Have you ever fallen into this temptation to ask for God’s guidance in every single daily matter (e.g., what to eat, what to wear, etc.)? What has helped you overcome this? Why do you think it is important for Saint Francis to emphasize this point? What danger is there in actually living out one’s spiritual life in this way? How might being God’s children made in His image help shed light on this topic? Would it help to pray, “Jesus, I trust in You”? Following Saint Francis’ advice here, does t
Jan 31, 1:48 PM
VisitationSiste: Following Saint Francis’ advice
here, does this lead us to conclude that those greater matters are
insignificant in God’s eyes and in our daily lives?
Where might we draw the line between discerning something important (like one’s
vocation) and discerning every single decision of our waking hours?
Jan 31, 1:48 PM
VisitationSiste: Sun Feb 3 at 730pm est chat
Feb 3, 7:25 PM
VisitationSiste: Welcome viewers!
Feb 3, 7:26 PM
VisitationSiste: Hi Ruth!
Feb 3, 7:27 PM
VisitationSiste: and Kristi!
Feb 3, 7:28 PM
Ruth Cassin: How strange. I did not yet sign in tonight, but my name is up there on the list. And I think I signed out last time, though I did not close the tab — saw the end of last week’s chat and then hit refresh.
Feb 3, 7:28 PM
VisitationSiste: Maybe its the new website- my cousin just wrote and said she received a newsletter and I don’t know how that happened!
Feb 3, 7:28 PM
VisitationSiste: As long as you are here!
Feb 3, 7:29 PM
Kristi (Guest): Hi Sister. I need to change computers.brb
Feb 3, 7:29 PM
VisitationSiste: ok!
Feb 3, 7:30 PM
VisitationSiste: I have mixed feelings about the first question tonight
Feb 3, 7:32 PM
VisitationSiste: While I completely understand we have true freedom and we are not to be scrupulous about things, still in a good relationship in life little things are often shared so walking with the Lord closely, why not share little things
Feb 3, 7:32 PM
Carroll (Guest): Hi Sr. Susan Marie, Ruth, and Kristi!
Feb 3, 7:33 PM
VisitationSiste: Hi Carroll!
Feb 3, 7:33 PM
Ruth Cassin: Actually I came to say that I probably cannot come tonight. I think I’ve already used up my second and third “wind.” Was out, in town, for the first time in a long, long time. Bought some groceries. And they are in the car; have to haul them in — several trips with a sled. The questions are interesting. And I’ve taken off my outdoor clothes. And am VERY TIRED and very hungry and don’t know where my eyeglasses are.
Feb 3, 7:33 PM
Kristi (Guest): Hi Carroll, Ruth, and again, Sister.
Feb 3, 7:34 PM
VisitationSiste: Take care of yourself Ruth. Do what needs to be done. You are here in spirit and we can chat next week
Feb 3, 7:35 PM
Carroll (Guest): Ahhh Ruth, Thanks for saying “hi..” You will be missed
Feb 3, 7:35 PM
VisitationSiste: Hi Dawn!
Feb 3, 7:36 PM
Dawn (Guest): Hi Ruth! take care , will miss you tonight but hopefully see you next chat
Feb 3, 7:36 PM
Dawn (Guest): Hi Sr Susan!
Feb 3, 7:36 PM
VisitationSiste: Repeating first questions: Have you ever fallen into this temptation to ask for God’s guidance in every single daily matter (e.g., what to eat, what to wear, etc.)? What has helped you overcome this? Why do you think it is important for Saint Francis to emphasize this point
Feb 3, 7:37 PM
Dawn (Guest): Hi Kristi and Carroll!
Feb 3, 7:37 PM
Carroll (Guest): Hi Dawn-
Feb 3, 7:37 PM
Kristi (Guest): Hi Dawn!
Feb 3, 7:37 PM
Ruth Cassin: Freezing would spoil all the fresh vegetables and fruits. Luckily it’s only around freezing right now, not 30 below. Have a good chat. Peace my friends.
Feb 3, 7:38 PM
Dawn (Guest): and peace to you
Feb 3, 7:40 PM
Dawn (Guest): Perhaps because it can be a temptation for any of us, maybe not all of the time but at times
Feb 3, 7:40 PM
VisitationSiste: In what way a temptation
Feb 3, 7:42 PM
VisitationSiste: I am wondering because in union with God we obviously are united in all things
Feb 3, 7:42 PM
Kristi (Guest): I find St. Francis’ writing style amazing, and have read a couple of his books. I’ve jumped into this late, and have started reading the book a few days ago. I jumped ahead to read the current selection. From my thoughts, not to use up time deciphering which is better and not doubt.
