Book One: The Way of Purification
AFTER CONVERSION
CHAPTER 35 Variety In the Spiritual Life
CHRIST: MY CHILD, not everyone can make use of the same spiritual exercises. One devotion suits this person, while another suits that person. At times a change of spiritual exercises will do you good. Some devotions will help on ordinary days, and others will be more helpful on holy days. You may need one type of spiritual activity in time of temptation and another in time of peace. A man likes certain thoughts when he is sad, but in time of spiritual joy, he prefers other thoughts.
2. Variety in your spiritual life will help you live a richer life and a holier one. Make your spiritual goals and your resolutions according to the spirit of the different seasons of the church calendar. Plan your interior life as one who is eager to give Me better service. Live as one who looks forward to Heaven.
3 . Think of death as the gateway to Heaven. Learn to look upon your earthly life as a great opportunity to make a worthy preparation for Heaven. If I have not called you yet, consider that it is because you are not yet well enough prepared to receive the heavenly glory which is being reserved for you. Then plan how to prepare yourself for that heavenly reward. Never forget the words: "Blessed is that servant whom the Lord shall find watching when He comes. Indeed, I tell you, He will place him over all His possessions!"
THINK: It is so easy to fall into a routine and stick to it. Many go on day after day, doing the same old things in the same old way. Variety makes life interesting, yet too few have the ambition and energy to put variety into their daily lives. In prayer, I shall try to learn various methods in case I should need them to avoid the dullness of routine. I can read the lives of the saints and see where I may make a few changes in my own spiritual life. My spiritual director can give me ideas on how to freshen my zeal for God's glory and for the
help of my neighbor.
PRAY: O Holy Ghost, my God and Sanctifier, grant me light to see how I can make my daily life more fruitful in doing good. Let me not fall into a rut and stay there. Life is a glorious opportunity to do great things-to become more like You, my God, by the good and love which I can give to others. Help me to see more ways of increasing the good in my daily life. Give me the unselfishness and strength to do good for Your sake. Amen.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Watch my Peter Pan fly!
PETER PAN SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS IN BALLET PHILIPPINES’ DECEMBER OFFERING
MANILA, Philippines - November 4, 2010 - Sprinkle some pixie dust, play some swashbuckling music, and fly to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to witness Ballet Philippines' dance retelling of the beloved children's classic, Peter Pan.
Delighting young and old for more than 100 years, Peter Pan is based on the tale by Sir James Matthew Barrie. The story revolves around the boy who never grew up and his magical, fun-filled adventures with the Darling children - Wendy, John, and Michael - as they meet Captain Hook, Smee, Tinkerbell, Tiger Lily, the Lost Boys, and the other denizens of Neverland. Edna Vida, one of the country's best choreographers, will restage her version with music by Mark Charlap and Jule Styne. Flying by Foy from America will be bringing in special flying machines which will have Peter and Wendy soaring in the air, enthralling all audiences. These special flying machines make their Philippine debut in this Ballet Philippines staging.
The role of Peter will be performed by principal dancer, Jean Marc Cordero, a semi-finalist in the 2010 International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi.
Performance schedule at CCP's Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo) follows:
December 2 (Thursday), 10 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
December 3 (Friday), 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
December 4 (Saturday), 10:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m.
December 5 (Sunday), 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
December 7 (Tuesday), 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
December 10 (Friday), 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
December 11 (Saturday), 10:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m.
December 12 (Sunday), 10:00 a.m.
Ticket prices are at PHP200 to PHP1,500. Discounts are at 50% for students and 20% for senior citizens. American Express Cardholders can also enjoy 10% savings by using their card.
Tickets may be purchased through the CCP Box Office (832-3704) and Ticketworld (891-9999). For group sales and inquiries, contact Ballet Philippines (551-1003 / 832-6011) or visit: www.balletphilippines.org
MANILA, Philippines - November 4, 2010 - Sprinkle some pixie dust, play some swashbuckling music, and fly to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to witness Ballet Philippines' dance retelling of the beloved children's classic, Peter Pan.
Delighting young and old for more than 100 years, Peter Pan is based on the tale by Sir James Matthew Barrie. The story revolves around the boy who never grew up and his magical, fun-filled adventures with the Darling children - Wendy, John, and Michael - as they meet Captain Hook, Smee, Tinkerbell, Tiger Lily, the Lost Boys, and the other denizens of Neverland. Edna Vida, one of the country's best choreographers, will restage her version with music by Mark Charlap and Jule Styne. Flying by Foy from America will be bringing in special flying machines which will have Peter and Wendy soaring in the air, enthralling all audiences. These special flying machines make their Philippine debut in this Ballet Philippines staging.
The role of Peter will be performed by principal dancer, Jean Marc Cordero, a semi-finalist in the 2010 International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi.
Performance schedule at CCP's Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo) follows:
December 2 (Thursday), 10 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
December 3 (Friday), 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
December 4 (Saturday), 10:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m.
December 5 (Sunday), 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
December 7 (Tuesday), 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
December 10 (Friday), 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
December 11 (Saturday), 10:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m.
December 12 (Sunday), 10:00 a.m.
Ticket prices are at PHP200 to PHP1,500. Discounts are at 50% for students and 20% for senior citizens. American Express Cardholders can also enjoy 10% savings by using their card.
Tickets may be purchased through the CCP Box Office (832-3704) and Ticketworld (891-9999). For group sales and inquiries, contact Ballet Philippines (551-1003 / 832-6011) or visit: www.balletphilippines.org
Saturday, November 20, 2010
My Daily Bread Book 1 Chapter 34
Book One: The Way of Purification
AFTER CONVERSION
CHAPTER 34 Helps and Hindrance to Holiness
CHRIST: MY CHILD, there is one thing that stops many from making spiritual progress and keeps them from improving themselves. It is a fear of the difficulties or of the work required by their effort. The people who rise highest in holiness are those who are brave enough to fight against whatever holds them back from Me, no matter how hard or disagreeable the effort may be. The more you try to master your feelings and blind desires, the greater are the graces which I offer to you. If you keep on trying, you will gain as much success as I desire of you.
2. Different men have to face different obstacles. Yet, a diligent and zealous person will make greater progress in virtue, even though he may have to fight more defects than others. Some people have fewer defects to overcome, and still they do not advance in holiness because they are less fervent in the pursuit of virtues.
THINK: Many are frightened by the thought of changing their ways in daily life. Yet the way can be quite simplified if only they will make the effort. First, they need a spiritual director to guide them along and to help them see themselves without prejudice or fear. Second, they must be honest in striving for the virtues opposed to their main faults. Third, they must realize that their feelings and blind desires will go on rebelling and making their daily efforts more difficult. Lastly, they must learn to gain spiritual profit from all occasions, imitating the virtues which they see in others and avoiding the defects of their neighbors.
PRAY: Holy Spirit, my God and Sanctifier, grant me the light to see what a glorious opportunity 1 now have of beginning a better life. Help me to take whatever steps are necessary to purify my soul by a sincere daily effort. You will not deny me the strength which I need, if only I will try to develop the virtues which I need most, in my daily life. Amen.
AFTER CONVERSION
CHAPTER 34 Helps and Hindrance to Holiness
CHRIST: MY CHILD, there is one thing that stops many from making spiritual progress and keeps them from improving themselves. It is a fear of the difficulties or of the work required by their effort. The people who rise highest in holiness are those who are brave enough to fight against whatever holds them back from Me, no matter how hard or disagreeable the effort may be. The more you try to master your feelings and blind desires, the greater are the graces which I offer to you. If you keep on trying, you will gain as much success as I desire of you.
2. Different men have to face different obstacles. Yet, a diligent and zealous person will make greater progress in virtue, even though he may have to fight more defects than others. Some people have fewer defects to overcome, and still they do not advance in holiness because they are less fervent in the pursuit of virtues.
THINK: Many are frightened by the thought of changing their ways in daily life. Yet the way can be quite simplified if only they will make the effort. First, they need a spiritual director to guide them along and to help them see themselves without prejudice or fear. Second, they must be honest in striving for the virtues opposed to their main faults. Third, they must realize that their feelings and blind desires will go on rebelling and making their daily efforts more difficult. Lastly, they must learn to gain spiritual profit from all occasions, imitating the virtues which they see in others and avoiding the defects of their neighbors.
PRAY: Holy Spirit, my God and Sanctifier, grant me the light to see what a glorious opportunity 1 now have of beginning a better life. Help me to take whatever steps are necessary to purify my soul by a sincere daily effort. You will not deny me the strength which I need, if only I will try to develop the virtues which I need most, in my daily life. Amen.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
My Daily Bread Book 1 Chapter 33
Book One: The Way of Purification
AFTER CONVERSION
CHAPTER 33 Necessary Care of Oneself
CHRIST: MY CHILD, everyone must take a reasonable care of himself. In time of temptation arouse yourself, warn yourself, guard yourself and avoid idleness. No matter how much you do for others, do not neglect yourself altogether. Beware of too much talking. Whenever possible, try to be alone with Me. Take advantage of My presence. Every moment of your life is lived in My presence. You possess Him Whom the whole world cannot take from you. I am worth more than everything else put together.
2. If you neglect yourself, you can lose in a short time the spiritual strength which was acquired slowly and with great effort over a long period. Reflect often on the eternal purpose of your earthly life. You have to be spiritual to reach this goal. I tell you through My Church how to live this earthly life. There is no other way. Examine your progress each day. In a short time your present life will be over. If you have been faithful, you will never again know fear nor sorrow. For the little labor which you do on earth, you will gain a glorious reward and unending joy. I shall not fail those who have been faithful to My Will.
3. The man who has learned to pray and reflect, looks on self-perfection as his first and highest business. One who studies himself honestly, finds it easy to be silent about others. Learn to hold your tongue about the affairs of others unless your duty obliges you to speak. Fix your attention on your own faults and do something about them. If you are a true man of God, the doings of others will not make you worse than you are. If you can remedy a bad situation, do so. Many times, however, you can do nothing but pray over the misdeeds of others. Do this as one sinner praying for another, not as a superior being, praying for inferiors. When you have learned to fix your attention on your own affairs, you will find great peace of soul.
