How do we cleanse the affections of our soul?Discuss this line: “We must bid the world a calm and deliberate farewell and withdraw our affections from created things little by little.”St. Francis says we need to disentangle ourselves from this world like a tree being uprooted where each root needs to be freed. It is a beautiful thing to reflect on. However, does it make it unfair of God to place us in a world that entangles us?What is the value of thinking about our deaths?Is this reflection an example of why it is better for people to become celibate and live a cloistered life away from the world? And if it is better, shouldn’t we all simply make that decicions?If a preparation for death is a good thing, why don’t we see this topic dealt with in publications such as the AARP, and others?

Simone (Guest): a holy soul loves solitude and silence. Not just loves it but also needs it

Oct 22, 8:05 PM

Dawn (Guest): Simone, I like what you pointed to. the world…..is forcing us to love God more intentionally. i think this is truth. so like alienation, can force us to draw closer to God. when really what else is theri to do?

Oct 22, 8:06 PM

Simone (Guest): so.. the next question is now mostly for you Dawn.. since GOD obviously has placed that already in you – ( referring to your purchase of a skull)

Oct 22, 8:06 PM

Dawn (Guest): There are many graces that come from Solitude. and after a while, I resist being around much noise. so solitude is beautiful and the place God can reach you

Oct 22, 8:06 PM

Simone (Guest): What is the value of thinking about our deaths?

Oct 22, 8:07 PM

Simone (Guest): I never had a doubt Dawn that you posses a holy soul

Oct 22, 8:08 PM

Simone (Guest): so… the value of thinking about our death… what do we say to this?

Oct 22, 8:08 PM

Dawn (Guest): this is what I imagine is good about a director. being alone much its quite possible to plumet yoursel in hell . spiritual reading is important here too

Oct 22, 8:10 PM

Simone (Guest): good point Dawn. The enemy wants to take our foresight and wisdom -as we prepare for our death .. and twists it with anxiety and all sorts of thoughts. That’s when it is good to have a spiritual director too

Oct 22, 8:11 PM

Simone (Guest): I think – so many decisions look differently – when we look at them from the point of our death bed – or beyond.. Thinking about our own death – not done in a morbid way though – can be a good guide in life

Oct 22, 8:12 PM

Dawn (Guest): a good spiritual practice. even some children are on this path. I believe God gives graces and a young child will talk about or just begin preparing.

Oct 22, 8:12 PM

Simone (Guest): I think you said it in the beginning Dawn – it is good to be prepared – it can happen any time

Oct 22, 8:13 PM

Dawn (Guest): yes.

Oct 22, 8:13 PM

Simone (Guest): I am curious – Dawn . when you look at the skull during the day .. how does that inspire you?

Oct 22, 8:15 PM

Dawn (Guest): I havent received it yet, I just ordered it. but I will comment when it arrives. I love those old paintings of like Teresa of Avila, writing at a desk with a skull…it inspired me to get one

Oct 22, 8:15 PM

Simone (Guest): I think it is a great idea – as a spiritual exercise

Oct 22, 8:16 PM

Simone (Guest): Ruth… are you still with us?

Welcome to our Living Jesus Chat Room. Just sign in, using any of the methods below.

Oct 22, 8:17 PM

Simone (Guest): Let’s go then to the next question maybe.

Oct 22, 8:17 PM

Simone (Guest): Is this reflection an example of why it is better for people to become celibate and live a cloistered life away from the world? And if it is better, shouldn’t we all simply make that decicions?

t 22, 8:18 PM

Ruth (Guest): I’m still several questions back. Arterial things,attachments, once I was visiting friends in the DC area. they had two young adult daughters just home from school. the girls were excited about a beautiful cup or dish in a display case, something that had a lot of good memories attached to it. Somehow that struck me as a very positive, wholesome thing. The attachment to that object. Maybe because it was somehow symbolic of “family ties”. And family ties are,indeed important — or only to the peoplect 22, 8:20 PM

Simone (Guest): That is a good example Ruth.. I do not see any problem with the joy of the young women by having this beautiful cup – as long as they know that they are not breaking down when it is taken away from them.

