Though it might seem obvious, why is it so important to renounce our wills and to abandon to God? What would it look like to renounced our will but not abandon to God?2. What does it mean to accept equally poverty and wealth, affliction and consolation, and so on?3. Saint Francis says: “To make such an act of abandonment, one only has to obey both the signified will of God and the will of his good pleasure.” He makes it sound so easy. How might we find this to be easier in our lives?4. How does living in
Jun 7, 10:23 AM
VisitationSiste: today’s day and age make abandonment to God more difficult (or easier) compared to the time in which St. Francis was living?
5. Can you think of any “temptations, barrenness, dryness, and natural dislikes” mentioned in the last paragraph that come from our own imperfections? What does St. Francis mean by this?
Jun 7, 10:23 AM
VisitationSiste: SUN CHAT 730 PM JUN 7 EST
Jun 7, 3:07 PM
Guest2578 (Guest): Hi
Jun 7, 6:49 PM
Miriam Weideger: Hello thank you for letting me join inthe chat.
Jun 7, 6:57 PM
Miriam Weideger: I don’t know if i can join the chat every sunday as i am from scotland and it is midnight and when the chat starts it will be anothe 30mins. i am excited to hear what other peoles views are.
Jun 7, 7:27 PM
VisitationSiste: Hi Miriam Sorry the time is hard for you- maybe some chatters could do a second chat at a differenrt time I am not free to do that except Sun nite
Jun 7, 7:28 PM
VisitationSiste: Welcome Nicolette
Jun 7, 7:28 PM
Guest1442 (Guest): Hi sister susan Marie this is betty chao
Jun 7, 7:28 PM
Nicolette (Guest): Thank you. Hi!
Jun 7, 7:28 PM
VisitationSiste: Hi Betty!
Jun 7, 7:28 PM
Guest1442 (Guest): I promise I will join you in chat
Jun 7, 7:29 PM
VisitationSiste: Is the first question clear to everyone?
Jun 7, 7:29 PM
VisitationSiste: why is it so important to renounce our wills and to abandon to God? What would it look like to renounced our will but not abandon to God?
Jun 7, 7:31 PM
Nicolette (Guest): You cant fill a full cup
Jun 7, 7:31 PM
Ruth (Guest): Hi everyone.
Jun 7, 7:31 PM
VisitationSiste: Hi Ruth!
Jun 7, 7:31 PM
VisitationSiste: Can you add more to that image Nicilette It is an interesting one!
Jun 7, 7:31 PM
Ruth (Guest): Not sure why this strange loud noise comes on when I send a few words.
Jun 7, 7:32 PM
VisitationSiste: Nicolette
Jun 7, 7:32 PM
Nicolette (Guest): If God is yo use you, you must empty yourself
Jun 7, 7:32 PM
Carroll V (Guest): Hi everyone. I’m happy to be here, but will have to slip out at 8pm.
Jun 7, 7:32 PM
Ruth (Guest): Beautiful day here today, up to 63 degrees F.
Jun 7, 7:33 PM
Ruth (Guest): I wonder if St. Francis wants us to love stormy days or muggy, hot days as much as we like a day like today?
Jun 7, 7:34 PM
VisitationSiste: Accept Divine Providence!
Jun 7, 7:34 PM
VisitationSiste: Hi Carroll and thank you Nicolette
Jun 7, 7:34 PM
Nicolette (Guest): Yes
Jun 7, 7:34 PM
Nicolette (Guest): The good and the bad
Jun 7, 7:35 PM
VisitationSiste: If we renounce our will but do not abandon self to God someone else may try to control our will with less than good intent- we may follow evil
Jun 7, 7:35 PM
Ruth (Guest): Even accepting Divine Providence I want warm clothing or a heated house or both when the temperature gets below freezing.
