The Joy of Our Creator

Hello ladies,

I just came across this meditation on Facebook. It was originally posted in Spanish.  Facebook can make some goofy or interesting translations, but bear with it because this is so beautiful!! Trust in Divine Providence and take joy in your Creator.

In Us there is no unhappiness or pain, how could we give it to creatures? And if they feel unhappiness it's because they leave Divine Will and lock themselves in the small field of human will. Therefore, as they return to the Supreme Wanting they find joys, happiness, power, strength, light, beauty of their Creator, who doing them as their own things, feel in them a connatural divine substance, which comes to give joy and happiness In the same pain, that's why between the soul and We are always party, we have fun and delight together. Instead in human will there is no creative power, that by wanting to exercise virtues can create patience, humility, obedience, etc., here's why you feel tiredness, fatigue to practice virtues , because the divine strength that sustains them, the creative power that feeds them and gives them life; therefore you see inconstancy and easily pass from virtues to vices, from prayer to dissipation, from the Church to Fun, from patience to impatience, and all this mixture of goods and evils produces unhappiness in the creature. Instead, who makes my will reign itself, feels firmness in good, feels that all things bring him happiness, joy, much more than all things created by Us have the mark, the germ of joy And of the happiness of Him who created them, and were created by Us so that all bring happiness to man, each of the things created has the mandate of Us, to bring each happiness, the joy they possess to the creature, indeed, what joy and happiness does not carry the sunlight? What pleasure does the blue sky not bring to sight, a flowery meadow, a sea that mumbles? What taste does not bring to the palate a sweet and tasty fruit, a fresh water, and so many and so many other things? All things in his mute language say to man, 'We bring you happiness, the joy of our Creator'. But do you want to know in whom all things created find the echo of their joy and happiness? In those who find my will reigning and dominant, because the will that reigns full in them, and possesses the same God and who reigns in the soul, form the same, and overflow each other seas of joy, happiness and of happy so it's a real party. That's why my daughter, every time you merge into my will and tours all things created to seal in them your love for Me, your glory, your worship over each of the things I have created to make you happy, I feel renew joy, happiness, glory, as in the act when we put out all Creation; you cannot understand the party you make us when you see your little thing, that wanting to embrace everything in our will belongs to us in love, in glory for all the things created; it is so much our joy, that we put everything aside to enjoy the joy, the party you give us. That's why living in the Supreme Wanting is the greatest thing for us and for the soul, is the Creator's vent on the creature, who pouring over it gives it its form and participates all divine qualities, so that we We feel repeating for her our works, our joy, our happiness.

Diving Into Discernment

"My lover speaks; he says to me, 'Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come!  For see, the winter is past, the rains are over and gone.  The flowers appear on the earth, the time of pruning the vines has come and the song of the dove is heard in our land.'"  (Song of Songs 2:10-12)

"'The flowers have appeared in our land,' says the Divine Spouse and the time for pruning is come.  What, my daughter, are the flowers of our heart, but good desires?  Therefore so soon as they appear we need the sickle which shall prune away from our conscience all dead works and superfluities.  Before the captive maiden might be espoused to the Israelite, she was obliged to shave her head, and pare her nails, and put the raiment of her captivity from off her (Deut. 21:12), 

and so the soul which aspires to be the bride of Christ must put off the old man, 

and forsaking sin be clothed with the new man; paring and shaving away all hindrances which come between it and the love of God; such a purging of our corruption is the foundation of future health."

~The Introduction to the Devout Life

I want to encourage you to dive head first with me into discernment.

The world is a busy, noisy, colorful, distracting place.  I often feel like a chameleon changing with my surroundings or like the dog, Doug, from Up.

Always getting distracted.  We're all so busy and caught up in so many things during the day, from chores to school to fitness, entertainment, work, play and so on.  The secular world constantly bombards our senses with noise, light, images, sounds, and music directing our attention to flashy, worldly cares.  We also have our own tasks and earthly goals in mind.  When you're trying to discern a religious vocation, it often feels like you're juggling discernment in with all of these other occupations and distractions.  The problem is, in this busy world, vocation discernment and religion in general, often get pushed to the back burner.  We only pay attention to it when we feel like it and we often don't feel like it.  So many nights have I come home and just wanted to crash in bed.  At those moments, I don't feel like saying night prayers.  But when you're discerning the religious life, you don't have to feel like it.  It's something that needs to encompass your day to day life.

Discernment can't just be something you pull out of your back pocket and do.  It has to be a way of life.  We are immortal souls created for Heaven.  This is our ultimate goal, our "dream job", if you will, so we should be striving for it every single day.  All our actions and all our prayers should be directed towards Heaven.  You might feel like God isn't moving as quickly as you'd like or expect Him to.  Do you feel stuck in perpetual discernment?  Well, it might not be God who isn't moving, but us.  Are we giving Him our whole being without reserve?  Are we offering Him not just the extra moments of our time but the first fruits of our days?  Are we taking time in silence to listen to Him and hear His voice?  Are we trusting in God completely?  This is so necessary because we are imperfect fallen human beings.  We must rely on our Perfect Creator to get us to Heaven.

