Sun chat April 19: We’ll be talking about peace amidst suffering during our chat session on Sunday. Here are some questions from above that will guide our reflection: How can Jesus give peace to our lives when we feel that our lives are anything but peaceful? How do we experience peace even as we are full of worries about the house, the car, the kids, the job, and the demands and deadlines of our state and stage of life? When do we possibly find or make the time to be at peace? SrSusan (guest): How can Jesus possibly provide this kind of peace for which each of us – and all of us – long so deeply?
The only other time that Jesus offers peace in this fashion is in Saint John’s post-resurrection accounts (see John 20:19, 21, 26). Are we willing to pray to Jesus that He speaks such words of peace over us? That He, too, breathe the Holy Spirit on us? May we dare to ask: “Lord, please breathe peace onto me!”

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SrSusan (guest): Hoping you are in a state of peace.

Apr 19 2015, 7:10 PM

Lisa C: When the Sisters used to come into the class room we used to curtsy and say, God be praised good morning Sister! I feel like saying that to you, Mother

Apr 19 2015, 7:10 PM

Lisa C: Yes, I am in a state of peace, but for the past few days there were major attempts to disrupt my peace

Apr 19 2015, 7:11 PM

SrSusan (guest): But it’s Good evening in this case! Yes some teachers still have the children do that

7:11 PM

Lisa C: Yes but we were not in school in the evening

4

, 7:11 PM

Anne M: I am peaceful.

Apr 19 2015, 7:11 PM

Judy K: I am peaceful too.

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Anne M: Maybe tired too. Had the rosary makers bake sale after all the Masses today. Worked out well, between $400 and $500

Apr 19 2015, 7:12 PM

Judy K: i have lots of input tonight.

Apr 19 2015, 7:12 PM

Anne M:

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Carol Ann: Hi Everyone!

Apr 19 2015, 7:14 PM

Judy K: For the first question, I have to say that I don’t know how Jesus gives peace to us, but I do know that He does.

Anne M: I know it, too. He does, just as he says he does.

Apr 19 2015, 7:15 PM

SrSusan (guest): I think Jesus Himself is the Peace and He gives Himself to us

Apr 19 2015, 7:15 PM

Judy K: The overriding need in acquiring peace is prayer, asking for help from the Lord, and to persist in asking.

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Carol Ann: I seem to find this peace most when I am in silence and solitude

Apr 19 2015, 7:16 PM

SrSusan (guest): A true contemplative!

7:16 PM

Lisa C: I do not think that everyone gets peace from Him because they do not dispose themselves to get it

Apr 19 2015, 7:16 PM

Anne M: Not only does he give peace in the midst of troubles, but seems to have gone way over and above in very personal ways in my life.

Apr 19 2015, 7:16 PM

Carol Ann: yes, you must open yourself to Him

Apr 19 2015, 7:16 PM

Dawn L: Hi Mother Susan

17 PM

Lisa C: I think that to get peace from Him you must conform your will to the will of God, and then you receive peace no matter what

Apr 19 2015, 7:17 PM

SrSusan (guest): Hi Dawn! When one is deeply troubled one can find oneself distracted even before His Real Presence but He gently touches our souls

Lisa C: The sacraments especially Communion give me real peace too

Apr 19 2015, 7:18 PM

SrSusan (guest): I agree the Will of God is everything but sometimes we have great resistance

Apr 19 2015, 7:18 PM

Dawn L: yes, I’ve experienced this

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Judy K: We also need to open ourselves to peace and to eliminate obstacles to peace. And we do need God’s help to do this. We need to determine the reason, the causes for our lack of peace. Sometimes we need to take steps on our own to create peace. First, is to eliminate all sinful habits (an obvious one) for we cannot have peace if we are not in union with God’s will.

Apr 19 2015, 7:18 PM

Lisa C: Yes, Mother it is not easy to conform to His will

 

Carol Ann: How did you discern which way to go?

Apr 19 2015, 7:21 PM

Judy K: As an example of some other things: trouble with kids–is it physical, consult a physician; consult any number of physicians until the problem is solved. If it is behavioral, consult the school counselor, perhaps get family therapy, perhaps classes in parenting skills. Problems on the job? Seek the help of a supervisor or boss.

Apr 19 2015, 7:22 PM

Judy K: Yes, you can have peace in the midst of trial and sufferings and that is truly a gift from the Lord.

Apr 19 2015, 7:22 PM

Lisa C: Mother, I think the world beats up people who seek God.

Apr 19 2015, 7:24 PM

Carol Ann: I think so too Lisa

Apr 19 2015, 7:24 PM

SrSusan (guest): More than anything else it is Peace I found and hold onto in the Monastery

Anne M: Reading scripture also brings me much peace. I like to say, “Lord, you said this, I don’t feel it now, but I trust in your Word. Thank you!

