Visitation Spirit

Chatting about: Seeking the Kingdom

by | Feb 12, 2018 | Discernment Sundays - Chat Room, Salesian Spirituality, St. Francis de Sales

1.What do you think of the paradox that God wants us to desire him, and yet we need God to infuse us with that desire?2.Why is it that we should grow in charity and holiness? Why is not enough to just “

“accept Jesus”?

3.God wants us to “seek first the Kingdom.“ How might this connect with this topic?

 

 Feb 11, 7:05 PM

Dawn (Guest): dropping in to say hello and hope you all have a good chat tonight. Im still recuperating and not at all prepared for chat. my thoughts and prayers for everyone.

Feb 11, 7:06 PM

SRSUSAN (Guest): Are you better

Feb 11, 7:06 PM

SRSUSAN (Guest): Ok I heard you were ill Praying for you! Thank you for stopping in

Feb 11, 7:07 PM

Dawn (Guest): Hi Mother, was just leaving a short message. Yes, I am on the mend. thank you for your prayers! plan on being here next week.

Feb 11, 7:07 PM

SRSUSAN (Guest): Rest up!

Feb 11, 7:11 PM

SRSUSAN (Guest): Q 1 Desire comes from grace, God,s life in U.S. We with our human wil need to accept that grace and desire and unite ourselves with His will

Feb 11, 7:25 PM

SRSUSAN (Guest): Hello

Feb 11, 7:26 PM

Carroll V (Guest): Hi Sr. Susan and Judy

Feb 11, 7:26 PM

SRSUSAN (Guest): Dawn is still recovering and hopes to return next week

Feb 11, 7:26 PM

SRSUSAN (Guest): HI Carroll V and Judy.

Feb 11, 7:27 PM

Judy (Guest): Hi Everyone! If anyone has the Wilder Publications version of the book book, would you check page 127 and read the section beginning on the the fifth line with the words “But if the soul so excited” and continuing to the end of the paragraph and tell me if you find it as convoluted as I did.

Feb 11, 7:28 PM

SRSUSAN (Guest): Don,t have that version

Feb 11, 7:28 PM

Judy (Guest): It follows the section where St. F. describes the woman who swoons away from her spouse and he brings her back.

Feb 11, 7:29 PM

Carroll V (Guest): Sorry, I don’t have that version either... Why are the different versions so different?

Feb 11, 7:29 PM

Judy (Guest): Might depend on the translator.

Feb 11, 7:30 PM

Judy (Guest): Hi Carroll. Hi Dawn, hurry and get well.

Feb 11, 7:32 PM

VisitationSiste: Had to switch computers

Feb 11, 7:32 PM

VisitationSiste: What chapter was it again?

Feb 11, 7:33 PM

VisitationSiste: Hi Ruth and guest!

Feb 11, 7:33 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): Hi Sister Susan , Carroll , Ruth , Judy , and Dawn I hope you feel better soon . God Bless You All ! Brian

Feb 11, 7:33 PM

Judy (Guest): Re: Question 1 Without God, we can do nothing. And so God must give us the desire to desire Him. Without His action in us, we would remain as we are and make no progress in growing in our desire for Him. It was in Chapter 3.

Feb 11, 7:34 PM

Carroll V (Guest): Beginning of Book III

Feb 11, 7:34 PM

Judy (Guest): Hi Brian and Ruth.

Feb 11, 7:35 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): When we seek to know God , God reveals himself to us !

Feb 11, 7:35 PM

Judy (Guest): It is the third paragraph of Chapter 3 of Book 3.

Feb 11, 7:36 PM

VisitationSiste: herefore rapidly opening a sideboard which stood by, he takes a cordial-water, infinitely precious, and having filled his mouth with it, by force be opens the lips and the set teeth of his well-beloved princess, then breathing and spurting the precious liquor which he held in his mouth, into that of his poor lifeless one who lay in a swoon, and pouring what was left in the phial about the nostrils the temples, and the heart, he made her return to herself and to her senses again; that done, he helps her up g

Feb 11, 7:36 PM

VisitationSiste: That one?

Feb 11, 7:37 PM

VisitationSiste: Q1 Desire comes from grace, God’s life in us. We with our human will need to accept that grace and desire and unite ourselves with His Will.