THINK: As far as I can, I should strive to help others. In many things however, I can help only by prayer, good example, and silence. Prayer gives grace to me and others. Good example reminds others of what they should be doing. Silence prevents the spreading of scandal and the flaring of tempers. Minding one's own business is a great virtue. My first task is to save my soul. As far as I can, I must also try to help others live a holier and happier life. Many things, however, are not in my power. After I have done what I can to help matters, I should leave them in God's hands.
PRAY: Lord, give me the courage to look at myself, the honesty to admit my faults and limitations, the sincerity to try self-improvement, and the love for You that will keep me at it for the rest of my life. Let me not be concerned about matters that are beyond my control, except to petition Your help. For the rest, let me really live the words: "Thy will be done." Amen.
AFTER CONVERSION
CHAPTER 33 Necessary Care of Oneself
CHRIST: MY CHILD, everyone must take a reasonable care of himself. In time of temptation arouse yourself, warn yourself, guard yourself and avoid idleness. No matter how much you do for others, do not neglect yourself altogether. Beware of too much talking. Whenever possible, try to be alone with Me. Take advantage of My presence. Every moment of your life is lived in My presence. You possess Him Whom the whole world cannot take from you. I am worth more than everything else put together.
2. If you neglect yourself, you can lose in a short time the spiritual strength which was acquired slowly and with great effort over a long period. Reflect often on the eternal purpose of your earthly life. You have to be spiritual to reach this goal. I tell you through My Church how to live this earthly life. There is no other way. Examine your progress each day. In a short time your present life will be over. If you have been faithful, you will never again know fear nor sorrow. For the little labor which you do on earth, you will gain a glorious reward and unending joy. I shall not fail those who have been faithful to My Will.
3. The man who has learned to pray and reflect, looks on self-perfection as his first and highest business. One who studies himself honestly, finds it easy to be silent about others. Learn to hold your tongue about the affairs of others unless your duty obliges you to speak. Fix your attention on your own faults and do something about them. If you are a true man of God, the doings of others will not make you worse than you are. If you can remedy a bad situation, do so. Many times, however, you can do nothing but pray over the misdeeds of others. Do this as one sinner praying for another, not as a superior being, praying for inferiors. When you have learned to fix your attention on your own affairs, you will find great peace of soul.
THINK: As far as I can, I should strive to help others. In many things however, I can help only by prayer, good example, and silence. Prayer gives grace to me and others. Good example reminds others of what they should be doing. Silence prevents the spreading of scandal and the flaring of tempers. Minding one's own business is a great virtue. My first task is to save my soul. As far as I can, I must also try to help others live a holier and happier life. Many things, however, are not in my power. After I have done what I can to help matters, I should leave them in God's hands.
PRAY: Lord, give me the courage to look at myself, the honesty to admit my faults and limitations, the sincerity to try self-improvement, and the love for You that will keep me at it for the rest of my life. Let me not be concerned about matters that are beyond my control, except to petition Your help. For the rest, let me really live the words: "Thy will be done." Amen.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
My Daily Bread Book 1 Chapter 32
Book One: The Way of Purification
AFTER CONVERSION
CHAPTER 32 The Predominant Fault
CHRIST: MY CHILD, I give strength to those who make an honest effort in fighting against their faults. The harder they try, the more will they advance in virtue. The self-control which I give is a man's greatest glory because he approaches closer to My perfection.
2. No two men have the same combination of faults, nor have they the same amount of grace. I give more grace to those who make good use of what they have already received.
3 . As you make progress against your main fault, you will find your other faults easier to control. Once you are the master of your heart, you will be the master of your life. Your intelligence will be guided by My grace and your will, will follow My wise and holy law.
4. Begin at last! Attack first your most frequent fault. When you fall back into that fault, instead of becoming sad and discouraged, prove your sorrow by beginning again. You will find selfishness at the bottom of every fault. Your feelings will rebel, but you must fix your eyes on Me, and let your will stand firm on My law.
5. Prayer, penance, and My sacraments will help you to see Me near, and will give you the strength to follow My Will.
THINK: Every man has a predominant fault, that is, an outstanding one, because of which he commits most of the sins in his daily life. Conquering that fault means overcoming many different sins. This fault will not die easily, but a sincere and continued effort will weaken it more and more. Our Lord will not let me fight in vain. He will give me strength to make true progress against this fault. I need only to continue trying, doing whatever is necessary to overcome this fault.
PRAY: Lord, make me wise in using the means which You have provided for my spiritual victory. Let me never become careless or lazy in following the guidance of Your Church, nor in frequently using Your sacraments. The victory of this daily battle will bring me eternal glory in the wonderful life of Heaven. The reward which You have prepared is far greater than my effort can ever deserve of itself. Let me never become tired of fighting for Heaven. Amen.
AFTER CONVERSION
CHAPTER 32 The Predominant Fault
CHRIST: MY CHILD, I give strength to those who make an honest effort in fighting against their faults. The harder they try, the more will they advance in virtue. The self-control which I give is a man's greatest glory because he approaches closer to My perfection.
2. No two men have the same combination of faults, nor have they the same amount of grace. I give more grace to those who make good use of what they have already received.
3 . As you make progress against your main fault, you will find your other faults easier to control. Once you are the master of your heart, you will be the master of your life. Your intelligence will be guided by My grace and your will, will follow My wise and holy law.
4. Begin at last! Attack first your most frequent fault. When you fall back into that fault, instead of becoming sad and discouraged, prove your sorrow by beginning again. You will find selfishness at the bottom of every fault. Your feelings will rebel, but you must fix your eyes on Me, and let your will stand firm on My law.
5. Prayer, penance, and My sacraments will help you to see Me near, and will give you the strength to follow My Will.
THINK: Every man has a predominant fault, that is, an outstanding one, because of which he commits most of the sins in his daily life. Conquering that fault means overcoming many different sins. This fault will not die easily, but a sincere and continued effort will weaken it more and more. Our Lord will not let me fight in vain. He will give me strength to make true progress against this fault. I need only to continue trying, doing whatever is necessary to overcome this fault.
PRAY: Lord, make me wise in using the means which You have provided for my spiritual victory. Let me never become careless or lazy in following the guidance of Your Church, nor in frequently using Your sacraments. The victory of this daily battle will bring me eternal glory in the wonderful life of Heaven. The reward which You have prepared is far greater than my effort can ever deserve of itself. Let me never become tired of fighting for Heaven. Amen.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
My Daily Bread Book 1 Chapter 31
Book One: The Way of Purification
AFTER CONVERSION
CHAPTER 31 The Honest Admissions of One's Defects
CHRIST: MY CHILD, let my infinite wisdom teach you what is best for you in your daily conduct on earth. Think of your sins with great displeasure and sorrow. Never consider yourself big because of your good works. The simple truth is that you are a sinner. Too often your actions are controlled by emotions or feelings rather than intelligence and grace.
2. If I leave you to yourself, you tend to what is wrong and fall into sin. You are easily overcome by selfishness. Your self-control falls apart in a short time. You are much weaker
than you think. You have little reason to take pride in yourself and many reasons for humbling yourself.
3. Fear nothing so much as your disorderly tendencies and your sins. Run from them more than from anything else. They should displease you more than any other trouble. Be afraid of My judgment and fear the anger of the Almighty. Do not presume to criticize the works of the Most High. Look to your faults. Consider the wrong you have done and the good you have neglected.
4. Be angry with yourself, and do not let pride control you in anything. Foolish heart, what have you to complain about? Can you not accept the trials which come to you, when you have so often offended Me and deserved hell? My love has spared you. Still, you must be honest with yourself. Face the truth about yourself and be patient with your defects and limitations.
THINK: God loves an honest man. Why should it be so hard to admit what I am? If I hide the truth from myself, how can I ever become pleasing to God? I need not become depressed and discouraged as I look at my many faults. All that God expects of me is that I begin today to fight against them. Being a sinner is not the worst thing. The worst thing is to remain a sinner. God loves the repentant sinner, that is, one who detests his sins and makes an honest effort to be rid of his faults.
PRAY: Dear merciful God, at last I understand. I will no longer become paralyzed with sadness or discouragement, over my faults. I shall do what You desire of me. I will prove my genuine sorrow for my sins by fighting against them in my daily life. Show me which fault displeases You most, and I will at once begin a campaign against it. I may never get rid of it, Lord, but at least I can keep on trying each day. I cannot offer You much in my life, but this honest daily effort against my main faults I can offer as a proof that I am truly sorry for offending You. Amen.
AFTER CONVERSION
CHAPTER 31 The Honest Admissions of One's Defects
CHRIST: MY CHILD, let my infinite wisdom teach you what is best for you in your daily conduct on earth. Think of your sins with great displeasure and sorrow. Never consider yourself big because of your good works. The simple truth is that you are a sinner. Too often your actions are controlled by emotions or feelings rather than intelligence and grace.
2. If I leave you to yourself, you tend to what is wrong and fall into sin. You are easily overcome by selfishness. Your self-control falls apart in a short time. You are much weaker
than you think. You have little reason to take pride in yourself and many reasons for humbling yourself.
3. Fear nothing so much as your disorderly tendencies and your sins. Run from them more than from anything else. They should displease you more than any other trouble. Be afraid of My judgment and fear the anger of the Almighty. Do not presume to criticize the works of the Most High. Look to your faults. Consider the wrong you have done and the good you have neglected.
4. Be angry with yourself, and do not let pride control you in anything. Foolish heart, what have you to complain about? Can you not accept the trials which come to you, when you have so often offended Me and deserved hell? My love has spared you. Still, you must be honest with yourself. Face the truth about yourself and be patient with your defects and limitations.