Apr 19 2015, 7:25 PM

SrSusan (guest): The world now is getting more furious with believers yet I see so many faithful attending daily Mass, Christian Catholic Candles carrying Christ daily

:26 PM

Lisa C: Regarding difficulty understanding how to conform to God’s will there is a book which I think is great. Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence. 6 PM

Judy K: I think that a big cause of decreased peacefulness is that people are doing too much. Might need to look at your daily schedule. Is there anything that I can eliminate (even an activity that I enjoy)? Do I need to learn to say :no?” Do I need to get help? Do I need to delegate tasks to others (even the children)? Am I exceeding my physical strength? If prayer is the mainstay of the journey to peace, if you are too busy to pray,you are too busy.

Apr 19 2015, 7:27 PM

Judy K: Is it by deCaussade?

Apr 19 2015, 7:27 PM

Lisa C: Half of the book was written by St. Margaret Mary’s spiritual director, St. Claude de la Columbiere, SJ, and the other half by another Jesuit Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure

Apr 19 2015, 7:27 PM

Anne M: Patience also, Judy. People have become so used to immediate information… they get frustrated quickly if forced to wait.

Apr 19 2015, 7:27 PM

Lisa C: They are both Jesuits and both I think were her contamporaries

Apr 19 2015, 7:28 PM

Judy K: That is so true, Anne. We also need patience in waiting for peace. It might take a while to come.

Apr 19 2015, 7:28 PM

Lisa C: I have the book but I found a website that has it as a PDF file if anyone wants to read it.

Apr 19 2015, 7:28 PM

Carol Ann: There is another great book by a Carmelite named Stinnison. I’m searching for the title again

Apr 19 2015, 7:28 PM

Dawn L: “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, from for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matt 11:28-30

2015, 7:28 PM

Anne M: Yes, there’s usually a lesson to be learned for us in our troubles…

:29 PM

Dawn L: This scripture passage invokes trust in me for what our Lord says, for who carried a geater

Apr 19 2015, 7:30 PM

Judy K: We need to build in time for peacefulness: maybe a half hour in a day; maybe a weekend retreat, or a weekend away; a longer vacation or a longer retreat.

Apr 19 2015, 7:30 PM

Dawn L: greater burden than He…

Lisa C: http://www.saintsbooks.net/books/Fr.%20Jean%20Baptiste%20Saint-Jure%20and%20St.%20Claude%20de%20la%20Columbiere%20-%20Trustful%20Surrender%20to%20Divine%20Providence.pdf

Lisa C: It is an amazing book, I read it years ago, but reread it this week

 

Lisa C: I am giving a copy to my Mother for Mother’s Day

SrSusan (guest): Yes I know St Claude but not the other and never knew of this book! Thank you so much!!

Judy K: It might also be helpful to create a peaceful atmosphere around us– quiet, peaceful music, clear up clutter (clutter can really disturb peace) decorating with peace inducing items( pictures, colors, type of furniture). there is an old saying that we must work as if everything depends upon us, and pray as if everything depends on God. I think that this is true in the quest for peace. Also spiritual direction can help in finding the reasons for lack of peace and finding steps to open to it.

Lisa C: When you first start the book you think there is no way that God would let bad things happen to people on purpose.

Apr 19 2015, 7:34 PM

Lisa C: That even the sins that people commit against us are allowed by God for our own good.

Dawn L: Lisa, is book same as Abandonment to DIvine Providence….de Caussade? or is different. well thank you for link

Apr 19 2015, 7:36 PM

Lisa C: I think it is different Dawn

Apr 19 2015, 7:36 PM

Judy K: We need to remember Paul’s statement in Romans that all things work for good to those who love God.

Apr 19 2015, 7:36 PM

Lisa C: I keep finding that all Saints do accept God’s will without any conditions

Apr 19 2015, 7:37 PM

Lisa C: Saint Claude de la Columbiere–…”let us suppose that you turn to God with blind trust and surrender yourself unconditionally and unreservedly to Him, entirely resolved to put aside your own hopes and fears; in short determined to wish nothing except what He wishes. From this moment you will acquire perfect liberty and will never again be able to feel troubled or uneasy, and there is no power on earth capable of doing you violence or giving you a moment’s unrest.”

Apr 19 2015, 7:37 PM

Lisa C: Father Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure, S.J.—“The conforming of our will to God’s is not limited to the attainment of our eternal salvation. It also has the effect of making us happy on this earth. It will give us the most perfect peace it is possible to experience in life and is the means of making this world a foretaste of heaven.”

Apr 19 2015, 7:37 PM

Anne M: The Lord requested last Sunday’s Feast of Divine Mercy for a reason. He knows us. That’s why he wanted the image with the Words “Jesus, I trust in you.”

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Carol Ann: I want to do this, but my own wishes keep muddying the waters

Apr 19 2015, 7:39 PM

Lisa C: It works, but to do this I think you have to suffer a lot before you just give up

Lisa C: I have noticed that the more I have the more I have to take care of….and that distracts me

Apr 19 2015, 7:40 PM

Guest1551 (guest): ! God’

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SrSusan (guest): This is powerful- I repeat your quote : entirely resolved to put aside your own hopes and fears; in short determined to wish nothing except what He wishes. From this moment you will acquire perfect liberty and will never again be able to feel troubled or uneasy, and there is no power on earth capable of doing you violence or giving you a moment’s unrest.”

