have any recommendations? (It's helpful if you would indicate if the selection is for someone just starting out, so as to decrease the chance of discouragement.)
Saturday, March 3, 2012
First Week of Lent - Saturday
Day Eleven
Part 1 Chapter 11
"Affections and Aversions"
I must confess to a bit of head-scratching on my part regarding this chapter. My post-modern brain is not used to the delicate language and description that the author employs. By the end of the section on affections, I finally believed that I some handle on his topic. Upon reflection, two themes seemed to emerge as central to this chapter--justice and imagination.
The Catechism defines justice as "the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor." (with further explanation CCC #1807) The focus of the chapter is "the constant and firm will to give their due to neighbor." The first part of the chapter is discussing the danger of offering affections, that are rightly due only to our husband, to any other, even a fictional other. The affections may be given only in the mind, and not the body, but giving them in the mind is dangerously close to giving them in our heart as well. You won't find understanding on this point among friends who are not actively pursuing growth in holiness. They will tell you that such affections are harmless because you're not acting on them. What does it matter if you have a heavy crush on this or that celebrity? Worse still, as long as you don't act on it, they may counsel that there's nothing wrong with fantasizing or day dreaming about a man you know at work, at church, or in the neighborhood even if he's married. Monsignor is clear that these affections rightly belong to our husband alone and are dangerous if directed elsewhere.
In the latter part of the chapter, the justice employed is to be sure that we are giving our neighbor the charity that he or she is due. When aversions are allowed to develop in our mind toward others, and we nourish those aversions it is similarly dangerous. It can grow, fed by our thoughts, into sins against charity--usually types of gossip. Monsignor makes a special point of addressing the dangers of aversions toward those in our family or in rightful positions of authority over us.
The second theme, which unites the affections and aversions, is imagination. The gift of imagination is tremendous; it allows human persons to consider times, places, and circumstances other than their own. What an aid to meditation on Holy Scripture! As with all other gifts, it is glorious when used in service of God, and yet we may choose to abuse this gift for our own end. Some women possess a more lively imagination than average. They may be more prone, then, to the dangers of thinking and day dreaming about the object of their affection or aversion. Properly trained, however, their imaginations could be an aid to meditation.
I was an adult before being introduced to the concept of cultivating a holy imagination. It remains a struggle to keep myself from having imaginary confrontations with people for whom I may have allowed an aversion to grow. If this person said this, I would say this and wouldn't that teach him or her a lesson. How ridiculous--and what a dangerous waste it is to spend even a moment in such an activity! Helping my children to cultivate a holy imagination can be helped by the efforts I make to cultivate one myself.
Part 1 Chapter 11
"Affections and Aversions"
I must confess to a bit of head-scratching on my part regarding this chapter. My post-modern brain is not used to the delicate language and description that the author employs. By the end of the section on affections, I finally believed that I some handle on his topic. Upon reflection, two themes seemed to emerge as central to this chapter--justice and imagination.
The Catechism defines justice as "the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor." (with further explanation CCC #1807) The focus of the chapter is "the constant and firm will to give their due to neighbor." The first part of the chapter is discussing the danger of offering affections, that are rightly due only to our husband, to any other, even a fictional other. The affections may be given only in the mind, and not the body, but giving them in the mind is dangerously close to giving them in our heart as well. You won't find understanding on this point among friends who are not actively pursuing growth in holiness. They will tell you that such affections are harmless because you're not acting on them. What does it matter if you have a heavy crush on this or that celebrity? Worse still, as long as you don't act on it, they may counsel that there's nothing wrong with fantasizing or day dreaming about a man you know at work, at church, or in the neighborhood even if he's married. Monsignor is clear that these affections rightly belong to our husband alone and are dangerous if directed elsewhere.
In the latter part of the chapter, the justice employed is to be sure that we are giving our neighbor the charity that he or she is due. When aversions are allowed to develop in our mind toward others, and we nourish those aversions it is similarly dangerous. It can grow, fed by our thoughts, into sins against charity--usually types of gossip. Monsignor makes a special point of addressing the dangers of aversions toward those in our family or in rightful positions of authority over us.
The second theme, which unites the affections and aversions, is imagination. The gift of imagination is tremendous; it allows human persons to consider times, places, and circumstances other than their own. What an aid to meditation on Holy Scripture! As with all other gifts, it is glorious when used in service of God, and yet we may choose to abuse this gift for our own end. Some women possess a more lively imagination than average. They may be more prone, then, to the dangers of thinking and day dreaming about the object of their affection or aversion. Properly trained, however, their imaginations could be an aid to meditation.
