Category Archives: Spirituality

Apostle, Faith, Feast Days, Spirituality

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: The Transfiguration, Feast Day August 6

August 6, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

The Transfigurateion by Rubens

Has your faith in Jesus Christ transformed you? The Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord is celebrated on August 6.

On this feast day we remember the event which took place shortly after St Peter proclaimed his faith in the Lord, saying… “You are the Messiah!”

Three Apostles accompanied Jesus into the mountains believed to be Mount Tabor. They were the Apostles John, James and Peter

And he was transfigured before them and His face shone like the sun and his clothes became dazzling white. Appearing with Jesus were Moses and Elijah, talking with him. (Matthew 17.2-4).

The Apostles heard a voice saying:

This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased listen to him!”” (Matthew 17:5)

The Apostles fell to the ground overcome by fear. But Jesus came and said,

“Get up and do not be afraid”

How does your faith in Jesus change your life? Does it take away your fear? What is different in your life because of your faith?

Hopefully, our faith is alive and growing stronger. It is only through a strong prayer life that we can develop a relationship with Jesus which is visible to other people. When we let Jesus lead us through the dark times of our life, our trust in Him gives us strength. Our joy becomes evident when our faith is real and we have let Jesus touch our hearts. It is a joy we have a need to share with others!

The types of prayer styles are many. Basically, prayer is turning to God. It is a conversation we have with Him. Learning which prayer style fits us can be difficult. Meditation can help us come to know God better. Another word for meditation is reflection. Reflecting on scripture, art or music is a wonderful way to spend time with God.

Don’t forget to listen! After you tell God your troubles and count your blessings, sit quietly and let him speak to you in the silence. Light a candle to help center yourself. The light of a candle represents the Light of Christ. Remember, Jesus himself said:

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of Life.” John 8:12

In order to let the light of Jesus shine in our life we must let him into our hearts. With an open heart reflect on the following quote.

Faith in action is love, and love in action is service.

By transforming that faith into living acts of love,

we put ourselves in contact with God Himself, with Jesus our Lord.

Quote of Bl. Teresa of Calcutta; Feast Day September 5

Transfiguration by David Gerard

The Transfiguration by Raphael

The Transfiguration by Giovanni Salvaldo

The Transfiguration by Rubens

The Transfiguration by Perugino

The Transfiguration by James Tissot

August is the Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

patron saints, Saint of the Day, Spirituality

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Peter Julian Eymard, Feast Day August 2

Quote August 3, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

St. Peter Julian Eymard Public Domain Image — St. Peter Julian Eymard

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Peter Julian Eymard, Feast Day August 2

The feast day of St. Peter Julian Eymard is celebrated on August 2. Peter was born in 1811 in La Mure, France. He worked with his father as a cutler until he was 18.

While he was still a teenager, St. Peter told his father of his desire to become a priest. His father was adamantly against it, wanting him to stay in the family business. Peter began to study Latin while continuing to work for his father. Two years later, Peter’s father refused his request to attend college, wanting him to continue to work with him. Peter managed to attend college by accepting a scholarship. He also worked for a priest at a hospital for the insane.

While at college, his mother died. A priest from the Oblates of Mary received permission at this time from Peter’s father for him to enter the Oblate novitiate. His father died two years later. Five months after entering the novitiate, Peter became very ill. he struggled with illness throughout his life. After his father’s death he entered the seminary at Grenoble. After his ordination he joined the community of Marists. His devotion to the Eucharist and perpetual adoration grew. He helped to spread the devotion of perpetual adoration. St. Peter became known as the Apostle of the Eucharist. He wrote many different books about the Eucharist including How to get more out of Holy Communion.

St. Peter Julian Eymard died in 1868 and was canonized in 1962.

The Lord comes into us Sacramentally in order to live there spiritually.