Apr 19 2015, 7:38 PM

SrSusan (guest): Wow!

Guest3125 (guest): Yes, the words of the song keep coming back to me: They can’t kill me, I’ve already died; they’ve lost their power my fate to decide.

M

Guest3125 (guest): Hi guest 1551

Apr 19 2015, 7:40 PM

Carol Ann: here is the book I was looking for: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/into-your-hands-father-wilfrid-stinissen/1112954454?ean=9781586174774

Into Your Hands, Father: Abandoning Ourselves to the God Who Loves Us by Wilfrid Stinissen | 9781586174774 |

41 PM

Lisa C: OH in the book it also says that no one has the power to do evil things to you except if God allows it….like Jesus said to Pilot, you would not have power over me if it were not given to you by God…. 42 PM

Lisa C: And Job could only be attacked by the devil, because God allowed it

Apr 19 2015, 7:42 PM

Judy K: I just checked my bookshelf and Trustful Surrender is indeed a small book (139 pages) available from TAN BOOKS AND PUBLISHERS.

Apr 19 2015, 7:42 PM

Guest3125 (guest): Good thought Lisa!

Apr 19 2015, 7:42 PM

SrSusan (guest): Yes the saints see all things as coming from God, as St Francis de Sales teaches, His signified Will or His Will of Good Pleasure

Apr 19 2015, 7:42 PM

Dawn L: wonderful all these amazing book suggestions!

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Guest1551 (guest): God”s will is for everyone to be saved , soo many people come to Our Lord Jesus by observing believers as they walk through suffering and continue to trust God ! PM

Guest3125 (guest): I hope so, 1551. Maybe that is why our priest this morning said that we should show our wounds.

Apr 19 2015, 7:45 PM

Guest3125 (guest): But I think that my experience is mostly that that drives people away.

Apr 19 2015, 7:45 PM

Judy K: I picked up “Uniformity with God’s Will” by St. Alphonsus de Liguori, another small book (32 pages) also from TAN. I read it a number of years ago but need to read it again.

Apr 19 2015, 7:45 PM

Carol Ann: To show our wounds makes us vulnerable and is totally countercultural

Apr 19 2015, 7:45 PM

SrSusan (guest): Ours said something similar- the apostles touched Jesus’ wounds to show we have to go thru our own wounds to reach healing

6 PM

Lisa C: Something so strange happened this week….I am away from home for 5 weeks working with people I do not know….someone was really very mean, but it was someone whom I had seen in church the week before….they were so mean that I almost wanted to go to a different church so I would not see them, but at the last minute I went to the same church and thought I would sit on a different side from the usual side I sit on, because that person was on the same side I was the week before..

Apr 19 2015, 7:46 PM

Judy K: Perhaps we should show our wounds only to truly good friends.

7:47 PM

Lisa C: I then also decided to sit in the back so hopefully I would not run into the person. I got in the pew and looked around and we were in the same pew! God set me up

Apr 19 2015, 7:47 PM

Dawn L: so what happened Lisa?

Apr 19 2015, 7:47 PM

Carol Ann: Lisa, God does that to me too! What happened?

Apr 19 2015, 7:48 PM

Lisa C: Anyway I was feeling so badly for the last 3 days because of it, and when I was there I felt like He wants me to confront her and make peace.

:48 PM

Lisa C: So at Mass I tried to give the sign of peace to her, but she turned away.

Apr 19 2015, 7:48 PM

Judy K: Ouch!

Apr 19 2015, 7:48 PM

Guest3125 (guest): Did you, Lisa? How?

:49 PM

Anne M: He’s done that to me Lisa. Isn’t he awesome. When I signed up for Christlife we were placed at assigned tables. I was across from a woman who drove me quite mad for a while. I had to laugh “Lord, you did that on purpose” LOL 49 PM

Carol Ann: It happens so often that I laugh too. It’s like He’s giving us do-overs

Dawn L: It is easier to ask someone if we have offeneded them, harder to mention they did us

Apr 19 2015, 7:50 PM

Anne M: Yes

Apr 19 2015, 7:50 PM

Lisa C: It was so hard for me to even go to the same church, because she was so malicious….I was feeling so awful

Apr 19 2015, 7:50 PM

Lisa C: When she acted that way in church I stopped questioning myself

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Carol Ann: Do you have any idea why she did what she did?

Apr 19 2015, 7:51 PM

SrSusan (guest): Hi Karen!

Apr 19 2015, 7:51 PM

Dawn L: did you wonder if perhaps she is carrying pain, and in some way sees you as able to help her?

Apr 19 2015, 7:51 PM

Guest3125 (guest): On Easter Sunday last year I moved up to a place behind a pillar in order to make room for a friend’s husband who’d come in late. Right next to me was a man who, I am almost sure, had stollen from me at the beginning of lent. I’d had to report it to the police.

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Judy K: I think that you are right about the carrying pain part, but I suspect that she might resent Lisa who probably seems not to have a problem in the world. Perhaps she is jealous of something she sees in Lisa.