THINK: God loves an honest man. Why should it be so hard to admit what I am? If I hide the truth from myself, how can I ever become pleasing to God? I need not become depressed and discouraged as I look at my many faults. All that God expects of me is that I begin today to fight against them. Being a sinner is not the worst thing. The worst thing is to remain a sinner. God loves the repentant sinner, that is, one who detests his sins and makes an honest effort to be rid of his faults.
PRAY: Dear merciful God, at last I understand. I will no longer become paralyzed with sadness or discouragement, over my faults. I shall do what You desire of me. I will prove my genuine sorrow for my sins by fighting against them in my daily life. Show me which fault displeases You most, and I will at once begin a campaign against it. I may never get rid of it, Lord, but at least I can keep on trying each day. I cannot offer You much in my life, but this honest daily effort against my main faults I can offer as a proof that I am truly sorry for offending You. Amen.
Friday, September 24, 2010
My Daily Bread Book 1 Chapter 30
Book One: The Way of Purification
AFTER CONVERSION
CHAPTER 30 Man's Lower Nature
CHRIST: MY CHILD, unless You learn to control your feelings, You will always find it hard to obey those who have authority over you. Your feelings do not reason. They simply turn away from what is unpleasant, be it right or wrong. Feelings can be calmed in some degree by an intelligent outlook. Still, you will never have a more troublesome and dangerous enemy than your own unreasoning feelings and blind desires.
2. By Prayer and meditation you will acquire a grander outlook on life. You will see the unreasonableness and mean selfishness of your feelings and moods. I will show you the glorious goal which I have set for you. When you have grasped the higher purpose of your earthly life, you will acquire a holy contempt for whatever opposes that purpose. This heavenly knowledge and eternal goal will bring unity and order into your life. You will then find it easier to guide your lower nature according to My Will.
3. At times you will have to use stubborn resistance and even violence against the unreasoning tendencies within you. Sometimes you need to disregard your likes and dislikes, and follow your better judgment. With My truth to guide you and My sacraments to strengthen you, you cannot fail in this daily combat for Heaven.
THINK: An obedient horse can help man in his daily tasks, but a stubborn mule can do more harm than good. So is it with man's own nature. His reason and will, strengthened by grace, must guide his unreasoning appetites and desires to right action. A good life is one which follows God's law. Only God's Will can lead me to Heaven.
PRAY: Lord Jesus, I hope to follow You each day of my life. With Your help, I hope to have strength to be firm against my blind tendencies and desires. You are my King and Leader. Make me a loyal follower. I desire and hope to live the kind of life which You desire of me. Grant me Your grace. You have shown me how great it is and how necessary for salvation. Grant it to me so that I may overcome this weak nature of mine, which draws me on toward sin and eternal death. In my flesh, I feel the law of sin contradicting the law of my mind, and in many things making me a slave of my feelings. I can not resist these feelings unless You help me, by pouring into my heart the grace of ardent loyalty to You. I am in continual need of grace to overcome this nature which, from its youth, always tends to evil. I hope in Your help. Amen.
AFTER CONVERSION
CHAPTER 30 Man's Lower Nature
CHRIST: MY CHILD, unless You learn to control your feelings, You will always find it hard to obey those who have authority over you. Your feelings do not reason. They simply turn away from what is unpleasant, be it right or wrong. Feelings can be calmed in some degree by an intelligent outlook. Still, you will never have a more troublesome and dangerous enemy than your own unreasoning feelings and blind desires.
2. By Prayer and meditation you will acquire a grander outlook on life. You will see the unreasonableness and mean selfishness of your feelings and moods. I will show you the glorious goal which I have set for you. When you have grasped the higher purpose of your earthly life, you will acquire a holy contempt for whatever opposes that purpose. This heavenly knowledge and eternal goal will bring unity and order into your life. You will then find it easier to guide your lower nature according to My Will.
3. At times you will have to use stubborn resistance and even violence against the unreasoning tendencies within you. Sometimes you need to disregard your likes and dislikes, and follow your better judgment. With My truth to guide you and My sacraments to strengthen you, you cannot fail in this daily combat for Heaven.
THINK: An obedient horse can help man in his daily tasks, but a stubborn mule can do more harm than good. So is it with man's own nature. His reason and will, strengthened by grace, must guide his unreasoning appetites and desires to right action. A good life is one which follows God's law. Only God's Will can lead me to Heaven.
PRAY: Lord Jesus, I hope to follow You each day of my life. With Your help, I hope to have strength to be firm against my blind tendencies and desires. You are my King and Leader. Make me a loyal follower. I desire and hope to live the kind of life which You desire of me. Grant me Your grace. You have shown me how great it is and how necessary for salvation. Grant it to me so that I may overcome this weak nature of mine, which draws me on toward sin and eternal death. In my flesh, I feel the law of sin contradicting the law of my mind, and in many things making me a slave of my feelings. I can not resist these feelings unless You help me, by pouring into my heart the grace of ardent loyalty to You. I am in continual need of grace to overcome this nature which, from its youth, always tends to evil. I hope in Your help. Amen.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Book One: The Way of Purification AFTER CONVERSION
CHAPTER 29 Man's Interior Conflict
CHRIST: MY CHILD, when I created the first man and woman, I gave them many gifts to make their earthly life as easy and peaceful as possible. They were free from pain, labor, sickness, and death. They immediately knew the answers to whatever problems came along. They had complete command over the appetites and desires of body and soul. Over and above these gifts, they were given grace to live a supernatural life. Dwelling within their souls, I gave more than natural light to their minds, and more than natural strength to their wills.
2. None of these gifts really belonged to human beings. I added them over and above the gift of human life along with the natural human powers of body and soul. At any time I could take away these extra gifts, and man would still have all that naturally belonged to him. I left it up to Adam to decide whether he and his children were to keep these extra gifts forever. As the representative of the human race, Adam was to make one intelligent and free act, an act of obedience to My Will. By this act he would be acknowledging the supreme truth of his existence-that he is a creature completely dependent on Me, his Creator.
3. In disobeying My command in the Garden of Eden, Adam refused to acknowledge the supreme truth. The external act of eating the fruit was a small act, but the interior rebellion against My Will was a serious matter. Adam wanted to be equal to Me, as the rebel angels did in Paradise. As a result of Adam's disobedience, I took away My extra gifts. Man was left without the aid of My extra gifts, except that he might still obtain grace to earn Heaven.
4. Man now has to bear an inner conflict, a conflict quite natural to him. His animal appetites now go after their wants without regard for his better judgment and free will. Even when man wishes to follow his intelligence and strive after better things, he has to fight for control of his unreasoning appetites and blind desires. He no longer has infused knowledge, but must learn the answers to his daily problems by labor and experience.
5. So often this interior conflict brings confusion to the mind and indecision to the will. Yet man's natural reason is still able to judge good and evil, still able to distinguish truth from falsehood. To save you from all serious doubts, I have given you My Church to guide your mind and strengthen your will.
6. As long as you have a human body on earth, you cannot be entirely free from venial sins, nor can you live without some sorrow and weariness. Yet you must do your best with patience and determination, regardless of failures. All too soon this present state of disorder will pass away. Then will your earthly life melt away into the perfect life which I have promised to those who keep My commandments.
THINK: Adam passed on to his descendants the human nature which he himself possessed a nature that was weakened by his disobedience. A large part of man's weakness ties in this, that after the Fall, man's animal nature retained its normal strength and appetites, but was no longer under the perfect control of man's higher power of reason and freewill. God, however, made up for this weakness by giving us His grace. By the use of God's grace, man can avoid fully deliberate sins, and thus become once more the master of his life.
PRAY: My God, I am glad to have Your law guide me through life. With Your help, I want to correct the evil in my life and avoid, as far as possible, those temptations which will face me in the future. True, I often follow the law of sin, obeying my feelings instead of my reason. I want what is good, but I do not always know how to achieve it. Time and again, I make good resolution, but in my weakness I quickly fall back and give up after a feeble resistance. At times, I know what I should be doing, but I simply fail to rise up and do it. With Your help I shall begin to act I want to do all I can to live a life of loyalty to Your holy Will. Amen.
CHAPTER 29 Man's Interior Conflict
CHRIST: MY CHILD, when I created the first man and woman, I gave them many gifts to make their earthly life as easy and peaceful as possible. They were free from pain, labor, sickness, and death. They immediately knew the answers to whatever problems came along. They had complete command over the appetites and desires of body and soul. Over and above these gifts, they were given grace to live a supernatural life. Dwelling within their souls, I gave more than natural light to their minds, and more than natural strength to their wills.
2. None of these gifts really belonged to human beings. I added them over and above the gift of human life along with the natural human powers of body and soul. At any time I could take away these extra gifts, and man would still have all that naturally belonged to him. I left it up to Adam to decide whether he and his children were to keep these extra gifts forever. As the representative of the human race, Adam was to make one intelligent and free act, an act of obedience to My Will. By this act he would be acknowledging the supreme truth of his existence-that he is a creature completely dependent on Me, his Creator.
3. In disobeying My command in the Garden of Eden, Adam refused to acknowledge the supreme truth. The external act of eating the fruit was a small act, but the interior rebellion against My Will was a serious matter. Adam wanted to be equal to Me, as the rebel angels did in Paradise. As a result of Adam's disobedience, I took away My extra gifts. Man was left without the aid of My extra gifts, except that he might still obtain grace to earn Heaven.
4. Man now has to bear an inner conflict, a conflict quite natural to him. His animal appetites now go after their wants without regard for his better judgment and free will. Even when man wishes to follow his intelligence and strive after better things, he has to fight for control of his unreasoning appetites and blind desires. He no longer has infused knowledge, but must learn the answers to his daily problems by labor and experience.
5. So often this interior conflict brings confusion to the mind and indecision to the will. Yet man's natural reason is still able to judge good and evil, still able to distinguish truth from falsehood. To save you from all serious doubts, I have given you My Church to guide your mind and strengthen your will.
6. As long as you have a human body on earth, you cannot be entirely free from venial sins, nor can you live without some sorrow and weariness. Yet you must do your best with patience and determination, regardless of failures. All too soon this present state of disorder will pass away. Then will your earthly life melt away into the perfect life which I have promised to those who keep My commandments.
