Why is the Eucharist the center of the Christian religion? And does this detract from the person of the Holy Spirit?Why is prayer united to the Eucharist more powerful? Does this also mean prayer outside of Mass is ineffectual?St. Francis says that if you cannot make it to Communion on a daily basis, join by a spiritual communion. What is this exactly?When we can attend at Mass/Liturgy, how can we be more engaged and present?What is the distinction between prayer and meditation? Why are they both valuable?If we cannot attend Mass in person, is it worthwhile to virtually attend the Holy Sacrifice? How can this best be done? What do you make of the chatbox used during Mass?
Sign up for our Living Jesus Chat Room:Come to our Living Jesus Chat Room, 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Dec 8, 4:20 PM
Mary Ann (Guest): The Eucharist is physically manifestation of God – but a spiritual reality . It is God truly present and with us and this is important because, as creatures, we have difficulty with feeling/knowing God’s presence – we need the tangible to assist our understanding
Dec 8, 4:24 PMSrSusan (Guest): It is a great, greatest giftof God to us
Dec 8, 4:32 PMSrSusan (Guest): 1st q Why is the Eucharist the center of the Christian religion? And does this detract from the person of the Holy Spirit
ec 8, 4:32 PMSimone (Guest): well.. because it links us with Christ Himself.. that’s how we become his body and are able to fulfill the big comission
ec 8, 4:33 PMMary Ann (Guest): Because it is God coming down to us.a miracle
Dec 8, 4:33 PMSimone (Guest): How can God be a competitor to himself? … that is in regards to the second part of the question.. ( Holy Spirit)
ec 8, 4:34 PM
SrSusan (Guest): 3 in one and one in three
Dec 8, 4:34 PM
Simone (Guest): AMen
Dec 8, 4:36 PMSrSusan (Guest): q Why is prayer united to the Eucharist more powerful?
Dec 8, 4:36 PMMary Ann (Guest): I think the Eucharist – for me – gives me a tangible feeling of being with and in Him -and the Holy Spirit is ephemeral- eveywhere – all around and in us
Dec 8, 4:37 PM
Simone (Guest): There is something so sacred, having His body – embedded in my body – it’s like being drawn into the Trinity for a moment
Dec 8, 4:37 PM
SrSusan (Guest): but when the Holy Spirit gives His gifts then we experience Him more strongly
Dec 8, 4:38 PMSrSusan (Guest): Probbaly Simone you are in the Trinity at least mystically
Dec 8, 4:38 PMSimone (Guest): that’s how it feels
Dec 8, 4:39 PMSrSusan (Guest): Prayer united to the Eucharist is prayer with and in Christ
Dec 8, 4:40 PMMary Ann (Guest): When i place myself in the presence of God, i initially think of Him as Christ – a human right beside or in front of me. As my prayer deepens i do not need to rely on my own imagination as much
Dec 8, 4:41 PMSimone (Guest): I love “” prayer with and in Christ”.. how more powerful can it get?
Dec 8, 4:41 PMSimone (Guest): And Mary Ann.. I can relate to your imagination.. and the letting go of it too
Ruth (Guest): Thank you and warm greetings to all of you.
Dec 8, 4:41 PM
Mary Ann (Guest): Hi Ruth
ec 8, 4:43 PMSrSusan (Guest): q St. Francis says that if you cannot make it to Communion on a daily basis, join by a spiritual communion. What is this exactly?
Dec 8, 4:43 PMMary Ann (Guest): When i am praying well i feel like i am not in my body but sort of absorbed into something- not a place or in time.
Dec 8, 4:44 PM
Dawn (Guest): his explantion of Spiritual Communion is most complete Ive read…
Dec 8, 4:44 PM
Simone (Guest): sounds like you are enjoying sometimes contemplative prayer times. My favourite ones too
Dec 8, 4:45 PM
Dawn (Guest): we are the Mystical Body of Christ so spiritual communion is natural
Dec 8, 4:45 PM
Simone (Guest): I find the article described it well.. we can attach our will to receiving Christ combined with the mass.
Dec 8, 4:46 PM
Simone (Guest): In my old church the priest would always say a prayer during COVID for those who celebrated at home on TV
Dec 8, 4:46 PM
Mary Ann (Guest): Praying the mass with the priest is a beautiful thing – we are spiritually united- i find it difficult to pray with a TV – but rather just in the quiet of my life room
Dec 8, 4:47 PMSimone (Guest): When you say you “pray the mass Mary Ann”.. what exactly are you praying?
ec 8, 4:48 PMSimone (Guest): I would be interested how you are all participating in a mass.. when you cannot physically go to a mass.
c 8, 4:49 PM
Mary Ann (Guest): Like the 1 -5 steps outlined in the reading. It is what the priest is doing on the alter – and i unite my prayers to his – to everyones
Dec 8, 4:49 PM
Simone (Guest): sorry Sister.. what exactly does that mean?