Feb 11, 7:37 PM

Judy (Guest): That’s the one, but it is further down and begins “But if the soul so excitee begins”

Feb 11, 7:38 PM

Judy (Guest): U-h-h the soul so excited

Feb 11, 7:38 PM

VisitationSiste: But if the soul thus excited add her consent to the solicitation of grace, seconding the inspiration which prevents her, and accepting the required helps provided for her by God; he will fortify her, and conduct her through various movements of faith, hope and penitence, even till he restore her to her true spiritual health, which is no other thing than charity.

Feb 11, 7:39 PM

Judy (Guest): Keep going to the end of the paragraph.

Feb 11, 7:39 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): God desire is to save everyone ! When we move toward Him in any way He does everything He can to direct us toward Him without compromising our free will

Feb 11, 7:39 PM

VisitationSiste: The word prevents has a different meaning than today

Feb 11, 7:40 PM

VisitationSiste: Yes it si convoluted but simply I would say God is helping her and she is cooperating

Feb 11, 7:40 PM

VisitationSiste: And Brian I am sure in evangelization you have experienced what you just wrote

Feb 11, 7:41 PM

VisitationSiste: There needs to be a simpler version of the Treatise!!

Feb 11, 7:41 PM

Ruth (Guest): With more contemporary language.

Feb 11, 7:41 PM

VisitationSiste: But paradoxes are just that- paradoxes and I guess the sentences themselves demonstrate that by their confusion!

Feb 11, 7:42 PM

Judy (Guest): Maybe a new translation would help.

Feb 11, 7:42 PM

VisitationSiste: Yes Bernard bangley wrote such a version but it is too simple and cuts out too much

Feb 11, 7:42 PM

Carroll V (Guest): Still, what incredible assurances we are given of God’s Mercy in the following paragraphs!

Feb 11, 7:42 PM

VisitationSiste: True!

Feb 11, 7:43 PM

VisitationSiste: God does not give up on us

Feb 11, 7:43 PM

Ruth (Guest): The long, long sentences, although originally written in French, remind me a lot of German.

Feb 11, 7:44 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): I am soo greatful for Soo many people from very different denominations that helped me come back to Jesus . The Body of Christ in Action and then at the right time God brought me back to the Catholic Church !

Feb 11, 7:44 PM

VisitationSiste: Hmnn- maybe you can untwist them for us?

Feb 11, 7:45 PM

Ruth (Guest): Praise Him! He knew he’d have a good worker for the Kingdom when he got you back, Brian.

Feb 11, 7:45 PM

Judy (Guest): Truly God is to be praised for His action in your life, Brian. And for the way you are helping others to come to him.

Feb 11, 7:45 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): I am soo greatful

Feb 11, 7:46 PM

VisitationSiste: We not only desire God but desire to see Him live His Life in others

Feb 11, 7:47 PM

VisitationSiste: And His charity infused in us flows out to those others

Feb 11, 7:47 PM

Carroll V (Guest): Beautiful to acknowledge and praise God for everyone He has connected you with on your journey, Brian... I hope I always do the same

Feb 11, 7:48 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): To God for Soo many Faithful People who have helped me in Soo many ways and I am soo greatful for this community that is helping me to grow closer to our Lord . I hope I can help others as God brought others to help me

Feb 11, 7:48 PM

Ruth (Guest): Sister, your French must be remarkably good. That piece you did on Maria Nazra! The source was in French, I saw. And that you got it done in such a short time, with all the other responsibilities. I am always amazed.

Feb 11, 7:48 PM

VisitationSiste: Why is it that we should grow in charity and holiness? Why is not enough to just “accept Jesus”? Answer: God is infinite so we can always strive to grow more and more in his essential quality love and charity. To accept Jesus does not mean to imitate him or unite with Him We must become one in Him and with Him

Feb 11, 7:49 PM

VisitationSiste: I am glad you read it Ruth. But my FRench translations are helped by Google translate

Feb 11, 7:50 PM

Judy (Guest): Why is not enough to just “accept Jesus?“ In his letter, James tells us that it is useless to have faith unless we put it into action-feed the hungry, etc. Acceptance of Jesus must bear fruit in us, that is be visible and it is charity and holiness that qre the visible signs of our acceptance of Him.

