How can we be more like the servant who increased his talents?2. How can we make the most of what God has given us?3. Why does an action (such as fasting) change depending on what our spiritual disposition is? Why does it matter?4. What are some of the wrong or poor intentions for our actions that we must watch out for?5. If we fall short, what kind of small steps can we take to move towards having more charity in our actions?6. If someone asked you to help in a work of charity that was not “politically
Feb 16, 11:07 AM
VisitationSiste: correct” how would you react?
Feb 16, 11:08 AM
VisitationSiste: Sun Feb 16 730pm est chat
Feb 16, 7:18 PM
VisitationSiste: Hi Ruth!
Feb 16, 7:18 PM
Ruth (Guest): Hello viewer. I’ll be back in a 10-15 minutes. Did you get to see the selection yet. Sr. Emails it to us. You can sign up on this site.
Feb 16, 7:18 PM
Ruth (Guest): Oh, Hi Sr. Susan!
Feb 16, 7:19 PM
VisitationSiste: I’ll wait!
Feb 16, 7:22 PM
Sr Jennifer (Guest): Hi, Mother and Ruth
Feb 16, 7:24 PM
VisitationSiste: Hi Sr Jennifer Ruth stepped away for a while
Feb 16, 7:27 PM
Sr Jennifer (Guest): Me too. Just come back
Feb 16, 7:28 PM
VisitationSiste: I will wait 2 more minutes and then see if the viewer wants to sign in and start
Feb 16, 7:29 PM
Sr Jennifer (Guest): Hi Caroll V
Feb 16, 7:30 PM
Sr Jennifer (Guest): Hi Viewers
Feb 16, 7:30 PM
VisitationSiste: Hi carroll good to see you back here
Feb 16, 7:30 PM
Carroll V (Guest): Good evening everyone. I’ve missed being here, but really appreciated reading the chats.
Feb 16, 7:31 PM
Carroll V (Guest): Thank you, Mother Susan Marie.
Feb 16, 7:32 PM
VisitationSiste: Did you read the chapter? Tonight we talk about talents- like the servant in scripture
Feb 16, 7:32 PM
Carroll V (Guest): Yes- thank you.
Feb 16, 7:33 PM
VisitationSiste: 1. How can we be more like the servant who increased his talents?
Feb 16, 7:33 PM
Ruth (Guest): OK I’m back. Hello Jennifer, and Carroll V, and two more viewers. Welcome.
Feb 16, 7:33 PM
Carroll V (Guest): I read the reflection for tonight… probably not the whole chapter
Feb 16, 7:34 PM
Carroll V (Guest): Hi Brian!
Feb 16, 7:34 PM
Dawn (Guest): Hi everyone, and Sr Susan Sr Jennifer
Feb 16, 7:34 PM
VisitationSiste: Hi Dawn and Brian!
Feb 16, 7:34 PM
Ruth (Guest): I read it. I always find SFdS’s “natural history” and medical understanding amusing. But they make the point well.
Feb 16, 7:34 PM
Brian (Guest): Hi Sr Susan , Sr Jennifer , Carroll , Dawn , and Ruth !!! God Bless You !!!
Feb 16, 7:35 PM
Dawn (Guest): Hi Brian!
Feb 16, 7:35 PM
VisitationSiste: Yes SFDS used Pliny who was way off in many natural observations about creation
Feb 16, 7:36 PM
Ruth (Guest): Hi Dawn and Brian. Congrats, Brian on signing in with your name. That makes it easier if there are more than one person with a guest NUMBER.
Feb 16, 7:36 PM
Dawn (Guest): Hi Ruth!
Feb 16, 7:37 PM
VisitationSiste: Hi Blanca
Feb 16, 7:37 PM
Brian (Guest): Ha ha thanks again for tip on signing in Ruth !
Feb 16, 7:37 PM
Ruth (Guest): Hello Blanca.
Feb 16, 7:37 PM
Dawn (Guest): Hi Blanca!
Feb 16, 7:37 PM
Ruth (Guest): Your welcome, Brian.
Feb 16, 7:38 PM
Brian (Guest): Hi Blanca ! God Bless You !!!
Feb 16, 7:38 PM
VisitationSiste: Sometimes we don’t realize the talents we have- it takes another to point them out
Feb 16, 7:38 PM
Blanca Villa: Hello everyone!