Oct 22, 8:20 PM

Dawn (Guest): Yes, family relationships and new babies are a very good thing . its a beautiful design. for some, entering a cloister or even active convent this also is wondferul

6 online

Ruth

Simone

Dawn

Mect 22, 8:21 PM

Dawn (Guest): but it is quite human to feel sorrowful leaving thise we love. Jesus did
Oct 22, 8:23 PM

Simone (Guest): I have longed for so many years to be allowed to live a life – separated from the daily life in the world. It is not too long now that I have accepted that my place is as a laity – serving in the world. I find it sometimes so hard – to juggle the presence of “the world” – with my desire for growth in holiness. But if there was anyone who really helped me – it was actually St. Francis de Sales. His writings were the biggest encouragement for me

Oct 22, 8:23 PM

Simone (Guest): Also – his teaching on how to structure a day – so we are guarded and guided by GOD during the day – without falling into the world


Dawn
 (Guest): he is amazing teacher. what is your favorite book by him?


Dawn
 (Guest): he is amazing teacher. what is your favorite book by him?


Oct 22, 8:25 PM

Simone (Guest): Dawn.. were you asking which is my favourite book of St. Francis de Sales?

Oct 22, 8:25 PM

Ruth (Guest): I had a nice fuzzy blanket stolen out of the back of my truck right after laundering it. Others night I was having chills in bed with two quilts and a blanket on. When it was take I thought, “I hope whoever stole it really. Ended it more than I do. I have lots of quilts and blankets.

Oct 22, 8:25 PM

Dawn (Guest): yes

Oct 22, 8:25 PM

Simone (Guest): So.. all that said.. St. Francis is our biggest advocate that holiness can be lived outside of a cloister. Besides.. the world does not necessarily stop at the door of a cloister – the world has its root in hearts and I am sure that nuns have to deal with that tooWell.. as for books. – I love the Treatise on the Love of GOD – specially Chapter 6 and following. I love to read his letters and sermons. But I really also love the directory. That’s where my eyes were opened about the structure of the dayThe Living Jesus Chat

Oct 22, 8:04 PM

Ruth (Guest): Dawn’s example is the same as one I would give. I love living in this ramshackle house not because it is ramshakle but because it is quiet for the most part, and I do not have “stupid” expectations placed upon me, e.g. to be sociable by playing bingo regular

Oct 22, 8:04 PM

Ruth (Guest): ly, like would be at the senior residence.

Oct 22, 8:05 PM

Simone (Guest): a holy soul loves solitude and silence. Not just loves it but also needs it

Oct 22, 8:05 PM

Dawn (Guest): Simone, I like what you pointed to. the world…..is forcing us to love God more intentionally. i think this is truth. so like alienation, can force us to draw closer to God. when really what else is theri to do?

Oct 22, 8:06 PM

Simone (Guest): so.. the next question is now mostly for you Dawn.. since GOD obviously has placed that already in you – ( referring to your purchase of a skull)

Oct 22, 8:06 PM

Dawn (Guest): There are many graces that come from Solitude. and after a while, I resist being around much noise. so solitude is beautiful and the place God can reach you

Oct 22, 8:06 PM

Simone (Guest): What is the value of thinking about our deaths?

Oct 22, 8:07 PM

Simone (Guest): I never had a doubt Dawn that you posses a holy soul

Oct 22, 8:08 PM

Simone (Guest): so… the value of thinking about our death… what do we say to this?

Oct 22, 8:08 PM

Dawn (Guest): this is what I imagine is good about a director. being alone much its quite possible to plumet yoursel in hell . spiritual reading is important here too

Oct 22, 8:10 PM

Simone (Guest): good point Dawn. The enemy wants to take our foresight and wisdom -as we prepare for our death .. and twists it with anxiety and all sorts of thoughts. That’s when it is good to have a spiritual director too

Oct 22, 8:11 PM

Simone (Guest): I think – so many decisions look differently – when we look at them from the point of our death bed – or beyond.. Thinking about our own death – not done in a morbid way though – can be a good guide in life

Oct 22, 8:12 PM

Dawn (Guest): a good spiritual practice. even some children are on this path. I believe God gives graces and a young child will talk about or just begin preparing.

