This is topic touches on what is probably the defining character of Christianity. Christianity isn’t some political system or ideology strictly intended to better society. No, Jesus tells us: “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”​ What do we make of this? Connected with the first question (and in light of the above reflection): If God’s Kingdom is

 

Mar 12 2017, 6:56 PM

Sister Susan Marie: If God’s Kingdom is not of this world, why should we care about the society in which we live?
How do we find the balance of being in society and focusing on our spiritual life?
Read 1 Corinthians 7:32-34. How is consecrated religious life an “answer” to this tension of living in society and living for God? How is consecrated religious life make it a difficulty?

4 PM

Guest1237 (Guest): Hi Everyone ! It’s Judy. Preparing for a big snowstorm on Tuesday. Oh Yippee! Snow is not my favorite thing. Here are my offerings for tinight.

Mar 12 2017, 4:45 PM

Guest1237 (Guest): The Kingdom is not from here. His Kingdom stands in contradiction to the world, the world in the snese of r

Mar 12 2017, 4:46 PM

Guest1237 (Guest): secularism and values that violate the laws of God. It is a Kingdom that will be realized in the life to come with tastes of it during this life.

Mar 12 2017, 4:46 PM

Guest1237 (Guest): 2. We should care about the society in which we live so as to prevent it from sucking us into its values and behaviors.

Mar 12 2017, 4:47 PM

Guest1237 (Guest): We should also care for it so that by our manner of living we might inspire society to seek the better path.

Mar 12 2017, 4:48 PM

Guest1237 (Guest): 3. We participate in societal activities as are necessary for the conduct of such things as civil and legal matters and in such activities as indicate our concern and care for others.

Mar 12 2017, 4:49 PM

Guest1237 (Guest): Also in those things necessary to provide for the physical and emotional well-being of our families and close friends.

Mar 12 2017, 4:50 PM

Guest1237 (Guest): 4 Consecrated life is living the world but not of the world. While living in the midst of society, the consecrated religious is focused primarily on fostering a deep relatiohship with the LOrd and gives time to prayer, liturgical worship reading Scripture and other spiritual works.

Mar 12 2017, 4:52 PM

Guest1237 (Guest): Involvement in society extends to what is necessary for the performance of ministry or work, e.g. teaching, nursing, social work, scientific experimentation and other occupations

Mar 12 2017, 4:53 PM

Guest1237 (Guest): Also participating in activities designed to show appreciation, care and concen for family or origin, close friends or clients.

Mar 12 2017, 4:55 PM

Guest1237 (Guest): Consecrated life makes it a difficulty because it involves a certain detachment from things that society values (money, power, fame, prestige) and a resultant distancing oneself from such things or activities that require such things.

Mar 12 2017, 4:55 PM

Guest1237 (Guest): Have a great week. Do something wonderful for God.

PM

VisitationSiste: Unless we have been touched by the Spirit of God, I wonder how many can separate “the world” from the kingdom. 7, 7:14 PM

Carol Ann: I think that would be extremely difficult because without gr a ce we might think this is all there is17, 7:15 PM

VisitationSiste: and not believe others easily we may say that there is more7:17 PM

Lisa C: In Romans St. Paul says that just by being in the world and seeing what God has made we all know Him and no one has any excuse not knowing Him7:18 PM

Lisa C: Romans 1:0 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. 7:19 PM

Guest2719 (Guest): First time Signed in yes, but I have viewed chats prior. My name is Joan.

Mar 12 2017, 7:19 PM

VisitationSiste: Knowing about and having a relationship with are different tho

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:19 PM

VisitationSiste: Hi Joan!

17, 7:19 PM

Lisa C: Yes, different, but I guess it is a choice then

Mar 12 2017, 7:19 PM

Lisa C: Maybe we are responsible to act on it

Mar 12 2017, 7:19 PM

Carol Ann: Hello Joan! Where in Connecticut are you?

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:20 PM

Lisa C: It’s a partnership of grace and action

Mar 12 2017, 7:20 PM

Carol Ann: Many people see nature and think of it in scientific terms

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:21 PM

Guest2719 (Guest): Fairfield County 😊

7, 7:21 PM

Guest2719 (Guest): We are definitely not of this world!