Feb 3, 7:43 PM
VisitationSiste: Good point- I guess its a question of keeping ones peace as well
Feb 3, 7:45 PM
Carroll (Guest): I get a little “stumped” with this question because sometimes these “little things” can be significant… as eating affects our health, for example… but there have been times in my life when I got so preoccupied with trying to decide on the most perfect way to perform every little action that I wound up being like a deer in headlights… absolutely ineffective and losing sight of what really mattered most. So, letting go of being so self- focused and learning to trust that our good God knew my intention
Feb 3, 7:45 PM
VisitationSiste: I think this is a great way of expressing the dilemna and alot depends on where we are in the spiritual life
Feb 3, 7:47 PM
VisitationSiste: Interior liberty of spirit is fundamental to a spiritual maturity dont you think
Feb 3, 7:48 PM
Carroll (Guest): was important… Actually, when I genuinely started focusing on charity towards others, I was able to begin letting go and experiencing the peace that comes with flexibility.
Feb 3, 7:49 PM
VisitationSiste: Yes charity is always God’s Will
Feb 3, 7:50 PM
VisitationSiste: No discernment needed there I suppose
Feb 3, 7:51 PM
VisitationSiste: How might being God’s children made in His image help shed light on this topic? Would it help to pray, “Jesus, I trust in You”? Following Saint Francis’ advice here, does t
Feb 3, 7:51 PM
VisitationSiste: does this lead us to conclude that those greater matters are insignificant in God’s eyes and in our daily lives?
Feb 3, 7:51 PM
Dawn (Guest): an interior liberty of spirit can only come from our faith, our encounter with Jesus all of the time
Feb 3, 7:53 PM
Dawn (Guest): I do believe he cares about even the little things in our heart and life
Feb 3, 7:54 PM
Dawn (Guest): now I wonder, what is the deeper root to having scruples?
Feb 3, 7:54 PM
VisitationSiste: I heard scruples can be an emotional disorder and not only spiritual
Feb 3, 7:55 PM
VisitationSiste: but yes liberty of spirit means a faith that knows one is a child of God and one feels loved
Feb 3, 7:57 PM
Kristi (Guest): Re; scruples. I think the emotional disorder come from how society views love.
Feb 3, 7:58 PM
VisitationSiste: Can you expand on that?
Feb 3, 7:59 PM
Kristi (Guest): People are pounded with what is “Love”. Media and peer influence. Not from God…
Feb 3, 8:01 PM
VisitationSiste: Yes- not real love- which was in our second reading today at Mass
Feb 3, 8:01 PM
Dawn (Guest): yes, society does not teach true love is sacrificial
Feb 3, 8:01 PM
Kristi (Guest): God loves us unconditionally.
Feb 3, 8:02 PM
VisitationSiste: and we are to imitate that
Feb 3, 8:03 PM
VisitationSiste: When we trust in Jesus, he grants us more and more grace, His life in us
Feb 3, 8:04 PM
Carroll (Guest): For me, scruples were definitely tied, at least in part, to the emotional effects of a traumatic childhood… THe awesome truth of being a child of God… Who is, indeed, The truly, completely, consistently loving Father,… gave me the opportunity to experience unconditional Love, so there is no need to be scrupulous in order to cling hold of Him… Even though time and time again I learned that terrible losses can be suffered when we sin, the assurance of His Love allowed me to begin to relax and trust.
Feb 3, 8:04 PM
VisitationSiste: What wonderful growth in your life!
Feb 3, 8:06 PM
Carroll (Guest): By His grace, even I can begin to grow up… nice to know that maturity isn’t so scary … God be praised!
Feb 3, 8:08 PM
Kristi (Guest): Jesus has transformed my life.
Feb 3, 8:08 PM
VisitationSiste: Discerning God’s Will communally is different from individually- we are getting dirrection for that
Feb 3, 8:09 PM
VisitationSiste: That is a blessing Krisiti
Feb 3, 8:10 PM
Carroll (Guest): Do you mean, specifically in the context of a religious community? Or, is that true in other types of communities, as well?
Feb 3, 8:10 PM
Dawn (Guest): He does transform lives , very much mine also.
Feb 3, 8:11 PM
VisitationSiste: I think the pattern for all might have similarities- but the key point is that He wants life for us, but how?
Feb 3, 8:11 PM
Carroll (Guest): That’s why you all inspire me so much!
Feb 3, 8:13 PM
VisitationSiste: We have all been transformed I believe- when I was younger in my 20’s never did I think I would be in a Monastery
Feb 3, 8:14 PM
Kristi (Guest): At this point in my life. I never thought I would consider it!
Feb 3, 8:15 PM
Carroll (Guest): 20’s… I never even thought I would be Catholic! … That seems like so long ago.
Feb 3, 8:15 PM
Dawn (Guest): the point of seeing him in me, in my life, where I was what was going on who was around…I realized that is how. in the circumstances and among the people in our life.