THINK: Adam passed on to his descendants the human nature which he himself possessed a nature that was weakened by his disobedience. A large part of man's weakness ties in this, that after the Fall, man's animal nature retained its normal strength and appetites, but was no longer under the perfect control of man's higher power of reason and freewill. God, however, made up for this weakness by giving us His grace. By the use of God's grace, man can avoid fully deliberate sins, and thus become once more the master of his life.
PRAY: My God, I am glad to have Your law guide me through life. With Your help, I want to correct the evil in my life and avoid, as far as possible, those temptations which will face me in the future. True, I often follow the law of sin, obeying my feelings instead of my reason. I want what is good, but I do not always know how to achieve it. Time and again, I make good resolution, but in my weakness I quickly fall back and give up after a feeble resistance. At times, I know what I should be doing, but I simply fail to rise up and do it. With Your help I shall begin to act I want to do all I can to live a life of loyalty to Your holy Will. Amen.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
My Daily Bread Book 1 Chapter 28
Book One: The Way of Purification
AFTER CONVERSION
CHAPTER 28 Closer Friendship with God
CHRIST: MY CHILD, I have said that the Kingdom of God is within you. Turn to Me with your whole heart. Do not think too much of this world, and your soul will find rest in Me. Do not let this earthly life take all of your attention. Think often of Me and of My Will in your life. Then you will become more conscious of My presence within your soul. I bring you the gifts of peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. These gifts are not given to those who pay too much attention to this earthly life.
2. One who loves Me and lives My truth, is a supernatural person. By My grace he becomes free from sinful and dangerous desires. He can freely turn to Me. He is able to rise above the visible world around him and enjoy My friendship.
3. As iron, cast into the fire, loses its rust and becomes bright with the flame, so too a man who turns his whole heart to Me, is purified of all sluggishness and changed into a new man.
THINK: If I take this step and concentrate more on God's place in my daily life, I shall find the peace of Christ. Earthly worries and distractions become small in the presence of God. The more I am impressed by Him, the less shall I be impressed by everything else.
PRAY: My God, I want to be deeply impressed by You and Your holy Will in my daily life. Teach me to live this life of mine in Your presence, sharing with You my thoughts, desires, and every activity throughout the day. Let me recognize and follow Your Will as it comes to me through people and events in my daily life. Amen.
CHAPTER 28 Closer Friendship with God
CHRIST: MY CHILD, I have said that the Kingdom of God is within you. Turn to Me with your whole heart. Do not think too much of this world, and your soul will find rest in Me. Do not let this earthly life take all of your attention. Think often of Me and of My Will in your life. Then you will become more conscious of My presence within your soul. I bring you the gifts of peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. These gifts are not given to those who pay too much attention to this earthly life.
2. One who loves Me and lives My truth, is a supernatural person. By My grace he becomes free from sinful and dangerous desires. He can freely turn to Me. He is able to rise above the visible world around him and enjoy My friendship.
3. As iron, cast into the fire, loses its rust and becomes bright with the flame, so too a man who turns his whole heart to Me, is purified of all sluggishness and changed into a new man.
THINK: If I take this step and concentrate more on God's place in my daily life, I shall find the peace of Christ. Earthly worries and distractions become small in the presence of God. The more I am impressed by Him, the less shall I be impressed by everything else.
PRAY: My God, I want to be deeply impressed by You and Your holy Will in my daily life. Teach me to live this life of mine in Your presence, sharing with You my thoughts, desires, and every activity throughout the day. Let me recognize and follow Your Will as it comes to me through people and events in my daily life. Amen.
Monday, August 16, 2010
My Daily Bread Book 1 Chapter 27
Book One: The Way of Purification
AFTER CONVERSION
CHAPTER 27 Holiness in Everyday Life
CHRIST: MY CHILD, at times you hear people say that they are too busy to bother with religion. People who say such things do not understand Me, nor themselves, nor their daily life. They do not realize that religion is as necessary an activity as eating, sleeping and working.
2. 1 am far more than the air you breathe, the food you eat, and the rest which brings you renewed strength. All of these things, and everything else, come to you- from My hand. Without My loving support each moment, these things would fail you, and you yourself would vanish from the face of the earth.
3. 1 am the center of your existence. You depend on Me more than you dream, just as you give due attention to the people who come into your daily life, so too is it normal for you to give due attention to Me. To speak to Me, to try to please Me, to ask for My help, to express sorrow for your offenses, and to love Me for My goodness-these are normal acts for any intelligent human being. The more I show Myself to him, the more should he strive to please Me in his everyday life.
4. Religion is the bond which unites you to Me. To neglect it is as foolish as refusing to breathe, or eat, or rest. In fact, it is worse. These other things keep your body alive, but religion is necessary for the eternal life of your soul.
5. The man who neglects this part of his life is abnormal, that is, he is not what he ought to be. He is neglecting something which is natural and normal for him, something which perfects him more than he realizes.
6. There is no real opposition between laboring for your earthly needs, and laboring for Heaven. You have to work each day, but this work can be a glorious prayer. You must eat, work, sleep, and have recreation, but all of these can become holy actions, actions done for eternal life.
7. Whatever you do, do it as I want it done, and you will be doing it as perfectly as possible. Be reasonable in whatever you do, or say, or think. Refuse to violate My commandments, regardless of any earthly advantage or disadvantage. I made the things of this life for you, so that you may perfect yourself by using them intelligently. Let My words and example guide you in whatever you do. In doubt consult My Church. Do this and you will be working for success on earth and an all -satisfying glory in Heaven.
THINK: Once I get a full view of this earthly life, I will see how all-important a part God plays in it. Instead of living for the moment or for the next few years, I'll live for my highest and most important goal. I will see the unending importance of what I am doing today, I will understand how each act of this day helps me become a little more perfect, a little more ready for Heaven. Only sin is foolish. Only sin is bad. All else is good and pleasing to God, because it helps me in one way or another.
PRAY: My Father in Heaven, I desire to make the best use of this earthly life of mine. I want to live as full a life as possible. Therefore, in everything I think, do, or say, I want You to be my Partner. Since You support me in all my thinking, speaking and acting, I want to please You in them. By living this way, I will be following Your wisdom and my own highest good. I now join this daily life of mine to the earthly life of Jesus, Your divine Son. With His example and with the strength of His holy sacraments, I hope to please You every moment. Thus, my daily life will be my best preparation for eternal life. Amen.
AFTER CONVERSION
CHAPTER 27 Holiness in Everyday Life
CHRIST: MY CHILD, at times you hear people say that they are too busy to bother with religion. People who say such things do not understand Me, nor themselves, nor their daily life. They do not realize that religion is as necessary an activity as eating, sleeping and working.
2. 1 am far more than the air you breathe, the food you eat, and the rest which brings you renewed strength. All of these things, and everything else, come to you- from My hand. Without My loving support each moment, these things would fail you, and you yourself would vanish from the face of the earth.
3. 1 am the center of your existence. You depend on Me more than you dream, just as you give due attention to the people who come into your daily life, so too is it normal for you to give due attention to Me. To speak to Me, to try to please Me, to ask for My help, to express sorrow for your offenses, and to love Me for My goodness-these are normal acts for any intelligent human being. The more I show Myself to him, the more should he strive to please Me in his everyday life.
4. Religion is the bond which unites you to Me. To neglect it is as foolish as refusing to breathe, or eat, or rest. In fact, it is worse. These other things keep your body alive, but religion is necessary for the eternal life of your soul.
5. The man who neglects this part of his life is abnormal, that is, he is not what he ought to be. He is neglecting something which is natural and normal for him, something which perfects him more than he realizes.
6. There is no real opposition between laboring for your earthly needs, and laboring for Heaven. You have to work each day, but this work can be a glorious prayer. You must eat, work, sleep, and have recreation, but all of these can become holy actions, actions done for eternal life.
7. Whatever you do, do it as I want it done, and you will be doing it as perfectly as possible. Be reasonable in whatever you do, or say, or think. Refuse to violate My commandments, regardless of any earthly advantage or disadvantage. I made the things of this life for you, so that you may perfect yourself by using them intelligently. Let My words and example guide you in whatever you do. In doubt consult My Church. Do this and you will be working for success on earth and an all -satisfying glory in Heaven.
THINK: Once I get a full view of this earthly life, I will see how all-important a part God plays in it. Instead of living for the moment or for the next few years, I'll live for my highest and most important goal. I will see the unending importance of what I am doing today, I will understand how each act of this day helps me become a little more perfect, a little more ready for Heaven. Only sin is foolish. Only sin is bad. All else is good and pleasing to God, because it helps me in one way or another.
PRAY: My Father in Heaven, I desire to make the best use of this earthly life of mine. I want to live as full a life as possible. Therefore, in everything I think, do, or say, I want You to be my Partner. Since You support me in all my thinking, speaking and acting, I want to please You in them. By living this way, I will be following Your wisdom and my own highest good. I now join this daily life of mine to the earthly life of Jesus, Your divine Son. With His example and with the strength of His holy sacraments, I hope to please You every moment. Thus, my daily life will be my best preparation for eternal life. Amen.
Friday, August 6, 2010
LIVE A LIFE THAT MATTERS
Whether you are ready or not, someday your life will come to an end.
There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.
Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.
Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear.
So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do lists will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.
It won’t matter where you came from, or on what side of the tracks you lived at the end.
It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant, even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.
So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you got, but what you gave.
What will matter is not your success, but your significance.
What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught.
What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered, or encouraged others to emulate your example.
What will matter is not your competence, but your character.
What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you are gone.
What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those you love you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.
Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s not a matter of circumstances, but of choice.
Choose to live a life that matters.
~ Anonymous
There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.
Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.
Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear.
So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do lists will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.
It won’t matter where you came from, or on what side of the tracks you lived at the end.
It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant, even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.
So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you got, but what you gave.