I was an adult before being introduced to the concept of cultivating a holy imagination. It remains a struggle to keep myself from having imaginary confrontations with people for whom I may have allowed an aversion to grow. If this person said this, I would say this and wouldn't that teach him or her a lesson. How ridiculous--and what a dangerous waste it is to spend even a moment in such an activity! Helping my children to cultivate a holy imagination can be helped by the efforts I make to cultivate one myself.
________________________________
asperity:harshness of tone or manner / harsh qualities or conditions
Thursday, March 1, 2012
First Week of Lent - Friday
Day Ten
Part 1 Chapter 10
"Impediments to Spiritual Progress (concluded)"
After reading the beginning of this chapter, were you inclined to berate yourself? Some temperaments are more easily given to associate weaknesses or faults with diminished value of self. Sometimes an emotional response can be a powerful inhibitor to rising and trying again. Monsignor's words are worth repeating:
"Never abandon your resolutions because you are unsuccessful. You perhaps have suddenly fallen after taking a resolution that to you appeared most firm. Why be cast down, discouraged, and groaning over your misfortune? Ah! How much pride is often found at the bottom of those vexations which follow upon your falls!
A person who is truly humble, instead of feeding on grief, rises at once, and, relying more on the mercy
and goodness of God than on her own strength, takes up the march again. To learn to profit by our falls is one of the secrets of perfection, and an essential requisite of spiritual progress."
Part 1 Chapter 10
"Impediments to Spiritual Progress (concluded)"
After reading the beginning of this chapter, were you inclined to berate yourself? Some temperaments are more easily given to associate weaknesses or faults with diminished value of self. Sometimes an emotional response can be a powerful inhibitor to rising and trying again. Monsignor's words are worth repeating:
"Never abandon your resolutions because you are unsuccessful. You perhaps have suddenly fallen after taking a resolution that to you appeared most firm. Why be cast down, discouraged, and groaning over your misfortune? Ah! How much pride is often found at the bottom of those vexations which follow upon your falls!
A person who is truly humble, instead of feeding on grief, rises at once, and, relying more on the mercy
and goodness of God than on her own strength, takes up the march again. To learn to profit by our falls is one of the secrets of perfection, and an essential requisite of spiritual progress."
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
First Week of Lent - Thursday
Day Nine
Part 1 Chapter 9
"Impediments to Spiritual Progress"
Because Monsignor Lejeune connected knowledge that advances spiritual progress and meditation, it would be worthwhile to discuss what meditation is and is not. Several religions use this same word to describe very different activities. For some of them it is connected with emptying one's mind of thought. Individuals who regard themselves as "spiritual" but not religious use the word to describe a quieting of the mind, a relaxing technique, or a way to focus inward on their own "spirit". Still others attach the word "guided" to meditation when someone, in person or through a book or audio, inserts himself into another's imagination for the purpose of exploring thoughts or emotions, sometimes on a religious theme and sometimes not. Holy Mother Church means something quite specific when she uses the word "meditation."
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
Part 1 Chapter 9
"Impediments to Spiritual Progress"
Because Monsignor Lejeune connected knowledge that advances spiritual progress and meditation, it would be worthwhile to discuss what meditation is and is not. Several religions use this same word to describe very different activities. For some of them it is connected with emptying one's mind of thought. Individuals who regard themselves as "spiritual" but not religious use the word to describe a quieting of the mind, a relaxing technique, or a way to focus inward on their own "spirit". Still others attach the word "guided" to meditation when someone, in person or through a book or audio, inserts himself into another's imagination for the purpose of exploring thoughts or emotions, sometimes on a religious theme and sometimes not. Holy Mother Church means something quite specific when she uses the word "meditation."
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
"2705
Meditation is above all a quest. The mind seeks to understand the why and how
of the Christian life, in order to adhere and respond to what the Lord is
asking. The required attentiveness is difficult to sustain. We are usually
helped by books, and Christians do not want for them: the Sacred Scriptures,
particularly the Gospels, holy icons, liturgical texts of the day or season,
writings of the spiritual fathers, works of spirituality, the great book of
creation, and that of history--the page on which the "today" of God is
written.
2706
To meditate on what we read helps us to make it our own by confronting it with
ourselves. Here, another book is opened: the book of life. We pass from
thoughts to reality. To the extent that we are humble and faithful, we discover
in meditation the movements that stir the heart and we are able to discern
them. It is a question of acting truthfully in order to come into the light:
"Lord, what do you want me to do?"
