August 1, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Sunday, August 1

18TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

First Sunday of the Month--The Divine Master, Way, Truth and Life

Eccles 1: 2; 2: 21-23

Col 3: 1-5, 9-11

Lk 12: 13-21

For all the women members of the Pauline Family who have committed their mind, will heart and physical energies to serve the Gospel.

ALL our women members are involved with Pauline evangelization, no matter where they are. Pray NOW for a blessing on the activity of some unknown member "on the front lines".

July 31, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Saturday, July 31
ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA, Priest
Jer 26: 11-16, 24
Mt 14: 1-12

The old age of each one, her preparation for heaven, must be serene. And after death we will have the suffrages of all our brothers and sisters (MCS p 39).

This is not a climb-down from what the Founder wrote yesterday. No one is more serene than the one who is occupied with some work, albeit a light one. The body grows old, but the soul is eternally young and we must keep that in mind!

July 30, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Friday, July 30
OF THE DAY
St. Peter Chrisologus, Bishop, Doctor
Jer 26, 1-9
Mt 13: 54-58

Don't get old too soon! Don't put yourself too early among the old or feel you are resting. In the consecrated life there are no pensions, only the heavenly one! (FSP 412)

Well said, Fr. Alberione! And you lived it--retiring only when incapable of action. Life is short...let us live it to the end.

July 29, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Thursday, July 29
ST. MARTHA
Jer 18: 1-6
Lk 10: 38-42

We ought to make progress in the apostolate. The instruments of evil are increasing and so must our efforts to increase the good (VMC 694).

Rather than "instruments of evil" we come up against the evil of indifference plus the problem of disbelief when we talk of vows for the married. That's the problem...what is YOUR solution?

July 28, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Wednesday, July 28
OF THE DAY
Jer 15: 10, 16-21
Mt 13: 44-46

One thing is to be in a house, another is to live in the house; one thing is to come to the Exercises, another is to do them (AAP 1960).

True. And it is one thing to be professed and quite another to live the profession, to be active on behalf of the Institute, to seek out new candidates no matter how heart-breaking the lack of results.

July 27, 2010 With Pope John Paul II

I'm not sure where this image comes from, but I think I found it on my friend's blogging site: Pumping Your Muse.



"For a stalk to grow or a flower to open there must be time that cannot be forced; nine months must go by for the birth of a human child; to write a book or compose music often years must be dedicated to patient research. To find the mystery there must be patience, interior purification, silence, waiting.

~Pope John Paul II

July 27, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Tuesday, July 27
OF THE DAY
Jer 14: 17-22
Mt 13: 36-43

Spiritual exercises marked by progress! All of us need to progress and the greatest misfortune is to feel that we have no need to do better (AAP 1960)

The Triduum, which is now just 6/7 weeks away is not exactly "Spiritual Exercises" but we are free to make it so if we wish: in useful conversation with friends or in personal prayer, silence and preparation for our next step. A great three days indeed!

July 26, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Monday, July 26
SS. JOACHIM AND ANNE, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Jer 13: 1-11
Mt 13: 31-35

This is the thought that must rule our lives: God! Seek God in everything...the true enemy of God is egotism (VMC 706).

True: either we run our lives and so are our own god...or God runs them. Sometimes we are more "god" than we think. Satan makes many suggestions about our "rights" and we can easily believe him.

The Hidden Power of Kindness

I got the image from Amazon.com. Unfortunately, you cannot click to look inside, but if you go to Amazon you can.




This book really changed my life. It is so clear and easy to read and very insightful. I recommend it whole heartedly. It is written by Father Lawrence G. Lovasik and published by Sophia Institute Press.




From the product description: You're almost certainly not as kind as you ought to be--and your relationships with God and those you love may be suffering as a result. Probably you just can't find the time--and can't ever seem to develop the patience--that you need in order to be consistently kind amid the irritations that afflict you daily. That's why these pages are such a godsend. You'll learn how to be kinder, even in difficult circumstances! There's nothing complicated or magical about learning to be kinder; it just takes greater attention to the things that you do and how you do them. These pages show you how to become more aware of even your most offhand daily actions. You'll find simple, step-by-step, and spiritually crucial directions for how to overcome the habitual unkindness that creep--undetected--into the behavior of even the most careful souls. If you want to make progress in the spiritual life, you can't afford to miss the bracing insights in this handbook for souls who yearn to be kinder. They'll give you years of solid help in overcoming sin so that you'll live more fully with others--and truly transform your corner of the world!