Mar 12 2017, 7:21 PM

VisitationSiste: I think secularity encourages us to see things naturally but not supernaturally

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:22 PM

Carol Ann: My brother and sister in law live near New Haven

17, 7:22 PM

Carol Ann: Yes, Sr. Even within the Church, there is a tendency to dismiss the supernatural in daily life

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:23 PM

Lisa C: I think the spiritual and worldly are like Jesus…two natures….human and divine…..so we are all in both

7:24 PM

Lisa C: We are supposed to act correctly in this world, because like Jesus we are human, and like Jesus is divine, we are becoming divine due to sharing in Him

Mar 12 2017, 7:24 PM

Dawn (Guest): hi everyone! a lively discussion in progress

, 7:26 PM

Guest2719 (Guest): love is powerful. Kindness so needed. This is God active in our world. 17, 7:27 PM

VisitationSiste: and God’s love is so powerful that when experienced one can live solely for Him7:27 PM

Lisa C: Catechism 460 The Word became flesh to make us “partakers of the divine nature”:78 “For this is why the Word became man, and the Son of God became the Son of man: so that man, by entering into communion with the Word and thus receiving divine sonship, might become a son of God.”79 “For the Son of God became man so that we might become God.”80 “The only-begotten Son of God, wanting to make us sharers in his divinity, assumed our nature, so that he, made man, might make men gods.”81

Mar 12 2017, 7:27 PM

Carol Ann: And mercy too, on each other. To practice judgement without falling into judgemental ism

17, 7:29 PM

VisitationSiste: I have to share about this Principal we met this weekend who ran the retreat. She had lupus for 27 years and was healed thru intercessory prayer

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:29 PM

VisitationSiste: She experienced God’s love in such a powerful way

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:30 PM

9 PM

VisitationSiste: She experienced God’s love in such a powerful way

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:30 PM

VisitationSiste: hello guest 5317′

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:30 PM

Guest2719 (Guest): I want to live solely for God and to be only a kind simple soul.

Mar 12 2017, 7:30 PM

VisitationSiste: She lives for God’s Kingdom

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:30 PM

VisitationSiste: BRB

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:30 PM

Carol Ann: Sister, that is fabulous ! Can we use that in the inspirational page? I owe you an email about that

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:31 PM

VisitationSiste: Yes

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:31 PM

VisitationSiste: Hi Jessica Welcome

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:31 PM

Guest5317 (Guest): Hi Sister Susan , CarolAnn, Lisa, , Dawn , Jessica , and Guests! God Bless You ! Brian

Mar 12 2017, 7:31 PM

Dawn (Guest): a beautiful share Mother

:34 PM

Carol Ann: Because we are to allow God to transform us, and transform society through us

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:34 PM

jessica (Guest): The first thing that came to my mind was to bring his sons and daughters into his kingdom.

Mar 12 2017, 7:35 PM

Guest5317 (Guest): Jesus demonstrated this to us in His public ministry ! He reached out to everyone all the time !

M

jessica (Guest): It is not an easy thing to do all the time though

Mar 12 2017, 7:36 PM

VisitationSiste: Are our words enough- I think the Holy Spirit needs to animate them

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:36 PM

Guest5317 (Guest): Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven !

7, 7:37 PM

VisitationSiste: balance is hard to get- between our spiritual life and living in society , 7:38 PM

jessica (Guest): I look at all my weaknesses in a given day but it gives me resolve for the next

Mar 12 2017, 7:38 PM

Carol Ann: Yes, it is hard to say no to worthwhile things in order to spend the amount of time I need in contemplation

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:38 PM

Lisa C: St. Francis de Sales’ Introduction is a great way for us to learn to try

2017, 7:39 PM

Guest2719 (Guest): One Needs to Balance ones life with a lot of prayer to serve in the way that Jesus would want us to 7:39 PM

jessica (Guest): I listen to it sometimes while working. It always seems to make me want to go to confession lol :40 PM

Dawn (Guest): helpful, this quote that passed by today by St Jane DeChantal

Mar 12 2017, 7:40 PM

Guest3346 (Guest): Looks like my sign-in as Ruth did not work this time. I wonder if I am guest 3346

1 PM

jessica (Guest): What is the quote?

Mar 12 2017, 7:41 PM

Lisa C: I think at first praying a lot is difficult, but after not too long, it becomes easy and gives great peace and comfort

Mar 12 2017, 7:41 PM

Guest3346 (Guest): Welcome Jessica, and everyone else.