Oct 22, 8:12 PM

Simone (Guest): I think you said it in the beginning Dawn – it is good to be prepared – it can happen any time

Oct 22, 8:13 PM

Dawn (Guest): yes.

Oct 22, 8:13 PM

Simone (Guest): I am curious – Dawn . when you look at the skull during the day .. how does that inspire you?

Oct 22, 8:15 PM

Dawn (Guest): I havent received it yet, I just ordered it. but I will comment when it arrives. I love those old paintings of like Teresa of Avila, writing at a desk with a skull…it inspired me to get one

Oct 22, 8:15 PM

Simone (Guest): I think it is a great idea – as a spiritual exercise

Oct 22, 8:16 PM

Simone (Guest): Ruth… are you still with us?

Welcome to our Living Jesus Chat Room. Just sign in, using any of the methods below.

Oct 22, 8:17 PM

Simone (Guest): Let’s go then to the next question maybe.

Oct 22, 8:17 PM

Simone (Guest): Is this reflection an example of why it is better for people to become celibate and live a cloistered life away from the world? And if it is better, shouldn’t we all simply make that decicions?

Oct 22, 8:18 PM

Ruth (Guest): I’m still several questions back. Arterial things,attachments, once I was visiting friends in the DC area. they had two young adult daughters just home from school. the girls were excited about a beautiful cup or dish in a display case, something that had a lot of good memories attached to it. Somehow that struck me as a very positive, wholesome thing. The attachment to that object. Maybe because it was somehow symbolic of “family ties”. And family ties are,indeed important — or only to the people

Oct 22, 8:20 PM

Simone (Guest): That is a good example Ruth.. I do not see any problem with the joy of the young women by having this beautiful cup – as long as they know that they are not breaking down when it is taken away from them.

Oct 22, 8:20 PM

Dawn (Guest): Yes, family relationships and new babies are a very good thing . its a beautiful design. for some, entering a cloister or even active convent this also is wondferul

Oct 22, 8:21 PM

Dawn (Guest): but it is quite human to feel sorrowful leaving thise we love. Jesus did

Oct 22, 8:23 PM

Dawn (Guest): he also experienced what it was like when people disappointed him. Could you not pray with me for one hour?

Oct 22, 8:23 PM

Simone (Guest): I have longed for so many years to be allowed to live a life – separated from the daily life in the world. It is not too long now that I have accepted that my place is as a laity – serving in the world. I find it sometimes so hard – to juggle the presence of “the world” – with my desire for growth in holiness. But if there was anyone who really helped me – it was actually St. Francis de Sales. His writings were the biggest encouragement for me

Oct 22, 8:23 PM

Simone (Guest): Also – his teaching on how to structure a day – so we are guarded and guided by GOD during the day – without falling into the world

Oct 22, 8:24 PM

Dawn (Guest): he is amazing teacher. what is your favorite book by him?

Oct 22, 8:25 PM

Dawn (Guest): Ruth are you here?

Oct 22, 8:25 PM

Simone (Guest): So.. all that said.. St. Francis is our biggest advocate that holiness can be lived outside of a cloister. Besides.. the world does not necessarily stop at the door of a cloister – the world has its root in hearts and I am sure that nuns have to deal with that too

Oct 22, 8:25 PM

Simone (Guest): Dawn.. were you asking which is my favourite book of St. Francis de Sales?

Oct 22, 8:25 PM

Ruth (Guest): I had a nice fuzzy blanket stolen out of the back of my truck right after laundering it. Others night I was having chills in bed with two quilts and a blanket on. When it was take I thought, “I hope whoever stole it really. Ended it more than I do. I have lots of quilts and blankets.