Feb 11, 7:51 PM

VisitationSiste: And as Lent approaches we have more incentive perhaps to put it into practice

Feb 11, 7:52 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): We can’t bury our gifts God wants us to invest our gifts and grow and grow and grow . Soo we can help more people too come to Him and invest their gifts

Feb 11, 7:53 PM

Judy (Guest): Yes, he told us that in the parable of the talents.

Feb 11, 7:53 PM

VisitationSiste: hello viewer!

Feb 11, 7:54 PM

Ruth (Guest): Sr. all the more reason! I sometimes get help from Google translate, but it takes time –– AND some creativity. It’s pretty good for Romance languages; for Korean, Chinese, Arabic, forget it! Practically useless. But God understands EVERY language, even the language, for example of little acts of charity, without words.

Feb 11, 7:54 PM

VisitationSiste: Like a smile, even!

Feb 11, 7:55 PM

Judy (Guest): A smile can light up a room.

Feb 11, 7:55 PM

Judy (Guest): And can lighten the mood of a person who is in a state of gloom.

Feb 11, 7:57 PM

Judy (Guest): I like the saying “If you see someone without a smile, give him one of yours.“

Feb 11, 7:57 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): The little things done with great Love . Please pray for my friend John his wonderful wife Sheila passed away in her sleep last Sunday at age 57 . Beautiful couple Soo excited about First Grandson . Sheila was a Bright Light for Jesus to All ! Love in action everywhere she went to everyone she met !

Feb 11, 7:57 PM

VisitationSiste: Oh my Yes we will. So young

Feb 11, 7:58 PM

Judy (Guest): How sad for him and his family! will pray for them.

Feb 11, 7:58 PM

Ruth (Guest): Yes. At the local Methodist Church, the same woman who cooks for the entire “community”(anybody who wants to come) almost every Wednesday night –– with a little help from others –– was out in the dining hall pushing a broom afterward. Apparently some who usually do it weren’t there. AND she was still smiling! God bless her!

Feb 11, 7:58 PM

Carroll V (Guest): A local Franciscan Priest once told me that “wherever there is a smile, Jesus is present” ... Often, a nice thought ...

Feb 11, 7:58 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): John just became Deacon and recently retired from job

Feb 11, 8:00 PM

Judy (Guest): And so he begins to suffer.

Feb 11, 8:01 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): John and Sheila always reminded me of Aquila and Priscilla St Paul’s friends !

Feb 11, 8:01 PM

VisitationSiste: Deeply spiritual

Feb 11, 8:01 PM

Ruth (Guest): So sorry, John. When two have become one it must be like dying to have a partner die. I was just this evening looking at pictures of so many friends who’ve passed away, praying for them, but also missing them an awful lot.

Feb 11, 8:02 PM

Carroll V (Guest): What a gift to have known them!

Feb 11, 8:02 PM

VisitationSiste: May he receive all the grace he needs at this time and the family too

Feb 11, 8:03 PM

Ruth (Guest): Of course I meant to write, So sorry, Brian. But wrote as if John were right here with us.

Feb 11, 8:03 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): Sheila will be a powerful warrior from Heaven !

Feb 11, 8:03 PM

Judy (Guest): On seeking the Kingdom: To seek first the Kingdom means to seek first the KIng. There can be no Kingdom without the King for it is He jWho establishes the Kingdom and then invites us to enter that Kingdom by means of our oand

Feb 11, 8:04 PM

Judy (Guest): Good ness and charity. Recall Matt 25 when Jesus says that only those who meet the needs of others, meet His needs and merit entry into His Kingdom.

Feb 11, 8:05 PM

VisitationSiste: Seeking the kingdom of God is seeking God Himself to fill every aspect of our lives. Infusing and accepting desire for him means accepting desire for His kingdom and seeking the kingdom also means growing more fully into that kingdom.

Feb 11, 8:05 PM

VisitationSiste: John seeks the kingdom in a different way now

Feb 11, 8:07 PM

Judy (Guest): Wow, Mother! You and I said almost the same thing.

Feb 11, 8:07 PM

VisitationSiste: Yes that’s what I had prepared earlier

Feb 11, 8:08 PM

VisitationSiste: Salesians I guess!

Feb 11, 8:08 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): John has grown Soo much in his Faith . He will help Soo many people come to God through his suffering ! I have other friends who have lost spouses and helped countless others !