Apr 19 2015, 7:53 PM

Guest3125 (guest): He started trembling — as if he thought that I was making him. Or maybe he was withdrawing from drugs.

Apr 19 2015, 7:53 PM

Judy K: Hi Karen.

Apr 19 2015, 7:54 PM

Lisa C: Carol and Judy there is no way to know

:54 PM

Guest3125 (guest): He was eyeballing the purse of a woman in front of us. I treated him normally. M

Judy K: It may come out unexpectedly at some point.

Apr 19 2015, 7:54 PM

Karen P: As difficult as it is, I have found that if I pray that the person who has been mean to me receives all that they need from the Lord, it seems to help me feel better about running into them. Lisa, you may never know why she was mean and she may not even know that she was hurtful. Especially if she is in emotional pain. Praying will help everyone involved.

Apr 19 2015, 7:54 PM

Guest1551 (guest): We are like firefighters for The Lord He places us in a unique community in need of His Love ! The people around us who do not know God are living with flames blinding them from truth ! We can help put out the flames by living in the Word of God ! Our relationship with Jesus puts out the fires around others and allows others to see Jesus !

:55 PM

Guest3125 (guest): A week or so later all my stuff was returned to the lost and found, except for a check. Later, the check, too, was returned. :55 PM

Lisa C: Karen she was deliberately hurtful, she knew , 7:55 PM

Karen P: Wow! Guest 3125. That is amazing.

 

Apr 19 2015, 7:55 PM

 

Judy K: She certainly needs prayer.

Judy K: 1551, I love the concept of our being Firefighters for the Lord. Not only are some people living with flames who can blind them, but they might also be living with flames that could lead to spiritual death.

Apr 19 2015, 7:57 PM

Guest3125 (guest): Karen, yes, the police thought so, too. It had to be reported, of course, as returned.

Apr 19 2015, 7:57 PM

Carol Ann: Karen, I think that is part of the path to peace

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Karen P: When I first was taught to pray for those who hurt me, I would pray that God should give them everything they deserve – and I was not thinking they deserved good things. As I continued to pray for them, my feelings changed and I found myself sincerely praying that they receive what they needed so that their pain would not be so great and they would not be so hurtful to others.It sometimes took me weeks to get there. But it certainly helped my attitude about the person, and I hope it helped them.

Apr 19 2015, 8:00 PM

Guest1551 (guest): When people attack us it is a good thing when they know that we know God! Their attack can be the beginning of their journey to Jesus ! That’s why Jesus instructs us to Love our enemies !

01 PM

Judy K: Forgiveness might be another path to peace. It is better to forgive than to carry resentment with us for any length of time. Resentment just brings us down further and we are the ones suffering. The other person might be blissfully unaware. If we forgive, we let go of the resentment and can find peace. We are not constantly dwelling on the issue and gradually let it go completely. And then peace comes.

Apr 19 2015, 8:01 PM

Lisa C: Yes, I agree with praying for them, but my first instinct would be to avoid them. I guess God did not want that this time.

5, 8:02 PM

Karen P: Good point 1551! We pray for them and the Holy Spirit works in them and who knows what might happen. I agree, Lisa, that avoiding would also be part of my instinct. I don’t have to be near them to pray for them. But as you said, God had another idea for this one. Maybe He wanted to be sure someone was willing to pray for her!

Apr 19 2015, 8:03 PM

Dawn L: not always to discern spirit we are dealing with

Apr 19 2015, 8:03 PM

Dawn L: not easy to

Apr 19 2015, 8:03 PM

Judy K: And the forgiveness does not necessarily have to been spoken to the offender. As long as on forgives in his/her heart.

Apr 19 2015, 8:03 PM

SrSusan (guest): I think it is important to look at 2 platforms: 1 from non-peace to peace; 2, a basically peaceful soul undergoing temptations or disruptions to shake one’s peace.

Apr 19 2015, 8:03 PM

Karen P: Very true Judy!

Apr 19 2015, 8:03 PM

Anne M: People can be in a lifelong prison of pain from serious hurts early in life from those who are supposed to protect them. The Lord works miracles in their lives too. It may take them 40 years or more to even know him, but he keeps working on them. Sometimes through their own bad choices…

Apr 19 2015, 8:03 PM

Judy K: As long as one (not on) forgives.

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Guest3125 (guest): The hard part though, is forgiving at the same time as having to file a formal complaint, e.g., against a professional who has violated professional standards and laws regulating the profession — whether you’ve been the victim or only a witness. Violence has to be stopped.

Apr 19 2015, 8:04 PM

SrSusan (guest): There are different stages of spiritual growth

4 PM

Karen P: I don’t think forgiving means that you don’t act. But it does help us to act without malice.

Apr 19 2015, 8:05 PM

Judy K: But the person who has been in a state of peace may be able to maintain that peace, with God’s help, even in the midst of troubles and attacks.

Apr 19 2015, 8:05 PM

Dawn L: thank you, this is important Mother Susan, to see these situations as a temptation

Apr 19 2015, 8:05 PM

Karen P: Sr. Susan, I think the act of praying for the person who hurt me moved me from a place of nonpeace to a place of peace.