Quote of St. Peter Julian Eymard

August is the Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Save

Faith, Jesuit Saints, patron saints, Saint of the Day, Spirituality, Visionary

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Ignatius of Loyola, Feast Day July 31

Quote August 1, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

St. Ignatius Loyola by Miguel Cabrera Public Domain Image — St. Ignatius Loyola by Miguel Cabrera

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Ignatius of Loyola,

Feast Day July 31

The feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola is celebrated on July 31. St. Ignatius of Loyola was born the youngest of 13 children in a family castle in Guipuzcoa, Spain. Until he was 30, he served as a courtier and soldier in Spain.

St. Ignatius was wounded when a cannonball shattered his leg. While in the hospital he spent a great deal of time studying the lives of the saints. When he was finally released from the hospital, he decided he should try to imitate the saints. He went to confession, and then lived in a cave for about a year while caring for the poor and sick.

He entered school at the age of 35. After studying Latin and theology in several different schools, he received his degree in Paris. While in Paris, he met St. Francis Xavier who was one of his followers. Ignatius, with five followers founded the Order of the Society of Jesus, which came to be known as the Jesuits. They offered themselves to the Pope, for any work he wanted them to do. The Jesuits were known for their missionary work. They were a great influence during the Counter Reformation.

St. Ignatius was a mystic. He had several visions. His spirituality focused on the Trinity, Christ and the Eucharist. His motto was “All for the greater glory of God.” In 1548, his book The Spiritual Exercises was printed. This introduces the concept of a 30-day retreat.

St. Ignatius died of Roman Fever, almost blind, at the age of 65 on July 31, 1556. St. Ignatius is the patron saint of Catholic soldiers, and retreats.

The Basilica of St Ignatius of Loyola was built next to the house where he was born in Azpeita, the Basque Country. The house itself is now a museum. St. Ignatius’ legacy includes many Jesuit schools and educational institutions. In the U.S. alone there are 28 Jesuit colleges and universities. There are more than 50 Jesuit secondary schools.

Lord Jesus Christ
take all my freedom
my memory
my understanding
and my will.
All that I have and cherish
You have given me.
I surrender it all
to be guided by Your will
Your grace and Your love
are wealth enough for me.
Give me these, Lord Jesus
and I ask for nothing more.

Prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola

July is the Month of the Most Precious Blood

Save

Saint of the Day, Spirituality

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Alphonsa, Feast Day July 28

Quote July 31, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

St. Alphonsa Public Domain Image — St. Alphonsa

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Alphonsa, Feast Day July 28

The feast day of St. Alphonsa is celebrated on July 28. She was born in Muttahupadathu, India in 1910. She is the second canonized saint of India.

Baptized with the name Anna, she had a difficult birth and childhood. Her mother died three months after she was born. She was raised by her maternal Aunt. After falling into a pit of burning chaff, her feet were badly burned leaving her disabled. At an early age, after reading the biography of St. Therese of Lisieux, she had a great desire to become a saint.

In 1927 at the age of 17 she joined the Poor Clares at Christ Convent at Bharananganam. She took the name Alphonsa. She completed her permanent vows in 1936. After completing her own education. Alphonsa taught school but she was plaqued by illness.She became known for her willingness to accept suffering. After enduring several different types of illnesses over many years St. Alphonsa died at the age of 35. Her tomb is a site for pilgrims due to the many reported miracles at the site. The miracle which was approved by the Vatican for her canonization was the curing of a child with a club foot. St. Alphonsa was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008.

Since only grief and suffering have fallen to the lot of my Spouse, I too lovingly embrace them and my soul is at peace, though the body continues to be tormented. For the last seven years I have ceased to be my own, being given over entirely to my Divine Spouse. You know all that and now let the Lord do as He will with me. It is not a cure I am anxious for but only that His Holy Will be fulfilled in me.

Quote of St. Aphonsa

July is the Month of the Most Precious Blood

Saint of the Day, Spirituality

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Joseph Barsabas, Feast Day July 20

July 27, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

St. Joseph Barsabas was a follower and disciple of Christ. In the Acts of the Apostles St. Matthias was chosen over him to replace Judas after the crucifixion.

