The Fr Jim Norris notebooks

Published by Mr. Mark Baird 94,912 words.

Written by Fr Jim Norris

Fr Jim Norris Reflections

‘We ought not to be swayed by the authority of the writer, whether he be a great literary light or an insignificant person but by the love of the simple truth.’ Thomas

a’ Kempis

Last updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

Fr. James Norris- Spiritual diaries

‘We ought not to be swayed by the authority of the writer, whether he be a great literary light or an insignificant person but by the love of the simple truth.’ Thomas a’ Kempis

Preface. Last updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

Take and receive O’ Lord, my memory, my understanding and my will.”

Fr. James Norris- Spiritual diaries

The book is a reflection on the St Ignatius exercises. Pope emeritus Benedict makes the important point about how a relationship with God plays a crucial part in faith. 1“The church grows not by proselytizing but “by ‘attraction’: as Christ ‘attracts all to himself’ with the power of his love.”

He gave me his 8 little books of his reflections he did when he was at Holy Cross seminary in Essedon Victoria and it seemed best to make this translation as faithful and close a reproduction of the text as could be. To do so, it was necessary at times to sacrifice the niceties of style, but it was thought that those who would use the book would easily forego the elegance of diction if they could feel sure they were reading the very words of Fr Jim. I wanted fidelity rather than style because the book is read not continuously for any length of time but piecemeal and meditatively.

By starting at the beginning of our relationship with God and creation Fr Norris reflects on our duty and the goal of salvation. “I came from God, I belong to God, I am destined for God. All things outside myself are creatures for my use, lent to me by God to help me attain my salvation, outside my soul. I must be detached from these creatures, not making a creature an end in itself. That is sin, an abuse of creation.” (Fr Norris. 1941. p 15). We would develop our own personal faith, leaving our own ambitions behind and develop a relationship with Jesus and promote the teaching of the Church by being witnesses to His saving grace.

‘We

Feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians. 114 3/6/1942. Love exists in the Will – mere emotion does not count for much.....................................114 5/6/1942. These last two days Jesus seems to have left you. He is trying you. 115 6/6/1942. We meditated this morning on the great humility of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 115 7/6/1942. Sacred Heart of Jesus was obedient as a result of humility...............................................116 7/6/1942. St John Berchmans and resolve to become a saint. 116 Fr Cuddigan – Lecture. How intense must be the love of the Sacred Heart for us............................116 9/6/1942. I resolve never to smoke again unless ordered to for health. 117 12/6/1942 Feast of the Sacred Heart. 117 14/6/1942.I resolve.............................................................................................................................118 16/6/1942. There is the terrible menace of pride hanging over our lives all the time. 118 ‘Communia non communities.’..........................................................................................................119 19/6/1942. Beautiful inspiration of the 10th Station...........................................................................119 26/6/1942. Owing to the fact that you are so weak and frail 120 27/6/1942. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice for they shall have their full...........121 Think often what a Saint is: 121 30/6/1941 Feast of St Paul.................................................................................................................121 5/7/1942. Public exposition- all day...................................................................................................122 7/7/1942 Fr. Mc Glynn. God Bless him. 123 A good remedy against vanity or thinking about what others think of you.......................................123 8/7/1942. Oh. What a grand thing is purity. 123 8/7/1942. Motto and goal and standard. “Be you perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect”.........124 10/7/1942. Alas. How selfish you are. How little concerned for God’s glory...................................124 26/7/1942. We saw today how valuable blind obedience.

There are many reasons why you should leave things to Mary.........................................................125 31/7/1942 St Ignatius.

“To serve the Master with great love”.

3/8/1942. But to get down to facts and the truth................................................................................127

To be completely united with the Master you must sacrifice completely every love.

Retreat. 8/8/1942 Fr. O’Connell.........................................................................................................128 This trust in His holy will is called

Since we are creatures of God we are by the natural law

you

be

St Catherine of Siena; “Do you know that you pester God with your great impatience”..................135 What are the motives which induced Our Lord to live such a life of suffering on earth?

Lord be merciful to me a sinner. 3.9.1942........................................................................................136 (JMJ) The Character of Jesus- also marks of an apostle....................................................................137 2.9.1942. First Friday retreat.

6.9.1942 Notice that one great principle of the life of Jesus..............................................................139 8.9.1942. Feast of the Nativity of our Lady. (Lecture)......................................................................140 The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. 14.9.1942. Also the Feast of the Seven Dolours. 15.9.1942.

18.9.1942 Why are we in this seminary?...........................................................................................141 20.9.1942. Do you ever stop to think how time is flying.

This is the essence of perfection. 142

A follower of Jesus Christ is one of three degrees.............................................................................142 30.9.1942. There is a certain amount of human respect in your life. 143 2.10.1942. Feast of our Guardian Angels. 143 St Francis Xavier................................................................................................................................144

Look what a great devotion St Francis of Assisi had for the Master. 144 24.10.1942. Only one life...................................................................................................................145

Watch against sloth in any of your actions-even sport and recreation.

28.10.1942. Seek the lowest for yourself.

10.11.1942. There are 3 dominant notes in our Lords life which should characterize our own........146 21.11.1942. Feast of the Presentation. 147

For the greater glory of God...............................................................................................................147

Let us pray..........................................................................................................................................148

Sealed by Holy Communion on the Feast of our holy patron St Columban. 23 November 1942. 148 12.12.1942. For God’s sake don’t stop in the spiritual life. 13.12.1942 Feast of St Lucy. 148 21.6.42................................................................................................................................................149

7.6.42. Holy Hour...............................................................................................................................150 First quarter of an hour

Fourth Quarter. Benediction- love and adoration..............................................................................151 15/12/42. Don’t get excited in conversation. Think before you speak.............................................151 16/12/1942. Meditation. Last night I was awake all night.

17/12/1942. From this you learn a good deal about your miserable

In every set of circumstances you have:

What is the

All the

Holy Hour. 12/1/43. The Holy Trinity- one God.

is

began

Solemnity of St Joseph. 188 Patron. St Monica (Lk 7.11-17).........................................................................................................189

Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son

Our Lord was about to select the twelve

Preparation for the Sacred Heart of Jesus..........................................................................................190

Fr Proser. The forth Gospel stresses Divinity of Christ. 190 10/03/45. For us to accomplish God’s designs for us via our sanctification.....................................191 “This is the Will of God – your sanctification.”

Fr O’Connell’s advice 12/12/43

14/12/43. There is a great deal of human respect in you;..................................................................192 MOTTO 1944

Duties of a creature............................................................................................................................193

St Francis De Sales.............................................................................................................................193

St Bernard says; “Think first of thyself, then of others.”

Three kinds of conversation...............................................................................................................193 Meditation. 1/1/44. Jesu Novis

Meditation. 5/1/44. Who is God?.......................................................................................................194

An Infinite Unity, in whom there are Three Divine Persons.............................................................194 “Perfection lies in accomplishing God’s will out of love.” - Abbot Marmion

12/1/44. Pray earnestly to Mary.........................................................................................................196 8/3/44. Supernatural faith sees things as God sees them i.e. in some measure.

Meditation. Retreat of 3 days – 30/11/44. Feast of St Andrew..........................................................196 Lecture - Fr O’Connell 1/12/44..........................................................................................................197

ended morning 2/12/44

2/12/44 I resolve from these holidays................................................................................................199

Fr R.H. Benson-“Human relationships in the religious life ..............................................................200

Prayer – is a priest’s

The three things that the Little Flower did for God...........................................................................202 Father Plus – “In Christ Jesus.” 203

Fr Corr - Only truly interior men, men who walk with God, do good with souls.............................203 St John Vianny converted men by his appearance; God poured His graces through the Lord. 203 HUMILITY. “God resisteth the proud and giveth His grace to the humble.” 206 “Roses fall where rivers meet” Fr A.H. Dolan...................................................................................206 16/3/45. Your greatest sin has been a great neglect of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. 206 Your love for Jesus should be like that of the Little Flower:.............................................................206 Fr Mc Glynn – last lecture of retreat. 16/3/45....................................................................................207 18/3/45. You have too great a consideration for others in a negative sense. 207 23/3/45. Last Wednesday night you made a speech at the theologian’s literary meeting..................207 6/4/45. Why you are so anxious that time should pass? 208 11/4/45.You have shown a remarkable want of sympathetic understanding for others....................208 13/4/45. In becoming excessively concerned about the spirit existing in St Columban, the mistakes of Superiors (if they really are mistakes) you have disturbed your peace of soul. 209 27/4/45. St Peter Canisius fathered and really began the spread of the Catholic press.....................210 7/5/45. All your failures spring form the fact that your life is not wholly for God and your neighbors. Recollection Sunday. 13/4/45 Fr Johnstone.....................................................................................210

Remedies............................................................................................................................................211

“Science and Human Values” Lecture – Denys Jackson 23/5/45 211 Big cities – congested areas – slums..................................................................................................211

Last updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

Why did Our Lord institute the Eucharist? Fr Power: Feast of Corpus Christi. 31/5/45 213 Fr Power. 9/6/45. The difference between a good speaker...............................................................213 “Yea, rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it” 214 Meditation. 24/6/45. Feast of St John the Baptist 214 Fr Power. Pope Leo XIII...................................................................................................................215 July 6th 1945. Came out of the Mercy Hospital yesterday. 215 Prayer. Retreat Sunday 8/7/45 Lecture – Rev H.A. Johnstone.........................................................216 You can see now that your week in hospital was not very profitable to your spirituality. 216 8/7/45. You are the Spouse of Christ. 217 Lecture of Fr Tincaline. 4/8/45..........................................................................................................217

Prudence and tact 218

What has God communicated to us?..................................................................................................218 22/8/45.Catholic papers say today is the feast of the Immaculate heart of Mary............................. 219 My spirituality was individualistic. 219 Each of us has a vocation in life, it embraces two things..................................................................220 Lecture. Mr Mullins M.P. Labour. 22/8/45 220

There is mediation in God’s hierarchy of creation.............................................................................221 (1) Part of creation.............................................................................................................................221 (2) You are part of a cell in His Mystical Body. Say the Our Father slowly.

Meditation. 6/9/45-29/9/45. Tranquility, simplicity, purity are what you want................................221 Meditation. 2/10/45. Holy Angels.

St Bruno 1030 C.A.M........................................................................................................................222

Meditation – Three forms of prayer. Recollection Sunday. Fr Johnstone – 7/10/45.........................223

Before prayer, prepare your heart and be not like one who tempts God.

(1) Keep recollected from night before is very important..................................................................224 (2) In morning – 5 points. Immediate preparation for prayer most important.

Preludes are ladders to prayer.

of God: Nb 10 :17

2 Kings 6 - Ark

We have seen official position of Him as King, on His six

First prelude – Sons of Jacob envious of Joseph................................................................................228 The Court of Heaven. Lk 9:28 – Scene of Transfiguration.

-59)

First call of an apostle.

Fr Maher. Meditation Retreat – 6 days - 1946...................................................................................234 Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of God.

updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

Fr. James Norris- Spiritual diaries

Let us Pray.

2Prayer of Fr Diertins.

Rouse up. O’ Lord, and foster the spirit of the Exercises which Blessed Ignatius labored to spread aboard, that we too, may be filled with it and be zealous to love what he loved and do what he taught! Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Two weeks before we were to sail, Bill Mc Goldrick sent a cable from Peking to stop any further assignments. The Communists had begun their take-over. Our new destination was Japan. On June 4th along with Luke Mullany, we left Sydney aboard the S.S. Nellore with a cargo of horses in the hold. Luke and Frank both smoked pipes. One cool evening, seated on the deck gazing at the sea and stars, Luke recited a poem…

And when the smoke ascends so free Think to thyself on the vanity Of the worldly stuff, gone with a puff Just think and smoke tobacco.

When the pipe grows foul within Think on thy soul defiled with sin; For then the fire it doth require Just think and smoke tobacco

Thou seest the ashes cast away Then to thyself thou should say; Back to dust return thou must Just think and smoke tobacco.

Values of a by-gone era! Frank no longer smokes a pipe and Luke does not need to. Nowadays, the poem could conceivably merit a reading during Lent, for smoking has definitely gone out of fashion. After calling at Manila where we were dropped off and our ship sailed on to Hong Kong, then Yokkaichi, finally arriving in Kobe on July 6th 1948.

We thought it a little odd that no one met us. Nothing for it but to leave the ship and fend for ourselves. We knew that Jim Doyle resided somewhere in Tokyo and thought we had better meet him in order to determine what we were supposed to do. Leaving our luggage on the dock, we began

2 St Ignatius Spiritual exercises Pg 12 St Ignatius of Loyola. Translated from The Autograph. By Father Elder Mullan. S.J. New York. © 1914 P.J. Kenedy & sons. © Christian Classics Ethereal Library.

Last updated Thursday, May 23, 2024 Fr. James Norris- Spiritual diaries

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walking into the city. The streets had been cleared but bombed out buildings were in evidence everywhere. We accosted a G.I. and asked for directions to the American camp. He kindly drove us there in his jeep.

When the officer of the day heard we were from Australia, he told us we were the responsibility of the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces. He detailed a driver to take us to their camp. Here a Captain Lane introduced us to a Mr Pensen, the British Consul who was most cooperative. He obtained meals and transport for us, loaned us money and brought tickets on the military express for Tokyo. In those days trains were few and far between. To buy tickets, foreigners needed special military scrip. The occupation forces were in charge of transport over the whole country. Even to enter the country, rather than a Japanese visa, we simply needed permission from the Supreme Commander of Allied Powers, General Douglas MacAurthur.

At 7pm on July 7th we boarded the G.I. train for Tokyo. We both had sleepers but scarcely slept a wink, wondering what lay ahead of us. The British Consul had given us instructions how to proceed to Empire House from here we should be able to contact Jim Doyle, so he assured us. But we did not have Jim’s address.

After arriving the following morning, we walked to Empire House, as it was still early few people were about. We entered an office marked Australian Trade Commissioner sat down and prepared to wait for this gentleman to appear. I noticed the telephone directory written in English and began flipping through the pages. The name Lieutenant Crane caught my eye. I recalled that our superior in Australia used to route his mail to Jim Doyle through Lt. Cranes address. Crane would surely know how to contact Jim, so we rang him. A sleepy voice answered and asked where we were right now. I replied the Empire House. He then asked what I thought was a foolish question. “What floor?” “The ground floor” I replied. “Come up one floor and you will find my room,” he said. What a relief! He gave us breakfast, and rang Jim Doyle who came over immediately. When he met us, his first words were, “Joe O’Brien was supposed to meet you in Kobe. You should have gone south to Fukuoka. My only reaction was to ask where Fukuoka was!

Jim decided that since we had come to Tokyo, we may as well spend a few days in Yokohama and meet the boys. The Nakamura sisters had leased their fine home to the Columbans as a residence and language school. Jim himself was bedded down temporarily in the Franciscan Sisters Seibo hospital. We remained ten days in Yokohama, while there I experienced my first earthquake. Jim was expecting an influx of men from China and was hard put where to place them while they learned the language. The Society would buy a house in Fukuoka for this purpose. But Frank and I were to go to the Bishops house in Fukuoka where we would study the language. He warned us that the station for Fukuoka was called Hakata, not knowing this some newcomers have remained on the train still waiting in vain for the Fukuoka station to appear.

On the 16th July, once again we boarded the G.I. express that took 24 hours to carry us to Hahata. We arrived about noon on the 17th, showed the address that Jim had given us to the jeep driver, courtesy of the American Forces, and immediately drove us to Diamyo-machi church. A Semininarian, the future Fr Hatakeyama, met us and tried to explain that this was not the Bishops house. Whatever conversation there was, had perforce to be in Latin. Finally he climbed into the jeep with us and took us to 39 Josuidori, where we were warmly welcomed by Bishop Fukahori. I have detailed our haphazard route to our destination, because our experience aptly reflects the atmosphere of the time. Everyone was new, young and ignorant, feeling this way along a trial and error basis, seemingly going no place but somehow getting there. Given the times and everyone’s youth and lack of experience amid the aftermath of the war, I do not see how it could have been any different. The first Columbans had finally arrived in Kyushu.

‘Empty hands’ 1974

3How long have you been in Japan? A young friend asked Father Jim Norris. Twenty five years, the Columban missionary from Rotorua replied. What have you to show for it? It was a question the missionary had often asked himself, looking back over the years of seemingly barren toil. The Japanese were still not falling over themselves to get into the Church. But today, at least, they could see it at work. Was that enough for 25 years? It was, surely little enough. ‘If you take the number of people Baptized the test,’ Father Norris said, I’m afraid I’ve been a miserable failure. Just as well that mission work is not judged by immediate results. Just as well that you can go outside the Church to preach the Gospel. ‘Let me explain, he went on. In 25 years, you meet thousands of people, make many contacts, meaningless as that word often is- make friends. You stand for something you can be seen to believe in, by word in action. People may turn a deaf ear to your message, but you are under strict scrutiny at all times. What will they have to show for it- those Parishes I have served? ‘That’ Father Norris concluded, is the vital question. The missionary must be content with empty hands.’ End.

The preparatory prayer is to be the same before any meditation. “I pray that I may have the grace of God our Lord that all my intentions, actions and operations may be directed purely to the service and praise of His Divine Majesty.

Amen”

The

Beginning of the Diary of Fr James Norris

Copied from his original eight handwritten note books.

A.M.D.G.

I came from God, I belong to God, I am destined for God.

3 St Michael School Golden Jubilee 1974 1st ed.

Last updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

Page 16 of

All things outside myself are creatures for my use, lent to me by God to help me attain my salvation, outside my soul. I must be detached from these creatures, not making a creature an end in itself. That is sin, an abuse of creation.

One soul. One innings. One death. Heaven or Hell for eternity.

The 3 important things to consider.

1. What are my passions?

2. What is the will of God for me?

3. Think of the salvation of my soul?

1. What are your passions?

What are my inordinate affections? Open your hearts to God, conceal nothing. Ask Him what do you think of this? Is it for my good? Ask Mary for guidance. By uprooting all affections and forming good habits now, you are building a solid foundation. But it is essential to go to bed rock and dig out all faults. Just as when you turn a stone over and find the hundreds of creeping things, so it is with your soul. If you expose this fifthly crawling patch to the rays of God’s sun after a time beautiful green grass springs up. Maybe a few daises or honeysuckles. So to with your soul. By exposing all faults and allowing the rays of Gods grace to pour on to the patch, virtues spring up where formerly there had been crushed under vice or small faults. Hence essential that your exam of yourself is thoroughly.

Take note, not of the eloquence of the preacher but of what he says. Remember too that you are a student of prayer you will be a man of prayer. Cultivate the habit of prayer. Do your meditations thoroughly. After a time you begin to like them and they become the real foundation of your life.

2. What is the will of God?

Does he intend me to save my soul? Don’t worry about this now however. Tell him you know nothing about it yet. The chief thing is to save your soul.

3. Salvation of my soul?

How does God want me to affect this and make sure of my salvation?

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Meditation.

Try and do it well. Select one point or text for meditation one that appeals or strikes one particularly and chew it over well. Keep a reverent posture while praying. It helps to pray and is respectful. Kneeling or sitting. Take the initiative “God helps those who help themselves.” Do not worry unduly about things ask Our Lady to help you. She will never let you down. Don’t seek after excessive knowledge. That won’t make a saint of you. Take things quietly. Work hard in first purgative week. On it depends the whole foundation of your religious life. Your spiritual house built on a solid foundation is essential. Don’t be discouraged if you feel that way remember God may only be forsaking you momentarily waiting for you to beg him to return.

Thoughts. “A great generosity.” “The measure of God’s grace is your generosity.” “What is worth much is sure to cost much.”

Aspirations. May the strength of God guide me this day and may His power preserve me. May the wisdom of God hear me, the word of God give me sweetness to my speech, the hand of God defend me and may I follow the way of the Lord. Lord that I may see.

Patrons: Our Lady & St Mark

Read scripture Mark 10:46-52. Matt 6:19-33.

Matt 16: 24-27.

Mark 10:46-52.

They came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging.

47

On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, son of David, have pity on me."

48

And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me." 49

Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take courage; get up, he is calling you."

He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.

Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see."

Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you." Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

13 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal.

But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.

For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.

14 "The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light;

but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.

15 "No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

16 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat (or drink), or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?

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Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?

Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? 17

31

Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin.

32

But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them.

18 If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?

So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?'

All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33

But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, 19 and all these things will be given you besides. 34

Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.

Matthew 16:24-27

19 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, 20 take up his cross, and follow me.

For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life?

22 For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct.

23 Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."

Thoughts against purity and patience.

Thoughts of self love, talking too much and having to high opinion of one self. Not inclined to hear and side with other opinions. Even though you don’t know whether your wrong or not. Against gluttony particularly in eating. Resenting advice you can’t get along with. Don’t make particular friends with any one person. Don’t prefer one to the other. If you are walking with three don’t talk to one about something the other knows nothing about. Be charitable. Keep in mind the aim of the meditation. It is to find any inordinate affections which may stand between ourselves and God. No matter how small the thing may be it is probably holding up Gods grace from entering our soul.

Abraham had a great and legitimate love for his son Isaac. Nothing wrong with that. Now God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son for Christ’s sake. Abraham consented and prepared to slay Isaac. It hurt him gravely to do so but he was not prepared to let his love for his son come between himself and God whom he loved more. He did not therefore have an inordinate love of his son. Now the case was different with the rich young man. (Mk 10:17) God told him that if he wanted to be perfect he must give his riches to the poor and follow him. But the rich young Jew has an inordinate love of his money and would not do so. God never asks us big things in the spiritual life. The small things count. Jesus says, since you have been faithful in a few things I will place you over many things. I will bring you into the Lord. Saints canonized because of small things.

“The little flower”. St. Therese of Lisieux (1873).

Remember too that we are fools for Christ’s sake, be careful of this. Sometimes after making great sacrifices, such as leaving a country, home and friends for Christ’s work we slip up on the small things, such as a small clash of wills, you won’t give in. e.g. To a person you can’t get on too well with. The height of stupidity and indeed a sad thing.

Remember that we will not be the same after the redemption as before. Either better or worse. If we correspond with Gods grace we should be better. Refuse Him nothing. Do only His holy will. Remember prayer will be the thing that counts. Pray!

The best way to treat the devil is to despise him. In the spiritual life whatever is useless to you abandon it altogether. It may be a habit, affection for something or a desire to say something. If it is no use spiritually don’t regard it at all. Resolve to work hard during these first days of the mediation.

Ask Our Lady to help you.

Patience in time of desolation. Abandon useless talk. Join in conversation only to keep it going. Keep calmness of spirit and recollect. Regarding inordinate affections we must not destroy our natural inclinations, such as love of home etc, but we must have control over them, not to fond of anything. e.g.: Cigarettes or the daily news. If we are not tied by the habit, we can knock off when we like, then there is no danger in the pleasure, it is the small things that count. All of us can make spectacular sacrifices but it is the little things that catch us. Then having cleared the ground thoroughly we can find Gods will in the matter and plan our lives accordingly. We must turn our characteristics inside out. Anything useless throw it out. Our passions are like a spirited horse. A beautiful thing but it can get out of control.

Remember, if we lay solid foundations during first part of our mediation the rest will be a pleasure.

Meditation.

Jesus gives his apostles powers of preaching, teaching and working miracles. They came to Him like little children to tell of their success. He listens like a good Father. Since He does not want them to strain themselves. (He knows they are weak yet.) He takes them apart into the desert. Pray for grace to enter into spirit of the retreat. Forget everything except purpose of meditation. Begin the day well, by a good meditation and Mass. Receive Holy Communion as worthily as possible and the day will go well. By now you should have the spirit of peace and calm in your soul. A communion with God. There is a great need of our own initiative in the spiritual life.

Creation.

Prayer.

“I pray that I may have the grace of God our Lord that all my intentions, actions and operations may be directed purely to the service and praise of His Divine Majesty. Amen”

1st Prelude. The Nativity.

4First Prelude. The first Prelude is the narrative and it will be here how Our Lady went forth from Nazareth, about nine months with child, as can be piously meditated. As can be piously meditated is in St. Ignatius’ handwriting and is inserted before seated. Seated on an ass, and accompanied by Joseph and a maid, taking an ox, to go to Bethlehem to pay the tribute which Caesar imposed on all those lands.

A presence of God everywhere. Ask for grace that all creation will help you to praise Him, to glorify Him. “What has God done.” When we want to see how great God is, we ask the same question. Be resolute in spiritual life. I will give up this vice. I will make an effort in my spiritual life. Nobody got anywhere without effort. The Saints all made a good effort. When a man takes on the spiritual life he thereby resolves to become a man of prayer. That is his job. If he does not pray he is useless. He should have stayed in the world. Prayer is absolutely essential. It stands to reason. If we’ve got to instill the faith into a lot of Chinese pagans we can’t do it by natural means. We must perform a supernatural deed by supernatural means- prayer. Absolutely no use being the brainiest in the world.

Look at Cure de Ars, how by prayer, house to house with the Rosary. If he was insulted he came back later. He realized he was doing God’s will, not his own and he could only succeed by prayer. Pray without ceasing. Keep ourselves in time with God, keep talking with God, having God’s will, linking your will and intellect to Gods. We must give prayer the attention. Guard against distractions every time we pray remember to whom we are speaking.

Commence every prayer with the 5 acts.

1. Pray without ceasing, Jesus is with us always, be a person of prayer.

2. Never cut time short for prayer.

3. Never neglect prayer.

4 Pg 35 The Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola.

4. Forget material things. Have no interest in this world at all.

5. Watch the Devil for Distractions. Attempts to cut short prayer time and discouragement. NB: The 3rd point is the beginning of our downfall if we neglect them.

You’ll notice a person of prayer is always looking for something he can do for God. On the missions all day-forgetting about material things altogether, (food, bed). It isn’t likely that God will neglect them if they give their whole day for Christ. Jesus will attend to the material things. The thing is to have absolutely no interests in the world at all. Just forget the world. You have promised God that you will be a person of prayer, ready to do big things for his sake. Keep to that promise, remember you’re doing God’s will and you won’t go wrong. Watch the devil for, distraction in prayer he attempts to cut short time for prayer. Discouragement he usually tries this to tell you you’re to tired, you have worked hard all day and need rest.

Patron: St

Joseph.

Read spiritual readings. St Matt: 13:1-13.

Genesis Ch.1 The New American Bible. Vatican. http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0839/_INDEX.HTM

1 On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea.

Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. 3 And he spoke to them at length in parables, 2 saying: "A sower went out to sow.

And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up.

Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep,

and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots.

Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it.

But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.

The disciples approached him and said, "Why do you speak to them in parables?"

4 He said to them in reply, "Because knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted.

To anyone who has, more will be given 5 and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

6 This is why I speak to them in parables, because 'they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.'

1 In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth,

2 the earth was a formless wasteland, and darkness covered the abyss, while a mighty wind swept over the waters.

Then God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.

God saw how good the light was. God then separated the light from the darkness.

3 God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." Thus evening came, and morning followed - the first day.

Then God said, "Let there be a dome in the middle of the waters, to separate one body of water from the other." And so it happened:

God made the dome, and it separated the water above the dome from the water below it.

God called the dome "the sky." Evening came, and morning followed - the second day.

Then God said, "Let the water under the sky be gathered into a single basin, so that the dry land may appear." And so it happened: the water under the sky was gathered into its basin, and the dry land appeared.

God called the dry land "the earth," and the basin of the water he called "the sea." God saw how good it was.

Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth vegetation: every kind of plant that bears seed and every kind of fruit tree on earth that bears fruit with its seed in it." And so it happened:

the earth brought forth every kind of plant that bears seed and every kind of fruit tree on earth that bears fruit with its seed in it. God saw how good it was.

Evening came, and morning followed - the third day.

Then God said: "Let there be lights in the dome of the sky, to separate day from night. Let them mark the fixed times, the days and the years,

and serve as luminaries in the dome of the sky, to shed light upon the earth." And so it happened:

God made the two great lights, the greater one to govern the day, and the lesser one to govern the night; and he made the stars.

God set them in the dome of the sky, to shed light upon the earth,

to govern the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. God saw how good it was.

Then God said, "Let the water teem with an abundance of living creatures, and on the earth let birds fly beneath the dome of the sky." And so it happened:

God created the great sea monsters and all kinds of swimming creatures with which the water teems, and all kinds of winged birds. God saw how good it was,

Fr. James Norris- Spiritual diaries

God blessed them, saying, "Be fertile, multiply, and fill the water of the seas; and let the birds multiply on the earth."

Evening came, and morning followed - the fifth day.

Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth all kinds of living creatures: cattle, creeping things, and wild animals of all kinds." And so it happened:

God made all kinds of wild animals, all kinds of cattle, and all kinds of creeping things of the earth. God saw how good it was.

26 4 Then God said: "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on the ground."

God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them.

God blessed them, saying: "Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that move on the earth."

God also said: "See, I give you every seed-bearing plant all over the earth and every tree that has seed-bearing fruit on it to be your food;

and to all the animals of the land, all the birds of the air, and all the living creatures that crawl on the ground, I give all the green plants for food." And so it happened.

God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good. Evening came, and morning followed - the sixth day.

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Thoughts: The heavens declare the glory of God and firmament to work his hands. “The crocodile and the lamb are both works of God.(Ruskin) All nature is a vast book in which we need the perfections of Our Father.

Aspirations: Lord, make known to me my end that I may know what is wanting in me. “O Lord, I am your property, help me to realize it”

It is essential all our actions can be super naturalized only by prayers. Be absolutely meticulous about times for prayer. The examination of conscience is 10 minutes make it 10 minutes not 9 minutes. Pray to St. Ignatius for guidance. Be generous with God. It is essential that the truth be grasped.

Remember you’ll never get the same grace again. Therefore do you best, very best. Pray.

Meditation.

What is our purpose in life?

To praise reverence and serve God and to attain salvation. Who created me? The Holy Trinity –The Son and Holy Ghost all had me in mind from all eternity. I have loved thee with an everlasting love. Ask for grace to realize this principle and to be given the grace to order your life in accordance. Ask Mary & Joseph to help you. Don’t leave meditation until it is firmly impressed on your mind. I came from God, the Holy Trinity. It is true of course it must be. Twenty years ago a little worm was greater than you. It existed you didn’t. I have an intellect, a heart and body. A wonderful mechanism. The eyes and ears. A heart which hasn’t stopped beating and a nervous system which is wonderful. Doctors are still puzzled by body after 2000 years. Some say it is a result of chance. This is ridiculous and foolish, for logic look at our imagination and memory. Holy Trinity made me. “Thy hands O God made me.” Why did God make me? It did not contribute to his happiness at all. Why did he prefer me to millions, he could have created someone who would have served him better. He did so out of his love for me. He created me not like a stone, a beast or anything else beautiful, e.g. sun. No, he created me to his own image and likeness. He has created me, given me all the advantages of life, a home, college, all my talents, everything and now the opportunity of this meditation. After my sinning, so much too. Must not take pride in my body. Thank God for it and treat it well but remember it is only slime and merely a casing for the soul while on trail in this life.

‘We

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God has given me everything. I was created by God, I belong to God. Nobody has any rights over me what so ever, except those given to him by God. God has more right over a King’s subjects than the latter, more right to a Fathers children, a masters servant. Why? Because God made them. Given in this life a person who makes a thing, owns it, although he doesn’t really because God owns it, everybody has to account to God after death for everything used by him on earth. That is why euthanasia; suicide and murder is wrong. Another’s life is not ours to take. If God were to take from us all, we would be nothing.

“What have I that I have not received?” “Lord help me to realize that I belong to you.”

God has essential, supreme, eternal dominion over me. I must not abuse things God gave me. e.g. I could not mutilate myself or hide the talents he has given me; abuse, health. etc…

Remember the American who wrote on his suitcase. “Not yours.” I can write that on everything I possess and refer to it as well as to others. In all these truths it is the realizing of them that counts, not knowledge of them. If the devil is not making things hard there is something wrong. Never argue with the devil.

The Three Great Truths.

1. I come from God

2. I belong to God

3. I am destined for God.

God made me to revere and praise and glorify Him in this life, and be happy with Him forever in the next life. He also gave me free will. I can mock Him and disobey His commandments if I like, but that does not affect my destiny. God made me for himself, He could not make me for anything else as He is infinite and there is nothing else, so I am destined for Him. To glorify Him in Heaven or Hell. He is glorified by my sufferings in Hell and willingly in Heaven.

“The Lord has made all things for himself.”Therefore it is impossible to find happiness in this life unless we turn to Him. Look at millionaires majority of them commit suicide. St. Augustine after trying all sensual pleasures says, “Thou hast made me for thyself, O Lord we cannot rest until we rest with thee.” Therefore riches, wealth, knowledge, old age do not bring happiness. We can only find happiness in God.

Remember this life only lasts a few years, after this an eternity of happiness or suffering.

My whole aim in life therefore is to fulfill my destiny, to live happily forever with God in this life and the next life. It will be noticed that only those who follow Christ are really happy. Priests, Nuns Brothers, Sisters- they walk in the presence of God.

Out in China in the back blocks one will get lonely and desolate. To whom will he turn. God alone and if we have not cultivated the habit of “the presence of God” we might as well come home. “My Father is always with me” said Christ. A good spirit of faith is required. St. Paul say’s, “In Him we live, move and have our being.” God knows every thought of our heart. We should therefore do every action for Him. Not out of human respect, doing a thing for God gives a person character and firm will. Remember always, “Thanks be to God”.

Patrons: St. Phillip & St James.

Spiritual readings: St. Matt 16:24-end. http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0839/_INDEX.HTM

19 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, 20 take up his cross, and follow me.

For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 21

What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life?

22 For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct.

23 Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."

‘We

Thoughts.

“In my Fathers house with permission to use all his creatures.”

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“Heaven & earth and all they contain cry out to me that I may love thee, O’ Lord.” (St. Augustine) “Thou art worthy, O’ Lord, our God to receive glory and honor and power for thou hast created all things”

The Lord hath made all things for himself. (Prov 16:3)

Lord that I may see

Lord make me realize this! Avoid idle curiosity curb eyesight even from things unlawful so that when something sinful comes along you may not gaze at it. Watch carefully against this. By now we should have great union with God. Remember always the presence of God. Having laid the foundation stone namely that we were created by God, belong to God, are destined for God, we come to the next very important stone. God created all the creatures of the earth, for my use to attain the end which I was created. Let us exam this. First of all I must know myself. I know that I came from, belong to and are destined for God, that I am a little less than angels and over the beasts.

I may desire the creatures over which I should have dominion into two categories.

1. Internal creatures: My passions, inclinations, ideals and talents.

2. External talents.

a. Spiritual; prayer sermons, lectures, meditation, Mass, retreats.

b. Intellectual; study, novels, papers, sciences.

c. Arts; music, painting etc..

d. Bodily; food, sleep, drink, pleasure, pain, recreation, games all that develop the body.

e. Social; classmates, strangers, neighbors, relations, superiors.

All these things help in the salvation of my soul.

Sometimes a thing helps by avoiding it. e.g. passion may be applied externally but cannot be drunk. These creatures glorify God through mankind, but we must note that they are for mankind’s use as a means to an end, not an end in themselves.

Absolutely nothing from the hand of God is bad. e.g. cancer, leprosy, pain are all good things as they can help in the salvation of my soul. However I must not set my heart on anything that is only a means to an end. We must see these things in a spirit of gratitude, in a spirit of fear, lest we abuse them. All these creatures obey laws since they follow instincts. God has placed great confidence in

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me that I will use these things correctly and not abuse them. He has given me free will. As a consequence of this I must become detached from all these things; .i.e. I must be free.

Where we have a choice of things that are good in themselves and not forbidden, I should choose the thing which will most surely bring me to salvation. We must then look on everything in this light. “Is this thing going to help me attain salvation?” Suppose now you have a choice of playing tennis and going on a sick call. Both are good. But the sick call will most surely help you attain your salvation therefore you go on it. This shows you are not attached to tennis. Your inclination would have wanted you to play tennis but duty called and showed detachment. If we are detached from sleep we’ll get up when the alarm goes. Same with drinking and smoking. We must therefore wipe out all inordinate affections in our lives. By detaching myself then from all creatures I may acquire solid virtue.

5.6.41- So we see, we must be detached.

A feeling does not enter into the matter at all. GODS WILL ONLY. Even Christ’s agony in the garden dreaded and feared the passion and death. He was human and said, “Father if it be possible let this chalice pass from me but not my will, but thine be done.” He didn’t bring feeling into it the matter. It was His will.

In the use of creatures I must:

1. Only esteem and desire that which leads to God.

2. Resolve to fly from all that God forbids.

3. Do God’s good pleasure with regard to indifferent things. i.e. what would Christ have done in similar circumstances.

After communion we should say. “Take and receive O’ Lord, my memory, my understanding and my will”.

Offer in return to God all things He has given you. And mean it! Now is the time to start digging at the soul. Rake out and expose to the light of God’s grace all affections of your heart and ask. O’ Lord is this going to have the goodwill to help us become detached we should have a relegation of our dignity. We have been made a little less than the angels. Through the fall of Adam and Eve we lost sanctifying grace, immortality, control over our passions, integrity. Christ as a man came on earth and gained back for us sanctifying grace which we receive at Baptism. Immortality and control over our passions were given back. By Baptism we are made adopted sons and daughters of God and by

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the sanctifying grace obtained we have a share in the divine nature of God. The more sanctifying grace we get in our souls the more like God we become and the more pleasing to Him. We also have greater control over our passions. We are then co heirs of heaven with Christ. He is the natural Son of God, we the adopted sons. God is divine; we share in the divine nature according to the amount of sanctifying grace in our souls at death.

Christ was Man.

Christ was God

We have a share in the divine nature. So we see our dignity as man. That is the reason why the saints were pleasing to God. They were like Him.

Our life.

In our spiritual life we must think deeply and make a great effort, use our will power. How do we spend our time, especially recreation time? Time is a creature of God’s which is most abused. You often hear someone say, “I’m killing time.” Terrible waste when you could be storing up for the next life. Someone said. “Time is a flash between two eternities and my life is a portion of that flash.” Value that time therefore and watch how it is spent.

Regard life as a serious business for we only get one innings. At the end we get rewarded for what we have done and woe if we have wasted that time. Newspapers, novels, the TV. movies, radio, are all broadly speaking a waste of time. You see someone reading the paper for a couple of hours. Ask them, “Any news, they will say nothing much.” They have wasted two hours finding out nothing. You probably wasted two hours looking at him. Pictures are a waste of time. Instead of listening to your children play, you don’t teach them any instrument but listen to the radio. Absolutely ruined the beautiful art. Papers and pictures and the T.V. a terrible waste of memory. You don’t intend to use the content, nor use them in any form. You have a wonderful opportunity of doing good for God and earning great reward. Be zealous and work hard. Life goes slowly till 21 or 22, after that years roll away. Life is a picture. You have to lay down the brush sometime but when you do see your picture is gilded and daubed.

Patrons: St. Joseph and St. Ignatius.

Read scripture: Romans 8:14 http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0839/_INDEX.HTM

2 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Thoughts.

Sanctifying grace at Baptism. “I was common clay until roses were planted in me, then I became a garden.” The Son of God became the Son of Man in order that the sons of men might become sons of God.(St. Athanasius)

“Fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole of man.” (Ecc 12:13).

“I exceedingly abound with joy in all tribulation.” (St. Paul) Aspirations.

“Thou hast made us for thyself O’ Lord and we cannot rest until we rest in thee.” (St. Augustine)

Now is the time to decide whether any creature has control over me.

Even in a small way. Can I take porridge without sugar in it? Does it matter to me whether there is sugar or not. I suppose I like it with sugar on it but could I eat it if it didn’t have sugar on it. How far am I prepared to go? I must then make an effort and modify myself. Make myself do these things and especially the small things. If you get into the habit of doing this then you’re on the right path and training the will to withstand big temptations. Decay begins with small things. “What is worth much is bound to cost must.” We’ve got to make an effort. Always remember your dignity, you are the adopted brother or sister of Christ and ask Him to make you realize this fact. We can however cut ourselves off from Christ by mortal sin. By this we chose not to be adopted brothers of Christ and therefore God could not recognize us if we died in that state. Why? Because by doing so we killed sanctifying grace in the soul thereby losing it’s passport to heaven. This is quite just. We get rewarded by glory, the amount of which corresponds to the amount of sanctifying grace on the soul at death. If we have no sanctifying grace, we get no reward, merely infinite punishment for injury to an infinite being, God.

Mortal sin destroys my dignity as a Son of God, it destroys sanctifying grace, it robs me of my share in the divine nature and share of Beatific Vision, it drops me into hell for all eternity. It would appear that this must be avoided.

Even after mortal sin is confessed a stain is left, the will is weakened. By confession the sanctifying grace that was there before is restored but the stain must be removed by prayer and mortification. Mortal sin and venial sin are the only evils in the world. Venial sin stains the soul. Too many small sins render the will weak and the soul will probably incur mortal sin before long.

Mortification in little things is extremely helpful.

We shall consider mortal sin further. When God created His first angels he gave them great beauty, knowledge, wisdom. He made them like unto himself. Out of His goodness he gave them free will and put them on probation so that when they reached heaven they felt as though they had earned it. The trail was that they had to adore God made man. Lucifer and 1/3 approx of the angels said, “I will not serve” immediately without a moment to repent they were thrown into the hell. This sin was the sin of thought only- as yet the incarnation had not come about. Sin of pride and self complacency, God was just and made hell for the devil’s angels alone.

Take our case. We have been born in the Catholic Faith. Had a solid Catholic education, were given knowledge and sufficient grace to overcome temptation. We were given freedom, a share in the divine nature by Baptism, a will, we were told about sin. Given the Sacraments. I heard how the angels fell and why Christ was crucified. And yet with all this I sinned my fist mortal sin. It was only one, of less dignity in the sight of God than one angel yet He struck legions of them into hell. They sinned only once and by thought. Yet God never struck me into hell straight away. He gave me a chance to repent and almost immediately after, I commit the sin again. Not thought but actions also. Did he strike me a deal, no! Why? Was it possible glory He was getting from me? It can’t be. Look at all the glory he could have got from those angels if he let them repent. He didn’t take that into consideration at all. Neither does he with me. He shows me of His great mercy and love for me. He loves the sinner but hates the sin.