Dec 8, 4:49 PM
Ruth (Guest): Today I went to my usual 8 AM Mass out here at Assumption. Father announced that there would be Eucharistic Adoration after the ten AM Mass at St. B’s. Assumption is only open Sundays for Mass and briefly before and after. I so miss the time I used to spend in quiet Eucharistic Adoration a few days each week that I hitched a ride with our Pastor back into town, attended the ten AM and stayed for Adoration not knowing how I would get back home.
c 8, 4:50 PM
Simone (Guest): Ruth.. you are such a holy adventurer
Dec 8, 4:50 PM
SrSusan (Guest): But we much rather have Mass and go out to Church when we need to
Dec 8, 4:50 PM
Simone (Guest): oh.. I see.. I know a Communion service I think
Dec 8, 4:50 PM
SrSusan (Guest): yes
Dec 8, 4:51 PM
Simone (Guest): I thought you would have mass in your house anyways. In Austria the Visitation order has the church built as part of the monastery
Dec 8, 4:51 PM
Bettychao (Guest): Yesterday mom and i join mass at monterey park st thomas catholic church
Dec 8, 4:51 PM
Simone (Guest): I meant in Vienna..
Dec 8, 4:51 PM
SrSusan (Guest): we do but we cant always get a priest
Dec 8, 4:51 PM
Simone (Guest): there are several Visitation orders in Austria
Dec 8, 4:51 PMSimone (Guest): ooh. that is so sad.. the lack of priests.
Dec 8, 4:53 PM
SrSusan (Guest): q When we can attend at Mass/Liturgy, how can we be more engaged and present?
ec 8, 4:54 PMSimone (Guest): I find it a huge difference, if I come earlier before mass – and prepare my heart for mass.. and also know the readings already.. or. when I rush in .. totally not prepared.. then mass is often “missed” in my heart
Dec 8, 4:54 PM
SrSusan (Guest): yes preparation is so key
Dec 8, 4:55 PM
Simone (Guest): We have a lot of priests from other countries.. with very thick accents.. it is easy to just stop listening.. when I do not understand so many words.. but when I look at the lips of the priest.. then I can stay focused better
Dec 8, 4:55 PM
Bettychao (Guest): Sr susan nice to talk to you in phone
ec 8, 4:56 PMSrSusan (Guest): In the eatern rite before the Gospel the priest says something like “be attentive” That helps when I mite drift a bit
ec 8, 4:56 PM
SrSusan (Guest): In the eatern rite before the Gospel the priest says something like “be attentive” That helps when I mite drift a bit
Dec 8, 4:57 PM
Simone (Guest): I have heard that the bells at the Communion prayer were originally for the very same reason ” be attentive NOW”
Dec 8, 4:57 PM
SrSusan (Guest): we also have priest with accents but after awhile if they keep returning we adjust
Dec 8, 4:58 PM
Simone (Guest): you are right.. we get used to the accents
Dec 8, 4:58 PM
Simone (Guest): this is funny.. because I also have an accent 
Dec 8, 4:58 PM
Simone (Guest): glad you are back Mary Ann
Dec 8, 4:58 PM
SrSusan (Guest): Minor
Dec 8, 4:58 PM
Simone (Guest): thank you Sister
Dec 8, 4:59 PMSimone (Guest): I am so blessed right now with the two priests where I go for morning mass. It is easy to stay focused with both of them.
Dec 8, 5:00 PMRuth (Guest): Simone, I did not even notice that you have an accent. Your English is better than that of most Americans.
Dec 8, 5:01 PM
Simone (Guest): awe Ruth.. how sweet of you to say.. but trust me.. I make still mistakes.. and later in the evening when I get tired.. I often do not find the right words
Dec 8, 5:01 PM
Bettychao (Guest): Jesus say you want people treated you nice you should look you self and treated them nice
Dec 8, 5:01 PM
SrSusan (Guest): q What is the distinction between prayer and meditation?
Dec 8, 5:01 PM
Mary Ann (Guest): Prayer v meditation?
Dec 8, 5:03 PM
Simone (Guest): I would say .. that meditations should include a resolution.. that is an element other forms of prayer do not include
Dec 8, 5:03 PM
Mary Ann (Guest): Prayer is like conversation but i am doing most of the talking and gradually say less – and listen more
Dec 8, 5:03 PMRuth (Guest): Like Visitadines!