Jun 7, 7:35 PM
Nicolette (Guest): Offering from your cup back to God Divine Providence, that which is His
Jun 7, 7:35 PM
Miriam Weideger: Yes i think i understand the question as i have in the past thought i was doing Gods will and it did not turn out the way i thought, by abandoning myself to God and His will i will find peace and purpose in my life
Jun 7, 7:36 PM
Guest1442 (Guest): after jesus go to heaven he told his apotles continue to offrered the holy eucharist sacrifice.they ordained other priests. in the way jesus gave us the priesthood at the holy mass.in the mass jesus give himself to his father as he die on the cross.but now in an unbloody manner in the blessed sacrement of the holy communion for he cant suffered anymore.bettychao to sr susan marie
Jun 7, 7:37 PM
Carroll V (Guest): Giving ourselves up but not abandoning self to God: We see this with athletes or dancers who train and train, sacrificing everything, … often developing eating disorders or other problems, turning in on themselves… all for what? …
Jun 7, 7:37 PM
VisitationSiste: good example
Jun 7, 7:38 PM
Ruth (Guest): I struggle with his notion of considering those two impostors — e.g. health or sickness — just the same. Jesus did an awful lot of healing. He did not treat the suffering of others with indifference.
Jun 7, 7:38 PM
VisitationSiste: do you mean in reference to this question: 2. What does it mean to accept equally poverty and wealth, affliction and consolation, and so on
Jun 7, 7:39 PM
VisitationSiste: But how did the “victims” of suffering handle the problem before Jesus showed up- with acceptance peace or strife and resistance
Jun 7, 7:40 PM
Guest1442 (Guest): the sacrifice in the mass is the same sacrifice that jesus die on the cross.in the every mass christ is the present and act through his high priest under the apperances of the body and blood bread and wine.bettychao to sr susan
Jun 7, 7:42 PM
Miriam Weideger: I think before Jesus showed up they would deal with this with strife and resistance.
Jun 7, 7:42 PM
Ruth (Guest): This notion is contained in BOTH the first and the second question. AND it IS partly related to time and place. E.g. we, here in the US expect more of our health care system than our grandparents could or than poor people in undeveloped countries do; they may have more peace by accepting sickness and death. BUT I think it is definitely not wrong to give the two a good fight.
Jun 7, 7:43 PM
VisitationSiste: Definitely we do not have to be passive to the point of not caring
Jun 7, 7:43 PM
Nicolette (Guest): Once you “abandon” yourself to God, good and bad is acceptable because you are working for Him. You see that sickness and sufferings are “good”. Your cup is now full and can be poured out
Jun 7, 7:45 PM
Guest1442 (Guest): in the mass his death become present offered as sacrifice to heavenly father in an unbloody and sacrament manner as the sacrificed of the cross is celebrate on the alter,the work of redemtion is carried on. bettychao to sr susan
Jun 7, 7:46 PM
VisitationSiste: There is that higher degree working here that saints achieve, wanting suffering to show their love of God- do you think this is also a part of it?
Jun 7, 7:46 PM
Nicolette (Guest): Yes
Jun 7, 7:47 PM
Nicolette (Guest): Their lives were works of reparation
Jun 7, 7:47 PM
Carroll V (Guest): Ruth- I think the “indifference” St Francis refers to has a different meaning than ” treating people who are suffering with indifference” would. I think he is urging us to a peace of heart even while we access and utilize medical intervention… So, we do our part to facilitate healing as we accept whatever outcome Divine Providence permits… This type of indifference acknowledges that our good God sees a bigger picture than we do and His Live and Mercy are always at work.
Jun 7, 7:48 PM
Nicolette (Guest): Abandonment to their circumstances, good or bad, to Work for God
Jun 7, 7:48 PM
Carroll V (Guest): Love and Mercy
Jun 7, 7:48 PM
Guest1442 (Guest): at the mass we offered christ,our passover sacrificed to heavenly father,and we ourselves along with him ,we him we then recieve the risen lord our bread of live in holy commnion.
Jun 7, 7:49 PM
VisitationSiste: well expressed Carroll-
Jun 7, 7:49 PM
Nicolette (Guest): Carroll, yes ” indifference” is a great word. The Saints took ALL and made works of love and Mercy
Jun 7, 7:49 PM
VisitationSiste: 3. Saint Francis says: “To make such an act of abandonment, one only has to obey both the signified will of God and the will of his good pleasure.” He makes it sound so easy. How might we find this to be easier in our lives?