The sin of Adam and Eve, consider their happiness in paradise. God gave them everything. They desired to serve only Him. Their trail was this. They were permitted to eat of the fruit of every tree except the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The devil tempted Eve. She argued with the devil, but he always wins arguments. Adam also ate the fruit. They committed the sin of impudence for listening to the devil. A sin of sensuality because the fruit looked good, cowardice and contempt of God. From this we can see how the devil works. He does not attack us directly by asking us to commit sin. For example our prayers. He would never ask us to leave off praying. He knows he would get a rebuff. He will commence by trying to get you to knock off a minute at a time and as time goes by it will be a little more until finally you’ll give them up altogether. Same tale, you feel tired, you’ve done a hard days work for God. Go to bed early. When you feel like this stay a few minutes longer. Watch the small things. Mortification in small things so that we get control over the creatures. This is essential.

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Penance and mortification.

If you keep the principles of 30 day meditation you should never go wrong. “If any man comes after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.”

Mortification helps prayer and vice versa. Penance destroys sin and makes reparation for it.There is interior and exterior reparation. The chief one is interior reparation. We sin by the will and must make reparation by will. Exterior penance is no good without interior spirit but the latter is helped by exterior penance.

N.B. Gandhi.

Interior acts of penance are: Meditation, Confession, Examination of Conscience. Exterior acts of penance are: Fasting, works of charity, praying for a longer time than usual. We must keep to certain principles however with regard to penance; the devil can easily make our good works bad. Penance is the withholding from nature what is due to it. We must be careful to distinguish temperance from mortification. e.g. nine slices instead of ten is not mortification. Probably not even temperance. Penance must not be injurious to our health. We must be careful about keeping vigils. We must not lose our sleep and we must keep our nerves right. Penance gives us strength of will and rids us of softness. Humility and obedience would be of more value. We must be careful not to become self-complacent on performing exterior acts of penance, nor should we be deceived by the devil. The best form of penance is where there is the least chance of self complacency creeping in, it is beating the heat and cold. Getting up in the cold windy morning and offering them as penance to God for our sins. We must exercise prudence in penances. Mortification in matters of food prevents you from becoming attached to it.

Patron: St. Peter.

Spiritual reading: St. Luke 15: 1-24 http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0839/_INDEX.HTM

Luke 15.The Parable of the Lost Sheep Chapter 15 1

1 The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to him, 2

but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

So to them he addressed this parable.

"What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it?

And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy

and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbours and says to them, 'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.'

I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.

"Or what woman having ten coins 2 and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it?

And when she does find it, she calls together her friends and neighbours and says to them, 'Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.'

In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Then he said, "A man had two sons,

and the younger son said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.' So the father divided the property between them.

After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation.

When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need.

So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine.

And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any.

Coming to his senses he thought, 'How many of my father's hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger.

I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.

I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers."'

So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.

His son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.'

But his father ordered his servants, 'Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast,

because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.' Then the celebration began.

Thoughts.

Polluted matter does not surprise us if found in a course garden, but if it were found in a Chalice. “Thou was perfect in the ways from the day of creation until iniquity was found in thee.” (Ezekiel).

“Lucifer the strongest spirit that fought in heaven and the fairest that lost it”

Aspirations.

“From the depths I have owed to thee O’ Lord. Lord thou my flesh within the fear, O’ Lord.

NB: Bridling inordinate affections is not necessarily penance. e.g. going without afternoon tea, a supper might help you to obtain detachment from food but it is not penance. Penance is with-holding from nature something due to it. Supper is not necessary. Fasting is a penance because that means limiting two or three meals. It is necessary to feel the penance. Nature in this case is due to three meals a day. It is a good thing not to confine ourselves to the penance all the time. It will become a habit and is not then a penance. It must be a jolt for us to do it. By varying it we are not likely to deceive ourselves. We may get a penance and think we’re saints by doing it, and yet we would find it impossible to do some other small thing. Also a person can become attached to a program no matter how hard and if it be interrupted they may become irritable. He should take interruptions as a mortification. We should never let our mortification or penances be seen. They are for God alone. Be careful not to do spectacular penances or let self love creep in at all. It is the small things that count. Exercise prudence with interior penances, do not let the penance be a distraction during prayers. If it is, it of no use.

Three uses of Penance.

1. Penance keeps our low nature subject to reason. Make the body do what we want it to do in all things. Regarding food we eat too much. Curé d'Ars. Jean Vianney (1786-1859) lived to a rule of one meal a day.

2. To obtain graces. If praying is not going well a little mortification brings grace. Brings cheerfulness. Nothing gives more joy than doing hard things for Christ. To neglect penance begets sloth. Body has to be kept in it’s right place.

3. To atone for Sins and make sanctification for temporal punishment due for Sins. If we don’t do mortification for our sins in this life we’ll have to do it in the next. Why not do it here. You’ve quite a bit to do remember. Consider the day wasted if you have not done some act of mortification. O’ Lord the saints had a great love for penances.

Penance is the ABC of spiritual life. It is absolutely essential and must be constant. Never give it up right till God calls you. You want to be able to say. “Lord you gave me 5 talents here is 10.” Only by penance and prayer.

Remember that God didn’t strike you dead when you committed your first mortal sin.

Nor any subsequent sins through his goodness and love for you. Concerning your body and it’s facilities it does not belong to you so don’t abuse it. After all that is only holiness and respect and reverence for the owner, which is etiquette. “Where thy treasure is there will thy heart be.” If your treasure is some creature your heart will be there, it won’t be with God and He doesn’t want a divided love. Therefore get rid of the creature. Purge your soul. Even in the smallest details, see what inordinate affections you have. Life is a fight against the world the devil and the flesh. To win this fight we must mortify ourselves by curbing these, give them a blow occasionally, a knock back to keep them in their place- penance. To show how much God hated sin He ordained that His own Mother should be pure and immaculate. She was not stained even by original sin.

John the Baptist, the precursor of Christ was made pure in his mother’s womb. Remember Christ’s friendship with John, the Apostle John was a virgin. Note the heavenly attractiveness of the saints, they were free from sin. Sin then is a foolish transaction. Christ made laws for our own good and help. If you transgress that law it will break you eventually. e.g. Sin of impurity. Majority of people in asylums because of this vice, loose their memory and reasoning powers. Drunkenness you get cancer, drunkards, liver cancer and a number of other diseases. No sin is a small sin. Even if you could convert millions by one small lie you would not do it because it is so displeasing in the sight of God. Sin is the only evil in the world and the only thing that upsets God’s plan. Sin isn’t finished with after confession. You must do penance and prayer to root out the stain and make the soul

‘We

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normal again. e.g. Suppose a man put out his eye and asked the doctor to put it in again. You’d think he was mad. Moreover if the eye was fixed it would never be the same again. Very much weakened. And the soul is a much more delicate instrument than the eye. What would happen to you if you fell again after having had this wonderful opportunity of realizing the horror of sin. A sudden death.

Good morning, devil.

7/6/41.We must not allow the devil to deceive you.

“Oh you are great fellow, nothing wrong with you.” Work Hard. Rake the soul inside and out. Nip these small affections in the bud now and they won’t be the cause of your downfall later. God will not give grace to those who are not doing His holy will. e.g. Not performing strictly to the programme timetable of the day. This raking should be hard. The devil will try to tell you that such and such a thing is alright. Don’t listen.

Meditation.

1st Prelude: Judas

Our Lord in the Sermon of the Mount choosing His twelve Apostles from the crowd. Judas stepping with the rest.

2nd Prelude:

The same Judas leaving the supper room to betray his master. Now a devil. Ask for grace to see into your soul for the smallest inordinate affection. Ask our Patron Saint. Our Lady and St. Joseph to help you. Look for snares under the appearance of good. Consider Judas. He must have been a good man, a man of beauty, truth and good intentions, high ideals. He must have been or else he wouldn’t have been chosen. He left everything and also went out to teach-preach and work miracles. Our Lord chose Him, another man didn’t choose him. Our Lord put him in charge of domestic affairs and the purse because he was a good business man. He worked with our Lord for 3 years. None of the other Apostles suspected Judas. What made Judas a traitor? An inordinate affection for a creature called money. It only commenced in a small way, taking a penny probably. So to, you can betray your master by not rooting out some affection whilst young. Love of money especially hardens the heart and as a person grows older it gets a greater grip. Watch and pray, the devil is the father of liars. Watch hypocrisy. Never pretend to do something which you’re not doing. Do not be anxious to please it shows human respect. It doesn’t do. To have control over human nature we must keep kicking it.

Character diagnosis.

Impatience - losing temper.

Sloth - laziness avoiding work.

Self love – Don’t like to be criticized, even though criticism is just.

Self will - Have things my own way, won’t listen to superiors.

Disobedience - Result of sloth, have disobeyed.

Love of money - A good quantity for holidays. Afraid to give to charity.

Love of food - just can’t do without some dainty.

Love of ease – Don’t like to put out. Softness.

Love of admiration and praise even though you try to appear to be humble.

Desire for popularity - too talkative.

Criticism - inclined to criticize others, even in your mind you judge others by yourself. Think what a great fellow you are.

Selfishness - close in giving.

Curiosity - eager desire to hear, know and find out something.

Self conscious - inclined to be scrupulous. Too high opinion of yourself and feeling it if somebody takes you down a peg or two.

Stealing, telling lies - I am irresponsible.

Every time I sin I abuse one of the millions of creatures God has lent me for my salvation. No matter what happens after the meditation I should say, don’t on any account miss your examination of conscience. If you keep faithful to this every day of your life it would be almost impossible to go wrong. St. Ignatius never let this duty be omitted from his daily duties. It is the alarm clock of the spiritual life.

During the holidays never omit the duty, never. And don’t let it develop into a matter of routine. Our soul is like a garden. If it is good soil many weeds will grow and the virtues are to blossom we must use our trowel, our daily exam to dig them out. We can get caught on one particular vice. We should never fail to do some little penance in our particular exam. Remember no matter how many times you fall, always rise again. Learn by mistakes. The examination of conscience is not the tearing up of the soul as in this mediation. Once the garden is dug, you need only weed each day to keep it clean.

Quiet review of the day’s events.

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Lay your hand on any small fault, convince yourself it must go. Only have the goodwill to recognize the fault and correct it. The exam will give you a tender and not a scrupulous conscience. You may not feel better each day but your certainly keeping yourself from becoming a 1000 times worse. The thing is to know and acknowledge the faults that are there and not blind yourself to them. e.g. a priest and very good missionary had a lady come to him who wanted to become a Catholic, he instructed her and she later kept up correspondence with him concerning religious matters. He let natural love creep in and subsequently left his monastery. His prayers had been neglected one by one. Preached his final sermon and went off and married the lady. Then preached in Protestant pulpits. He had lost his faith. Subsequently dropped dead during a Protestant sermon. He saw the danger but let it stay instead of removing it immediately. So we see value of daily examination of conscience. It is our alarm clock. We must have the goodwill to listen to it. Must not be deaf to it. If it is a small matter don’t try and brush it away. “Oh, it’s only a small thing.” “This won’t do any harm.”

Judgment of ourselves.

We must picture ourselves before the throne of God. Try and picture our judgment. What sentence would the just and omnipotent judge pass on us? Try and anticipate the sentence. No use bluffing yourself, God knows your most inner thoughts. The devil would use everything against me. My guardian Angel would reproach me. The just and all holy judge, may love me but He hates my sin. Have I used hypocrisy in my best actions. Do they appear good but really an ulterior motive behind them. e.g. would I stay a quarter of a hour longer in the chapel to show how holy I was? If I have made this meditation badly it will count against me as by doing so I have spurned God’s graces which are bountiful in a meditation. The meditation adds to my responsibility. I can’t plead ignorance to the Almighty judge. I couldn’t ask for one day more to repent. Keep yourself free from sin now, so that you won’t need the extra day. Keep to the truth. What penances have I done during life. When have I mortified myself. What effort have I made to overcome my passions and become detached from worldly attractions? God has given me all the grace I need.

Patrons: St. Paul & St. Monica. Spiritual readings. Luke 16:19-31

The Rich Man and Lazarus

12 "There was a rich man 13 who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day.

And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,

who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man's table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.

When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried,

and from the netherworld, 14 where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.

And he cried out, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.'

Abraham replied, 'My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.

Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.'

He said, 'Then I beg you, father, send him to my father's house,

for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.'

But Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.'

15 He said, 'Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.' 31 Then Abraham said, 'If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'"

Thoughts:

Know thyself that thou may fear God. (St. Bernard). “Woe is me for I am to appear before the judgment seat of Christ.”(St. Cryian)

“What answer wilt thou make to God. Who knows all your sins, thou you who art sometimes afraid of the looks of an angry man.”

“Every grace bestowed on us by God, the faith, the sacraments gives an added malice to our sins”.

Aspirations.

“Have mercy on me O’ Lord according to thy great mercy.”

“O Lord provided thou sparest me in eternity.” O’ Lord give me the grace to know and feel the disorder of my actions and to amend my life.”

8/6/1941. The point about you is that God gives you more than enough grace to overcome temptation but by sinning especially after this meditation you just don’t want to do God’s will.

You won’t make the small effort required. Well there’s always hell to go to and it’s quite easy.

You’ve just got to give into one of these temptation’s again, die suddenly and you’ll find yourself tasting the fire of hell. Let us consider Hell. Think of a crater of fire, an ocean of fire, from which emits terrible groans, curses, wails and cry’s of heart rendering anguish. A filthy stench hangs over the pool of iniquity. The agony of each soul is terrific. Every sense is tormented and the sense which you have abused most will be tortured most. Terrible remorse and fear of loss, hatred for God fills each soul. If only they could have had one more day to repent. Remorse at the fact that by doing some sin which probably gave them no pleasure they ended up here. When does the suffering end. Never, for all eternity, this terrible agony.

An idea of eternity.

Suppose there were a million balls of brass as large as the earth. Suppose too, a small butterfly that never died. If that butterfly rubbed it’s wing against one ball of brass every million years, when it

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had worn all the balls of brass out eternity would only be beginning. And to think we could have escaped all this by restraining ourselves once on earth. Remember we have only one innings in this life. And the business of saving my soul is therefore the most serious one for me. The only business. Think often of your destiny and make sure that you’re always ready in case our redeemer calls us suddenly. Do things only as the will of God and for Him always. We see what a terrible thing mortal sin is in the sight of God. He made that terrible place all for one mortal sin. And remember that there are probably souls in Hell who committed only one mortal sin. (The Angels). So strengthen the will, it is a good practice to do things distasteful to yourself especially during holidays. This prepares the will for serious temptation. In the spiritual life we must see which spirit is guiding us, the Holy Spirit or the devil under the appearance of good.

Rules.

If we are in sin or about to sin the devil will bring along consolation or attractiveness for the sin, making the sin a pleasure which it is not as you know after you commit the sin. The good spirit plucks your conscience and gives you remorse and severe pangs of conscience after the sin is committed. When a person is seriously trying to do better in the spiritual life the devil is all the time causing anxiety and scrupulosity of conscience, is always putting forward causes and reasons why you can’t and shouldn’t do this or that. He is always placing obstacles in a person’s way and trying to hinder him, trying to make him cut short his spiritual exercises for example. The Holy Spirit on the other hand brings consolation, incites in a person a real love of God. We feel this real happiness, humble ourselves and remember this consolation is from God. We must prepare for desolation which will come, nor should we build too much on consolation. When you feel your spiritual exercises a pleasure don’t consider yourself a saint. God however often sends us desolation and not without good reason. Desolation is a feeling of complete objectiveness; loneliness and seeming disgust for everything even our spiritual duties. Desolation makes us angry with ourselves and generally irritable with everything. You feel absolutely miserable, tepid in prayer and no attraction whatsoever for the spiritual life. In time of desolation never make a change in our spiritual duties, mortification, penances or anything. In fact if you are tempted to shorten prayer, give up mortifications or penances increase every one of them by so doing defeating the devil and showing God you mean to be faithful to Him. When desolation comes it is time to look carefully into yourself. Have you broken the rule of the house, neglected prayer or have your thoughts been dark and on some creature other than God. e.g. the coming free day or holidays. You’re not doing God’s will in something. Be patience with yourself however.

God sends desolation for 3 reasons.

1. We have been tepid or slothful in our spiritual exercises.

2. God wishes to try us, see what we are worth.

3. God wishes to impress upon us that everything comes from Him.

Without Him we can do nothing. So don’t flatter yourself if consolation comes. Remember it is not too much during college life that desolation will come. We have all comforts here. We must leave all to God and trust in Him. Don’t worry particularly about material things. He’ll fix those. Never lose coinage.

Devil is the biggest coward and liar on the face of the earth. Attack and drive him off. Find out the weak points of your character. These are the places he will attack. And the devil can be patient, so can you, if you persevere. If any thoughts or inclinations that are peculiar make them known immediately to your spiritual director. Conceal nothing. Regard Jesus as a general. You are under his banner as a soldier. The devil is the opposition. What a general and would you betray him to the opposition by mortal sin.

Patron: St. Mary Magdalene

Readings St. Luke 12:2-5 & 35-49

Luke 12:2-5

2

2 "There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.

3

Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops.

4

I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more.

5

I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; 3 yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one.

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Thoughts.

It is appointed unto all men once to die and after death the judgment. Four things come back to man or woman; the spoken word; the past life and the neglected opportunity. This is the sting of death. “To die life’s purpose unfulfilled.”

Aspiration.

My Jesus I must die, I do not know how, when or where but if I die in mortal sin I am lost forever. Lord Jesus save me. A great generosity and great sincerity, all day seeing how you stand before God.

Remember that feeling does not count in the spiritual life. Severe despair, desolation and the attacks of the enemy. Our Lord being in agony in the garden prayed the longer.

Meditation.

My

death and the death of friends and my relatives.

Never miss an opportunity of seeing a death bed a wonderful grace. Imagine yourself on your death bed. You are completely abandoned now by all. Nobody can do anything for you. Death is hard. Means farewell to the body of yours to the world, pleasure, friends and relatives to the unknown. Is it really true that I have to die. Has anyone escaped it yet. Every moment that passes brings me nearer to death. How, when, where, I don’t know. Christ has said. “I will come like a thief in the night.”

What if you should die a sudden death? This invariably is the lot of many of us. Why? Because we all should be prepared at any time. Are you prepared? You may not last another day. Spend each day as though it were to be your last. Keep thoughts of death before your eyes. So that you may say with St. Paul. “I have fought the great fight.” Do as much as you can in this life for Christ. If you don’t, your death bed will be a bed of remorse and sorrow at the neglected opportunity, the neglected and past opportunity of doing something big for Christ. Only one death, one innings. After that Heaven or Hell for all eternity. “Thou fool, this night I will require the soul of thee.” (Lk 12:19). Make a sacrificial act every morning after communion. “Take and receive, O’ Lord, my memory, my understanding and my will. What have I that I have not received from thee?” Mean what you say.

The Prodigal Son. This day, a day of reconciliation and preparation for general confession.

updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

Meditation. 9/6/1941

The Prodigal Son.

The Father was growing old and the younger of the two wanted to get away from his home town and enjoy the pleasures of the world. Restless youth. Longing for freedom, to be independent and master. Such is youth. Picture the old man receiving him back with joy. Questioning not why or what or where he has wasted his substance. The son had humiliated himself and returned to his Fathers house. So with us. Have we not done the same at home. Regardless of the labour our Fathers had to get the money to live on. We waste it on pleasure etc…

We want to be men, show our independence and taste the pleasures of the world. We want to choose our own companions, lead our own lives and heed not advice. Look at our ingratitude. So too with our Heavenly Father. He need not have created us and yet look at our ingratitude. When we are hurt or some disappointment comes along we moan and groan. Some blaspheme God. And yet do we remember the great things he has given us and all the wonderful things he has done for us. All the opportunities, success, talents, graces, health of mind and body, good parents, good education, everything and what do I do. I mock Him, I flaunt Him, I insult Him, I crucify Him again by my sins. I abuse His creatures and His many graces. What generosity. Hell for all eternity. But my good Father and general whom I have betrayed so often to the enemy, has had mercy on me and instead of having me shot for my countless offences and dropped me like a worm into the depths of hell. How generous Jesus is. I was sunk in sin, to have made it a habit and by setting alight the one spark of faith left in me. He showed me the uselessness of the world and all it’s vanities. Indeed are the ways incomprehensible. Infinite is the love for one soul, nay all souls but thank God Jesus had compassion and pity for this one, wallowing in sin. Indeed Lord thy mercy is infinite. In spite of all sins He trusts me and says; “Son, your past infidelities are already forgiven, forget them.

Confession.

Be open. Conceal nothing. Once you reeled off all the sins, infidelities, faults, mistakes and inclinations to Father. Forget them. In all your confessions from now on take them as from the last confession. You begin afresh. A clean slate. As the old sailor said after a good confession. “The pilot is aboard now Father, no chance of being bashed on the rocks”.

A few practical points.

Never conceal any trouble, thought or vary from your spiritual director. He represents God and you take his word as the Word of God. Take direction from him in everything. Instant obedience. God doesn’t send an angel every time He wants to tell us something. So He has a representative on earth

‘We

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whom we must take counsel. Therefore have a great respect for your spiritual director. Avoid any possible familiarity because he takes the place of God. Have great confidence in him; approach him with reverence, respect, humility and docility. Keep nothing back, if you do you hamper him. He is your spiritual doctor. Don’t change confessors unless you have a good reason for doing so.

Remember that the best way of preparing for a feast day and honoring the Saint is by going to confession.

Be neat in person also but attend to soul first. Remember that penance is a Sacrament therefore take your time and prepare well. Say Confiteor in Confessional at home. Good confession during the 30 day meditation essential. The purgative way, clearing the foundation and purging out all old habits and stains. Then have the illuminative way and the initiative way.

Sayings worth remembering.

Remember “No man is a judge in his own case.” And from hour to hour we ripe and ripe, we rot and rot, and thereby hangs a tale. (Shakespeare). Time is a flash between two eternities. Consistency, thou art a jewel. Whatever has an end is short. Our life fixes our eternity no second innings. St. Theresa said she would walk on live coals all the days of her life, if it would gain her a little more merit. Everything is more durable than the dust out of which mankind is made. We are painting a picture and one day we must lay down the brush and gaze on it for eternity.

10/6/41. Patrons: Saints Peter and Paul.

Spiritual Reading: St. Luke 15:1-24

Luke 15:1-1

1 The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to him,

2 but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

3 So to them he addressed this parable.

4

"What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it?

And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy

and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, 'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.'

I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.

"Or what woman having ten coins 2 and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it?

And when she does find it, she calls together her friends and neighbors and says to them, 'Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.'

In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Then he said, "A man had two sons,

and the younger son said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.' So the father divided the property between them.

After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation.

When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need.

So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine.

And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any.

Coming to his senses he thought, 'How many of my father's hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger.

I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.

I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers."'

So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.

His son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.'

But his father ordered his servants, 'Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast,

because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.' Then the celebration began.

James Norris-

‘We ought not to be swayed by the authority of the writer, whether he be a great literary light or an insignificant person but by the love of the simple truth.’ Thomas

a’ Kempis

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Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing.

Last updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

Fr. James Norris- Spiritual diaries

Thoughts.

I understood at last the all embracing nature of the love which patiently and persistently twists and turns our blundering efforts into everlasting success. As a Father hath compassion on his children so hath the Lord compassion on them that fear him for he knows what we are made of. (Psalms)

Aspirations.

Lord, be thou merciful to me. Heal my soul for I have sinned against thee. Create in me O’ Lord, a clean heart and renew an upright spirit within me. Great earnestness and sincerity in me all day. Here and there. In the spiritual life you must quarry your own stones. You enjoy better fruits of your own labour. Remember that the more fasting, mortification and penance that we do the more spiritual joy we obtain. Ask our divine Lord how far he wants you to go. Lord, be thou merciful to me. Heal my soul for I have sinned against thee. Create in me O’ Lord, a clean heart and renew an upright spirit within me. Great earnestness and sincerity in me all day. Here and there. In the spiritual life you must quarry your own stones. You enjoy better fruits of your own labour.

Remember that the more fasting, mortification and penance that we do the more spiritual joy we obtain. Ask our divine Lord how far he wants you to go. Be generous. All sins against God are sins of selfishness, putting self before God. Watch for the snares of the devil. He will attack only in the weak spots. He may also try to deceive you by worrying you or making you worry especially about sins committed prior to the confession of the 30 day meditation. Don’t worry about them. There finished with. And don’t worry whether or not you will persevere. Do now, what you would do, if you knew you would persevere. You have Our Lord and Lady with you.

In time of temptation, especially serious ones take the initiative and fly from danger, say a fervent ejaculation to Jesus, Mary and Joseph. It is not cowardly to run from the devil, if you argue or parley with him he’ll always win. Don’t be curious and for heavens sake don’t hesitate to fly. As you have seen before to be proud, thinking that you are strong enough to withstand all temptations was a false illusion. Either the devils work or your pride. Probably the latter. Watch your thoughts and guard your eyes always. Especially during holiday. It is alright at home but out in the world is the real test.

11/6/1941. This part of the meditation requires a good steady pace. Just as in a cross country race you commence at a moderate pace and then increase to a good pace which must be kept steady, then at the finish a good sprint is made. So to with this week. Everything will be peaceful and calm, happy. No tearing up like last week when we laid the foundations for our spiritual life. We commence to build now, on a solid foundation it is hoped. We must quarry our own stones and choose good solid material. As we saw, we must serve God to reach our last end. To serve God we must avoid sin and to avoid sin we must wage continued war on our inordinate passions. Now how are we going to do this? How far am I prepared to go for Christ’s sake? What kind of house am I prepared to build? It is no use saying, “I want to be a saint” and expect God to suddenly raise you in ecstasy to third heaven with the result that you are a saint already. Saints are not made in a day nor a year but a lifetime. It requires initiative at the same time realizing that we can’t do anything without God’s help. This week we should be loyal and generous to God. Refuse Him nothing. We should also be grateful for past graces. Great prayer is essential. “What wilt thou have me to do.”

This week we should repeat our meditations for two reasons.

1. When we have not drawn all the fruit from it.

2. If you don’t get fruit from it repeat it as you may have been dry the first time. Have great fidelity to the timetable. St. Ignatius says that there is a universal law in every human heart that compels men to trample underfoot their most selfish interests when somebody much higher than themselves calls for their service. e.g. small boy of 10 rising at 4 o’clock each morning to sell papers. Cold mornings, no shoes, tattered clothes. What does he get for it? A few cents. Why does he do it? Because his Mother needed the help. Same with a miner slogging all day in mines. What for?

For his wife and children, they need his help. How much more so, then should we answer God’s call willingly. He has given us everything, saved us from Hell, given us every opportunity. Why should I not, like St. Ignatius, lay my sword at the feet of Our Lady and beseech her aid in a crusade for Christ. If others have done great things for Christ, why not I. They were human just the same as I. They all had to go through the mill. Look at St. Ignatius going to school when 30. The thing is to will it. “If thou wilt be perfect said Christ, at least strive after perfection.” If you don’t try you will never get anywhere. Our natural abilities and talents are not to be stifled of course but remember that these qualities no matter how good are useless without prayer. Naturally you may be a famous person, great eloquence and so forth

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and no converts. Why? Because you did not super naturalize your ministry by prayer. If you have not consulted God about the matter naturally He will not be interested and consequently will not bless your work with fruits. Prayer is the only thing of importance in the spiritual life. So do big things for Christ and things that are permanent and lasting, you must be a person of prayer. Look at St. Francis Xavier and St. Patrick. The Irish people have never lost the faith. Stronger than ever. They have great faith in the Blessed Trinity.

In prayer we must be faithful as the dial is to the sun even though it be not shone upon. Weather the storms of desolation and affliction, with prayer. The face of your life should come from the Tabernacle. If you want to do something big, make a noise before the tabernacle, not before the public in the daily paper. Look into yourself and see whether or not you like your spiritual duties; mediation, exam etc…

Remember: Service, prayer, mortification, sacrifice, goodwill, consistency and determination. Remember then to super-naturalize all your actions by prayer; for there will never be of any value without prayer. In fact prayer without any natural abilities will obtain real lasting success e.g. Cure.d Ars.

Often we are inclined to substitute our own activities for the work of God. A spiritual life is a failure if this is a habit. Do nothing showy or spectacular. Do all your work calmly for God. You’ll notice that a person who does all for God takes success or failure with the same calm. They realize, quite rightly that it is God’s work that they are doing and not there own. Try to obtain great love for prayer, do not pray because a bell rings or everybody else prays. If we wish to obtain virtues the only thing we have to do is cultivate a great love for Jesus. Prayer and virtues will surely come then. The saints were saints because of their love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Many of the saints however were not perfect in virtue but they loved Jesus and strived in virtue. NB: Don’t become attached to your; work, studies, pleasures and prayer when duty or something else calls.

Patrons: St. Joseph and St. Michael.

Spiritual reading: Matt 5:1-12

Matthew 5:1-12

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

1 When he saw the crowds, 2 he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.

He began to teach them, saying:

3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, 4 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

5 Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.

6 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 7 for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, 9 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

James Norris-

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me.

12

10 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Thoughts.

Master where dwellest thou, He saith Come and See.”

(St. Jn 1:38) “Saints like other master pieces are made slowly.”

Aspirations. O’ sacred heart of Jesus what shall I render to thee for all the gifts which thou hast bestowed upon me.” Repeat often during the day.

Christ is the leader and General of the Army and what a leader.

He is not like Napoleon or Caesar watching the battle from a neighboring hill. No He leads His soldiers into the thick of the battle. He will not ask us to do anything that He himself has not already done. He assures us of victory and promises to divide the spoils equally among Himself and His followers. Who then is the enemy. Ourselves! Our passions, lusts, gluttony, sloth, envy, hatred, concupiscence of the flesh and eyes, sensuality. These are our enemies. What are the weapons? The weapons Christ used are poverty, humility and suffering. Shall we not then follow this leader sent by God and likened to us in all things except sin. Make this offering of yourself to Him then as a soldier in His ranks.

PRAYER

5“Eternal Lord of all things I make my oblation with thy grace and help in the presence of thine infinite goodness and in the sight of thy glorious Mother and all the saints of the heavenly court protesting that I wish and desire and that it is my deliberate determination provided only it be greater service and praise, to imitate thee in bearing all injuries and all reproach and all poverty as well as actual, as spiritual if only divine majesty be pleased to choose and receive me to such a life and state.” Amen.

What a great army. Christ our invincible leader having same conditions as us and our friends and allies being the Angels and saints of heaven. Remember St. Paul. “For me to live in Christ.”

5 Page 33 St Ignatius Spiritual Exercises. 3rd point.

Last updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

Feast of Corpus Christi. 12/6/1941

We must fight in the thick of the fight and in the face of hardships if we are to be proved good soldiers. Desolation, affliction, poverty, etc.. It is not for us to be good soldiers in peace time. i.e. In times of consolation. Anyone can be a soldier then. And we must be distinguished soldiers, not mere soldiers. Remember Christ said. “If any man lose his life for my names sake he shall save it.”

We must be ambitious in the cause of Christ making Him King of our wills. In the front line till death if need be. To serve Christ then we must love Him, so the next few days spend looking into His life.

Meditation.

We can see Blessed Trinity looking down on the world 4000 years after Adam came on earth. What do they see? Men unhappy; stuffed in sin- the sin of lust, fornication. World in a state of confusion. See the Father, Son and Holy Ghost discussing the matter. Was it worth while redeeming this den of iniquity? Then God the Son volunteered to come on earth and sacrifice Himself to His eternal Farther in reparation for the sins of the world. Holocausts and sacrifices of the Old Law did not satisfy the Father for all this iniquity. The people of the earth had turned away in spite of the commandments, the prophets and all efforts of God to keep them on the straight road. And yet the same God that hurled His first glorious angels into hell for one sin of thought was going to come on earth, become man and die for our sakes. Why did He do it. The only reason we can see is to show His goodness and love for us. To give us a chance.

The Church regards the sin of Adam as “Felix Culpa” since it merited the coming of God on earth to redeem us poor creatures. We either advance or decline in spiritual life. There is a saying that an organ from our body that is not used decays. If we do not exercise our muscles we get flabby, fat and useless, unable to stand up to any strain that may come. If we do not modify our senses they get pampered and out of control. Train your body, senses and passions to do what you want them to do.

Do not let them control you. e.g. getting up instantly at the sound of the bell. It trains the body, forcing your eyes not to look at something even though lawful. Refraining from eating something. Forcing yourself in prayer when tired. Keeping strictly to timetable and never missing spiritual duties. Forcing your will to do things the senses do not like. This way you get strength of will and later when dangerous temptations come along you can avoid them easily as your senses and passions are well in your control. Essential to get iron control over them. Force yourself to do little things. Keep working always at high pressure and so avoid sloth.

Patron. St. Francis Xavier

Spiritual reading; St. Luke 1:26-80

Luke 1:26-80

10 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,

to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary.

And coming to her, he said, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you."

But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, 11 and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,

and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?"

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And the angel said to her in reply, "The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived 13 a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;

for nothing will be impossible for God."

Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah,

where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit,

cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord 14 should come to me?

For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.

Blessed are you who believed 15 that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."

And Mary said: 16 "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;

47 my spirit rejoices in God my savior.

48

For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.

49

The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

50

His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.

51

He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.

52

He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. 53

The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty.

He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy,

according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

17 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son.

James Norris-

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Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.

18 When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father,

but his mother said in reply, "No. He will be called John."

But they answered her, "There is no one among your relatives who has this name."

So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 63

He asked for a tablet and wrote, "John is his name," and all were amazed.

Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.

65

Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea.

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All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, "What, then, will this child be?" For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.

Then Zechariah his father, filled with the holy Spirit, prophesied, saying:

19 "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and brought redemption to his people.

20 He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant,

even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old:

salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us,

to show mercy to our fathers and to be mindful of his holy covenant

and of the oath he swore to Abraham our father, and to grant us that,

rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him

in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord 21 to prepare his ways,

to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins,

because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high 22 will visit us

to shine on those who sit in darkness and death's shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace."

The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.

Thoughts “For to me, to live is Christ.” “Ah Christ if there were no hereafter it still were best to follow thee.” Tears are nobler gift than laughter. Whoever wears the yoke alone is free. Last updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

Fr. James Norris- Spiritual diaries

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What we need most in our career is the one who can liberate within us that life long prisoner whose doom it is to remain captive until another sets it free, our best. For we can never set our best free by our own hands; that must be done by another. Aim at the highest to be a faithful copy of Christ. You have only one life to lead.

Aspirations.

“O Mary and Joseph obtain for me an intimate knowledge of Jesus that I may imitate Him in all things”.

A good priest and student should be faithful to his alarm clock and bell all the days of his life.

He will not go wrong if he obeys it. Our spiritual duties are the barometer of the spiritual life. If done well we feel calm and joyful, if badly impatient and discontent. Prayer comes much easier to a calm mind; do not get worked up at all. Never be in a hurry. Keep reverent attitude in Church, no brushing away things. Helps recollection if a reverent posture is adopted. Hurry begets distraction. In walking, eating, praying, thinking, take and do things calmly. Regarding spiritual duties, if you are doing duties now which you do not intend to do in the priesthood , well it would be better to drop out now. Do not be a hypocrite. Do not say in years to come” Oh I used to do that in my college days.”

There is no such word as cannot. What is your will for and Our Lady to help you.

The Annunciation. 13/6/1941

We can picture the little town of Nazareth nestled in a crater and near Mt Carmel. Calm peaceful undisturbed. In one of the white washed cottages lived Mary and Joseph. They lived peacefully together, loving one another and trying to do all they could for one another. All the Jewish women of her time were ambitious to get named in the hope that one of their children may be the Messiah, for they had waited 4000 years. Yet Mary it is said had taken a vow of virginity. See the angel Gabriel fulfilling the will of God implicitly and coming down from heaven to tell Mary that she was to be the Mother of God and queen of Angels, higher than Gabriel. Mary was troubled. Troubled when she learned of the dignity God had bestowed upon her. What do we do when we are praised? Certainly not troubled. For Mary knew not man. But the Holy Ghost wrought a miracle in her and Jesus was conceived in her womb. Did she tell anyone. Not a soul. Not even Joseph who she really should have told. See her humility. Joseph was troubled and sought to put her away privately. But he did not act

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impetuously. He prayed for guidance. An Angel came and told Joseph all. Imagine the great joy of Mary. Both had trusted to the will of God in the matter. Everything was the will of the God for them. We must model ourselves on Mary. See how God never forces anyone. He asked Mary first before she became Mother of God. We must guard our purity of soul and body. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Guard our tongue, which Jesus in Holy Communion, against all double meaning jokes. Have fun without these. Silence is golden. Say 3 Hail Mary’s to Mary each night for purity of mind, body and soul. Imitate the humility of Mary and pray to her for guidance.

The Birth of Our Lord

We can see how the extreme happiness and joy in the little home in Nazareth. Joseph doing all he could to make Mary happy and vice-versa. Humble simple lives, full of prayer and thanks. Joseph was a just man, a holy a pleasing perfect man. Then a decree came out from Caesar Augustus that everyone was to enroll in their place of birth. Joseph and Mary of the House of David were to enroll in Bethlehem. Did they grumble at the decree coming at such an awkward time. Not at all. Joseph made Mary as comfortable as he could on a mule, he walking. Passed many Jews on the road, contempt for Mary and Joseph refused admission into inns at night. Naturally as they did not want the responsibility of the childbirth in their houses. They did not grumble. Joseph remembered a inn. Content with this. See how the will of God was performed. Prophecy that the child be born in Bethlehem was fulfilled. Instrument was Caesar Augustus a bad man. So Jesus was born in the stable and we can see St. Joseph making things as comfortable as possible for Mary. See how they both accepted all these trails as the will of God leaving them cheerfully for His sake.

Later on as priests we will probably have certain rules and regulations to comply with in China. No grumbling, just do them as the will of God. Another lesson. Be always kind and charitable to the poor. Never refuse them. And do not throw money at them. Hand it to them remembering that they are of the same flesh and blood as yourself and probably more pleasing in the eyes of God.

Poverty in the eyes of the world is a sign of weakness. So is afflictions, obscurity and desolation. In the eyes of God they are the very opposite. See how God himself was born in the poorest of surroundings. Why? To connect our ideas about these things. To show us what really constituted real greatness. Poverty, obscurity, humility, solitude, obedience, calm, these are conducive to real greatness. We must not be deceived by the world, the devil or the flesh regarding these matters. We should embrace poverty, obscurity, humiliations, solitude, desolation, suffering and sorrow because these things make us like unto Christ Himself whom we must strive to imitate.

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See how the world waited 4000 years for the coming of the Messiah and when he came nobody new about it. The spirit of Christ is always the direct opposite to the spirit of the world. We should have a great love, admiration for and locality to Christ whom we are trying to know. When we know and love Him we should be in such a state that we would never commit a deliberate fault against God. We must first love Him.

We should by now have a great spirit of prayer and recollection concerning knowledge of Jesus our leader. Now consider; the adoration of the Shepherds. Simple, uneducated, plain, unknown men living in solitude in the hills watching and shepherding their flocks. These were the first apostles of Jesus. He did not choose to tell the wealthy or learned in Bethlehem, not even his own relations, nor the saints living at the time. These were the men the angels came and told on the first Xmas Eve. “Behold I bring you tidings of great joy.” And a multitude of angels appeared singing. “Glory to God in the highest and peace to men of goodwill.” And did they delay in going to the stable. No. They responded to God’s grace immediately. Do we always? They went with all speed and adored the child. After that did they give up shepherding and round boasting that they had seen angels and had seen the Messiah. No, they glorifying and praising God returned to their sheep and we never hear of them in scripture again. Yet Christmas could not do without the shepherds.

Remember that it is the neglected opportunities that we will regret.

Also we are not saints because we did a retreat. Do not “ego” about anything. God has given you the grace to do these things. So do not forget to thank Him and acknowledge the fact. He could have given these graces to many more worthy.

We are a walking bundle of habits. We must look into ourselves and see whether or not our habits are good or not. Keep them good. If they are bad habits we must counteract these by good habits. e.g. Patience. If I am impatient I cultivate the habit of being patient at every opportunity. If this is done faithfully the fault flowers into a virtue. We must not however rely too much on human nature. We must acquire good habits slowly and root out bad habits slowly. Remember that at Baptism we were given an innate power of exercising all the virtues. We must exercise this power if we want all the virtues to flower. e.g. A runner must train his leg muscles. To be able to ride a horse without any ill effects requires practice. i.e. Habit, perseverance.

The first essential is the will to do a thing. “I will acquire this virtue.”

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No such thing as cannot. Then set about it gradually taking every opportunity to exercise ourselves in it. A bad habit is acquired is acquired by habit. A good habit can root it out. e.g. Closing a door. If you are accustomed to slamming it, well every time you slam it, open it again and close it gently. You will remember the next time. We must go against ourselves. By this means we can root impatience, anger, abruptness, in fact all vices. The big thing in the acquiring of a habit, good or bad is the first act. Once that is done it becomes easier the second, easier still the third until it is part of our nature. e.g. First glass of beer. Getting up with the sound of the alarm. But to be in control of all our virtues. i.e. A person of strong will, we must practice and exercise the virtues. Make it a habit. Our habit should be to make ourselves do everything that Christ would have done in the circumstances. To be able to do this we must first know Him and consequently love and serve Him.

The missioner that does the most good is not the man who rushes around arguing things or working like a volcano in eruption. No, the ideal and most successful missioner is calm, resigned, charitable and patient. He is full of zeal for his work. Remember that since about the only thing you have got is zeal maybe, you also have got the volcano style. Remember too that whatever country you go to adopt the same laws and customs of the natives. Be one of them. Show them that you do not wish to lord it over them in any way. Accept their laws even though they may be distasteful to you and all wrong. You will benefit by it in your work and it is an act of humility. “We saw an act to reap a habit, we saw a habit to reap a character, we saw a character to reap a destiny.” “Sow good acts always.” We must be consistent in our good habits. Especially in the small things. e.g. Rising to the alarm clock. Only a small thing for one day but for everyday for a lifetime is a big thing and reaps a big reward. Go against our inclinations. Break ourselves in, have dominion over our body. We must not however be a slave to habit. We may have a rule of life but do not get irritable and put off other things because it is broken into. Do what Christ would do.