Apr 19 2015, 8:05 PM

Guest3125 (guest): Yes, Karen. That is important.

Anne M: Yes, we know that now, but some people just beginning that journey aren’t there yet. Court, jail, hospital… Then hopefully they get a glimpse of the Lord and the journey begins

Guest3125 (guest): Our priest this morning said he thought everyone, Christian or not, is seeking peace.

Apr 19 2015, 8:07 PM

Carol Ann: Hi Sr. Mary Roberta

Apr 19 2015, 8:07 PM

Karen P: Carrying one particular hurt became a terrible burden and really colored my thinking. I saw myself through the lens of that hurt. It took a lot of prayer for that person to free me from the hurt. I think knowing that prayer can do this helps me when I am struggling with the temptation to be upset with someone now.

Apr 19 2015, 8:07 PM

Judy K: “No storm can shake my inmost calm when to that Rock I’m clinging; since Love is Lord of Heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing.” Words of a popular hymn.

Guest1551 (guest): I will never forget a meeting we had with about 40 people for our prison ministry ! We were going to quickly discuss obstacles to forgiveness ! 3 and a half ours later their was one incredible story after story of how when obstacles were removed individuals and in some cases whole families were healed in incredible ways ! We hold back God”s hand when we don’t forgive and we release His Glory when we forgive !

Apr 19 2015, 8:08 PM

Karen P: Hello Sister Mary Roberta!

Apr 19 2015, 8:08 PM

SrSusan (guest): Hi Sister!

Apr 19 2015, 8:08 PM

Karen P: Excellent witness to how forgiveness changes us, 1551. Peace comes with forgiveness.

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Mary Roberta Viano: When you reach a milestone in life (like my 70th, today), you have a good chance to look back and seek/give forgiveness!

Apr 19 2015, 8:10 PM

Judy K: Happy Birthday, Sister Mary Roberta! You caught up with me.

Apr 19 2015, 8:10 PM

Karen P: Happy 70th, Sister Mary Roberta! God Bless you with many more!

Apr 19 2015, 8:10 PM

Anne M: Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Sister, Happy birthday to you.

Apr 19 2015, 8:10 PM

Carol Ann: Happy Birthday!

Apr 19 2015, 8:10 PM

Lisa C: Happy Birthday, Sister

Apr 19 2015, 8:10 PM

Guest3125 (guest): Happy Birthday, Sister Roberta.

Apr 19 2015, 8:10 PM

Dawn L: Happy Day, Sr Mary <3

Apr 19 2015, 8:11 PM

Guest3125 (guest): I think there is something “magical” about turning 70.

Apr 19 2015, 8:11 PM

Judy K: And may you be blessed with abundant peace throughout your life.

Apr 19 2015, 8:11 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: Father challenged us in his homily today to EXPERIENCE Christ and then WITNESS to that EXPERIENCE in our lives – esp. RE: His love and mercy1

Apr 19 2015, 8:11 PM

Guest1551 (guest): Happy Birthday Sister ! God Love You ! Brian

SrSusan (guest): A most blessed Birthday tho late in the day! Prayers for you!

Apr 19 2015, 8:11 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: Thanks so much for your good wishes! Please pray for me!

M

Mary Roberta Viano: I think any movement into a new decade is significant!

Apr 19 2015, 8:12 PM

Anne M: will do

5, 8:12 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: I remember thinking my life was almost over when I turned 30! 2 PM

Lisa C: I am always surprised when I move to a new decade that it feels the same as the day before LOL

Apr 19 2015, 8:13 PM

Guest3125 (guest):

8:13 PM

Karen P: Lisa, I hope that you are able to not let this other person steal your peace from you. I was also told that when I let that happen, I am the one who gave it away. But I find that I can have a hard time not reacting for a while until I can get the prayers going and regain it. Then I wonder why I let them upset me to begin with.

Apr 19 2015, 8:13 PM

Judy K: That’s funny. I wasn’t upset about it but I was bugged when I turned 32. Why I don’t know.

, 8:13 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: True, Lisa. But it does make one stop and think: Where have I been and where am I going? 3 PM

Lisa C: Karen, God took care of it PM

Karen P: I am glad to hear that and that you are in good space, my chat room frien PM

Mary Roberta Viano: Right, Karen. There have been so many times when someone has told me to stop letting that other person “get” to me / rob my peace

Guest3125 (guest): I think God has allowed me to live this long (almost 71) because He is so patient and I am such a slow learner — there’s much more work he has to do on me.

Apr 19 2015, 8:15 PM

SrSusan (guest): How do you regain it? Sometimes I need to immediately pray

5 PM

Judy K: We need to develop oily feathers like ducks have. Everything rolls off their backs.

Apr 19 2015, 8:16 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: Yes, pray. And one of our wise sisters says to always stop and simply decide NOT to think about the offense for several hours – and then it inevitably starts to fade.

Apr 19 2015, 8:16 PM

Judy K: Yes Sister Susan, turn to prayer immediately and in a positive mindset–with trust that the Lord will come to your aid.

Apr 19 2015, 8:16 PM

Guest3125 (guest): Funny, Karen.