Feb 3, 8:17 PM
VisitationSiste: But loving Him changes us and we follow whereever He asks
Feb 3, 8:18 PM
VisitationSiste: And He continues to transform us so who knows where we may yet be
Feb 3, 8:20 PM
Kristi (Guest): Yes, exactly. I look back from year to year, and I smile at the changes. Because it’s because of Him, the direction I am heading
Feb 3, 8:20 PM
VisitationSiste: What have we yet to discern: Where might we draw the line between discerning something important (like one’s vocation) and discerning every single decision of our waking hours?
Feb 3, 8:21 PM
Carroll (Guest): Yes, Dawn… I still long for religious life with all of my heart… and even though it seems impossible to some people, I know nothing is impossible with God…. Thankfully, my spiritual directoe agrees and continues to encourage me… Even so, for now, it is definitely in this place with these people and circumstances where He has called me to grow in maturity and prepare for whatever comes next.
Feb 3, 8:24 PM
VisitationSiste: May Jesus bring you where He wants you!
Feb 3, 8:25 PM
Carroll (Guest): Thank you, dear Sister!
Feb 3, 8:25 PM
Dawn (Guest): Amen.
Feb 3, 8:25 PM
Carroll (Guest): May He bring us ALL where He wants us!
Feb 3, 8:26 PM
VisitationSiste: Krisiti are you also considering religious life
Feb 3, 8:26 PM
Dawn (Guest): Amen. and may we remain in Him always
Feb 3, 8:27 PM
Kristi (Guest): My decision on my waking hours tends to lead me to the important ones.
Feb 3, 8:27 PM
Carroll (Guest): How do you mean, Kristi?
Feb 3, 8:27 PM
Kristi (Guest): Yes, Sister. I am. I been looking for a spiritual director.
Feb 3, 8:28 PM
VisitationSiste: Pray hard to find the right one.
Feb 3, 8:28 PM
Kristi (Guest): Thank you.
Feb 3, 8:28 PM
Carroll (Guest): We will pray for you, too.
Feb 3, 8:30 PM
VisitationSiste: Prayers for each of you! Have a blessed week!
Feb 3, 8:30 PM
Carroll (Guest): Thank you, Sister! Good night.
Feb 3, 8:30 PM
Kristi (Guest): Carroll, I try to conduct my day asking for guidance and to see Christ’s face in everyone. I work several jobs. One is in retail. and I told my confessor, it’s good for me to deal with difficult situations. Hoping for more humility
Feb 3, 8:31 PM
Kristi (Guest): Good night, Sister
Feb 3, 8:31 PM
Carroll (Guest): Me, too… the hoping for more humility part… I am a live- in caregiver for an elderly coupke
Feb 3, 8:31 PM
Dawn (Guest): My prayers with you all. Thank you Sr Susan and each of you. Goodnight
Feb 3, 8:32 PM
Kristi (Guest): Good night, Dawn.
Feb 3, 8:32 PM
Carroll (Guest): couple:
Feb 3, 8:32 PM
Carroll (Guest): Good night, Dawn!
Feb 3, 8:32 PM
Kristi (Guest): Caregiving can be difficult.
Feb 3, 8:33 PM
Kristi (Guest): I took care of my Mom for 6 weeks, when she was very ill. She had COPD
Feb 3, 8:33 PM
Carroll (Guest): As can working several jobs… the beauty is in how God uses these situations to help us grow in Him.
Feb 3, 8:34 PM
Kristi (Guest): Yes, The other jobs were God given. not that the retail wasn’t. I think it helped with my patience and other problems.
Feb 3, 8:34 PM
Carroll (Guest): That must have been especially difficult with your mother. What a gift that you were able to do that for her and with her!
Feb 3, 8:34 PM
Kristi (Guest): I clean a Church and Rectory. I also clean houses on th side.
Feb 3, 8:35 PM
Kristi (Guest): The retail job, I took a family leave. So all my benefits and job were frozen until I came back
Feb 3, 8:36 PM
Kristi (Guest): It was a blessing to spend time with her. She passed away 7 years ago
Feb 3, 8:37 PM
Carroll (Guest): Good that you were able to do that… and what a gift to be of such service, cleaning the Church and Rectory!
Feb 3, 8:38 PM
Kristi (Guest): It is. It was offered to me when I joined my current parish.
Feb 3, 8:38 PM
Kristi (Guest): I’ve been doing it for about a 1 1/2 years.
Feb 3, 8:39 PM
Kristi (Guest): I need to go, Carrol. Have a Blessed evening. I really enjoyed our short chat.
Feb 3, 8:40 PM
Carroll (Guest): I am enjoying this chat, but I really should go too … Have a blessed week!
Feb 3, 8:40 PM
Kristi (Guest): Thank you. Good night