2707
There are as many and varied methods of meditation as there are spiritual
masters. Christians owe it to themselves to develop the desire to meditate
regularly, lest they come to resemble the three first kinds of soil in the
parable of the sower.5 But a method is only a guide; the important
thing is to advance, with the Holy Spirit, along the one way of prayer: Christ
Jesus.
2708
Meditation engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire. This mobilization
of faculties is necessary in order to deepen our convictions of faith, prompt
the conversion of our heart, and strengthen our will to follow Christ.
Christian prayer tries above all to meditate on the mysteries of Christ, as in
lectio divina or the rosary. This form of prayerful reflection is of great
value, but Christian prayer should go further: to the knowledge of the love of
the Lord Jesus, to union with him.
2723 Meditation is a prayerful quest engaging thought, imagination, emotion, and desire. Its goal is to make our own in faith the subject considered, by confronting it with the reality of our own life."
In effect, meditation is not vague or abstract. It has a deliberate subject. "I am meditating on Mary's humility in the Magnificat." "While my mouth prays these ten Hail Mary's, I am meditating on the third sorrowful mystery of the rosary." Also, because meditation is a type of prayer, we must seek the aid of the Holy Spirit in order for it to bear fruit. Although I am employing my human faculties, "thought, imagination, emotion and desire", Catholic meditation is not supposed to be about me.
With this understanding, we can see clearly how a laborer in the field, a poor servant girl, or a person working at a convenience store is capable of spiritual progress through this type of knowledge. It is equally possible for someone with factual knowledge of his religion to be stunted in his spiritual growth because he lacks this type of knowledge, which penetrates the mind and infuses the heart.
Perhaps today, there are five or ten minutes available for you to contemplate one of the beautiful truths of our faith. Monsignor Lejeune outlined a few examples.
_________________________________
Additional notes:
"Through the study of books one seeks God; by meditation one finds Him." Padre Pio
First Week of Lent-Wednesday
Day 8
Part 1 Chapter 8
"Venial Sins-Its Effects"
Perhaps the best post on this chapter would be to include a few references from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and then reprint the ending of the chapter.
"Under the eye of Jesus, examine your conscience to see what your attitude is towards venial sin (I think that this should just read sin here), and especially towards venial sin, and especially towards a habit of venial sin. Are you not still tolerating yourselves a habit of this sin? Do not excuse yourselves a habit of this. Do not excuse your indolence by saying: "My temperament is the cause of it. After all I do not sin mortally, and therefore I am always in the friendship of God."
Determine clearly the method you will adopt in your struggle against a certain habit of venial sin, and
tell Jesus of your weakness. Tell Him the principal evil from which you suffer, and of which you desire to cure yourselves, with the help of His grace."
I believe that St. Ignatius, in particular, would counsel a person to choose one habit of sin to methodically address at a time.
Part 1 Chapter 8
"Venial Sins-Its Effects"
Perhaps the best post on this chapter would be to include a few references from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and then reprint the ending of the chapter.
1862
One commits venial sin when, in a less serious matter, he does not observe the
standard prescribed by the moral law, or when he disobeys the moral law in a
grave matter, but without full knowledge or without complete consent.
1863
Venial sin weakens charity; it manifests a disordered affection for created
goods; it impedes the soul's progress in the exercise of the virtues and the
practice of the moral good; it merits temporal punishment. Deliberate and
unrepented venial sin disposes us little by little to commit mortal sin.
However venial sin does not set us in direct opposition to the will and
friendship of God; it does not break the covenant with God. With God's grace it
is humanly reparable. "Venial sin does not deprive the sinner of
sanctifying grace, friendship with God, charity, and consequently eternal
happiness."134 (John Paul II Reconciliation et paenitentia)
While he is in the flesh, man
cannot help but have at least some light sins. But do not despise these sins
which we call "light": if you take them for light when you weigh
them, tremble when you count them. A number of light objects makes a great
mass; a number of drops fills a river; a number of grains makes a heap. What
then is our hope? Above all, confession.135 (St. Augustine)
"Under the eye of Jesus, examine your conscience to see what your attitude is towards venial sin (I think that this should just read sin here), and especially towards venial sin, and especially towards a habit of venial sin. Are you not still tolerating yourselves a habit of this sin? Do not excuse yourselves a habit of this. Do not excuse your indolence by saying: "My temperament is the cause of it. After all I do not sin mortally, and therefore I am always in the friendship of God."
Determine clearly the method you will adopt in your struggle against a certain habit of venial sin, and
tell Jesus of your weakness. Tell Him the principal evil from which you suffer, and of which you desire to cure yourselves, with the help of His grace."
