I spend Thursdays at adoration now - my parish canceled the Wednesday slot for awhile - long story - but not a bad one. So if you're looking for me.
So anyway - I usually try to turn my distractions into prayer, but one distraction caught my attention yesterday - for a second or two longer than usual...
Editor's note: The remainder of this post has been removed after careful consideration as it could lead to unnecessary speculation as well as harmful distractions for those of you who read this blog, while at Mass and in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. The original distraction I discussed here was a temptation and distraction I experienced at prayer. When such temptations/distractions arise it is always good to ignore them, make acts of faith, hope, and love in opposition to such thoughts and continue in prayer, resuming meditation, sacred reading, or whatever vocal prayer you may be using. Distractions come and go - and if you are in quiet prayer, let such thoughts blow about like leaves in the breeze and pay no attention to them. If they disturb you, offer them as a prayer and a sacrifice, keeping in mind Teresa of Avila's counsel, 'let nothing disturb you.' Later, if a problem continues to haunt you, submit it to your spiritual director or confessor for scrutiny and clarification. Never worry about things you cannot know about or is out of your control. Trust in God.
I apologize for my indiscretion.
So anyway - I usually try to turn my distractions into prayer, but one distraction caught my attention yesterday - for a second or two longer than usual...
Editor's note: The remainder of this post has been removed after careful consideration as it could lead to unnecessary speculation as well as harmful distractions for those of you who read this blog, while at Mass and in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. The original distraction I discussed here was a temptation and distraction I experienced at prayer. When such temptations/distractions arise it is always good to ignore them, make acts of faith, hope, and love in opposition to such thoughts and continue in prayer, resuming meditation, sacred reading, or whatever vocal prayer you may be using. Distractions come and go - and if you are in quiet prayer, let such thoughts blow about like leaves in the breeze and pay no attention to them. If they disturb you, offer them as a prayer and a sacrifice, keeping in mind Teresa of Avila's counsel, 'let nothing disturb you.' Later, if a problem continues to haunt you, submit it to your spiritual director or confessor for scrutiny and clarification. Never worry about things you cannot know about or is out of your control. Trust in God.
I apologize for my indiscretion.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteTerry Nelson, be at peace. God will deal with all of us according to His Mercy and justice.
ReplyDeleteFind this hmyn on youtube and affirm your faith!!
In Christ alone
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fulness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
That's beautiful, Shadowlands.
ReplyDeleteTerry, I'm glad I'm not the only one whose mind goes off on tangents when I'm trying to pray. I had always thought that the validity of sacraments doesn't depend on the virtue or even the faith of the celebrant; that even if they're treating it like just a job, it's still valid if their ordination is valid. Maybe someone who is a theologian will enlighten us. As to how do they keep on doing it when they are so far into sin, people have an enormous capacity for compartmentalizing. It's like the Mafiosi who are such great family men (supposedly!).
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI have wondered about that myself, especially when I was just converted and was 17 and the priest in my parish told me he didn't believe in the Real Presence. I still believed that Jesus was there in the consecrated Host, even if he didn't believe. I've seen and heard many disturbing things from the clergy and from religious. Then I pray for mercy for the whole Church, knowing that I have done much worse in my life. And if Jesus can continue to forgive my sins, there is hope for everyone. Jesus is the one who suffers most. Much of my prayer time is spent just loving Him and loving the Blessed Mother. If the world only knew what true love is-- what the Hearts of Jesus and Mary are. I can understand how many saints died of love.
ReplyDeletePeace
Jim - I think Melody provides the best answer here. I maybe shouldn't have posted this - but I dismiss such thoughts as best I can and make acts of faith in their place. I don't want people to be discouraged or worried about something like this. I'm hoping a good theologian can comment here, or else I may take the post down.
ReplyDeleteI decided to take the post down and I provided my explanation why.
ReplyDeleteTerry, Many of us who visit Catholic blogs are familiar with Pablo's rants and the wiser one avoid any attempt at debate.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I am shocked by the scurrilous comments he has made regarding Jews in his post today. I know that this is your blog and you rightfully have editorial decision, but I ask that you prayerfully consider removing his post - or at least his comments regarding Jews. Many thanks.
Pablo, would the Holy Father really celebrate a rite designed by "Jewish Freemasons"? And not just him, but every single cardinal and [real] bishop in the Catholic Church?
ReplyDeleteI know there are some in there who have scandalized the faithful and done damage to the faith, but 4 popes? All cardinals? Bishops like Wuehrl, Chaput, Nienstedt ?
parepidemos,
ReplyDeleteI viewed your profile information and was very pleased with the amount of information you provide about yourself and your family.
It appears you are a Traditional Roman Catholic.
To these people God has granted many graces.
May God bless you and your family with many more.
I comment on a few Catholic blogs, but also on many more heathen blogs.
Abbey Roads is one of my favorites as Mr. Nelson is much benevolent in his Charity towards us.
May God grant you and your family the virtue of Charity, that you look upon sinners like me the same way His Mother, Nuestra Senora Santa Maria de Guadalupe looks upon us.
*
Sorry about that - I didn't read Pablo's comment - Pablo - sorry - I had to remove it.
ReplyDeleteAdriane Molin - I had to remove yours as well - I do not permit advertizing on my blog.
ReplyDeletePablo, Sincere thanks for your prayerful good wishes for my family. May these same blessings be given to yours. Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, ruega por nosotros, los probres pecadores.
ReplyDelete