St. Joseph Barsabas, is also known as Barsabbas and Joseph the Just. He is considered one of the 72 disciples sent out by Our Lord. (Luke 10:1)

He spread the good news of the resurrection after the crucifixion.

Why climb the mountains or go down into the valleys of the world looking for Him who dwells within us.

Quote of St. Augustine; Feast Day August 28

July is the Month of the Most Precious Blood

Saint of the Day, Spirituality

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Camillus de Lellis, Feast Day July 18

July 26, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

St. Camillus Public Domain Image — St. Camillus

The feast day of St. Camillus de Lellis is July 18.

St. Camillus was born on May 25, 1550 in Bucchianico, Abruzzo, Italy. His mother died when he was a child and he received little attention.

As a teenager he was adventurous and a risk taker often losing his money and fighting. During one fight he was wounded in his leg. The wound did not heal but spread to his foot. It was during this time that his father also died.

Camillus continued to fight and gamble. He became so destitute that he stopped at a church to request help. Leaving the church, he met two monks. He soon began working for a Capuchin monastery helping with construction projects. After talking to a priest, he had a burning desire to become a Benedictine priest. However, he was rejected due to lack of education.

At the age of 25, Camillus was admitted into a hospital for treatment of his leg. To pay for the treatment he cared for the sick and dying in the hospital. He was discharged form the hospital for gambling and fighting. He decided to study to become a Benedictine, however his wound again needed treatment. He returned to the hospital where he was hired to help reform the hospital.

At the age of 34 he became a priest and organized others to help. They called themselves “Servants of the Sick.”

The Order of St. Camillus serves the sick and dying in 35 countries. They care for both the physical and spiritual needs of the person in need.

It is always a feast where love is,

And where love is, God is.

Quote of Dorothy Day, Servant of God

July is the Month of the Most Precious Blood

Faith, patron saints, Saint of the Day, Spirituality

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Veronica, Feast Day July 12

July 9, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

St. Veronica Public Domain Image — St. Veronica

The feast day of St. Veronica is celebrated on July 12.

St. Veronica is the patron saint of photographers. Little is known about Veronica. She was a follower of Jesus and present during his crucifixion. While Jesus carried the cross, she was moved with compassion. She knelt in front of Jesus and used her veil to wipe his face clean. Her kindness is commemorated on the sixth station of the cross prayed by the church. The soldiers pushed Veronica away and she later discovered the imprint of Christ’s face on her veil. It is believed that Veronica left her veil in the care of Pope Clement I, the successor to St. Peter. The veil known as Veronica’s Veil is on display at St.Peter’s Basilica.

The name Veronica means “true image”.

We are nothing without God…

but if we put our lives in God’s hands,

miracles happen.

Quote of St. Teresa of Calcutta; Feast day September 5

July is the Month of the Most Precious Blood..

Save

Faith, Spirituality

Forgiveness and Trust

July 2, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

Sacred Heart of Jesus Public Domain Image — Sacred Heart of Jesus

Are forgiveness and trust the same thing? Jesus tells us the following:

“Blessed are the merciful, for mercy shall be theirs”. (Matthew 5:7)

Love and pray for your enemies.(Matthew 5:44)

Vengeance is mine, says the Lord. (Romans 12:19)

Where does trust come into the picture?

In Psalm 118:8 we learn the following:

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. “

The word trust means….to rely on. Are we supposed to rely on our enemies? I think not. However, we are to forgive them and treat them with love.

To forgive means…to cancel a debt. This is not the same as trust. We are also told to pray for our enemies. This means we don’t curse them or wish evil on them. We ask God to guide them (and us).

It is easier to forgive a person who has asked for forgiveness; however it is also important to forgive someone who has not asked us for forgiveness. This means we put the matter in God’s hands and we trust God.

“Hate the sin not the sinner.”

(Quote of St. Augustine)

This is how we can make a judgment against certain behaviors, without condemning the sinner. Only God knows a person’s heart. Perhaps the person has repented. By praying for someone who has wronged us, we release resentment and increase the love in our lives.