July 25, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Sunday, July 25
17TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Gen 18: 20-32
Col 2: 12-14
Lk 11: 1-13


Be like water viz a viz the will of God: water takes the form of whatever it is poured into and we take the direction the will of God shows us (VMC 700).

That seems to sum up the reality. Some day we may even make it a permanent part of our lives. Until then...let's go with the flow!

July 24, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Saturday, July 24
OF THE DAY
St. Sharbel Makhluf, priest
Jer 7: 1-11
Mt 13: 24-30

When Providence does not open one way for us, it is a sign that at least two other ways are open if we can find them (VMC 695).

The problem, of course, is to find them, but... Are we Paulines or not, sons and daughters of the great man who forgot what accomplishments he left behind him and struggled on bravely into the future?

July 23, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Friday, July 23
OF THE DAY
St. Brigid of Sweden, Religious
Gal 2: 19-20
Jn 15: 1-8

Sometimes works are destroyed because of envy, because of jealousy. Let there be charity! Each of us brings his or her defects, but also good qualities. May we learn to bear and support others (FSP 40).

Envy--the typically Satanic sin through which he destroyed Adam and Eve and all the rest of us. Let's not imitate him!

God's Word for Each Day

I got this image from the Veritas Books site.
http://www.veritas.ie/Books/Reference/God%5B060%5Ds_Word_for_Each_Day%5B058%5D_Daily_Reflections/P60611/details2.aspx

I got this book for myself, my daughters and my friends. We love it. It is a true aid to reading the scriptures and to meditation.



Description from the Veritas site:



ABOUT THE BOOK

Helps us keep the Word of God close to our hearts in our daily life. The reflections on each page help us experience the wonder of God's love.

- Liturgical readings of each day
- Reflection on the Word of God by 12 eminent homilists
- Space for notes and personal reflections
- Year planner
- Artistically designed and illustrated in 4-colours

July 22, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Thursday, July 22
ST. MARY MAGDALEN
Jer 2: 1-13
2 Cor 5: 14-17
Jn 20: 1, 11-18

It is not easy to be good and loving to people with difficult characters, but we must recall the example of the Divine Master and treat them in such a way that we are motivated not by passion but by love (FSP 40, p. 79)

This is a supreme challenge for most because we ARE in fact motivated at least partly by passion. Oh, well, let's say what we have to say as well as we can say it!

July 21, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Wednesday, July 21
OF THE DAY
St. Lawrence of Brindsi, Priest and Doctor
Jer 1: 1, 4:10
Mt 13: 1-9

The will of God: It's the great sun toward which-like a spiritual sunflower-the soul is constantly turned (VMC 694)

The Founder was not very poetic, but once in a while--so to speak--he hit the spot, as in this brief sentence. More practical was the article on this point in the April CONCORD. Hope you got the idea.

July 20, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Tuesday, July 20
OF THE DAY
St. Apollinaris, Bishop, Martyr
Mi 7: 14-15, 18-20
Mt 12: 46-50

Sometimes God uses the knife...and we are caught up in difficult and unfair situations. Not to worry. They are the hand of the good God shaping our soul (VMC 699)

Great theory...but how difficult to accept when it comes! Let us recall how many times we have used the knife against God--so to speak--when we offended Him grievously and thought nothing of it.

July 19, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Monday, July 19
OF THE DAY
Mi 6: 1-4, 6-8
Mt 12: 38-42

Don't make the mistake of saying: "I'm going to reform when I feel a little better, when I get a job, when I settle that business problem, when I complete my Spiritual Exercises..." No. There is no time to waste. The time to begin reform is now! (VMC 692)

What can I add to this? Just the recommendation to follow it!

July 18, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Sunday, July 18
16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Gen 18: 1-10
Col 1: 24-28
Lk 10: 38-42

Hate like the plague dispensing yourself from common life. This leads to tepidity and coldness and little by little the house is not a Religious House, but simply a group of people living together (AAP 1960)

We do not have common life, but we have a common spirituality into which well-intentioned members from time to time want to introduce new devotions. Not good. Do we want to become simply "a group of people living together"? Without a spiritual "center"?