Mar 12 2017, 7:42 PM

Dawn (Guest): “Oh, truely to be and to wish to be always , forever and ever, pleasing to God is a good method of keeping ones self in his presence” I related this to being in the world but not of the world

Mar 12 2017, 7:42 PM

jessica (Guest): Thanks! hi to you!

Mar 12 2017, 7:42 PM

Lisa C: It is something we do in the world that takes us out, but makes us do the right thing in the world

Mar 12 2017, 7:42 PM

Carol Ann: Hi Dawn

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:42 PM

Guest5317 (Guest): When we truly realize that we are one with the Kingdom of God with the Holy Spirit we are never alone and we walk within the Kingdom of God wherever we go !

:44 PM

Carol Ann: That is a beautiful quote

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:45 PM

jessica (Guest): I find that quote wonderful but sometimes I find it hard because it may be pleasing to God, but not society

Mar 12 2017, 7:45 PM

Guest2719 (Guest): Amen! But what a blessing to know the love of Christian friends!

Mar 12 2017, 7:45 PM

Guest5317 (Guest): Hi Ruth ! Brian

Mar 12 2017, 7:46 PM

Guest3346 (Guest): Yes, Brian, I guessed that that last

Yes, Brian, I guessed that that last message from 5317 was from you . . . we walk within the Kingdom of God wherever we go. . .

Mar 12 2017, 7:47 PM

Guest5317 (Guest): Rejoice and be glad ! Even when it is not pleasing to the world ! How could it be pleasing to the world !

, 7:49 PM

VisitationSiste: We are to be a leaven in society and the light of the world! PM

VisitationSiste: We are to be a leaven in society and the light of the world!

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:49 PM

Dawn (Guest): and we each have different circumstances, worlds, we live in.

Mar 12 2017, 7:49 PM

VisitationSiste: to do and be that we have to depend on jesus and His Spirit

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:49 PM

M

Dawn (Guest): yes Mother, he never leaves us

Mar 12 2017, 7:50 PM

Guest3346 (Guest): I think I used to be a very anxious person — far, far less so now. Just this morning I was remembering a prayer — based upon Scripture, I often said over and over again silently: “Grant that I may love you always, then do with me what you will.” AND reminding myself, “God, your God, who made you and loves you will keep you in his grace, until he comes in Glory.” Nothing else really matters than to stay in his grace.

7, 7:50 PM

VisitationSiste: Yes grace brings us everything- we need to ask for it and receive it 1 PM

Guest2719 (Guest): We must pray incessantly for the gift of perseverance. Saint Philip Neri

Mar 12 2017, 7:51 PM

Guest5317 (Guest): We must remember that we are one with God and the entire Kingdom of God on Earth and in Heaven ! We are on a rescue mission to try to help God to save as many souls as possible through His Son our Lord Jesus Christ !

Mar 12 2017, 7:51 PM

Carol Ann: To remember in times of temptation

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:52 PM

jessica (Guest): This is all very inspiring!

Mar 12 2017, 7:52 PM

Guest3346 (Guest): Yes, you are a remarkable co-worker with God, Brian. Blessings on you and all you do!

, 7:54 PM

VisitationSiste: Sharing our faith helps build it up! :55 PM

Guest5317 (Guest): Thanks Ruth! You inspire me with your great Faith ! We are all standing beside one another helping each other to shine bright in the darkness of this world !

Mar 12 2017, 7:55 PM

Guest3346 (Guest): And offering up our sufferings helps us and the rest of the Kingdom of God. We can help release souls from Purgatory, or bring sinners back to the Lord and a life of grace, without even getting out of bed, if that’s where our illness or pain keeps us.

Mar 12 2017, 7:56 PM

Carol Ann: To be in the world but not of it,,,,we do the same activities, but with a different spirit. So, we might go to the movies, but the movies we go to are different

 

Mar 12 2017, 7:56 PM

jessica (Guest): I did not read Corinthians 7 because I got sidetracked on 2 821 and I think thats where my confusion was coming from. I read commentary and misunderstood it.