Dec 8, 5:03 PM
Simone (Guest): meditation is for me linked with a bible text or a holy writing.. to meditate on
Dec 8, 5:03 PM
Simone (Guest): prayer does not have this necessarily
Dec 8, 5:04 PM
Bettychao (Guest): Why the catholic church say against the pope francis when i saw so many catholic websites they say against pope francis
Dec 8, 5:04 PM
Simone (Guest): just ignore these sites Betty.. not everything online is trustworthy
Dec 8, 5:04 PM
Bettychao (Guest): I hope they repect him and pray for his health
Dec 8, 5:05 PM
Mary Ann (Guest): I can’t really explain meditation
ec 8, 5:05 PM
Simone (Guest): Mary Ann.. it is also defined differently in different streams of spiritualities
Dec 8, 5:05 PM
Bettychao (Guest): Ok
ec 8, 5:05 PM
Ruth (Guest): Or perhaps a painting.
Dec 8, 5:06 PM
Simone (Guest): Meditation seems to be a little bit different in Salesian Spirituality than in Carmelite Spirituality I find. But that does not matter. because in the end your connection with God counts
Dec 8, 5:06 PM
SrSusan (Guest): how does it differ
Dec 8, 5:06 PM
Simone (Guest): totally agree Ruth.. or painting
Dec 8, 5:07 PM
Mary Ann (Guest): I think my meditation has been fostered by Carmelite spiritual Saints
Dec 8, 5:07 PM
Simone (Guest): Meditation in carmelite tradition has no resolution.. and is not as structured as I find the Salesian way
Dec 8, 5:07 PM
SrSusan (Guest): ah thanks
ec 8, 5:08 PM
Bettychao (Guest): Saints come from christ and live in christ
Dec 8, 5:08 PM
SrSusan (Guest): yes
Dec 8, 5:08 PMSimone (Guest): But St. Francis was also informed by Carmelite Spirituality.. so please do not think they are exclusive at all
Dec 8, 5:10 PM
Simone (Guest): I lead some retreats on the Visitation – last week.. I brought 14 prints of paintings on the Visitation.. and everyone looked at one – sometimes in little groups.. and through the unique focus of each painting.. we discovered the theology of THE VISITATION.. that was a very interesting way of meditating too
Dec 8, 5:10 PM
SrSusan (Guest): That sounds so interesting great idea
Dec 8, 5:10 PM
Bettychao (Guest): Yesterday when i saw a Sunday school teacher he tell me catholic bible and protistant bible is different but i call my church father say all the bible are the same
Dec 8, 5:10 PM
Mary Ann (Guest): No – certainly not exclusive. Its individual- we are draw to God in different ways
Dec 8, 5:10 PMSimone (Guest): I also discovered in the preparation for these retreats.. that Elisabeth stands for the Old Testament ( priestly covenant) and Mary for the New Testament.. that makes it even more amazing
ec 8, 5:11 PM
Simone (Guest): and I found the most beautiful song on the Magnificat. It brought tears to my eyes
Dec 8, 5:11 PM
Simone (Guest): can I share the link here?
Dec 8, 5:11 PM
Bettychao (Guest): Mom say is the same because luther cant change bible
Dec 8, 5:11 PM
SrSusan (Guest): yes please
Dec 8, 5:11 PMRuth (Guest): I wonder if it would not be considered meditation when we invite the presence of God into any reality, and just stay there with this experience for a while, somehow align out thoughts and feelings with those of God, as best we can discern them.
ec 8, 5:12 PM
Simone (Guest): It is not a hymn Sister.. it is a most powerful song.. the Magnificat in Latin.. by an Alto voice.. Mary is so powerful in this one.. Let this song be sung over you.. and enter the greatness of God ..
Dec 8, 5:13 PM
Simone (Guest): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOFx63hKpK4&list=RDkOFx63hKpK4&start_radio=1
Dec 8, 5:06 PM
ec 8, 5:13 PM
Mary Ann (Guest): My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord!
Dec 8, 5:13 PM
Simone (Guest): It has been my deepest Advent experience this year so far.
Dec 8, 5:13 PM
SrSusan (Guest): says video not available
Dec 8, 5:14 PM
Simone (Guest): Amen Mary Ann.. Amen
SrSusan (Guest): found it!