Circumcision and presentation in the temple.

After 8 days Jesus was circumcised. Circumcision is something akin to our Baptism. By it the child took on Jewish religion, nationality and tongue. He bound himself under Jewish laws and customs and took the name Jesus. Jesus was not bound to do these things as He is God. He wanted to teach us lesson in humility. So a missioner should fall into the laws and customs of the race he goes amongst. We should make reparation to the name of Jesus Christ for the blasphemes uttered against it. A missioner goes uninvited among the natures of a place. He should not criticize their laws and customs as he will prejudice the people against him immediately. Humility and blind obedience.

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40 days after the birth of our Lord he was presented to the temple. Joseph and Mary being poor brought him back with 2 turtle doves. By this Joseph and Mary humiliated themselves and acknowledged poverty. Mary too in going through the purification ceremony acknowledged that he was unclean. At least the people of the time would consider her no longer a virgin but Mary did not mind. As long as God knew she was still a virgin she did not care what the world thought. Great humility of Mary. So too if things are said about us that are bad let us concern ourselves only with truth. If the report is untrue well God knows it, does not matter what the world thinks. If it is true take it as a humiliation. Look at Simeon and Anna both very old and yet they had persevered in the old law despite the mis-construction of it by the Pharisees. Anna 84 and praying and fasting. How we would prepare well for Mass and holy communion. When we receive Jesus not in our hands but in our hearts.

The flight into Egypt.

After the presentation the happy family returned to the little home in Nazareth. Joseph resumes his carpentry and Mary her house keeping and also the child to tend for now. Hard work for these two, no miracles worked for them. As soon as they were settled again an angel came in the middle of the night and told Joseph to take the child and the mother into Egypt as Herod was trying to kill Him. Did Joseph make excuses, did he apologize to his neighbors who probably had orders for him. No. He did the will of God and went to Egypt. How long they stayed there we do not know. Until Herod died. Joseph would simply have to find employment in Egypt. Not an easy Matter. We must imitate Joseph in his blind obedience to God’s will.

After ordination, please God do not consider we are just it! One week after ordination you may be told to go straight to China without seeing friends or saying goodbye to a soul. No grumbling, no excuses. Your superior is the voice of God for you and to disobey him would be to shake your fist in God’s face and say “I will not serve.” See what happened to the angels who said that. Out to the missions. You may be three weeks in one parish and a letter comes telling you to be at a certain place at a certain time. The will of God for you. It does not matter where you are. What you are doing or how long you are in the place. Do all you can and do your best remembering that you are doing it for Christ, not for yourself. We must have the spirit of Christ. And if you are a D.D OR a D.C.L. and all the rest and you are sent to some forsaken hole with a few Chinese in it you will probably think you are wasted. You are not wasted even though you do not convert a soul. Remember that Jesus Himself infinite in all his perfections spent 30 years doing seemingly nothing. Made a few chairs maybe. Nobody ever heard of him or barely saw Him in Nazareth.

Yet he did it for his Father in heaven. As long as his Father knew he was doing it and doing his best it did not matter what the world thought or whether or not they heard of Him. You do not have to be in the limelight to do good work. In fact this is dangerous because you may become proud and your work will be valueless in the eyes of God. Whenever you are praised or called a good sport it is time to look into your life, there is something loose somewhere.

Obscurity.

This is where you can work for Christ and following him. Not heard of. A fool for Christ’s sake. Remember too that you left home for Christ’s sake, not the Chinese. They just happened to be the race God meant for you. And if you never get success it does not matter. It is God’s will. And it is not your fault as long as you do your best, leave the rest to Christ. Good example carves a long way, pray to be able to take success or failure with the same mind we must be detached from all creatures. Gods will in all things. Remember we are painting a picture for all eternity, not for men to admire. If you work hard secretly for Christ he will reward you secretly. So look into yourself now. Do you grumble or criticize. Are you alert now to God’s will? As you are as a student so you will be as a priest. God does not work miracles for us.

Would not it be foolish too if we made the big sacrifices for home and country and then faltered for some small thing. e.g. Obedience to superiors. When inclined to grumble think how good God has been to you in the past. Aim high for Christ’s sake. A small note on Herod. In this man we see the effect of uncontrolled passions; lust, envy, hatred, jealously. Jealously and envy drove him to kill the innocent babies. He died a terrible death and his body being covered with ulcers and decaying before he was dead.

The Hidden Life of Jesus.

“And he returned with them and was subject to them.” This is all that was revealed in the scriptures about Jesus. There was one another interruption in the 30 years, when he was lost and found in the temple at age 12 years. We can see the happy family at Nazareth.

St. Joseph.

See him in the workshop, honest toiler, faithful to duty, a great devotion to Mary and Jesus. See here again the way’s of God. Who was Joseph? But a carpenter who did not a Mass nor worked a miracle and never did a thing of great importance. And yet he was chosen to be foster father of Jesus. Now a saint. Patron of universal Church. Of dying labor and obscurity were Josephs lot. He taught the child how to build things how miracles work.

‘We

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Mary. The most Holy and purest creature that ever walked the face of the earth. The perfect Mother. Kind, gentle, loving, charitable, thoughtful. We can see her looking after the house, keeping it neat and preparing meals for Jesus and Joseph. She would have to feed, cloth the child the same as any other mother. See how careful Mary is and how she protects the child from harm and danger. And then Mary would go to the well in the evening where women of Nazareth gathered. Mary may take Jesus. The most beautiful women in the world at Nazareth. Mary’s beauty would radiate from her countenance, reflecting the interior beauty, purity and calm of her soul. Women probably envied her child. Mary anxious to help and please Joseph.

Jesus

Obedient in all things to his Mother and foster Father. He was anxious to help his foster Father and would anticipate the wishes of his Mother. The perfect son. A source of joy for Mary and Joseph. He had a great reverence for His parents. We too must serve and honor our parents and do all we can to help them. We should make our home the source of all happiness. At college, to our fellow students should provide all the fun we want. No need to look elsewhere for it. Jesus would be a source of wonder to his neighbors. His radiant countenance reflecting his holiness. They probably wondered what he was going to do. And why was Jesus subject to Mary and Joseph. He was God. Why did he allow St. Joseph to show him how to make a chair when he could have showed St. Joseph how to make an airplane. A lesson in humility to us and Jesus was doing the will of God.

So what does it matter if we are a brilliant scholar and a experienced priest and we are put under a younger man who is not so clever. Shall we rant and rave, refuse to stay. No! Why? Because it is not for us to look at personal attitudes of the man. For me his orders are the will of God. Remember Jesus obeying Joseph and Mary. And why did Jesus spend 30 years seemingly doing nothing. Making a few chairs. In the eyes of the world he had wasted his time. Yes but he wished to show us that it does not matter what we are doing, whether we are successful or a failure, how long we are at it, whether or not the work is below our ability or anything else about it. It is the will of God for us. The will of God. It can be anything. From discussing theology to washing dishes. Both the same in eyes of God provided done with equal fervor. We simply must realize that the will of God is the thing to do. Do not grumble about any personal matter or anything else about it, if it is the will of God do it immediately. Nor does the world have to hear about it. Do not for goodness sake seek the spectacular. Anyone can do that and it is absolutely no value in the eyes of God if done with the view of showing off. Work in obscurity. Our Lord did not convert a single soul nor work miracles in the first 30 years. And yet he came to redeem us. The world had waited 4000 years for him and when he

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comes he lives in obscurity in the back blocks of Palestine, living in poverty and humble obedience to his parents.

We must change our views concerning worldly matters and follow Christ.

Why did Jesus do this?

1. Because it was the will of his Father.

2. He wanted to set the example since 99% of his followers would have to live the same life of obscurity. Our Lord did first and then taught. “To do and to teach.”

In the first 30 years of his life Jesus lived a life of obscurity, poverty, labor, obedience, monotony, humility. This describes perfectly our lives in the mission field. There is however great joy and peace attached to it, provided of course that we are free (detached) in knowing that we are doing the Will of Our Father and are storing up multi fold treasures in heaven. See too the great spirit of cooperation in the home in Nazareth. Each one intent on helping the other two. No one thought of self, great charity. That too must be our spirit, the spirit of the house. Another great rule of life, never speak bad things about a person who is not present. If they are said by someone, put forward an excuse for him. “The absent one is always safe when so and so is around.” Great charity. Try to forget self. Must give it many good licks before it goes under. Self causes dissentions. Ruins community life. Always think about the other person. Make lives very pleasant. At table games, free days, holidays, on mission, in study, everywhere. It is too a great sign to see a priest. Happy in his own parish, his own community. Always be happy with our own. If we have the spirit of Christ it should not matter to us what conditions we live in. Do and bear all for him who sent us. Do not worry about material things. Like to be unknown, working secretly for Christ. “How would Christ do this.” Always question. Jesus said, “laborers who harvest.” Work hard. Do first and then teach. “Practice what you preach.”

Patron: St. Frances de sales.

Spiritual readings: St. Luke 2:51

Luke 2:51 51

He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

Thoughts: “He was subject to them.”

“Good makes no noise and noise does no good.” St. de Sales.

“God must love plain people he made so many of them.”

Aspirations: Jesus give me the grace to love obedience rather than fear obedience.

Meditation 15/6/1941.

Patron:

St. John Burchmans

Spiritual reading: St. Luke 10:1-20

Luke 10:1-20

Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two

1 After this the Lord appointed seventy (-two) 2 others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. 2

He said to them, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.

Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.

3 Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way.

Into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this household.' 4

If a peaceful person 5 lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.

Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another.

Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you,

cure the sick in it and say to them, 'The kingdom of God is at hand for you.'

Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say,

'The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.' Yet know this: the kingdom of God is at hand.

I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town.

6 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you.

7 And as for you, Capernaum, 'Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.'"

Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me."

The seventy (-two) returned rejoicing, and said, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name." 18

Jesus said, "I have observed Satan fall like lightning 8 from the sky. 19

Behold, I have given you the power 'to tread upon serpents' and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. 20

Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven."

Thoughts: There is no act however trivial but has to train of consequences as there is no hair so small as casts a shadow. “St. Bernard.”

Discernment of Spirits

We should see in this second week how the good and bad angels work on our souls. Our soul in this 2nd week should be peaceful and calm and if it is disturbed look and see what caused it. The effect of the good angel on the soul should be like a drop of water falling on a sponge, calm and joyful. The effect of the bad angel should be of a sharp nature as of water falling on a rock. See what causes it. If we are full of great joy and consolation let us see what has caused it. If nothing has caused it, well it is from God. But suppose there was a cause e.g. Result of some mortification. Then we shall have to see whether the good or bad angel has caused the joy. If the mortification was done for a good motive, continues for a good result it is from a good angel. If it is from the bad angel the mortification would be done for a good motive would continue for a good motive but would have a bad result. e.g. You may make a resolution not to eat meat on Wednesday and Fridays in China. Done for a good motive but it may end in disastrous results, nervous breakdown of health, incapacity for 2 years. Just because you experienced joy in doing this mortification does not mean that the joy is from heaven. No it was from the devil who is deceiving you. Have to be careful in this respect. Do

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not be carried away by first enthusiasm. You know yourself that you have often commenced a project enthusiastically but only lasted a couple of day,’s e.g. some hobby. Do not therefore make resolutions when you are really enthusiastic. Wait till you cool off and if you still want to make the resolution and keep it. Be particularly careful in mortifications. Keep to doing small things consistently.

Learning Christ.

Teach me, O’Lord to be sweet and gentle in all the events of life, in disappointments, in thoughtlessness of others, in the insincerity of those I trusted, in the faithfulness of those on who I relied. Let me put myself aside, to think of the happiness of others, to hide my little heartaches, so that I may be the only to suffer from them.

Teach me to profit by the suffering that comes across my path. Let me use it that it may mellow me, not harden nor embitter me, that it may make me patient, not irritable, that suffering may make me broad in my forgiveness, not narrow, haughty and overbearing.

May no one be less good for having come within my influence, no one less pure, less true, less kind, less noble for having been a fellow traveler in our journey toward eternal life. As I go from one distraction to another, let me whisper from time to time a word of love to thee. May my life be lived in the supernatural full of power for good and strong in it’s purpose of sanctity.

Patrons: St. John the Baptist & St. Ignatius.

Spiritual readings: St. Mt 10. 16/6/41

Matthew 10

Sends Out the Twelve

1 Then he summoned his twelve disciples 2 and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.

The names of the twelve apostles 3 are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John;

Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus;

Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

Jesus sent out these twelve 4 after instructing them thus, "Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town.

Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

As you go, make this proclamation: 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'

5 Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.

Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts;

no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep.

Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave.

Fr. James Norris- Spiritual diaries

7 Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words - go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet.

Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

"Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves.

8 But beware of people, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues,

and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. 19

When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say.

For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

9 Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.

You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end 10 will be saved.

When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 11

No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master.

It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, for the slave that he become like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, 12 how much more those of his household!

"Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. 13

What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.

And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.

Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge.

Even all the hairs of your head are counted.

So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.

But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.

"Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword.

Fr. James Norris- Spiritual diaries

For I have come to set a man 'against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;

and one's enemies will be those of his household.' 37

"Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;

and whoever does not take up his cross 15 and follow after me is not worthy of me.

16 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

"Whoever receives you receives me, 17 and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.

18 Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man's reward. 42 And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple - amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward."

Thoughts.

“Have the best, Christ is the best.”

Mediation.

Obedience depends on holiness.

The intent to which we are prepared to obey the will of God. Doing God’s will is proof of our union with God. Remember that we belong to God; we are free men, no man has any rights over us whatsoever except those given Him by God. But man must develop himself intellectually morally and physically. We re not like Adam who received all these things direct from God. We must have

superiors to guide us. Our superiors get their authority from God and cannot order us to do anything; unlawful or impossible. Furthermore we are bound under them only in so far as they are representatives of God. These are our spiritual superiors. We have our natural superiors; parents, civil authorities and professional. These get there authority indirectly from God. The Pope get’s his authority directly from God. Priests and Bishops indirectly from God through the Pope. You are always safe if you do the will of God’s representatives, no matter if the order is ridiculous do it as God is behind the superior.

The 3 Degrees of Disobedience.

1. Where you do external act of obedience but you grumble and do it unwillingly. You also know a better way to do it or you criticize your superior.

2. You do the external act willingly but you criticize your superior and think he doesn’t know what he is doing.

3. You do the external act, your will and intellect agreeing completely because it is the will of God. No matter how ridiculous the order may seem. You may not know the circumstances. Essential therefore that you keep strictly to a timetable. Tell your superior if you violate it. It is not a matter of honor, keeping the timetable is a matter of doing the will of God.

Remember how Jesus who was perfect, obeyed Joseph and Mary. Remember mind your own business. If your superior gives you an imprudent order he will have to answer to Almighty God for that. All you are concerned with is the doing of the order. Of course you can humbly suggest a different way of doing a thing. That is not disobedience.

John the Baptist. Mediation

The people were prepared for his coming by the dumbness of Zachary, the conception of Elizabeth in her old age and the subsequent speech of Zachary and his prophesy, also stipulating his name is to be John. Ask St. John the Baptist for love of solitude, prayer and purity of intention. John the precursor of Christ did not go into Jerusalem to prepare. No he went out into the desert. Did penance clothed in camels hair and lived on locusts and honey. Slept on rocks of a barren desert. Great spirit of prayer and purity of life. No softness about John. He taught on the banks of the Jordon, he did not go into the city. As a result of his life of prayer and penance he became a man of strong character and will. He feared nobody. He called the Pharisees vipers. Our Lord came to be Baptized by John. John claimed he was unworthy but Our Lord told him to. After 18 years of preparation he only did 18 months of teaching. Herod clapped him in prison and kept him imprisoned for a year and then

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beheaded him for a whim of his daughter. Jesus never came to see or console him the whole time he was in prison. We would think this strange but no, Jesus knew that John could bear, he was not soft. John was no reed shaken with the wind. What is our attitude towards pictures and the gaiety of the world in general. Would we prefer this to solitude? Are we soft? Do we like mortification?

Remember that we are too be John the Baptists and voices crying in the wilderness. We are showing and telling the people all about God and heaven. So it is for us to imitate John making ourselves strong of will and mortifying ourselves. We can make ourselves strong of will by going against our human natures. Forcing our indolent wills to do things they do not like doing. See how John shunned the spectacular. He was content with what God gave him, no comforts. Did nothing spectacular. We all have our fads and fancies. Do not yield to them. Have the same zeal on all duties. Do not be afraid of work. Resolve to be faithful to your spiritual duties for the rest of your life. Be careful about losing your patience. When you lose your temper you lose your Christ likeness and people lose respect for you. You are another human. You must train your will in this respect. Make it do things it does not like.

As father says we are very fortunate in getting all this material of the 30 day retreat. Especially regarding the devil and the way he works. There is no excuse for us now. We know what to do, so we must concentrate on putting the principles into practice. As time is too short we now move on to the public life of Our Lord. But make absolutely certain that you have attained all the lessons out of the hidden life of Our Lord. Obscurity, poverty, humility, blind obedience, labor, prayer and solitude.

The public life of Our Lord.

We can see Jesus leaving his cottage for the last time. He has said goodbye to his Mother and is now setting off alone to redeem the world. What are his weapons? His powers of poverty, humility and suffering. He is doing his Fathers will and is going to do and to teach. He was to bring tidings of great joy to a people who heeded him not. They sought to ensnare him at every turn and tried to ridicule him and malign his best works. Jesus had no real friend who understood him. He was a lonely man. He felt sorry at leaving a comfortable home and a good understanding Mother. He did not however allow this to come between him and his Fathers will. He was a free man, free from all attachments. So should we be on a mission. No attachment to any friends or relations who are a hindrance to a man of action. Jesus came to John on the banks of the Jordon, he listened to him like any other sinner then asked to be Baptized. The first act of his ministry was an act of humiliation.

Mediation. 17/6/194. Jerusalem a city of peace, obedience, poverty, humility, love, fidelity, sincerity, and truth.

Imagine a city of darkness, desolation, sin and confusion rebellion, a den of iniquity filled with smoke and fire. In Jerusalem is Christ going among his followers telling them the truth about heaven, the virtues and his goodness and love. He is clad as the people and altogether is one of them, poor, humble. Lucifer is seated on a high throne of smoke and fire, proud and disdainful, rebellious and hateful. All is confusion. The smoke and fire is symbolized of the screen he uses to conceal his true colors. With great pomp he calls his satellites. In between the two cities is great swarm of people who have sworn fidelity to Christ but leaving themselves open to the attacks of Satan. Let us consider the two standards.

Satan.

He is proud disdainful and rebellious. All the darkness and confusion. No peace. Satan despises and hates all. He calls his satellites to his thrones and then sends them to every human soul on earth to lay his snares and lay his traps. Every devil is to use his own discretion. They have however strict orders not to worry the sinner. He can end his own destruction by himself. They lay their snares for all who are trying to better themselves in the spiritual life. Profess to follow Christ. What is the snare? It is this. Satan by his rules wants you to get an inordinate love for something. When this is accomplished pride comes and the devil has completed his work. The soul completes it’s own destruction. It may be love of ease, food, money, lust, honors, success, pleasure. It could be love of peace, bodily comfort, clothes, anything at all, quite alright in itself usually. Suppose love of bodily comfort. You do not break yourself into hardships and after ordination you are sent to some forsaken hole with a shack for a presbytery. Sleep on the floor, eat on the floor with chop sticks, no fire and many other discomforts.

This is where the devil is. When you get there your pride wells up, “I’ll not live in this God forsaken hole. Who do they think I am? Is this a pig sty or what?” And you will not serve, the devil has won. It’s the same with everything. If you get an inordinate affection for something the devil will use it to bring out your pride, so look into yourself and see if there is anything. If there is, break it.

Mortification and humiliation will break it. Bear all patiently. Kill self. The more you die yourself the more pleasing to God you become. Is success in a parish is where your popular in doing great things? Too busy to do your spiritual duties. You are then sent to back blocks away from the glamour and previous success. Your pride comes up. On no account neglect your spiritual duties. Your finished if you do. In your daily exam see whether or not any little inordinate attachment has crept in. if one has, root it out now. It only requires 1% of our will power now but if you let it go it may take

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100% of will power later on, in fact it may be impossible to root it out. e.g. love of money. Some trail will come sooner or later. Prayer is the only thing. Never grumble. Watch the devil, he gets his chain around your neck and tightens it slowly. Pride then knocks you off your pedestal and you’re hanged.

Christ’s Standard.

On the other hand how different is the standard of Christ. He never asks us to do anything he has not done himself. He has prepared the way for us. He is lovable, kind, generous, open, sincere, truthful leader. He tells us straight, no deception. “If any man want’s to be perfect let him deny himself and taking up his cross come and follow me.” If we fall he helps us up again. We only have to ask him. Necessary to die to self. His weapons are poverty which becomes self-effacement, which becomes humility. Once we are humble we are right. The devil can not touch us. In electing the state of life which will help us best to save our soul.

St. Ignatius gives us various rules. There are two rules of elections.

1. Immutable elections.

These are the steps that cannot be changed; sacraments, priesthood- a priest forever.

2. Mutable elections.

Where there is a choice but if after selecting one and finding it not suitable you can change.e.g. Doctor or engineer.

If in an immutable election a man makes a choice and is unhappy in it he has to put up with his mistake. If a man is happy in a mutable or immutable choice well he should strive to perfect himself in that. Before making an election detach yourself from all inordinate affections and wait till you are calm and tranquil. Be careful that you are not influenced by momentary enthusiasm.

St. Ignatius has 3 methods of making an election:

1. First propose to myself the matter to be elected in.

I must be careful to keep always in view the end for which we were created, the salvation of our souls. Then detach yourself and wait till you are calm and tranquil. Then ask yourself, “Will I save my soul better by doing this or that. Choose not according to your feelings or in the direction that your senses or passions would like you to turn. Choose the way sound reasoning suggests.

Ask Our Lord to help you and to make known to you what is best. Consider pros and cons for salvation of my soul. See when reason inclined. Offer to God your election and may he be pleased to affirm it if it was greater honor and glory.

2. Ask yourself whether you love a particular choice for your own or God’s sake. Make a case of somebody a complete stranger coming to you, putting to you the circumstances of your case. What would you advise him? Act yourself accordingly.

3. If I were on the point of death would I liked to have taken this path? This would show whether I was acting for my own ends or in the best interests of my soul. Once we have chosen our state we must strive to perfect ourselves in this state. We must realize the more we die to ourselves and our affections the more we advance in holiness. How far am I prepared to go for Jesus? By his side or far off.

There are 3 followers of Christ.

1. A perfect example is the rich man. He was a good man, had kept all the commandments, evidently employed his wealth to good purpose. But he let his money come between himself and perfection. He wanted to serve Our Lord and keep his money. Would probably save his soul but would not be perfect. Are we keeping ourselves from drawing nearer to Jesus by some inordinate affection, it may be only a small thing. Test; Would you be prepared to give up any or all of your possessions if your superior asked you to. Your answer would not be “all except this,” would it? If that is the case then root it out. No peace until you do.

Regarding your talents, do you use them for God or for your own ends. Regarding comforts are you prepared to forfeit all the luxuries of a cosy home for a frozen hut in China. Are you prepared to submit you will to your superiors in all things, to the extent of blind obedience? It is no good procrastinating, e.g. money is alright. I’ll keep it till my ordination. You won’t be able to give it up then. Have you good wishes and intentions e.g. I’d like to be able to keep all the rules of the house or try to do any work well but you never try. You have got to do these things now. “I will.” if you’re not prepared to make sacrifices now you won’t later on and might as well throw it all in now.

2. In this case Judas the perfect example.

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He had good intentions and was a good man. He was quite content following Our Lord and seeing Our Lord getting rather unpopular he probably thought, “Oh I sacrificed everything for Him; I might as well get something out of it, no harm in money anyway. I’ll share it with others, must have a few bob in my old age. Anyway he will escape them as he has done before.” Judas got to love money so much that he would get it at any cost. Yet very slowly the devil deceived him into believing that there is nothing wrong with money and he was quite safe with it. The money was alright but the inordinate affection was no good. Watch yourself. This is what can happen to you. Maybe not money but something else. The devil is so clever that unless we are careful he can lead us to get an inordinate affection for something and at the same time think we are quite holy. We cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore go about this duty of killing self in all actions seriously. Force yourself to do things that hurt or go against your inclinations or against the grain. Humiliate yourself at every possible occasion. Consider yourself lower and more despised than other students. Hurt your natural feelings and rely solely on God for your pleasure and joy. Seek no joy in material things, e.g. food. If you are looking forward to something then you are probably attached to it and it will be a source of distraction to you. By this means you will become pleasing to Jesus, you follow Him more closely and you see how great a distance has yet to be covered to get close to Him in battle.

3. This is the type of follower we must strive to be.

Jesus was passing a customs office and seeing Mathew seated at the desk among the books, money and papers. He said, “Come, follow me.” Mathew never said a thing but promptly got up and followed Our Lord. He is now a saint in heaven. He left all for Our Lord. He was attached to nothing. Make sure you are not attached to anything except Jesus. If you are detached your reward will be a 100 fold in this life and eternal life in the next. The devil doesn’t write up on his standard. “If you follow my standard of sin you are tortured in hell for all eternity.” Do not listen to him. Sure to be some deceit. Get into the election habit. Is this good for my salvation or not. In this life we are all useful but not necessary.

Patron: St. Columban.

Spiritual reading: St. Mt 11:25-30. St Lk: 8:19-28

Matthew 11:25-30

The Father Revealed in the Son

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At that time Jesus said in reply, 14 "I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.

Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.

All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.

15 "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, 16 and I will give you rest.

17 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

Then his mother and his brothers 6 came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd.

He was told, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you."

He said to them in reply, "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it."

8 One day he got into a boat with his disciples and said to them, "Let us cross to the other side of the lake." So they set sail,

and while they were sailing he fell asleep. A squall blew over the lake, and they were taking in water and were in danger. 24

They came and woke him saying, "Master, master, we are perishing!" He awakened, rebuked the wind and the waves, and they subsided and there was a calm.

25

Then he asked them, "Where is your faith?" But they were filled with awe and amazed and said to one another, "Who then is this, who commands even the winds and the sea, and they obey him?" 26

Then they sailed to the territory of the Gerasenes, 9 which is opposite Galilee.

27

When he came ashore a man from the town who was possessed by demons met him. For a long time he had not worn clothes; he did not live in a house, but lived among the tombs.

28

When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him; in a loud voice he shouted, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me!"

Thoughts:

“If a man is genuinely superior to his fellows, the first thing that he believes is equality of men.”

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters —yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:25-27 “Believe me our faults of frailty, our miseries, our human limitations burden our union with God, infinitely less than the habitual attitude of the soul which wills to keep in everything the proper step of it’s activity. 6A. Marmion.

Now is the time to reinforce our weaknesses. Impatience, selfishness, self love. I must reform my character now. Am I always going to be the same in my faults? I will be worse if I do not sort them out now. Empty ourselves of all self love.

6 Joseph Marmion was born in Ireland on April 1, 1858, of a French mother and an Irish father. He went to the seminary and was ordained a priest in Rome on June 16, 1881, for the Archdiocese of Dublin.

Last updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

Humility. Meditation. 18.6.1941

Is the knowing and realizing the truth about ourselves, I came from God, I belong God, I am destined for God. All my talents, senses, passions, attributes all belong to God. If He has given you a special talent thank Him for it. The hardest sentence Our Lord said, “Unless you become as little children you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Full of simplicity, meekness and purity an humility. So must we be. And how can I acquire true humility. By accepting all humiliations with exterior and interior resignation.

No criticizing or losing temper even interiorly. To acquire humility it is essential to die to self. And you can die to self by being as charitable as possible with others. Think of their happiness and pleasure all the time. Leave yourself out together. Accept all humiliations in the right spirit, no resentment. By becoming charitable and forgetful of your own interests, humility will come. After all too we have not much to be proud and vain about. Nothing of us belongs to us and as it is we are only dust. Vain glory is setting forth our own excellence as though we were responsible for it. Vanity is contemplating your own supposed excellence. “What do you think of me?” Pride is “I do not think much of you.” Watch for false humility. Do not go boasting you are terrible sinner.

Patrons: St. James and St. Andrew.

Spiritual readings: St. Mathew 4:17-22.

7 From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

8 As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen.

He said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men."

9 At once they left their nets and followed him.

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He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them,

22 and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.

Thoughts:

The love of God was the power in the heart of St. Paul that not only lifted him to the 3rd heaven but which drove him from end to end of the then known world. Hungerering and thirsting to give glory to God by pouring blessings on his fellow men. “Give and it shall be given unto you. Good measure pressure down and shaken together and running over, shall they give into your bosom.”

“Learn of me because I am meek and humble of heart.” “Christ poor and I rich; Christ fasting and I full; Christ naked and I clothed; Christ suffering and I in enjoyment.

Aspiration: O’ Jesus, make me meek and humble of heart.

Remember that we must help ourselves in the spiritual life. The supernatural state does not destroy our natural qualities and talents. In fact it aids and perfects them.

These are the 3 bones which we must possess.

1. Backbone

Under this comes; good character, we obtain this by sowing good acts, acquiring good habits as a result and we have a solid character. Remember too we learn by mistakes. Do not be idle though and make no mistakes as a consequence. Must use initiative. Strength of will. This can be acquired by going against ourselves in little things. If you will to do a thing, do it. Make and force ourselves to do things that go against human nature. Endurance is important. Both physically and spiritually. Stick to it. We must be prepared to rough it especially in China. Do not be a soft pansy. Perseverance and grit is the thing.

2. Chest bone.

Virtuous ambition.

Aiming high, seeking to perfect oneself in each and every virtue. Tackle them all, you can do it. Exercise the virtues and keep them active, not stale. Initiative.

Take upon yourselves to do things. We will not always have a superior to guide us. Enterprise.

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Be prepared to take things on. Never venture, never win. Think up and work up various little snares for catching our souls for Christ. Take an interest in your work.

Optimism

Hope for the best in all enterprises. For heavens sake do not be a pessimist and say “Oh What’s the use.” You may not always be successful but if you keep trying, success will follow.

3.

Funnybone.

A sense of humor after the grace of God is the most important requirement for a missionary. Be prepared to see the funny side of life and do not take life too seriously. The Chinese are sure to be up to some tricks and you do not want to always loose your temper. Be able to take a joke. Remember Our Lord had a keen sense of humor.

Description of the person of our Lord.

The following was taken from a manuscript now in the possession of Lord Kelly, and in his library and was copied from an original letter of Publius Lentullies at Rome. It being the usual custom of Roman governors to advertise the Senate and people of such material things as happened in his provinces, in the days of Tiberius Caesar, Publius Lentullius, president of Judea wrote this epistle to the senate concerning our savior. “There appeared in these our day’s a man of great virtue named Jesus Christ who is yet living amongst us, and of the Gentiles who is accepted as a prophet of the truth, but his own disciples call him the Son of God, he raiseth the dead and cured all manner of diseases. A man of stature somewhat tall and comely, such as the beholders may both love and fear, his hair of the color of chestnut full ripe, plain to his ears, whence downward it is more curling and wavering about Holy Spirit shoulders. In the midst of his head is a seam a partition in his hair. His forehead plain and very delicate, his face without spot or wrinkle, his nose and mouth so formed as nothing can be remembered, his beard thickish, in color like his hair, not very long but forked, his look innocent and mature, his eyes grey clear and quick. In reproving he is terrible, in admonishing courteous and fair spoken, pleasant in conversation, mixed with gravity. It cannot be remembered that any have seen him laugh, but many have seen him weep. In proportion of body, most excellent, his hands and arms are delicate to behold. In speaking very temperate, modest and wise. A man for his singular beauty, surpassing the children of man.

The point of election of the retreat ought to be made now.

The end in view is an ideal which I wish to realize, or a transformation to be brought about little by little. Ideal must be clearly seen. In other words what failure is holding me back? What means am I

going to take to gradually crush it? Want of generosity, a worldly spirit, selfishness, love of popularity and success and praise.

1. I must see now what I have been as a sinner in these things and no longer wish to be.

2. What I wish to be and what I ought to be. Motive of choice Generosity and charitableness to others.

Your generosity and charitableness gradually stifles self. It gives you strength of will in that it will often be difficult to prefer others before self. Often you will be humiliated in yourself and slowly you may acquire this virtue from constant Charity. This will also prevent you from wishing to be in the limelight and to be popular. You would prefer others to be in the limelight. Gradually all selfishness will be rooted out and all affection for material things. i.e. if you keep the spirit of Charity in everything. Therefore your principal desire and pleasure in the future will be to see and make others happy, forgetful of self.

Choose the ‘means’ for all weathers, in calm; storm, in consolation and in desolation.

The means chosen should have.

1. Strength-vigor. So I should foresee; how it will help me. How I can renew my tendency by means of it. How I can detect and check failure in my examination of conscience.

2. Attractiveness or sweetness, 7viz. in harmony with my natural bent of character, my natural tendencies. This attractiveness may be helped by some image. -Generosity in home of Nazareth.Generosity of Jesus in Monstrance.

Main points of reform.

The past.

What have I done for Christ? Nothing but Sin.

Chief sins; predominant passions, selfishness, desire for praise and popularity, impatience, vanity. Defects; over talkative, critical, cynical, allowing too much liberty to the eyes and tongue. Illusions are often thinking of self as someone. What must I do for Christ?

Dangerous occasions and sins we must avoid. Predominant passion, selfishness, self-will, vanity, self love, disobedience, impatience, imprudence. 7 Viz. (also rendered viz without a period) and the adverb videlicet are used as synonyms for "namely", "that is to say", and "as follows". Last updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

‘We ought not to be swayed by the authority of the writer, whether he be a great literary light or an insignificant person but by the love of the simple truth.’ Thomas

a’ Kempis

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What we must do.

Concerning exercises of piety and exercises of work

Concerning relations with; superiors, companions, charges, minors, concerning our own self.

Last updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

Fr. James Norris- Spiritual diaries

The means to put these resolutions into practice and renew our fervor.

1. Devotions to Our Lady; The Sacred Heart, St. Rita, St. Teresa and my(Fr Norris) Guardian Angel, St. Joseph.

2. Daily examination of Conscience and frequent confession.

3. The monthly recollection and spiritual direction. Prayer and mortification- determination and will. “Let each one reflect that they will make progress in the spiritual matters in proportion as they shall have divested themselves of self love, self will, and self interest.

Exercises of Piety.

Never omit any spiritual exercise or piety or any exercise what so ever. If you are feeling desolate never change anything, just be patient and do the best you can, begging the assistance of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

Concerning work. Work hard, if you are feeling tired or slothful make you body or brain do it. Strengthens the will and avoids sloth. Remember that your work is being done for God. Give only your best.

Relations with superiors.

Be reverent and respectful to all. Avoid familiarity with all priests. Blind obedience to their every command. Be honest, straight forward and truthful when speaking to them. No hiding anything or deceiving them.

Companions

Generous and charitable to all companions. Don’t consider self. Have no particular companions but friendly with all. Never show dislike for any by slighting them. Be patience when you are slighted and offer it to Jesus. In conversation be a good listener, never interrupt with any rude remark, if opinions differ, well, try and see their point of view. Don’t express your opinions as though it couldn’t be wrong. Speak quietly. No raucous laughing. Think of their worries and troubles, and sympathize, or congratulate and rejoice with them on some success of theirs. Don’t consider yourself or worry others with your troubles. Be charitable in giving, not close or secretive. Never “ego” about anything. Enjoy a joke with the rest and don’t burst into flames if you are fooled or the subject of a joke. You only make a worse fool of yourself anyway. Friends.

Have a spirit of generosity and Charity to friends. Don’t drill fear into them. Never expect capabilities in them that you have not yourself. Allow for the nature, habits and customs of a servant. If they are inclined to talk about your behind you back, well you have to hear it all patiently. If they

see you are bent solely on serving God they will be drawn towards you and will be devoted. Never be intimate with you friends. Keep a barrier between you.

Reflection on our preparation for the meditations.

Did I prepare my points properly. Overnight?

Did I keep recollected and appropriate thoughts?

Before going to sleep did I recall the hour of rising and the subject of my meditation?

In the morning did I again recall it including all other thoughts?

Did I while dressing and going to the chapel entertain the appropriate affections?

Did I retain tranquility of mind?

Were my points re-read and recalled to mind.

Did I stand before I began thinking of what I was going to do and of God’s presence?

On the meditation.

With what reverence, attention and devotion did I make preparatory prayer?

Did I make the preludes, especially the petition for light? Progress?

Did I properly use the faculties of my soul?

My memory attentively pondering the subject matter.

My understanding, asking myself the questions, weighing the motives.

My will by reciting the affections through the course of the meditation.

By making serious resolutions for a better life and for perfection.

By adding a fervent and humble petition to my resolutions.

In all this were my distractions overcome or at least not given in to.

Concerning our own self.

Take care of your health. Devote a least ½ hour for some physical exercise. Your body is a great servant. Treat it well.

Self - control; don’t let your temper get the better of you if all is not right. Remember dignity. Don’t be over eager in your actions.

Self denial; particularly deny your eyes of curiosity. Must have control of eyes. Don’t give your body all the comforts it would like. Harden it.

updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

Are you one of these?

Mediocre: ideals few, if any. Spirit of routine. Great relief to be off duty. Pious not virtuous. Better at decorating the altar than in heart. Passing it off as enthusiasm.

Motto. Good enough.

Vain: likes the limelight. Interrupts in conversation to go one better. Hates to be interrupted. Anxious to conceal defects. Very ready with his opinion. Exaggerates. Laughs at others to show superiority.

Expects you to be interested in their work. Not interested in yours.

Motto: what do you think of that or me?

Selfish: our interests, hobbies, planning our person success not others, not affected by their failures. Attributes own to ill fortune. Words; speaks of self, takes for granted that everyone should be interested in what you are doing. Ready to make fun of others. Cannot stand a joke at your own expense. Acts; slow to give, secretive, ever glad to have a source of information for self.

Motto: That’s mine.

Lazy: Seeks soft jobs, dislikes exertion, won’t brush clothes. Easy chair, glad to be helped, hates difficult situations, never strikes out own his own, soft in character, often the decent fellow, not ambitious

Temperance and fortitude: Genuine. Noblest ideals. Life in harmony. Values vocation. Studies interests of Christ. First things first. Good desires. Sincere. Faithful with self and others. Perseveringly patient in trails.

Motto: Ad majorem Dei Gloriam

Humble. Dislikes limelight. A good listener. Ready to be corrected. Simple in taking advice. Does not fancy he can preach without preparation. Makes excuses for others more readily than for self. Willing to be directed.

Motto What I am to do?

Generous. Thought; how am I to help others, join in their plans, affected by their failures, congratulates others on their success. Asks them about their work. Tries to talk to their level.

Encouragement sympathy, smoothes over difficulties. Willing to take blame on self.

Motto: Can I help you?

Energetic. Likes facing difficulties ardently. Finishes work, like to do the job himself, bent on improvement, values time, contempt for slackers, Sense of justice, happy on his own.

Motto: What next?

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Justice and prudence: Humility. No virtue is safe without humility. The other virtues must be kept hidden by humility. Doing all secretly for God. A grave danger in praise. It is not always easy to pass on to God. Do not seek it. You will notice all the great people are humble.

St. Paul. “When I am weak I am strong” meaning that when he realized how weak he was of himself, there was God’s grace strong in him. What hope have we if we are not humble? Our Lord has said, “I will resist the proud.” Humility is an act of the spirit but it is helped by the exterior act. Never speak to your own discredit. You probably are not sincere, wanting the other person to contradict you.

Form of self love. Humility is a supernatural virtue and may only be acquired by constant practice. The foundation of humility is truth and justice. With humility you can do anything in the spiritual life. If we feel hurt at anything said or we are overlooked or neglected and as a result feel hurt then we are not humble.

Three degrees of humility.

1. Bearing a humiliation rather than commit a mortal sin.

2. Bearing a humiliation rather than commit a venial sin. Would you tell a lie rather than be humiliated.

3. Where you have a choice in two things, neither sinful, but you choose the harder because it makes you like Christ. It was what Christ would do. e.g. Mary stayed at the cross when Jesus was suffering. This was a terrible humiliation for her, she needn’t have.

We should grasp every opportunity to humiliate ourselves for Christ. It gives us great peace of mind. Don’t however make humiliations. e.g. As deliberate act of imprudence just so as you could get the humiliation. This is self love. This person would not be able to stand one sent by God. Take the ones sent by God and rejoice inwardly because they make you more like the master. Ask our lady to help you. “Jesus meek and humble of heart make my heart like unto thine. N.B. in daily exam carefully look and see if little inordinate affection has crept in you will soon see if you are tepid in prayer or desolate do you go for consolation to this creature, are you distracted by it. In the missions it may be a servant. Essential to root out the attachment immediately. No peace of mind until you do.

Patrons: St. John & St. Andrew.

Spiritual reading: Paul. Phil 2:1-16.

Imitating Christ’s Humility.

1 If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing.

Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but (also) everyone for those of others.

Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, 2

Who, 3 though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. 4 Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; 5 and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. 6 Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name 7 that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, 8 of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, 9 to the glory of God the Father. 10 11 So then, my beloved, obedient as you have always been, not only when I am present but all the more now when I am absent, work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 12

For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work.

Do everything without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, 13 among whom you shine like lights in the world, as you hold on to the word of life, so that my boast for the day of Christ may be that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Thoughts: “In this world it is not what we take up but what we give up that makes us rich.”

“In peace in the self same I will sleep and I will rest, because thou O’Lord hast singularly settled me in hope.

Way of service- What must I do?

Way of Duty- What ought I do?

Way of love- What can I do?

Aspiration: “Lord show the way.”

After our Lord was baptized by St. John, He went into the desert and fasted for 40 days and 40 nights.