What will matter is not your success, but your significance.
What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught.
What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered, or encouraged others to emulate your example.
What will matter is not your competence, but your character.
What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you are gone.
What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those you love you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.
Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s not a matter of circumstances, but of choice.
Choose to live a life that matters.
~ Anonymous
Sunday, August 1, 2010
My Daily Bread Book 1 Chapter 26
PART TWO
AFTER CONVERSION
Having seen your complete need of God, and of His loving attention and generosity, try to realize that He deserves the best love and loyalty which you can offer Him. How can you please Him more in your daily life? Part of this question is answered in this section.
Book One: The Way of Purification
AFTER CONVERSION
CHAPTER 26 Beginning a New Life
CHRIST: MY CHILD, do not lose the hope of making spiritual progress. You still have time. Your chance is not over yet. Why put off your good intentions until tomorrow? Now is the time for action I Begin this very moment! Here is your opportunity to make a new start. Begin your new life with the help of My grace.
2. Always keep a steady hope of achieving success. Do not let your failures discourage you. Beware also of over-confidence, so that you may not become a victim of pride or laziness.
3. Whenever you have to omit your prayers or some daily spiritual exercise, because of some urgent duty or for the sake of your neighbor, try to make up later what was omitted. Do not be too ready to omit spiritual exercises because of weariness. This can easily become a habit which will hurt you.
THINK: It is easy enough to start again. All I have to do is: (1) to examine my life, (2) face what needs to be done, (3) pray for strength, and (4) start doing it. I may fail on this occasion or that, but the main thing is that I have begun and am determined to go on trying in spite of any failures which may occur.
PRAY: Lord, now I begin I Help me to live as You desire. If it is your will, I can do it. If You want this of me, I ought to do it. Let me not be a coward and run away from Your Will. You know what is right and best. I must begin now. Lord, help me. I do not expect to become a different person overnight, just as my faults developed slowly over a period, so too will the opposite virtues grow within me. I will not be discouraged when my old faults catch me by surprise. My love for You will be proved by action, that is, by a steady, patient effort to get rid of my faults and to practice the opposite virtue. Now I begin. Amen.
AFTER CONVERSION
Having seen your complete need of God, and of His loving attention and generosity, try to realize that He deserves the best love and loyalty which you can offer Him. How can you please Him more in your daily life? Part of this question is answered in this section.
Book One: The Way of Purification
AFTER CONVERSION
CHAPTER 26 Beginning a New Life
CHRIST: MY CHILD, do not lose the hope of making spiritual progress. You still have time. Your chance is not over yet. Why put off your good intentions until tomorrow? Now is the time for action I Begin this very moment! Here is your opportunity to make a new start. Begin your new life with the help of My grace.
2. Always keep a steady hope of achieving success. Do not let your failures discourage you. Beware also of over-confidence, so that you may not become a victim of pride or laziness.
3. Whenever you have to omit your prayers or some daily spiritual exercise, because of some urgent duty or for the sake of your neighbor, try to make up later what was omitted. Do not be too ready to omit spiritual exercises because of weariness. This can easily become a habit which will hurt you.
THINK: It is easy enough to start again. All I have to do is: (1) to examine my life, (2) face what needs to be done, (3) pray for strength, and (4) start doing it. I may fail on this occasion or that, but the main thing is that I have begun and am determined to go on trying in spite of any failures which may occur.
PRAY: Lord, now I begin I Help me to live as You desire. If it is your will, I can do it. If You want this of me, I ought to do it. Let me not be a coward and run away from Your Will. You know what is right and best. I must begin now. Lord, help me. I do not expect to become a different person overnight, just as my faults developed slowly over a period, so too will the opposite virtues grow within me. I will not be discouraged when my old faults catch me by surprise. My love for You will be proved by action, that is, by a steady, patient effort to get rid of my faults and to practice the opposite virtue. Now I begin. Amen.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
My Daily Bread Book 1 Chapter 25
Book One: The Way of Purification CONVERSION
CHAPTER 25 Man's Greatest Treasure
CHRIST: MY CHILD, only in Me will you find what is best and most precious for you. God is far greater and better than all things created. I am the Most High. No one else is all-powerful. God alone is perfectly charming and full of consolation. In Me you will find perfect beauty and all-satisfying love. Most noble and most glorious above all things is the Maker of all.
2. Beg often for the grace to find your joy in Me above all things created; above health or beauty; above glory and honor; above power and dignity; above all knowledge and cleverness; above all praise and admiration; above all arts and enjoyments; above all material comforts and wealth; above all hopes and promises; above all human consolation and appreciation. Treasure Me more than the gifts and rewards which I bestow on men. In Me you will find more than in everything else.
3. Whatever I give, whatever is not God, is too little and insufficient for you. I made you for Myself, the Perfect Good. Your heart will not find true rest until it rests in Me, the Perfect Giver and the Perfect Gift.
THINK: No matter what I like or love, unless it is God Himself, it can never give me the perfect happiness which my soul desires. So many who reached earthly success, finally took their own life. Why? Because they came to realize that nothing on earth could give them the happiness which they wanted. They should have turned at last to God, but they had forgotten Him in their foolish quest for earthly joy.
PRAY: Dear Lord, I cannot live for a joy that is doomed to fade away. Though I hope for a reasonable joy on earth, I shall never turn my back on You by sin. Earth's good things only reflect Your beauty, Your goodness and Your power. I will never abandon the Glorious Reality for the sake of Its reflection. When I am tempted to sin for some earthly attractions, give me the grace to remember Your goodness, greatness and love. Amen.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
My Daily Bread Book 1 Chapter 24
Book One: The Way of Purification
CONVERSION
CHAPTER 24 Purgatory Here or Hereafter
CHRIST: MY CHILD, do not expect to find peace until you have overcome a variety of troubles and opposition. If you say that you cannot bear much suffering now, how will you be able to endure the purifying pains of Purgatory hereafter?
2. The patient man finds a cleansing purgatory in this earthly life. When others wrong him, he is more sorry that evil is done than that he has been wronged. He forgives the evil-doer from the bottom of his heart. He is not slow to ask pardon when he himself has hurt others. He is more easily moved to pity than to anger. He frequently disregards his feelings and tries to live above them, according to his intelligence and My grace.
THINK: Either here on earth or hereafter in Purgatory I must make up for each fault I commit. Nothing tainted will be allowed to enter Heaven. I can purify my soul now by following the example and words of Christ, my Redeemer. He gained for me the grace to conquer sin and error. Now I must do my part by living a holy life. If I refuse, and die in venial sin, I'll have to make it up in Purgatory. If I die in mortal sin, I shall condemn myself to hell forever.
PRAY: My Jesus, you fulfilled Your Father's Will largely by Your patience during Your earthly life. Therefore, it is only right that I, a miserable sinner, should be patient in my own daily life. Even though this present life may feel like a burden, still, by the help of Your grace, it is a great opportunity to earn heavenly merit. Your holy example and the lives of Your saints, make this life lighter and more bearable for those who take time out each day so as to see more clearly Your way to Heaven. Amen.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
My Daily Bread Book 1 Chapter 23
Book One: The Way of Purification
CONVERSION
CHAPTER 23 Striving for Compunction
CHRIST: MY CHILD, unless a man tries hard to acquire a holy sorrow for his sins, he is not worthy of My heavenly consolation. Are you doing your best to acquire this compunction?
2. This grace will reach you more easily if you will turn your back, for a while, on your daily distractions. Come aside more often, to be alone with Me. Reflect on My gifts and your misuse of them. Be honest and face the truth. Reading and reflecting will help you to realize the wickedness of all sins, even smaller ones. Do not look for new theories and mere curiosities, but stick to solid everyday truth, truth which will improve your daily life.
3. In solitude and quiet you will discover the hidden treasures of Holy Scripture. As you become more intimate with Me, your Creator, you will make great progress. You will find tears to wash and purify your soul. You will also have a deep interior joy as My holy angels and I draw near to you. Learn to pray and labor unseen by the eyes of men.
4. Slowly, as the gift of compunction fills your soul, you will be filled with fresh vigor. As you become more eager to make up for your sins, you will find hard things becoming easier.
THINK: Jesus said that certain devils are driven out only by prayer and fasting. This shows that some of God's gifts are given only if we do our part to prepare ourselves for them. Compunction will be lasting and fruitful only if I make a sincere personal effort to receive it worthily and apply it wisely. Through solitude, prayer, reading, and meditation, I will understand how I can best receive and use compunction in my daily life.
PRAY: O holy and merciful Father, fill my soul with true compunction. Make me honest in admitting my sins, and determined in overcoming them each day. I need Your assistance, so that I may not be a coward, but may make a sincere daily effort to please You more in all my activities. Help me to abandon anything in life which is opposed to Your holy gift of compunction. Amen.
CONVERSION
CHAPTER 23 Striving for Compunction
CHRIST: MY CHILD, unless a man tries hard to acquire a holy sorrow for his sins, he is not worthy of My heavenly consolation. Are you doing your best to acquire this compunction?
2. This grace will reach you more easily if you will turn your back, for a while, on your daily distractions. Come aside more often, to be alone with Me. Reflect on My gifts and your misuse of them. Be honest and face the truth. Reading and reflecting will help you to realize the wickedness of all sins, even smaller ones. Do not look for new theories and mere curiosities, but stick to solid everyday truth, truth which will improve your daily life.
3. In solitude and quiet you will discover the hidden treasures of Holy Scripture. As you become more intimate with Me, your Creator, you will make great progress. You will find tears to wash and purify your soul. You will also have a deep interior joy as My holy angels and I draw near to you. Learn to pray and labor unseen by the eyes of men.
4. Slowly, as the gift of compunction fills your soul, you will be filled with fresh vigor. As you become more eager to make up for your sins, you will find hard things becoming easier.