Apr 19 2015, 8:16 PM

Karen P: Easier said than done, but always true when I look back. I have to pray, and sometimes I have to remind myself that God loves me no matter what that other person says or does. I have even been known to curl up in my bed and quietly sing Jesus loves me to myself to just remind me that that is the only opinion that matters.

Apr 19 2015, 8:17 PM

Lisa C: Sr. Mary Roberta, sometimes the offense can take years to fade or decades

Apr 19 2015, 8:17 PM

Dawn L: lately,when someone says does hurtful mean thing, I can remember to say…and begin my prayers….God Bless you

M

Guest1551 (guest): Everyday is an opportunity for us to put everything else aside an to Trust God and do whatever we know He wants us to do ! Love God and Love others no matter what is happening around us or how we are feeling! 17 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: and always pray, asking that person’s Guardian Angel to step in and help the situation M

Judy K: Wow, Sister, I would not have thought of that.

Apr 19 2015, 8:18 PM

Karen P: I like that wise sister’s point that not focusing on the hurt also helps. Whatever I focus on, increases, so I need to pray and go on about my day as if nothing hurtful has happened.

Apr 19 2015, 8:18 PM

Carol Ann: St Padre Pio always asked guardian angels to help

Apr 19 2015, 8:19 PM

Karen P: I would not have thought of that either, Judy! Good idea, Sr. Mary Roberta!

Apr 19 2015, 8:19 PM

Dawn L: wise counsel to ask Guardian Angel to intercede

Apr 19 2015, 8:19 PM

Anne M: I’m not convinced some things can be forgotten. Only overcome with forgiveness. I remember yelling out to the Lord in anger once. Then gave everything over to him and the sting started to fade. Not the memory

Apr 19 2015, 8:19 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: Our priest this morning talked about A’bishop Oscar Romero’s witness to his faith in the face of great opposition. Think of the offenses he suffered – unto death!

Apr 19 2015, 8:19 PM

Judy K: I think that I need to pay more attention to my Guardian Angel, and to angels in general.

Apr 19 2015, 8:20 PM

Guest3125 (guest): Yes, Ann. He reframes or transforms our memories; he usually does not take them away.

8:20 PM

Guest3125 (guest): Those are the wounds, which, sometimes, when we show them — healed or partially healed — help others.

Apr 19 2015, 8:21 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: As I look at the saints witness to Our Lord and how they let no offense stop them, I’m encouraged to try to do the same.

Apr 19 2015, 8:21 PM

Karen P: Anne, forgiving does not mean forgetting. But it helps to heal the hurt when the hurt is remembered. And it allows us to lose the pain and malice toward the offender. It doesn’t mean that we put ourselves into harm’s path again either.

Apr 19 2015, 8:21 PM

Carol Ann: the book i listed talks about the healing of memory through prayer

8:21 PM

Judy K: Peter tells us to cast all our cares upon the Lord for He cares for us. I think that is a good thing to remember. Lay our troubles at the foot of the cross and commit them to the Lord.

Apr 19 2015, 8:22 PM

SrSusan (guest): Angels saints- all are supernatural helps which we need but often we prefer the natural methods, forgetting the power God offers us

Apr 19 2015, 8:22 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: The important thing is not how I’ve been offended but rather how I can move forward witnessing to Christ’s life (love, forgiveness) in me.

Apr 19 2015, 8:22 PM

Karen P: Yes, Jesus is the great healer!

2 PM

Judy K: He is the Divine Physician.

Apr 19 2015, 8:23 PM

Carol Ann: What do you think of the common idea that you forgive for your own sake and not because the other person deserves to be forgiven?

Apr 19 2015, 8:23 PM

Lisa C: Mother Susan Marie, it seems that sometimes even though we stay close to God and ask for help it is something He has to let us go through

Apr 19 2015, 8:23 PM

Anne M: And that, Sister, is a journey.

Mary Roberta Viano: I find if I get hung up on how I myself have been hurt, then my focus is no longer on the Lord, but on me.

Apr 19 2015, 8:23 PM

Karen P: And the angels and saints can all intercede for us with Him!

Apr 19 2015, 8:24 PM

Judy K: Carol Ann, I think that there is truth to that. But we must also forgive because the Lord asks it of us.

Apr 19 2015, 8:24 PM

Anne M: What is very comforting is that after the fact, even many years after, you see how the Lord has always been close to you. When you thought you were alone.

24 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: I think that’s true, Carol Ann, because getting stuck in unforgiveness is like getting stuck in mud!

Apr 19 2015, 8:24 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: there’s no going forward or back!

Guest1551 (guest): Jesus carries the wounds that we caused by our sin to Heaven ! He has forgiven us past , present , and future and we will see those wounds when we see Him in Heaven ! 5 PM

Karen P: I have found that I am helped when I forgive, and it may or may not affect the other person. So the saying goes about holding onto a resentment (instead of forgiving) being about drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. It only hurts us. But forgiving, hopefully, helps both. :25 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: Yes, and that’s why I like to say the chaplet to Christ’s 5 wounds. PM

Anne M: Grudges don’t hurt the other person.