58 PM

Guest5317 (Guest): Incredible sharing on Kairos mini retreat Friday night and Saturday . Talks were based on Psalm 23 ! Thank you all for prayers ! 7, 8:00 PM

VisitationSiste: Are any of you comfortable with the question on consecrated life to follow here

 

Mar 12 2017, 8:00 PM

VisitationSiste: How is consecrated religious life an “answer” to this tension of living in society and living for God? How is consecrated religious life make it a difficulty?

PM

VisitationSiste: How is consecrated religious life an “answer” to this tension of living in society and living for God? How is consecrated religious life make it a difficulty?

 

Mar 12 2017, 8:01 PM

Guest3346 (Guest): Thus, even chronic pain, which naturally leads to depression, even sometimes suicidal feelings, CAN be a GIFT to give back to God for the salvation of souls. United with the Cross of Christ, even as we try to overcome illness/pain/sadness/confusion we are helped and help others. Knowing ourselves to be a part of The Church militant helped by the Church triumphant — the Kingdom of God — gives meaning to EVERYTHING.

Mar 12 2017, 8:01 PM

Carol Ann: It is hard to explain, but it is the focus of my novitiate

 

Mar 12 2017, 8:01 PM

Dawn (Guest): I would like to follow this question

Mar 12 2017, 8:02 PM

Guest5317 (Guest): I Love to read God’s Word wherever I am ! Amazing the experiences that I have had and I have seen the encouragement that God has brought to people at just the right time !

Mar 12 2017, 8:03 PM

Lisa C: Maybe you can explain it to us, Mother

Mar 12 2017, 8:03 PM

Dawn (Guest): thank you Ruth!

:04 PM

Guest2719 (Guest): I would think that for some, consecrated life makes it easier to give everything to God

Mar 12 2017, 8:04 PM

Guest3346 (Guest): I am not sure what is even meant by consecrated religious life.

Mar 12 2017, 8:04 PM

VisitationSiste: FRom my experience, there is an intensity of prayer for the world while one feels apart from many of its tendencies. Having a school with a monastery keeps us more in touch than other monastics I imagine

05 PM

VisitationSiste: Consecrated religious life refers to those who make promises or vows to God in a variety odf states, be it nuns, brothers , priests, consecrated laypeople, secular institutes, hermits… PM

Carol Ann: Yes, Sr. Though my formation assistant doesn’t watch much media and I often have to explain to her the intercession prayers said at Mass after a sad event

 

Mar 12 2017, 8:07 PM

VisitationSiste: The danger is to stop identifying with the world to the point one cannot be with those who live in the world in true communion- but that would be off track as one needs to stay in communion

 

Mar 12 2017, 8:07 PM

Guest3346 (Guest): I remember once hearing a certain woman I know introduce herself to the Bishop as “the only consecrated lay woman in the dioceses.” I thought, “How can she know this?” “I am consecrated.” ” There are many consecrated to Jesus through Mary . . . ” But I said nothing about this; I did a little research, though.

7 PM

Guest5317 (Guest): Those who are living the consecrated life are clearing the path for God to be able to reach those who are lost through Christians who are in the world . They are the support needed for the ground troops ! 17, 8:08 PM

Lisa C: Mother, I think you could not lose communion with the world if you are united to Jesus, because He is what binds you with all souls

Mar 12 2017, 8:08 PM

Carol Ann: Ruth, I wonder if that woman meant consecrated virgin, as that group is also making a comeback

 

Mar 12 2017, 8:09 PM

Guest3346 (Guest): “Ground troops”

Mar 12 2017, 8:09 PM

Guest2719 (Guest): Prayers of the consecrated are the ground troops —

Mar 12 2017, 8:09 PM

Guest3346 (Guest): And Pope Francis refers to the Church as a “Field Hospital.” I like that.

Mar 12 2017, 8:10 PM

Guest5317 (Guest): Kairos would not be possible in such a fierce environment without the prayers of soo many !

Mar 12 2017, 8:10 PM

Guest2719 (Guest): I believe the world is in bad state because vocations are down. Not as many consecrated anymore

8:12 PM

Carol Ann: We need to reach out and remind people that all can be consecrated in one of the many ways Sister Listed As We Are INDIVIDUALLY Called 2 PM

Carol Ann: Sorry, the keyboard has a mind of its own sometimes!