I believe that St. Ignatius, in particular, would counsel a person to choose one habit of sin to methodically address at a time.
Monday, February 27, 2012
First Tuesday of Lent
Day Seven
Part 1 Chapter 7
"Venial Sin-Its Ugliness"
(Before beginning this post, I want to tell you that the "clock" recording the times of my postings is inaccurate. There is no way that anyone who knows me would believe that I posted this morning at 5-anything AM.)
It was very helpful that Monsignor reiterated toward the end of this chapter that he was writing about committing venial sins intentionally. Still, I must admit that too many times I have put off going to confession a day or two because they were "only venial sins" I had committed. Perhaps it is the mindset of rule-breaking that leads to such a way of thinking. "Oh, this sin is the equivalent of driving 5 miles over the speed limit."
The examples Monsignor provided of the thorn or the act of spitting in a father's face need to remain in the forefront of my mind to counter such thinking. These are hard truths, indeed.
Thank you, Lord for the gift of a Lenten season to turn my ear toward the call to conversion.
Part 1 Chapter 7
"Venial Sin-Its Ugliness"
(Before beginning this post, I want to tell you that the "clock" recording the times of my postings is inaccurate. There is no way that anyone who knows me would believe that I posted this morning at 5-anything AM.)
It was very helpful that Monsignor reiterated toward the end of this chapter that he was writing about committing venial sins intentionally. Still, I must admit that too many times I have put off going to confession a day or two because they were "only venial sins" I had committed. Perhaps it is the mindset of rule-breaking that leads to such a way of thinking. "Oh, this sin is the equivalent of driving 5 miles over the speed limit."
The examples Monsignor provided of the thorn or the act of spitting in a father's face need to remain in the forefront of my mind to counter such thinking. These are hard truths, indeed.
Thank you, Lord for the gift of a Lenten season to turn my ear toward the call to conversion.
___________________________________________
Additional notes:
Monsignor referenced "Pergmayr" in this chapter. I believe that is Joseph Pergmayr, who wrote "The Truths of Salvation" in the late nineteenth century.
First Monday of Lent
Day Six
Part 1
Chapter 6
“Promptness in Rising”
"I'm not a morning person." I don't know when this concept first entered our culture, but it has been my 'go to' excuse for neglecting a number of solid spiritual practices over the years. Early rising, charitable speech, a healthy breakfast (more as a child and teenager), morning devotions before the duties of the day, morning Mass, were all casualties of my natural preference toward a late bedtime and grudging rising.
Last year when one of my daughters was preparing to make her First Holy Communion, we bought "The King of the Golden City" and read it together daily. In one of the chapters (I just lent out my copy, so I can't tell you which chapter.) the guardian angel tells his charge about the necessity to take charge of "Self" as soon as "Self" awakens. He explained how skillful "Self" is at argumentation and persuasion at that moment and how ill-equipped we are; that is why it is better not to listen to a single pleading it offers. The description of how the rest of the character's day went when the angel's advice went unheeded was an uncanny description of some of my days when I indulge in extra sleep.
Perhaps rather than setting a rising time "before the rays of the sun", simply set a reasonable rising time at first and work to stick to it. If you set a time (preferably before your children wake) and still find yourself "unable" to be faithful to it, then praise God that your underlying issues have been revealed and can be confronted.
_______________________________
Notes"Give the enemy no quarter!" references the military practice of giving lodging to soldiers, which is called quartering.
Monsignor quoted a verse from the book of Proverbs--"love not sleep"; it is Proverbs 20:13.
________________________________
Additional resources:
This is the edition I would recommend for "The King of the Golden City": http://www.amazon.com/King-Golden-City-Allegory-Children/dp/1934185035
Sunday, February 26, 2012
First Sunday of Lent
First Sunday of Lent
Part 1 Chapter 5
"The Need of a Rule of Life"
Additional Resources:
One may find Holly Pierlot's book and Kimberly Hahn's study based on the book at the Catholic Company. http://search.catholiccompany.com/search?w=a+mother%27s+rule+of+life
From the Rule of St. Benedict (Although we are not living the monastic life, it is beneficial for us to consider the diligence with which the Benedictines approached the manual work of each day):
Chapter 48: On the Daily Manual Labor
Therefore the sisters should be occupied
at certain times in manual labor,
and again at fixed hours in sacred reading.
To that end
we think that the times for each may be prescribed as follows.
From Easter until the Calends of October,
when they come out from Prime in the morning
let them labor at whatever is necessary
until about the fourth hour,
and from the fourth hour until about the sixth
let them apply themselves to reading.