Feb 11, 8:10 PM

VisitationSiste: I also am reminded of the “Social Reign” of Christ the King- a movement that was very strong years back

Feb 11, 8:10 PM

Judy (Guest): It was my own experience with cancer that made it possible to lend support to others who were suffering from cancer.

Feb 11, 8:10 PM

Ruth (Guest): Some people have so much energy! It grieves me that I am ALWAYS behind on the good works I intend –– at least now that I am older and multi-handicapped. I know He understands. Still, that saying, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions” . . . . admonishes without offering solutions. I WANT to make straight the path of the Lord but it seems I’m often busy with pavement stone . . .

Feb 11, 8:11 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): The Parable of the Sower helps us too see obstacles that can get in way of growth . We will focus on Math 13 1-23 for mini retreat March 9-10 for Kairos

Feb 11, 8:11 PM

Ruth (Guest): Judy, that is so true, and for so many. . .

Feb 11, 8:11 PM

Judy (Guest): I know exactly what you mean, Ruth!

Feb 11, 8:13 PM

Judy (Guest): Ruth, I think that what the Lord wants from us who are handicapped is to accept our handicaps cheerfully and offer them for the salvation of others.

Feb 11, 8:13 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): You have no idea the number of souls you are bringing to Christ in the detours God has brought you on Ruth and Judy ! God has you in the oakm of his hand !

Feb 11, 8:14 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): Palm of His Hand ! Sorry for typo

Feb 11, 8:15 PM

Ruth (Guest): SFdS praises perseverance in the love of God.

Feb 11, 8:15 PM

VisitationSiste: and prayer is a way to serve too

Feb 11, 8:16 PM

Judy (Guest): How great will be our happiness if we persevere in the love of God in spite of our infirmities.

Feb 11, 8:16 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): The Most Important Service Prayer

Feb 11, 8:16 PM

Ruth (Guest): I guess that’s where my “pig headedness” has managed to keep me on the track, even if leaving me behind the pack.

Feb 11, 8:17 PM

Judy (Guest): Perhaps, Ruth, you are actually at the head of the pack.

Feb 11, 8:17 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): Your Love for Jesus inspires me Daily !!! Thank You All You Ate an Ispiration to Me !!!!

Feb 11, 8:18 PM

Judy (Guest): How can we not respond in love to One Who loves us so much!

Feb 11, 8:18 PM

Carroll V (Guest): Every time I intend ti do something, and fall short (AGAIN...), it’s an oppty. to offer up my weakness, and beg God to help me identify and let go of whatever got in the way, and strengthen my will to actually DO a little bit more... Ultimately, though, I often find myself saying “thank you” for the cross of my weakness...

Feb 11, 8:20 PM

VisitationSiste: Cross- yes that is also part of the Kingdom!

Feb 11, 8:21 PM

Judy (Guest): Perhaps it is your weakness that the Lord wants to receive from you. Give it to Him with love.

Feb 11, 8:21 PM

Carroll V (Guest): Ruth- Your contributions here have certainly been more helpful than you could have imagined... over the past few years...

Feb 11, 8:21 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): Amen Sister !

Feb 11, 8:22 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): Ruth you always pick me up when I get down !

Feb 11, 8:22 PM

Judy (Guest): Perhaps that is something that we all need to think about, our weaknesses. Rather than complaining about them, we need to accept them and offer them to the Lord as as act of love.

Feb 11, 8:22 PM

Carroll V (Guest): Jesus has SOOOO many ways of drawing us more closely to Himself!

Feb 11, 8:23 PM

VisitationSiste: Yes to both of you!

Feb 11, 8:23 PM

Judy (Guest): Rather than thinking of our weaknesses as something negative in our lives, they may well be our source of salvation

Feb 11, 8:23 PM

Ruth (Guest): My parish in Wantagh, St. (Jane) Francis de Chantal has a “Ministry of Praise” –– especially for those who are sick, disabled, homebound. When my brain tumor was still kinda scary, I became a member –– for life. A friend who has since died used to “ghost write” the letters that were sent to each member monthly. I was thinking lakely, of trying to get it touch with the present pastor to see what’s going on with the Ministry of Praise. Today is World Day for the Sick. I heard on EWTN (which I watched th

Feb 11, 8:24 PM

VisitationSiste: Yes and the 160th anniversary of Our Lady at Lourdes

Feb 11, 8:25 PM

Judy (Guest): The shrine at Lourdes is the most wonderful place. It is so prayerful in atmosphere. It is like a bit of Heaven on earth.