 

Mar 12 2017, 8:12 PM

Guest3346 (Guest): Yes, Carol Ann, and she did say “consecrated virgin.” I misquoted her. But I am that, too, but not in the same way, not with an “official” publicly recognized ceremony, not with a public VOW to remain unmarried . . . You are correct, Carol Ann; that is what she meant and that is what I found out when I researched

Mar 12 2017, 8:12 PM

VisitationSiste: Third orders or a grouplike the Daughters of St Francis de Sales are consecrated

PM

VisitationSiste: Third orders or a grouplike the Daughters of St Francis de Sales are consecrated

 

Mar 12 2017, 8:13 PM

Lisa C: In a way we are all consecrated via Baptism

Mar 12 2017, 8:14 PM

Guest3346 (Guest): Lisa, I thought of that, too, and through Confirmation.

Mar 12 2017, 8:14 PM

VisitationSiste: That’s true too

 

Mar 12 2017, 8:14 PM

Lisa C: Yes, Confirmation does too

Mar 12 2017, 8:14 PM

Guest5317 (Guest): Amen Lisa !

7, 8:15 PM

Guest2719 (Guest): The constant prayers of monks and nuns source of grace unknown unseen but essential for the world 16 PM

Lisa C: Prayer holds the world together 17, 8:16 PM

Guest2719 (Guest): Less monks less prayers 7 PM

Dawn (Guest): is the distinction then between those who take vows of chastity obedience and poverty ….and those who don’t

Mar 12 2017, 8:17 PM

Guest5317 (Guest): Amazing all the different opportunities God offers us to Serve within the Kingdom of God ! Every position of equal importance as we stand together to eradicate our defeated foe ! Thank You Jesus !!!

Mar 12 2017, 8:17 PM

Guest3346 (Guest): But I think many young people think of their Confirmation more like a graduation ceremony from religious education, and STOP learning more about Catholicism. Adult education in the Faith is sadly behind all further “education” and when parishes offer Adult Ed it is the STP — the same ten parishoners — who come.

Mar 12 2017, 8:18 PM

Carol Ann: The task is to overcome the old notion that the work of prayer and study is just for consecrated religious

:19 PM

Guest2719 (Guest): I do not agree

Mar 12 2017, 8:19 PM

Guest5317 (Guest): Choices ! Sometimes they walk away ! Sometimes they then come back stronger than ever in their Faith!

Mar 12 2017, 8:19 PM

VisitationSiste: It’s a distinction Dawn but not in the sense of consecration; more in the sense of who is a canonical nun, brother or religious priest or hermit- not even sure about that

8:20 PM

Guest3346 (Guest): Dawn, I think that is probably what Sr. Susan means. Maybe I am “playing the devil’s advocate” to get us thinking more precisely. And yet, with the Benedictines, there is a fourth vow: Stability.

Mar 12 2017, 8:21 PM

Carol Ann: Joan, that problem is probably not nationwide, but I hear it a lot where I am. And Of Course it’S NOT True

 

Mar 12 2017, 8:21 PM

Carol Ann: We vow stability too

PM

Guest2719 (Guest): Which order are you with!

Mar 12 2017, 8:22 PM

Guest3346 (Guest): Canonical — that is probably the distinguishing word. Sorry Sister, I should have let you speak for yourself.

PM

Guest5317 (Guest): Every community has strengths and weaknesses that is why we must work together as the Body of Christ! Our enemy seeks to divide us ! Jesus encourages us to be one !!!

Mar 12 2017, 8:24 PM

Carol Ann: I am Novice in the Brothers and Sisters of Charity. I have promised pverty, chastity, obedience as well as a life of stability but have not yet made first vows

:29 PM

Lisa C: I am praying all the time for that

Mar 12 2017, 8:30 PM

Dawn (Guest): very helpful and a joy to share

Mar 12 2017, 8:30 PM

Carol Ann: Is it time to go already?

 

Mar 12 2017, 8:30 PM

Dawn (Guest): coming here, sharing, helps to be out in the world

Mar 12 2017, 8:30 PM

VisitationSiste: I have to say goodbye for now- I keep you all in prayer. Blesse d 2nd week of Lent!

8:31 PM

Carol Ann: I have learned much in my years here and Sr, Susan has bern so important to my vocation journey

 

Mar 12 2017, 8:31 PM

Dawn (Guest): goodnight mother. thank you

Mar 12 2017, 8:31 PM

Lisa C: God bless all