THINK: Jesus said that certain devils are driven out only by prayer and fasting. This shows that some of God's gifts are given only if we do our part to prepare ourselves for them. Compunction will be lasting and fruitful only if I make a sincere personal effort to receive it worthily and apply it wisely. Through solitude, prayer, reading, and meditation, I will understand how I can best receive and use compunction in my daily life.
PRAY: O holy and merciful Father, fill my soul with true compunction. Make me honest in admitting my sins, and determined in overcoming them each day. I need Your assistance, so that I may not be a coward, but may make a sincere daily effort to please You more in all my activities. Help me to abandon anything in life which is opposed to Your holy gift of compunction. Amen.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
My Daily Bread Book 1 Chapter 22
Book One: The Way of Purification
CONVERSION
CHAPTER 22 Compunction of Heart
CHRIST: MY CHILD, how can any man abandon himself to the pleasures of this earthlylife? Such people do not appreciate the miserable condition of their souls, nor the rapid passing away of this brief experience. They do not stop to think and to look beneath the surface of their daily activities. They laugh when they have many reasons to weep. Happy is he who can overcome the distractions which hinder him from straight thinking.
2. As for you, strive to develop within yourself a genuine compunction of heart. Compunction is a deep and lasting sorrow for your sins. It is not a gloomy nor depressing sorrow, but an intelligent admission of your sins and a sincere determination to do something about them. Since compunction comes from a realization of how you have failed so good a God, it brings with it a readiness to accept anything from My Hand.
3. Compunction opens the way to many blessings and precious graces. When compunction fills your soul, the world will lose its magic attraction and will become more distasteful to you. Compunction will help you realize how quickly earthly joys pass away, while eternity goes on forever. You will see clearly that your sins have off ended Me. One who has genuine compunction, is honest enough to admit his sins, and is truly sorry for them. His sorrow is proved by his sincere efforts to be rid of his faults.
THINK: Compunction is a great grace by which God helps me to face the truth about my sins. It also helps me to prove my sorrow for my faults. By compunction a man begins to attack his faults and to practice the opposite virtues. I can be sure of my sincere sorrow only when I have begun to do something about my faults. Compunction is a lasting sorrow because it is not an emotion, but rather an intelligent admission of facts. It shows me my faults, God's goodness, and my own need to change for the better. Then it helps me undertake the daily task of abandoning my faults and acquiring the opposite virtues.
PRAY: Lord, I want to live a cheerful life, but I do not want that kind of cheerfulness which refuses to admit the truth. I can admit my sins and still be cheerful, as long as I am doing my best to overcome and make up for these sins. I do not want any gift or talent which might make me proud, or worse in any way. Not everything that is high is holy; nor is every pleasant thing good. Good desires are not always unselfish. You, my Lord, are not always pleased with the things that we prize. It is far better to have compunction than to be able to talk about it. Grant me genuine compunction, so that I may hate my sins and daily fight against them. Amen.
CONVERSION
CHAPTER 22 Compunction of Heart
CHRIST: MY CHILD, how can any man abandon himself to the pleasures of this earthlylife? Such people do not appreciate the miserable condition of their souls, nor the rapid passing away of this brief experience. They do not stop to think and to look beneath the surface of their daily activities. They laugh when they have many reasons to weep. Happy is he who can overcome the distractions which hinder him from straight thinking.
2. As for you, strive to develop within yourself a genuine compunction of heart. Compunction is a deep and lasting sorrow for your sins. It is not a gloomy nor depressing sorrow, but an intelligent admission of your sins and a sincere determination to do something about them. Since compunction comes from a realization of how you have failed so good a God, it brings with it a readiness to accept anything from My Hand.
3. Compunction opens the way to many blessings and precious graces. When compunction fills your soul, the world will lose its magic attraction and will become more distasteful to you. Compunction will help you realize how quickly earthly joys pass away, while eternity goes on forever. You will see clearly that your sins have off ended Me. One who has genuine compunction, is honest enough to admit his sins, and is truly sorry for them. His sorrow is proved by his sincere efforts to be rid of his faults.
THINK: Compunction is a great grace by which God helps me to face the truth about my sins. It also helps me to prove my sorrow for my faults. By compunction a man begins to attack his faults and to practice the opposite virtues. I can be sure of my sincere sorrow only when I have begun to do something about my faults. Compunction is a lasting sorrow because it is not an emotion, but rather an intelligent admission of facts. It shows me my faults, God's goodness, and my own need to change for the better. Then it helps me undertake the daily task of abandoning my faults and acquiring the opposite virtues.
PRAY: Lord, I want to live a cheerful life, but I do not want that kind of cheerfulness which refuses to admit the truth. I can admit my sins and still be cheerful, as long as I am doing my best to overcome and make up for these sins. I do not want any gift or talent which might make me proud, or worse in any way. Not everything that is high is holy; nor is every pleasant thing good. Good desires are not always unselfish. You, my Lord, are not always pleased with the things that we prize. It is far better to have compunction than to be able to talk about it. Grant me genuine compunction, so that I may hate my sins and daily fight against them. Amen.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
My Daily Bread Book 1 Chapter 21 : Last Call for Our Honorable Politicians Before the Elections
Book One: The Way of Purification
CONVERSION
CHAPTER 21 Holy Fear of God
CHRIST: MY CHILD, if you desire to make progress along the way to Heaven, keep in your heart a holy fear of the Divine justice. It is only reasonable that you should be afraid to hurt yourself. When you bring sin into your life, you are making yourself an object of My justice. I, the Eternal Truth, cannot accept you as good if you have become bad by sin. Therefore, keep your earthly desires under control and refuse to surrender yourself to unnecessary or dangerous pleasures. This holy fear of My justice will help you to stay free of the slavery of earthly attractions.
2. It is not very wise to think only of having a pleasant time and to forget your spiritual needs. It is reasonable and good for you to be afraid of losing My graces. Without them you can never reach the perfect life and happiness of Heaven.
3. If your love of Me is not yet strong enough to hold you back from doing wrong, then let your fear of hell keep you from sinning. A man who lacks this wise and holy fear, will not go on doing good for long. He will soon fall into Satan's snares, as he becomes more careless in avoiding temptations. This fear is a holy thing because it is given by Me. It makes a man strong in the daily battle against his unreasoning and selfish desires.
4. Even the saints, with all their confidence in Me, had this fear of Divine justice. They knew the weakness and blindness of human nature. They were not less careful, nor less humble, because of their great virtues and many graces.
THINK: If my love of God ever fails to hold me back from sin, it will be because my self-love is strong at the moment. Yet, even then I can make a last effort against this misguided love by the thought of God's justice, which will deal with me as I deserve. It is a foolish man, indeed, who will refuse to consider the harm that can overtake him if he follows a certain path. This holy fear of God's justice is "the beginning of wisdom" because it guides men on to a holier life.
PRAY: My God, I do not want to presume so much on Your love as to forget Your justice. You will some day deal with each man according to his works. I desire to make good use of all the gifts which Your love daily sends me. May I never forget that I must one day account for my misuse of these gifts. This thought will help me to fight sin and to please You more in my daily life. Amen.
Monday, May 3, 2010
My Daily Bread Book 1 Chapter 20 (dedicated to our HONEST Filipino politicians running this May)
Book One: The Way of Purification CONVERSION
CHAPTER 20 The Pains of Hell
CHRIST: MY CHILD, I have proved My goodness by My numberless gifts to men. They cannot mention a single good thing in their daily life which does not belong to Me. My love for them was proved by My earthly life of labor, work, suffering and prayer to obtain forgiveness for their sins. Anyone who takes time to think of what I deserve, cannot deny that he owes Me more than he can ever repay. Yet, in spite of My goodness and love, some people choose to walk away from Me. They refuse to follow My directions. As a result they fall into sin. Though I made them for Heaven, they shall never see it because they are refusing to do what it takes to get there.
2. Hell was made for the devil and his rebel angels. Man was made for Heaven. In refusing to live for Heaven, a man chooses to exist without Me. He shall have his wish - he shall join the rebel angels in hell. In refusing to follow My law, a man actually turns his back on Me as the fallen angels did. If he dies in this condition, he condemns himself to hell. The jury which convicts him is his own sinful life. I merely pronounce sentence on what he himself has chosen.
3. There is nothing on earth which can compare with hell. It is beyond all description. One must see it to know it. Though I may try to give you some small idea of it in this chapter, remember, this is a tiny and very imperfect idea of the real thing. Words fall far short of the reality which is hell. I make no threats here. I simply want you to face this fact: Unless you live for Heaven, you shall one day be in hell.
4. All the sufferings known to man are as nothing in comparison with the sufferings of hell. The wise man would rather bear any trial on earth than place himself in danger of hell. One single hour of hell will be harder than a hundred years of suffering on earth. In this earthly life people have some rest from their labors and trials. They get some measure of consolation from their friends. In hell, however, there is no rest, no consolation, and no friends.
5. The fires of hell will never die. There will be no end to suffering. One will find no comfort in knowing that he has been there a thousand years. He can never hope for an end to his tortures. All the other sufferings would be bearable if only the damned could hope for relief. Despair is hell's bitterest pain.
6. In hell a man will be punished through the same faults by which he sinned on earth. Each sin will have its own particular torment. The lazy will be forced to work continuously. The gluttonous will be tormented with extreme hunger and thirst. The proud will be filled with confusion, and the greedy will feel the pinch of miserable want.
7. And yet, the worst pain of hell is none of these. The people in hell would gladly bear all of this and much more if only they could hope for My friendship and love, no matter how long it might take, be it even a billion years from now. Their keenest torment is that they have forever lost Me, the Source of all true joy and perfect happiness. This suffering makes hell the home of despair and undying hatred.
8. My child, follow My Will in your daily life, and you need never fear hell. In fact you have every reason to be joyful and merry if you are following My commandments and using My sacraments. Do not condemn yourself to hell by refusing to obey My directions. I love you dearly. Do not prevent Me from taking you to Heaven.
THINK: Hell is a fact. Christ, Our Lord, pointed this out time and again during His earthly life. Whoever rejects this fact is simply denying the word of Christ. He is God. He proved His divine power many times during and after His earthly life. His word is truth. He preached the truth of hell and continues to preach it today through His Church and Holy Scripture.