Feb 16, 7:39 PM
Dawn (Guest): …. another to point them out
Feb 16, 7:39 PM
Ruth (Guest): That’s a good bit of history, Sister. Maybe I should read Pliny, too, even if only to appreciate better what we’ve learned in the interim.
Feb 16, 7:39 PM
Brian (Guest): Soo True Sister Susan !!!
Feb 16, 7:40 PM
Ruth (Guest): Doesn’t it!
Feb 16, 7:40 PM
Ruth (Guest): And some people are a lot better at pointing out faults than talents.
Feb 16, 7:41 PM
Dawn (Guest): yes Ruth!
Feb 16, 7:41 PM
VisitationSiste: To use them to the maximum! that can be a challenge
Feb 16, 7:41 PM
VisitationSiste: it takes courage and determination and trust
Feb 16, 7:42 PM
Ruth (Guest): I just happened upon a website that vindicated my firmness about insisting that a passenger use the seat belt even in the back seat when I was driving the minibus for the Adult Center.
Feb 16, 7:42 PM
Dawn (Guest): Who would this person be that we could trust, perhaps priest or spiritual director. someone who knows you well
Feb 16, 7:42 PM
Brian (Guest): I think too Ruth sometimes people can focus on negative when they are struggling !!! When we have healthy relatioship with God and others we are much more encouraging!
Feb 16, 7:43 PM
Dawn (Guest): or in learning to know ourselves we may receive the grace to see it
Feb 16, 7:43 PM
VisitationSiste: exactly
Feb 16, 7:43 PM
VisitationSiste: and not to be thrown off by others who might be jealous or discouraging
Feb 16, 7:43 PM
Carroll V (Guest): Good point Brian
Feb 16, 7:43 PM
Ruth (Guest): I think I have to find ways of being more affirming in everyday situations, myself.
Feb 16, 7:44 PM
Ruth (Guest): Good observation Brian.
Feb 16, 7:46 PM
Brian (Guest): Heard interview years ago on radio with author a book on spiritual gifts . Very good description of how we act with each gift when we are close to God and others act with same gift when they are separated from God
Feb 16, 7:47 PM
VisitationSiste: Sounds very interesting- and important to distinguish
Feb 16, 7:47 PM
Blanca Villa: Dawn I agree. I have been struggling at work and through a discussion with a priest I was able to see my faults & strengths in regards to what’s happening at my workplace.
Feb 16, 7:49 PM
Brian (Guest): Deep Forgiveness issues really seem to interfere with the true expression of our Spiritual Gifts !
Feb 16, 7:50 PM
VisitationSiste: Maybe making the most of what God has given us dies takke some outside direction at times- like you suggested- priest etc
Feb 16, 7:50 PM
Dawn (Guest): are our talents same as spiritual gifts?
Feb 16, 7:52 PM
VisitationSiste: at times
Feb 16, 7:52 PM
Brian (Guest): Our Spiritual Gifts can be expressed in every situation in life ! Talents may have some limitations !!!
Feb 16, 7:53 PM
VisitationSiste: good point Brian
Feb 16, 7:54 PM
VisitationSiste: 3. Why does an action (such as fasting) change depending on what our spiritual disposition is? Why does it matter?
Feb 16, 7:54 PM
Ruth (Guest): Today our song leader in the little church of the Assumption admitted to me before Mass that she felt insecure about leading two new songs she and the organist were practicing today. In retrospect, I think I could have been more encouraging. I could have said, “You’ll do fine!, and I’ll support you as best I can; those songs are familiar to me.” Instead I said, “I recognize those songs. We are ALL insecure,” and I think she added, “ALL the time.” I then told her — maybe it was AFTER Mass — I never tho
Feb 16, 7:55 PM
Ruth (Guest): though, — if I sang in the shower, my brother, who was in a chorus at school, would shout, “Who’s killing you!” And we laughed together. Brothers!
Feb 16, 7:56 PM
Brian (Guest): Ha ha ha Ruth !!!
Feb 16, 7:57 PM
Ruth (Guest): But maybe that proves what you were saying, Brian. We need to COMPLETELY forgive. And that takes a long time, a lot of healing. And maybe a new experience or two of being appreciated.