In order to give ourselves over completely to God and His perfect will, we must put off the old man.  We have to start living now in grace striving for virtue and sanctity.  I know it's not possible to live like you're already in the cloister, but we must try our best to keep God's presence before us all day and in all we do, no matter what vocation we're called to.  We should increase our prayer life but we also have to focus on God, even when we're not in prayer.  We have to dedicate each and every moment, directly and indirectly, to God.  Grow those flowers of good desires.

This can seem so hard and like the stuff of great Saints that I am not able to attain because I'm sooo easily distractible like Doug, the dog.  If I try to forge my own path towards Heaven, I will quickly loose sight of it, stumble, and fall.  But we're not meant to do this on our own.  We have to allow Our Lord to work in us and through us.  Allow Him to prune away our old desires and failings.  We must follow Christ's path that He has carved out for us.  But we cannot follow Christ's path begrudgingly, slowly dragging our feet.  Jesus wants to show us the way, but we often don't want to follow because it will be hard.  So we meander along, sort of following the path, hanging back, and looking around at all the things of this earth.  We must run to Him.  Take up your cross and follow Him.  Dive into this discernment.  You are seeking the path that He has laid out for you that will lead you to eternal glory and happiness.  So dedicate yourself to finding it!  With such a beautiful everlasting goal, finding it should be your number one priority.  We must take refuge in the mantle of Our Lady and under the cross of Christ.  Then they will carry us along the straight and narrow path that leads to our vocation, our destiny, and our final goal, Heaven.

So dive into this discernment head first.  Make yourself accessible to Our Lord's workings in prayer and meditation.  Look for Christ in those around you.  Serve Him and offer up the little crosses of annoyance, frustration, disappointment, and rebellion that you encounter.  Put off the old man and allow Christ to clothe you in His garment of grace and love.  Then, He will work in you and through you.  Place your hand and your heart in His and allow Him to show you His Perfect and Holy Will.

2 Year Bloggaversary

Hello sisters!!

I can hardly believe the 2 year anniversary of creating "His Voice is Sweet" passed in September.  Thank you so much for following this little blog and supporting me in my journey.  It's been an interesting two years because they didn't go how I expected they would at all.

When I graduated high school, I was ready to go pursue God's will, I just needed to know exactly what it was!  I waited around like an anxious child.  Each day I thought (consciously or sub consciously,) today, God's going to show me His plan! He just has to!  But, two years passed and I never received a lighting bolt out of the sky and a booming voice.  I can't say that God's told me His will and now I know exactly what I'm doing.

But that's ok.  He has revealed something even more important.  He has revealed Himself.  Not all at once.  Not in clouds and light.  Not in a visible way.  He has made His presence and His love known little by little.  He is guiding me each day, moment by moment, to know Him and to surrender everything to Him.  He does this by using people and experiences.  In these last two years, I've met so many amazing people who constantly remind me of God, His goodness, and His plan!  I am so grateful for the people and circumstances, because without them, I would be lost.  God knows our weaknesses and uses people and things around us to help us!

These last two years, I've had wonderful, grace filled days and I've had hard, lonely days.  I have gone astray from discernment many times over the last two years.  It is so easy to become distracted.  For me, this mostly happens when I fall out of the practice of prayer.  The thing is, God didn't leave me.  He never leaves you.  It is I who turned away from Him to other things.  I focused on lots of other things and didn't put God first.  How exactly can we put Him first?  We put Him first by spending time with Him.

So with these general reflections, I'd like to share the advice that I'd like to give to any young person who is discerning a religious vocation.  Pray!!  Pray without ceasing!  This is so very important.  Don't stop.  If you have fallen out of the practice, I beg you to start again.  I know you may not want to, I didn't a little while ago, but you must.  How can you know what God wants you to do if you don't spend time listening for His instructions!!

Honestly, my soul is so much more at peace when I spend time in prayer.  It doesn't always have to be for long periods.  Morning and night prayers are an excellent way to start.  But don't stop there.  Add evening prayer, daily Mass, the rosary, and adoration.  Make a retreat or make a total consecration to jumpstart your prayer.  These things aren't magic, but they dispose our souls to be open and cleaned.  God uses the sacraments, sacramentals, and prayers to infuse grace into our souls.  This is how He communicates with us.  Most especially, He communicates with us in the Holy Eucharist because that is His true Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity that we receive.  So please, remember that today is a new day and that God's grace is new for you every morning!  Yesterday may have been the worst day, but if we seek God, His grace, and His peace, He will give it to us.  Then He can lead you in the direction He has planned just for you!