Feb 11, 8:25 PM

Ruth (Guest): through my computer. Much of the talk was about helping the sick; but I thought there should also have been something about how the sick can be helping the Kingdom. They saw so much good happening in the parish in Wantagh whe the Ministry of Praise was active. Maybe now, too; I don’t know. I used to keep on getting the letters no matter where I lived.

Feb 11, 8:25 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): Awesome Judy !

Feb 11, 8:26 PM

Ruth (Guest): You’ve been there Judy?

Feb 11, 8:26 PM

Judy (Guest): Yes, Ruth, I have been there three times. I love it there. It is so peaceful and God’s presence is so palpable.

Feb 11, 8:27 PM

VisitationSiste: What a blessing!

Feb 11, 8:27 PM

Carroll V (Guest): The prayer for Sister Francoise-Therese’s (Leonie Martin’s) beatification says... “You inspired her to lead a hidden and humble life, to accept her limitations and to offer herself as a gift to Your love, as a Visitation nun at Caen.“

Feb 11, 8:28 PM

Judy (Guest): I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to visit this most holy place.

Feb 11, 8:29 PM

Ruth (Guest): I watched the special Mass there today, and then –– while salvaging the good parts of some old sweet potatoes for soup –– watched the movie about Bernadette Soubirous (Spelling?). It was good.

Feb 11, 8:29 PM

VisitationSiste: Today must bring memories of those visits

Feb 11, 8:30 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): Soo nice Judy ! Thanks for sharing your experience ! Did you write any poetry when you were on your trips !!!

Feb 11, 8:30 PM

Judy (Guest): Let us ask Our Lady of Lourdes to assist us in our struggles with weakness, whether physical or spiritual. Yes, I do have beautiful memories of tose visits.

Feb 11, 8:30 PM

Carroll V (Guest): We were watching and praying together, Ruth!

Feb 11, 8:31 PM

Ruth (Guest): How pleasant, Carroll V, to hear that.

Feb 11, 8:31 PM

Judy (Guest): No Brian, I had not begun to write poetry yet. I was 9, 13 and 17 on those trips.

Feb 11, 8:31 PM

VisitationSiste: Yes may Our Lady intercede for each of us and our absent friends too especially as we begin Lent this week. May you each be graced with a true Lenten spirit!

Feb 11, 8:32 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): God Bless You All ! Keep Shining Bright for our Lord Jesus ! Brian

Feb 11, 8:32 PM

Ruth (Guest): Oh my, such a long time ago, Judy –– or so I imagine. You aren’t just 18 or 29 now are you?

Feb 11, 8:32 PM

Judy (Guest): Yes, let us “enjoy” Lent as the great opportunity to grow in love with the Lord , a positive time rather than one with a negative focus. I love Lent!

Feb 11, 8:33 PM

Judy (Guest): Good heavens, Ruth, I am 73, way past those years.

Feb 11, 8:33 PM

Carroll V (Guest): Lent is beautiful

Feb 11, 8:34 PM

Ruth (Guest): Judy, I’ve loved Lent for a long, long time now, too.

Feb 11, 8:34 PM

Judy (Guest): Have a blessed week, and a blessed Lent too, everyone!

Feb 11, 8:35 PM

Ruth (Guest): Judy, we were born in the same year! My b’day’s in May.

Feb 11, 8:35 PM

Carroll V (Guest): ... a beautiful time to grow more towards being “in” God together! ... Goodnight!

Feb 11, 8:37 PM

Ruth (Guest): I’m looking forward to a Lenten retreat with my the Assoc. of the Sisters of St. Joseph; it will be led by my former pastor, Fr. Mark R. A very, very good priest.

Feb 11, 8:39 PM

Ruth (Guest): A blessed Lent to all! Sr. Susan; I’ll e-mail you.

Feb 11, 8:41 PM

Guest6585 (Guest): Please Pray for our friends daughter Abby !

Feb 11, 8:42 PM

Ruth (Guest): Yes, Brian, of course. Is she the one about to have a baby?