God is love. We need to rely on God (trust Him) to guide us through the emotional journey of forgiving our enemies. We trust God that in the end justice will be His.

Loving our enemies means to treat those who have wronged us with love and mercy. However, it is God alone we rely on. It is through prayer that we are led by God. Turning the other cheek simply means we don’t fight back. We don’t seek revenge. We actually pray for the welfare of the person who has wronged us.

Love and forgiveness go together. However, trust is connected to wisdom and understanding. Through prayer God leads us in wisdom, helping us to understand and discern who we should or should not trust.

Wisdom is turning to God for guidance. When we lack wisdom we should seek it (James 1:5)

It is only through praying that we can be led to the will of God. If we pray without ceasing, we will have the prudence to do God’s will.

Save

Apostle, Faith, Martyr, Spirituality

Are You a Doubting Thomas?

July 1, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

Doubting Thomas Painting by Caravaggio Public Domain Image — Doubting Thomas Painting by Caravaggio

Most of us have times in our lives when we can relate well to doubting Thomas. He is known for stating his disbelief. After Jesus appeared to the other Apostles, Thomas said he needed to see for himself the wounds of Christ before he would believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. After Jesus showed him his wounds Jesus stated,

“Blessed are those who have not seen, but believe.

Thomas is not afraid to question. When Jesus tells the Apostles that they will follow him, Thomas questions Him;

“How can we follow you, when we know not where you are going?”

Jesus answered him by telling him,

“I am the way the truth and the life, whoever follows me will live forever.

Today (July 3) is the feast of St. Thomas. In the Catholic Church we celebrate in mass worldwide the life and faith of St. Thomas. We reflect on how he led his life and followed Jesus. When we have questions, we should not be afraid to ask Jesus to answer them. When we are not sure about our faith, it is a good thing to ask Jesus to lead us to Him.

Many people do not have faith today and do not know how to find God. Perhaps they are looking for God as a scientist would… under a microscope. Spirituality is not found under a microscope. Being unafraid to ask God questions can lead us closer to Him.

Remember when we were little children? The questions were many. What? Why? Where? How? When?

Asking God directly to enlighten us to the truth may actually have results.
One of my favorite prayers is a simple one.

“Lead me, Lord!”

May we all be led closer to God as we pray through our doubts.

St. Thomas pray for us.

Save

Dominican, Faith, Poetry, Prayer, Spirituality

Five Famous Hymns Written by St. Thomas Aquinas

Panis Angelicus (Bread of Angels)

Holy and living bread,

Wondrous food from heaven sent,

God’s sacrifice foretold,

now in our hands we hold.

Sign and reality, challenge for us to be

Humble servants to all the poor.

God, Holy Three in One,

through this off’ring of your Son

All now on earth can see what we are called to be:

Hope for a world in need, signs that love can succeed

Where true justice and peace endure.

St. Thomas Aquinas Public Domain Image — St. Thomas Aquinas

O Salutaris Hostia ( O Saving Victim)

O saving Victim, open wide

The gate of heav’n to us below,

Our foes press on from ev’ry side;

Your aid supply your strength bestow.

To your great name be endless praise,

Immortal Godhead, One in Three;

O grant us endless length of days

In our true native land with thee.

Amen

Zion, to thy Savior; singing

Zion, To Thy Savior Singing
Zion, to Thy Savior singing,

To thy Prince and Shepherd bringing,
Sweetest hymns of love and praise,
Thou wilt never reach the measure
Of His worth, by all the treasure
Of thy most ecstatic lays.

Of all wonders that can thrill thee,
And, with adoration fill thee,
What than this can greater be,
That Himself to thee He giveth?
He that eateth ever liveth,
For the Bread of Life is He.

Fill thy lips to overflowing
With sweet praise, His mercy showing
Who this heav’nly table spread:
On this day so glad and holy,
To each longing spirit lowly
Giveth He the living Bread.

Here the King hath spread His table,
Whereon eyes of faith are able
Christ our Passover to trace:
Shadows of the law are going,
Light and life and truth inflowing,
Night to day is giving place.