You might say after 30 years doing nothing apparently he wastes another 40 days fasting and praying in the desert. No he was setting us an example of solitude. The Holy Spirit led him into the desert. Our Lord was deep in thought. He was preparing for his preaching and teaching. So should we meditate and pray over what we are going to preach. First do yourself and then teach. If we deliver our sermons in simple language and as the fruit of our meditation we shall have better results than if we concentrated on eloquence in words, only. Lest we should become a sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.

Never however make the subject of your sermon the subject of your morning mediation. Devil’s snare. We must first sanctify ourselves before beatify others. People are quick to discern whether or not we practice what we preach. The fruit of our labors will depend upon our own prayer and mortification. Two together. So too at the end of his fast Our Lord was tempted 3 times. He allowed the devil to tempt Him in order to show us how he should be dealt with. “Never parley with him.” Flee in time of temptation.

Remember too the devil can bide his time. Do not however blame the devil for all our temptations. Concupiscence of flesh and world is responsible for the beginning of most of our temptations. If we linger of course the devil will not hesitate to gradually push us into sin. Especially with sins of impurity. This is one case where we must flee immediately. Be as firm as a rock against temptations of this nature, especially when your flesh is weak and has the habit of falling into sins of this kind, remember our bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost and an added dignity is given to the body of a priest. The one glory of a priest should be his chastity. Guard it with searching diligence. Great devotion to Our Lady, Queen of priests. Never wear heavy bed clothes. A heavy supper is bad. Plenty of fresh air.

We must be prudent to of the opposite sex.

Never be seen walking down the street with a man or woman. Don’t however be man/woman haters. Treat people with reserve. Never familiar. Great prudence and judgement is required in this regard and with regard to marriages. Be careful in giving advice. Realize our dignity and interpretation that can be put on our actions by others.

NB: A favorite trick of the devils is to make us go back over a thought to see if you consented. Don’t if any doubt, no sin. Flee immediately from all temptations or occasions of temptations against

‘We

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chastity. Absolutely essential. In our daily exam see that all precautions are being taken in this respect.

Our vocation.

“Once we put a hand to the plough we can’t afford to look back.”

Might go off the straight path. We have given up all for Jesus. We must be prepared to forego all worldly pleasures for him now.

We’ll see how Jesus gathered some of his apostles.

After his fast in the desert he built a hut of reeds on the bank of the Jordon. One day John the Baptist two men with him, John and Andrew. Our Lord was walking slowly on the opposite bank. John the Baptist said to the two, “Behold the Lamb of God.”They followed him and came up to him. Jesus said, “What seekest thou.” They asked Him where is his abode and he took them to his hut and spent the day with them. He must have said much because John and Andrew followed him from then on. John and Andrew told Peter and he came to see Jesus. So with the others. Why did Jesus choose these ignorant fisherman? Because of their personal attributes. No they were hardy patient men, suitable for his work. Brains they had some but they were filled with God’s grace to enable them to do his work. Why were we chosen? God in his mercy saw that we could serve our souls only in the priesthood. For no other reason. The approachability of Jesus. Peter after a few words with Jesus was ready to follow him fire and water. So should we be the same. Sympathetic to pagans and non Catholics alike. A priest’s dignity is higher than a king’s. A priest is forever.

Remember this and value it. No one is worthy of a vocation to the priesthood. God however gives the grace necessary. Missionaries must be content with the conditions. Often no food or bed, no comfort. If he has the spirit of Christ and true zeal these small matters will not worry him. We must get spirit of vocation. Poverty, resignation to God’s Will, obedience. We must not get engrossed in world affairs. Requirements physical fitness, intellectual fitness, spiritual fitness and a certain amount of goodwill. Our spiritual director will sanction vocation. Work hard and all will be alright. Be resigned to do God’s will in every matter. In priesthood too, all personal likes must be kept under control. When duty calls we must not think of our own comfort. Remember you have left the world now, true ambition towards Christ now. Let nothing bother us now but the vocation.

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Parable of talents.

Wealthy Rajahs left estates in charge of servants. They had to account for what they used the money for. Same with us. We must account to God for the way we have used our talents. If we are brilliant we must not be content with saying Oh I am as good as so and so, who probably has not got half the talents we have got. We don’t study to pass exams but to prepare for the service of God in the missions later on. If we are 100% intellectual then we must do our very best and give 100% return for the talents. Must not hide them under a bushel. This is not humility but sloth. Work hard and give credit to God. Do not compare yourself with the others. They have got to account for their talents, which may be greater or less than yours. You be content with doing your best. We must see then the great responsibility of having talents. The Lord has mercy then on the slothful. To give of our best we must reform our character and keep faithful to various points. Remember that all virtues were given to us by Baptism. We have either abused them or not exercised them or have covered them up with a vice. We must exercise them.

Faults to correct.

Impatience

Force yourself to do things calmly. Keep your temper. In desolation bear patiently with a prayer to Our Lady. Constant patience, never give in.

Selfishness

Do not make particular companions, be friendly with all. At table see that everyone is served before yourself. In games take the back ground. If asked to give in, do so. Never butt in and don’t be to free to comment. In conversation don’t give your opinion unless asked for. Never ego about anything. Do not discuss subjects which are displeasing to anyone present.

‘At Random’ 1/5/42

God creates me- for one purpose only. He makes my soul like to Him so that is not satisfied till it rest in Him. Therefore it is perfectly natural thing for any creature of His to seek to know why he is in the world, who he is, what he is-what the world is made of and what other creatures are for; what his purpose in life is- Philosophy. We have been given the privilege of being able to trace the history of thought and even to come to the correct reasoning about things – we have St Thomas. We see how it is the natural thing for the creature to wish to know “Summum bonum”. The intellect and wile of man are so constructed that they will not rest until set on the most perfect Being –all truth, goodness and beauty. Most men in their quest for the perfect do not get far. Their intellect and wills are satisfied only a little by attaining and being able to contemplate but a little of the whole truth.

In the Catholic faith we have the chance of uniting ourselves with ‘All Truth’ God Himself. This should be the aim of every Catholic, then. In fact it is the very purpose which God created us. That we may seek Him and learn to know Him, relish and love Him. More so for us in religion. Now God has made it easy for us to know Him since he sent his own Son, Jesus. As students then our task is to unite ourselves with Jesus, God and Man. – and love Him. We do this through Mary. But human nature is weak. Realize this as a result of the fall. Don’t trust yourself- but place all in Mary. Realize then the great dignity God has bestowed upon you. Not only does He wish you to be united to Him but He wishes you to reveal Himself, All Truth, to others. You are a soldier, then and must fight. Keep always the end in view- To be united with Jesus through Mary.

Watch and Pray.

How simple was Jesus – He could never resist a woman’s tears – At; Naim, Magdala, Bethany, Tyre, many other places. How generous too – after the resurrection He never thought of the glory and bliss to be for Him in Heaven. He thought of His poor apostles, alone on earth. Not quite alone. He had left Himself in the Eucharist. Would Jesus have asked thus towards His Father. So humble yourself when you are inclined to lose patience. Just as a little child’s eyes follows its mother everywhere so should you look at Jesus all day long in a true spirit of prayerfulness, founded on doing His Holy Will.

9/5/1942. We saw today that our heart will never be contented and at peace and rest unless placed in Mary and Jesus. How hard it was to go without sweets for one afternoon. I sought consolation in a mere creature. Our heart was not filled until given to Mary – hitherto it was empty and irritable. Avoid criticizing or watching others especially at prayer – in anything. You do not know their motives, Jesus is their judge. Jesus wants your heart during prayer – he wishes to talk to you alone. Listen to Him and cut everyone else from your mind. In fact you should live all day with Him and allow Him to guide and direct others without your ruminating on their errors. Look to your own.

Gentle hint dropped that you worry too much about details. Prayerfulness is a life. Your one purpose should be to strive after the Ideal of the Priesthood, what a model and how far short of Him you are.

Use your holy hour each Saturday practically. Check up to see if you do everything for pure intention of love. Any slackening?

Meditation. Try and realize your nothingness in yourself. An Angel looks out from the portals of Heaven and sees out in space millions of bodies, stars and worlds careering through space. He looks at one earth. On it he sees many creatures bustling to and fro. Little pieces of clay – humans. I am one of these And the Angel sees too an immortal soul in each piece of clay placed there by God Himself, directly. By His strength that body a soul move. He made it to do Him honor. To give Him glory. And how many do. Stupid pride! How many times have you considered that you were an entity, needing no support – how often have you used yourself and creatures as if you owned them – your body, your soul. To think you would pollute that temple of the Holy Spirit and sully that soul fashioned and handled by God Himself. Try and realize that nothing belongs to you and if God chooses that accidents etc should happen to you, well you are His property – He can do what He likes with you.

15/5/1942 Ascension Thursday.

How you would love God above all His creatures and how would you not consider this world’s goods as dirt if God had created you in Heaven and allowed you to taste of the Beatific Vision before coming to earth. If He had said – I want you to take residence in a body on earth for a time – I want you to set a good example as my son and bring other souls to Me.- To use other creatures as they should be used, using them only to glorify Me and praise Me. And I want you to love me more ardently and after a time I shall take you to myself again! How you would work for such a good God. But this is a fact except that He did not show you Himself but He prefers you to work by faith. – this is all the more meritorious for you and gives greater glory to God – showing trust in Him. How you should act thus exemplified by Jesus and His Holy Mother. Try and get the outlook then of Mary. Look at Mary after the resurrection. How she would have yearned to be united to her Son once more. So should you then regard this life as merely a place to work for God, for the Master. You won’t be able to do this in Heaven so make the most of it. What better can you do than unite yourself with Mary.

15/5/1942.

Oh! How slow and sluggish you are!

What motives do you need and why do you always keep stirring yourself up, why always crying for help! Because the only possible reason is your weakness. Is the following not a definite and convincing proof of the fragility and weakness of man. If man was not so weak would not all men run after Jesus. What a cause! And why are we so slow, why do we hesitate? Apart from eternal reward, true peace and joy in this life, and thousands of consolations, look at the leader. Infinite God – yet so humble, so gentle and tender especially towards sinners, the lowly and innocent children, so

‘We

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strong, so generous and unselfish, available at every moment, debasing Himself in endeavors to win souls to His cause. He speaks of wine bottles and old clothes (He, God) is poor, driven hither, cursed, blasphemed, spat upon, misinterpreted and then finally dies a degrading death, stripped and nailed between thieves to a gibbet to be insulted (and for me) by all. Apart from the fact that you are bound to advance in perfection; why are you so slow to see the greatest cause in the whole world for all time. You were created for the one and sole purpose of honoring this wonderful Master and you are so selfish and caddish that you need threating’s and warnings of hell etc.. to keep you in His service.

Prayer.

Dear Mary and Jesus, please show me the full meaning of this Cause – teach me to love the leader with a fierce and burning ardor. Teach me, so low and base a sinner, at least, to show my gratitude by a life of self-sacrifice and suffering for Him. Amen.

What reverence and respect ought we to have for a priest and those destined for priesthood. A man who takes God in his hands.

17/5/1942. Try and remember that you have a dignity to maintain both as a son of God and as one chosen by Him to do His holy work on earth.

He is your model in modesty – so too is Mary. In your speech, bearing and conduct you should then be modest. If you are truly humble and working only for Mary you will be. Try and cultivate a calm, modest exterior, particularly in speech and eating. You are far too husky in both. –Inclined to be abrupt in speech and to speak without thinking first. Take things quietly – it will help you to think more clearly and help your patience. In taking food remember it is merely a creature given by God that you may keep your body alive to do His work. Take rather the coarser and more substantial foods- dainties and extras, merely for politeness. Try and keep your mind above these things however-anything to do with preservation of body should be done merely to enable you to do God’s work. Don’t rely on the sensual pleasures for consolation. No, Jesus has called you to something higher. Answer the call then aim high, relying for your consolations and joys from Him.

Prayer.

Mary, my Mother my Queen, make me pure of heart and detached from sensual pleasures. Sow me how to imitate you and glorious Son. Amen.

‘We ought not to be swayed by the authority of the writer, whether he be a great literary light or an insignificant person but by the love of the simple truth.’ Thomas a’ Kempis

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John Coassini- Three thoughts on rising to revive spiritual zeal.

 God has given me this day that I may praise Him, love Him and gather merits for eternity.

 God wills perhaps to give me extraordinary graces today- provided I am ready to co-operate with Him.

 This day may be the last of my life- try then to spend it well.

John, ‘let the spirit of meditation run through Mass and through the whole day.’ The Blessed Virgin Mary was his model. “She is given to every priest and candidate for the priesthood as a pattern.” He took notes “Lumina” not for their intrinsic value or for the desire of storing up inspiring thoughtsno, he was moved by respect for inspirations given by God. He wanted them so that he might always keep the practical side of Piety before his eyes. Very usual for keeping one fervent. He was always careful, when giving instruction to children, not to let his work supersede his prayers and study.

Danger of being carried away- mere externals- 30 days.

18/5/1942. How I ought to thank God for the fact that He has still given me time.

Time to work for Him, time to learn to love Him, time to atone for my sins and those of fellow members of the Mystical Body and the children of Mary. And besides giving me the time, He has given me an offer of the priesthood in His service- as it were forgetting all my past heinous crimes against Him. Ask Mary to make you realize at least a little of the goodness of Jesus.

19/5/1942. John Coassini. Very careful in his preparation for Mass and Holy Communion.

In order to keep himself as fervent as possible he varied his method of hearing Mass occasionally. He spoke to Jesus about his work and plans for the day and asked for strength. He noted too that he did not receive the taste of sweetness of Holy Communion until he had acquired an aversion to sensual pleasures. At breakfast he earnestly examined himself as to whether his Mass, meditation and Holy Communion were devout. He learnt to avoid mistakes. Recommended his resolutions to Jesus in B.E after breakfast. So should you look at your resolutions. Are you making any? Do you attempt to keep them? He regarded recreation as an important means of preparing for the priesthood. He never allowed any contradictory or bitter remarks fall from his lips – careful in utterances. He had to crush envy. He labored seriously to overcome his somewhat reserved disposition. How he studied his own character and strove hard in all things to bring it into conformity with the Master. You would save yourself much worry and distraction if you –age quod asis. ( Age quod agis. In essence, the phrase means "do what you do and do it with all of yourself." When we do what we do with our whole self, it means working from our center, our core i.e, our heart and our soul (not only from the neck up.

Last updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2099058)

Remember that virtue itself is but a means to an end. To show Jesus you love Him you must strive after it but if it is His holy will that you do not advance don’t worry; the measure of your love is the measure of your striving. It is love that Jesus wants. To become Holy we do not have to crush anything in ourselves. Of ourselves there is nothing evil in us because we are creatures of God.

What then about sin? This resides in the will alone. We will an act which is an abuse of a creature. If we acted as we were created to act we should all be saints. Sin then is something negative- the absence of good. The struggle arises when we strive to bring the will of our fallen natures into union with the will of Jesus, the All good. This union of wills is love. The greater union, the greater love.

Why is mortification and self-restraint necessary?

Is it not unnatural?

Before our conversion we used the talents and gifts of God had lent to us for purposes different to those purposes he intended them for. We abused them, being unnatural in this abuse. How then are we to use them? As Jesus and Mary used them. And mortification is an invaluable aid for bringing our lives into conformity with theirs. In mortification we do not crush or kill anything intrinsically evil in ourselves. No, everything us is good – but what we do is to force the will, if need be, into conformity with the life of Mary. This is where the struggle comes in, since our nature, so used to abusing creatures finds it hard for a while to turn back into proper channels. We must study our nature see what creatures we are abusing and strive to make our will follow the correct path. At times we shall revolt and think mortification unnatural but remember that we are merely using this creature to straighten our will – to direct it towards Mary and Jesus. The joy will come when we find that our will is gradually seeing with Mary with regard to creatures- getting the correct view on things. Remember, though, you are useless without here help. What a wonderful spirit must have existed in pre-reformation days. Days of Catholicity, chivalrywhen man had the right outlook on life. They realized earth, life, goods etc are only passing things and they regarded them as such; this life was a time of hardship, their true home being Heaven. See how this has changed. Man makes an end of the world with its art, inventions, sports etc.

Consequently they are materialistic and selfish. Even you are tainted by it; inclined to be selfish with material things. Further you are inclined to seek comfort and ease in material creatures, especially when depressed or weary. Remember you’ve only a few years in this life in which to fight. Why not fight properly and put all you have into it for Jesus and Mary! Your home is not here. Ask Mary for help.

Beware of taking sensual pleasure from the company of anybody. Look only at the souls of the persons –remember they are dear to God.

22/5/1942. A secret of Mary.

If anything happens to anything other than your soul you should not be disturbed.

1. Whatever happens is the will of God.

2. Your body and other material things crumble and will become dust. So why disturb your soul.

3. By keeping calm of soul you can more easily avoid sin – moreover with Mary’s help you will do the right thing and solve the problem more easily.

Of course, of yourself you could never do this but in that haven of peace and rest, in the tower of David no enemy could possible come near.

Mary, Help Me.

Indeed is the previous secret a treasure of grace. To be in the womb of that spotless Mother, the tower of David where all is indeed peace. Indeed you have no business out of this grand tower. If you are it shows that you are trusting to your own strength. Your only concern in the tower is the holy will of God –age quod agis.

Since Mary has been kind enough to adopt you, you are a child of hers, now and your business is not earthly things. Your treasure, hope and heart is in her in heart. Your aim now should be to rid yourself of the love of everything that you will not love in your true home – everything. Death will then be easy.

Why is death so terrifying. Certainly there is the element of the unknown but what about my faith and trust in Mary. Furthermore where will the wretch be when there is not a single tie holding the heart to earth? Are we not always glad to go home? Certainly to a home we have never seen before but why fear if we have made friends there during life.

22/5/1942. Tonight your soul was sealed to the Tower of David by the glorious sacrament of Penance.

This means now that your life and heart are Mary’s. You are to be lost in her in the glorious tower. You must rejoice and sorrow only with Mary now. No exterior thing must affect you in the slightest. You must put the final stamp on the door and turn another key to make it firmer tomorrow at Holy Communion. It will be the first time that you are united with Him in the tower, Mary. Tell Him how you love Him and how you desire to follow His glorious standard forever, united with Him in Mary. How you should feel that you can go to Him with confidence clothed and locked in by Mary, the

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tower of strength, house of gold, tower of ivory- the most pure and immaculate house God has ever created and into which no defiled thing has ever entered. How pure you will have to be! No, not even failure at prayer, lack of thoughts and devotion should disturb your soul in the tower. In this tower the love of creatures is included altogether – rather do we seek to cut ourselves off from the things of the flesh and from the spirit of the world. Love nothing that perishes. If you hunger and thirst for love or to satisfy the craving of your heart know that you will never satisfy it on creatures. In Mary only.

23/5/1942

Today we barred absolutely the door at H.C. we are children locked in a tower. We asked Jesus to show us the beauties of the Tower – to let us dwell in it for all eternity. Shall we never become tired of dwelling in Mary. What an absurd question. Was Mary ever tired of contemplating Jesus.

23/5/1942. Indeed as you saw today your one huge obstacle now is sensuality.

How hard it is whem Mary is not sensibly present – your soul turned to thoughts of material pleasures, which an inward whispering, of the Holy Spirit tells you to give up for something better. Your soul was disturbed because you were so mean as to consider “ Am I obliged to give up all sensual pleasures”. For true peace, yes, in order that you may atone for sin, in order to free you from the love of creatures, to unite you more with the spirit of Mary, to prepare for heaven. There are hundreds of motives and not one good infinite motive why you should indulge in sensual pleasures, however legitimate. Do not ponder with the thought that the Holy Spirit does not want you to be so holy and detached, because you are so weak. Are you so weak that you are not prepared to give up a few trifling pleasures for the Master. Yes – but rely on Mary. Look at soldiers of Napoleon –millions probably gave their lives for him. And what was he? A piece of clay as far as his men were concerned! And you have Christ for a leader – and you cannot give up the least trifle. I resolve then whenever Mary asks me to give something up, to give it up. Further to deny myself at every opportunity. Try to get Mary’s outlook on creatures. Pray earnestly tomorrow, Pentecost Sunday. You are so weak. Remember that you work by faith, not by the coming and goings of sensible consolation. Be prepared always.

Coassini always loved beautiful music – he lost interest in soft or burlesque music. He always prayed very fervently before beginning to play. Was he perhaps afraid, as you are, of becoming attached to music. His amiability and good cheer made trips and holidays a pleasure. He never visited any place

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out of mere curiosity or just to say that he had been there. No, he visited only places of great art in order to admire and appreciate. On recreation days he made sure to rest – never sought human consolations in special friends or conversation that he liked. Often butt of jokes – as long as he amused others he was happy. Thought only of the happiness of others. He was never tired of doing great works of charity for others without anyone else knowing. His correspondence was small –always a delight for him to help former students in the world. When he had to contradict them he did so but he never lost their friendship. He often changed subject of particular examen. He delighted in simple child like conversation with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, telling Him all faults and deeds of the day.

Just de Bretenieres: ‘Our Lord asks of me continual recollection whatever my occupation’. So with you. Later he mentions he is convinced of this. “Have confidence in the Holy Virgin – when we abandon ourselves to her it is impossible to go astray”. He had true devotion to Mary. I hear a voice which tells me “You are made to despoil yourself of everything in the full sense of the term”. Notice how all the saints loved dearly the poor. He who esteems Heaven values nothing else –inconveniences of life are nothing. “Love of souls is a devouring thirst”. – How he loved them. “We should not pray for the pleasure of praying – for the Master alone”.

25/5/1942.

How small minded and selfish you are when Cyril and Paddy return and relate the talents and brilliance of many of the students, you are affected.

Perhaps experience among the students would do you good. Knock out some of the selfish pride and some of the halo you have crowned yourself with. How little you know compared with these students and professors. How puny you are! Try and get a broad kindly outlook on everybody and don’t be so pettishly selfish, worrying over trifling scruples – whether you should go without sweets today and letting this worry your miserable soul. Look at Laurie Vaughan- a big hearted, kind lad who forgets himself and is always doing something for others and does not even consider the cost to himself. What kindness and charity – yet he probably has not received as many graces as you have. And try and get rid of that petty, pharisaical hypocritical criticism of others even in your own mind.

Comparing the small omissions of the other students with your own supposed complete sanctity and holiness. Mary meek and humble of heart. Lord that I may see my worthlessness. Read. “The More Excellent Way” again – the way of love of Jesus Christ.

Two tests of true love.

1. The doing of the will of Jesus Christ.

2. The fraternal love, understanding and sympathy for ones neighbors especially fellow students.

Understand that love holds no sentiment. Love does things, caring not for the personal cost. One who loves Jesus sees himself through the Master’s eyes. First he will hate and despise himself for his sins; this hate will melt to self-humiliation and thence to rejoicing that he is nothing and depends wholly on Him. He will be understanding kind, patient, sympathetic and will love others as the Master does. How can you learn to know Jesus better and quicker than through Mary. Ask her help.

As Arch. Goodier points out we should look at Jesus (through Mary) in all our prayers and actions. Don’t be so keen on meditating on the beauties of the virtues etc- these are only creatures and besides we know from experience how difficult to acquire. And if we did acquire them what danger of pride there is. No, look at Jesus – study him. If you look at yourself do so through His eyes. Then you will see yourself as He sees you – you will see the truth. And the results will be that you will see honestly how puny you are and how unworthy to even enter into His sight or even work for Him. You will see how all your pitifully small actions, even if a million times more meritorious than our Lady’s could never possible give suitable glory to God. You should be humbled as a result and strive to work as hard as you are able purely for the love of Him – for the privilege of being able to work for Him. As a Franciscan missioner said a missioner especially should be continually recollected in Jesus and should delight to spend hours before the Master. Why? The young missioner will see the similarity between his own life and the life of the Master. What love then will he not have for his work. What inspiration in Jesus. Coassini had great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus – ideal model for priest. Absolutely detached. Further he had a great devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows. He had great devotion for the patrons of youth – St Stanislaus Kostka, St John Berchamans, St Aloysius (The first is patron of philosophers. Child like innocence and manly will.) he strived to imitate enthusiasm of St Ignatius for the greater glory of God. He loved St Francis Xavier as a model missioner, absolutely detached. His patron was St John the Baptist and loved St John the Evangelist for his purity, diligence and zeal. Further St Joesph, patron of the universal Church. Refers to Blessed Margaret Mary Alacoque concerning the devotion of the Sacred Heart. So many saints learnt breadth of vision from the Sacred Heart of Jesus, why not I? Coassini came to a love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by first loving Mary and seeking that she be born in his heart. The Blessed Virgin Mary will be my surest bulwark. He recited Rosary very devoutly Mary helped him quickly to sanctity- he actually had to moderate his zeal. He never tried to impose his opinions upon others and in disputation he quietly and humbly gave his opinion. He

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resolved to talk little about his studies. During his philosophical course he read his Bible every day. Had a great love for sacred scripture- particularly attracted by the Psalms. Always cheerful and never spoke of approaching examinations. Conscientious, but not scrupulous about keeping study hours. Manly will and grace of God all that are necessary for sanctity. His preparatory sermons were clear, full of conviction, theologically correct and profound, ardent, yet simple. He was not a thundering orator but an impressive prepossessing director of souls. Further as this Franciscan missioner points out every priest should have a great devotion to the Sacred Heart, to our Lady and St Joseph, to Archangel Michael and to patron saints especially those who have gone to heaven from the mission ground in which the missioner works. So Coassini was not singular in these devotions. To Blessed Mary Alacoque were revealed by Jesus some wonderful promises concerning devotion to His Sacred Heart. One of them is that the hearts of hardened sinners will be melted by the prayers of a missioner having devotion to the Sacred Heart through Mary. Try to get the spirit of these devotions. Regard the saints as intimate friends who can bring you to a love of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Be practical however and show your love for the Master and His friends by doing his Holy Will.

28/5/1942. We heard in the reading tonight the danger for a missioner in his work among subjects and especially his personal servants. The Devil uses the weapons of love and hated to snare him. Be always kind to your servants and inferiors – love them. If their customs and habits are repulsive to your sensitive nature e.g. dirtiness, untidiness, sloth, deceit, remember these faults are almost second nature to them – different civilization. Remember too, the sensitive nature of the Master and how coarseness of the apostles and Jews must have affected Him. Reprove kindly and love above all things. Sometimes you may meet a servant who loves you and you are inclined to return that love – mutual sympathy. This is impure love purely sensual and a snare of the Devil. Cut that servant off immediately. Your poor weak heart won’t have peace till you do. In times of hardship remember the Master and your purpose in life. Rejoice if you can to suffer with Him and above all place your trust in Mary and Jesus in the BE deriving comfort from His sweet presence.

29/5/1942. Try and see in all creatures the greater glory of God – with human beings rejoice to see them more fervent at prayer, to see them kind and chartable, to see them Christ-like. See in their actions only the greater glory of God. Rejoice, praise God and give thanks to Him. Practical resolution of fraternal charity. With small numbers you should do your level best to make

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all happy in Jesus. You can however be recollected and charitable at the same time. Try to cultivate this virtue.

Absolute detachment from earthly goods, fraternal charity, piety were the daily bread of the early Christian. This was life as it should be. How weak and unstable are our poor hearts. One minute loving Jesus with all our might, the next chasing some poor creature upon which our hearts can never be satisfied. O Sacred Heart of Jesus unite my heart with thee for all eternity. Amen.

At the ninth station Jesus whispered a word of love and told me how He thirsts for my love – hoe He thirsts for the love of the world, of man and how few give to Him that love due from a son to his father. Dear Jesus, take my heart – I give it all to you through the most pure stainless and virginal hands of my Queen and my Mother. Amen

Tonight we heard in the reading the dangers for a priest after he has been several years on the missions. The terrible danger of tepidity. Remember as you are as a student so you will be as a priest. Oh! What terrible danger! The devil slowly entangles you in his meshes. How? Leaving off some spiritual duty, lack of fervor, willful distraction in prayer, no serious effort, uncleanliness in the chapel and sacristy, untidy altar clothes, dirty linen, unlit lamp, attachment to some creature (food or smoking), much useless conversation – there are plenty of excuses and you even appear to yourself pious- you plead pressure of work, ill health, bad climate, no spiritual guide. Try and realize always your one purpose in life always – come back over the facts of the 30 days and realize that nothing matters in this life except doing the will of God. You will be safe from the devil and his guiles if you remain the ‘slave of Mary.’

Why do we so often do our actions as if we did them by our own strength? Oh why do you take pride in them? Just think that God created you a shell of clay and breathed into your soul. He conserves you in being and concurs with you in all your actions. What right have you to order which way you should act? What right have you to abuse creatures – your own body for example. You can write on everything, “not yours”. We must not forget the saints were human – for your encouragement think, too, that in their life-time they had wonderful examples of previous Saints but did that deter them. No. In fact their whole life was based on love. If other saints were much more virtuous they did not mind – love of and union with Jesus was their only aim; virtue merely a creature, the sign of one who loves but remember that measure of virtue is not the measure of love. Love is the effort of will made to overcome oneself and to unite oneself with Jesus. Mary is the great Tower for softening our rebellious and hard wills.

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A manly will and dependence on the grace of God is the secret. The way is clear enough. “If you love me keep my commandments”. “A new commandment I give you that you have love one for another”. “If anyone will come after Me let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me”. The measure of your generosity and acceptance of the Holy Will of God is the measure of your love. Our dear Mother who knew the Way, the Truth and the life so well show me how to make my life. “Now not I but Christ”. Why should we worry if the whole world turned against us, if we have Jesus in our heart and wish to please only Him. Alas How often are you envious when others are praised, hurt when criticized or passed over by men.

Nothing at all should disturb you.

1. God created me to do His Holy Will.

2. I can do nothing without Him.

30/5/1942 Notes from ‘Coassini’

In his vacations he studied modern philosophy, obtaining a comprehensive view of it all. He always reserved the meaner works for himself – he concealed his humility as much as possible. All his work sanctified by prayer. He did all things under the obedience of his superiors. “Friendly yet dignified bearing” – he was never over intimate with the children. He prepared them with special care for the first Confession and Holy Communion. He never lost his equanimity even in the most difficult and exciting circumstances – result no doubt of humility, self – restraint and recollection. His voice was gentle, his exterior mild and pleasant, his conduct always noble. When children gave trouble he fixed his eye on the guilty party – disinclined to corporal punishment. When preparing boys for Holy Communion he was often interrupted from his study about ten times in succession. He never lost his patience – just as sweet to the last as to the first.

At sub Deaconate he resolved to practice continual mortification in order to preserve chastity. He himself had no serious conflicts. NB: How much more so do you need mortification than if he had no temptations from this quarter and even preserved his Baptismal innocence.

His notes on Chastity.

Chastity is part of the virtue of temperance, a good means of preserving it – practice moderation in all things. So build up body and soul. Another excellent means is caution in looking about, in talking, in reading i.e. modesty. Cultivate chastity in the heart and so we shall attain a lively horror of impurity. NB: The Immaculate Heart of Mary is a model and a means of acquiring purity. If you wish peace, prepare for war. “The spirit of mortification enables us to perform our duties and to develop our faculties according to the dictates of reason”. Mortification and self-restraint make man

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fresh and eager to work. His rule was “Do a little at a time but persistently”. Do not be governed by caprice. Impose freely some restraint each day and change your mortifications. Secret of preserving zeal. “I will not let a day pass without an act of self-denial”. “I must make good use of opportunities of overcoming my natural inclinations”. At meals he could not observe unusual fasts. But he mortified himself at every meal. Moreover he restrained the natural greed with which most men enjoy two meals. “I will not take pleasure in eating – I will guard against this by not thinking of the food I eat but of something spiritual – meditation or reading”. “While the body is being refreshed let the soul also take nourishment”.

His great mortification was: “I will seek mortification in employing my time until I am worn out”. Remember that a faithful and punctual observance of the rules is pleasing to the Master. With still greater care did he cultivate interior mortification which begets exterior mortification. “To free his heart from every attachment’. He never lost sight of the chief aim of mortification – “To aid him to eliminate the imperfections of character and strengthen his good qualities”. With a sharp eye and an energetic will he persecuted he most secret motions of pride and self-satisfaction of the soul he had recourse to fervent prayer. His motto “Pauca sed constantes”. “Disorder is the greatest enemy of genuine happiness”.

Regarding Happiness

1. Good cheer springs from the faithful observance of the right kind of life. Observances of the rules make man happy.

2. The thought that our names are recorded in Heaven.

3. That we are called to a high degree of perfection and can attain it by the help of sanctifying grace which we can increase in ourselves by great effort.

4. The thought that our vocation is the most ideal that can be imagined.

5. That we are working for so a great leader. “Prayer is absolutly necessary for the spiritual life”.

Even in prayer he tried to avoid the consolation which comes from self-love.

31/5/1942. The safe-guard of chastity.

Mary. Mortification. Modesty.

1/6/1942. Remember that in proportion as you do violence to yourself you shall so advance.

Part of the Holy Will of God for you is the Cross. Embrace it more cheerfully with more love.

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Care- never, never work for human respect – love rebukes and setbacks. By these do you appear small in others eyes and you now know then that you are working for Jesus.

Test of humility.

Do you consider yourself sincerely worse than any other individual you may think of?

Feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians.

Learnt that Eileen expressed her desire to become a Nun. No doubt Mary had a hand in her vocation.

How very imperfectly must I comprehend these glorious truths – the fact that God has humiliated Himself so much for us that he forgoes all visible appearance of His humanity and Divinity in order to give Himself to me. What love must Jesus have had on that Holy Thursday night – what love He still has in the Eucharist, the same God exactly as was in Nazareth, the same exactly as reigns in Heaven now. To think that I live under the same roof as God, but to crown all receive Him every day. Ask Mary from the bottom of your heart to give you the humble dispositions she had when the Angel Gabriel announced the Incarnation.

3/6/1942. Love exists in the Will – mere emotion does not count for much.

It may or may not be love. You seek the importance of not considering or thinking of yourself in your prayers and work.

Get Jesus and Mary fixed in your consciousness so that often you think of them for whom you work and not of yourself. By this means you will avoid self-complacency and human respect. It will drive away your worries of whether or not you are working for yourself.

Today we begin the Novena to the Sacred Heart. What a love we ought to have for that heart that so loves man. How can Jesus refuse you when you ask Him in the Sacrament of his love to bring back your aunties to the faith and your granny. Further to strengthen your family in the love of Him and Mary.

Fr Doyle said that God never filled a soul with an ardent desire for anything without in the end fulfilling that desire and gratifying it. He longed for martyrdom – his daily martyrdom for he escaped time and time again. In the saints humility seems to be a recognition of their utter dependence upon God and a realization of their own weakness. Further they realize that their efforts to adore Him are nothing in proportion to what is due to Him. Often ask yourself. Now for what purpose did God create me this creature? Am I using it in a way He intended? Otherwise I offend Him who is good as to lend me that creature.

5/6/1942. These last two days Jesus seems to have left you. He is trying you.

Take courage, remembering former occasions, He always returns. Above all rejoice at your cross, embrace it with love and do your best. Do not seek any consolation in creatures, mortify yourself more. We are just beginning the Novena to the Sacred Heart. How pure is that loving heart. Compare it to your defiled heart, so often sullied by love of creatures, so lukewarm, so downcast at times so feeble. Obtain strength from that loving tower of strength and love. You should make it your ambition in all things to do as Jesus did. Poor, derided, mocked, neglected, despised, misunderstoodnobody loved Him. Love to be in want so that you can trust and rely fully upon Him. What a terrible thing though to have attachment to creatures. Suppose God desired your soul tonight. As John says the Holy Spirit guides different souls along different paths according to the work he has mapped out for each –and of course the destiny of the soul.

6/6/1942. We meditated this morning on the great humility of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Never did He think of himself. Always of the Holy Will of His Father – in Bethlehem, during His hidden life in Nazareth, during His public life, during His Passion and death always the same unchangeable, loveable Jesus. On the road to Calvary He could speak to the women of Jerusalem, He could forgive the good thief, He could forgive His accusers, He could give His Mother to us. He never considered himself. He was dead to Himself. So must you through Mary try to imitate Him. Think only of Him, work only for Him and you will progress naturally and peacefully. Try and be a little more tactful in your relations with others. Use prudence – sometimes the truth must even be suppressed. You would be hurt if someone told you the truth about yourself in unfavorable circumstances. Use prudence. Indeed we see more and more the grandeur and yet, the simplicity of those ages of faith prereformation days. Quiet, simple faith. The type Thomas More signified. He was one of the last. Men who loved simple things they loved poetry and song, they loved nature and saw Gods handiwork in it all. They used creatures for the glory of God and for the purpose for which they were created. Life for them centered around the faith and they saw things in their proper proportion God first in all things. So should you understand life trying to cultivate a child-like trust and simplicity and a love of simple things- Become a child of Jesus and Mary and one who is entirely cast off from poisonous spirit of this material world. Often pray for vocations-especially your own family.

7/6/1942. We saw this morning how the Sacred Heart of Jesus was obedient as a result of humility.

The only thing for Him was his Fathers Will, even when it meant degrading Himself even to death on the Cross. Why are you not obedient to all the trails that Jesus asks of you. His will for you includes all the little misunderstandings, rebukes, corrections accidents. Everything that happens is the Holy Will of God even though it is a mistake on someone’s part. So too in your rule of life. Get rid of the habit of obeying bells mechanically – reflect often that you obey simply because the bell is a manifestation of Gods will for you. Rejoice often because you are doing His Holy Will by so obeying. As Coassini says we must strive to obtain greater recollection in prayer. This is a fault in you especially in the Mass. Your mind often wanders off showing that your remote preparation was not fervent enough or you are not making a serious effort of will to pray. Acknowledge your fault to Mary and ask her help. Try and realize more what you are doing.

7/6/1942. Coassini made a resolution to imitate St John Berchmans and resolve to become a saint.

Just as these two youths had the opportunity so have you- perhaps many more and perhaps many more graces than they since Mary has shown you her path. But as he points out the wish is usually in everyone but it is the effort of will that is required. I resolve then, with the help of Mary to strive after the same end and great union with Jesus. How then you ought to implore her to impart her spirit to you in the Mass. Receive Holy Communion with her humble dispositions-the dispositions of the Annunciation. And then spend the day rejoicing with her and Jesus.

Fr Cuddigan – Lecture. How intense must be the love of the Sacred Heart for us.

As Jesus lovingly complained to Blessed Margaret Mary men were neglecting Him. Forgetting the love of His Sacred Heart for mankind. Especially it is our duty to make reparation to that furnace of love for our sins and the sins of others. Especially it is the duty of priests who know better the love of the burning heart. So to we should do our best to spread devotion to that precious heart. To whom can we go better that to Mary to learn the great love of that precious heart of Jesus. In your prayers forget yourself and dwell in that Sacred Heart with Mary, telling Him of your sorrow for sin and intense desire of repentance. By this means Jesus will fill you with burning love for the Sacred Heart and you will forget yourself who as you can see now are always a stumbling block in prayer. Despite desolation crush out the ego. Think only of pleasing Him – your weapon is then assuredly love – the only thing that His burning heart craves for. Jesus promised to Blessed Margaret Mary Alacoque that

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anyone who would do a special honor to His Most Sacred Heart especially on the feast of the Sacred Heart would receive an abundance of graces. During this month of June show your gratitude to the Most Sacred Heart for all He has done for you. On looking over your past you find you are still tainted with your two capital offences- pride and selfishness. Resolve to rid yourself of the least complacency or self-love in your actions. Watch this closely. Crush envy immediately. At the same time study closely the profound humility of the Heart of Jesus and Mary. Bask in the glory of their virtue and see yourself through their hearts. How small you are. Often ask Mary to teach you just the truth about yourself. Consider yourself beneath all your fellow students-follow closely the advice of 30 days.

Concerning selfishness strive hard with the help of Mary to crush our every little inkling of selfseeking. Think of the generous heart of Jesus. Prefer always the other man and take delight in trying to please others for the sake of Jesus. Love them and love much- love yourself in the Heart of Jesus, that burning furnace of charity and try to bring others to love ardently that beautiful heart. Use well your recreation time and meal time for fraternal charity. Then too your prayers. Your monitor advised you about a few externals. Your carriage – strive to keep erect in walk. At meals, too, use the manners in vogue. Do nothing singular. Eat quietly and do not be fidgety. Custody of eyes. Remember that mortification is only a creature and a means to an end particularly mortification at meals. Do not seek excessive mortification in the latter when perhaps you are neglecting more important matters such as charity.

9/6/1942.

I resolve never to smoke again,

unless ordered to for health. For the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in reparation for my past sins.

12/6/1942

Feast of the Sacred Heart.

Yesterday the vigil of this great feast was desolation. You recognize your weakness, how faithless you are how helpless you become when Jesus leaves you for a moment. Now you must understand that nothing happens that is not good for your good. Try and see all trails in this light and anyway what a debt you owe the most Sacred Heart. Realize that you were born a child of the fall, therefore incapable of being saved. But you don’t realize fully enough the value of the Incarnation. As a result of this wonderful event and our Lords life and death you are able to become a child of God by Baptism, also the wonderful gift of faith. Although your soul was cleansed you are still prone to evil. Your nature had as it were a definite bias towards evil. Now as you grew older you forgot your dignity as a child of God and you squandered your inheritance, the beautiful gifts of Baptism by serious sin. Not only once but again and again. You can see that as a result of your evil nature and repeated habit of sin your correct view of things has been changed. Your mind is perverted, sin

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means little to you and your soul is darkened and blunted. To clean the soul and give it the correct natural view on creatures needs much effort and prayer and grace. You have fallen from your pedestal as a brother of Jesus Christ into the mud and to get back again needs much washing, straightening and since we are so weak, much help.

To whom do we go then for help. To whom does a child go when in trouble? To its mother, and it is to Mary that you must go. Since her soul is spotlessly pure she sees and knows clearly the way to the Sacred Heart of her Son. The haven of rest and peace. She is the mould of Jesus, pure and undefiled. So then you must do everything in her, with her, for her so that we may be assured of keeping upon the right road. Now since we don’t know the way but are trusting to her to guide us we must not flinch when she uses painful means. She is your doctor and Mary knows that the Cross is the best means of purification. On your part self-denial is another good means. Cooperate with her by prayer and a manly will and be generous. How much did the Sacred Heart of Jesus suffer for you?