PRAY: My Jesus, many find too hard a command in the words: "Deny yourself, take upyour cross, and follow Me." Yet a much harder command will be: "Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire." If I become so impatient with a little suffering now, how can I ever stand hell? I cannot expect to have unrestricted enjoyment on earth and still rejoice with You in Heaven. Therefore, dear Lord, that I may be safe from eternal punishment, let me do my best in bearing the burdens of this earthly life. Let me prefer to suffer on earth or even die now rather than commit a mortal sin. Amen.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
My Daily Bread Book 1 Chapter 19 (dedicated to all Filipino politicians)
Book One: The Way of Purification
CONVERSION
CHAPTER 19 God's Standards
CHRIST: MY CHILD, on the Day of judgment the rags of the poor will shine more brilliantly than the fine clothes of those who loved this earthly life too much. The homes of the poor will be honored more than the comfortable mansions of the rich. In that hour the patience of My loyal followers will have greater merit than the human might of this world. Simple obedience to My laws will be more highly praised than all earthly cleverness.
2. In the Day of Truth a pure and good conscience will bring more joy than mere learning. The man who refused to sin for earthly gain, will be the envy of those who lived only for this world. You will have more consolation for having prayed devoutly than for having enjoyed earth's pleasures and comforts.
3. Then you will be glad of the prayerful silence you observed, rather than for having talked a great deal. Good works will be of greater value than good words. Self-control and healthy penance will be more pleasing to you than all the delights of earth.
THINK: How different are God's standards from those of worldly men. Is it any wonder that those who live God's way seem to live a foolish life? Yet the real fools are those who disagree with God's standards. Christ is sure to triumph at the judgment, and those who follow His standards are certain to triumph with Him.
PRAY: My Jesus, can I be fool enough to live by any other standard than Yours? Let me embrace Your standards in my daily life. Though I may find life harder, I will not complain as long as I know that Your Will is guiding me. Through the Church and the Scriptures, You promise to lead me to a happy judgment and a joyful eternity. I hope to be a loyal follower of Yours each day of my earthly life. Amen.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
My Daily Bread, Book 1 Chapter 18
Book One: The Way of Purification CONVERSION
CHAPTER 18 The Day of Judgment
CHRIST: MY CHILD, those who are loyal to My commandments in this life, will not be in terror on the Day of Judgment. The sign of the cross will appear in the sky when I come to judge the world. Then all my loyal followers, the followers of the cross, will come with great confidence to Me, their crucified King and judge.
2. On that day, the just shall stand against those who annoyed and persecuted them. Those who humbly bore the judgments of their fellowmen, will rise to judge the rest on that day. The poor and the humble will have great confidence and joy, but the proud and the selfish lovers of this world will have many reasons to be afraid.
3. In that hour everyone will see that the wisest people were those who preferred to follow My commandments and live My way. They will no longer be considered fools by the worldly-minded. All wrong-doing will be silenced and condemned, while every suffering endured with patience, will bring joy and gladness. The unreligious will be sad, but My devoted followers will be filled with happiness. Many will thank Me for the hardships and trials which they bore on earth. That day will show forth My power, wisdom, and majesty.
THINK: Like a river that flows ever onward toward the sea, the current of daily life moves ever onward toward the Day of judgment. That day will correct the wrong standards and foolish ideals of worldly men. It will be the Day of Truth, the triumph of holiness. Will I drift along on my daily course or will I regularly check my direction by an intelligent self- examination? I prepare for a joyful judgment or a fearful one by the kind of life I live today.
PRAY: O Jesus, My judge and King, I refuse to drift along each day until death takes me by surprise. I want to follow Your standards as You speak to me today through Your Church. Tell me how You want me to live and I hope to follow Your every wish. I need not fear the judgment if only I will be loyal to You in my daily life. Amen.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
My Daily Bread Book 1 Chapter 17
CONVERSION
CHAPTER 17 The Coming Judgment
CHRIST: MY CHILD, you must one day give a full account of your earthly life. How will you stand before Me, the just judge, from Whom nothing is hidden? I take no bribes and accept no excuses. At present you can take advantage of My Divine Mercy. When this earthly life is over, you will receive strict justice.
2. Can you be so great a fool as to go on putting off your good resolutions, when pardon can be so easily obtained now? If you go on postponing your resolutions, how will you face My Divine justice-you who are sometimes frightened by an angry fellow-human?
3. Why not begin today to prepare for the day of judgment? You will find it far less terrible if you begin now to live as I command. On the day of judgment no man can be excused or defended by another. Each one will find it difficult enough to answer for his own sins.
THINK: While I am on earth, my efforts are useful, my tears are acceptable, my sorrow has power to purify my soul. God desires to forgive me here and now. It is better to wash away my sins and correct my bad habits now, rather than leave them for purification after death. I am deceiving myself when I follow my feelings and put off my repentance and resolutions.
PRAY: Lord, let me think of my sins and be sorry for them, so that on the day of judgment, I may enjoy security with Your angels and saints. Teach me to do penance in little things now, so that I may not be subjected to worse sufferings hereafter. True, I should do all of this in loyalty to You. Yet, I am so selfish that I must have some fear to spur me on when my love for You fails. Amen.
Friday, April 2, 2010
My Daily Bread Book 1 Chapter 16
Book One: The Way of Purification
CONVERSION
CHAPTER 16 Being Ready for Death
CHRIST: MY CHILD, your actions and thoughts should always be as orderly as though you expected to die this day. If you are unprepared today, how will you be prepared tomorrow? Tomorrow is uncertain. How do you know that you will be alive tomorrow? If you have ever seen person pass away, just reflect that you too must pass away as he did.
2. You can do many good works while you enjoy good health, but when you are sick, who knows what you will be able to do? Few people are improved by sickness. So too, those who have too many worldly interests seldom increase in holiness, because they are full of distractions. Recollection and prayer are the seeds of a good life; and a good life is the path to a holy death.
3. It is better to provide for yourself while you are still here in this life. Do not rely on the prayers and help of others after your death. The present time is precious. Now is your opportunity. This is your day of salvation. Spend today profitably. Send your prayers, sacrifices and good works to Me before you come to Me to be judged. It is within your power to earn eternal life by a wise use of this present time.
4. Think often of death, and remember that time lost will never return. You have not a lasting dwelling on this earth. In this life you are like a traveler. You will never have rest until you are united with Me, your Saviour.
THINK: Few things are certain in this earthly life. The most certain fact of all is that I am to die. When? Where? How? I know not. That I shall die, however, is certain. Many people are dying at this very moment. I am too busy with my own life to give much thought to them. So will it be when I am dying. That moment will be very important to me, but the world will go right on about its business. If I do not prepare for death by a good life, I am a fool.
PRAY: Lord, let me not fear death with an empty fear, but with a wise and holy fear. An empty fear does not make men any better, but a wise and holy fear urges them to improve their lives. I will prepare for death by trying today to please you more and more in my thoughts, desires, words and actions. If I live this day as You desire, I shall be ready at any moment, and death will be nothing worse than Your loving call. Amen.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
My Daily Bread Book 1 Chapter 15
Book One: The Way of Purification
CONVERSION
CHAPTER 15 The Peace of a Good Conscience
CHRIST: MY CHILD, if you have a good conscience, you need not have any fear of death. It is better to try to avoid sin than to try to escape death.
2. A wise man reflects often on the hour of death, so as to be prepared for it at all times.
3. If you want to please Me, try to become today the kind of man you would like to be at the time of your death. Make this effort, and death will find you full of confidence and peace. For this must you daily strive: a healthy contempt for worldly comforts, a burning desire to advance in virtue, a love of right order in your actions, a spirit of penance, readiness to obey authority, self-discipline, and patience to bear adversity for My sake.
THINK: A good conscience means that I have honestly tried to learn what God desires of me, and I have sincerely tried to do what He desires. Without these two efforts there is no good conscience. A man who knows that he has really made those two efforts, has a good conscience. To such a man, God gives His peace. Others may be distracted with earthly activities and interests, but they do not have that interior peace which can remain calm even in the face of death.
PRAY: My God, I hope to obtain Your holy assistance so that I may never avoid learning Your holy Will, nor ever fail to follow it in my daily life. I may find a little less pleasure if I follow Your Will, but I shall enjoy Your peace, which is greater than any pleasure. If ever I become selfish enough to avoid Your Will, let my conscience disturb and annoy me until I return to You. Amen.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
My Daily Bread Book 1 Chapter 14
Book One: The Way of Purification CONVERSION
CHAPTER 14 Man's Last Moments
CHRIST: MY CHILD, when your last hour arrives, you will see this earthly life in a new light. If you were neglectful and careless about My law, you will have great regret. If you lived as I desire, your heart will be full of joy.
2. The time is coming when you would like to have another day, or even one more hour, to make up for the past. Take your day and your hour now that you have the time. Who can guarantee you another hour when you feel life slipping away?
3. Death may come at any time. Always be ready for it. In this way you will be free of fear or danger, no matter when My angel calls you from this life. Live in such a way that the hour of death may bring you joy rather than fear.
4. Never love any earthly thing too much. Place your confidence in Me and look to Me as your greatest Treasure. I am far more to you than you can even suspect. A weak soul is enslaved by its earthly desires and loves. The prayerful man gains a heavenly liberty from this life, a liberty which is not understood by worldly men.
THINK: No matter what my interests may be, or how important they may seem, when death comes, I will leave everything and go to my judgment at once. Others will take my place and assume my importance and my activities. Few people know that their death is near. Most men are surprised by the arrival of death. To those who love God, it is a cause of joy. To those who love this earthly life too much, it is a painful parting.