Lo, this angels’ food descending
Heavenly love is hither sending,
Hungry lips on earth to feed:
So the paschal lamb was given,
So the manna came from Heaven,
Isaac was His type indeed.

O Good Shepherd, Bread life giving,
Us, Thy grace and life receiving,
Feed and shelter evermore;
Thou on earth our weakness guiding,
We in Heaven with Thee abiding,
With all saints will Thee adore.

Adore te Devote (Humbly I adore thee)

Humbly I adore thee, Verity unseen,
who thy glory hiddest ‘neath these shadows mean;
low, to thee surrendered, my whole heart is bowed,
tranced as it beholds thee, shrined within the cloud.

Taste and touch and vision to discern thee fail;
faith, that comes by hearing, pierces through the veil.
I believe whate’re the Son of God hath told;
what the Truth hath spoken, that for truth I hold.

O memorial wondrous of the Lord’s own death;
living Bread that givest all thy creatures breath,
grant my spirit ever by thy life may live,
to my taste thy sweetness never failing give.

Jesus, whom now hidden, I by faith behold,
what my soul doth long for, that thy word foretold:
face to face thy splendor, I at last shall see,
in the glorious vision, blessed Lord, of thee.

Tantum Ergo Sacramentum (Come Adore)

Come adore this wondrous presence,

Bow to Christ the source of grace.

Here is kept the ancient promise

of God’s earthly dwelling place.

Sight is blind before God’s glory,

Faith alone may see his face.

Glory be to God the Father,

Praise to his co-equal Son.

Adoration to the Spirit,

Bond of love, in God-head one.

Blest be God by all creation

Joyously while ages run.

Save

Prayer, Saint of the Day, Spirituality

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Josemaria Escriva, Feast Day June 26

June 24, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

St. Josemaria Escriva Public Domain Image — St. Josemaria Escriva

The feast day of St. Josemaria Escriva is celebrated on June 26.

St. Josemaria Escriva was born in Barbastro, Spain on Jan. 9, 1902. He was the second of six children and attended Catholic schools. At an early age he learned the meaning of suffering when three of his younger sisters died.

After reflecting on footprints in the snow from a discalced Carmelite, he became aware that he had a religious calling. He decided to study for the priesthood and was ordained a priest in 1925. Within three years in 1928, he was inspired to found Opus Dei which was dedicated to all people following Christ. Married people and non Catholics were allowed to join. Their ministry included working among the poor in schools and hospitals. He also founded the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross. Opus Dei spread to many countries throughout the world.

St. Josemaria is also an author of three popular books: The Way, Furrow and The Forge.

On June 26, 1975, St. Josemaria died in his office suddenly at the age of 73. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002.

It’s not enough to be good, you need to show it.

What would you say of a rose bush which produced only thorns?

Quote of St. Josemaria Escriva

June is the Month of the Sacred Heart.

Save

Faith, Prayer, Spirituality

Ten Types of Prayer To Help You Know God

June 11, 2016 Vicki Scheenstra

The Cross and Prayer Pope Francis Facebook — The Cross and Prayer
Pope Francis Facebook

How do we come to know and love God? The first commandment is:

“Love the Lord thy God with your whole heart, mind, and soul.”

How is it possible to love someone we don’t know? When we truly love someone we don’t fear them, we want to spend time with them; we enjoy their company.

Prayer is the way we come to know God. It is not enough to pray just on Sunday. If we love God, we will pray without ceasing…always, … in our thoughts and in our actions.

Knowing the different forms of prayer can help us explore getting to know God better. When Jesus was asked by his disciples how to pray he responded by giving us the well known “Lord’s Prayer”.

The following are different types of prayer:
1. Prayer of petition: When we ask for specific things we are making a petition. Hopefully we also say “Thy will be done.” Our will is not always God’s will. This is why God’s answer is sometimes “No, I have a better solution.”