Oct 22, 8:25 PM

Dawn (Guest): yes

Oct 22, 8:26 PM

Dawn (Guest): Ruth, I hope they really needed it also. and Im glad you have more blankets!

Oct 22, 8:27 PM

Ruth (Guest): I’m here. Sorry I am so slow @ d long winded that I find this format difficult. The

Oct 22, 8:27 PM

Dawn (Guest): favorite book by DeSales . I would like to read more of his writings

Oct 22, 8:27 PM

Simone (Guest): Well.. as for books. – I love the Treatise on the Love of GOD – specially Chapter 6 and following. I love to read his letters and sermons. But I really also love the directory. That’s where my eyes were opened about the structure of the day

Oct 22, 8:28 PM

Dawn (Guest): the directory, is this title?

Oct 22, 8:28 PM

Simone (Guest): For some of his writings – I find it important which translation you get. Some are better than others.

6 Simone (Guest): The directory — I only read as a “second hand literature” from someone.. But Fr. Daley wrote a book ” Living Life well” that deals with it in a very readable way. t 22, 8:29 PM

Simone (Guest): Dawn, I am assuming you read the Introduction to the Devout Life.
Simone
 (Guest): If you send me your address via email.. I have a second copy of the Sermons of St. Francis de Sales on our Lady.. would you like that?

Oct 22, 8:30 PM

Dawn (Guest): thank you. yes. when I first joined this chat, Sr we were going thru Devout Life. I took many notes and copied her questions. it was very good!

Oct 22, 8:30 PM

Simone (Guest): I am sure it was


Oct 22, 8:31 PM

Simone (Guest): I want to write a quick little story for you Ruth here.. in regards to attachemntSimone (Guest): There were three monks.. who were travelling together.. as they reached a river .. they saw a beautiful young woman standing there in a white dress. she was a woman from another village and needed to cross the river.. but was afraid

t 22, 8:33 PM

Simone (Guest): Two of the monks ignored her – since their order has a strict vow of celibacy and does not allow any contact with women.. The third monk.. took the woman and carried her safely though the river.

22, 8:33 PM

Simone (Guest): As the monks were having supper later on – the two monks started speaking how wrong it was to carry this woman through the river.. specially such a beautiful young woman.. Oct 22, 8:34 PM

Simone (Guest): the third monk listened .. then he said. “Yes, I carried this woman through the river. But you two are still carrying her”

Oct 22, 8:34 PM

Dawn (Guest): Ah!

Oct 22, 8:35 PM

Ruth (Guest): Good story!h

ct 22, 8:36 PM

Dawn (Guest): we can carry things that maybe we never even picked up, by a suggestion only. good lesson

mone (Guest): I never forgot that story either.. it opened my eyes – how deep seated attachments can be

ct 22, 8:36 PM

Dawn (Guest): thank you. Im glad you both came. God bless you and goodnight allOct 22, 8:37 PM

Dawn (Guest): and Blessing to you Sr Susan! and all the sisters. g’night

Oct 22, 8:37 PM

Simone (Guest): It was lovely being with you two tonight. Sorry that we did not make it through all the questions. But we had good discussions and “online fellowship”

ct 22, 8:37 PM

Simone (Guest): Sr. Susan is here? Oct 22, 8:38 PM

Simone (Guest): confused

Oct 22, 8:38 PM

Dawn (Guest): yes, it was good. no she is not, but I thought to say hi , if she reads this latereads this later

Oct 22, 8:38 PM

Simone (Guest): oooh.. I understand now. I keep forgetting that

Oct 22, 8:38 PM

Ruth (Guest): I am glad that this young man, who has been helping me with some hard, heavy and dirty work around the house and thinks he wants to become a monk, but has not yet been accepted for confirmation was so insightful. It is true. And he was gentle in the way he formulated his remark — as a question.

Oct 22, 8:38 PM

Simone (Guest): Have a blessed week