Jun 7, 7:50 PM
Ruth (Guest): When I was suffering intensely, physically, every day and “offering it up” for specific others, I attended a “healing service.” The speaker said that I couldn’t be healed BECAUSE I was offering up my pain. It had to be one or the other, he said. I felt confused and less at peace. It was not until I pointed out Christ’s experience in the garden of the Olive Press, asking the Father to take the cup of suffering away, BUT also accepting His will: not my will but Yours be done, that the speaker realized it
Jun 7, 7:51 PM
Guest1442 (Guest): the mass is the true sacrificed because in it jesus continue his sacrificed of the cross and give us the grace he won for us when he die on the cross for our sins and salvation
Jun 7, 7:51 PM
VisitationSiste: Never heard that before Ruth
Jun 7, 7:53 PM
VisitationSiste: It is not easy to discover the will of God at all times in difficult situations but we need to keep asking for clarity
Jun 7, 7:53 PM
Carroll V (Guest): Good point Ruth. I have learned that we must always remember that even those leading us through healing in the Church are human beings and sometimes well meaning, but misguided… When we are vulnerable and willing to do whatever pleases God, it is easy to be confused by mixed messages. This is where discernment comes in.
Jun 7, 7:54 PM
Ruth (Guest): cont was OK to BOTH ask for healing AND to “offer up” the pain when it is clear that there is no relief physically. Carroll V. Your explanation is very helpful and clear.
Jun 7, 7:54 PM
Guest1442 (Guest): there is notthing that we can give to God as greater then his own son jesus.we offered jesus to his father in the mass is our greatist gift to the lord.bettychao
Jun 7, 7:55 PM
Miriam Weideger: I also suffer from pain daily and offer it up for others and believe that if it was Gods will to take this from he would, i do believe that suffering bring me closer to God .
Jun 7, 7:56 PM
Nicolette (Guest): If you abandon yourself to God, you accept what is given to you, especially those who are against you. They are there, in your path, for your Sanctification
Jun 7, 7:56 PM
Nicolette (Guest): GO knows the bigger picture
Jun 7, 7:57 PM
Ruth (Guest): Miriam, it is because of you good attitude to start with that your suffering brings you closer to God.
Jun 7, 7:57 PM
Carroll V (Guest): Amen!
Jun 7, 7:57 PM
Guest1442 (Guest): we join with jesus and the priest in offered to God the highest from of worship.bettychao to mother susan marie
Jun 7, 7:58 PM
Ruth (Guest): There are people who turn away from God because they cannot reconcile their sufferings with the “notion” of a good and loving God.
Jun 7, 7:58 PM
VisitationSiste: How do they understand Jesus on the cross I wonder
Jun 7, 7:59 PM
Miriam Weideger: Thats true some people blame God for there suffering and turn away from Him, which is sad.
Jun 7, 8:00 PM
Nicolette (Guest): They justify by saying: If God is good why do I have all this suffering not understanding “the gift” that has been given
Jun 7, 8:01 PM
Guest1442 (Guest): to give God the highest adoration and bow down and pray only to Him and glory.to thank for all his blessing. to confess our sins.to obtain all the blessing we need. in the mass it is jesus . who is high priest and our victim pray for us to God.Bettychao
Jun 7, 8:01 PM
Ruth (Guest): Interestingly though, one who was suffering because of the death of his wife — really bitter — and certain that there was NOTHING after THIS life, and rejected every word I said to him about God and an afterlife, when I saw him a few months later in a grocery store parking lot was clearly wanting to pick up our talk.
Jun 7, 8:01 PM
Nicolette (Guest): These “gifts” are now something to offer back to God on behalf of others
Jun 7, 8:01 PM
VisitationSiste: He was touched in his soul by your words
Jun 7, 8:02 PM
Miriam Weideger: I think when you are on a spiritual journey and wanting to abandon youself to god it is taking the narrow and accepting what comes which can only make you stronger.
Jun 7, 8:02 PM
Ruth (Guest): I hope so, Sister. I’ve continued to pray for him.
Jun 7, 8:03 PM
VisitationSiste: 4. How does living in today’s day and age make abandonment to God more difficult (or easier) compared to the time in which St. Francis was living?
Jun 7, 8:03 PM
Guest1442 (Guest): My dear mother susan marie.in the holy commuion make us sacrificed grace grown in our soul and mind. that grace help us to love God .that the same grace help us to love eachother for the love of God. to sisters susan marie from Bettychao
Jun 7, 8:05 PM
Guest1442 (Guest): sister susan where are you?