Feb 16, 7:58 PM
Brian (Guest): Soo True Ruth !!!
Feb 16, 7:59 PM
VisitationSiste: forgiveness is a spiritual disposition – it affects other actions too
Feb 16, 7:59 PM
Blanca Villa: Regarding fasting: if we offer our fast to God & for the salvation of souls it helps our on salvation. Whereas, if we don’t then it’s vain glory. Especially now that it’s trendy for weightloss.
Feb 16, 7:59 PM
Brian (Guest): It took my Mother 65 years too share horrific childhood trauma . Once she finally talked about it she changed from worrier too a Prayer Warrior !!!
Feb 16, 8:01 PM
Ruth (Guest): Wonderful, Brian!
Feb 16, 8:02 PM
Carroll V (Guest): Love is God’s “language,” or ” currency,” so to speak… When we offer ourselves out of love, then God “hears” and embraces us in a special way… not that His grace is earned necessarilly, but our offerings are most useful when offered in the context of His Love.
Feb 16, 8:02 PM
VisitationSiste: beautifully expressed
Feb 16, 8:02 PM
Dawn (Guest): I may believe I have forgiven something, but the truth of it will come out in an interaction perhaps I find this humbling and distrubing to where I believe I am. then I learn again without him we can do nothing
Feb 16, 8:03 PM
Brian (Guest): Amen !!!!
Feb 16, 8:03 PM
Dawn (Guest): He is everything
Feb 16, 8:03 PM
Carroll V (Guest): Yes. Dawn
Feb 16, 8:03 PM
Brian (Guest): Amen !!!
Feb 16, 8:04 PM
VisitationSiste: Our intentions in whatever we do need to be purified sometimes – to do all for the Glory of God
Feb 16, 8:04 PM
Carroll V (Guest): I am in the process of returning to work as a nurse after many years… My life as a nurse pre-dated my conversion
Feb 16, 8:05 PM
Brian (Guest): We can do all things through Christ who Stengthens us !!!!
Feb 16, 8:05 PM
Ruth (Guest): I think I might have told you that I have a friend who survived as a youngster, a Jew, through the Nazi occupation. She lost both parents. She never spoke a word about the experience to her daughter, with whom I hiked. Then at the daughter’s 50th birthday, her uncle was there; he too had survived, with a very different way than his sister. I asked questions. They got talking. Now mother and daughter have together written a book about the mother’s experience and the mother, at 83, does public speaki
Feb 16, 8:05 PM
Ruth (Guest): speaking about the unspeakable!
Feb 16, 8:06 PM
Carroll V (Guest): … So, this is another opportunity to TRUST and offer my willingness to be useful to Him, whether I ” succeed” or ” fail” in the world’s terms…
Feb 16, 8:06 PM
Brian (Guest): Wow Ruth !!!!
Feb 16, 8:07 PM
VisitationSiste: success in God’s eyes –
Feb 16, 8:07 PM
Carroll V (Guest): … We all have all sorts of opportunities to mature in our faith and grow closer to Him when we focus on being of service to others..
Feb 16, 8:08 PM
Brian (Guest): God looks at the Heart !!!! The World focuses on productivity !
Feb 16, 8:08 PM
Ruth (Guest): So true, Brian.
Feb 16, 8:09 PM
Ruth (Guest): Making the Morning Offering is a good help. All for the glory of God!
Feb 16, 8:10 PM
VisitationSiste: do you have a handy copy of that prayer? I say it based on the apostleship of prayer
Feb 16, 8:10 PM
Carroll V (Guest): Wow. Ruth- what a story of resilience and sharing.
Feb 16, 8:10 PM
VisitationSiste: I like this question: 6. If someone asked you to help in a work of charity that was not “politically correct” how would you react?
Feb 16, 8:11 PM
Ruth (Guest): I guess that’s why I don’t feel like a failure, even though it is a bit embarrassing to be poor by the “world’s
Feb 16, 8:12 PM
Brian (Guest): In our busy world it’s soo important too stop and really listen too others . You can see people healing just by finally being able to share with another human being . Listening is such a powerful tool God uses too help soo many !!!!