July 17, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Saturday, July 17
OF THE DAY
B.V.M. on Saturday
Mi 2: 1-5
Mt 12: 14-21

Holiness is the supreme good of life; all the other things in life should be used as means to holiness (VMC).

In fact all of us came from God and, reach out to God all day long (as we seek happiness of one sort or another). So the trick is to realize why we are never absolutely happy and to turn our lives decisively to the Lord.

July 16, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Friday, July 16
OF THE DAY
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Is 38: 1-6., 21-22, 7-8
Mt 12: 1-8

Suffer with patience and don't cause others to suffer. Humble yourself and know how to accept correction, even from younger people (AAP 1960)

And if we ourselves are 'younger people' then our goal will be to give directions in such a way that they help and not hurt. Easier said than done.

July 15, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Friday, July 15
ST. BONAVENTURE, Bishop and Doctor
Is 26: 7-9, 12: 16-19
Matt 11: 28-30

A good and holy word, if we say it well, can reach the depths of a soul and can act as a ray of light (FSP 293).

So we're not talking of a "word", a "sound", but a sound proceeding from a good and holy PERSON. If you're good and holy, your words will not be lost in the air. If you're not, then...

July 14, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Wednesday, July 14
BLESSED KATERI TEKAKWITHA, Virgin
Is 10: 5-7
Matt 11: 25-27

Even a sick person who is able to do much and needs others to wait on him, can become a great saint if he bears his suffering patiently and unites his will with the will God (VMC 682).

Requires no comment from the theoretical point of view, but what virtue it requires to make it a reality! We have to help the sick also with our prayers.

July 13, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Tuesday, July 13
OF THE DAY
St. Henry
Isaiah 7: 1-9
Matt 11: 20-24

At meals we have a variety of foods on the table but if we just look at them and then leave the table...what will happen? So also in the spiritual life. The Lord's help is available, but must ask for it (VMC 673).

And perhaps we should clarify that we should ask not for what WE want, but for what HE wants...It's not always easy to convince ourselves that there could be a viable alternative to our ideas!

July 12, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Monday, July 12
OF THE DAY
Is 1: 10-17
Mt 10: 34-11: 1

Truly saintly actions must be a) done with the right intention, b) show fidelity in little things and c) be done with enthusiasm (VMC 671)

This requires 2: frequent offering of our thoughts, words and action (repeating the morning Offering), b)attention to what we are doing and c) goodwill. It's a tough program, so...let's get started today!

July 11, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Sunday, July 11
15TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Dt 30: 10-14
Col 1: 15-20
Lk 10: 25-37

A house where there is a truly religious life is a great grace in a country or in a diocese (FSP 327)

Agreed. And is our parish not better because we are in it, trying to live the truly Christian life among so many who live in the exact opposite way?

July 10, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Saturday, July 10
OF THE DAY
B.V.M. on Saturday
Isaiah 6: 1-8
Mt 10: 24-33

We have to avoid two errors: limiting our "sanctity" to purely eternal practices, or not troubling ourselves about these practices with the excuse that our hearts are given to God (VMC 689).

This hardly needs comment except to remind you--politely--that a "sanctity" which never does anything to spread the Good News of the Institute is not pleasing to God.

Fr. Mickler: An Introduction to St. Paul

July 9, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Friday, July 9
OF THE DAY
St. Augustine Zhao Rong, Priest
Hos 14: 2-10
Mt. 10: 16-23

In the consecrated life there are not usually challenges requiring heroism. Heroism, however, is required to keep faithful to what we have professed and to show this faith moment by moment (VMC 686)

This seems to say it all. Our job is to DO it all. Ah, that little word "DO" so dear to Fr. Alberione!

July 8, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Thursday, July 8
OF THE DAY
Hos 11: 1-4, 8-9
Matt 10: 7-15


We are all servants, nobody is the boss. We all seek perfection, nobody is perfect (VMC 691).

Authority is a service though we don't usually see it that way. When all seek perfection in humility and faith, then authority is pleasant--also for the one having authority. When there is no search for perfection then both authority and service fail their purpose.