The point of discernment is to discover your vocation, your calling in life.  This calling is supposed to help you reach sanctity, Heaven.  But the road to Heaven isn't easy.  It is a battle.  To win a battle, we must struggle, fight, and persevere day after day.  Soldiers do not take a break from fighting a war, even when they retreat.  They regroup, strategize, and replenish supplies so they can win the battle!!  So don't stop fighting the battle for Heaven!  Strive for sanctity and a closer relationship with God every day.  I know it's hard, but it will be so worth it.

Earl Grey Soliloquy: The Mystery of Vocation

Hello dear sisters,

Praised be Jesus Christ!  I apologize I haven't been around for a little while.  My life has been busy, and crazy, and fun, and stressful, but God has been with me through all of it.  Now that summer is over, I hope to get back to a better prayer and blogging schedule.  Today, however, I wanted to share this beautiful, short, and sweet post from Maria @ Earl Grey Soliloquy  You can follow the link below to see the full post.  It is a great encouragement!!  Please pray for Maria as she enters into the next chapter of her life!

Earl Grey Soliloquy: The Mystery of Vocation:      It is my last day at home, but somehow it hasn't hit me yet. The monastery I'm entering feels very distant when I'm sitting...

Ad Jesu Per Mariam... Repost

Hello dear sisters!!

Today I begin my preparation to renew my Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary on August 15th, the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary.  I made my consecration 2 years ago on that date and I'm very excited to read and pray in preparation again.  I thought I would re-share this post I wrote on Maidens for Mary in April of last year.  I hope you find it inspirational.  Have you completed the Consecration before?  If so, on what Marian feast?  If you haven't, I encourage you to join me during this period, or find another upcoming Marian feast to complete your Consecration on!

"The more we honor the Blessed Virgin, the more we honor Jesus Christ, because we honor Mary only that we may the more perfectly honor Jesus, since we go to her only as the way by which we are to find the end we are seeking, which is Jesus." 

~St. Louis De Montfort 

Trust in me, my daughter, that I am your mother.

The Total Consecration to Mary was written by St. Louis Marie de Montfort (1673-1716), a French Roman Catholic priest and confessor.  "The essence of this true devotion is the total offering of one's self and all one's goods both temporal (of this earth) and spiritual to Our Lady-in as much as the duties of one's state in life will allow-and then living as dependent upon her as a slave to a Queen." (Manual for Total Consecration to Mary pg. v)

(Here is a page with more info: https://www.saintbenedict.com/tradition/total-consecration)

Our goal as children of God is to be happy with Him forever in Heaven and this is brought about by a complete and perfect union with Christ and His will.  How better to achieve this than to imitate the only person on this earth who has ever attained this complete union of wills?  Mary was conceived without sin (we call this the Immaculate Conception) so that she could be a pure and sinless means to bring Jesus into the world.  We know this from the words of the Archangel Gabriel, "And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." (Luke 1:28) Since Mary is without sin, her will is in perfect union with God's.  Therefore, we want to imitate this most perfect example of union with God's will.  We ask Mary to help us attain this perfect union with Christ. 

"When Jesus therefore had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he loved, he saith to his mother: Woman, behold thy son. After that, he saith to the disciple: Behold thy mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own." (John 19:26-27)

Christ gave us Mary as our mother when He gave her to the apostle St. John.  If Christ is our brother and wants what is best for us, than so too would His mother be our mother and want what her Son wants for us.

Also, this consecration directs us to offer all of our prayers, sufferings, and desires to Jesus, through Mary.  This concept is illustrated by Jesus' first public miracle, "And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine. And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come. His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye." (John 2:3-5)  Mary petitioned the needs of the bride and groom at Cana to Jesus and will do so for us as well.  As we see in this story, Jesus will refuse her nothing.  Therefore, we ask Mary to present our needs to her Son so that He will answer them.

There is a very beautiful and special book that illustrates why we go to Jesus through Mary. Take it to the Queen This original fable explores the events of Jesus' life, and demonstrates the role of the Virgin Mary as the benevolent agent of God's people. Reduced to desolation by a king and prince who feel they have been wronged, the residents of a once-favored village must seek help from the queen, a native of their devastated town.

Have you made your total consecration to Jesus through Mary yet?  If not, here are some things to get you started.

• Visit this link to learn more about the Total Consecration.
• Pick a date to complete your consecration on.  You can pick almost any Marian feast day and there are a ton!  I did mine on August 15th, the feast of the Assumption of Our Blessed Mother.
• Find or order a copy of the Manual for Total Consecration.  You can also get this copy which includes St. Louis de Montfort's other book, True Devotion to Mary, which makes great supplemental reading anytime.
• Begin your total consecration reading and praying 33 days before the date of your consecration.
• Finally, don't worry if you miss a day or fall behind.  Prepare your heart and strive in all you do to imitate Our Blessed Mother in her virtues.

There are also some beautiful products for you to commemorate and help you remember your Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary.  You can find them here. 😊

Remember that Mary is your mother.  She loves you and wants what's best for you.  She will always keep you under her mantle of protection as long as you ask and place your trust completely in her more than capable hands.

