Praying Scripture for a Change

I will be reviewing the book 'Praying for Scripture for a Change- An Introduction to Lectio Divina' by Dr. Tim Gray in the near future. For now I am so stinking inspired by this book that I thought I would write a few posts to highlight some of the best information I have read.

First let me say that this book rocks. But I suppose that is more of a review remark so let me try again:

The book begins by asking why we have difficulties with prayer. Personally I read books about saints who have these mystical experiences with prayer that completely amaze me. They engage with our Creator in a personal and unique way that I have never even come close to obtaining. The author writes 'The problem is not that we are exceptionally bad at praying compared to other people. The problem is that we are normal- which is to say, we are afflicted with the results of original sin.' p. 2

Oh..... that's why! Although not an excuse, it sure made me feel better! The effects of original sin have allowed our minds to turn to other things than God. We fight an ongoing battle that consists of our hearts desiring perfect union with God and our minds leading us astray. From this statement comes the thought 'How would I ever have something in common with perfection? If deep conversation is based on commonalities then I am in a lot of prayer trouble!'

Alas, the bridge of hope has come. Jesus Christ is the bridge that connects our imperfect souls to the Almighty. Jesus knows that we are terribly weak in nature and spent countless times teaching the disciples how to pray through example and words. He is the channel that draws us close to the Father. He is the bridge that knows no time or space and continually brings us to God. How beautiful!

The next key component is the power of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Gray writes, ' The reason anyone anywhere at any time has ever been moved to pray is because God, by His Spirit, was drawing them toward Him'. p. 7

"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him". John 6:44

CCC 2560 "Whether we realize it or not, prayer is the encounter of Gods thirst with ours. God thirsts that we may thirst for Him".

Favorite line:

" We must never forget that prayers is God's invitation to enter into an intimate relationship of love and life with Him. If we forget that this is what is happening when we pray, we start treating prayer as simply an obligation , as a hoop that must be jumped through on order to avoid offending God and evoking his displeasure."

And this is just the introduction! This book is challenging me to look at my prayer life from all angles.

New Feminism

I get so excited about the New Feminism. I love knowing that I am a true feminist.....Pope John Paul II writes:

"The New Feminism" summons the world to "acknowledge and affirm the true genius of women in every aspect of the life of society, and overcome all discrimination, violence and exploitation." **

The New Feminist movement rejects the temptation of imitating models of 'male domination' which, we must not forget is not in God's plan for the role of men but a flat-out rejection of it; rather, the "New Feminism" is one which affirms the dignity of women. **

Pope John Paul writes:

Women first learn and then teach others that human relations are authentic if they are open to accepting the other person:
- a person who is recognized and loved because of their human dignity which comes from being a person and not from any other considerations, such as usefulness, strength, intelligence, beauty, or health. This is the fundamental contribution which the Church and humanity expect from women. And it is the indispensable prerequisite for an authentic cultural change. **


This really struck me when I read this passage. THE FUNDAMENTAL CONTRIBUTION THAT THE CHURCH REQUIRES FROM WOMEN IS TO LEARN HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND LOVE PEOPLE SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY EXIST.

In St. Petersburg there are a ton of homeless people. (Warm weather makes for better living conditions). I can remember a specific time when we were drinking coffee and observing a homeless man who had not moved during the duration of our coffee break. Person after person walked past him. No one really even glanced at him. Then we discussed whether or not we should interfere. Do we go wake him to ensure that he is ok? Do we leave him alone? Getting my friend to even approach the man (he is male) was challenging but eventually he did. The man had not passed out or worse and was sleeping. That situation makes me wonder about what people think about a homeless mans sense of worth and dignity. No one bothered to see if he was dead or alive. No one really cared to make sure he was still breathing. How can we as Catholic women continue to be emphathetic and mindful of all human beings regardless of their situations?

On a slightly different page there is the matter of those that have hurt us. How do we lovingly forgive and embrace those that have hurt us? It is necessary to identify the worth and dignity of these people as a children of God. Those created in His image and likeness. Of course the grace of God is absolutely necessary to truly begin to look at the essence of a person and see his worth. But JP II is counting on women to be the leaders of this calling. He is asking women to do this more than anything else we might do in our lives.

It is beautiful how being mothers falls right into this calling. We are called to be spiritual and physical mothers in this world which is the ultimate means of respecting human dignity. Allowing our bodies to be vessels of life, whether it be through a child or as a loving example of Christ to another person is the highest of callings. And women are called!!!

I love that our beloved JP II has challenged us, called us, inspired us. He knew that addressing the heart and mind of the women would result in wondrous changes in the world. Now it is our job to listen and embrace that call and contribute to the world.