Jun 7, 8:06 PM
VisitationSiste: Right here
Jun 7, 8:06 PM
Nicolette (Guest): I believe abandonment of self is the most difficult in any age. But once you renounce your will to do Gods will, there is more then enough opportunity to make sacrifices as nd offerings on behalf of the world back to God
Jun 7, 8:07 PM
VisitationSiste: Souls are ageless in a way a or perhaps timeless but the external challenges we face do change across eras so perhaps environment helps or hinders abandonment
Jun 7, 8:07 PM
Ruth (Guest): We are in a secular world; back then I think it was much more widely understood that GOD is in charge of all that is. We, in NYS, heard our nominally Catholic Governor claim — when COVID19 cases were leveling off — “WE did this, not God or religion.” Yieks! That zero-sum notion is so widespread. Fortunately Bishop Barron did a good commentary on Cuomo’
Jun 7, 8:07 PM
Ruth (Guest): s remark.
Jun 7, 8:07 PM
Nicolette (Guest): I agree Sr Susan
Jun 7, 8:09 PM
Guest1442 (Guest): jesus also strengthen us through actual or sacrificed grace when we recieve him in holy communion .that grace give light to our heart and mind and strengh to our will to do good to avoid evil.through the holy communion we recieve the grace overcome temptation and avoid sin against God and other people. to the visitation sisters from Me bettychao
Jun 7, 8:10 PM
VisitationSiste: Yes if you read about family life of puious Catholics in the 1800’s for ex one can be astounded by the depth of faith there
Jun 7, 8:11 PM
Carroll V (Guest): What a beautiful discussion tonight- sorry I have to go. Have a blessed week everyone!
Jun 7, 8:11 PM
VisitationSiste: Sanctity had a good foundation infamilies like that
Jun 7, 8:11 PM
Ruth (Guest): Our nation was founded by God-fearing people. Now laws contrary even to NATURAL LAW are written into various statutes. I think it is getting tougher to be a Christian than it was even when I was in school, and it was not a bit easy then.
Jun 7, 8:11 PM
VisitationSiste: Blessing Carroll of Trinity Sunday
Jun 7, 8:12 PM
Nicolette (Guest): Yes, the first attack was on the family and is even stronger today
Jun 7, 8:12 PM
Guest1442 (Guest): I was read the book talk about mass and catholic faith and holy mass and holy commnuion that is what I talk bout. becuase this is important to getting around with jesus and getting closed to jesus in his commuion.
Jun 7, 8:14 PM
Guest1442 (Guest): what do you think about this sister susan marie.
Jun 7, 8:14 PM
VisitationSiste: True
Jun 7, 8:14 PM
VisitationSiste: So attacks on family life means young people have greater challenges
Jun 7, 8:15 PM
VisitationSiste: I for one was never taught about abandonment to God at an early age
Jun 7, 8:15 PM
Nicolette (Guest): Yes, birth control pushed in sex ed classes of public schools still rampant
Jun 7, 8:16 PM
Nicolette (Guest): Me neither Sr Susan
Jun 7, 8:18 PM
Ruth (Guest): I thing things are MUCH harder for young people today. We need to change the culture — or at least the subculture — convert Catholics to Catholicism and with that change the bit of world surrounding us and the young people. Such a tall order. But the apostles after Pentecost did not preach to a less pagan world than our own.
Jun 7, 8:18 PM
Guest1442 (Guest): only by the help of this sacramental grace can we truly live in a holy life of love to fulfill Gods well the his ten commdnments . you shall love the lord you God with you whole heart and you neighbor as you self See St Matthew 22:37 and the lord commandments I give you a new commandments Love one another See St john 13:34 the eucharist is a sacrement of unity becuase unity more closed to Jesus and God and one another in our church.
Jun 7, 8:18 PM
Miriam Weideger: I feel that people judge me as i do not get involved in gossip and sware (spelling ) it can be hard at work but i just accept that.
Jun 7, 8:20 PM
VisitationSiste: Good Betty
Jun 7, 8:20 PM
Guest1442 (Guest): to receive holy commuion you must have you soul free from all sins. not to eat and drink anything for one hour before holy communion .but water may be taken at anytime before holy communion.