Feb 16, 8:12 PM
Ruth (Guest): ” standards. At least for a physician, or for practically any middle-class American. When I have to fetch drinking water, I think, Thank you God, that this water is here, and free . . . Much of the world struggles for clean water, even fights wars over water.
Feb 16, 8:13 PM
VisitationSiste: I can’t actuially think of an act of charity that is not politically correct
Feb 16, 8:15 PM
Dawn (Guest): I get confused by the term political correct
Feb 16, 8:15 PM
Brian (Guest): Jesus Teaches us over and over and over again too Love and not too be politically correct !!!! He demonstrated this soo many times in His Actions and His Teachings !!!
Feb 16, 8:15 PM
Ruth (Guest): Yes, Brian. And the healthcare establishment not only does not have time to hear — often even fakes doing a history (and physical!). Just press a button and you get the default H & P! Or copy someone else’s incorrect notes.
Feb 16, 8:16 PM
Carroll V (Guest): “Oh my God I adore Thee and thank thee with all my heart for preserving me this night and granting me another day to do penance for my sins. I offer to Thee my soul and all its pwers, my body and all its senses. My heart and all its affections, desires, and resolutions. I offer you all my psins and sufferings. I unite them to the offering Jesus made to His Eternal Father on the tree of the Cross and I pray that His Holy Spirit may animate all of my thoughts, words, and actions. Holy Mother of God, bless me.
Feb 16, 8:17 PM
Carroll V (Guest): …to serve Thee and do penance for my sins.
Feb 16, 8:17 PM
Ruth (Guest): Beautiful Carroll V.!
Feb 16, 8:17 PM
Carroll V (Guest): That is the first part if the Morning offering I pray.
Feb 16, 8:17 PM
Dawn (Guest): I do like the question also
Feb 16, 8:18 PM
Carroll V (Guest): Not original!
Feb 16, 8:18 PM
Ruth (Guest): That’s OK. You make it yours when you pray it from the heart.
Feb 16, 8:18 PM
Brian (Guest): Amen Carroll !!!
Feb 16, 8:19 PM
VisitationSiste: I think it means that the majority of people believe a certain thing because “everyone” believes it and one is looked down upon if you don’t go along with the crowd like peerpressure
Feb 16, 8:20 PM
Carroll V (Guest): ” I pray that His Holy Spirit may animate, direct, and sanctify all my actions.”
Feb 16, 8:21 PM
Ruth (Guest): Yes, and it is becoming an ever bigger problem in our society, I fear. I am willing to be politically incorrect if that is necessary to be truthful and true to God. Politically, though, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find ANY candidate who represents our views as believing Catholics.
Feb 16, 8:22 PM
Blanca Villa: The thing that came to me regarding this question was when I participated in the Walk for life in San Francisco with my sister and brother in law, my sister was pregnant (that was 11 yrs ago) & some of the pro choice protesters were absolutely horrible. I was glad to be part of a huge crowd.
Feb 16, 8:22 PM
Ruth (Guest): I don’t know why Democrats for Life do not run a candidate, or the Republicans don’t find a candidate who isn’t such a liar and scoundral.
Feb 16, 8:22 PM
VisitationSiste: Good example Blanca!!
Feb 16, 8:22 PM
Brian (Guest): It’s almost always been that way Ruth !!!!
Feb 16, 8:24 PM
Ruth (Guest): You are young enough, Brian, to not remember when abortion was illegal and frowned upon by almost everyone.
Feb 16, 8:25 PM
Ruth (Guest): I was in my twenties when I brought around petitions trying to avert the NYS bill to make abortion legal, and trying to get people to register and vote.
Feb 16, 8:25 PM
Brian (Guest): People need too see True Love in Action !!!! It always stands Lightyears above Political Correctness!!!
Feb 16, 8:25 PM
Carroll V (Guest): Our poor world… the ” science” of healthcare perpetuates so many FALSE truths, and then expects licensed caregivers to advocate for the falsehoods in the name of ” ethical practice “…. So, to speak the Truth is often politically incorrect in healthcare…
Feb 16, 8:26 PM
Dawn (Guest): yes. today we had nine Dominican sisters come visit and participate in Mass. It was so beautiful! such a blessing
Feb 16, 8:26 PM
Ruth (Guest): There have been places on Earth where whole towns believed the Gospel — and resisted persecution even when opposing forces made martyrs of a whole village, one by one.