Apr 19 2015, 8:26 PM

Anne M: so true

Apr 19 2015, 8:26 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: Yes, Karen, we’re the one who can’t move beyond the grudge to the freedom Christ wants to give us.

Apr 19 2015, 8:26 PM

Karen P: but grudges wreck havoc with us. Better to forgive and move on. Even if the other person doesn’t know or want the forgiveness.

Apr 19 2015, 8:26 PM

Carol Ann: so, by saying the other person doesn’t deserve forgiveness, are you holding on to the hurt/resentment, and, no matter how damaging th sin against you, stil perpetuating it?

Apr 19 2015, 8:26 PM

Judy K: If we do hold grudges or resentments, we probably get agita from them and who needs that.

27 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: Yes, I think that’s why Salesian optimism is so important – always think/see the best in the other, not the worst.

Apr 19 2015, 8:27 PM

Karen P: I think the Lord’s prayer says it for me – I will be forgiven based on how I forgive. So I don’t think I can say anyone doesn’t deserve forgiveness.

Apr 19 2015, 8:27 PM

SrSusan (guest): Grudges are direct opposite of peacefulness

:28 PM

Karen P: True, Mother Susan. One cannot be at peace and carry a grudge at the same time.

Apr 19 2015, 8:28 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: That’s the really scary thing, Karen: So, unless I forgive, God won’t forgive me.

Apr 19 2015, 8:28 PM

Anne M: I like to imagine myself entering the Gates of Heaven and seeing any/all who have seriously hurt me. If I have a problem with any of them being there, I need to work on it. I can truly say today that I hope all are in Heaven one day. Whew, What a relief.

Apr 19 2015, 8:28 PM

Judy K: The reality is that we do not deserve forgiveness from the Lord, yet He gives it freely. I guess we must go and do in like manner.

Apr 19 2015, 8:29 PM

Carol Ann: so we are reliving the event over and over in our own minds, without the other person really being involved anymore. essentially just self-torture?

Apr 19 2015, 8:29 PM

Karen P: That thought has sometimes been the only thing that encouraged me to pray for another so that I could let go and forgive them.

Apr 19 2015, 8:29 PM

Lisa C: I think we are coming back to the beginning of the chat where we talked about the hurt that someone gives to us is being allowed by God and it will lead us to some good so there is no reason to hold a grudge

Apr 19 2015, 8:29 PM

Karen P: I am not sure that relive it over and over when we pray for the person, although I guess you could. I just pray for them, not for what happened.

Apr 19 2015, 8:30 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: Yes, when I first entered over a decade ago, the Superior asked me why I was letting a certain person get under my skin and not allow me to live in peace.

0 PM

Judy K: “If God brings us to it, He will bring us through it.” I like that quote. We know that He is by our side no matter what is going on in our lives. PM

Mary Roberta Viano: I needed to let it go so that I could live my own, God-given life.

Apr 19 2015, 8:31 PM

Karen P: And I think we deal with people who annoy us so we can grow. I often am annoyed by others who have a trait I have, but until I see it in someone else, I don’t let God change it in me.

Apr 19 2015, 8:31 PM

Carol Ann: Karen, the reliving comes when we don’t forgive-or forgive for our own sake but still say they don’t deserve forgiveness

Apr 19 2015, 8:31 PM

Guest3125 (guest): Good witness, Judy, and many of my other chat sisters and brother.

Apr 19 2015, 8:31 PM

Anne M: Once when working with the police, I was very agitated about an incident and cried to the Lord. I actually heard “why are they like that” I found that these people needed more compassion, as they were struggling greatly. Not from drugs… just rejection.

Apr 19 2015, 8:31 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: God wants us to love one another despite anything others do to us: Witness Christ on the cross!

Apr 19 2015, 8:32 PM

Guest1551 (guest): Many people are comfortable hurting others because the people they hurt carry the burden when they don’t forgive ! When we forgive the burden they throw at us is reflected back upon them and they must carry it finally ! Over time the burden will get heavier and God will provide them a choice to follow Him ! Then they will be to approach forgiveness if they choose to follow God !

Apr 19 2015, 8:32 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: So, when I get frustrated, I pull out my rosary’s crucifix and just look at it!

Apr 19 2015, 8:32 PM

Anne M: It took me some time to find out “why”, but I pursued that and found out.

PM

Karen P: Wow, Carol Anne. I am not sure that I could say I had forgiven someone and then say they didn’t deserve forgiveness. I had not thought of that. I guess if someone says that, I would think they were still working on forgiving that person.

 

SrSusan (guest): Guest 3125 would you say that when a person is mentally healthy and integrated they would rarely deliberately hurt someone?

SrSusan (guest): I think most of us are still working on wholeness

Apr 19 2015, 8:34 PM

Lisa C: Mother, that would suggest that evil does not exist per se

Apr 19 2015, 8:34 PM

Carol Ann: Karen, me too. I was baffled by the expression & I’ve been trying to analyze it

Apr 19 2015, 8:34 PM

SrSusan (guest): No evil exists and that means an influence from a being an evil being

Apr 19 2015, 8:34 PM

Guest3125 (guest): And instead of seeking peace, consciously, they (many mentally ill people) seek excitement. In fact, it almost seems that our culture encourages excitement, distraction, instead of peace.