Jun 7, 8:20 PM
Ruth (Guest): Yes, Betty, that is why these days without the Holy Mass have been so hard.
Jun 7, 8:20 PM
VisitationSiste: This last q is not easy: 5. Can you think of any “temptations, barrenness, dryness, and natural dislikes” mentioned in the last paragraph that come from our own imperfections? What does St. Francis mean by this?
Jun 7, 8:21 PM
Miriam Weideger: I was never taught any religous education when i was at school . I learned a lot from my mum and other people when i was growing upand bysearching by myself.
Jun 7, 8:21 PM
Guest1442 (Guest): Ruth you can join mass in the online my mom join the mass online everysunday when we cant go outside becuase corovirus.
Jun 7, 8:21 PM
Ruth (Guest): Miriam, what kind of work do you do? There is a kind of martyrdom that does not necessarily involve a bloody sacrifice of self.
Jun 7, 8:23 PM
Guest1442 (Guest): before holy communion you should do to think Jesus and say the bible and rosary prayer you have learned from Jesus and ask jesus come to help you in you life.
Jun 7, 8:23 PM
Ruth (Guest): Betty, I’ve been doing that every day, but it is not the same as being there physically present and receiving the Body and Blood of Our Lord. Thanks be to God, our local church will reopen next weekend.
Jun 7, 8:24 PM
Miriam Weideger: I am a care at assistant and look after people in there homes and usually work alone but at times with other staff. Some sense that i am spiritual and i can share with them or maybe my clients.
Jun 7, 8:24 PM
Nicolette (Guest): In answer to Q 5 and as related to my imperfections, I would say all mentioned. Arg
Jun 7, 8:25 PM
Guest1442 (Guest): thank jesus for come to be you savier and tell him how much you love him and his mercy and ask him for help whatever you need .pray only to him for the others who need you prayer. betty chao
Jun 7, 8:25 PM
VisitationSiste: In general it is commonly said we are our own worst enemies. But we can overcome all negatives over a long time if we stay focused on the Lord and cooperate with His work in us
Jun 7, 8:26 PM
Nicolette (Guest): EUCHARIST is it!!!
Jun 7, 8:26 PM
Ruth (Guest): Thank you Miriam. That is such an important work, and, quite frankly I do not know how anyone who does not have a deep spiritual life can be of real use to those unable without help to care for themselves in their homes.
Jun 7, 8:27 PM
Miriam Weideger: Thanks i do love my job
Jun 7, 8:28 PM
Guest1442 (Guest): dear sister susan marie I have to go and I will pray for all of you in the chat May God and jesus and blessed mother mary blessed you and keep you save.bettychao to sisters susan marie and all the people in chat. please pray for us for the corovirus. please pray for the people who got sick and die for this dieases
Jun 7, 8:28 PM
Ruth (Guest): All our negatives? Hmmm. I think you may be referring to the next life.
Jun 7, 8:28 PM
Nicolette (Guest): Have a good week Betty!
Jun 7, 8:28 PM
VisitationSiste: Probably!!
Jun 7, 8:29 PM
VisitationSiste: Blessings Betty!
Jun 7, 8:29 PM
Ruth (Guest): Even the great saints had faults and shortcomings.
Jun 7, 8:31 PM
VisitationSiste: Dear friends, have a blessed week and join us for the Novena of the Sacred Heart starting June 11 at www.BrooklynVisitationMonastery.org
Jun 7, 8:31 PM
Ruth (Guest): Probably life in a monastery or in a family is more conducive to overcoming faults than the way I live — like a hermit — because the “feed back” from others makes you more keenly aware of the “negatives.”
Jun 7, 8:31 PM
Nicolette (Guest): Thank you, you too!
Jun 7, 8:34 PM
Miriam Weideger: Thanks everyone, God Bless
Jun 7, 8:34 PM
Ruth (Guest): Just checked out the link, Sister. Thank you. I’ll put it on my calendar.
Jun 7, 8:35 PM
Ruth (Guest): Thanks Miriam, Nicholette, and viewers. May God bless you and strengthen you your spiritual journeys.
Jun 7, 8:36 PM
Ruth (Guest): Thank you Sister Susan, for making the Chat possible. Have a blessed week.