"Am I not here who am your Mother?  Are you not under my shadow and protection?  Am I not your fountain of life?  Are you not in the folds of my mantle?  In the crossing of my arms?  Is there anything else you need?"

~Our Lady of Guadalupe to St. Juan Diego

If you have some extra reading time while you are making your consecration or after you have made it, I highly suggest that you read Mary Was Her Life: The Story of Sister Maria Teresa Quevedo.  It is an AMAZING account of the life of a young girl who lived her short life here on Earth entirely through Mary.  I made my consecration in August of 2017, but Ven. Maria Teresa really taught me how to live this consecration in every little aspect of my life.

I haven't perfected my consecration yet, but that's not the point.  Mary will help you.  Ask for the grace to grow in your trust and consecration.  You are all in my prayers.

Let us always go "Ad Jesu per Mariam,"  "To Jesus, through Mary."

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

Sarah

Reposted from Maidens for Mary

"Can we keep talking about Jesus?" Repost

I came across this blog post from the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus and I thought it was short and sweet but so true!  I just had to repost it.  It's so very hard in this 21st center to put the phone down and stop checking for notifications every 5 minutes.  But we need to turn off these distractions to hear the quiet voice of God in our lives.  Enjoy this sweet story by Postulant Therese!

"Can We Keep Talking About Jesus?"

Amidst the buzzing of technological distractions today, one might say we have muted Christ’s knocking on our hearts. It was not until giving up my own “beloved” Android Samsung, that I was able to see just how often I was running from silence by checking it all throughout the day. How long, I wondered, has Jesus been waiting to enter the silence of my heart, just for me to turn away and check my phone? With this in mind, I couldn’t help but worry, how will children search for Christ in a world that offers so many distractions? Only a few weeks in our Carmelite Child Development Center proved to me that Christ goes much deeper than the distractions of the world. One encounter I had speaks for them all. While working on an art project, a few children had crowded around my lap and began asking questions about the crucifix around my neck – nothing new. “Why did Jesus want to die for us?” and “How can I be better friends with Jesus?” were only a few of their remarks. All the while, one little girl, “Ruth”, gently held the little cross in her hands, gazing at it intently. Eventually the questions ceased, the children returned to their play, and I refocused my attention to the painting station. Without noticing that Ruth was still hanging on to the crucifix around my neck, I continued directing the project. After a great silence passed Ruth finally looked up, “Sister,” she asked quietly, “Can we keep talking about Jesus? I like it and I really want to know more.” Such sincere words! Suddenly all the children painting had stopped to listen to me, eagerly waiting to hear more about Jesus. How beautiful it is to witness the joy of little ones seeking to know Christ. Is this not the cry of each of our hearts? Lord, help me to desire to befriend you, just like your little ones at Carmelite. 

-Postulant Therese
Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus

2 Quotes on Discernment from St. Teresa of Avila

I've slowly been reading St. Teresa of Avila's The Way of Perfection and came across these two quotes, among many others that seem very helpful to discernment.  Even though this book was written with her community of sisters in mind, I believe anyone can benefit from her lessons on prayer, humility, and charity towards those we live with.  May St. Teresa of Avila intercede for us!

Discerning Your Vocation in High School

Even in my freshman year of high school, people (adults) would ask me what I wanted to do after high school; what college I wanted to got to.  Many people expect you to be thinking seriously about what you want to be even at 13 years of age.  The truth is, you may have an idea of what you want to do as an adult, but that idea will most likely change.  Young teenagers change so much in their 4 years of high school.  And sometimes, graduating seniors still don't know exactly what they're going to do.

So do you really need to discern your vocation in high school?

Well, the answer is half yes, half no.  Yes, we should always be searching for the will of God in our lives and trying to live it out so that we can reach heaven.  But no, we don't have to have everything figured out perfectly to the last detail in high school.  We certainly shouldn't stress or obsess over it.

I used to think my vocational discernment began in high school (and maybe it really did) but I don't think I made any real progress until afterwards because that's when I really started putting time into discernment.  High school keeps most teens super busy and at that time in our lives, we are called to just be good students.  We are called to study, obey our parents and teachers, help around the household, and grow in holiness.  These should come first.

After high school, I took not 1 but 2 gap years and in these years, I had time to spend with Our Lord in serious discernment of a religious vocation.

Now I'm not saying you should leave off discernment completely until graduation, not giving it another thought and just living it up in high school.  No.  I simply mean, please don't stress over figuring out your vocation as soon as possible.  God may tell you right away exactly what you are meant to do but he might not and that's ok.  His timing is perfect and we need to first learn to trust Him.  Instead of worrying, here are some ideas of what to do so you can start pursuing God's will.

Pray!  (hehehe). I know I say this a lot in my posts but it's often the simplest and easiest thing to do.  Maybe starting morning and night prayers??  Here's a post I wrote not too long ago about integrating prayer into your life.