14/6/1942.I resolve to do something every Friday in honor of the Sacred Heart and every Saturday in honor of Mother Mary.

This morning we dwelt again on those glorious truths: I came from God. God created me. I belong to God. I am destined for Him. What does it matter what happens to you in this life? As John Coassini realized we are not here to enjoy ourselves. We are here to work and suffer for Christ’s sake. To carry the Cross behind him. This will be your joy. To imitate Jesus in Mary and do his Holy Will.

16/6/1942. There is the terrible menace of pride hanging over our lives all the time.

Even in the smallest things. The smallest sin is a revolt against Gods law by it we put ourselves forward as someone. We forget we are but God’s creatures with whom He may do as he pleases. You know the negative means for stifling pride but try also to make humility, its opposite a positive thing in your life. Ask Mary to help you realize your true position in this life. The best means of preserving real and practical humility is by humble obedience and acceptance of God’s holy will in everything. Even the smallest detail: The rule, the voice of superiors the little crosses. God may never want you to do great things. Remember it is not the work but the love he looks for. See how he subjected himself to his parents for 30 years of monotonous commonplace drudgery. Yet his was a life of love.

‘Communia non communities.’

Work then, simply and earnestly as a child for its parent, looking for no reward in this life.

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Seek earnestly to do only that which would please Jesus more even if it costs much.

Look to eternity- “Quid hoc ad acternitatem”. What an ideal is the example of your Lord and Master. What a great thing to be the friend of the Saints and to be able to imitate them in your small way. Remember Little Theresa and her commonplace life. Yet how great! What a joy it should be to you to know that you are doing God’s will and that you are certain you are doing your best. Doing your best, especially to make life happy for others, for his sake. Try and realize the value of time. There may be only a few more days of your life left and then you go to Jesus. Wouldn’t you like to have something to show him as a child of Mary. Ask him to keep you always as a child like Teresa. Then when the hour of judgment comes it won’t be judgment at all. You can go with confidence and love with Mary and she will appeal for you, her child to the Father, your Father. He, being so tender and loving to little children will forgive you all and take you to Himself. But you must act as His simply and humble child in this life, using every minute to please Him. Go to Him when you want comfort and strength. Children usually find it hard to keep resolutions- so you as a child must always remain by your loving Mother. She will strengthen and help you.

Remember- ‘omnia bene fedit’. Try and perfect even the smallest common duty for love of Jesus.

Have great confidence and trust in Jesus. Note this well-always, for Jesus, put others before yourself, never give your own interests a thought when the time for charity and love comes, and that time is always. You are Mary’s child. She will provide for you. Your business is to trust her and help others. When doing your Fathers will make yourself do your very best despite the fact that it hard. It will please Him all the more. By doing this you will always be at peace with Jesus and Mary- and that is all that matters.

19/6/1942. Beautiful inspiration of the 10th Station. To be stripped of self as to never give yourself a thought. From now on you must work for Jesus and live with Him in Mary. From now on you must work for Jesus and live with Him in Mary. By this means you progress naturally- naturally decreasing yourself with all your sins and increasing in yourself with St Paul, Jesus. This may be done perfectly, of course, only in Mary. So don’t worry yourself with your petty faults and great ones too much, outside of examen time. You will always be the same poor weakling. Gaze rather at your model and Master. By doing the above you then combine the lives of Martha and Mary in your life-you imitate Jesus. But remember Mary’s part was

‘We ought not to be swayed by the authority of the writer, whether he be a great literary light or an insignificant person but by the love of the simple truth.’ Thomas a’ Kempis

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the better part- the living with Him and understanding Him. It is too little children that Jesus reveals Himself. He takes them in his arms. Approach with love and confidence and humility to Jesus in the Eucharist. Ask Him to teach you to know Him better.

Last updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

Fr. James Norris- Spiritual diaries

20/6/1942. As you read in the following Jesus gives His grace to those who fight and He sends you opportunities to fight.

So strive hard to stay by Mary and Jesus, forcing yourself to try at least to be like Jesus. Tell Him your weakness. Ask for help. I earnestly resolve to renounce all sensual pleasures- when in desolation or when I find work hard I resolve to fight and go only to Jesus and Mary for strength. Ask the grace to bear the desolation as this pleases Jesus much. As Fr. Said we should never be impatient with non-Catholics if we realized the wonderful gift the faith is. Ever thank God for this choicest of pearls. We notice in many of the Saints how generously they answered the first inspirations and graces God gave them. They fought hardest really at the beginning of their conversion. Take Francis Xavier. He realized the vanity of the world, his own nothingness and generously dropped all worldly contacts immediately, giving himself up entirely for God. He realized “What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his own soul.” I resolve to imitate in my small way these great Saints. I resolve with the help of Mary to be generous as possible, giving up all earthly ties, to be the sole possession of Jesus in Mary. “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me”. What a beautiful life. Think over every detail of your life and consider that Jesus had the same task in Nazareth. With Jesus then sanctify your smallest duties, realizing that you doing as Jesus did- the Holy Will of the Father. See how he did things, asking Mary his Mother to show Him to you, teaching you to love Him.

26/6/1942. Owing to the fact that you are so weak and frail in yourself Jesus asks you continual recollection in Mary.

Be generous with Him- ask Mary for strength. By this means and this means alone will you rid yourself of all self-seeking in your actions. I resolve to actually forget myself in all actions particularly in time of trail and keep recollected in Mary, considering in her what Jesus would dowhat would please Him most. By this means you will learn to love trails since they make you more like the Master-you will be unhappy without something to bear for Him. Remember;Make an effort of will.

27/6/1942. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice for they shall have their full.

In other words the truth about yourself and Jesus. We notice too that if we make an effort to overcome self-love and sensuality for just that pure intention of looking at Jesus through Mary and doing all for Him, he gives us greater graces and leads us on to higher things. We notice, too, that

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this method is the “Cross” the one and only way of going quickly to Jesus. The more you forget yourself and do it with great love for Jesus.

The more you forget yourself and do it with great love for Jesus the more an Alter Christus you will become.

You have far to high opinion of yourself. You seem, almost without being aware of it, to hold yourself apart and aloof from your companions, to think yourself the standard of the college to which all must conform. You consider and are delighted to bluff yourself that all have a very high opinion of your sanctity and certainly often times you are disturbed even when seeing someone else exercising holy piety. You are thinking of your miserable self far too much and it is this which keeps you from Jesus. Oh Mary humble me please. I resolve to consider myself the least of all and the servant of all. I resolve especially in recreation to make a special point of endevouring to please others.

Think often what a Saint is:

1. One who sees and realizes the Truth about himself and his relations to God, infinite goodness.

2. Consequently is so humbled that he detests himself, seeks more and more to crush himself and make himself the servant of all. Loves humiliations.

3. One who has only the interests of Jesus at heart- rejoices to see others imitating Him. Tries to draw all to Him- never thinks of personal cost. Ie: he must increase everywhere- I must decrease everywhere. Life should be a joyful journey- even if only to lighten sorrows we should be cheerful- laughter and song for the love of Jesus are a good help. Think of the happy goal- union with Jesus through Mary.

30/6/1941 Feast of St Paul.

The one thing that is holding you back is your self-love and self-seeking. How foolish you are! Sometimes afraid to converse lest you may say something that might be contradicted. In Mary, just look at yourself. What are you? A mere nothing! Why should you be so stupid as to worry about petty corrections and contradictions? Your soul must be full of self-love. To remedy this try to forget yourself absolutely and concentrate on pleasing Mary. Think of her all the time, subconsciously even when working. Make Mary your stimulus, your all, so that you may please Jesus. In choosing tasks ask Mary which would please her most. After a time and with practice you should be so set on pleasing her that you look at every creature as a means by which to please her.

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My fellow students- to them I must practice love and kindness, giving good example, praying for them. There should then be no room for criticizing, proud or unkind thoughts. Desolations and trails should be dissolved in the fount of love, Mary! All for Mary.

How silly is it for you to become angry. As a child of Mary you should be meek and humble. Knowing that you deserve corrections and humiliations. Why do you, poor wretched creature, think yourself something.? When you feel anger coming on ask Mary to look at you- to look at your poor weak soul, so frail and feeble and if you are not covered with shame and if you do not feel yourself as small as grain of sand, you should. Ask your Mother to help her child. In discussions be careful. You make it clearer and easier for yourself and others if you speak quietly and slowly. Do not deprecate or scoff at the theories of others but state your case and leave it at that. If you are wrong what harm? Admit it thankfully but try and be helpful. Discussion is not to defeat but to seek the truth for ourselves and others. Discuss in Mary for Mary. She will help you. Charity is the virtue to watch.

Mary, be my strength in discussions. Poor weak child of Mary- you lose patience once again and fearing for your opinion and honor you try to straighten things.

5/7/1942. Public exposition- all day.

The Master told me the truth about myself. How He created you and how weak you are as a result of the fall and your own passions and faults. Face facts. By your very nature you are weak and frail.

Then do not act as if you are something. Do your work attributing it to the Master whom you are bound to serve- He who gives you strength to do the act and made you for the one purpose of glorifying him. We asked Jesus how would it be possible to keep my heart clean for Him.” Give it to Mary” was the answer. Into her womb there to remain becoming moulded into Jesus more and more till death, when you are born into heaven.

Mortification is necessary to make your weak nature act as it would have done if Adam and Eve had not fallen. This is the state to which you must be reinstated. And you have commenced badly by going into serious sin in the process distorting your whole view of things.

7/7/1942

Fr. Mc Glynn. God Bless him.

He stressed fact that he could say nothing extra than was in 30 days retreat. The big thing however that Father had no need to say was “KEEP FAITHFUL TO CHRIST”. DO YOUR BEST. Have high ideals of the priesthood. He had no need to preach this, his example was enough.

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Never do anything as a student what you won’t do as a priest. No matter where you are in the world or what you are doing you will always be happy if you humbly keep faithful to Christ, keeping 1 ½ eyes on Him and ½ an eye on yourself. Keep the traditions in the college. Father was surprised to see students so keen in college days who come back priests without their former keenness and high ideals. Get to love your college and the students. Make the happiest home, happier still. Sprit of selfsacrifice; happiness, joy and generosity. But note- if you have high ideals to adhere to, work hard to obtain it and you will be right. If it is said once it is said 1000 times. Keep faithful to your spiritual life and your prayers. After all what else matters but the Glory of God. Try and see your responsibility then to become a good priest.

Fr Mc Glynn loved the students and never sought his happiness but amongst them. Try and do the same. How generous and humble a priest he is. No selfishness in him. God Bless him. No reservations towards the master. I resolve to pray often for Father and his work. Mary, remember him in our Mass.

A good remedy against vanity or thinking about what others think of you.

Everybody is rushing past you while you, vain creature stand waiting to be admired. Nobody sees you. Why? Because their eyes are fixed on God. They give glory to Him. Are you going to be left standing while all others run to God. Cast overboard all self-love. Realize that you are nothing and unite yourself with the community in praising and adoring God. He alone merits praise.

8/7/1942. Oh. What a grand thing is purity.

Purity of intention for example. Seeing God the Father alone and trying to please Him by imitating his Son.

In everything, Mary will help you there. Your aim must be to go from duty to duty with one pure intention of pleasing the Father. Being weak you may be distracted, but rise quickly and humbly acknowledging you are nothing and carry on for the Father. Especially in desolation you find it hard. This is the time to show love, to strengthen yourself, to purge out self-love. Of course you could do with Mary’s help. Whether the duties you do, playing piano or working, are a success or failure as long as you have done your best for Mary, don’t think any more about it. Age quod agis-from duty to duty.

8/7/1942. Motto and goal and standard.

“Be you perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect”.

To be an Alter Christus. Try and see the grand goal of the priesthood and try hard to bring Christ’s life into your own. Self-love is your chief obstacle, an element of criticism of others, self-complacent regarding yourself as someone better than the rest. You must exercise a little more violence against yourself. Try and despise yourself more by recalling your past sins and negligence’s. Ask Mary for the spirit of compunction.

10/7/1942. Alas. How selfish you are.

How little concerned for God’s glory.

Whenever you do any good (by his strength) and whenever you commit a fault or are corrected you forget Jesus. You take complacency in self or brood over mistakes. Oh! When will you learn to work for Him and love Him, letting this be the one aim of your life-to shower love on Jesus. You can never give His Sacred Heart enough. That heart thirsts for love.

26/7/1942. We saw today how valuable blind obedience, looking only at the master may be a great help to crush self-love.

All the natural reasons are present for your instant obedience and yet there is that repugnance of will and element of self-love always coming to the fore. Instant obedience then is a good weapon for crushing self-love.

You have free time which you are bound to use to glorify God. E.g. On holidays. How then should you employ it? Should you worry when you’re going to get duties in? should you worry what type of work, sport or engagement occupies you? No to both questions. Remember the purpose of holidays and free time is to rest your mind from solid work. For the greater glory of God and for the peace of your own soul. On holidays or in free time leave the order of duties and engagements to Mary. Be ready with suggestions concerning past times but attach to nothing. Allow Mary to arrange everything. She will fit in your spiritual duties.

There are many reasons why you should leave things to Mary.

1. Every occupation except sin is good in itself and can be used as a means of glorifying God.

2. When you choose yourself you are inclined to prefer self before the interests of others. You wish to fit in your duties at such and such a time or you wish to do this sport. Your action of preference then is full of self-love and not pleasing to God.

3. Often you have needlessly disturbed your soul on this account as a result of selfish whims and preferences.

By following Mary’s suggestion you retain peace of soul. The chief thing that you are to be concerned with is that you see through creatures and see them only a means of glorifying God. You should not worry what the means are; e.g. Games, walks, spiritual reading. So that your life should be one continual series of full days for God. Furthermore there is a good opportunity to crush selflove. No game is a waste of time when you play despite your dislike for the game and do it for love. The only thing then in doing each duty or work is to make sure that you do it with much love for the master. Ask Mary to increase your love for Him. Just as was the case with the Apostles so should it be with you. Peter had many faults and weaknesses but no-one could say that he did not love the master. Ask St James to teach you to love Him. St James-the Son of Thunder. Have you a single eye. Put the Truth of your faith into deed with much love. Truth never changes. Try and love it-knowing things as they really are, as God made them. Know the truth about God, His omnipotence, the adoration, love and service due to Him. He is the cause of all good. Know the truth about yourself, your weakness, how humble you should be, your duty as a creature, penance due for your sins. Know the Truth about other creatures-what their purpose? Do you use creatures for their proper purpose? You often sin! This is a abuse of a creature. The big thing is that we believe and know the Truth but do we act according to it. Do I give God his due? Impossible! He merits infinite praise. Nevertheless I must try hard to please Him- as a poor child. Do I give myself my due? I have deserved infinite punishment by sin. Do I at least endeavor to reduce the debt a little by penance?

Remember: We can never do enough for God. We can never do enough penance for sin.

‘We

31/7/1942 St Ignatius.

“What does it profit man if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his own soul”. St Ignatius was convinced of this. He saw clearly the Truth of this by the light of divine grace. But did he do nothing about it. Did he refuse to correspond with grace, no! Soldier and fighter that he was he saw the Truth of this and set out to cast everything pertaining to vanity and selfishness overboard. He saw clearly his duty to God and set out first to die to self by much prayer, penance and mortification, so that then he would be a fit instrument in God’s hands to use him as he willed. So should you die to self in your seminary days of preparation for the priesthood. Die to self, sensuality and all vanity and self-seeking.

“Now not I but Christ liveth in me”. Then once dead to self, St Ignatius set out, well prepared to cooperate with the Master in saving souls. He was just the instrument, the child of God, the light that the Master used to do His work. Love was and could be the only motive for such great sacrifices. However be not discouraged if in your efforts to attain the goal you do not seem to progress. Work for love alone and don’t look for results-this may only be self-love. God probably does not intend you to be as perfect as St Ignatius. Remember the thimble and the jar. However fill your thimble as full as possible with your best- Mary will fill the rest. Love and love much!

Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.

It is evident that a man may possess the faith and at the same time have a philosophy of life which should be dictated by faith. With our reason we should try and see the beauty of our faith and see that in this world all things will pass away eventually. Nothing then in this world is worth wasting our time on. (time limited and precious) but there is one motive-the only motive and goal for which we should strive. This task that must occupy every second of our lives.

“To serve the Master with great love”. This must be our philosophy of live and it is the only one worthwhile. The only one which will bring lasting peace in this world.

It should be the natural thing then for us to make much of our King, Jesus, the Master, in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. Treat Him as King. Watch particularly your conduct in His presence. Consider your dignity- child of God, Son of God, Brother and friend of Jesus Christ, co-hiers with Christ to a royal Kingdom, Heaven.

Your goal: “Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect”.

IN DOING YOUR BEST WITH GREAT LOVE DO NOT OBSERVE OTHERS AT ALL. MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS.

The Holy Spirit guides them. Do not even regard yourself so much. Consider the Master and the love He deserves. Proceed with a calm and peaceful spirit to serve the Master. Be sensible in all your actions, loving much. When temptations of vanity assail you remember your sins and don’t think you are anywhere near the goal for you are just beginning. You are the lowest of all, the most unworthy of all the benefits the Master has bestowed upon you. Remember too that By the Grace of God “I am what I am”. However human nature is weak. Keep close to Mary and ask her for humility, an absolute essential. Remember too that love is the only motive that must be at the root of all your actions. All other motives are selfish. But you don’t love-you have a King in the Blessed Sacrament, humble and true and yet what sacrifice do you make for Him? Is He in your thoughts all day long? If not how can you call yourself a loser?

3/8/1942. But to get

down to facts and the truth.

At the moment you can see that you are a long way from your goal. You still love yourself ardently and certainly you are not detached from creatures. Instead of having your head and heart in Heaven all day long how often are you held down to earth by mere creatures. Do you use all creatures for the one motive- the greater glory of God. No- I’m afraid not! Do you choose carefully only that course of action which would please the Master most? How you love all the little comforts? Little dainties and trifles of food, comfort in kneeling, in bed. Can you say you are perfectly mortified? Now mortification is absolutely necessary. But use it properly. Don’t observe the letter of your mortifications and begrudge every little denial. Get the spirit of mortification and rejoice to sacrifice every little pleasure to show Jesus that you prefer His love. The Master wants your whole heart just as He gives Himself completely to you. This is only reasonable since no lover wants only half the heart of the one loved. E.g. a man marrying a wife undertakes to her and naturally sacrifices the love of every other woman. So with you.

‘We

To be completely united with the Master you must sacrifice completely every love.

1. Love of sin

2. Love of creatures

3. Love of self.

Use all things, including yourself to love only Jesus. Ask Mary to purify your heart. Imitate the Saints and set out with a right good will to purify your affections. You will advance to Jesus only through Mary.

Remember too that grace is only a creature to be made use of. You must correspond with each grace as it comes and so be drawn to Jesus.

But the Master gives you grace only to support you and encourage you to further effort. He does not intend you to grow self-complacent and admire yourself. This is not the truth.

Retreat. 8/8/1942 Fr. O’Connell

Very sound; practical, commonsense lectures. Father draws much on philosophy showing that our faith is based on the natural law and is in accord with reason. It is the simple truth.

The purpose of every lecture, sermon, retreat, meditation, work, sport, prayer must be to learn to know God better and in knowing him better love to Him. Through Mary, a human creature, to Jesus, our man-God meditator with the Father. And all action in our souls is the work of the Holy Spirit. We must however remove all obstacles from the way of the Holy Spirit. These are affections for sin or inordinate love of creatures.

God made us. We are His creatures and belong entirely to Him. We are absolutely dependent upon Him. He concurs with us in every action. As creatures then and knowing that God is infinitely perfect and would never do anything to us that was not for our good. How naturally should we do His Holy Will and how naturally should we accept everything He sends us: work, inactivity, health, sickness, abuse, praise everything. If someone contradicts you it is the will of God and if you analyze everything you will see how wise He is. If you abuse the commandments you abuse even the natural law and even your body will suffer. If you are contradicted it may be to correct an untrue opinion of yours, it may be to test your humility, anyway everything that happens to you is for your good. This is the utter truth and how foolish it would be for you to go against it.

Fr. James Norris- Spiritual diaries

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This recognition that God owns you absolutely and that He may do with you anything He wills.

This trust in His holy will is called HUMILITY and it is but the truth about ourselves and our relations with God, our creator.

It is but justice in practice. It should be the natural thing and the principle at the root of every action. Sin occurs when we forget that God is our Creator. He even holds us in existence while we sin. See the stupidity and the injustice of this. We prefer a creature to the creator and this preference of ours we imagine to be for our good but it is not even in the natural order. E.g. impurity-which is an abuse of a creature. We prefer our own will to the will of God. This humble submission of our wills to God is no burden or slavery. It is a privilege and in accordance with our nature made free by God. It is a privilege even to exist, to be kept in existence by as perfect a God. To be able to praise God and use the faculties which He has given us to serve Him. But we are more than creatures who in duty are bound to submit themselves to their Creator. By the Holy waters of Baptism we have been made children of God. God at that moment sowed in us the seed of the Divine Life itself. Try and realize the great change brought about.

For internally we remain the same. we are given a share in another nature-the divine nature. we become divine beings.

But remember this. No matter how far God in His goodness takes you into His very Life, no matter how like Himself He makes you-remember always that you are but His creature and wholly dependent on Him. “Without Him was made nothing that was made”. Take Mary as your perfect model for she was the only perfect human image of Jesus Christ. “Behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed for He that is mighty hath done great things to me”. What then are you aiming at? “To become in all things like to Jesus. To think with Him, love the Father as He did, loving the will of the Father as He did, hating sin as He did, loving all men as He did, being zealous for souls as He was. So that you may be one with the Father in all things just as Jesus was one with the Father.

With St Paul be able to say. “I live now, not I, but Christ liveth in me”. “He must increase, I must decrease”. “Put off the old man and put on the new Jesus Christ”. This won’t be accomplished without much effort. However proceed quickly and orderly. See now what sin means. We are children committing suicide. We are crushing out the life, the heritage that has been given us for a petty whim, for sin. We expel the Holy Spirit from His temple. We are ungrateful, selfish, useless children- no longer8 children but now as swine- without any heritage, devoid of all life.

8 See parable of the Prodigal Son. Last updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

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We must understand that the Blessed Trinity actually dwells in our souls and in so far as we cooperate as loving children so does the divine life increase in us. What a glorious fact! Ask the Holy Spirit in all your prayers to make you realize a little more that you are the seat of the Trinity. How respectful and reverential you should be to your own body and to your soul possessing such a treasure.

Since we are creatures of God we are by the natural law bound to:

 Adore Him, praise Him and bless Him for all His wisdom and perfection in nature, in ourselves, other man in Himself. He is infinite perfection.

 Thank Him for all He has done for us, for all He as our Creator has given us: talents, good home, education, vocation. etc. This is but natural.

 Petition Him for strength for help in various ways. He is our Creator, we depend utterly on Him.

 Make reparation for sin- the abuse of His creatures, for all our deviations from His plans, from His Holy Will and so make acts of sorrow, contrition and purpose of amendment. This is but naturally due from a creature to His creator. But what about our relations as Father and Son- as Father and child.

We should lovingly adore, lovingly gives thanks for everything, lovingly ask for things, and lovingly repair all offences.

We see that children of God we should be lovingly submissive to Him in all things. We should then seek to unite ourselves with Him. Thinking His thoughts, willing what He wills and acting as He acts. How do we do this? Through Christ who is God and Man also. We must study closely the actions, words and scenes of Christ’s life in order to find out Jesus Spirit, His Attitude of mind. Owing to difficult circumstances we shall not be able to act in all things as Jesus acted but we can and must get Jesus Spirit, Jesus attitude of mind. What was the ruling passion of Jesus life? “Learn of Me for I am meek and humble of heart’ humble submission of Jesus humanity to the divine will. Then “My meat is to do the will of my Father who sent me”. “I always seek to please my Father”. Get the mind of Christ in all things.

Weapons.

Prayer: Contemplate; meditate on Jesus’ life-gradually making Jesus words and thoughts your own. Ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you- to make you more like Him.

Sacrifice & Self-denial: in order to attain your ideal. “Be you perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect”. Will take a life time. You can never be perfect enough. The process must be gradual and it will always be a struggle. St Paul always found it difficult to make his body and soul conform to Christ. As you advance in love the sacrifices will seem as nothing. A labour of love. So gradually we are moulded into Jesus Christ but let us take the easy way. Mary knew the mind of Jesus perfectly she is your mould.-she is the perfect mould of Jesus Christ and delights in making God’s children like her own Son. Jesus Christ is The Way, The Truth and The Life. You may see the truth and yet be slow and sluggish in will to carry it out. Jesus is not only your leader and model but also the life, your driving power. Jesus comes to you in Holy Communion as the Bread of Life. God showed in Old Law that Jesus was pleased with the sacrifices because Jesus allowed them to participate in the gifts and offerings by a banquet. So is Holy Communion a banquet for us.

The prayer of Jesus Christ was perfect. There were two elements in Jesus prayer showing Jesus continual attitude of mind. Prayerfulness is a life, the correct attitude of a child and Son for his Father.

These were in Jesus:

The perfect loving and humble submission to His Fathers will. So should we be as creatures and children.

The loving proof of Jesus submission- by promising His Father that he would do absolutely anything the Father asked. The Father asked the supreme sacrifice- his life on the Cross. Despite the fact that His whole human nature revolted Jesus went through with it. So too with you. Christ was sinless. Yet when Jesus identified himself with the whole human race as its head, Jesus deserved to suffer- for the human race had sinned. As head of the mystical body of Christ Jesus promised the Father in our name that He was prepared to do anything the Father asked Him. Christ is our leader and head and deputy with the Father expressing the unanimous will of the whole body but is Jesus promise for us perfect. Do we comply with the Fathers will in every respect? Are we behind our leader?

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So in the Mass, Christ as the head of the mystical body offers Himself and us in so far as we are Christ (part of His Mystical Body) to God for the four ends- adoration, thanksgiving, petition, sorrow and always Jesus Christ has the internal humble disposition of perfect submission to the will of His Father.

So far we have dealt with love of God. But Jesus Christ extended the commandment “Love of God etc” or rather Jesus brought out what was contained implicitly humble disposition of perfect submission to the will of his Father.

So far we have dwelt with Love of God. But Jesus Christ extended the commandment “Love thy God etc...” or rather He brought out what was contained implicitly therein and made it explicit in “Love the neighbor as thyself”. This is terrifically important since we are liars if we that we love God and do not love our neighbor. Love of neighbor is really more important in a sense than love of God. It is easier to contemplate God and His beatitudes and so love Him, than to love Jesus Christ in our neighbor who may be full of sin, malice, faults or short comings. But remember this is the basic principle of all charity – (love of God or love of neighbor- they are both the same motive).

It is Jesus Christ in every soul that is to be loved – every good in a man is God’s property and God is to be praised and adored in man. Evil belongs to the man himself. But remember love the Soul, hate the sin. Never criticize a 9wom/man or their actions. This is a general rule to be qualified. If you have been given authority by God you are bound in God’s name and (remember, now it is Jesus Christ speaking to you) to criticize with prudence the action not the man. Correct the action, but love always the sinner. But if you have not the authority of God you have no right to criticize or judge another’s action. Consider the reasonableness of this. You can only see the external action-you do not know the motive which prompted a man to do the action. Never judge by externals or on first appearances for a man, for all you know may be a Saint in the sight of God.

“Judge not and you shall not be judged”.

Look at your own soul. Remember how strong Our Lord was on this point- “pluck first the beam out of your own eye”. Don’t be a hypocrite. Look at the interior dispositions of your own soul. Are there not many things of which you are ashamed? Remember that earnestly you are the worst of man. Every good quality in you, thanks be to God, is the work of Christ in you. But for Jesus you would have sunk far lower. How can you say that you are better than another? Acknowledge the plain facts, the truth and ask Mary not to allow you to be blinded by self-love. There may be one person who jars your nerves who is always clashing with you. Remember that whatever happens is the will of the Father and don’t lose patience. Most people act in good faith –

9 Editors change in gender definition to include the Church’s inclusive language.

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make allowances, remembering humbly your own faults and love that person all the more. Remember that there is good in every person. Remember too that Christ loves that soul with an infinite love and gave His life for him. Love Christ in that man.

We are all creatures of God-Christ died for us all. He understood the weakness of human nature, its failings and short comings. Pray for Jesus’ generous, broad spirit of love, fraternal charity and kindness. He had no narrow selfishness. There may be people whom you meet whose characters are opposed to your own. Love especially these characters i.e. Christ in them. Use all the opportunities of charity in order to die more to yourself, to get the spirit of Christ and be all things to all men for Christ’s sake. Learn now in your college days. Fight hard to crush all selfishness and antipathy for anyone. Love all with the love of Christ-make your natural love of perfection a supernatural love.

Make your charity a positive thing, not merely negative – avoid offending God but actually love your enemies and all with whom you find it hard to get on with. Little acts of kindness, unseen and done naturally merely to please Christ who is in the person you please. Remember Our Lord’s words that we shall be judged on the last day accordingly as we have loved Jesus in our neighbor. “I was hungry and you gave me… to eat. etc. Jesus will not judge our other short comings so much. All depends on our charity. “As long as you did it to one of these the least of my brethren, you did it to Me”.

10St Martin of Tours and half his cloak. Why did the saints love the poor and in some cases kiss the sores of the lepers? Because in their faith they knew that Jesus was in the poor and sick. If you are uncharitable to your brethren you are lacking in faith. Pray for an increase. Remember too that the one test of our love of God is ‘Do I love my neighbor’? Accordingly as I love him so do I love God. Remember how much our Lord stressed fraternal charity. ‘A new commandment I give you, that you love one another as I have loved you’.

In St John’s Gospel we see this brought out well. Furthermore in St John’s epistle.

Love as much as you can give.

Love is in the will which is moved by a motive provided and clearly seen by the intellect. Jesus in your neighbor is your motive. Sentimentality and natural tenderness should never have a place in your heart. It should be but a fixed determination of the will to please the Master at all costs.

10 While Martin was still a soldier he experienced the vision that became the most-repeated story about his life. He was at the gates of the city of Amiens with his soldiers when he met a scantily dressed beggar. He impulsively cut his own military cloak in half and shared it with the beggar. http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/people/martin_tours.htm.

Last updated Thursday, May 23, 2024 Fr. James Norris- Spiritual diaries

‘We ought not to be swayed by the authority of the writer, whether he be a great literary light or an insignificant person but by the love of the simple truth.’ Thomas a’ Kempis

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From this retreat we learn that our work in this life is nothing other than to know God first with our intellect enlightened by the Holy Spirit instilling the gift of faith and then to love Him. i.e. The will to be united to Him is all perfection. It is a union of wills brought about by grace.

We know God through Christ. Christ in His humanity is the Way, the Truth and the life. Consider this carefully. He is only the Way by which we go to God. He is our life, our strength. He is our leader, the Head of the Mystical Body of which you are a cell a part. Have you His dispositions.

Submission and obedience to the Father. Submission as creature and child to God our Father is terrifically important. It is the truth of humility to be the foundation and rock of our whole spiritual edifice. Without it we build on sand. Father stressed the necessity of Mary forming a serious part of our lives. And it is right since God has willed that she should play a very important part in the life of every soul.

In the beginning of time God willed that a woman should crush the serpents head, just as a woman had taken part in the fall. So then should a woman share in the redemption of mankind. And note the importance of Mary’s part in the redemption. God willed that the redemption should depend upon Mary, a mere creature. He sent Gabriel to ask her if she would consent to be the Mother of God. Mary consented as Eve consented to the serpent. “Be it done unto me according to Thy word”. What humility! God willed then that the physical Body of Christ should come to us through Mary. So too has he ordained that the mystical Body of Christ be formed in Mary.

The Assumption. 15.8.1942

A happy day. I resolve firmly to serve Mary in order to know and love Jesus better. Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and Jesus in my companions. Jesus as the Head and life of the Mystical Body of Christ. To do this I resolve to forget self and look at Mary and only Mary. The Father will look after other souls, you have nothing to do with them but to love Jesus in them.

Only two things matter. 19.8.1942.

1. Love of God

2. Love of neighbor. They are both the same love the second being the manifestation and proof and the best of the first. The only thing of use in the missions is love. The only thing that you’ll be judged on at the judgment

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day. “As you did it to this the least of my brethren you did it to me”. If you find difficulty kneel with Mary at the foot of the Cross.

So you also when you shall have done all these things that are commanded you say:

“We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which we ought to do.”

11 Bene Omnia fecit; so with you. Remember it is the little things that count. Always remember your end and that time lost never returns (Eccl VII:36)

He who does not overcome small defects shall fall little by little into greater. The more violence you do to yourself the more you will grow in virtue. (Book 1 Ch. 25 Imitation of Christ)

St Catherine of Siena; “Do you know that you pester God with your great impatience”.

“O true and sweet patience, thou art the virtue which is never conquered but dost always conquer!

Thou alone dost show whether the soul loves its creator or not.

Thou dost give us hope of grace: thou art the solvent of rancor and hated in the heart; though dost free us from dislike of man; Though dost take all pain out of the soul; through thee the great burden of many trails become light and through thee bitterness becomes sweet; in thee, patience, queenly virtue acquired with the memory of Christ crucified, we find life”.

“THEREFORE EVERY GRIEF IS SMALL BECAUSE OF THE BREVIATY OF TIME”.

St Catherine never wasted a moment. “Her sense of the value of time amounted almost to an obsession. She hated to sleep”. A slave of Mary should be a slave of purity, the angelic virtue. If there is any virtue to be treasured as a jewel it is purity. It will require humility and a keen sense of your weakness to fly to Mary in times of danger. Remember to flee to her in temptations against faith and purity.

You are composed of a body and soul. The body must be kept subservient to the soul. With your intellect you know or should know the correct order of things- that creatures must be submitted to the will of God. Now if the will is not strengthened it will not be able to overcome the concupiscence inherent in the flesh, nor resist the enticing pleasures of the world or the devil.

In sin, then, the will gives way. Your intellect knows that it is a choice between God and a creature. Why do you fall? Because of weakness of will and failure to distrust yourself and fly to Mary. Ask

11 He has done all things well. (Mk 7:37)

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Mary to convince you of your nothingness and your weakness so that in time of danger you may fly to her.

A strong will and prayer. “The kingdom of God is within you”.

What are the motives which induced Our Lord to live such a life of suffering on earth?

Because it was His Fathers Holy will. “Not one jot or tittle of the law shall pass till all be fulfilled”. This was his daily meat- the food which kept Our Lord going through all the suffering. It was His ruling passion. He made sacrifices because Jesus loved souls so much. The Father had created them; Jesus was to redeem them at a terrible price; the Holy Spirit, by His merits, would sanctify souls. Jesus wished to show us His followers that the Way of the Cross is the one and only way to reach the Father’s heart, the one way to earn the kingdom of heaven. “Foxes have their holes, the birds of the air have their nests but the Son of Man hath not wherewith to lay his head”. Jesus had nothing and wanted nothing of this worlds goods.

St Catherine of Siena taught and lived this (“we can express our of God only in our love of neighbor”.) She often explained: you must not love God yourself for Himself, diffusing that love on others. For Catherine-the flight of time was the solvent of every grief: we must therefore bear this little trail willingly. Little, we may call it like all our sorrows because of the brevity of time; since no trail can last longer than our time in this life. How much time have we? It is like the point of a needle. Therefore it is very true that sorrow is brief because trouble that is past, I suffer no longer, since the time is past, what may come I do not suffer yet as I am not sure of having the time, since I must die and I do not know when. I have only this little point of present time and no more. Therefore every grief is small because of the brevity of time”.

Lord be merciful to me a sinner. 3.9.1942

Try and sound the depths of the ‘Magnificat’. “Behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed for He that is mighty has done great things to me”.

1. Watch against unnecessary politeness.

2. Second help of soup is not good etiquette.

3. Posture of body and hands. Not affected.

4. Correct emphasis.

See what is meant by character of soul. Observe the Master closely. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the Way, the perfect character, utter truth-follow Him in Mary. But he is also the life. He

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has called you to be an ‘Alter Christus’ a terrific task which he does not expect you to accomplish yourself. He is the life. All Jesus wants is a generous heart-one which is prepared to do anything He asks. Not relying on our own strength but realizing that we can do ‘all things’ in Jesus who strengthens us.

Look at Jesus great heart. What love does Jesus shower on all! Jesus never thinks of Himself and is ready to suffer so much for us. Try and forget yourself too in this work of love.

Acknowledge beforehand that many crosses will come and be prepared in Mary. But the main thing is love, forgetting yourself. Mary will look after you. Anyway you deserve all you get and moreover hasn’t God a right to do with you what He likes.

(JMJ) The Character of Jesus- also marks of an apostle.

Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.

Learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart.

As simple as doves and wise as serpents.

“Unless you become as little children you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. He that exalts himself shall be humbled and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.

Not one jot or tittle of the Law shall pass till all be fulfilled.

Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.

My meat is to do the will of Him who sent me.

This kind is overcome by prayer and fasting.

‘The foxes have their holes and the birds of the air, nests but the Son of Man hath nowhere to lay his head’.

If any man come after me let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me-I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.

‘Forgive seventy times seventy times and the saw only Jesus. And Jesus wept. Father forgive them for they know not what they do’.

‘By this let all man know you are my disciples that you have love one for another.’

‘A new Commandment I give you’.

He went up into a mountain to pray.

And he had compassion on the multitude.

Abide in Me and I in thee.

I am the vine and you are the branches.

I am the bread of life.

My flesh is meat indeed and my blood drink indeed. Last updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

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Peace be with you.

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Let your light shine before man that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

My Mother, my brother, my brethren- are they that hear the Word of God and keep it.

I will not now call you servants but friends.

Eat such things that are placed before you.

When you have done all that you can do say- we are unprofitable servants; for you ought to have done these things.

The Father- he does the works. “In this is the Father glorified that you bring forth very much fruit, and become my disciples.

“Without me you can do nothing”.

2.9.1942. First Friday retreat.

12Qui non zelat non amat. St Ambrose. There is no half way mark. Look at St Francis Xavier ready to die a thousand deaths to convert a few more souls. St Ignatius prepared to go to school at an advanced age. The Apostles, ignorant yet were teaching the whole world. St Theresa of the Child Jesus, willing to go to China to make any sacrifices. And what were there weapons- The Word of God and the Cross. And along with these all other things mentioned by St Paul- joy, peace, patience. Above all love. But these souls poured their zeal into the right channel- the will of God. It is no use being zealous for yourself. Be zealous for God and souls and Mary will take care of your soul. It will be sanctified by the cross and failures. But the main thing is love, love,love.

The Devil.

Goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Yet you don’t hear him. In fact he is the most wily and treacherous creature alive. If he cannot get your inordinate love of a creature he may try tepidity, a terrible weapon, fall little by little almost unnoticed. Despise him but don’t trust yourself. To dally is fatal. Humility is the one weapon that will crush him. Flee into the arms of Mary-especially in temptations against holy chastity, the priests glory. I resolve with the help of God’s grace to flee to Mary on the first insinuation or suggestion. The cause may be a holy picture, a girl, a book, a thought anything. Humble yourself and flee. This should be a good source for increasing humility. Just as Jesus was the servant of the Apostles so you must be the servant of your fellow students, for Jesus in Mary.

12 One who does not burn, does not love. ~St. Augustine

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This will be a grand opportunity for crushing any false notions about yourself and for helping you to be kind and gentle and loving. Failures too humble you further but remember 13violence and prayer.

Your death bed.

What will you see? Your life is at an end now- you are on the brink of eternity; another few hours and you will be before your creator, Father and judge. You will think, why did God create me? To know Him, love Him and serve Him. In what capacity, in what calling? The priesthood. Therefore I should be an intimate friend, I should have loved Him to a high degree in life and served Him well;in fact to the best of my ability, with ardent zeal. And what will He judge me on chiefly- “As you did it to this the least of my brethren so you did it to me”. Have I loved my neighbor? Have I been kind to all? What a grand consolation if I can say I never said an unkind word about anyone! If I loved souls ardently for the sake of the Trinity! If I have done as many kind deeds as possible- help the poor, the sick, pray for the Souls in Purgatory, going to any lengths to bring a sinner back. Kindness and love will tell.

As you have forgiven others, so will you be forgiven- but love, love, love.

Wasn’t it the same with all the Saints? From St Stephen-St Theresa.

6.9.1942 Notice that one great principle of the life of

Jesus.

Jesus did the will of His Father as only He could do it- notice that when it involved suffering Jesus carried on in the same quiet, peaceful manner, never flinching. Certainly the sight of our sins and te thought of the suffering ahead appalled him in Gethsemane. So much so that Jesus asked if this chalice might pass from Him but He was swift to add “Not My will but Thine be done”. Notice, too, that when Jesus was suffering He did not then forget others. Look at Jesus and hear all He said during His terrible sufferings right until His death.

There is a law in our members clashing with the spirit all the time. Curiosity of eyes, concupiscence of the eyes, concupiscence of the flesh, eagerness to hear news and many other attractions which tend to draw us from recollection, which tend to draw us even into sin. Now we must be able to so order our members by the will so as to make them imitate Jesus. The will must always be in command. See now the necessity of prayer and mortification. See too the great part of Mary. Not only does she urge you on and strengthen you but she guides you lest you go down a false track and she shows you how Jesus would do it. Go to Mary obey her in everything.

13 Definition of violence here refers to fasting, penance and mortification.

8.9.1942. Feast of the Nativity of our Lady. (Lecture)

God has given you the greatest grace that He could give you- a vocation to the priesthood. Try and realize what a priest is- an Alter Christus, a mediator between God and man. You can never have high enough ideals- you can never love enough. But note this. St Peter a poor, unworthy fisherman was chosen. He had plenty of boast and plenty of love. It was when he had fallen that he realized he was nothing- that Jesus alone was everything that Jesus alone was to be loved. So that only after you’re convinced of your own worthlessness will you be able to love.

