Tested Faith

 

Good Morning, dear reader. It would seem that spring has finally sprung here in my corner of the world. It's about time!! 

We shall SPRING 😊 into our first reading!! We hear much about a servant in the book of Isaiah. God is once again foretelling that He will send Someone who will be His "ambassador", who will carry out His will. It describes all the things that Jesus will suffer through while on this earth. We can see this as an example of how our own behavior should be. We are Jesus's "ambassadors", following in His ways. The things we say and do should speak clearly of our faith. When it becomes a challenge to be Christ-like, that is when it is most important to rely on Jesus to help us. It's not going to be easy, times will come when our faith is tested. Can we survive these difficulties by just relying on our faith? Think about it.... 

In Matthews Gospel we are again reading of the Passover and Jesus's betrayal by Judas Iscariot. Jesus knows His days are numbered and that someone closest to Him will be disloyal to Him. I was looking for a synonym for the word betrayal. A few of the choices mentions Judas; there was "play Judas", "give someone a Judas kiss" and "be a Judas to". It's interesting how Judas is equated with being deceitful. It is similar to Janus, who was a Roman god of beginnings and endings. He became associated with being "two-faced". Perhaps this is how Judas got his name. It's almost prophetic! 

I found it quite sad that, for a mere fifty pieces of silver, Judas would sell out the one Person who trusted him. When someone has that kind of faith in you, you don't turn your back on them. If we pair this with our first reading, though, we can see faith being tested. And this is one test that Judas failed. He allowed his greed to overshadow his faithfulness to Jesus. We need to set our priorities according to our faith. We can't allow "worldly goods" to obscure our vision. If we continually allow Jesus to guide our steps, it will become easier to walk in our faith.

These next few days will test Jesus's faith. And, there will come a point when He will question His Father's motives, just as we all do in times of struggle. As hard as it is, if we remain firmly with Jesus, He will get you through. That's where I am at today. The struggle, the uncertainty. There has to be a reason for all this. But, my faith, my belief in God's plan is what's getting me through. 

Try to see God's plan for you. If you can't, ask Him! He will tell you. You just have to be patient. While you are waiting, make sure that you remain a nice human. 😇

Father Bill's reflection on today's readings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FOYcWc8Pdg

MONTH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

I know the month is just about over, but it's a good reminder for next year (mark it on your calendar to help you to remember).

The Church dedicates the month of August to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It is a dogma of the Catholic faith that Mary is the Immaculate Conception; that is, in preparation for the Incarnation of the Second Person of the Holy Trinity in her womb, she was conceived without the corruption of sin through the foreseen and infinite merits of her Son, Jesus Christ. The physical heart of Mary is venerated (and not adored as the Sacred Heart of Jesus is) because it is united to her person and is the seat of her love (especially for her divine Son), virtue, and inner life. Such devotion is an incentive to a similar love and virtue.            

Over the centuries, as saints and theologians reflected on how Mary pondered and treasured the sacred events from the life of Christ in her holy heart, as attested in Scripture, her pure heart was recognized as something to be imitated. Devotion to Our Lady’s purity of heart began to flower—so much so that in the 17th century, St. John Eudes promoted it alongside the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The devotion rose to a new level after the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, when Mary revealed an image of her Immaculate Heart to Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco.

This devotion has received new emphasis in this century due to the many miracles ascribed to prayer to the Virgin. On October 31,1942, Pope Pius XII made a solemn Act of Consecration of the Church and the whole world to the Immaculate Heart. Let us remember this devotion year-round, but particularly through the month of August.       

Novena to the Immaculate Heart of Mary   

            

O Most Blessed Mother, heart of love, heart of mercy, ever listening, caring,     consoling, hear our prayer. As your children, we implore your intercession with Jesus your Son. Receive with understanding and compassion the petitions we place before you today, especially…(special intention).

The Wise and Foolish Virgins

Today's Gospel reading comes from the optional reading for the memorial of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (our Saint of the Day). It is rare that I get some many ideas and take aways from the daily reflection, but both of today's Gospels seems chock full of lessons, thoughts and ideas. So, read on….

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins

Jesus told his disciples this parable:
"The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the *bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, "Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!" Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise ones replied, 'No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.' While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. The door was locked. Afterwards, the other virgins came and said, 'Lord, Lord, open the door for us!' But he said in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.' Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour." (Matthew 25:1-13, NAB)

(*bridegroom in this instance refers to Christ)

This reading reminds me of a couple of things. First off, the Parable of the Ten Virgins. As I have been studying Gothic architecture, this parable is often found displayed within the exterior statuary of Gothic cathedrals. It was a very popular story at the time because it relayed the message of how living a wise and prudent life is rewarded in heaven. At that time, the "fire and brimstone" approach to Catholicism was at its height. People were urged to repent or suffer eternal damnation. However, it is still a timely message in this day and age when we get so caught up in the busy-ness of our daily lives that we sometimes forget to make time for God. We are constantly running, going here, going there…

Another way to look at it would be like packing for a vacation. You try to stuff everything in that you think you may need and figure anything that's missed can be picked up when you reach your destination. However, when you arrive, you find that you forgot something very important (insert your own important item here). The item you left behind, let's say in this instance, was your spending money for trinkets and whatnot. You beg and plead with the other members of your party to loan you some cash, but no one will help. They remind you that you should have made double sure that you brought your money. 😕🤨 Great time to remind you, huh? So, do you get the point of the story? It kind of goes along with my other thought that follows the images. So, keep reading……..




←All ten virgins are seen here, wonderfully displayed in the central doorway of the western portico of St. Fin ←Barre's cathedral in Cork, Ireland.