Read books about the Saints and religious life.  I don't necessarily mean specific discernment books but just books on the lives of the Saints and the lives of religious (fiction or non-fiction.)  These can be very helpful in giving you a picture of the religious life and they are fun to read as well.  Here are a few ideas (links to Amazon):

• The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of the Little Flower
• The Springs of Silence by Madeline (Sr. Mary Gilbert) Defrees
• Mary Was Her Life: The Story of Maria Teresa Quevedo
• Stories of Don Bosco by Peter Lappin
• A Soldier Surrenders: The Conversion of Saint Camillus de Lellis  (This is fiction but a great story based on the life of a Saint full of grace and virtue.)

Take advantage of the time you have at Mass and adoration.  You may not be able to (or have time to) drive yourself yet to adoration and daily Mass, but don't stress about it.  Just try to make the most of the times that your family goes to Sunday Mass or adoration.  Spend some extra time just sitting with Jesus after Mass on Sunday.  Quiet your heart and just adore Him.  The more we are "in-tune" with God, the more we will be able to hear His still, small voice throughout our lives.

Grow and develop yourself; body, mind, and soul.  We learn something new everyday and it's often about ourselves.  Maybe we'll discover a hidden talent or maybe a virtue that we need to cultivate.  Take care of yourself and your relationships with other people.  God often uses those around us to guide us, so having meaningful relationships with family and friends is important.  We can all help each other find our vocations and our way to Heaven!!

Don't date.  Jk.  Don't just have a boyfriend because it's the thing to do in high school.  I know what I'm saying isn't the popular thing to say, but it's true.  Dating should be treated as a form of discernment and should be a serious relationship in which two people discern whether they are compatible and want to make a lifelong commitment to each other.  Whether you're dating or discerning, you're trying to figure out your vocation, your calling from God.  Instead of casual dating, try to work on your relationship with God.  This starts with understanding Him which leads to my final piece of advice.

Get to know God and strengthen your relationship with Him.  Remember to turn to Him always when things are difficult.  His love and mercy are always there for you.  Before you can become "the bride of Christ," you have to get to know Him and love Him!!  This is sooo very important and is a step many of us often forget about.  Spend time with Our Lord in prayer and spend time with Him in the people around you; your parents, siblings, friends, etc.  As we get to know Our Lord better we will rely more on Him and our trust will grow so that He can guide us in His perfect and holy Will for our lives!

Know, love, and serve God in this life so that you can be happy with Him in the next.  Remember to take one day at a time and do God's will for today!  That is how He will lead us in our life's vocation for the future!  Please know I'm praying for you that God bless you in your high school journey!  Pray, hope, and don't worry!!


In corde Mariae,

Sarah

I hope you are all having a blessed Christmas!!  I came across this beautiful meditation the other day and wanted to share it with you.

Meditation Next to the Child God in the Crib

December 21, 2016 | Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira 

Approach the crib of the Child God with me. Let us imagine the arrival of the Magi Kings at the manger, after having followed the Star of Bethlehem with their caravans and treasure-laden animals. These sovereigns—King Balthazar, King Melchior and King Gaspar—offer the Child Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh, in adoration.


Looking at the God Child, we pause and consider His infinite grandeur, His accessibility, as well as His infinite compassion. We then ask ourselves, which of these three Divine qualities draws us closer to Him.

Dignity of the Child Jesus and His Most Holy Mother

As we consider the infinite greatness of His birthplace, let us imagine a spacious grotto as high as a cathedral, with some of the stones arranged, as if by angels, in such a way as to remind us of the arches of the gothic cathedrals of the Middle Ages.


We can also imagine the manger that served as a cradle for the Child God, the roughness of the wood sanctified by His Divine Presence. Placed at the focal point of the grotto with a heavenly, golden light hovering over Him, the manger is a majestic throne.


While still a newborn, the Divine Child lay in His crib with the majesty of a true King: King of all majesty and all glory; Creator of Heaven and Earth; God incarnate made man. From the first moment of His being, while “cloistered” away in His Mother’s womb, He had more majesty, grandeur, strength and power than all men throughout the history of mankind. Knowing all things incomparably more than any scientist, the Christ Child had inscribed in every physical feature that majesty made of wisdom, holiness, science, and power.


Imagine we are seeing all this mysteriously expressed on that Boy’s face. At times, as He moves, that movement reveals His kingly bearing. When He opens His eyes, we know we are in the presence of the Wisdom of the Ages.


A whole atmosphere of holiness surrounds those who approach Him. The very air one breathes has such purity that people do not even approach the place without asking forgiveness for their sins; but at the same time, the holiness emanating from the manger makes them want to amend their lives.


Imagine also Our Lady at the foot of the Child Jesus. She is truly a Queen. Her dignity and grandeur are so naturally a part of her being that even without wearing noble-looking garments, her dignity shines throughout the grotto.

Majesty Exuding From Sanctity

From where does all this majesty come? Sanctity.