The Cross is the priests weapon. What a love for souls should a priest have! He will get this love only with Mary at the foot of the Cross; realizing the price that Jesus paid for them. A student thought should constantly be on the Passion. A priest has a duty to God, to the Church and his fellow Man.

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. 14.9.1942. Also the Feast of the Seven Dolours. 15.9.1942.

The shadow of the Cross hangs over this ‘vale of tears’ no one can escape it whether he embraces it or fly’s from it. To everyone, especially to Jesus’ friends and Apostles will Jesus give the Chalice of suffering. It is the Fathers holy will, this world is not our true home.

St Catherine. ‘The greatest suffering is small because of the brevity of time’. In time of suffering think of Jesus the Man of Sorrows and Mary the Mother of Sorrows. Embrace your cross and suffer in the company of Mary and Jesus.

In student days the little crosses are so many gems to be embraced and presented to Mother Mary. Bodily ailments; desolations, misunderstandings, fighting evil tendencies, boredom, criticism, uncharitableness, sloth, sensuality, vanity. Think often of the Dolours of Mary our Mother.

In recreation what is the holy will of the Father for you? What did Jesus do? He was the servant of His Apostles. What better way could you show your love for Jesus than becoming the servant of Jesus friends. Adopt this frame of mind. You are a servant who must please the friends of Jesus who identifies Himself with everybody. All the more meritorious if sometimes Jesus friends treat you roughly or if you yourself have a cross to carry. You are following Jesus now. He alone counts. You are nothing in truth.

18.9.1942. Why are we in this seminary?

Why do we study? Why do all the things that we do? Why do our best?

 You must learn to know God and save your soul.

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 This is the work that God has chosen for you to do, not only save your own soul but to follow Jesus in a special manner and help the Father and Jesus in the saving of souls.

You are studying then to become as much like Jesus in knowledge as the Father wants you to be. As with all your duties you must strive earnestly to become like Jesus.

Try and root out all traces of self will or self-serving. If you only look and see the trifles that you prefer to that great principle at the root of Jesus’s life-the will of the Father. And it is these little trifles nevertheless that hold you back, that keep you from getting that great generous spirit of Jesus who never considered Himself for one minute. Try and keep before your mind the great things that really matter and act accordingly in spirit of faith. I am here to know, love and serve God. I am here to know, love and serve God. To save my soul. To follow in a special manner the Master and prepare for the great work of saving souls- become an ‘Alter Christus’. To follow Jesus who is the Way the Truth and the Life.

20.9.1942. Do you ever stop to think how time is flying. How every minute brings you nearer to eternity? Remember how St Catherine of Siena valued timehow well she realized the meaning of life. She used to encourage and warn her helpers or would be helpers with the thought that time was fleeting, time in which they could do something for God.

How poor we humans are. We can’t seem to realize that we have only one life; one soul to save and only a few years in which to show God that we love Him and prefer Him to creatures.

Try and enter into the designs of God that we love Him and prefer Him to creatures. Try and enter into the designs of God for you and for the world. Why did He make the world? Why are we here? What are we meant to do? How did the Saints solve the puzzles which have answers so plain we cannot see them? By prayer and penance.

A just man lives by faith. The salve Regina has many secrets. Try and realize that this place is a vale of tears and exile. We should not then look for our happiness here. What a glorious thing it would be to do for Christ! To make this exile a happier and brighter place for others. A priest especially should be able to show the TRUTH to many, this happiness. To show people the faith and the Cross. How happy the Saints were who made the Cross their joy. They were always joyful because they were always carrying a cross of some sort. They were like St Paul crucified with Christ, crucified to the world and the flesh God and Heaven were their goals. They had no wills of their own. How unhappy this makes us! Our own self wills.

22.9.1942 God and myself lecture.

Am I loyal to Him? Do I love Him alone despite all- despite temptations, despite creatures, despite other men. Is there anything coming between God and myself? Take up my yoke upon you and learn of me for I am meek and humble of heart; for my yoke is sweet and my burden light.

Come to Me all you that labour and are burdened and I will refresh you.

Master what is the greatest commandment? Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, with thy whole soul, with all thy strength and with thy entire mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.

This is the essence of perfection.

Notice that it is with your whole being that you must serve God. It implies;

 Do every action for God alone.

 Attachment to no creature what so ever.

 No human respect or vanity. Just God and myself.

 Exerting all our strength to gain the goal, taking every means possible, particularly prayer, selfdenial and right good will.

Remember holiness is a priests profession, knowledge, love and imitation of Jesus.

A follower of Jesus Christ is one of three degrees.

 The follower is name only. This type makes no effort. Trying to serve God and mammon, many attachments not free at all.

 The mediocre and halfhearted. The type that is enthusiastic one moment but it’s only a flash in the pan. Lukewarm.

 The man that follows Jesus with all his heart, all his soul and all his strength. He bears his cross patiently and even joy, glad to be considered worthy to bear a cross, glad to follow Jesus. This one is true through all weathers.

The most efficacious mortification and self-denial of the day is ‘to do what you are doing’ age quod agis’. Serving God with all your strength. There should be no time for vanity, thoughts of human respect, impurity, pride, uncharitableness, sensuality. Remember you are frail and weak. Go to Jesus and Mary for without the Master you can do nothing. If you fail don’t for heaven’s sake, fall down and start pining or being discouraged. You’re not God or an angel, just a man. Renew your intention before the Father, express sorrow and commence again with Mary, fully confident not in yourself but in her.

Try to be all things to all men. Adapt yourself in conversation with the other person. Try to fit in. be frank with frankness; reserved with reserved natures, not forward. But above all use your talents only to please God. You will never endanger your peace of soul.

30.9.1942. There is a certain amount of human respect in your life. You have not yet a single eye. The Master only. Do you treat everybody as if he were Jesus? By this means you shall overcome human respect, vanity and many other faults. There is only one who is going to judge you-only one who matters. Indeed life would be happy if we lived supernatural lives. Just trying to please Jesus. Every work we did, success or failure for Him. Everyone we speak to is Jesus. Everyone who hears us is Jesus. Time, place occupation, company, circumstances and conditions would mean nothing. Indeed would we be following the Master with our whole hearts and souls serving Him with all our strength and so loving one another as Jesus loved us.

As St Paul says there is indeed two spirits warring in us. The law of the spirit and the law of the flesh. The flesh wants sensuality, sloth, laziness, pride, vanity. While our soul craves after the infinite Good. And this is where much effort is wanted on our part.

Don’t be afraid of your spiritual director. Be absolutely frank with him. You are talking to your Father in Heaven who knows your innermost thoughts and wants your absolute confidence and cooperation. God will direct and advise you through him what you are to do. Oh! Open your heart and let the Master pour His grand spirit into your soul, making it big and all embracing; not puny and narrow as it is now, tied down to human respect, vanity and the rest. Mary, help me. You waste time; self-complacency human respect, worrying if the next man is better than you, sensuality, all these trivial nothings which so impede progress in the spiritual life. They hold us back from God. Throw them overboard, they are not in accord with the truth. Ah! There are much greater things in life, the interests of the Master, concern yourself with His interests, forget your puny self.

2.10.1942. Feast of our Guardian Angels.

Try and see with the help of faith and God’s grace the position our guardian angels should play in our lives. These good angels won the first combat against sin, when Lucifer was thrust down into hell with a third of the angels. Our guardian angel knows then the wiles of satan who seeks to damn many souls as possible. He has been given to us to protect, guide and strengthen us. Have confidence in them and often ask them for help. What a great spirit had St Francis Xavier absolute trust in God and he went straight ahead afraid of no difficulties. But his secret and joy was the cross. For he saw that the heavier was his cross the more he embraced it, the more good was done; the more souls he could gain. Pray for grace to love the very small crosses in your college days-appreciate them and thank God for His goodness in allowing you to imitate Jesus. “I will show him how great things he must suffer for MY NAMES SAKE”. Our Lord called St Paul with these words, ‘Unless the grain of wheat falleth into the ground and dies, itself remains alone, but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit’.

‘We ought not to be swayed by the authority of the writer, whether he be a great literary light or an insignificant person but by the love of the simple truth.’ Thomas a’ Kempis

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“The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians”. A missionary is simply a preacher of the cross of Christ.

St Francis Xavier.

“Let me suffer more and still more, O’ Lord. Prayer and suffering wins souls. “How happy is our life when we die to ourselves daily, make war on our own inclinations and seek not our own but the things of Jesus Christ”. “Whoever humbles himself as a little child-he is greater in the Kingdom of Heaven”. Gospel for the Feast of Little Flower.

Look what a great devotion St Francis of Assisi had for the Master. The man of sorrows, see how generous he was in following Our Lords example of poverty and humility. Both spirits are essential in a zealous priest who after all is to do the work of Jesus Christ. And what a great love we ought to have for Jesus, Man of Sorrows who has gone before us bearing His great cross so willingly for us. Cannot we embrace the little crosses which He lovingly gives to us?

Learn to love the little crosses now for how will you bear the greater crosses on the missions if you do not love the cross now.

The big secret is, though, to have enough generosity and goodwill to go with Jesus in Mary as far as God wants you to go. If you would do your share with eagerness and joy, God will lead you on and even if the way be stormy and rough it will be peaceful and happy travelling with Him.

“My God and my all”. Can you say this with all sincerity, trust, faith and love. Soli Deo honor et Gloria and this is the truth.

God did not intend that we should have success, health, long life, wealth in this life. At least He did not intend that our happiness should depend on these things. The greatest treasure that God could give us in this life is the Cross. Even Jesus, all perfect was not exempt from it. He had the greatest cross of all to bear. It is just the order of things on account of sin, that the cross should be the big thing in life. It is everywhere; a concomitant of many of our duties, of the Holy Will of God. Why not then embrace this jewel? Since the Master suffered so acutely it must play a great part in the lives of His followers. Are you going to refuse this emblem this standard of Jesus Christ?

24.10.1942. Only one life.

Work was not the chief thing that Jesus intended for His followers. He could have got millions of Angels to do His work much better than we. What does He want? He doesn’t want wealth from us; success our health, our talents, work, sport etc. He does want these things but in themselves they are just dead actions. They want a vital principle of love to fire them. And love; trust, devotion- these are the real things that count. Everything else is but the expression of these.

Meditating on the Prodigal Son we look into our own life and see how we have strayed from the happy home of our Father where love and happiness abounded. All the things we have sought happiness in. Food; ambition, sport, human esteem, work, study, sin, bodily comfort, success wealth and the rest. We just were not created for these things.

By the grace of God I avow strongly that the only happiness in this life is in the following of Christ Crucified; the Way, the Truth and the Life.

To celebrate this great grace we consecrated ourselves to Jesus in Mary for all eternity. No matter how much you do and suffer for the Holy Trinity you could never repay what they have done for you.

Watch against sloth in any of your actions-even sport and recreation.

If you are working for the Father everything you do is worth doing well. But don’t think ‘your best’ is anything. Your limited narrow outlook is nothing. You are called to do the great work of the Master-in following Him your ideals can never be high enough. His vision embraced the whole world; but note His way of serving man. He did not go straight-way and preach to man. No, He did the will of His Father even to seemingly wasting 30 years hidden in Nazareth.

So do not seek the big things. If it is the will of the Father, obey but distrust yourself and root out all personal ambition.

Honestly and sincerely, you have to admit the truth that you are nothing in yourself. Therefore why presume strength in yourself to accomplish big things which God does not want you to do and if so will not give you the strength to do it. This is pride- thinking you are worthy of great tasks, when in yourself you could not perform the smallest task. Of yourself you could not even exist. Embrace always the lowest place and with the grace of God perfect the little duties of His most holy will.

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Remember that in most of the souls with whom you come in contact Jesus Christ dwells. You in yourself are nothing!

Therefore you must be subject to that person. The talents and graces within you, in truth, cannot be attributed to yourself. This is pride and vanity. You yourself can only claim only sin and what terrible ones. What right have you to consider yourself better than anyother, who, although God may not have given him as many talents and graces, may yet be more pleasing to God because he love Him more and has been more generous in loving Him. And anyway how do you know what graces God gives to another. This is nothing to do with you. The one thing that God wants of all of us is a loving generosity and a willingness to correspond with His graces and talents.

A spirituality not based on the truth of humility is useless and will crash. You are a sinner-never forget it. No matter how high Jesus wishes to take you that fact never alters. He must increase, I must decrease. He emptied Himself for us.

The Communion of Saints what a great family; God our Father, Mary our Mother; Jesus our elder Brother- all with the one life blood flowing in us. The life of Jesus Christ who lives by faith and grace in us. Some of our brothers do not need faith. It all began from Nazareth.

Let us act as members then of this family- love the Father-love one another.

28.10.1942. Seek the lowest for yourself.

You cannot presume of God’s grace for higher duties. This is only the truth for you are nothing.

10.11.1942. There are 3 dominant notes in our Lords life which should characterize our own.

1. The will of the Father

2. Love of man.

3. The cross. By original sin we have lost our beautiful inheritance. We have lost the true outlook on things. But Jesus Christ died for us and has left us the means by which, in some degree in this life we may win back our inheritance. And more over it is the duty of everyone to strive for perfection., to get back to the truth and the real life. And Jesus is the only Way, the only truth, the only life. Any other way is false- human perfection required by human means only is but a covering, it is dead perfection,

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valueless virtue. As Archbishop Goodier says it is the heart that must be changed and elevated. Virtue will naturally spring from the heart. But naturally we cannot give to ourselves what we have not got. We cannot give ourselves grace and the supernatural life. Jesus must come and dwell in our hearts- so then our exterior actions will come from our hearts where Jesus dwells. In the saints we see Jesus dwelling in their hearts and note how He acts differently in every one of them. Each one represents in themselves the Master. And that is our duty- to represent in ourselves the Master. The saints were generous they readily and immediately corresponded with the grace which was never wanting and seized upon and brought into their lives every tittle of the truth. No delay.

The one thing which guided them was- the will of God (hic et nunc). They proceeded with energy to root out all humanness and self from their lives and to replace the spirit of Jesus. And so they became dead to self.

They never acted on impulse always the used the cardinal virtue of prudence which resides in the intellect. Prayer and mortification were the weapons.

There is no excuse for: Lack of goodwill or pride. God’s grace is ever ready to show the truth about things.

21.11.1942. Feast of the Presentation.

For the greater glory of God.

I consecrate myself absolutely to Mary, in the capacity of a slave, for time and eternity. My Mother, I promise to dwell with you at home all the days of my life.

I consecrate to you my intellect, that I may know and understand only what you think best for the greater glory of God. I consecrate to you my will, promising to obey you in all things and to love only in you.

I consecrate to you my memory for the greater glory of God.

I consecrate to you my imagination, the 5 senses of my body.

My eyes; the windows of the Soul, that through them nothing may enter to sully the soul, that they may serve God.

My ears: that I may never be desirous of hearing curiosities and vanities.

My tongue and mouth: that I may never speak an unkind word, that I may speak only for the greater glory of God.

My palate: that I may never abuse food, that I may use it prudently, for the greater glory of God.

My nose: for the greater glory of God.

My whole body: that it may be ever chaste and pure, that it may be a fitting temple of the Holy Ghost and ever kept subject to the soul and the will of God.

I give you my spiritual possessions: every one of them, my merits, including the satisfactory and 14impetratory value of my actions.

I give you them all that you may purify and embellish them for the greater glory of the Holy Trinity.

I give you my material possessions. May you do with as pleases our good God.

I give you all my rights- my liberty and my life.

Let us pray.

Mother Mary, I am all thine. Take me and watch over me. Guide me to Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life, that I may be one with Him in you. Do not permit me to displease our Father seriously. Grant that in your most chaste womb I may gradually come to the fullness of Jesus Christ and so be born into Heaven, your second born son.

At all times, my good Mother, solve my doubts and difficulties and make manifest to thy child the holy will of the Father, at all times. Show me also sweet Mother, my true position in this life. My relations with God, how immense and good our Father is; how small and sinful I am. Show me just the truth about myself. Grant that I may never be separated from thee, my treasure!

I promise to renew this consecration every feast day of my Queen, the throne of my heart and to honor her especially on these days. Amen.

Sealed by Holy Communion on the Feast of our holy patron St Columban. 23 November 1942.

13.12.1942 Feast of St Lucy.

Watch against the terrible and ruining spirit of independence. How can you a creature be independent when you depend, night and day for conservation on your creator, your Father.

Jesus said, “Unless you become as little children you shall not enter the kingdom of Heaven”. Look at the incarnation and the Nativity. There is childlikeness, docility, absolute obedience to the divine will. Why do you hesitate? Give yourself again completely to Mary, the Mother of the baby Jesus. Give up your will, your human loves, surrender yourself entirely to the child and His Mother.

14 1. to obtain by entreaty. 2. to entreat; ask for. Origin: 1525–35; < Latin.

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The marvelous truth is that you are a temple of God. Now God has freely chosen you as His place of abode. He actually wants to impart to you His divine nature. But He respects you. He has given you a free will that you may choose as you will.

You may choose to seek Him and to become Divine or you may do your own will and follow the biddings of your human nature and seek creatures, creatures which were created by God for his greater glory. You choose to seek Him and from every point of view (except the carnal one) you have chosen the best. God is eternity. Creatures are finite. Having chosen God you do not leave it at that. No, with St Paul you begin anew. Remember you are human-God is divine.

Who is your intermediary? Jesus, who is both human and divine. He is your model. You must look at Him, meditate on Him, think about His Character and His actions, you must talk to Him, you must ask Him to help you. But He is not far away. By grace He is within you. This is where you must dwell. Consider your exterior actions wasted unless turned in on Him.

What an aid Holy Communion should be to you!

This then is especially your work. This is the work of everyone, to become divine. But especially yours for God has chosen you to become His Priest. His ‘Alter Christus’ who will be his instrument in bringing souls to Him. Who will be as clay in His hands.

Remember you are free God forces no-one. You must take positive action yourself, as if everything depended on you. Have a great confidence and trust in the Holy Trinity who will complete the work. You have done rightly in consecrating yourself to Mary for she was the Mother of God Himself, Jesus Christ, the first Priest, the Way, the Truth and the Life- eternal life itself.

21.6.42

Some motives why I should work as hard as possible to please Jesus, especially in College, why I should fight, why I should deny myself, doing only the Holy Will of God and seeking in all things to please Him.

1. For love. He is my friend and I’ve got to do my best to please Him.

2. To those who fight does Jesus give His graces.

3. We are bound to strive after perfection.

4. What gratitude do you owe Jesus for His love, mercy and graces.

5. What reparation to His precious heart for manifold injuries and insults.

6. For the love of Jesus I am bound to edify my fellow students.

7. Jesus may have only intended several years or even months more for you on this earth.

8. What a goal- union with Jesus the most perfect and infinite Being that could ever be. All Perfect. What a cause He is.

9. He has called you into His service he asks that you be a priest. What a preparation necessary.

10. What a Kingdom and a reward is Heaven. What a misery is Hell.

11. Companionship with Angels and Saints, the friends of God. Above all union with Mary.

12. You strengthen your will, strengthen yourself against world; flesh and the devil.

13. You avoid wasting time.

14. I purify my heart; seeking strength and consolation only in Jesus and Mary.

7.6.42. Holy Hour.

First quarter of an hour Five acts. Offering to Mary Petition to Mary make it well. Look over your resolutions of the past. How have you kept them? Discuss with your Lord and Master, means that you should take to improve. Tell Him where your weak points are, asking for strength.

Have you accepted and obeyed His Holy Will in all things? The Cross, work etc..

Your love in all duties, especially prayer, towards your companions. Fraternal charity and generosity. Your fervor, reverence and love towards Mary and Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament; in Mass and Holy Communion. Your recollection?

Second Quarter.

With Jesus through Mary. Tell His Sacred Heart how you are striving to imitate Him and to become united with Him. How weak you are, how attracted to creatures and self-love Look through His Sacred Heart at yourself. See how small you are. Think of your privilege in being permitted to be close to Him, of the many graces He has given you, through the wonderful: Holy Spirit, Mass and Holy Communion, the Faith, the other Sacraments, your dignity as a son of God and brother of Christ, your vocation, the grace of the 30 days retreat and many others. Take some scenes from His beautiful life and discuss them with Him and Mary.

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Third quarter.

With Mary and God the Holy Ghost through Jesus. Ask Jesus to teach you to love His holy Mother through whom the Holy Spirit brings His graces to your soul. Think of the purity and humility and meekness and obedience of Mary at the incarnation. How you, too receive Jesus into your soul every morning. How pure should not the tabernacle of your heart be. Like Mary’s heart- all for Jesus. Your heart one with Mary’s tell Jesus of your love for Mary- ask Him to spread devotion to His Sacred Heart and to His Holy Mother. With Mary in Nazereth, during the Passion after the resurrection. Tell Mary how your heart yearns to be united with Jesus in her- in the Tower of David. Ask her to show you the way for children.

Fourth Quarter. Benediction- love and adoration.

Make this quarter one of petition for yourself and others. From your refuge in the house of gold, humbly ask Jesus for the grace to despise the devil, world and flesh and love according to the Spirit. To be united more to Jesus in Mary with one aim only- the Holy Will of God in all detail- crosses, afflictions, work, to realize more the great dignity of the priesthood, the highest honour God could give man. Pray then for your parents and family, for vocations especially in the family. For relations away from the faith, for friends, for missions and fellow students, for Holy Souls.

15/12/42. Don’t get excited in conversation. Think before you speak. Fr Crosbie and Fr Mangan strongly recommended learning Latin – colloquial especially for Korea and the missions. Fr Crosbie said that French would be very useful.

At Brien’s – case of woman in mixed marriage – unhappy –married outside church. Don’t rush into things. Pat Griffin’s advice solid. Take your time – Jesus would, (but He would know instantly the right thing to do). Don’t make any hasty judgments. Be prudent in forming opinions and be prudent in denouncing anything outright. Take jazz or dancing. Creatures liable to be abused – circumstances vary.

Reading of books useful for forming background of principles and often you may be able to form solid opinions on things. See now how first two years at Essendon most important for foundation of spiritual life. Prayer and humility – dying to self. Let God work in us. How wonderful is the divine life.

Fr. James Norris-

16/12/1942. Meditation. Last night I was awake all night.

As far as I can see it was God’s action, for I tried to sleep but seemed compelled against my will to think of Him or rather, not being able to sleep. I thought of Him within me and he set my heart pounding and I seemed to be very close to Him, pure Being. However, was I right in thinking of Him? Was the bodily reactions caused other than by God?

I shall consult Fr Cuddigan.

(Pencil entry – your spirituality at this stage was too selfish, too individualistic – you forget you are a social being).

17/12/1942. From this you learn a good deal about your miserable self.

1. Prayer should at all times be quiet. – The Holy Spirit loves silence and a peaceful soul. Anything which excites your lower nature is not a part of prayer. In your case strain caused by rigidity in your body making those dangerous feelings which the devil could use to good advantage unless you fled.

2. Beware of strain in prayer.

3. Your thinking that God was favoring it was pride pure and simple and very dangerous. You disobeyed the express will of God for you – big. To go to bed to sleep you relied on your wretched human judgment in the matter and look where it led you. Don’t trust your judgment.

In every set of circumstances you have:

(1) The will of God to consider.

(2) How would Jesus do it?

You have only one purpose in life. God made you to know and love Him and Jesus has chosen you to may make Him known to others. And you have so many graces at your disposal. God is even in you and yet how little you do, really for God. Mere trifles occupy you – even abuse of creatures.

What is the reason for your failure?

For your lack of advancement?

1. Knowing the truth you do not will hard enough to follow it.

2. You seem to entertain the notion, somehow implicitly that you can advance in the supernatural order on your own. When will you realize your nothingness and incapability of progress without God?

Distrust yourself and lean on God more. You have not sufficient realization that Jesus is within you –your whole heart is not yet surrendered to Him. Until then you’ll never progress. Moreover you are

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the temple of God. The inner sanctuary should be reserved for God alone - the nave for men – the porch for things. You must realize this and act accordingly if you are to progress. But for God’s sake, make the effort. Don’t let the knowledge God has given you be idle. You must act on it. i.e. love. When you fail don’t be surprised. Your weak human nature. Let God carry on in you. Toss yourself overboard.

Meditation. 19/12/42. Jesus Christ is living this divine life in you.

Yes, you are really great. If you could realize how really great you are you would never be guilty of vanity. Jesus Christ is living this divine life in you – your human acts should then be in accordance with the human acts of Jesus Christ who was always subservient to the divine will of his Father, subservient to the Trinity. In studying Jesus Christ you must look behind the outward actions. See why Our Lord did things? What spirit animated Him? Notice that He has a great trust in His heavenly Father. He does not concern Himself much about money, food, clothing, His body etc. All His actions are guided by the divine will and He does not concern Himself about what that will be. He has that continual attitude of soul – I will do the will of my Father.

The two things which occupy Him most are:

1. God i.e. The Divine Trinity

2. The souls of men.

How He loves men – this Jesus. How must the Holy Trinity love man if the Second divine person willed to become man. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us. Why? To elevate us poor creatures from our degradation. To give me a share in the very life of the Holy Trinity

Meditation. 22/12/42. Detachment.

You are not yet detached. No matter how weak your body may be you have still the will of your Father to do. Speak to your brother with confidence. Even He experienced many trials and difficulties in this land of evil. Share your difficulties only with him. You are not detached yet from material things or even from your duties. Abandon everything. With Mary live an interior life. This is the only life intended for us by our Father. Don’t allow externals to interfere with this quiet interior life - Externals, even the conversion of souls. Let externals merely proceed from this interior dwelling place of the Holy Trinity. This interior life is the only life. Nothing else is worth the trouble. Mere vanity which passes away. Trust in God to show you how and what to do internally. Last Sunday night we heard Bob Santa Maria in the Catholic Hour.

He showed that Christianity is the best solution for post war problems. All the forces fighting for control have 1) A policy (2) men (3) A spirit.

Christianity has a sound policy as set forth by the Pope’s encyclicals. Christianity has leaders who are being trained and are doing things – witness: Rural movement, catholic action groups. This has never been successful in the past. The spirit of Christianity is charity.

Meditation. 24/12/42. Do not be concerned about the future.

Another fault pointed out, you are concerned about future duties and conditions. This is positively wrong and shows a terrible lack of trust in God, your good Father. e.g. Worry about the amount of sleep you are going to get- or when you are going to get your spiritual duties done – concern for your body etc. Even concern about others. Commit everything to God. He is the kindest of Fathers. Another source of disturbance – don’t split your day up into various sections. Of course a programme is useful as a saver of time and regularity produces better results. Don’t split your day up, however into pleasurable duties. Other duties that must be done (glad when they are over), spiritual duties etc.

Every minute of your day is to be used for one purpose – to love and glorify God, learning all the while to know Him better. Moreover, your Father has mapped out your day and remember no duty is trivial. And remember “here and now” (not into the past and future should you peer) - I must be pleasing my Father by doing my best.

Your life must be interior, regarding not as much the external observance but the interior spirit of obedience, love forgiveness humility etc. That is all God placed you in the world for. God created you body and soul, an image of Himself. Jesus has redeemed you and opened the way to God’s own life. This is the life which we must lead. God’s life is quiet, spiritual and our soul is within the body. In the soul God dwells – so our life must be interior. You are free of course to live this life or not. You can make creatures an end instead of only a means, if you like.

Meditation. 27/8/45. Purgative way.

See how you were looking at yourself a lot – planning schemes of spirituality not looking at God much. But remember, God is infinitely just and will judge you according to the graces you have received. And there is only one thing He will consider: Have you lived an interior life? Have you lived the truth in accordance with the light you received from Me?

So what is the use of living other than God wishes you to live? But don’t act through fear or because you see nothing else for it but rather embrace the truth and set out with a heart of love.

Meditation. 27/12/42. Throw overboard all this ridiculous vanity. How your funny little self gets in the road, obscuring the infinite. And how full of human respect you are – what is man that you should fear his opinion? Why should you fear to have the truth about yourself known among men? You are only a frail human being and a sinner. Ah! Throw overboard all this ridiculous vanity and consideration of earthly things. Please men only because by so doing you shall please God. Die to yourself. Care not what men think of you – good or bad reports. Work only for God, trusting in Him. He will never leave you. Don’t think of yourself – no matter what God does to you. You must appear before men as the manifestation of God’s goodness – as a shining light and a beacon showing your Christ. But solely for the greater glory of God. Don’t be superficial in your judgments. How does Jesus Christ look upon this? Is it the truth? Being all things to all men is most difficult. What is man? Each man is made of a body and soul. No two men are the same. Each has a distinct personality. Remember the dignity of man. God in an overflow of divine love has willed that men should exist, manifesting his greatness and power. More than that, God has willed that all men should be Temples of God, divine, God-bearers, sharers in the Divine Essence. Considering these facts and looking upon each man you meet, as God looks upon him, it should not be difficult for you to love all men and adapt yourself to each. But it is difficult. Why? On examining closely the reasons you find they are purely human and superficial. The look of the man, his manner, tone voice, his opinions, subjects of conversation all tend to make you dislike him. So blind can these externals make you that you fail to see any good in the man. Remember that his nature, like your own, is fallen. He is a man, a son of Eve. But more, he may be a Temple of God. Even if he is not, everything positively good in him is a manifestation of the Father’s infinite Being. Remember that God loves him infinitely. So you can see God in His child or in this creature. This man before you belongs to God, so respect him. Adore God and praise Him in the work of His hand. This is the truth. By doing this you overcame your own natural repugnancies. But men are very imperfect: this is often the cause of the repugnance in yourself. How did Jesus look on men? He forgave readily the imperfections of men, especially the slights against Himself. Look at the good in a man and adore God in him. Kindness often brings out the good

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latent in man. Every subject of conversation is a creature of God’s and is therefore good, why avoid any topic – even food, if it is discussed be a good listener if the topic is something you know very little about. (You forgot that man is sacramental – not a pure spirit).

Meditation. 3/1/43. Consecrated ourselves to Mary.

Once again have we consecrated ourselves to Mary? But you are not generous. You lag behind all the time – graces pour in so fast in this path of Mary, you cannot keep up with them. Consider again – only a short time in this life – perhaps this year is the last. “You cannot serve God and mammon”

Alas! You waste time. You are too impure – so many attachments. You are not yet detached from your own will. You worry about your body, your duties. You are carried away by externals –material success counts as something. Bodily health and bodily comfort is considered a great asset.

Now you know the truth about these mere vanities. Only one life. You are free, Mother Mary, help me to be generous.

We attended a legion of Mary Curia meeting “Regina Coeli hostel. They are doing good work visiting prisons, consecrating homes to the Sacred Heart, visiting Catholic homes. All seemed to be zealous and keen about their work.

“The prayer best made and most pleasing to God, is that which leaves behind it the best results, proved by good works; and not those sweetness which end in nothing but our own satisfaction”.

15St Teresa of Avila.

“Saginari voluptate patientiae discesurus volebat.” Tertullian.

St Teresa, her sanctity in its highest mystical expression was never prejudicial to her intelligence, ever swift, lively and pleasant; to her even character which shed its peaceful serenity all around; to the delicate solicitude, the amiable manners, the practical good sense - Abbot Queranger Already More’s detachment was opposite in kind to that of the world; it sprang from detachment, fed and strengthened by mortification and prayer. He who said that a man may live for the next world and be merry withal had learned with St Francis the secret of perfect joy. Always set all things in their right order. “In his humility, he said to Erasmus, that he “chose to be a chaster husband rather than an impure priest.”

More - Born 1478 Died 1535

Fisher - Born 1469 Died 1535

15 Saint Teresa was born in Avila, Spain, March 28, 1515. She died in Alba, October 4, 1582

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17/10/43. Meditation. “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me.” God owns me; he wants me to be perfect – whenever He shows me my weaknesses through prayer, work, my superiors, equals etc. this is a grace – it is an invitation to higher perfection for He, by this grace can form a virtue where now a vice reigns?

Notice the close alliance of body and soul; when your body is heavy, your soul is sluggish. This is the time to ask Mary to help you overcome the flesh by making it work, especially on hot summer days. Eat sparingly on hot days.

Humility is a virtue you need – to be able to take everything as coming from God, without being disturbed.

Things to watch. Lecture 10/10/43

“I always do the things which please Him” “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me.”

1. Get the spirit of the law; the rule is a creature of God’s – His way of molding you.

2. Be in sacristy for early mass before ringing of Angelus

3. Be generous with God in the matter of punctuality. Move from duty to duty easily, having several seconds to spare.

4. Watch the ringing of the bell – don’t become too engrossed in your occupations in that you miss it.

5. Don’t judge others in these matters; it is a question of each soul and God.

6. Perfect God’s will for you, what is of obligation, before attempting works of supererogation, particularly in matters of prayer and mortification.

Some points to watch – 28/10/43

1. The only thing that concerns us fallen sons of Eve is to become incorporated into our Savior. 2. Festina Lente, however, constant quiet, persevering effort. Not strain or great intensity.

3. Be careful about impatience – are you over attached to the work you are doing? Are you doing God’s will or your own?

4. A rotten canker that you must get rid of – while smiling to a man’s face, holding him at arm’s length and looking for the flaws in everything he says and does. This is not compatible with the genuine, sincere, sympathetic and disinterested love of Jesus for everyone He met – a love based on truth.

This is what God, wants of you – a changing of your likes and dislikes, habits and thoughts into those of Jesus Christ. It is a change of spirit.

This molding is Mary’s work that together with her faithful Spouse will perfect you.

But it is a gradual change; be patient and humble under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Take for granted that you are far from being perfect.

Two examples: eating a ice cream and playing. These actions are too natural. You have not the attitude, that in these actions you must imitate Jesus and so glorify Him and the Holy Spirit who slowly fashions your spirit. Concentrate on love; everything else will follow. You will soon become perfect if you regard every duty only as fuel to increase this flame.

10/11/43. Meditation. I promise.

1. To do every duty as perfectly as possible for the love of God.

2. To seek only my consolation in you, my God, for in God I know I can find greater pleasure than in any creature.

3. Since I can do so little, I will try to be a child in my attitude, relying on the mercy, goodness and love of the dearest of Fathers.

28/11/43

Art is an attempt by man (fallen, although now an actual or potential member of the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ), for the greater glory of God, to grasp and represent through a material medium, reality in all its aspects, unity, truth, beauty, goodness.

3/12/43

This is the will of God- your sanctification – a good motto to keep in mind all your life. You can regard all your human activities as the material out of which you carve your likeness to Christ; they are the circumstances in which God and Mary, with your co-operation, unite you to themselves.

6/12/43

Recognize that you are fallen and that truth is difficult to acquire.

In discussions don’t have the attitude that the other man is talking bunk and that you’re going to tell him all about it. Have the attitude of one willing to learn. Charity should never suffer; if the other party is insistent upon something which you think may be wrong, don’t argue a quarrel but let it pass and look it up afterwards. If you are humble you will do this; if you are charitable you won’t think ill of the other person.

Mortification. Self-denial a path to holiness.

AMDG Retreat 10/12/43

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"If you live after the flesh", says the apostle Paul, "you shall die, but if through the spirit you mortify the deeds of the flesh, you shall live" (Romans 8:13; cf. also Colossians 3:5, and Galatians 5:24).

Reasons for giving up the ice cream cornet.

1. To make my life simpler and more like that of Jesus. To take my recreation in God.

2. To be free – even if I play, I am tied down more or less to play regularly – it ceases to be easy free recreation.

3. It can be distracting. And it is a fallacy to seek a distraction from the science, contemplation and study of God – Theology.

Recreation should be something manual, in which however you can remain quietly recollected. 21/8/45 The above shows you never realized your vocation.

Three

ways of union with God for the Christian.

1. By recollection in God in every occupation – a quiet, peaceful loving remembrance of His Presence.

2. By will – Doing His will at every moment, in a perfect a manner as possible.

3. By sanctifying grace, by which we are united to the very Essence of God. “Thou are My Beloved Son – in Thee I am well pleased.”

The Father is pleased only in His Son – the Infinite reflection of Himself. All creatures are finite imitations of the Son. God is pleased with us in so far as he sees His Son, Jesus Christ in us. What a grand thought. I am a cell of Christ’s Mystical Body, the Church, God dwelling and living His life in men. God alone is Infinite, absolute Being! He creates finite creatures (a mystery) and permits them to share His very life. Jesus has come on earth and has commanded us to “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” He has said “I am the way, the Truth – No one cometh to the Father except through me – Nothing defiled shall enter heaven.”

And yet look at the cannibals; look at the state of human society today. Did Jesus Christ know what He was talking about? Did He not know our weakness? Was he not aware of our fallen natures. Yes, - and He has provided for it. Not for nothing did he say He was the Life – “I will give another Paraclete who will abide with you forever.” We must live His life, but not solely with our own strength. This life is entirely supernatural and absolutely impossible to fallen human nature. Admit the truth then and lean on the strength of Jesus.

Remember St Peter and the Little Flower. “I can do all things in Him who strengtheneth me. I live now not I but Christ liveth in me.” St Peter –divine nature consoles.”

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Since we cannot live Christ’s life in every eternal detail, how must we live His Life? “Let that mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus” – dependence upon God, submission to His Will, meekness, love, poverty of spirit and the rest. The externals are but the outward impression of the interior life.

The Mass: - Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Christ on Calvary and of the “sacrifice from the rising of the sun to the going down thereof is the same”. He is unchangeable truth. His was the reasonable of a dependent creature. All through His Life He submitted to His Father’s will; He was ready to lay down His Life if his Father so willed. His Father willed and He did so. In the Mass we lay bread and wine, sustainers of human life, on the Table. By these we signify that we depend for our human existence upon God and that, if needs be, we are willing to lay down our human lives, if He wills it. In time, he may will it. In the meantime we promise to submit to God’s will in all its details. We lie in so far as we fail to accomplish this will.

Now during the Mass, Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself divinizes, enters into the bread and wine. He renews His Sacrifice on Calvary, showing too, what actually happens to us as a result of Holy Communion and the other sacraments. We are divinized.

We who are nothing are made sharers in Absolute Being. Through union with the humanity of Jesus Christ we are drawn into the very life of the Holy Trinity.

Lecture by Fr Mc Glynn

11/12/43

Since he left Australia. Hard leaving, but he was detached. Letters a good thing; they cheer one up. A new lease of life – licking stamps from morning till night. Had not he the help of bells and rules. What kept him going? Fidelity to the Master, springing from a personal love of Jesus and a fear of himself. He was faithful to his alarm clock – a good guide. Remembered often “As faithful as the dial is to the sun, though it be not shone upon.”

Rejoiced to hear people say he was a good priest. – They are good judges. In all humility he had done his best.

We will make mistakes – good to make them. Learn from them. What does it matter as long as they are not sins. Have a sense of humor though and don’t lose your temper over trifles. Laugh it off. Fr Mc Glynn couldn’t understand even great men losing their tempers. Fr Mc Glynn often thanked God for everything. God loves gratitude, for small things and great. After all God has been so good to us. He thanked Him even for disappointments and failures.

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Personal love of Master, spirit of faith and thanksgiving, distrust of self and you will be a happy man. There is no excuse for being morose and sad – self love.

Two selves – subjective and objective.

 Subjective is selfish; sad gloomy, proud etc.

 Objective self’ your humanity God wishes to sanctify – Fr O’Connell

The Holy Trinity exists – three Persons in One God; God wishes us to honour His Trinity as well His unity. The Father Absolute Infinite Perfect Being begat His Son from all eternity. His Son is equal to Him in all things. God knowing Himself is the Word, the Second person of the Blessed Trinity, Eternal Wisdom. The mutual love of the Father and Son is the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity –Substantial Love. This is God’s interior life.

The Father, contemplating His Eternal Son wills into existence all creatures, finite imitations of the Eternal Wisdom. These creatures are nothing as far absolute Primary. Being concerned, they are absolutely dependent upon the concerning and concurring power of the Father.

Who then was Jesus Christ?

In time God raised up the spotless Virgin Mary whom He had promised to the world. In order to give back to men the share in the Divine nature which they had lost, God the Father willed that His Son should assume a human nature and come down on earth.

He would live to show men how to live; establish His church, through which to perpetuate His memory, preach His life, confer sanctifying grace on men; die in order to accomplish His Father’s Will and appease the Divine Justice, so opening the way by the shedding of His Precious Blood for sanctifying grace and the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the first born of the Kingdom of God among men. He is the Head of the Mystical Body. Jesus now sits at the right hand of His Father and all the members of His Mystical Body will in time take their peace with Him.

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Consider that Aristotle, one of the greatest minds that the world has ever known, knew nothing of Jesus Christ and His plan for the divination of mankind- you do! Deo Gratias. He is our Master, our model- the way, the truth the life. He is the mediator between God and man. He is God and man. Through Him we are able to become divine. This is our work in life- to become one with God- to share His divine life. Especially is it your work because you have been chosen to carry on the work Jesus Christ began. i.e. Set the world on fire. You are to be the mediator between God and His people. But you are only a human being. How are you to become Jesus Christ? Have no fears. You must work hard- have great confidence in God’s power and grace. Remember how the Apostle said “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me,” and where is God found? Within you. This is His abode and this is where all the work and molding is done. In order to become Jesus Christ you must give your soul to Mary who with the Holy Ghost will form and mould you into Him. Your co-operation is required. You are free.

You must remove all human obstacles- your human will and desires. Beg God to come and take you. Proclaim your own weakness before Him. At prayer time then give yourself to Mary and ask the Holy Spirit to come and work in you, or rather, mould you in Her. You must be docile. Jesus said, “Unless you become as little children you shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” You must be as clay in the potter’s hands. The Holy Spirit is the divine potter.

Mary is the mould in which Jesus Christ is shaped again and again in His saints. How docile was Jesus Himself. Consider this feature of His character this coming Christmas.

Holy Hour. 12/1/43. The Holy Trinity- one God.

When we speak of God the Father we mean subsisting being, infinite in all His perfections, goodness, truth, beauty, being itself- Father of all creation. Now, when we speak of God the Son, we mean God the Father knowing Himself (His divine essence). Infinite knowledge itself (The Son is the divine Word whom the Father utters.) When we speak of God the Holy Ghost we mean the person breathed forth by the Father in one act of aspiration. Now in the Incarnation God knew that He could create a human body and soul and in that human being God in His fullness could dwell. He then willed this human being into existence. This is then who Jesus Christ was. God himself united to a human nature. No wonder the actions of human Jesus were so wonderful.