After the sixth hour,
having left the table,
let them rest on their beds in perfect silence;
or if anyone may perhaps want to read,
let her read to herself
in such a way as not to disturb anyone else.
Let None be said rather early,
at the middle of the eighth hour,
and let them again do what work has to be done until Vespers.
And if the circumstances of the place or their poverty
should require that they themselves
do the work of gathering the harvest,
let them not be discontented;
for then are they truly monastics
when they live by the labor of their hands,
as did our Fathers and the Apostles.
Let all things be done with moderation, however,
for the sake of the faint-hearted.
let them apply themselves to reading
up to the end of the second hour.
At the second hour let Terce be said,
and then let all labor at the work assigned them until None.
At the first signal for the Hour of None
let everyone break off from her work,
and hold herself ready for the sounding of the second signal.
After the meal
let them apply themselves to their reading or to the Psalms.
On the days of Lent,
from morning until the end of the third hour
let them apply themselves to their reading,
and from then until the end of the tenth hour
let them do the work assigned them.
And in these days of Lent
they shall each receive a book from the library,
which they shall read straight through from the beginning.
These books are to be given out at the beginning of Lent.
But certainly one or two of the seniors should be deputed
to go about the monastery
at the hours when the sisters are occupied in reading
and see that there be no lazy sister
who spends her time in idleness or gossip
and does not apply herself to the reading,
so that she is not only unprofitable to herself
but also distracts others.
If such a one be found (which God forbid),
let her be corrected once and a second time;
if she does not amend,
let her undergo the punishment of the Rule
in such a way that the rest may take warning.
Moreover, one sister shall not associate with another
at inappropriate times.
On Sundays, let all occupy themselves in reading,
except those who have been appointed to various duties.
But if anyone should be so negligent and shiftless
that she will not or cannot study or read,
let her be given some work to do
so that she will not be idle.
Weak or sickly sisters should be assigned a task or craft
of such a nature as to keep them from idleness
and at the same time not to overburden them or drive them away
with excessive toil.
Their weakness must be taken into consideration by the Abbess.
Part 1 Chapter 5
"The Need of a Rule of Life"
"A few simple resolutions, clearly stated, will be entirely sufficient. You need not overburden yourselves in the beginning. Go forward step by step. A rule is not immutable; we can always add to it according as divine grace directs us. Indeed, it is better to add to a rule than to subtract from it. It is better to begin at a moderate pace, than to be obliged to slacken our speed, and perhaps lose heart."
There is little doubt in my mind that there is great merit in having a written rule of life. Years ago I learned of a book entitled, "A Mother's Rule of Life" by Holly Pierlot. That was my first introduction to the idea of a lay married person having or needing such a thing. There are particulars in her book that are surely open to discussion, but the premise is sound. Later, I learned that Kimberly Hahn had done a Bible Study on the same topic (using the Pierlot book as a source). She had the lessons put on audio tapes, and I bought them. I used to listen to them while doing housework ( I need all the motivation during my housework that I can get.) When my, then young, teenage daughter began floundering under the increased freedom and responsibility of high school life we turned to a rule of life to help her stay focused and faithful to the most important aspects of her expanding life.
For those naturally organized and self-disciplined, a rule of life may seem unnecessary; for those of us who are naturally active but more scattered and "spontaneous" with our time, it may seem constraining, burdensome, or even impossible. The answer to those objections is found in the intention behind the rule of life. The time we have is not ours to do with as we please, even if we would naturally use it productively or even wisely. The time we have belongs to its creator, and we are but stewards of it for a short time. At the end of our earthly lives, we will be called to give an accounting for each moment of it. Living by a written rule is a constant reminder of this truth.
Where does one begin? Monsignor will explain more about the importance of having a set time at which you will rise, in the next chapter. Until you are able to read that chapter, perhaps these statements from the last chapter: "I shall never put off what I can do now." and "I shall never remain idle, nor lose one single instant of my time." could serve to guide your beginning. If you are not accustomed to some prayer, however brief, when you first wake up I would also strongly recommend adding that to your rule. That morning prayer serves to remind the will that it is because of your love for God that you are living this way.
One may find Holly Pierlot's book and Kimberly Hahn's study based on the book at the Catholic Company. http://search.catholiccompany.com/search?w=a+mother%27s+rule+of+life
From the Rule of St. Benedict (Although we are not living the monastic life, it is beneficial for us to consider the diligence with which the Benedictines approached the manual work of each day):
Chapter 48: On the Daily Manual Labor
From Mar. 28 - July 28 - Nov. 27
Idleness is the enemy of the soul.Therefore the sisters should be occupied
at certain times in manual labor,
and again at fixed hours in sacred reading.
