We have spent a lot of time talking about divesting ourselves of affections and so on, and here Saint Francis encourages to have them. How do we strike the balance here? How do we desire not to have them and yet at the same time try to have them? This reflection brings to mind the expression “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” How might these affections add something fresh to our spiritual life? Saint Francis has been very intense with his descriptions of how to live the spiritual
Jun 2, 7:26 PM
VisitationSiste: forgot to put up the questios this week!
Jun 2, 7:26 PM
Ruth (Guest): Hello Sister Susan. Glad you are back.
Jun 2, 7:27 PM
VisitationSiste: to live the spiritual life. Is
he softening up in this reflection? Or is there a deeper point is he trying to
make?
Is there a comparison here to giving things up for Lent, and then returning to
them with a fresh attitude? Or with a soldier being trained with harshness and
difficulties, to better prepare him for the battle?
Jun 2, 7:28 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): Thanks! I go on retreat tomorrow I am a bit distracted
Jun 2, 7:30 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): How are you Ruth?
Jun 2, 7:31 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): Thank you for being here the past 2 weeks- last week I was in DC
Jun 2, 7:31 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): Hi Guest 8355
Jun 2, 7:31 PM
Ruth (Guest): Karen’s remark/question seems to refer back to what we discussed last week. I didn’t check the archive but I see that Psalm 22 is the one that starts with the words quoted as Jesus expressing on the cross. And I think that somewhere I read that reciting the first lines of a Psalm was considered like reciting the whole Psalm. In any case, perhaps Jesus WANTED to pray the whole Psalm but just did not have sufficient breath left to do so. The psalm seems to fit so accurately what Jesus was experiencing.
Jun 2, 7:31 PM
Guest8355 (Guest): Hi Sister Susan and Ruth !!! God Bless You !!! Brian
Jun 2, 7:32 PM
Ruth (Guest): Hi Brian.
Jun 2, 7:33 PM
Guest8355 (Guest): Hi Kristi !
Jun 2, 7:33 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): The depths of spiritual abandonment- these are states- mystical ones that saints also experience
Jun 2, 7:33 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): Hi Alice Brian and Kristi
Jun 2, 7:33 PM
Ruth (Guest): I’m OK. Still grateful for “29” and hope to eventually get around to explain.
Jun 2, 7:34 PM
Guest8355 (Guest): Hi Alice !
Jun 2, 7:34 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): Jesus experienced all that we experience but sin- or rather He did not commit sin but He was “made sin” in other words I think He felt what sin is like- all so mystterious
Jun 2, 7:34 PM
Ruth (Guest): Not here, not now, though.
Jun 2, 7:35 PM
Kristi (Guest): Hi Everyone!
Jun 2, 7:35 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): Re Q 1: I think we are not to be attached to affections but certainly we will feel them
Jun 2, 7:37 PM
Ruth (Guest): Hi Brian, Alice and Kristi.
Jun 2, 7:37 PM
Alice (Guest): Hi everyone.
Jun 2, 7:38 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): Hi Lisa
Jun 2, 7:38 PM
Lisa C: Hi Mother
Jun 2, 7:38 PM
Lisa C: How was Sr. Anne Marie’s celebration?
Jun 2, 7:38 PM
Guest8355 (Guest): Hi Lisa !
Jun 2, 7:39 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): It was wonderfl The school attended and witnessed her renewal of vows One alum was there
Jun 2, 7:39 PM
Kristi (Guest): Giving up an attachment for Lent and finding later it isn’t worth going back to. That attachment was an unnecessary vice that hurt my devotion to God.
Jun 2, 7:39 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): Good example
Jun 2, 7:40 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): Sister renewed her vows in a loud and clear voice but usually she has trouble speaking!
Jun 2, 7:40 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): We know you were there in prayer Lisa!
Jun 2, 7:41 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): A fervent pray-er usually would have affections- otherwise one might have the other possible experience of a “dry” prayer- still prayer tho!
Jun 2, 7:42 PM
Dawn (Guest): hi everyone!
Jun 2, 7:42 PM
Guest8355 (Guest): Hi Dawn !
Jun 2, 7:42 PM
Lisa C: I think we should have affections for holy things and not for trivial things
Jun 2, 7:42 PM
Kristi (Guest): Hi Dawn!
Jun 2, 7:43 PM
Dawn (Guest): Hi :}}}
Jun 2, 7:43 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): Purify our affections That’s what this month of the Sacred heart can help us to do
Jun 2, 7:43 PM
Ruth (Guest): Hi Lisa and Dawn!
Jun 2, 7:44 PM
Guest8355 (Guest): Sometimes our affections for even trivial things can lead to building relationships with others that can lead to gently guiding them toward Jesus !!!
Jun 2, 7:44 PM
Lisa C: Hi Ruth, Brian, Alice, Kristi, Dawn
Jun 2, 7:45 PM
Kristi (Guest): Hi Lisa!