*Taken from John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, 99

Mulieres Dignitatem

I have officially started the second study of the Endow studies and I could not be happier! Mulieres Digniatem is a study on the dignity and vocation of women written by John Paul II.

Here are some of the highlights from the last meeting:

"Always remember that by her children a mother belongs to the future which perhaps she will not see."

WOW! What a calling this is to all mothers...

I am moved and challenged by the fact that I could make a positive contribution in the future by parenting now. The complete monotony of dishes, laundry and vacuuming all have a higher purpose! They contribute to the cosmos in an exciting way. JP II is challenging mothers to step up their parenting today so that tomorrow may be a better place.

"This mission- to be the first and vital cell of society- the family has received from God".

JP II is writing that our family unit is the building block of society. Through loving God centered homes we will contribute to the betterment of our world. The book lists that we must be involved in liturgical worship, promote justice and be involved in works of service including:

-the adoption of abandoned infants
-hospitality to strangers
-assistance in the operation of schools
-helpful advice and assistance for adolescents
-help to engaged couples in preparing themselves for marriage
-catechetical work
-support for married couples and families involved in material and moral crisis
-help for the aged not only by providing them with the necessities of life but also obtaining for them a fair share of the benefits of an expanding economy

I love this list because it is such a calling! When I think about what I am required to do as a Catholic I think of the beatitudes. But for some reason this list truly gives you a concrete idea of what is expected of us.

Praying a Rosary for Obama's conversion

Please join the Notre Dame students in praying for the conversion of President Obama and for their beloved University. Even if you can just pray one rosary it would be greatly appreciated. They are trying to record 1 million rosaries before commencement. Please record your rosaries here: http://ndresponse.com/million-rosaries.html

Testimony- The Untold Story of JPII

I had the privilege of watching and reviewing “Testimony- The Untold Story of Pope John Paul the Second". What an amazing, beautiful documentary that holds the highest esteem for our beloved Pope. The quality of actual film is superior and the message priceless.

The movie was created to share the untold personal life of the Pope. As I am watching it I found myself continuously crying not from tears of sadness but from an overwhelming feeling of the Holy Spirit. This only makes sense as I think about the power of the Spirit moving through the Pope. The story begins with his life as a boy in Poland, continues with his journey from priest to cardinal to Pope and ends with his death.

The movie is so moving that I actually found myself spontaneously praying during the duration. I prayed that I might know Christ more intimately. I prayed that I may be one of the sheep that our Shepherd knows personally. And I prayed that despite my sinful nature I may truly know Him.

Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, the Pope's long-time secretary and friend, shares his personal account of 40 years beside the Pope. Beautiful video of the Pope's time in the Vatican and time traveling around the world gives the viewer a front row seat to the life of JP II.

While watching this movie my heart began to warm and I established a new relationship with this saint on earth. Learning about his life and all he has done to bring the New Evangelization to a world desperate for Christ moved me in ways I was not expecting. His constant reminder to ‘Take courage’ and ‘ Have no fear’ began to speak to boldly speak to my heart and encourage me to reach out to the Lord in hope.

It is inspiring to see the up close and personal footage of the Pope saying Mass, standing before the masses, and touching the hands of the faithful provided an insight into our beloved Pope that I have never seen before. Learning about all the places he visited in an attempt to make and continue peace makes it clear how much of an impact the Catholic Church has had in reestablishing peace among the nations.

I cannot say enough about this testimony of Pope John Paul the Second. I love that through watching the story of his life I feel moved to a deeper conversion in my own life. How beautiful that the Pope continues to be an instrument of Christ’s love even after his death. The DVD refers to the Pope as a man who ‘built bridges between man and religion’. And isn’t that what the job of a Pope should be?

This DVD should be viewed by everyone, regardless of their religion. It will inspire and move the viewer in ways that only the Holy Spirit can orchestrate. Pope John Paul the Second has made an imprint on our hearts that is only intensified by the beauty of this film. Pope John Paul the Second, pray for us!

For more information about how to obtain the movie go here: http://www.testimonythedvd.com/index.html

Divine Mercy Sunday

Today is Divine Mercy Sunday:

The message of Divine Mercy is simple. God loves us and he wants us to come to him with our sins and repent so that he may bestow His mercy upon us!

On one occasion, I heard these words: My daughter, tell the whole world about My Inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will I contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy. (Diary 699)

More information can be found here http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/mercy/feast.htm

or

http://thedivinemercy.org/message/

Hello again

Hello Modern Catholic Moms,

I have been a blog slacker and I apologize. We have found a new home to move into, had a three year old birthday party with ten three year olds and found warmth in the Spring season.

I do have some great product reviews to share this week so please keep a look out.

Hope everyone is having a blessed Easter season!

Tara