PRAY: My God, make me wise in my esteem for the work, the pleasures, the honor and the successes of this earthly life. Let me want nothing that might separate me from You. My first interest shall be to please You, to do everything as You desire. In this way, I hope to be ready for eternity every moment of the day. Amen.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
My Daily Bread Book 1 Chapter 13
Book One: The Way of Purification
CONVERSION
CHAPTER 13 Nearness of Death
CHRIST: MY CHILD, in a little while this earthly life of yours will be over, just how ready are you to enter into the next Life? Man exists today, and tomorrow he is seen no more. When he is out of sight, he is quickly also out of mind. The human heart can be so dull and hard! It fixes its attention on things present. It often fails to provide for the things that are to come.
2. In the morning consider for a moment the fact that you may not live till evening. When evening comes do not be too confident that you will see the next morning. These thoughts should not make you gloomy, but practical. Live in such a way that death will never find you unprepared. Live each day as you would want to live the last day of your life. Too many die suddenly and unprepared. I have warned everyone: "The Son of Man will come at that hour when He is not expected."
3. How many have deceived themselves into thinking that they still had plenty of time. They were snatched unexpectedly from this life. How often have you heard that someone was killed in a fight; another was drowned; another fell and broke his neck? This man died while sitting at table. That one passed away while enjoying a game. Some die by fire; some by violence; some are destroyed by disease; some are killed at the hands of robbers. Thus death brings an end to all, and man's life suddenly passes away like a fleeting shadow.
THINK: Why should I refuse to face facts? Will I die any sooner if I think of death? Or am I going to escape death if I never think of it. The most terrible death which can come to me is the death which will find me in mortal sin. Every other aspect of death is a passing thing, but this last phase — the unprovided death — will hurt me forever.
Death, with all its uncertainties, is a fact. I should face facts and see what can be done about them. What can I do about death? I can live in such a way that no matter when death comes, it will find me in sanctifying grace.
PRAY: Lord, for those in mortal sin, death is the gateway to hell, but for those in sanctifying grace, it is the pathway to Heaven. Let my greatest desire in life be to live in such a way that I can die fearlessly at any moment. Let me fear sin more than death or any other earthly harm. Amen.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
My Daily Bread Book 1 Chapter 12
Book One: The Way of Purification
CONVERSION
CHAPTER 12 Extreme Love of This Life
CHRIST: MY CHILD, learn wisdom from the folly of worldly people. See how hard they take their worldly losses! For an earthly gain men will labor and suffer so much, but their spiritual losses are so easily forgotten. They are often interested in matters which have little or no value, and they negligently pass over matters which are important. Their entire attention is often absorbed by external affairs. Unless you fight to control your thoughts, you too will be enslaved by the passing events of the present moment.
2. How foolish are those who do not realize their miserable condition, making this passing earthly life the only object of their desires! Some cling so to this life that, if they could remain here forever, they would not care at all for the Kingdom of God. They would prefer to stay on earth even though they might have to strain and struggle for the bare necessities of this earthly existence.
3. How foolish and blind these people are! They lie buried so deep in earthly things that they enjoy only the pleasures of the senses. In a short while, they will come to the end of their earthly life. Then they will have a bitter realization of the uselessness and nothingness of what they loved.
THlNK: The best way to realize the quickly-passing value of earthly attractions, is to look at them in the past. Where are the enjoyments of last year? What became of the glory for which I struggled so hard five years ago? What's left of last summer's pleasures? Gone! All finished and gone! Do I want to go on living for that kind of happiness or do I want perfect, all- satisfying-never-ending happiness? Only a fool would hesitate in answering this question.
PRAY: Lord and Father of all intelligence, may I never be guilty of the supreme folly-the folly of those who believe in living for today's earthly pleasures, without bothering about their eternal salvation. In the Gospel You speak of the man who sat back and prepared to think only of the pleasure and enjoyment of his earthly possessions. To him You said: "Thou fool! This night will they require thy soul of thee!" He died that night, unprepared to face his judge. Let me always face life's greatest fact-I live for Heaven or for hell. My earthly life will show what choice I make. My God, give me the strength to live a holy life on earth so that I may receive the eternal reward of Heavenly life with You. Amen.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Flower Drum Song Auditions
The production is in search of actors / singers / dancers for the following roles:
Lead female character MEI LI, a new immigrant from China , twenties, soprano
WANG CHI YANG, a Chinese opera actor and immigrant to San Francisco , fifties, baritone /
WANG TA, a Chinese-American, son of Wang Chi Yang, twenties, tenor
CHIN, wise old family friend of the Wangs, sixties, baritone
LINDA LOW, a Chinese American showgirl, twenties, mezzo
MADAME RITA LIANG, a Chinese American talent agent with strong comic timing, forties, mezzo.
Auditionees must have had previous acting experience in musical theater productions. They are requested to come prepared with two songs, one of which should be from the musical and the role that he / she wants to audition for. Please bring musical score for piano if accompaniment is necessary. Also be prepared to show a 2-minute dance routine and do a short reading.
The musical is slated to be staged at the CCP Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater) from October 15 to November 7, 2010 under the auspices of the Cultural Center of the Philippines . Noted stage director and designer Loy Arcenas will direct the musical to the new book by David Henry Hwang based on the original script by Oscar Hammerstein and Joseph Fields. Other members of the artistic team are choreographer Edna Vida Froilan and costume designer Gino Gonzales. Executive Producer is Nestor Jardin.
Those interested to audition for the musical are requested to bring their bio-data and one close up and one full body photograph. For details, please contact Ms. Bernie Abella at telephone no. 832-1125 loc 1111 or Ms. Clottie Lucero at 832-1125 loc. 1606 or 1607.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
My Daily Bread, Book 1 Chapter 11
Book One: The Way of Purification
CONVERSION
CHAPTER 11 An Honest Daily Effort
CHRIST: MY CHILD, so often your thoughts are on unimportant things. You do not center them enough on Me nor on your greatest need. After a few moments of recollection, your thoughts go right back to useless distractions. As a result you rarely get a good look at yourself and your actions. You hardly know your real worth because you take so little notice of your desires, motives, and intentions. You fail to be impressed by your many faults because you are blind to what is going on within your heart. Your interior motives are often selfish and corrupt. Consequently, your external actions are very imperfect and unsatisfactory. From a pure heart come the fruits of a good life, but from an imperfect heart there can only come an imperfect life.
2. External activity proceeds from internal vigor. If you serve Me only by external observances, you are no true follower of Mine. You must apply the ax to the root of your troubles. Learn to control this selfish nature of yours, and you will possess My peace. I daily offer you My grace for this divine purpose. Do not keep looking at your weakness. Do not be afraid to make the attempt. Nothing is impossible to Me. Fix your eyes on Me and make a sincere effort to follow My Will. Your difficulties will gradually vanish.
3. Try as you will, you will always make a number of unavoidable mistakes. Still, with a little violence to yourself, you will gradually be able to serve Me with more ease. If you rooted out of your life one single fault each year, you would soon become a perfect man. Nowadays, however, people seem to be at their best at the beginning of their conversion. They consider it a great accomplishment if they do not become worse with time.
THINK: Many admit that they have faults. When, however, any particular fault of theirs is pointed out to them, they will immediately justify themselves. They simply refuse to come face to face with any particular fault of theirs. As a result they live a lifetime with little progress in virtue. To better my life I must see and admit what is wrong. Then I can proceed to improve myself.
PRAY: My God, make me brave enough to face my faults, honest enough to acknowledge them, and strong enough to fight them. I think of many things each day, but so many of my interests are unimportant and useless. Give me the strength and the generosity to make definite resolutions against definite faults. May I never be so selfish as to stop trying to please You more each day. Though my faults seem to continue, still my efforts must remain firm and I must go on trying to become daily a better man. If I will go on trying, I cannot help becoming better each day. A continued effort will slowly destroy my selfishness, and my faults will gradually weaken and die. Lord, on You I depend for the light and strength for this daily battle. Amen.
CONVERSION
CHAPTER 11 An Honest Daily Effort
CHRIST: MY CHILD, so often your thoughts are on unimportant things. You do not center them enough on Me nor on your greatest need. After a few moments of recollection, your thoughts go right back to useless distractions. As a result you rarely get a good look at yourself and your actions. You hardly know your real worth because you take so little notice of your desires, motives, and intentions. You fail to be impressed by your many faults because you are blind to what is going on within your heart. Your interior motives are often selfish and corrupt. Consequently, your external actions are very imperfect and unsatisfactory. From a pure heart come the fruits of a good life, but from an imperfect heart there can only come an imperfect life.
2. External activity proceeds from internal vigor. If you serve Me only by external observances, you are no true follower of Mine. You must apply the ax to the root of your troubles. Learn to control this selfish nature of yours, and you will possess My peace. I daily offer you My grace for this divine purpose. Do not keep looking at your weakness. Do not be afraid to make the attempt. Nothing is impossible to Me. Fix your eyes on Me and make a sincere effort to follow My Will. Your difficulties will gradually vanish.
3. Try as you will, you will always make a number of unavoidable mistakes. Still, with a little violence to yourself, you will gradually be able to serve Me with more ease. If you rooted out of your life one single fault each year, you would soon become a perfect man. Nowadays, however, people seem to be at their best at the beginning of their conversion. They consider it a great accomplishment if they do not become worse with time.
THINK: Many admit that they have faults. When, however, any particular fault of theirs is pointed out to them, they will immediately justify themselves. They simply refuse to come face to face with any particular fault of theirs. As a result they live a lifetime with little progress in virtue. To better my life I must see and admit what is wrong. Then I can proceed to improve myself.
PRAY: My God, make me brave enough to face my faults, honest enough to acknowledge them, and strong enough to fight them. I think of many things each day, but so many of my interests are unimportant and useless. Give me the strength and the generosity to make definite resolutions against definite faults. May I never be so selfish as to stop trying to please You more each day. Though my faults seem to continue, still my efforts must remain firm and I must go on trying to become daily a better man. If I will go on trying, I cannot help becoming better each day. A continued effort will slowly destroy my selfishness, and my faults will gradually weaken and die. Lord, on You I depend for the light and strength for this daily battle. Amen.
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