Prayer of intercession: When we pray for the welfare of someone else, this is the prayer of intercession. When the saints pray for us they are interceding for us.
Prayer of Glory, Praise and Thanksgiving. Saying thank you to God is an important part of our spiritual journey. Remember the story of Jesus healing the ten lepers? Only one returned and thanked Jesus. Let me be grateful for all the gifts God gives me.
Prayer of Adoration: This prayer is acknowledging God as our creator; all good and all powerful.
Prayer of Quiet: This prayer is the prayer of LISTENING to God. We sit quietly in the presence of God, quiet our mind, and ask God to lead us. We find God in the silence. Actually, God finds us.

6. Scripture: Reading Holy Scripture is a form of prayer. We read and meditate on both the Old and the New Testament.

Music: Music is a powerful way to pray. “When we sing we pray twice.” St. Augustine. Music is prayer which comes from the heart. Some people find it easier to connect with God with this type of prayer.
Meditation: Reflection on nature, art, humanity and scripture are all forms of meditation. Take the time to reflect on what is happening in your life. Ask God to lead you in your meditative prayer.
The Catholic Mass: It incorporates all of these types of prayer. During the Mass we pray for others, give glory and thanks, ask for mercy and guidance, listen to scripture, adore Christ in the Eucharist, and pray through silence and singing.

10. Praying can be either spontaneous or memorized. When we are in a crisis it is sometimes hard to know what to say to God. This is when memorized prayer is very powerful. The Catholic Church has many formal prayers for every occasion and need. They guide us when we are at a loss for words. Spontaneous prayer is also a very meaningful way to pray to God.

When Jesus is our closest friend, we can tell him anything. Praying on a regular basis in all these different ways helps us to come closer to God. Letting ourselves be led by God in prayer is how we put into action the first commandment.

Loving God means spending time with him. Each of us has a different prayer style. If we are too busy to pray, we are too busy for God. God does not force himself on anyone. If you are having difficulty praying start by meditating on the Our Father, the prayer Jesus himself gave us. Ponder each word in the prayer. Your relationship with God will begin to grow.

The Lord's Prayer Public Domain Image — The Lord’s Prayer

Their is a different prayer style for each person. Each of the saints also prays in a way that is special to that saint If you are searching for the type of prayer that works for you a wonderful book to read is Six Ways to Pray from Six Great Saints by Gloria Hutchinson.

This book introduces you to six different saints: St. Francis of Assisi (Franciscan), St. Clare ( Poor Clares), St. Teresa of Lisieux (Carmelite), St. Therese of Avila (Carmelite), St. John of the Cross (Carmelite ) and St. Ignatius of Loyola (Jesuit). You will learn not only their story but also their prayer style. Each chapter contains exercises to help you discover what type of prayer works best for you. When I read this book, I learned about the “Prayer of Detachment” taught by St. John of the Cross. The exercises helped me to practice and meditate in a way I had never tried before. I encourage everyone to read it and discover their own prayer type.

Save

The Mystery of Faith

Category Archives: Spirituality

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: The Transfiguration, Feast Day August 6

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Peter Julian Eymard, Feast Day August 2

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Peter Julian Eymard, Feast Day August 2

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Ignatius of Loyola, Feast Day July 31

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Ignatius of Loyola,

Feast Day July 31

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Alphonsa, Feast Day July 28

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Alphonsa, Feast Day July 28

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Joseph Barsabas, Feast Day July 20

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Camillus de Lellis, Feast Day July 18

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Veronica, Feast Day July 12

Forgiveness and Trust

Are You a Doubting Thomas?

Five Famous Hymns Written by St. Thomas Aquinas

Panis Angelicus (Bread of Angels)

O Salutaris Hostia ( O Saving Victim)

Zion, to thy Savior; singing

Adore te Devote (Humbly I adore thee)

Tantum Ergo Sacramentum (Come Adore)

Prayers, Quips and Quotes: St. Josemaria Escriva, Feast Day June 26

Ten Types of Prayer To Help You Know God

Discovering the Spirituality of Catholicism