Dec 8, 5:16 PM
SrSusan (Guest): like an opera almost
Dec 8, 5:16 PM
Simone (Guest): oh.. so happy you found it Sister. Oh.. the ending is outstanding. You are drawn into the heights of Mary’s faith and love for God
Dec 8, 5:16 PM
Bettychao (Guest): Sr susan do you celebrate our lady guadalupe
Dec 8, 5:17 PMSrSusan (Guest): q If we cannot attend Mass in person, is it worthwhile to virtually attend the Holy Sacrifice? How can this best be done?
Dec 8, 5:18 PM
Dawn (Guest): thank you !
Dec 8, 5:18 PM
Simone (Guest): I must say.. I hardly go online for mass.
Dec 8, 5:18 PM
SrSusan (Guest): Ok Betty have a blessed week
Dec 8, 5:18 PM
Simone (Guest): I rather do the readings meditatively
Dec 8, 5:19 PMSimone (Guest): but I go to mass almost every day.
Dec 8, 5:20 PMSrSusan (Guest): I only attended virtually during some months of Covid with a huge screen so had more of a feeling of being there
Simone (Guest): that definitely feels more like participating, than me sitting in front of my phone or little TV
Dec 8, 5:21 PM
SrSusan (Guest): and we participated as if at a Mass in person plus we have the Eucharist reserved here
Dec 8, 5:21 PM
Dawn (Guest): Tradition Latin parishes did not close
Dec 8, 5:21 PM
Simone (Guest): what a blessing Sister
Dec 8, 5:21 PM
SrSusan (Guest): really did not know that
Dec 8, 5:22 PMSimone (Guest): I do not think that our Latin parish was open
Dec 8, 5:22 PM
SrSusan (Guest): we had 4 Latin Masses here last week
Dec 8, 5:22 PM
Simone (Guest): I know that they did not have the Eucharist for the longest time.. longer than other parishes.. because they only received on the tongue which the Bishop did not allow during COVID
Dec 8, 5:23 PMDawn (Guest): wonderful
Dec 8, 5:23 PM
Simone (Guest): did you have a special priest visiting?
Dec 8, 5:23 PM
SrSusan (Guest): Yes from Institute of Christ Sovereign King Priest
Dec 8, 5:24 PM
Simone (Guest): never heard to be honest.. but it seems he was a true blessing for you and the monastery
Dec 8, 5:24 PM
SrSusan (Guest): https://icksp.org.uk/
Home – Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest
ec 8, 5:25 PMSimone (Guest): Thank you Sister. I could open the link.. but will read late
Dec 8, 5:26 PM
Dawn (Guest): I dont know about this
Dec 8, 5:26 PM
Simone (Guest): I did not even understand this.. Does that mean, that you can put your prayer request in during mass?
Dec 8, 5:26 PM
Simone (Guest): Why would I chat?
Dec 8, 5:26 PM
Simone (Guest): so confused
Dec 8, 5:27 PM
SrSusan (Guest): maybe comment on the homily????
Dec 8, 5:27 PM
Simone (Guest): what every priest wants
Dec 8, 5:27 PM
Dawn (Guest): Ive never heard of chatbox
Dec 8, 5:27 PM
SrSusan (Guest): I would not do that during Mass even if on tv or computer!
Dec 8, 5:27 PM
Simone (Guest): what do you think St. Francis would have said to this? Seriously.. I mean he loved modern communication.. but this?
Dec 8, 5:27 PM
Dawn (Guest): right!
Dec 8, 5:28 PM
SrSusan (Guest): He’d say what is that box?
Dec 8, 5:28 PM
Simone (Guest): do you think he would encourage his flock to do this?
Dec 8, 5:28 PM
SrSusan (Guest): no
Dec 8, 5:28 PM
Simone (Guest): I think.. he would like to guard the focus on the altar
Dec 8, 5:29 PM
Simone (Guest): oh.. how I miss reading his writings.. with all the preparation recently.. I kind of stopped for a while.. to read daily in His writings.. my soul is going through withdrawal
Dec 8, 5:29 PM
SrSusan (Guest): Well, each of you have a blessed second week of Advent! Read his advent sermons Simone
Dec 8, 5:29 PM
Dawn (Guest): Thank you everyone, and Sr Susan. have a blessed 2nd week advent. is anyone here fasting?
Dec 8, 5:30 PM
SrSusan (Guest): a little
Dec 8, 5:30 PM
SrSusan (Guest): a little
Dec 8, 5:30 PM
Simone (Guest): I am in a very reduced “life mode”.. fasting a little bit..
Dec 8, 5:30 PM
SrSusan (Guest): Good night!
5 online
SrSusan
Ruth
Simone
Dawn
1 viewer
Share
Tweet