Let us shift our meditation momentarily to consider a more recent example of this type of majesty. We will turn to Saint Thérèse, the Little Flower. It is written that even as a child she was so dear and imposing that her father called her “my little queen.”


During the process of her canonization, the gardener of the Carmel of Lisieux reported that he once saw a nun working with her back to him: she was Saint Thérèse. The devil’s advocate1 then asked, “How could you know she was Sister Thérèse when she had her back to you?” The gardener’s response was very significant: “I knew it through the majesty of her bearing, for no other nun had such majesty.”


If Saint Thérèse was like that, what would Our Lady be like?


Imagine the Mother of God kneeling before her Child’s crib. She is so majestic, transcendent and pure, praying to the Child God. Invisibly, angels sing songs of glory and the whole atmosphere is permeated with so much sanctity as to transform the poverty of the stable into a royal court.


Now we approach the manger, feeling the greatness of the Divine Child. As Catholics, we are worshiping all that is noble, pure, holy and steadfast, to fight and sacrifice all for the glory of God. The Boy before us mysteriously draws to Him all the goodness and grandeur that flow from Him and yet are but reflections of Him. For is it not true that all forms of purity, all forms of holiness, only exist because of His holiness?


Thus, fending away from us sin, error, disorder and chaos, we do not even dare to raise our eyes to that magnificent scene of the Nativity in which order, hierarchy and splendor permeate everything.

Though Majestic, He Beckons Us to Come Close

Now let us imagine another aspect: His infinite accessibility.

Imagine the Baby Jesus immensely approachable. This King, so full of majesty, at a certain moment opens His eyes to us. We notice right away that His most pure, highly intelligent and penetrating gaze meets ours. He immediately sees the deepest of our faults, but also the best of our qualities. At that moment, He gently touches our soul just as He moved Saint Peter during His Passion.

The Gospels tell us that the way Our Lord looked at Saint Peter was such that the latter went out and wept bitterly. Throughout his life, the Prince of the Apostles never forgot the touching gaze that continually caused him to repent of his three-fold denial of his Lord.

It is only natural that this gaze would provoke in us a deep sorrow for our faults. Giving us a knowledge of our failings, it inspires us with a horror for our sins.

But all is not lost!

Just when we fear we cannot withstand that gaze, the newborn Redeemer also manifests His love of our qualities. He will always love that which He, in His infinite goodness, created. It is a love He dedicates to us despite our faults, because we were created by Him and are destined to a degree of holiness and perfection that He Himself placed within us. He knows our potential for greatness and that is what He loves.


And when we least expect it, by a kind entreaty of Our Lady, He smiles. Despite all His majesty, with that smile we feel the distance disappear, forgiveness invades our soul, and we are drawn to Him; and thus drawn, we walk up to stay with Him. We have determined that we will never leave the Child God’s side. The Divine Child affectionately embraces us and pronounces our name, in the most clear and loving tones to ever fall upon our ears.


“My dear one, I do love you so much! I wish you so many things and forgive you for so many others! Do not think about your sins any longer. From now on, think only about serving Me. And throughout your life, when you have any doubt, remember the sympathy, kindness and good pleasure I am now showing you. Have recourse to Me through My Mother. Through the voice of My Mother, I will always hear you. I will be your refuge and your strength, and these will take you to heaven, to reign at my side for all eternity.”

Infinite Compassion

Now imagine the mercy of the Child Jesus. This divine mercy is most evident when He seeks our good and discerns what is good and bad in us. In His mercy, the Child God considers the miserable condition of every man traveling through this vale of tears.

The mercy of Christ analyzes the sorrow and suffering that each of us brings along—past, present and future suffering; the grief and sorrow that you may feel at this very moment. He already knows all of this because He is God. And He also sees the risk that our souls run of going to hell. As Catholics, we know that on his earthly journey man is exposed to the very real danger of losing his soul for all eternity.

Also, imagine the Child Jesus looking at Purgatory and the torments that await us there if we are not entirely faithful.

His Face now shows a look of sympathy and deep participation in our pain; a desire to remove that pain as much as possible in view of our sanctification. In His infinite mercy, this Infant desires to give us the strength to withstand whatever pain is necessary for our sanctification.

In Him, we see that which so greatly consoles the human soul: perfect compassion.

It is part of our human nature for us, when we are suffering, to feel consoled at seeing that someone has pity on us. Compassion thus lessens suffering by sharing in it. Man is made in such a way that when he is happy and communicates his joy, that joy is doubled; and when he is sad and communicates that sadness, the sorrow is divided.

So also are we made stronger when we discern in the face of the Child God that most perfect compassion.


In all the sufferings of our life, when the cup of our trials is bitter, we should repeat, through Our Lady, His prayer: “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me, but let Your will be done, and not mine.”