Apr 19 2015, 8:34 PM

Judy K: I think that looking at the crucifix is a good reminder to us of just how great Jesus’ love for us is. Perhaps we should do so frequently.

Apr 19 2015, 8:35 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: I guess the point is that we don’t decide who “deserves forgiveness,” God does.

8:35 PM

Lisa C: Mother, but if they were just unhealthy it would not be their fault

Apr 19 2015, 8:35 PM

Lisa C: I know evil exists

PM

Lisa C: Sister MR, God forgives everyone doesn’t He?

Apr 19 2015, 8:36 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: Right, Lisa, so it’s up to us to combat evil with good – i.e., unconditional love and forgiveness.

Apr 19 2015, 8:36 PM

SrSusan (guest): Culpability is tough to measure with wounded people but evil will have a strong influence

Apr 19 2015, 8:36 PM

Carol Ann: you can tell we”re having trouble with judgmentalism where I live!

PM

Mary Roberta Viano: Right, Lisa, so it’s up to us to combat evil with good – i.e., unconditional love and forgiveness.

Carol Ann: you can tell we”re having trouble with judgmentalism where I live!

Apr 19 2015, 8:36 PM

Lisa C: Mother, everyone is wounded

Apr 19 2015, 8:36 PM

Anne M: Absolutely, Sister. And we will be forgiven as we forgive. I remember when that phrase really sunk in to my brain. Wow, I may need some help Lord. LOL

Apr 19 2015, 8:36 PM

Guest1551 (guest): If they do not know God they are under the control of the enemy and in this condition of complete separation from God they are capable of anything !

Apr 19 2015, 8:36 PM

Karen P: I also think most of us are working on wholeness, finding ways to overcome hurts and exist with more peace in our lives. For us in this room, I think we are seeking closeness with Christ more and more to become more and more whole and more wholey His.

Apr 19 2015, 8:37 PM

SrSusan (guest): So following Jesus example of forgiving even those who would kill us is the best model and triumphs over evil

Apr 19 2015, 8:37 PM

Anne M: yes

Apr 19 2015, 8:37 PM

Lisa C: We are supposed to forgive everyone

Apr 19 2015, 8:37 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: I’m off to an early b’day night. Special prayers for you, my cyber prayer-partners, this week!

Apr 19 2015, 8:37 PM

Lisa C: turn the other cheek

Apr 19 2015, 8:37 PM

Anne M: good night

Apr 19 2015, 8:37 PM

Judy K: We are all indeed wounded. That should make us more understanding of others who are suffering.

Apr 19 2015, 8:37 PM

Carol Ann: Happy Birthday, Sister!

37 PM

Lisa C: Happy Birthday again, Sister

Apr 19 2015, 8:37 PM

Guest3125 (guest): Sr. Susan, I’m going to have to think about that one. I think I’ve know a few people who never deliberately hurt anyone unnecessarily.

Apr 19 2015, 8:38 PM

Judy K: Have a happy celebration Sister.

PM

SrSusan (guest): Blessed birthday evening! Thanks for sharing it with us!

Apr 19 2015, 8:38 PM

Carol Ann: Should we pray for each other this week for an increase in our ability to truly forgive?

Apr 19 2015, 8:39 PM

Judy K: That sounds like a good idea Carol Ann!

Apr 19 2015, 8:39 PM

Dawn L: That is a good prayer Carol!

Apr 19 2015, 8:39 PM

Karen P: That is a good idea, Carol Ann! I have really struggled with some old resentments popping up and need to work on letting them go this week!

Apr 19 2015, 8:39 PM

Carol Ann: Jesus has room for them all. I think He throws them into the ocean of mercy, where they simply vanish as though they never were.

Apr 19 2015, 8:40 PM

Lisa C: Mother, there is a difference between hurting someone by oversight and hurting by malice. Maybe sick people are mostly hurting by oversight

Apr 19 2015, 8:40 PM

Anne M: I;m off to bed early tonight too. Tired out today from the bakesale and there’s a Reparation Mass tomorrow. Good Night everyone.

Apr 19 2015, 8:40 PM

Guest1551 (guest): Happy Birthday Sister ! Have a Great Week Everyone ! Jesus is with us !!! Brian

Apr 19 2015, 8:40 PM

SrSusan (guest): Yes Carol Anne- let’s keep that prayer among us this week

Apr 19 2015, 8:40 PM

Carol Ann: Good night Anne, and everyone

Apr 19 2015, 8:40 PM

Lisa C: Sometimes people are too wrapped up in their illness and pain to see the effect they have on others. Then there are people who hurt on purpose.

Apr 19 2015, 8:41 PM

Judy K: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust in Me.”

Apr 19 2015, 8:41 PM

Dawn L: Sr Mary, a peaceful birthday night. And to all the chat sisters and Mother Susan, peace to all of you. this was a great chat! thank you and God be with us all