Jun 2, 7:45 PM
Kristi (Guest): That is so true, Brian!
Jun 2, 7:46 PM
Dawn (Guest): not peeking….Hi Sr Susan Lisa Brian Ruth Kristi Alice! happy so many are here tonight.
Jun 2, 7:47 PM
Ruth (Guest): St. Francis recognizes that affections can be good. Imagine a mother not have affection for her child? Or a husband and wife who ONLY experience their relationship as duty. God wants us to rejoice in his creation.
Jun 2, 7:47 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): Hi Dawn- getting to be a full house You know we can host 100! But.. that has not happened yet
Jun 2, 7:47 PM
Dawn (Guest): 100! well, with God all things are possible.
Jun 2, 7:48 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): I think of St Jane de Chantal who was such a passionate woman- esp when young- as years went on she was able to be more accepting of the events in her life that were difficult- but always was a strong woman
Jun 2, 7:48 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): St Francis de Sales had a milder temperament
Jun 2, 7:48 PM
Ruth (Guest): Good observation, Brian. An example: I’m not much into professional sports, but when I was with other people for whom it was important, I watched very attentively, and enjoyed it because they enjoyed it.
Jun 2, 7:51 PM
Guest8355 (Guest): Yes Ruth I think it’s important to celebrate the interests of others !!! It also provides the opportunity for deeper sharing in God’s timing and can provide needed healing for Soo many!!!
Jun 2, 7:52 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): Interest is healthy but if we put that ahead of our dedication to God (such as sports on Sun mornings rather than Mass) then it becomes unhealthy spiritually
Jun 2, 7:53 PM
Dawn (Guest): noted…about St Jane
Jun 2, 7:55 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): Salesian spirituality combines both saints’ insights
Jun 2, 7:56 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): The Treatise which we have been chatting about for this long time was written by St Francis BUT through his observations of the Visitandines, in many cases, and probably St Jane in partcular
Jun 2, 7:56 PM
Guest8355 (Guest): Soo True Sister Susan !!! Great Opportunity to bring God unto these events in many different ways . Soo many ministries that reach out to athletes and even fans !!!
Jun 2, 7:56 PM
Ruth (Guest): St. Francis speaks of even prayer practices and the seeking of virtues as something God may strip us of. The key, it seems to me, is in the response — so Marian — Be it done to me as God wills — Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Jun 2, 7:58 PM
Dawn (Guest): why perhaps would God strip us of these?
Jun 2, 7:59 PM
Lisa C: maybe to teach humility
Jun 2, 7:59 PM
Guest8355 (Guest): It’s soo encouraging to see Priests , Sisters , and Christians at big events in the Community ! Soo many hurting people who need to know God !!!
Jun 2, 8:00 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): and to seek God alone?
Jun 2, 8:03 PM
Guest8355 (Guest): Jesus is the only Way !!! He taught not to shy away from anyone !!! What a joy to bring Christ’s Love to others in every situation of Life !!!
Jun 2, 8:03 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): q s there a comparison here to giving things up for Lent, and then returning to them with a fresh attitude? Or with a soldier being trained with harshness and difficulties, to better prepare him for the battle?
Jun 2, 8:04 PM
Kristi (Guest): That is the question I answered above. For me, was to be better prepared for battle.
Jun 2, 8:05 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): Ah yes!
Jun 2, 8:06 PM
Guest8355 (Guest): I think the training that God provides us helps us to shatter our self focus and begin to understand the true suffering and bondage Soo many are living with around us everyday !!!
Jun 2, 8:06 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): from St Francis: If we have once put off our old affection to spiritual consolations, to exercises of devotion, to the practice of virtues, yea to our own advancement in perfection, we must put on another affection quite new, by loving all these graces and heavenly favours, not because they perfect and adorn our spirit, but because our Saviour’s name is sanctified in them, his kingdom advanced, his good-pleasure glorified.
Jun 2, 8:07 PM
Dawn (Guest): this is a much deeper thought
Jun 2, 8:08 PM
Ruth (Guest): Amen!’
Jun 2, 8:08 PM
Guest8355 (Guest): Amen !!!!!
Jun 2, 8:10 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): All for the Glory of God!
Jun 2, 8:10 PM
Kristi (Guest): Yes!
Jun 2, 8:10 PM
Ruth (Guest): And, we might remind ourselves, that God does not NEED any of this for HIS SAKE, He does not even WANT our affection; it is simply the right order of things, it is out of His Love for the Creatures he created, that WE NEED to obey and glorify Him in all we do and say.
Jun 2, 8:10 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): That is not only our Brooklyn foundation’s motto but also that of the Jesuits I think
Jun 2, 8:10 PM
Guest8355 (Guest): Amen !!!!