To that end
we think that the times for each may be prescribed as follows.
From Easter until the Calends of October,
when they come out from Prime in the morning
let them labor at whatever is necessary
until about the fourth hour,
and from the fourth hour until about the sixth
let them apply themselves to reading.
After the sixth hour,
having left the table,
let them rest on their beds in perfect silence;
or if anyone may perhaps want to read,
let her read to herself
in such a way as not to disturb anyone else.
Let None be said rather early,
at the middle of the eighth hour,
and let them again do what work has to be done until Vespers.
And if the circumstances of the place or their poverty
should require that they themselves
do the work of gathering the harvest,
let them not be discontented;
for then are they truly monastics
when they live by the labor of their hands,
as did our Fathers and the Apostles.
Let all things be done with moderation, however,
for the sake of the faint-hearted.
From Mar. 29 - July 29 - Nov. 28
From the Calends of October until the beginning of Lent,let them apply themselves to reading
up to the end of the second hour.
At the second hour let Terce be said,
and then let all labor at the work assigned them until None.
At the first signal for the Hour of None
let everyone break off from her work,
and hold herself ready for the sounding of the second signal.
After the meal
let them apply themselves to their reading or to the Psalms.
On the days of Lent,
from morning until the end of the third hour
let them apply themselves to their reading,
and from then until the end of the tenth hour
let them do the work assigned them.
And in these days of Lent
they shall each receive a book from the library,
which they shall read straight through from the beginning.
These books are to be given out at the beginning of Lent.
But certainly one or two of the seniors should be deputed
to go about the monastery
at the hours when the sisters are occupied in reading
and see that there be no lazy sister
who spends her time in idleness or gossip
and does not apply herself to the reading,
so that she is not only unprofitable to herself
but also distracts others.
If such a one be found (which God forbid),
let her be corrected once and a second time;
if she does not amend,
let her undergo the punishment of the Rule
in such a way that the rest may take warning.
Moreover, one sister shall not associate with another
at inappropriate times.
From Mar. 30 - July 30 - Nov. 29
On Sundays, let all occupy themselves in reading,
except those who have been appointed to various duties.
But if anyone should be so negligent and shiftless
that she will not or cannot study or read,
let her be given some work to do
so that she will not be idle.
Weak or sickly sisters should be assigned a task or craft
of such a nature as to keep them from idleness
and at the same time not to overburden them or drive them away
with excessive toil.
Their weakness must be taken into consideration by the Abbess.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Saturday after Ashes
Saturday
Part 1 Chapter 4
"The Value of Time"
It never ceases to amaze me how instinctively it seems that my husband can remain productive from rising until closing his eyes at the end of the day. You can probably guess from my admiration that I do not possess this natural quality. Perhaps it is the Sanguine in me, but I routinely seek some little amusement at the end of a busy day even if I am dog-tired just so that my entire day wasn't just work, work, work.
Thankfully, Monsignor is not suggesting that holiness and busy-ness are synonymous; he is not advocating becoming a workaholic as the path to perfection. Idleness is to be avoided because it is a break, not from work but from accomplishing the will of God in a constant and generous fashion (remember that is our definition of perfection in this reading). There is time when God wills our rest and our leisure. There is time when it is right for a mother to go outside and frolic in the sun with her children. The beauty of the "rule of life" referenced in the chapter, and expanded upon in the next chapter, is that those things can happen without sacrificing dinner on the table or clean clothes in the drawers--there is time for everything necessary.
Several years ago, my friend and I gathered our older daughters and some other middle and high school girls into a van and drove to Nashville, Tennessee. Grand Ole Opry? No, (not that we didn't try to fit that in during the planning) the motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecelia was our destination. We spent a beautiful day meeting the vocations director and touring the motherhouse, and while my friend and I were gifted with a couple of quiet hours in the chapel, the girls enjoyed Recreation Time with the sisters. It continues to be a source of inspiration that the sisters accomplish so much prayer time, study time, teaching time and time for household duties during the day and still manage a couple of hours during which they play board games, play volleyball or some other sport, or go for a good stretch of the legs.
Perhaps I can't "do everything", but I can do everything that God has called me to do.
(Tomorrow I will include a few resources on the rule of life, since it is the chapter's focus.)
Part 1 Chapter 4
"The Value of Time"
It never ceases to amaze me how instinctively it seems that my husband can remain productive from rising until closing his eyes at the end of the day. You can probably guess from my admiration that I do not possess this natural quality. Perhaps it is the Sanguine in me, but I routinely seek some little amusement at the end of a busy day even if I am dog-tired just so that my entire day wasn't just work, work, work.