Feb 16, 8:27 PM
Carroll V (Guest): Good reminder Ruth
Feb 16, 8:27 PM
VisitationSiste: We need to stay strong in the Lord!
Feb 16, 8:28 PM
Carroll V (Guest): Amen!
Feb 16, 8:28 PM
Dawn (Guest): Yes, the most important thing. Amen
Feb 16, 8:28 PM
Brian (Guest): Soo True Ruth !!!! And their Love of God will be shared with Generation after Generation !!! Nobody will recall the persecutors !!!
Feb 16, 8:29 PM
VisitationSiste: May this week be a blessed one for each of you! Have to go now!!
Feb 16, 8:30 PM
Dawn (Guest): Amazing Ruth!
Feb 16, 8:30 PM
Brian (Guest): Jesus has cleared the Path for us to be able to Love even our Worst Enemy !!!!
Feb 16, 8:30 PM
Carroll V (Guest): Sr. Benigna Consolata Ferraro (like so many others) reminds us that the best way to overcome evil is to have COMPLETE confidence in the Love and Mercy of God.
Feb 16, 8:30 PM
Dawn (Guest): Thank you Sr Susan. God Bless you!
Feb 16, 8:31 PM
Blanca Villa: Thank you Sister Susan. Have a great week everyone, bye.
Feb 16, 8:31 PM
Carroll V (Guest): Thank you everyone. Have a blessed week!
Feb 16, 8:31 PM
Dawn (Guest): Good night Blanca. God Bless and Carroll .
Feb 16, 8:32 PM
Brian (Guest): Thank You Sister Susan !!! God Bless You All !!!
Feb 16, 8:32 PM
Dawn (Guest): Good night Brian and Ruth! thank you for being here
Feb 16, 8:33 PM
Ruth (Guest): Clergy generally cannot be involved directly in politics, or even directly preach; it is up to us to let our voices be heard. Internet makes that a bit easier. We must not succumb to the negativity. Christus vincit! But now He needs our hands and our feet and our voices!
Feb 16, 8:34 PM
Ruth (Guest): Good night dear friends. May the Spirit of God move our every thought, word and deed in the week ahead and ALWAYS. Love you all!
Feb 16, 8:34 PM
Dawn (Guest): Ruth, was that in the 70s when you petitioned in NY?
Feb 16, 8:35 PM
Ruth (Guest): Yes, early 70’s I believe.
Feb 16, 8:35 PM
Ruth (Guest): Or maybe late 60’s.
Feb 16, 8:36 PM
Dawn (Guest): before it was made legal sometime?
Feb 16, 8:36 PM
Ruth (Guest): I was still in HS when I joined the then Bishop’s Commission for Peace and Justice.
Feb 16, 8:36 PM
Ruth (Guest): Yes, Dawn, before abortion was legal in NYS.
Feb 16, 8:37 PM
Dawn (Guest): Such a time then, and now!
Feb 16, 8:38 PM
Dawn (Guest): Goodnight, we can email if like. God bless you!
Feb 16, 8:39 PM
Ruth (Guest): And NOW NYS has been trying for years to make physician-assisted-suicide not only legal, but requiring physicians to write as the “cause of death” whatever underlying illness the person had.
Feb 16, 8:39 PM
Dawn (Guest): Demonic
Feb 16, 8:40 PM
Ruth (Guest): It is a constant battle!
Feb 16, 8:41 PM
Dawn (Guest): they do not take responsibility? of course not because someplace in them, even if they are not aware, knows it is very wrong.
Feb 16, 8:41 PM
Dawn (Guest): It is a battle for sure
Feb 16, 8:42 PM
Dawn (Guest): But Jesus did tell us we would have trouble but to be not afraid. to trust in him
Feb 16, 8:43 PM
Dawn (Guest): Im going to sign off here. we can pick it up . God bless
Feb 16, 8:44 PM
Ruth (Guest): Talk with you later. Amen. Trust — He will hold the ladder and catch us if we fall, but we have to do the climbing ourselves. (A reference to our pastor’s sermon from today.)
Feb 16, 8:44 PM
Ruth (Guest): Good night.