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Jesus is essentially God- we do but share the divine nature through grace and glory. We are different from Jesus merely in degree.

The Holy Trinity, God, dwelt in Jesus in His fullness- He dwells in us only according to our capacity which is measured to a great intent by our generosity. For God can love only Himself- all other things He loves in Himself. We are free and fallen by nature. How often do we go against the Spirit of God? How often do we go against; impede the action of God in us by our willful acts of sin? God does not love creatures for their own sake. i.e. as an end in themselves. This is ridiculous God loves creatures only in so far as they give Him greater honour and glory. All creatures from incest’s, food arts, to human beings. A human being, as a human would not give much glory to God. But a human’s dignity is raised in the eyes of God when by Baptism and subsequent acts of love he becomes more united with the Trinity. Why was Mary so pleasing to the Holy Trinity? Because her disposition simply invited the Holy Trinity to dwell more and more in her.

15/1/43. Meditation. It is high time you began seriously to live a spiritual life.

God has given you only one short life in which to reach union with him. Union by perfect love. All your efforts at this stage don’t seem to get you anywhere there is not a regular guiding principle. You know the truth. Why don’t you do it? Ask Mary for grace.

1. Because love of the cross. Sympathy with the sacred heart of Jesus is not fully in you.

2. There is a lack of good will. I resolve, together with Mary with her dispositions, to act out of love and sympathy for the Sacred Heart of Jesus. If I don’t there is a sad want of faith; or love or to do my part for Him who has done everything for me. Mary help me, give me faith and goodwill.

Retreat 2/3/43 Consecrate the whole retreat to Mary.

Fr Mc Cusker O.M.I.

“Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”

Let us make man to our own image and likeness. An intellect to know God. A free will to love and serve Him.

Mortal sin.

See what happens when mortal sin is committed.

1. God is driven from the soul.

2. An infinite offence.

3. See hatred of Christ for mortal sin.

4. Why do we sin when God is so good? Death.

Sin is death. For a brother and friend of Christ death should not be terrible As we live so we shall die. What am I doing now? Am I living Christ with all my heart? With our loins girt and lamps burning in hands. We must be ready for the master who will come like a thief in the night. Can he reproach you?

1. You have the name of being alive but thou art dead.

2. Thou hast fallen from thy first charity.

3. Thou art neither cold nor hot.

4. As you did it to one of these the least my brethren you did it to me. After grace, time is perhaps God’s most precious creature. Time is the raw material out of which we mould our eternity. “Our days are few and full of evil.” Time is given to us that we might become

Sons of God, by increasing daily in grace- living more and more the divine life of Christ. Under the patronage of St Joseph the first lover of our Lady.

Grace

Grace is glory in a smile, glory is grace at home. Grace is a supernatural gift. What actually it is more or less is a mystery. e.g. electricity. We can see merely it’s effects. It makes the soul beautiful. It is the dew that produces beautiful flowers in the garden of the soul. It strengthens the soul making it Christ like. It acts in the nature of a light, enabling us to live by a pure faith. In a sense the mystery of grace is more marvelous than the Incarnation. In Mary God became man, in Mary men become God through grace. Mary being the Mother of divine grace and the mediatrix of all graces.

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If any man loves me, the Father and I will come and will make our abode in Him. I am the vine- you are the branches. We must realize that Jesus Christ, through the indwelling of the Holy Trinity dwells in us. We are the members of His Mystical Body- we are each an alter christus. We must make room for Him to act. He must increase, I must decrease. That is, we must hate our own lives, crush out our human outlook and look on things as Christ did, in the light of the Holy Spirit and from the point of view of eternity.

The most notable feature of our Lord’s life is that continual desire of pleasing and glorifying His Father. When He obeyed Mary and Joseph or served His Apostles or suffered, preached or healed it was all with end. In His consecrations He always brought the Fathers truth to the fore. In all this glorifying of His Father He was of course setting an example. If the world had not gone astray He would not have needed to come on earth. He came on earth however to redeem men- to give them back the life that had been lost- the life of sanctifying grace. It is for us then to live a life of grace- to live Jesus Christ who is life. Am I labouring all the night and taking nothing? This is God’s will- your sanctification. Now sanctity must be distinguished from heroic sanctity. There are few Xaviers, Paul’s, Teresa’s in the history of the Church. God calls each of us to sanctity- a constant fidelity in every detail of our daily lives. Are we losing countless opportunities of offering little crosses, small duties done for Jesus Christ. Are we disappointing the heart of Jesus? Are we doing just what He wants of us with ever increasing love? He may never want us to do great things. Now, in the present is the time.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus is delighted by the many little things done for His Sacred Heart and known only to Him. “Love one another as I haved loved you.” There is much in this sentence; Jesus is the Son of God. He is one with the Father. He is present when the Holy Trinity decided to make man to God’s own image and likeness. It was the Son of God who knew from all eternity that He would become man and die for men’s sake. Believe the love of Jesus then for the souls of men who were astray from their Fathers house. His whole purpose in life was to bring men back to the love of the Holy Trinity. He prayed and suffered much- yet forgave all the offences of men. This is charity. And we are charitable in so far as we have the mind of Christ on this matter. How great then must be Christ love for those who share His Apostolic love for those who share His Apostolic mission. Who are preparing to give their all for His cause- the salvation of souls. It was natural for Christ to love men much, for He was God. By grace we can love men with the same supernatural love of Christ.

Humility. “Learn of me because I am meek and humble of heart.”

He that exalted himself shall be humbled and he that humbled himself shall be exalted. God could create creatures only to glorify himself. Since He is infinitely just, He cannot share glory with anyone. To Him alone is due the glory of all creatures. If He shared His glory with anyone He would be admitting that someone was equal to Him. This is absurd. “I am a jealous God- I will resist the proud and give my grace to the humble.” The higher the spiritual edifice the deeper must be the foundation of humility. Humility is nothing other than the truth. God is infinite and all things come from Him. We are His entirety- naturally we are nothing of ourselves. Less in fact, if that could be, for we are sinners. Sin alone is our doing. Humility is the fount head of many virtues, just as pride is the root of many evils.

Consequence of humility.

A man acknowledges that he is absolutely dependent upon God. He is nothing. Therefore he has great trust and confidence in God who must supply him with all needs of body and soul. He will be constantly recollected in God and will seek to glorify only Him for He alone deserves glory. When he sees good done by others he will praise God in His creatures. He will not be jealous or envious. He will consider that he should be preferred to anyone else, because God knows best. He can dispose anyone He likes to do the work. He will be instant in obedience for he will be seeking to please God alone. He will be sympathetic with and tolerant of the faults of others for he will recognize that his weaknesses, faults and sins are far greater than those of others. He will be constantly praising and thanking God for what He has done for him and he will desire only one thing in life-to please God by doing his Holy will down to the smallest detail. His soul will be at peace-temptation, troubles, trails, could never shake him because he relies not on his own strength but upon God’s. He will be patient, sweet, gentle and meek, charitable and a most attractive soul. When he falls he will humbly ask pardon of his Father and do some penance, convincing himself further of his nothingness and dependence upon God. He will be convinced of the truth that Jesus Christ lives in him, a marvelous but true fact.

Temptations.

A humble should never be disturbed by temptation. He recognizes that he is nothing himself but it is no longer he who lives but Jesus Christ who can never be overcome. “Blessed is the man that

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endures temptations.” Temptations courageously overcome serve to cement the union between Christ and the soul. Remember though that God works in peace and silence. He can not work in a disturbed soul.

Temptations will come.

1. From our fallen nature. There is a definite bias in our nature towards evil. This will serve to humble us still further in the consciousness of our nothingness.

2. From the world. “The world hateth me.” the maxims of the world are utterly opposed to the maxims of Christ. We must be sure that we are not sullied by them, in the slightest. Business is business. Every man for himself. Eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die, have a good time. Take care not to value things as the world values them.

3. From the Devil. He goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. But he doesn’t roar. He is very subtitle in his attacks. With his angelic intelligence he knows the weak points of a mans amour far better than he does himself. One of his favorite methods is to disturb the soul- if it is humble all will be well. Another is to try to get one to give way to thoughts of pride or vanity. The best means of defense is attack. Take every opportunity of performing the virtue contrary to the vice. We must watch and pray. Beware against the occasions of sin. Satan will certainly attack students destined to root him out of his kingdom in pagan lands.

Resolutions. 5/3/43

1. To maintain peace of soul. At all costs.

2. To please God in little things.

3. To strive hard after the virtue of humility.

4. To love my companions as Jesus loves us. Prayer and sacrifice. Now is the acceptable hour. Don’t concern yourself about the future.

Confession.

In this wonderful sacrament we glorify the infinite mercy of God. Dispositions should be;

1. A true and heartfelt confession.

2. See means necessary to amend. It is a great source of humility. Remember that the penance is part of the sacrament and must be done very well.

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Prayer is a life;

It should keep the soul glowing with the love of God so that at the moment of the reception of the sacrament it should burst into flames of love. Set prayers are merely stimulants which make us determined to love God more. Prayer is a very necessary force in the life of every priest. It keeps him so united with Jesus Christ that not only does he work for him but with him and in him. Prayer is the binding force (religion) from which religion comes. Jesus said, “I am the way and no one cometh to the Father except through me.” What is His way- the way of the Cross, and there is no other way. “If any man will come after me let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” “Unless a man take up his cross and follow me he cannot be my disciple.” For us, the Holy will of God is our cross, our daily duties, especially the little things. How are we to deny ourselves? In the spirit, chiefly. Great bodily penances are not for us for it is not the will of the master that we atone, by bodily penances for the sins of the world.

There are several reasons why mortification is necessary.

1. To make reparation and atonement to and in union with Jesus for our own sins.

2. To die to ourselves, letting Christ alone live within us.

3. To obtain self mastery and be a man after the masters own heart.

Your chief mortification will be.

Forgiving readily the human faults of others. Obeying and serving all in a spirit of submission and obedience to Jesus Christ, for your superiors and others too, represent Him and is in them. Pleasing others with all your heart, recognizing that “as you do it to the least of these you to it to me.” and furthermore that God may be dwelling in that person. Again and again praising God in yourself, recognizing His goodness and mercy in you, for you are a sinful nothing- a toad who poisons all he touches. Think of Mary Magdalen. She was a profound sinner who seeing Jesus and his goodness and mercy recognized and believed He was God. At the sight of her own foul life she resolved to pour out her heart in sorrow to Him. She did. Others jeered, despised her but she cared not for anyone. He had forgiven her. He loved her and she was going to love him in return, no matter what any body else said or did. She pleased him by following Him, rejoicing that she could live in his company, rejoicing that He accepted her service even though it was trivial. With what love would she carry out His smallest wish. When he rejoiced, she rejoices, when he was sad, she was sad. Gradually she would come to know something of the great love that burned in his heart, that great love for all man. She would see how he forgave man, how he tried to make them happy, going as far as to work miracles for them. But he was trying to tell them of a kingdom not of earth and man but

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Charity Quinquasgiuna Sunday

“Soul, why persecutes thou me?” St Martin of Tours- behold the cloak which thou gavest me. “As you did it to the least of these, my brethren you did it to me.” This is the fulfillment of the whole law- love of thy neighbor. “I was hungry and you gave me food to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me to drink.” “Give and it shall be given unto you.” “Judge not and you shall not be judged.” How we can we love the head if we hate one of the members of the mystical body! “Forgive seven times, seventy seven.” Love of neighbor is a test for our own love of God.

The Mass

Man is in relation to God as creature to creator. As there is a four fold obligation on one’s part- his duty to His creator.

1. Adoration.

2. Thanksgiving.

3. Sorrow.

4. Petition.

These four ends have always been fulfilled by sacrifice. The sacrifice of the old law was often a lamb, a holocaust, then the first fruits of the earth or the escape goat. How wonderful is the sacrifice of the new law. God the Son, Jesus Christ Himself is the sacrifice. He is both priest and victim. Note our part in his sacrifice. Since we are members of His Mystical Body we share His royal priesthood and his role as victim.

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The sacrifice of Christ is continuous, never ceasing. Our sanctification consists in perfect union with Jesus Christ. If then we are to achieve this end our attitude must be one of continual immolation to the Father. As Christ was, we must be continually doing the fathers will- like Him we must be continually adoring, thanking, sorrowful, and petitioning, continually interceding. Not only like Him but with Him and in Him. (This is perfection.) Our whole lives then should be around the Mass. All the actions of the previous day should be brought and offered, sorrow expressed and petitions made for the coming day. But not only is Christ the Head of the Mystical Body as priest and victim, further He comes, as food and refreshment, to each of His members. How perfect should our dispositions be? A lively faith, (Thou have the words of eternal life) a profound sense of our own nothingness and a burning love. These are essentials. He is food. Just as our body is worn by constant effort and needs for food, so does the soul. This food gives new vigor. So we should go out on each new day to “live Christ.” This is the best thanksgiving and the best preparation for Mass and Communion. Our whole day should be gathered together in each Mass and offered up. Our day is but the echo, the continuation of the sacrifice of the previous Mass and preparation for the next Mass. Each day we should be building up good works to offer through Jesus, with Jesus, and in Jesus in the next Mass.

Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar

A perfect leader - a perfect way of life. He is perfectly recollected in the Father, dwelling in continual silence. Every second He does Fathers Holy will, subjecting Himself to men. Every second he is offering himself to his Father-priest and victim of love in adoration, thanksgiving, sorrow and reparation, petition. He is a life of continual sacrifice and suffering, too. For he suffers much neglect and abuse, even sacrilege in the sacrament of his love. Yet despite this neglect of men he loves them all with an infinite love. -the great love of Jesus for men. For so like love in return he remains on our altars as priest, victim and food for our souls. More- he is there, always present, always ready to receive us as friends whenever we like to visit him. He, God almighty. How patient with man, how long suffering, how soothing and loving, gentle and forgiving- given of strength and consolation. Often go to the foot of the cross and learn there many lessons. God’s hatred of sin, the love of Jesus for us, the way of the cross, self denial and renunciation.

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10/3/43. Ash Wednesday.

“Remember man that thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return”

Today Mary revealed another secret of Jesus, one when practiced will overcome human respect, self centricity, and pride. With God’s grace it will give a man knowledge of his dignity and yet it will imply his own nothingness. It is the result of living by Mary, with Mary, in Mary, for Mary. It is this we are no longer individuals, members of Christ’s mystical body we cannot consider ourselves singly. What use is a cell unless united to the living body from whence it obtains it’s life? And this whole body with Christ as it’s head is the Son of Mary. Now Mary, would have us live in this Holy union. In Mary. This is the great mystery. Mary is the Mother of the whole mystical body. The saints in heaven have been born into the fullness of Jesus Christ- the souls in purgatory and we sinners on earth are still being cleaned in her most chaste bosom. She gives us our divine life, for the Holy Spirit is her spouse. With that confidence we should approach her. She holds all our treasures, of ourselves we are nothing. We depend now absolutely on her, since she has our treasures and keeps them intact, we must ask her for everything.

19/3/43. Feast of St Joseph.

No matter how much the Father makes us His Sons we are still the fallen sons of Eve. Jesus is God by nature and all perfection-He became man.

We are men by nature and all imperfection- we become God. Remember, even to become man we depend on God’s goodness. Our imperfection as men are the result of sin, man’s own doing. This then is also why Jesus is the model Son.

21/3/43. Think

sometimes of the Garden of Eden before the fall.

The goodness of God, His loving intention for man, the gifts of man, man’s occupation, a life of joy and plenty, a life of thanksgiving and praise, adoration and love. A life of fraternal love, seeing God’s perfections in one another. Then the fall- “thou shalt earn thy bread by the sweat of the brow.” The mercy of God. Promise of the woman and a redeemer. Loss of sanctifying grace, immortality, control of reason over passions. See man during the next 4000 years, departing from God and being brought back again. We see the wrath of the infinitely just God and yet how many times was He merciful to his chosen people. God wished to show us how little we can do without Him. Then the redemption. Christ shows us how to live. He left the Church, His own mystical body, in which He

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carries on his life of sacrifice, adoration, thanksgiving, reparation, petition, love of his Father, love of man. He gave us Mary for our Mother and many other helps, the sacraments, even himself in the Blessed Eucharist.

His Way, the Way of the Cross- the way of love.

He must increase within me; I must let Him take over. There is no one in Mary’s virginal bossom but Jesus; therefore everything else must go overboard. Every morning when I rise I promise to say, “Jesus, you must increase today, I must decrease, Mary Mother of God, help me.” A great aid to docility and calmness of spirit- these are essentials. My Jesus, what do you want me to do? How do you wish me to act? How would you act?

24/3/43. Consider carefully the two basic fundamental’s of our Lord’s life.

These were the two guiding principles of His life and from them all virtue springs.

1. Our Lord’s passionate love of the Father, his continuous union with Him. He always pleased his Father, even to the least title of the law. Ever doing his Holy will.

2. His ardent love of man. Try and fathom more and more the depth of our lord’s love for man. If the master is going to do great things in the members of his mystical body, they must open their hearts to Him. Rather, throw away their own hearts and let him bring His into their lives. His members must not only love for his sake but with Him and in Him and through Him. To what depths did Jesus descend in order to help man, in order to reconcile their weakness and blindness? How much ignorance, malice, infidelity, lack of faith etc… Did he have to put up with!

Mary took me into her garden this morning- the garden of the mystical Body of her Son. There were flowers of all shades and varying degrees of beauty but the stamp of the Holy Trinity was on all of them. Each flower reflected the glorious qualities and beauties of the head, Jesus Christ. But the beautiful feature of this garden was the perfect order and harmony therein. Each flower in it’s degree was for a sweet odor to the Holy Trinity. There was air of purity in this garden.

1st Friday Retreat. Perfect Sanctity consists in doing the will of God. How necessary is punctuality then it shows that we care about God’s will and are really in earnest. Hic et nunc (This and now )is the Spirit. In study time, study-prayer at prayer time, play at playtime. Give your attention to your work. Jesus is your model - in his hidden life. His obedience, His humilityHis spirit of work and prayer. Look over your rules. Every jot and title must be fulfilled. It is absolutely necessary for it is part of God’s will. It is your duty to give edification and necessary to maintain the high spirit of the house as regards duties.

2/4/43

Watch carefully this terrible spirit of pride. As Father says each of us is full of it. And each of us is bound to trample on it and crush it out. Look at our model in Nazareth. It shows itself in criticizing others, considering ourselves better than others, presuming on permission, breaking laws and making ourselves the law, looking to high states of sanctity and contemplation instead of performing God’s will perfectly in the rule.

“Life is purification.”

1. You can be a missionary in the Seminary- remember Little Flower.

2. Patience with self, especially in retreat time, when God seems to show more than ever your nothingness.

3. Do not expect to know very much about Christ, even if you lived you to be 1000 your knowledge of Him would be as nothing, but of course we must steadily carry on, he will help us, we do it for him. Remember the will is perhaps the most important part.

The intellect and will. Prayer, no matter what kind, is only a creature and a help to union with Jesus. Fr Hurbet van Heller speaks of prayer without our being aware of it. It is then deep prayer and it is only when the soul begins to return to normal that it begins to perceive it with the senses. Prayer feels much better, that is perceived with senses but God is infinite and the senses finite, prayer should go beyond the senses. “For a soul to lose sight of it’s prayer is to cramp the workings of grace, it is possible that the Holy Spirit is waiting to sink the prayer deeper into the soul but it delayed by the state of mind met with on the way, the wanting to be sure that something is going on.”

Fr. James Norris-

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6/4/43. Our rule is God’s will for us and it is the means He has given us to sanctify our souls. Normal.

The work of the Seminary is primarily to sanctify our own souls, secondly to prepare our minds for the work of the priesthood. i.e. study. We must develop all the faculties God has given us for his greater glory. The Pope has said that a priest should have the culture of any well educated man. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. We the redeemed lost sheep of Israel, the fallen sons of Adam and Eve, the external expressions of God’s interior beauty, we must flock around Him, we must follow wherever he leads. To follow Him however we must look at Him all the time- study Him, admire and love Him, rejoice in his company, keeping Him in our midst. This close union of all the lambs with the shepherd cannot but affect the conduct of the lambs to one another. In this awe inspiring presence they cannot help but see one another in a new light. They realize there is a common bond between them- for are we not all lambs following the one shepherd. The sheep that are the best and the closest to Him are those gentle, docile ones who do not follow their own ways but, knowing that He alone is the good shepherd, keep close to him, trusting in His guidance. They are known and can be distinguished by his gentleness, meekness, humility, docility. In following Him and observing Him, their attention is taken off themselves. Mary and the Holy Spirit are then free to mould these sheep, making them more pleasing to God. The shepherd and his flock are then a pleasing odor before the Father.

18/4/43. Palm Sunday.

“Son give me your heart.” This is the cause of all worries, faults, heart aches, head aches; you have not given up your will entirely. What use are self willed actions in eternity? And what use are they if they make you unhappy but worse than this, they offend the Holy Trinity actually present within your soul. This is the truth for Jesus said that He, together with His Father would abide in anyone who loved Him.

As Blessed 16Grignion de Monfort says, as Fr de Jaigher says, “one you realize this fact, together with the fact that all self willed actions are useless, then the virtue which one must practice, a virtue which embraces all is a loving docility to the God of my heart. It is then really Jesus who is working, you are another Christ.” This is the attitude to have when commencing a work. Now, since you are training for Apostolic work you are now in Nazareth. St Columban’s is Nazareth. Your superiors are Mary and Joseph.

16 Missionary born at Montfort, 31 January, 1673; died 28 April, 1716. Last updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

Your brother-students are other Christ’s potential Missionaries. What a life of love yours should be, then, since it is the life of Jesus himself. This is what Jesus meant when he said; we must hate our own lives. We must reject our human will, or rather, turn it into, make it one with the will of Jesus. Our intellect must be trained so that our knowledge, our thoughts become more in accord with that of Jesus. Otherwise, if you are not prepared to allow God to have you completely, why not do the thing properly. Why give him anything? Why recognize authority. A man in the natural order, we are all equal. Why has anyone authority over you. You see what a terrible crime disobedience to authority, lack ofrespect. Other men have authority over you only because God has given it them. You are not obeying the man- this is absurd why should you? You are obeying God. Where is human respect and vanity now? Away with it. It was penance then that set in motion that whole train of graces about which we have been reading.

Holy Thursday. Rejoice that God is everythingYou should never be sad, it is only self love and I’m afraid you’re full of it. We are stewards in Gods vineyard. Creatures are only given to us for a time- we must make good use of them, for God will require an account of us. Use them sparingly preferring poverty to abundance, for Our Lord was poor. “Use the world as though you used it not.” Remember the spirit of meekness, timidness, love of order.

Pere Lamy “Conscience is inviolable territory. It is a Holy of Hollies we should never violate. We must not enter therein. If I had any influence on children it is because I have respected their conscience.” He said the rosary on every available opportunity. He loved poverty. The devil loves to catch priests on avarice. He prayed often for Anglicans. Our lady was very strict about working on Sunday. Games and sports as they are understood nowadays are a direct attack from Satan on Sunday worship. Respect the devil for he is an archangel, still one of God’s creatures. The more rosaries I say one after the other, the more clearly I see the mysteries. The future never concerned 17Pere Lamy even though he could see much. In material things we must use our common sense and in spiritual things we need common sense too. One should never order one’s life according to visions, be careful of mysticism. The devil stands behind the Mother of God, if you let her pass you by you will find Satan. So few fervent souls.

St Thomas Aquinas is the patron of students, a combination of a brilliant intellect and the highest sanctity. In elevating intellect he humbled it to the very earth, for it is but a creature. What it is capable of knowing is straw compared to the truth. Furthermore, he is the guardian of chastity,

17 Father Pere Lamy, a priest who was born in 1855 and died in 1931

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particularly in priests. Pere Lamy, pride seemed to him not so much a crime, as an absurdity. For the sin of pride there is no excuse. Virtues themselves are only a reflection of God. To rise again with Christ, out of the mire of sensuality, selfishness, pride, which holds fast.

There are several things necessary.

1. To recognize we are in the mire, good and proper.

2. To fear God who is good and pure, to fear to offend Him.

3. To recognize our incapacity, our own inability to escape the mire.

4. To desire earnestly to get out of the mire into the pure air.

5. To recognize Mary’s power, to trust in her and her spouse.

6. Perseverance and constant calling on purity, goodness, and love himself to come and control our being entirely, that we may be lost in Him.

7. A hatred of ones own life and a striving after Jesus Christ.

10/5/43. Today Jesus in the Holy Communion showed me three things. I resolved them in front of the whole court of heaven.

1. He wants of me no matter what difficult circumstances I am placed in, a simple and unwavering faith. Throughout his life on earth he always demanded a great and implicit faith in himself. I resolve never to displease Him by want of trust and confidence. Mary help me.

2. If I am to be true alter Christus. I must have a bulldog attachment to the divine will- the will of my heavenly Father. I must allow my whole life to resolve in and around the divine will, exercising my body, senses, and intellect and will to their fullest capacity in carrying out the will of my most good Father- striving to bring the virtues of Jesus into my every action.

3. Jesus has said that no one can be His disciple unless he loves the cross. I resolve to embrace every difficulty, trusting in Him for strength. I resolve also, in order to be entirely free, to despise all creatures- taking them up and using them only as my heavenly Father wishes- but never to let my immortal soul destined for the beatific vision to rest upon any creature for it’s own sake. Mary purify me.

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2/6/43. Retreat “Thou art troubled about many things only one thing is necessary- charity.

There is only one way, one truth, one life. All else is delusion, sin and death. The mysteries of Christ are not isolated events of history. They are repeated over in the life of every Christian-each being born into a new life, dying to the old natural life. When a soul has attained to the fullness of Jesus Christ on this earth, it has no further need of this life, for it is dead to the world, living a life hidden with Christ in God. If it lives on, it is only to do some work for God, nay to bring others to God.

21/6/43

No sense, pleasure? Trust in God, peace, fidelity to rule. Mary help me.

Corpus Christi College. Entered 1/3/44.

I must entrust my whole theological course to:

My heavenly Father.

To my brother Jesus Christ.

To Mary and her spouse- the Holy Spirit.

To the little flower, patroness of the missions.

To all saints, particularly St Joseph guardian of Jesus and his body, patron of the college. Why did the Saints refuse Holy dignitaries so fiercely?

They did not consider that there were others better able to fill the position. It was not because they wished to shrink labor and responsibility.

Not because they wouldn’t be able to pray. But because they knew that the situation would lay them open to receive many honors etc... the thought of which horrified them. They saw clearly their own nothingness and God’s goodness and that all honour was due to Him alone.

4/3/44

“No one cometh to the Father except through Me.” St Therese and many others say that it is a mistake to try to meditate upon the pure divinity, forgetting the human Jesus. St John of the Cross says we can never afford to forget the Sacred Humanity of our divine Lord. This is the way God has revealed Himself to us and He wants us to come to Him through Jesus. “God alone is God.” Never forget this. Our life here below and in heaven is spent in contemplating God, all good. If we contemplate His angels or saints it is only to draw us nearer to Him. We contemplate them only in so far as they are His friends, creatures upon whom He has bestowed many gifts. “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” hear ye Him. Whenever we teach, we

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preach, don’t talk abstractly. e.g. if you are talking about poverty, humility, charity, show how the Master possessed all these qualities give out what He said about them. He alone has the words of eternal life. People will easily remember virtues when they are shown them in operation in Jesus. This is one reason why God gave us Jesus- to enable our minds to grasp more easily how God wishes us to act, how to put the commandments into action, how to be perfect.

7/3/44

“Learn of me for I am meek and humble of heart.” A great quality of meekness and humility is sympathetic understanding, an essential quality in a follower of Jesus. This quality easily endears a priest to his people. It is a quality never found in a vain or proud man, one rapt up in himself.

St John of God.

Died in 1550 at the age of 55. Became a soldier in 1522. Fought against the Turks. Converted when 40. Crossed from Spain to Africa to help Christians held by the Moors. In 1538 Blessed John of Avila preached at Genada gave John good advice. Went haywire over his sins. Stayed on in prison to help the souls there.

Thus began his work. He had no intention of founding an order, which was founded 20 years later, after his death. Help of the souls in madhouses.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit. Remove obstacles to inspirations e.g. distractions. A scene suggestive of desire to be with our Lord. Our Lord and the disciples on the lake of Galilee, a great haul of fish.

After this they became fishers of men. Fr Power, stereoscopic views of our Lord’s country. You can’t push souls into heaven. Net’s spread, truth is the net. Attracts intellect. Come to give us faith. Act of faith free. Second net is hope. Third net is love, His for us and ours for Him. These three nets are the means we catch man.

Annunciation. In preparation for a retreat. 9/4/44

7bc the angel met our Lady.

Rich man and Lazarus.

The contrast of two characters- eternal destiny. The beggar was pious and must have accepted his suffering in the right spirit. Moses and the prophets means the Bible. Want of faith on part of five brothers, having a good time and not concerned with the supernatural. The devil lures men away from God by love of riches, then they become proud and that is the end, as though riches were anything. The “rich man” in the parable forgot God and never bothered about the supernatural. God

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is a prize to be won, a pearl of great price. We must give up all we posses for this pearl. Hard work essential to possess God. The Bible is intended to play a very important part in our lives. The two last Popes strongly advise reading the Bible.

St Cyril of Jerusalem Died 387

The saints exemplify certain particularly qualities of Jesus. What is the lesson or particular quality of St Joseph? He partook in the great drama of the incarnation.

The importance of family life.

Dignity of life, labor and obedience.

How sanctity can be achieved in little things.

St Josephs life is hidden; his dignity was the headship of the Holy family. Society is built on the family unit. This family is perfect. His was a life of toil and obedience. When God chose a head for his family he didn’t choose a professional man, he chose a man engaged in humble toil. St Joseph witnessed the perfect obedience of Jesus and therefore he brings out the importance of obedience. How important is obedience now days. High sanctity can be achieved in the little things.

St Benedict Died 550

He founded a wide spread movement which brought Christianity to barbarian Europe. The incarnation is the beginning of the Church, of all our faith. The Acts of the Apostles is most important. It is the beginning of orders. Preparing especially for this great feast.

1. “Go ye into the whole world, baptizing all nations.”

2. “Thou art Peter and upon this rock I build the Church.”

3. “This is my body.”

No one, even Mohamed, made such a command as that made just prior to His Ascension. Only God could claim to found a solid institution on a weak man.

Any man could have instituted a memorial of himself, to say eating of bread and wine. But Jesus didn’t mean a memorial of this kind. He made a memorial worthy of himself.

Our Lord died 7 April 30ad, so to this year 1944. Saturday before Palm Sunday of that year. The alabaster jar of anointment. Diner was given and Lazarus a guest, Jesus was there and promised Mary would be remembered wherever the Gospel was preached. And here we are speaking about her. She was probably thanking our Lord. Cor 2.14 St Paul. “We are the odor of Christ.” for God’s sake, we must fill the world with the fragrance of Christ. We are to be the salt, the light of the world. We must be united to Jesus. “That I may taste the fragrance of his dignity.” Blessed Peter Faber said this on retiring to bed.

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Judas objected, it was hypocrisy on his part. Critics of the Church accuse her of lavishing money on churches etc.. We must imitate Mary and give ourselves and our service, all our faculties to Christ.

St Gabriel.

Announces to Zachary and Mary. Gabriel was called to announce the divine plan to Mary. Mary’s whole life was spent in doing God’s will perfectly. General Mc Arthur forms a plan of campaign. It is important that soldiers obey. The angels fell because of disobedience to God’s will. Angel Gabriel obeyed God and submitted to Mary who was to be His Queen by God’s ordination. He made known God’s will to Mary. So does our guardian angel make known God’s will and His good pleasure to us? Do we listen? He also watches over our bodily welfare.

Annunciation. 25 March

Root of Mary’s prerogatives- her motherhood of God. Christ is a creature but he is God also. Our lady is a pure creature. No higher dignity can be bestowed on a mere creature- to give a new nature to God. God prepared Our Lady by marvelous prerogatives. Whatever happened to the next of the race God had decided from all eternity that should be given existence full of grace. Mary, by a special privilege was free from all personal sin. Mary grew in holiness hour by hour. She must have increased the greatest spirit of prayer, faith, hope and charity. Another privilege being a Virgin Mother of our Lord. Think of the life of Christ spent with Mary. It is the Church’s care to honour Mary, especially as it is the work of the priests to defend her. We must encourage devotion to Our Lady.

St John of Capestron

A famous military Chaplin died in 1456. Turks captured Constantinople in 1453, end of the Roman Empire. Passover moon at full. Jesus left the Supper room and made east across the city, below the temple in the NE corner. Go down the slope across the Kidrom and leaves the Apostles there. At the gate he asked Peter, James and John to watch with Him. He hoped for their company, he wanted the comfort of their presence. His human nature shrank from the thought of human suffering. Now a day’s very little attention is given to our Lord. A priest is a man devoted to Christ, closely united to Him. Reflect with gratitude on your vocation. Zeal is needed, keep awake. Pray lest you fail in faith, lest you be disloyal to him. Adoration, thanksgiving, petition, reparation, this is how we please Jesus by praying this in union with him. Jesus came into the world to restore the spirit of adoration for the Father. (Well of Jacob.) Jesus often thanked his Father for his human nature (Eucharistic means thanksgiving.) and the gift showed on his brothers. Prayer of Christ, above all, a prayer of reparation. Christ is always petitioning for us.

We must ask God for help in prayer. “Lord, teach us to pray.”

“Let us go with Him and die with Him.” Note the eagerness of Jesus to enter Jerusalem. Ask Jesus to help us to understand His Passion.

1. God suffers. God took a nature by which he could suffer. I am nothing but he did it for me.

2. Yet Jesus was truly man. We cannot understand how Jesus could suffer when he had the Beatific vision. Yet his was a perfect nature and because of that he suffered more intensely.

3. For me, our Lord suffered because he loves me, atoning for sin.

Feast of Seven Dolours.

No better guide in contemplation of our Lord’s sufferings than our lady. Universality of our lord’s suffering, in his mind and heart, he suffered. His attitude had changed in the garden. His courage, self possession seemed to have left him. He was weighed down. He wanted sympathy and still wants it. Do we make His cause our cause? It is a great grace to be able to be sorrowful with our Lord. Sin is a cause of the suffering of our Lord. Another cause was the thought of the lost souls, despite the fact of his generosity. Could we play the part of the angel for Jesus, to please Him, to comfort Him. We should not forget that he gave his life for us, for me. Mass-Calvary. Go to Calvary and look and learn. St Philip Benizi, the crucifix, his favorite book. Seven last words. A friend of sinners to the last. “I thirst.” for what? Words of Psalm “My God, why hast thou forsaken me” they so fitted his state at the time. “It is consummated” what a life. Born in a stable not his own, buried in a sepulcher not his own. Learn his hatred for sin. To overcome ourselves we need a spirit of self sacrifice.

Nine day novena in honor of Fr Pio

(Mt 28)

1. Assertion of our Lord’s authority, especially after his resurrection.

2. Issues mandate to convert whole world.

3. A retreat is an effort to see oneself, as God sees us. Jesus is to judge me, become his friend and develop a personal devotion to him. Devotion to Sacred Heart is a means of setting souls on fire with the love of God.

3. “I am with you all the days, even to the consummation of the world.” It is by his strength that we will do good.

St Thomas, the doubter.

Why was Thomas not with the others on Easter Sunday? He probably despised the rumors that our Lord was raised. See the trouble our Lord took to convince Thomas of his resurrection. With the grace of God, the Apostles really have converted the world. It is by his strength that we will do good.

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The Church is the guardian of these great truths of our religion. We must preach them, discuss them, write about them in the world. Through our personal intercourse with Christ in the Holy Communion, we are strengthened in our faith. What strength for all the faithful. Recommend people to go fervently to communion. Most implicit act of faith in Christ. “My Lord and my God.” A direct reference to the divinity of Christ.

Solemnity of St Joseph.

Our lady of good counsel. Great saints raised up by God in times of great crisis. St Joseph was to herald Christ and Christianity. The Church is the extension of Christ. St Joseph is the guardian of the Eucharistic presence and mystical body. St Joseph is then a special guardian of priests because he guarded the first priest. [Jn 20] Probably Peter and John in Cenecale, a mile from the sepulcher and Calvary. First mention of Peter since the denial. John arrived first. Peter strode in. Two disciples stood and looked.John held back, Peter was older. A very delicate mark of kindness on the part of John in sympathy for Peter. Perhaps John was afraid to go in. He didn’t want to know the truth, he shrank from it. He concluded that the body wasn’t stolen because the clothes were neatly left. John saw and believed that Christ was risen. John believed on the evidence of his senses, the facts spoke eloquently.

The two facts at the basis of our faith. [Fr Mc Nabb]

1. Evidence of God.

2. Fact of resurrection.

Philosophy and history overthrown, made empty, if we deny these two facts. “Woman, why weepest thou?” A question of sympathy or remonstrance? probably the latter, when she should have known of the resurrection. In her excitement she exclaimed to man. She couldn’t have carried away his body. The life of the Church is to adore the Risen Christ as Magdalen did.

Ascension. Scene of final instruction, [v4 Acts] wait for the Holy Ghost. Chrismata, from the gifts of grace which is beneficial to the individual. Charismata is beneficial to others to others besides instruments of God. e.g.. miraculous signs at the 1st Pentecost. The gifts are given in confirmation, but they must be exercised. Gifts of the Holy Ghost is necessary for the study of theology and scripture. St Thomas goes into question of gifts. 4 gifts of intellect, 3 gifts of will. Our Lord said, “Don’t attempt to preach until you get these gifts, in substance.” Deposit of faith, Sacraments, (Eucharist) and Holy Spirit given by Christ when he left. You can’t spend your time

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looking up to heaven, we must work. The greater the prayer, the greater the work. Relaxation is a part of work. Banish waste of time.

Beatification of St Therese.

Christ’s ambition to “bring fire on earth”-love of God. Until Christ was risen there could be no Christ in the Eucharist. Holy Thursday, Corpus Christi. The purpose of the Eucharist is to enkindle the love of God in souls. Devotion to the Sacred Heart shows the realization of the fact that God want’s love. When praying for Australia this is what we pray for, the love of God may increase in souls. The Eucharist is the chief instilment for making Saints. 1844 foundation by Jesuits of Apostolic prayers.

Fr Ranaiere. - God’s law- all graces given in answer to prayer. Christ is a great model; He shared everything with us, His work responsibility, prayers. Look at the little flower, a life of prayer for others. Mass and the Eucharist most powerful payer to God. Sacred heart of Jesus a great source of consolation, note the promises. A fervent priest is a happy priest.

Recollection Day.

We are the same after the retreat as before substantially. To become a saint is the work of a life time. Plodding along on our own feet, with no spiritual comfort is hard at times. Look over the plans of the last retreat. Did we try to be perfect? Have we always the summit of the mount before us?

The Parable of talents. (Mt 25.)

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0839/__PVY.HTM 1

1 "Then 2 the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

2

3 Five of them were foolish and five were wise.

3 The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them,

4 but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.

Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

At midnight, there was a cry, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'

Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.

The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'

But the wise ones replied, 'No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.'

While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked.

4 Afterwards the other virgins came and said, 'Lord, Lord, open the door for us!'

But he said in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.'

6 "It will be as when a man who was going on a journey 7 called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.

To one he gave five talents; 8 to another, two; to a third, one - to each according to his ability. Then he went away.

16 Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five.

Likewise, the one who received two made another two.

9 But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master's money.

After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them.

The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. 10 He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.'

His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.'

(Then) the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, 'Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.'

His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.'

Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, 'Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter;

so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.'

His master said to him in reply, 'You wicked, lazy servant! 11 So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter?

Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return?

Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten.

12 For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

13 And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.'

14 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne,

and all the nations 15 will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me,

naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.'

Then the righteous 16 will answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?

When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?

When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?'

And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.'

17 Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42

For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,

45

a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.'

18 Then they will answer and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?'

He will answer them, 'Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.' 46

And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

Take stock, learn from failures. God has given me much more than my due, I deserve nothing. Be concerned with developing his gift for His sake. God has a right to expect great things of us. Do I do His will? Must begin meditation by asking for grace. This is essential. The Resurrection took place when the sun was rising. At the sea side at breakfast. Realize first that Jesus is risen. The Apostles found it hard to believe and realize this. He could appear to us now as He did during those 40 days.

updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

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Sorrow was over for Jesus. Here is a happy man, is what the Apostles would think. We should rejoice with Jesus and congratulate him. Think of the suffering he had and then after the resurrection. Forget ourselves for once and congratulate him. Jesus saw the Father who was pleased with him.

Solemnity of St Joseph.

Protector of the Universal Church. Instituted in 1920 by Benedict XV. Communion had just begun to restore family life. The world, Benedict said, was losing grasp of the supernatural, hence bitter conflict between those scrambling for this worlds goods. Hence family life is no longer a Holy thing. Divorce a common thing and disobedience to parents. St Joseph naturally will help to bring families back to God will bring happiness back to families. Similarity between patriarch Joseph and St Joseph. Pharaoh set up Joseph over the people. God our Father gave St Joseph charge of the family. God’s will that Joseph should marry Mary. What were the suitable virtues in Joseph? A willingness to do God’s will. A true superior has to lose himself in his office. Joseph carried out exactly the will of God. He watches over us from heaven, with a fatherly eye. Especially is Joseph needed now as the Church is so persecuted when family life is so flouted. The Church is receding but it will come back. Forget yourself and think of the needs of the whole Church. Will of God and heaven are the two things of importance. Comes to God’s presence with reverence. We should continue in that attitude of reverence and awe, not stiff however.The height of disobedience is to deliberately distract ourselves, to fidget about. Loving attention not strained or fearful. Do your best. Mass is not only a gift of God to us. But our part to offer a gift to God. We offer him His Son and ourselves in union with Him.