At any time we can ask that the pain cease. However, if it is His will that we drink from a bitter cup as He did, we are certain that our pain will find His compassion. In addition, He will tell us: “My son, I am suffering with you! Let us suffer together, for I suffered for you; a moment will come when you will forever participate in My joy.” And we can be sure that the compassionate gaze of Jesus will not leave us a single moment of our existence.

Therefore, throughout the ups and downs of everyday life, we should retain this threefold memory—the Child God’s infinite majesty, His infinite accessibility, and the boundless compassion He shows towards us. This should be a living memory, one which composes in our imagination an accurate image, which moves our soul.

Copyright His Voice is Sweet

Three Crèches for the Child God

Being like us in all things except sin, Our Lord’s human nature is comprised of perfections and moods that existed according to the circumstances of His life, and all of them perfect. He was full of majesty, fully accessible, ready to listen and to have compassion on men from the moment He became incarnate.

It is only natural that one or another part of Christ’s human nature would be more obvious as different people, in different states of soul, approach Him.

To better assist in a meditation like the one we just shared, it would be very inspiring if we were able to set up three crèches in a church, on three different altars. On each of these altars the figures and the whole atmosphere would signify each of these aspects, thus making it easier for souls to meditate on the Child’s mood that touches them the most.

In this way our meditation on Christmas would be based on a very sensible retelling of the scene, which can more easily touch us and stay with us as we make our way out of the Crèche and back into the world.

                                                                                                                    

1. The term “devil’s advocate” refers to the popular title of the person Appointed by the Roman Catholic Church to challenge a proposed beatification or canonization, according to the process used at the time of this writing.

A Christmas Prayer

O Divine Redeemer Jesus Christ, prostrate before Thy crib, I believe Thou art the God of infinite Majesty, even though I do see Thee here as a helpless babe.

I humbly adore and thank Thee for having so humbled Thyself for my salvation as to will to be born in a stable. I thank Thee for all Thou didst wish to suffer for me in Bethlehem, for Thy poverty and humility, for Thy nakedness, tears, cold and sufferings.

Would that I could show Thee that tenderness which Thy Virgin Mother had toward Thee, and love Thee as she did.

Would that I could praise Thee with the joy of the angels, that I could kneel before Thee with the faith of St. Joseph, the simplicity of the shepherds.

Uniting myself with these first adorers at the crib, I offer Thee the homage of my heart, and I beg that Thou wouldst be born spiritually in my soul.

Make me reflect in some degree the virtues of Thy admirable nativity. Fill me with that spirit of renunciation, of poverty, of humility, which prompted Thee to assume the weakness of our nature, and to be born amid destitution and suffering.

Grant that from this day forward, I may in all things seek Thy greater glory, and may enjoy that peace promised to men of good will.

Amen.

Decisions.... decisions....

(I originally posted this on the Maidens for Mary blog, where I am a contributor.  I hope you enjoy and please go check out the other wonderful posts there!)

Hello friends!!

I hope you are doing well. Recently I've been having to make some decisions, both big and small in life. Today, I wanted to share with you some very helpful ways to discern and make important decisions. These are in no particular order of importance (though I've numbered them because I love lists and to give them a little more emphasis. 😊)


         1. Pray! - First things first, pray always. All we do should be done for the greater honor and glory of God and for the salvation of our souls, so what better way to focus on doing this than prayer? Start your day with a prayer. Start your school work with a prayer. Start your sleep with a prayer, I mean, say a prayer before you go to bed. 😉 When we pray, we ask God for guidance, we dedicate the task ahead of us to Him, and we surrender our doubts or worries to His Divine Providence.

         2. Talk with those whom you trust and love. Ask your parents for advice. I know it may seem like they don't understand our complicated teenage lives sometimes, but God has given them to you as a very special gift and for a very special reason. They have seen you grow from a young infant into the beautiful young woman you are today. They know you better than many people and want what's best for you. Your parents have lots of experience in all sorts of areas and once were teens too! My parents have given me helpful advice and counsel whenever I have been in trouble or needed to make a decision.

         3.  Talk to your priest or spiritual advisor.  Our priests are Christ's visible representatives and ministers.  Think of your priest as a gentle shepherd who will help lead you to the verdant pasture, the right decisions.  Priests can help you by reminding you what the Church teaches and what Jesus asks of you.  They often also have great spiritual reading advice (and maybe a funny story or two!)  

         4.  My last point leads into the next one; read good books, especially spiritual ones.  My top book recommendation on life and spiritual advice is Fr. Lasance's A Catholic Girl's Guide.  Now that I've graduated high school, I have a lot of time to read.  I've noticed that when I read good Catholic books, my mind is focused on how I can better my life and faith.

Ok, now it gets down to the nitty-gritty.  You have to make a decision fast!  You've been praying and discussing, but God just hasn't revealed to you with a flash of light and booming voice, "This is what you're supposed to do!"  So what are you to do?