                                                                           

 

The five wise virgins on the right side of the doorway..→

You can see how the wise virgins have their heads covered as a display of their chastity, holding their flames up. They are on the right side of the bride groom (Christ), the side being associated with strength, virtue and favor. →

Five Foolish Virgins

←The five foolish virgins, on the left side of the doorway.

They are in direct opposition of the wise virgins. The foolish virgins do not have their heads covered and look rather morose for wasting all of the oil for their for their lamps. This side being can be associated with weakness, frivolity and dishonor.


There is much more depicted within the architecture within the portal, but you get the idea. As I've been studying, the pieces are all starting to come together. To learn about one is to learn about the other. 😊💜

So, the next part of this, where Christ says "Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.", He is telling us that we must remain vigilant and be prepared because we do not know when He will return. If we waste our energies on foolish or sinful pursuits, we won't have the stamina to maintain our watchfulness and our faithfulness to Him. We need to gently pace ourselves in our quest for Christ. That does not mean we slack off, though. It just means to take your time. Learn ABOUT Him, not just OF Him. Make an honest and concerted effort in your faith. Your arduous journey will be rewarded in heaven. 💜💙😊

Sending Peace and Love to you all!💜💙💖🕊♱

Helpful Links:
https://pilgrimagemedievalireland.com/tag/parable-of-the-wise-and-foolish-virgins/
http://usccb.org/bible/readings/0809-memorial-teresa-benedicta.cfm

Here's the link to my Gothic Art & Architecture Blog:
https://gothicartarchitecture.blogspot.com/

Saint Dominic

Saint Dominic (August 8, 1170 – August 6, 1221)

Saint Dominic is the Saint of the Day for August 8. 

Saint Dominic was born into a prominent family in Spain in 1170. His parents were members of the Spanish nobility and related to the ruling family. His education was in theology and the arts; he spent six years studying theology and four years studying the arts. Dominic was praised by his professors for his exceptional performance in his classes. However, Dominic felt he had a higher calling and chose to become a priest. In 1194, he joined a Benedictine order, the Canons Regular in Osma, Spain where he became the Prior of the Chapter in 1201.

As part of his ministry, Dominic founded an institution dedicated to preserving the progress that was made against the Albigensian heresy (a branch of the Catharistic belief, which was a heretical movement that had a different, and more extreme belief within Christianity). He also felt that the nobility needed a place to educate their children, and that Catholic women needed a safe place to go to worship, away from the hostile heretics. To that end, Dominic established a convent at Prouille, France in 1206, which became the first Dominican house.

Dominic’s vision was to live ones life with God, study, and prayer in all forms. As he journeyed through France, he shared this vision with other priests he had met as well as others whom he encountered. As he and his fellow priests slowly came together as a community, they decided that they would need a permanent place where they could live and minister to one and all. In 1215, Dominic founded a religious house at Toulouse, thus becoming The Order of Preachers or Dominicans. To this day, the monastery remains as the Notre-Dame-de-Prouille Monastery.

During a trip to Italy in 1221, Dominic fell ill. Upon reaching the convent of Saint Nicholas in Bologna, Italy, it was noted that he appeared exhausted and feverish. His health continued to decline, and at twelve noon on August 6, 1221 Dominic went home to be with God. He was 51 years old at the time. It appeared that his illness and subsequent death was due to exhaustion from his austere lifestyle, his many laborious journeys and his unfailing work.

Dominic was canonized by Pope Gregory IX on July 12, 1234, with his feast day commonly observed on August 8. He is usually depicted in icons with a dog, or lilies, holding a book. He is the Patron Saint of astronomers, astronomy, the falsely accused as well as being the Patron Saint in several cities and countries.

Stained glass | St. Dominic sends out the Friars

Helpful Links:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-dominic/
https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=178
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Dominic

The Hard Decisions

Lately I've been felt compelled to go back to my Catholic faith. At the same time, I am learning about Gothic cathedrals. And before you ask what has one to do with the other, it really does make perfect sense because these grand cathedrals are houses of worship, built to glorify God and to bring people a sense of peace. Anyway, I digress..my point is that since this new renewal of my faith, I’ve been sort of hesitant to post a lot of stuff that I’m reading because I do tend to go overboard sometimes. Also, I don’t want people to think that I’m some “holy roller” because Lord knows I am far from it. I’m just a passionate person with strong ideas.

The Conditions of Discipleship

 

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For the Son of Man will come with His angels in His Father’s glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct. Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming to his kingdom.” (Matt.16:24-28, NAB)

That particular verse where Jesus reminds people that if they deny Him and their faith in Him in this life, then He will deny them when they get to heaven. Think about this for just a minute. How would you feel if someone you truly cared about denied knowing you? How would that make you feel? I know I’d feel pretty crappy and let down. That’s how Jesus feels when you deny your faith in Him. BUT, (and there’s always a but...lol) through the mercy that Jesus shows us continually, He will still forgive you and want you back. How many people can say that?

Why should I deny my faith, my zeal and my passions just so I don’t offend anyone or make them feel uncomfortable. If I deny Jesus now, then, when I get to heaven, He may take one look at me and say “I don’t know who this person is or why she is here”. However, it is much more than that. Our faith teaches us that we must be courageous in our beliefs, in our faith. It’s not easy sometimes. Especially in this day and age where every time we turn around someone else is offended by something.

I hope that maybe I can influence one person, or many people. I hope that through my words you will find courage and strength to get through your day. I hope that I can foster a sense of belonging, peace and serenity. I hope that I can convey my passion through my deeds and through my words. I seek not to offend, but to brighten and educate.

"“Let the words of my mouth meet with Your favor, keep the thoughts of my heart before You, Lord, my Rock and Redeemer" (Psalm 19:15, NAB)

Sending Peace and Love to you all!💜💙💖🕊♱

Helpful links:
https://www.catholic.org/bible/daily_reading/