Thankfully, Monsignor is not suggesting that holiness and busy-ness are synonymous; he is not advocating becoming a workaholic as the path to perfection. Idleness is to be avoided because it is a break, not from work but from accomplishing the will of God in a constant and generous fashion (remember that is our definition of perfection in this reading). There is time when God wills our rest and our leisure. There is time when it is right for a mother to go outside and frolic in the sun with her children. The beauty of the "rule of life" referenced in the chapter, and expanded upon in the next chapter, is that those things can happen without sacrificing dinner on the table or clean clothes in the drawers--there is time for everything necessary.
Several years ago, my friend and I gathered our older daughters and some other middle and high school girls into a van and drove to Nashville, Tennessee. Grand Ole Opry? No, (not that we didn't try to fit that in during the planning) the motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecelia was our destination. We spent a beautiful day meeting the vocations director and touring the motherhouse, and while my friend and I were gifted with a couple of quiet hours in the chapel, the girls enjoyed Recreation Time with the sisters. It continues to be a source of inspiration that the sisters accomplish so much prayer time, study time, teaching time and time for household duties during the day and still manage a couple of hours during which they play board games, play volleyball or some other sport, or go for a good stretch of the legs.
Perhaps I can't "do everything", but I can do everything that God has called me to do.
(Tomorrow I will include a few resources on the rule of life, since it is the chapter's focus.)
________________________________________
Perfection is accomplishing the will of God in a constant and generous fashion.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Friday after Ashes
Day Three
Part 1 Chapter 3
"Naturalism"
To what extent does supernatural reality shape my life?
In the midst of a discussion about parish high school youth ministry, a father leaned in and said to me, "All this is well and good, but how is this going to prepare these kids for the real world?".
As a mother who educates her children at home, I frequently encounter well-intentioned adults who express concern for how my children will fare in "the real world."
In conversations with young adults I knew as teenagers, too often I hear "the real world" used to describe a place where there are persons who must go un-named for propriety's sake--Divine Persons, and things like grace that should not be discussed even when speaking about one's own life. There is a level of charity that is demanded by my Lord, but that I must deny while at work in the name of business savvy, they tell me.
The "real world" is what I believe the author would call the natural world. It's the part of reality that any sane person can recognize. With the gift of faith, however, human persons are made aware of the fullness of reality--of a Trinitarian God Who made all things "visible and invisible". Through the Holy Spirit, Our Lord has revealed things to humanity which are intimate details of the love of the Father for His creation and the love within the Persons of God. No longer may we behave as if we do not know what the Father is doing. (John 15:15)
Let us allow the Good News of the supernatural reality to strengthen our resolve to grow in holiness, to "accomplish the will of God in a constant and generous fashion", and to rest in the peace that the Lord gives to us in this very moment.
Part 1 Chapter 3
"Naturalism"
To what extent does supernatural reality shape my life?
In the midst of a discussion about parish high school youth ministry, a father leaned in and said to me, "All this is well and good, but how is this going to prepare these kids for the real world?".
As a mother who educates her children at home, I frequently encounter well-intentioned adults who express concern for how my children will fare in "the real world."
In conversations with young adults I knew as teenagers, too often I hear "the real world" used to describe a place where there are persons who must go un-named for propriety's sake--Divine Persons, and things like grace that should not be discussed even when speaking about one's own life. There is a level of charity that is demanded by my Lord, but that I must deny while at work in the name of business savvy, they tell me.
The "real world" is what I believe the author would call the natural world. It's the part of reality that any sane person can recognize. With the gift of faith, however, human persons are made aware of the fullness of reality--of a Trinitarian God Who made all things "visible and invisible". Through the Holy Spirit, Our Lord has revealed things to humanity which are intimate details of the love of the Father for His creation and the love within the Persons of God. No longer may we behave as if we do not know what the Father is doing. (John 15:15)
Let us allow the Good News of the supernatural reality to strengthen our resolve to grow in holiness, to "accomplish the will of God in a constant and generous fashion", and to rest in the peace that the Lord gives to us in this very moment.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Thursday after Ashes
Day Two
Part 1
Chapter 2
“A Catalogue of Souls”
I also found it quite helpful to be reminded that an accurate assessment of the soul can only be made by examining the will. First, what is my intention regarding my life? Am I living with the deliberate intention of doing God's will and avoiding that which is not His will, most especially what is contrary to His will? Then, am I actively submitting my own will so that His will becomes preferable to mine?