         5.  Say a short prayer (Wait, what?  More prayer? But you already said... I know!  But pray again. {1 Thess. 5:17} "Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in you. Most Immaculate Heart of Mary, be my guide.")  Then, make a list.  Make a list of the pros and cons of this decision.  Think it through slowly and carefully.  Your list may look something like this:

It can be as long or as short as you need.  Once you've created your list carefully, discuss it with your parents, advisor, and/or priest.  They will probably have very helpful suggestions based on this list.  I would also suggest coming to your conclusion based on this list on your own first, and then asking your advisor to tell you what they think before hearing your conclusion.  My mom and I both came to the same conclusion about a very important decision after doing this.  Making a list can be so helpful in seeing all of your options and benefits or downfalls of a decision.

         6.  Finally, pray.  Yep, that's right.  I said it again.  Pray and thank God for His guidance and love.  Once you make an educated decision, you may feel a great peace about the outcome.  This is God's gentle and loving way of helping you further discern that decision.  

Now, hopefully you're able to make a good and wise decision.  But there's one more troubling thing about making decisions, especially in our teenage years.  "What are you doing these days?"  "What school are you going to?"  "What are you majoring in?"  "Where are you going?"  "What's your plan?"  Questions, questions, QUESTIONS!!!  They seem to never end!  Questions like these make me worry, not about what people think of me, but they make me worry about what I am doing.  Am I really ok?  Should I have done something different?  If peoples' concerned and inquisitive questions make you worry, don't let them!  I know it's hard to answer the same questions over and over again.  It's hard to be sure you've made the right decision.  But if you're trying to follow God's Will, He'll lead you and you don't have to worry.  Not one bit.  Answer any questions you receive charitably and confidently.  Now, the other part of this recommendation is this: you don't have to answer every single question all the way.  As a wise priest recently told me, "This is between you and God."  Sure, you can tell them I'm discerning my vocation, I'm thinking about going to college, etc.  But don't get overwhelmed in telling them all the details.  They will find out what you are doing at the proper time.  Again, just be charitable and confident.  Trust our Good God.

Well, that's all I have for now.  What helps you to make decisions, big or small?  Let me know in the comments below!  Have a great day and remember you're in my prayers!!

Trust In God

I just bought this traditional calendar of Saints from the Sisters, Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary for 2018!  It's absolutely beautiful containing images from the day to day lives of the sisters paired with quotes from the Saints.

January's quote has become my theme for this month and especially this week.

"May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be." ~St. Therese of Liseux

Not only is it wonderful that this calendar is starting off the year with a Carmelite, one of my Confirmation Saints, and favorite Saint, St. Therese, but this particular quote really applies to what I'm going through right now.  I'm anxious and impatient.  I want to go out into the world and do something.  I know I need to do what God wants, but I haven't figured out what that is yet!  I need to get my driver's license and then a job, but since I can't drive myself to do those things, God is teaching me dependence, patience, and contentment.  This quote reminds me that what I'm doing today, is what God wants me to do.  I'm at home doing chores, taking care of my family who are all sick with the terrible flu, and helping with the local Students for Life group.  It is certainly not easy to wait for God to show me His will.  It is rather difficult.  I want to be able to know if I'm going to college or entering a religious community next year, but that is not what God has in mind.  So for now, I'm waiting on His timing (still a little impatiently).

Always trust our Good God, my friends.  Trust that if you obey your parents, teachers, and directors, if you listen to His voice, then He will show you what you are supposed to do and where you are supposed to be.

Of course, doing the right thing will not always be easy.  Even this discontentment is a possible indication that you're doing the right thing.  A wise friend told me recently that if you are following what God wants you to do, the devil will not be pleased and will attack you.  The devil doesn't try to drag down sinners, as they are already in his clutches, but he will try to distract you and make you despair.  Don't despair.  Trust God always.

Today, I Choose...

I decided to cross post this from my other blog...

Today, I choose to be good. 

I choose to be kind.

I choose to love.

I choose to strive for Heaven.

Every day we must make this choice.

It is not an easy choice.

We may make mistakes.

We may fall into sin.

But each day, each hour, each moment, we must start anew and choose to follow Jesus.

"Then Jesus said to his disciples: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." ~Matthew 16:24 DRB

This will not be easy.  It will not always be fun.  But this is what Our Lord has called us to do each and every day.  Let us start each and every day, especially in this new year, with our morning offering.  Let us make Jesus our first thought in the morning.  Remember, that today is a totally new day.  We can choose this day to start fresh and avoid sin.  

The Morning Offering

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions of all my family and friends, and in particular for the intentions of our Holy Father. Amen.

This doesn't mean we will be perfect each day we choose to be good.  It doesn't mean all of our day will be without sin or sorrow.  But this is just a way to help us strive for perfection.  We must make an active effort to follow Jesus.  If we make mistakes, we must turn to Him with a contrite heart, confess our sins, and start again.  Jesus will help us.  We are a fallen race and so are attracted towards sin.  But with the Grace of God, we can strive to rise above our human nature and strive to reach the divine.

Today, choose to follow Jesus!