Fr. Mickler on the Society of St. Paul And It's Media Mission

July 7, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Wednesday, July 7
OF THE DAY
First Wednesday of the month--St. Joseph
Hos 10: 1-3, 7-8, 12
Matt 10: 1-7

A timely advice, seasoned with the sweetness of charity, supported by the strength of fervent exhortation, can save a soul from a fall, from the wrong road, from ruination (DA 91).

St. Augustine puts it this way: "Have you saved a soul (= go someone to turn from sin)? Then you have assured your own salvation.

July 6, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Tuesday, July 6
OF THE DAY
St. Maria Goretti, Virgin, Martyr
First Tuesday of the month--the souls in Purgatory
Hos 8: 4-7, 11-13
Mt 9: 32-38

The Lord always allows us to commit some errors, to keep us humble. (FSP 363)

Yes, and--as I often mentioned--he also leaves us some defects because he sees that, were we to correct them, we would go out to get measured for a new halo...

July 5, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Monday, July 5
OF THE DAY
St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Priest
First Monday of the month--St. Paul,
Hos. 2: 16-18, 21-22
Matt 9: 18-26


Humiliating others is not constructive whereas encouragement is always of help even if you have to express some reservations (FSP 323)

I have tried to follow this guideline in most cases and I ask pardon if I have had to raise my voice--hopefully it helped, not hurt.

July 4, 2010 Jesus Calls...

"Jesus does NOT call the qualified. He qualifies the called."

Praise be to God for that!

July 4, 2010 Happiness

"Happiness is not a matter of good fortune or worldly possessions. It is a mental attitude. It comes from appreciating what we have instead of being miserable about what we don't have. It is so simple, yet so hard for the human mind to comprehend. No matter what your situation, things could be worse. Count your blessings and enjoy your little happiness while you can have it."

~ John Luther

July 4, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Sunday, July4
14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
First Sunday of the month--the Divine Master, Way, Truth and Life
Is 66:10-14
Gal 6: 14-18
Lk 10: 1-2, 17-20

* INDEPENDENCE DAY

Our major work is to become holy. Our second one is the apostolate (VMC 681).

Why repeat this? Doesn't everyone know it already? Sure they do...but not all get it right: not sanctity only, but activity not activity only, but sanctity. Very simple theory, but...just you try it!

A Little Good News

I'm not really sure where this image came from. My friend Nica posted it on Multiply. If someone knows, please tell me and I'll give proper credit.

Well, it finally happened. After about ten years of starting and stopping, or working and almost giving up, I finished my first fantasy novel. I've received and signed the contract and edits start in one to two weeks. I've prayed a lot about it and now I'm on my way! Once more thing to be grateful to God for, and I wanted to do it publically. Thank you God! And thank you Mother Mary (for your intercessions) and St. Paul and St. Francis de Sales for your prayers.

July 3, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Saturday, July 3
ST. THOMAS, Apostle
First Saturday of the month--Mary, Queen of Apostles
Eph 2: 19-22
Jn 20: 24-29

Have confidence in God, but not in ourselves. Humility and trust form the holiness of the soul (VMC 679).

However, our lack of confidence in ourselves should not keep us from at least TRYING to do better spiritually and also apostolically.

July 2, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

Friday, July 2
OF THE DAY
First Friday of the Month--the Sacred Heart
Am 8: 4-6, 9-12
Matt 9: 9-13

To govern is to love. It is an office of charity aimed at helping souls to keep themselves on the way of sanctity and the apostolate.

As we have frequently reflected, activity by itself is...activity. It can IMPRESS, but can it CONVERT? By itself, no. thus if we find active people who are "successful" but don't seem to pray... we have to look for the real "pray-er" behind the scenes (and the real "stealer of merits" as the Founder would say).

July 1, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wth Father Tom

I found this image on the Internet. I don't know who originally created it, but I do know it is well known. I've always loved it.

Thursday, July 1

OF THE DAY

Bl. Juniper Serra, Priest

First Thursday of the Month--the Angel Guardians

Am 7: 10-17

Mt 9: 1-8

MONTHLY INTENTION

For serene and responsible relations between women and consecrated men, according tot he words of the Apostles to Timothy: "Treat the elderly women like mothers and the younger ones like sisters in all purity."

A wise piece of advice.