Please feel encouraged to comment on the chapters and/or what I write. You all have such wonderful insights and perspectives!
(In order to guard us from false humility or pride, let us refrain from referencing in our comments on this chapter the current state of our soul.)
_______________________________
Definitions (and other word notes)
ferent is a typo and should be fervent
buren is also a typo and should be burden
cavilling: raising trivial or frivolous objections
self-abnegation: synonymous with self-denial
________________________________
Additional resources:
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1849-1864 for a treatment of mortal and venial sins.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday
Part 1
Chapter1
“True and False Devotion”
We are reading "Counsels of Perfection for Christian Mothers." Whenever the words "perfection" and "mothers" appear together, most women's hearts will begin racing. Depending on her temperament, she may hang her head in defeat and drop the book before even opening it or believe that in 64 short pages she will have the tools to be the perfect Christian mother she always knew that she was destined to be. We will avoid these two extremes together, ladies--yes, we will.
More than simply a manual on how to do everything 'right' as a mother, this work is aimed at orienting us in such a way that God's will may be accomplished with the greatest glory given to Him. There is no ego in this type of perfection; there is no personal glory in the running nor shame in the stumbling. When Jesus commands us to be perfect (Matthew 5:48) it is, I believe, more an invitation than a challenge. He calls us to draw near--near to Him and near to the Father. In this Lenten season, He invites you to submit yourself and your motherhood to the Holy Spirit--to accept Him as your guide and draw nearer to the perfection of your Father Who loves you.
_______________________________
Please don't be offended if I include a few definitions.
affectation: the act of taking on or displaying an attitude or mode of behavior not natural to oneself or not genuinely felt It is akin to pretension.
macerations: excessive fastings to the point that one appears drawn
detraction and calumny: each sins against the Eighth Commandment; the former involves sharing someone's true faults, weaknesses, or misdeeds while the latter involves harm to someone's reputation with accusations that are not true. CCC 2477 and 2479
________________________________
FOCUS of the chapter:
Perfection
consists in accomplishing the will of God in a constant and generous fashion.
________________________________
Additional resources:
CCC 2659 and 2660 on seeking and doing God's will in the present moment
Mother Angelica also has a video on YouTube talking about living in the present moment. I couldn't get the link to work here, but it is easy to locate on the site.
To learn more about temperaments:
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Reading Plan for Lent 2012
Welcome!
If you're reading this post, then you are probably a Catholic homeschooling mother whom I have invited to read "Counsels of Perfection for Christian Mothers" by Monsignor Lejeune during Lent of 2012. (It is also possible, however, that you came across this blog with no prior connection to me at all. As you read this, it may not even be 2012 anymore. Oh well!) Through the use of comment posting, this blog may prove to be a useful tool for sharing our reflections on the book's content; that's my intention.
Although there are 43 days of Lent before the Triduum, there are only 28 chapters to Monsignor's book. We will read one chapter each day. Don't worry, the chapters are very brief; after all, the book is written for mothers ("busy mother" would be a redundancy). Using only the first 28 days of Lent for the reading will allow us to use the remaining days to put into practice any resolutions or do follow-up reading. To that end, I will keep the blog active throughout Lent so that continued encouragement and/or questions may be posted.
On Ash Wednesday, read Part One, Chapter One: "True and False Devotion".
"Counsels of Perfection for Christian Mothers" may be accessed online for free at http://ihsacademy.com/books/CounselsofPerfection.pdf
If you're reading this post, then you are probably a Catholic homeschooling mother whom I have invited to read "Counsels of Perfection for Christian Mothers" by Monsignor Lejeune during Lent of 2012. (It is also possible, however, that you came across this blog with no prior connection to me at all. As you read this, it may not even be 2012 anymore. Oh well!) Through the use of comment posting, this blog may prove to be a useful tool for sharing our reflections on the book's content; that's my intention.
Although there are 43 days of Lent before the Triduum, there are only 28 chapters to Monsignor's book. We will read one chapter each day. Don't worry, the chapters are very brief; after all, the book is written for mothers ("busy mother" would be a redundancy). Using only the first 28 days of Lent for the reading will allow us to use the remaining days to put into practice any resolutions or do follow-up reading. To that end, I will keep the blog active throughout Lent so that continued encouragement and/or questions may be posted.
On Ash Wednesday, read Part One, Chapter One: "True and False Devotion".
"Counsels of Perfection for Christian Mothers" may be accessed online for free at http://ihsacademy.com/books/CounselsofPerfection.pdf
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