Jun 2, 8:11 PM
Lisa C: HE DOES WANT OUR AFFECTION
Jun 2, 8:12 PM
Lisa C: Our love for Him consoles Him for the sins of mankind
Jun 2, 8:12 PM
Lisa C: God has real feelings
Jun 2, 8:12 PM
Ruth (Guest): WANT in the sense of lack. He WANTS/NEEDS nothing, because He is sufficient unto Himself.
Jun 2, 8:13 PM
Lisa C: Once He made us He loved us and loved us even before He made us and planned for us and wants everything good for us.
Jun 2, 8:13 PM
Dawn (Guest): thinking of Mary and Martha…..what he says that she chose the better part, to sit with him and love
Jun 2, 8:14 PM
Guest8355 (Guest): I am Greatful for God’s correction in my life !!!! He is a Wonderful Teacher who guides us into a New Life with Love and He provides us opportunities to Love others even our worst enemies !!!!
Jun 2, 8:15 PM
Ruth (Guest): But true, through Jesus, we know that God’s Love for us can be very like our own, tender, consoling. Feelings imply a physical body that responds to inner and outer events.
Jun 2, 8:16 PM
Lisa C: God is love and the Trinity exists to share love
Jun 2, 8:17 PM
Lisa C: God is 3 persons so He can love forever
Jun 2, 8:17 PM
Guest8355 (Guest): “Greater Love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends “
Jun 2, 8:17 PM
Lisa C: back and forward
Jun 2, 8:17 PM
Ruth (Guest): Through the Incarnation the Trinitarian God enters our human nature.
Jun 2, 8:19 PM
Ruth (Guest): Maybe the reason St. Francis — at least in translation speaks of God’s Holy Will or desire, good pleasure is to avoid the word “want” which implies a lack, a deficiency.
Jun 2, 8:21 PM
Ruth (Guest): Lisa, it is precisely because of the Trinitarian nature of God, that He does not NEED us; but the love of God overflows to creating and loving the likes of us!
Jun 2, 8:21 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): can’t say
Jun 2, 8:22 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): about St Francis choice of words I mean
Jun 2, 8:23 PM
Ruth (Guest): He desires our affection and our obedience. And by our giving this, we help not so much Him as ourselves.
Jun 2, 8:24 PM
Ruth (Guest): Our prayers don’t change God; if they are genuine, they change us.
Jun 2, 8:25 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): Over the years one can see one’s changes
Jun 2, 8:25 PM
Ruth (Guest): God already loves perfectly.
Jun 2, 8:25 PM
Kristi (Guest): Very true, Sister!
Jun 2, 8:26 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): Before I forget I will try to be here next week I start retreat tomorrow but may be able next Sun nite to join in If not the reason is I am still not near the computer But a chat newsletter will go out
Jun 2, 8:26 PM
Lisa C: 20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Jun 2, 8:27 PM
Dawn (Guest): Have a good retreat Sr! God bless and thankyou
Jun 2, 8:27 PM
Guest8355 (Guest): My daughter Lian just returned from trip to Ireland . She was able to spend a day hiking with local farmer at the Cliffs of Mohr . Very beautiful but also dangerous place . Many people go out without guide or instruction and some die not knowing safe way to walk area . She was safe walking with guide who knew the land his whole life !!!! The Father , Son, and Holy Spirit are our guides through this dangerous walk through life !!! They guide us through the Dangers and strait on the path to Heaven !!!!
Jun 2, 8:27 PM
Sister Susan Marie (Moderator): You will all be in my prayer Many blessings!
Jun 2, 8:27 PM
Lisa C: God wants us to be in Him
Jun 2, 8:28 PM
Kristi (Guest): Bless you, Sister!
Jun 2, 8:29 PM
Kristi (Guest): God bless, and good night, All!
Jun 2, 8:30 PM
Guest8355 (Guest): God Bless Your Reteat Sister Susan !!!!God Bless You All !!!! Brian
Jun 2, 8:31 PM
Dawn (Guest): goodnight all. thank you for sharing Lians trip Brian! and for all sharing. God Bless!
Jun 2, 8:32 PM
Dawn (Guest): And Lisa, glad you are here. you share God’s word! He talks to us thru his word. thank you.
Jun 2, 8:45 PM
Ruth (Guest): God bless all of you! Lisa, I agree, John 21. It is only, I think, the word “want” that got you thinking we were on a different page. I once saw a kid in a grocery store next to a big display of chocolate bars. He asked his mother, “Do we need chocolate bars?” My mother, and I, probably would have replied with a question, “Does anyone NEED chocolate bars?” or a correction, “No one really NEEDS chocolate bars.” That mother replied, to my amusement, “No, we still have plenty.” God IS plenty: plenty o
Jun 2, 8:48 PM
Ruth (Guest): I God IS plenty: plenty of Love, plenty of Life, plenty of Being, plenty of Joy, and, since entry into a human race which misused free will meant to be used for LOVE — we say Christ “became” sin –though he did not sin. And Love and Obedience — Christ’s and ours — are the answer to sin.