Every now and then ask yourself, does He want anything of me? My advance will be measured by how much I give up. The joy of the risen Christ. The only way to become happy is agre contra.. The Apostles after the crucifixion how sad they are? Their hopes had been shattered, the two disciples on the way to Emmaus. Is it right to go through life in a gloomy fashion? Peace be to you. He has fixed his tent among us, our friend and companion. How tender is the love of the savior for the saved. To be really happy, our hearts must be fixed in heaven, we must use creatures only as a means to our supernatural end. Sadness is the companion of distrust and anger. These afflict the Holy Spirit. Every cheerful man does good. Renew the fervor of devotion to Mary Athanasus (d 373) opposed Arianism Born in Alexanria about 297. Mt 14.25 showed his omnipotence. “Truly thou art the Son of God.” this is the foundation of our faith. Meditation shows us always be on or around Christ. To know Him more clearly. To love Him more dearly. To follow Him more nearly. We must come into personal union with Christ by interior prayer. 326 the reign of Constantine the great. On digging foundations

Page 191 of 240 they found the cross the inscription was still on the cross. See Jesus on Calvary. King of supernatural world, only through Jesus can we penetrate to the supernatural. Christ has out grown the pleasures and occupations of this world. Christ’s kingdom is not of this world. Lay up treasures in heaven. Imagine Paul’s feelings when he came to Jerusalem for the first time as a Christian. Jesus was lifted up like the serpent in the desert. We were purchased by the blood of Christ. We have here no lasting city. Jesus, destitute of all on the cross was the richest man on earth, rich with supernatural riches. Humiliations should humble, sweeten us, make us sympathetic.

Patron. St Monica (Lk 7.11-17)

Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son

5 Soon afterward he journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him.

As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her.

When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, "Do not weep."

He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, "Young man, I tell you, arise!"

The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.

Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, "A great prophet has arisen in our midst," and "God has visited his people."

This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.

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Our Lord rises to life. The Son of widow of Nain. Our Lord exercising his divine power. We must show love of parents. How did Jesus, love his Mother? He died and rose for her more than anyone else. Adore the omnipotence of God. Christ is master of the natural and supernatural life. Monica prayed for the restoration of his supernatural life. She died in 397. She asked to remembered at the Altar. All conversions are the result of prayer. Prayers of petitions. Pray constantly for spiritual favors for people.

Fr Wallis-Most important- if your life is one of prayer your life will be successful. Scholar, gentleman, only God and yourself can know whether you are a saint for every priest should be a saint.

Our Lord was about to select the twelve

Mark 3:14 14

He appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) that they might be with him 6 and he might send them forth to preach

He made that they should be with him. Then that he might send his Apostles to preach. To be in all things Christ-like. Mt 14:23. A multitude of cares can engross. “Having dismissed the multitude, He went up onto the mountain, Himself alone to pray.” After work come to pray alone with the master, pray for the grace that may bless your work. Apostolate should be overflowed with interior life.

Preparation for the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Tomorrow the Feast of St John. 1st Church built in 772. Think about John the Apostle the sacred heart of Jesus, the Apostle of love. We can adore the dead body of Christ for it is hypostatically united to Word. We can adore all the members of his body. John reports the discourse of “bread of life” also the discourse of charity after the last supper. John heard beating of his sacred heart. John described the Divine Word. Make it our business to know the Gospel of John. “Love one another.”

This is the test of love of the Sacred Heart. To St John Jesus gave his blessed Mother. John gives to important scenes.

1. Marriage feast of Cana.

2. Calvary. John and Mary. The thought of Mary should be with us always.

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Fr

Proser. The forth Gospel stresses Divinity of Christ.

8 may 60th anniversary of the Little Flower. b1873 Born in 329 died 390 St Gegory Naigenerg.

Men used to travel around university’s to acquire a liberal education. Preparing for the Ascension of our Lord, Acts 1. Mt of Olives. Sadness of the Apostle.

Christ sits at the right hand of the Father. Read Ps 109. A common metaphor of the Jews which implied great honour. Extraordinary elevation of one of the human race. Rejoice and proclaim His glory here on earth. The world doesn’t wish to hear about Christ because it would entail embracing of his law. It implies mortification, control of passions. Must seek God. Self denial means denying corrupt self- we are really doing what the higher self wants. Try to persuade, not force. Assumption of our lady and guarantee of own resurrection. The Eucharist couldn’t be unless Christ had risen. Christ in the Eucharist. H.Q. on the attack of sin.

Blessed John of Avilla. Great spiritual director of many saints. D1569.

10/03/45. For us to accomplish God’s designs for us via our sanctification, we must labor and cheerfully embrace the cross. Firstly – prayer. We must have method in prayer. We must do our part, even though compared to God’s share in the work it is small, nevertheless, God requires this of us. We must exercise our intellects, with a view however to action. Our spiritual reading provides matter for prayer and take care that this is the last thing to go of any of your spiritual duties. If there is a tendency to slide, this duty will go first. Don’t let them be burdensome duties. They are meant to help us to acquire the habit and permanent spirit of prayer – “Pray always.” For prayer and a consciousness of God’s presence is one of the means of Union with Him. Self denial is necessary. We are body and spirit. God is pure Spirit. To achieve union with God is a work of our spirit chiefly and the body must be kept under. This requires self-denial. We should give only that attention to our body which is necessary to keep it healthy. “Let that mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus.” A priest, if he is to be a Homo Dei. Must be a man of prayer and a mortified man. Different stages of prayer. While your work is necessary, in first stages, before the Holy Spirit can act, in the deeper stages the soul can rest completely. God does all the work. Pray to be able to discern spirito; beware quickism. Beware interfering with the work of the Holy Spirit, especially if he invites you to the deeper stages which are but normal development of the Christian life. In all prayer, pray with Mary – she will guard you against delusion. God is Being, Truth itself, Immutable.

“This is the Will of God – your sanctification.”

Every work, every creature, every circumstances, the Father gives you only that you may be helped by these means to achieve greater union with Him. Watch your desires. Are you desiring only what the Father wills and only as a means to union with Him.

There may be creatures you desire for their own sake; root them out. Your only purpose in life, the only reason the Father conserves you at the moment is in order that you may achieve union with Him. Anything done without the view to union with God is purposeless, irrational, time wasted. And time is too short. Mary, help me.

Resolutions for holidays 1943

1. To do the will of My Heavenly Father.

2. To strive to attain greater union with God particularly by prayer in some form and denial of desires which do not tend to draw me nearer to Him.

3. To serve my companions – Jesus was amongst His apostles as a servant.

4. To lean very strongly on the Holy Spirit, the Spouse of Mary, for you are fallen and you cannot=3hope to follow the Way and the Truth without His aid, light and strength. For this purpose I must strive to deepen my knowledge and love of His Holy Spouse Mary.

Fr O’Connell’s advice 12/12/43

If you knew God, there would never be any strain in your bearing, in your recollection in Him, in the company of his children.” There is no happiness like that of the children of God. God wants you to enjoy the holiday and help to make others happy. Pray for a balanced outlook on things; wrong to smile at everything people may say to you. Be careful in your theology. Work quietly – avoid strain or worry, especially if the work is difficult. He remarked that you had been doing odd things during the year and had strained unduly. You were unbalanced. You can see that pride is the root of most of these troubles.

1. Wanting to be singular; thinking you were someone special.

2. Want of strict adherence to the Will of God.

3. Want of child-like confidence, trust, simplicity.

4. And was all this strain, worry and self imposed penance for the love of God. No, it was entirely selfish. God wants our love; He wants us to be His children.

14/12/43. There is a great deal of human respect in you; Most certainly your strained attitude in the company of some friends and students even lay folk, is not for the greater glory of God. Sons of God should be completely at ease, except where sin is present. You fear to make mistakes and be thought a fool or an idiot, by your fellow companions. It is good to make material mistakes occasionally; while they are not sins, they make us realize we are far from being perfect. Sin alone should be feared.

MOTTO 1944

Goal: “Let that mind be in you which is in Christ Jesus.”

Means: “And going down to Nazareth, He was subject to them.”

Mary and Joseph Stimulus: “To whom much is forgiven, he loveth much.”

Duties

of a creature

1. Dependence – acknowledgement of it.

2. Submission – active and passive loving obedience.

3. Purity of Intention – Omnia bene fecit

4. Detachment from all creatures.

5. Adoration, thanksgiving, sorrow, petition.

6. Duties towards other creatures – love.

St Francis De

Sales

18St Philothea. “But let us remember, so to pass our time of recreation that we may never lose sight of the greatest of all concerns, eternity”. St Bernard says; “Think first of thyself, then of others.

If then nothing presses you to go abroad into company, to receive company at home, stay in yourself, and entertain yourself with your own heart, but if company visit you, or any just cause invite you into company, go, in God’s name, and see your neighbour with a benevolent heart and a kindly eye.”

Three kinds of conversation

1. To divert us from serious occupations in which we should not be too engrossed.

2. Conversations of politeness.

3. Conversations with devout persons – about God and holy things. “In all conversations, sincerity, simplicity, meekness and modesty are ever to be preserved.”

18 St. Philothea was born Revoula Venizelos, to a very wealthy family in Athens, Greece in 1522 St. Philothea is the patron saint of Athens, Greece. Last updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

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“Let a moderate cheerfulness be ordinarily predominant in our conversations.” Don’t split up your life into sections, in this sense – that, as a member of the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ, you must always be doing the will of Mary and your heavenly Father, this is the only essential. This must be the principle which actuates all your eternal activities. Faith, Hope and Charity are necessary for the perfect performance of this work of submission and love. Want of love shows that there is something wrong with something in your life. It may be over attachment to some creature e.g. your own good name among men it will be self will or self love of some sort.

Meditation. 1/1/44. Jesu Novis

I consecrated – no rather, it is Jesus who now the slave of Mary – Jesu Novis no longer wishes, he is lost in the Divine Work who now must act in and through Him. But the union is not yet complete. Jesus was every bit a man, manly, humble, meek and strong; there was no human neglect in Him. He spoke the truth. He sought the greater glory of His Father in all simplicity and sincerity. The heavenly Father deigned to say to St Catherine of Siena “No virtue can merit eternal life for you if you serve me in a finite manner, for I the Infinite God wish to be served in an infinite manner and you have nothing approaching the Infinite save the desire and transports of your soul.” “Every religious,” said Our Lord to St Gertrude, is obliged to labor for the correction and sanctification of his brethren. He should advise them of their faults, or acquaint the Superior with them, that they may be remedied. Let no one shirk this positive duty, excusing himself by saying “it is not my place to correct others,” or “I am no better than they are.” Such conduct is like that of Cain whose answer to God’s enquiry about his brother was “Am I my brother’s keeper?” It is I who wary every religious that if, through his negligence or indifference, his brethren perish, I will demand of him an account of these souls, more rigorous, perhaps, in some instances, that of the Superiors themselves; for circumstances may prevent the latter from remarking defects that others, in a different position, see readily.”

Meditation. 5/1/44. Who is God?

An Infinite Unity, in whom there are Three Divine Persons. Whom am I? A finite reflection of God sharing the Divine essence. The Father contemplates His Son; He contemplates Him and me – we in Him and Him in me. He loves His Son and me in the same manner.

What do I do? Lost in the Holy Trinity, I can with the Son, contemplate and love the Father or with the Father, contemplate and love the Son. This is real life, eternal life. In knowing and loving the Father, God the Son, Jesus knows and loves human creatures i.e. In doing His Father’s holy will, he

‘We ought not to be swayed by the authority of the writer, whether he be a great literary light or an insignificant person but by the love of the simple truth.’ Thomas a’ Kempis

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loved men as no other man has ever loved his fellows. He did his Fathers will even till death; at the same time dying for the very men who killed him. Love of men, for Jesus, was the same thing as love of the Father.

Non enim accepistis spiritum servitutis iterum in timore, sed acceptistis spiritum adoptionis filiorum, in qus clamamus, abba pater.

Most of your difficulties come from your not allowing yourself to be guided and inspired by this spirit of love, but listen too often to the other spirit of fear, which paralyses your soul and prevents God’s grace.

“Perfection lies in accomplishing God’s will out of love.” - 19Abbot Marmion

“If you keep the eye of your soul fixed upon God, you will receive many graces” – Marmion

What is this but walking in the presence of God?

“Some souls – often generous ones – at times let themselves be attracted by the mirage of an apparently higher good but which does not enter into God’s views for them – “Live in the actual present” – Marmion says.

Walking in the presence of God our Father – a simple attention to; a look, remembrance, regard, a continual looking at God straight in the face, as a child, and doing everything to please Him. This is knowledge and love of God. No word need be spoken; words only dissipate the silence, disturb the peace and calm of the soul lost in God.

God loves a sincere simple soul with a single eye i.e. turned to Him alone.

Vacation (vacare – to be free from worry and cares) Recreation (to re-create and refresh)

“Come apart into the desert peace and rest with Me awhile.”

This was Our Lord’s idea of a holiday and rest for us.

A desert place – silence, peace, calm His presence.

Sitting before the Blessed Sacrament filts the bill perfectly.

While we, each of us, go apart into a desert place and rest awhile with the Maker, it is His will that we be together (in spirit at least). It would be wrong to cut ourselves completely off, during the holidays from our brothers in Christ. Letters and conversation, fraternal charity is the means of maintaining union.

Jesus has gone. He has ascended into heaven. But as He promised, He sent the Holy Spirit to take His place, the Paraclete, who would abide with us forever.

In a retreat, Jesus calls us apart into a desert place, away from the world and our labor, and His spirit speaks to us in solitude and calm. However, the Apostles no doubt would have chatted among

19

Taking the religious name of Columba, after the great Irish missionary saint of the sixth century, Marmion followed the difficult path of monastic discipline and community life, making his solemn profession on February 10, 1891

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themselves when Our Divine Lord wasn’t speaking to them; or if they were profoundly moved by what the Master told them they would be silent, just pondering upon His words and what they meant. We have the Master within us now; we share His very nature which is divine, besides being human. He is in us and we in Him, as branches joined to the vine.

Substantially, good men, wicked men, talented men, stupid men are the same; their difference is accidental. Union with God is an accidental perfection for which every human has potency. Human respect is a terrible blight. If you allow it to, it will taint your whole life, your best actions. It is cowardice, a fear of our fellow-men; it makes men uncomfortable in one another’s company, can be a cause of embarrassment. It is an impurity, a want of faith. Men act to please one another, God is left out. If we had a single eye, turned towards God alone, what glory to God, what ease to our fellow men, what peace for ourselves would we procure. Timidity, shyness, embarrassment are often human respect, a want of simple attachment to God.

Owing to the fall, our faculties are deficient; our intellect is slow to grasp the truth and often is misled. We are in darkness. Jesus is the light shining in the darkness, but as St John says the darkness did not comprehend it, nor can it, without a special light from God, the faith, by which we see that Jesus is the truth and the Light. As our faith increases we see things as they really are; we feel that we are coming up to the level from which we have fallen; we are being restored in Christ Jesus. We see that Jesus is the Truth but charity is required to perfect faith, to put our faith into operation.

James Norris- Spiritual diaries

12/1/44. Pray earnestly to Mary that you may obtain the grace to feel that you are an exile on this earth;

A fallen creature, redeemed it is true, awaiting always to know the Will of the Father, doing and accepting it as it comes, ready at any moment for the royal thief to come.

8/3/44. Supernatural faith sees things as God sees them i.e. in some measure.

Supernatural charity loves God first as the only good; it loves all creatures in Him and for Him. To love creatures in God is to love them in so far as they resemble the perfections of God, or possess qualities like to the perfections of God – giving these qualities their proper value, neither over estimating nor under estimating them. By faith we share God’s knowledge; By charity we share God’s love.

12/6/44- Guard against boorishness – talking about yourself or imposing yourself on others.

Meditation. Retreat of 3 days – 30/11/44. Feast of St Andrew.

Octave day of St Columban’s feast day. This morning Jesus allowed great desolation to cover my soul. But you make things worse by trying to reason things out.

(10/3/45 – your mind is too tired in this retreat to think deeply)

Realize that our human minds are inadequate to understand the supernatural. We must use our intellect (we do that in theology) but the real benefit comes when we humble our intellects before God – acknowledging our incapacity to grasp these great realities, ask for greater faith, which should lead us to love. Your prayer should be chiefly an act of love based on faith – there will be no undue straining of intellect which gets enough use in study time.

Our prayer will then be peaceful. Remember the knowledge that is gained by our own unaided reason is straw compared with the knowledge God will give us in the next life, nor is it in the same category as the knowledge which springs from love.

Jesus loves even the basest of men. Why do you need reasons for your intellect before you love? Let love overcome all feelings or judgments of the intellect. Resolution for holidays.

To help others as much as possible – to practice charity.

You are made holy simply by the passage of time. What is your degree of union with God at the present moment? This is the test. For in reality we exist in a seemingly continuous present. The past has gone; the future has not yet come. Moral – live in the present; make the present fruitful by great purity of intention and love. Why was Mary not wonderstruck when the Angel appeared to her? How

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could she remain calm, when she was so young? Had she lost that sense of wonder which usually goes with simplicity in children?

It is hard to say, but wonder implies ignorance and Mary’s faith was so great that she would know a great deal about the supernatural. Then too, she was in close union by faith and love with God himself. Why should she be surprised at an angel who is only His instrument? She was so keen on knowing and doing God’s will, that all else seemed insignificant beside it.

Lecture - Fr O’Connell 1/12/44

God fell in love with humanity in Mary and Jesus was born. Now in order to love Jesus we must know Him and we can know Him in two ways.

1. By a minute study of each detail of his life as revealed in the gospels. This first type of knowledge is merely speculative and dry, merely human.

2. But once we have exhausted the human means at our disposal we must humbly admit that we have made only a beginning.

The Holy Spirit, if we approach Him with humility and a desire to know and love the person of Christ will make us know Him in a new way, in a deeper way, even though, to express our new knowledge we use exactly the same words that we used before. This is the reason why the church spotlights the chief events of the Incarnation-redemption scheme viz. that we may know and love Christ more, with the Aid of the Holy Spirit. This love is a practical, not an emotional love. It affects our whole attitude to life. It leads us to desire to surrender ourselves completely to Christ; and if we are to give birth to Christ in souls He will need to possess us completely, so that unhindered he may operate in and through us. We should ask the Holy Spirit to give us such a love of Christ that we may desire with St Paul that “Christ should live in me.” “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, and wife and children, and brothers and sisters, yes and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. And he who does not carry his cross and follow me, cannot be my disciple.”

To be a disciple of Jesus means to be possessed by Jesus and that the disciple should rejoice in this possession by his Master. If he knows and values His Master, Lord whose slave he should be, he will see with true wisdom the relation of all other things, even his own life, to His beloved Master and he will be ready to sacrifice all to obey his Master. He should never seriously strive after anything but greater union with His Master, for he will count all else as dung. If he takes up any work it will only be in union with Jesus for the glory of the Father.

20Bossuet “How the essence of Mary’s character, as thus displayed, is her modesty and self restraint.

She never thinks of showing herself, though doubtless beautiful; or of decking herself, though young; or of exalting herself, though noble; or of enriching herself, though poor.”

Mary’s beauty was veiled even from herself because she realized her own nothingness. In the depths of her own nothingness she saw only the might and the greatness of God. This was the secret of her modesty – her mind was so absorbed in the still profundity of God.

Remember that in your theological course you are studying supernatural realities which are above the grasp of reason to a great extent.

You

study for several reasons.

1. To show that the truths of faith are not contradictory to reason.

2. These mysteries must be explained in human language.

3. To deepen our own faith.

The more important work is the work of a practical love built on faith. This is a supernatural work and is accomplished in us by the Holy Spirit. This work is our grafting onto Christ, loving Him so that He possesses us entirely; so that we are his instruments and live not we but Christ liveth in us. Another resolution: not to forget the motto and “agere contra” I resolve to do some things in the holidays which are hard on nature, just because they are hard. They will keep the spirit strong.Come off retreat, keeping in mind that you are a branch of Jesus who is the vine. You are relying on His strength to live well from moment to moment.

Retreat ended morning 2/12/44

The paradox of life is that while we must perform our human actions as well as possible, we must nevertheless hate our natural life and despise it; our Master has commanded it if we are to be disciples. He wishes us to be absolutely detached from this world, knowing that our real life begins only after death.

Let us pray.. Mary, my Mother, help me to use sport, food, sleep, laying in the sun, recreation as means to an end; help me neither to abuse them nor to become attached to them.

20 Jacques-Benigne Bossuet. A celebrated French bishop and pulpit orator, born at Dijon, 27 September, 1627, died at Paris, 12 April, 1704.

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2/12/44 I resolve from these holidays not to go to pictures unless charity requires it, in reparation to the sacred heart of Jesus for the abuses of the films.

I resolve not to indulge in morose, sad or discouraging thoughts when I make a mistake or commit a fault; but rather with an aspiration to carry on cheerfully.

Half your actions are devoid of purity of intention because your mind is not single i.e. fixed on this object, here and now for the greater glory of God.

You have this holiday to try to overcome your pride by submission to all circumstances meekly, your vanity by singleness of mind, your selfishness and desire for self gratification by thoughtfulness for others. Mary, help me, for it is very hard.

I resolve to keep a diary of this holiday for the glory of God and pleasure of one of the students.

Fr Doyle – “As a rule do not make any penance a great burden – it is better to discontinue it if it becomes such – not do anything excessive or continued very long.”

“May I suggest something that you certainly know already – and that is that when that kind of incapacity for prayer comes on, you are not meant to pray. Sit still and say “Now Lord, I can do nothing you must do it all.” Don’t struggle with anxiety and distractions.

Fr R.H. Benson-“Human relationships in the religious life are entirely different to human relations in the world – they are thinner and purer and finer – like a higher atmosphere; they must be kept free from any feverish heat of abstractions or repulsion.”

11/2/45 Personal family matters of Fr Jim

Gerard informed me that he wished to go to Wellington for a holiday with Betty. Betty is disposed towards the faith and should be received in a few weeks. Gerard is 19, Betty 15.

I spoke to Fr Wardle who said that in matters like these we have to face facts. What was not done years ago is done now and we have to look to the individuals themselves to see whether certain circumstances constitute a proximate occasion of sin. In Gerard’s and Betty’s case Father didn’t think there even a remote occasion of sin. Dad sees things differently. Father suggests that I have a yarn with him about it, Dad, one of the old school, will be mildly shocked I fear and will be inclined to judge Gerard according to his standard of morality. But as Father said, we shouldn’t do this, for what would be immoral for one, wouldn’t be for another.

8/9/47

Fr. James Norris- Spiritual diaries

Gerard and Betty quarreled and parted later.

Betty now married about 9 months.

Father told me I should be careful to avoid discussing religion with the boys, especially with non Catholics. Then he said how the letters of bishops or priests were always very guarded. The students of Mill Hill were always forbidden to express any pious sentiments in their letters. More good is done by knee work rather than by pen or the spoken word. The Children of Mary Club for the services was doing much silent good work of which it was not aware. But Father knew the good it did. One non Catholic said it was the only club he had been to where religion was not even mentioned.

What was it that distinguished the charity of Christ from the natural kindness of the pagan?

9/3/45

1. Its motive – to please His Father.

2. Its universality – all men.

3. Its intensity – from the bottom of His heart, He loved men and died for them.

A wonderful motive for action, especially in Lent viz. to console the agonizing Christ in the Garden. He foresaw you and all your actions. Was he comforted?

Retreat

10/3/45 Fr Corr O.M.I.

Prayer – is a priest’s life.

I resolve to try and never lose the sense of God’s presence – using ejaculatory prayers, praying for dying souls in Purgatory, Pope, conversion of Russia and heathens.

It was revealed to St Teresa of Avila that she saved as many souls by her prayers as St Francis Xavier who converted about 1,000,000.

Try to cultivate a spirit of prayerful silence everywhere – it will necessitate curbing sensual curiosity.

I resolve to study the breviary in order to obtain a greater appreciation of its prayers – reading a commentary on the psalms.

I resolve to say the Divine office always in chapel unless absolutely unavoidable.

I resolve to say the vocal prayers with more attention and fervor through Our Lady, affixing some intention.

Tepidity: “But because thou are neither hot nor cold I will begin to vomit thee out of my mouth.”

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The lukewarm religious is one who compromises God on the one hand and the world, flesh, and denial on the other. Instead of advancing in the love of God, imperceptibly he recedes. He loses interest in his spiritual exercises, does these out of routine, and is fettered by human respect and drawn by things appealing to the senses. He is afraid to make sacrifices, to mortify and self deny himself for the love of God. Anything which disturbs his bodily comfort he shuns.

The kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence and the violent bear it away. Now the will of God for you in the holidays was relaxation, pleasing yourself in legitimate sense pleasures, in fact pandering to the flesh, without sin. By doing so you have regained bodily strength, but now that the holidays are over God wants you to begin again to advance in His love by a more constant prayerful silence – by more rigorous mortification of the flesh and spirit for his sake. Holidays and big feast days are days on which you can relax your mortification. But remember prayer and self sacrifice are only the necessary means to advance in the love of God.

I resolve during the school year to wear the brim of my hat turned up and when, please God, I receive the collar, to wear it always turned up. You were too weak.

If you are not advancing in the love of God you are receding.

I resolve to make a meditation on the retreat days of each month upon these retreat notes.

I resolve you use every available minute in study a reading that will help me to be a good apostle of Our Lord.

1. Breviary and Psalms

2. Catholic action and Co-ops

3. Lives of saints.

The three things that the Little Flower did for God.

1. Her humility – she was always a child, God’s child

2. Her confidence

3. Her love.

The remedy against tepidity - fervor in all your actions, particularly your prayers – doing everything as well as possible for God’s sake.

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Fr Plus – “Meditation on the historic Christ is the best means of understanding the mystic Christ i.e. the ascended Christ in whom we are grafted as branches upon a vine.

“We have not got to copy Jesus Christ in order to reproduce Jesus Christ; we have to copy Him in order to be able to continue Him.”

The central idea of our whole religion – Christ the mediator.

13/3/45. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole strength and with thy whole mind and thy neighbours as thyself.” – “Do this and thou shall live – (Lk 10 :27)

“Judge not and thou shall not be judged.”

“With what measure you mete out to others it shall be meted out to you.”

“Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you.”

“Love one another as have loved you.”

“Forgive seventy times seven times.”

“Learn of Me for I am meek and humble of heart.”

Ask Mary and the Little Flower to help you to continue living in Jesus – to continue His pure charity that makes no distinction, that neither thinks nor speaks ill of anyone that loves purely for God’s sake, that bears and endures all things.

13/3/45

I resolve to cut my food down by a third, especially cutting out sweets, using sparingly butter, bacon, cream, potatoes, carrots, turnips, beet, sugar and pastry using more freely brown bread, oatmeal, fruit, beans, peas, cabbage, lettuce, onions and lean meats.

Fr Lockingham SJ – the chief cause of constipation, he says, is over-indulgence in food and lack of physical exercise. He says we all eat at least a third too much.

St Ignatius (read his 8 rules at the end of document)

Food is a creature to be used to help us to know, love and serve God. He advises us to systematically cut down until we arrive at the amount with which we work best.

Fr. James Norris-

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Father Plus – “In Christ Jesus.”

“Charity proceeds from Father to Son and from both to the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost communicates it to souls (Rom 5.5.) This charity communicated to souls incorporates us with Jesus Christ (Eph 3:6), makes us members of Christ (I Cor. 12:27), makes participators of the being of Christ. Jesus in His turn, whose brethren we are, leads us to His Father, and thus charity, which went out from God, returns to God in passing through us By Him.” Here, then is the circuit – from the Father to the Son; from the Father and Son to the Holy Ghost; from the Holy Ghost by Jesus to our souls: this is the descent. The ascent is from our souls by the Holy Ghost to Christ; from Christ to the Father.”

We see then the great purpose and end of devotion to Our Lady as advocated by St Grignion. He is the spouse of the Holy Spirit and will obtain the Holy Spirit for us, the Holy Spirit who will fashion us in Christ; make us more like Him and help us to continue His life on earth. As the soul animates all parts of the body so should the Holy Ghost animate us who are members of Christ’s Mystical Body.

Fr Corr - Only truly interior men, men who walk with God, do good with souls.

St John Vianny converted men by his appearance; God poured His graces through the Lord. Don’t waste time in useless reading, prolonged conversations. Often make your meditations upon the four last things, death, judgment, heaven, hell; upon the passion of Our Lord, upon the virtues. About ½ hour of spiritual reading every day, especially of bible, asking the Holy Spirit for light upon its truths.

Our Lord said He would send the Paraclete who would teach us all truth. “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened onto you.” Jesus even stands at the door himself and asks for entrance into our hearts. “Behold I stand at the door and knock.”

Let us produce works of charity, the Holy Spirit works in us, but we must co-operate, else His advances are in vain – His gifts are ignored. The worst means of ignoring the Holy Spirit is not even to be listening i.e. by not being recollected, by being distracted by trivialities. See how the Little Flower became a saint; she didn’t do great eternal things with the Holy Spirit she performed miracles of love. She reached heights of love we busy-bodies have never dreamt of. “But how shall I show my love since love proves itself by deeds? Last updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

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I the little one will strew flowers, perfuming the throne of God with their fragrance. I will sing love’s canticle in silvery tones.

Thus will my short life be spent in Thy sight, Oh my Beloved! These flowers with each word and look each little daily sacrifice.

I wish to make profit out of the smallest actions and do them all for Thee. For Thy sake I wish to suffer and to rejoice. Not one flower that I see but singing all the while I will scatter its petals before Thee. Should my roses be gathered from amid thorns, I will sing notwithstanding, and the longer and sharper the thorns the sweeter and more melodious will be my song. One practical effect of the retreat is, thank God, not only to make you more clearly understand your purpose in life, but to you more in the Holy Spirit. When you come off retreat don’t disturb this interior retreat with the Holy Spirit who is your Guest and wishes to accomplish great things in you i.e. to purify you from every love which is in Christ Jesus who loved His Father above all things.

Catherine Laboure Nun of French Sisters of Charity – Paris, Great graces would be given to those who asked Our Lady for them, especially to those who wore miraculous medal.

Read more about this medal. Ask Our Lady very fervently to help you to be truly humble and charitable. She is your mother and loves you more than your natural mother does.

See how the Little Flower didn’t split her day up into duties for God and then the rest of the day for myself. “I want to give to Jesus – all. Everything shall be for Him.”

“From my childhood I have never refused the good God anything.”

She even offered herself as a victim of love in reparation for the neglect of men in loving God.

“Holiness is the highest of high adventures, the grandest achievement in the world and the most desirable.”

– A.H. Dolan

In no great undertaking can we hope to achieve any measure of success unless we depend entirely upon God. The measure of our humility is really the measure of our exaltation or success. Remember to invoke the Little Flower in your retreats and missions later on, please God, as a priest. She had by Divine Providence a wonderful influence over souls.

Amidst the crowd of our physical duties we must not forget that spiritual values are continually to be watched i.e. by means of these physical activities we should strive with the aid of the Holy Spirit to advance in prudence, temperance, humility, patience, charity, zeal and the rest. And it is only by embracing the cross that we will advance in these. e.g. by embracing contradiction, slights etc. We

‘We

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advance in humility. By putting up with defects of others we advance in patience and charity. Our sorrow for sin should be abiding, not a mere passing thing.

We should always look for opportunities of reparation. God does not ask the martyrdom of the body but He is pleased with the martyrdom of the heart and will. We please him when, in reparation for sin, we accept all the little crosses of our lives. In preparing for confession remember we are confessing to God – we should spend a certain time in arousing contrition and expressing sorrow to God for our offences.

God has not created, redeemed and sanctified me and then abandoned me – no, at this moment, he loves me with such a love which if I saw it, I would be consumed in it, drawn irresistibly towards Him and no longer capable of offending Him or of loving anything else but in Him – what a stimulus to my confidence and charity, what a humiliation for I have been so undeserving of God’s love.

“It is a holy and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins.” I have offered to Mary all my good works, mortifications etc. to Mary – you know how best to apply them, O sweet Mother. Mortify your senses so that your mind may be free to fix itself on God –

Father Corr thinks the pictures a bad form of relaxation.

At least, if they do no other harm, they interrupt the union which the soul has with God.

I resolve to ask as many newly ordained priests as possible to say Masses for the holy souls in Purgatory and for my relatives who have strayed from the faith. Also to offer every day to Our Lady my spiritual reading with the intention of helping the holy souls in Purgatory. The souls in Purgatory are tortured by anguish of soul at being held back from God.

It is a pledge of our confidence in our Mother to wear the Brown scapular and the miraculous Medal. In every retreat you are inclined to strain, become a little unnatural and force yourself. In future retreats remember that God in His goodness is giving you an opportunity of rest aside with Him to quickly learn to know Him a little better, to love Him a little more and to become a little more recollected in Him. You should approach or enter the retreat with humility and confidence.

Humility – recognizing the truth that you are nothing and that the favors God is about to bestow on you are not due to you.

Confidence – placing yourself entirely in His hands, allowing Himself to be with you as He wills since by right you belong solely to Him.

Repeat over and over again. I must love my Father with my whole heart, my whole soul, with all my strength and with all my mind and my neighbor as myself for His sake.

HUMILITY. “God resisteth the proud and giveth His grace to the humble.”

“He hath regarded the humility of His handmaid.”

“He that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

“Remember man that thou art but dust and unto dust thou shalt return.”

God will send you trials and humiliations in order to draw you nearer to Himself. Humiliations help us to see our own nothingness and so lead us to place greater confidence in God and to rely more upon Him. He allows these trials to befall us. Life is like going up a hill covered with boulders. These boulders are obstacles but they make the goal worth attaining. They teach us to place less confidence in ourselves. The psalms were composed by those who new the ways of God with men, they knew all the mystical states. They should be made part of your life.

I resolve to spend ¼ hour a day translating them and reading a commentary upon them.

“Roses fall where rivers meet” Fr A.H. Dolan

“The true life of man is neither outside himself with phantoms, nor inside himself with self, but inside Himself with God.” “Do not pin your happiness to dead leaves, which any breeze will blow away.”

O God, grant that creatures may no longer mean anything to me, not me to them. Sweet Jesus, may You be my all in all.

16/3/45. Your greatest sin has been a great neglect of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Instead of this being the centre of your life, He was just a part, and was fitted into your life just as much say as tennis or eating. If you touch a creature, use a creature it should only be for the sake of Jesus. To love Him and to make others love Him is your vocation – all other things are only helps to help you to attain this end better.

Your love for Jesus should be like that of the Little Flower:

1. Transforming – making you like to Him

2. Imitative

3. Generous – nothing too much for Him.

4. Delicate – seeking to please Him in the smallest details

5. Insatiable – ever seeking fresh means of pleasing Him.

“By humility and confidence to obtain a greater love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, using all other creatures as means to this end.”

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Have you noticed that when you peacefully serve Jesus, quietly keeping near Him as a simple child, your health keeps good. When you strain, become agitated and flounder about, you get headaches, constipation. Why not be a child? “Suffer little children to come onto me”.

Fr Mc Glynn – last lecture of retreat. 16/3/45

Pleased to be back with us – no opposition among students in NZ in any game. Loved NZ. Be good priests – be good priests. As you are as a student so you will be as a priest. High ideals always.

Fidelity to spiritual duties through thick and thin. Devil will tempt you with doubts about your vocation. Father said he often spent a day of thanksgiving to God for everything He had given him. Vocation – peace and contentment compared with worries of people in world. Saving of soul’s is great work. Pray for vocations throughout world. He was there if we wanted anything at any time.

Don’t hesitate to see him. Be good priests. Help one another by good example and consideration and kindness towards one another in little things. It is the small things that make life.

18/3/45. You have too great a consideration for others in a negative sense.

i.e. instead of being the consideration of love; it is a consideration often of jealousy, criticism, vanity, fear, human respect. These faults hinder greatly the working of the Holy Spirit who desires to develop your soul to the fullness of love, joy, peace, patience etc.

Your spirit is cramped instead of being allowed to blossom into lovely virtues.

The root of all this rubbish is pride. Look at the simplicity and humility of the Little Flower. Learn from her, get to know her spirit thoroughly, as also that of Our Lady and St Joseph. Remember that the Holy Spirit loves a peaceful recollected soul.

23/3/45. Last Wednesday night you made a speech at the theologian’s literary meeting.

The criticism was:

1. Matter uninteresting

2. No Life, no vigor in delivery.

There and then I made a resolution to use my talents to the full, for the glory of the most Holy Trinity, irrespective of what people may say or think about me. I was nervous, nervous because of inordinate self love and self consideration instead of doing what I had to do with all my strength. I feel that Mary on this her feast of the Seven Dolours has obtained for me the strength to overcome this awkwardness in public.

6/4/45. Why you are so anxious that time should pass?

Are you coming nearer to God i.e. Do you think of Him more, do your duties more fervently for Him, do you love Him more? Time is wasted if you do not come nearer to God. Remember that material things, even your body will corrupt and change in time. Keep spiritual values high, have your spiritual ideals ever before your mind rather than material ideals such as improvement in tennis, cornet etc. knowledge and love are the two things we must advance in spiritually; if we concentrate on love, the two must go hand in hand, knowledge will take care of itself, it will follow strive after freedom, expansion and development of your spirit; make it broad in the prayer of Jesus, who always gazed with a simple loving look upon His Father. His was a great spirit, not cramped by petty material things such as books, clocks, tennis, sport etc. Books are only to achieve knowledge; knowledge it is that widens the spirit; time is a succession of opportunities to do things for the Father, not to be engaging our spirit whole-heartedly in some trifle i.e. we must use time and creatures, a system in work etc. but these must not cramp the spirit or stop it in its progress towards God; if they do they cease to serve their purpose.

A great spirit is not content with surface impressions – it sees things in their proper perspective, it gives all things their true value.

Remember your promise to Fr Anacletus to remember him in your Masses and particularly at the altar if God wills to give that dignity.

11/4/45.You have shown a remarkable want of sympathetic understanding for others.

e.g. your rector is Irish, has Irish traditions and tries to inculcate them, you make no allowance for his point of view. So mix with certain students; you just fail to see their point of view.

Realize that God has made us all differently; glorify Him in that difference. It is pride to wish everyone to be the same as yourself, and to expect everyone to fall in with your way of doing things.

Read Book on St Joseph by Fr Chandlerey. Autobiography of St Teresa.

13/4/45. In becoming excessively concerned about the spirit existing in St Columban, the mistakes of Superiors (if they really are mistakes) you have disturbed your peace of soul.

You have shown a want of simplicity and humble submission to God in all circumstances, possibly a want of piety and respect for the rector. Remember Our Lord prefers a humble obedience and submission even to unsympathetic Superiors, to a spirit of freedom and independence which savors of pride and the spirit of the world.

If you are to win souls it is necessary to cultivate now the virtues that will attract them. Primarily you should possess a great love for them and the other things will follow e.g. interest in their affairs, in their well-being etc. Conscience is the practical intellect considering moral problems i.e. it makes judgments about actions in the concrete, ascertaining whether they are in accord with God’s law or not. In your general examination of conscience you consider what actions were not in accord with God’s law; remember however that your sins are offensive to God; don’t consider them so much as contrary to your nature, but as contrary to God’s good pleasure. Apologize to Him. Consider how you will repair these offences.

In your particular examine, you watch one practical, concrete thing – whether it be a virtue to be cultivated or a vice to be crushed. Never forget that the Most Holy Trinity is within you and your neighbor, at least in the Seminary.

21“The Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost.” Bernard Kelly Note P. 106 – Excellent.

The gift of fear is the child’s fear of being separated from its Father, all good. It is a fear that leads us to treasure our freedom and use it only to attain what we really will. The fear of creatures, the fear of pain enslaves. They force the will to bend itself to their dictates and thereby it ceases to be master of itself.- Read, Read, Read, P. 106

21 The result was The Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost The Reverend Bernard Joseph Kelly, C.S.Sp (Sheed, 1942).

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27/4/45. 22St Peter Canisius fathered and really began the spread of the Catholic press.

He did all he could to promote it by writing and spreading books. He had a great devotion to the Sacred Heart, remember the promises to Sr Margaret Mary. Get a copy of them. Whenever he had too much work to do, he prayed and got the strength to do it all.

As a priest your preaching and your writing should play an important part in your apostolate. See how keen the apostles of falsehood are in the spreading of their missions of darkness. Books are means to an end; look upon them chiefly as means of providing food for your mind. Chew the ideas well and your mind will remain healthy and active; you will build up a store of food which you can impart later in your sermons. Now is the time to store up for soon you are to go out into the world. Your years in the seminary will have been wasted if you’ve nothing to give. And give only what have digested yourself. Otherwise your sermon will be lifeless and unconvincing. You should feel that you are giving part of yourself to your congregation when you preach. When some misfortune or humiliation befalls you, don’t allow your nature to shrink away with faint-heartedness. Banish all self-pity and self love and go ahead manfully in God’s name. It is part of your very nature to fail, materially at least, sometimes. On the other hand don’t let pride or a desire to regain esteem, be your motive in carrying on.

7/5Fr Plus – “Meditation on the historic Christ is the best means of understanding the mystic Christ i.e. the ascended Christ in whom we are grafted as branches upon a vine........................................205 The central idea of our whole religion – Christ the mediator............................................................205

45. All your failures spring form the fact that your life is not wholly for God and your neighbors.

Your selfish desires are the causes of your sins. Mary, help me please to break forever with my selfish nature; help me to give myself in all things for the service of God and men.

Recollection Sunday. 13/4/45 Fr Johnstone.

A priest’s vocation is pre-eminently to be a man of God, one who must be well versed in the things of God. In order to become a man of God he must strive in all things to accomplish His will, secondly he must strive after interior union with God by prayer. I resolve at the beginning of all the fixed periods for prayer to ask Mary to help me to accomplish the primary purpose of prayer viz. to give glory to God. I must forget self – I must exist only for God, only with reference to God. In order to pray well one must forget self, both at the time of prayer and outside prayer. Your mind and heart should quietly be rooted in God. To ask God for graces for

22

? Born at Nimwegen in the Netherlands, 8 May, 1521; died in Fribourg, 21 November, 1597.

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yourself is really to increase this glory – to ask him to make you more spiritual, contributes to His glory. To be a man of prayer (i.e. one who thinks of God and His interests rather than of oneself or the world) means a life of continual self abnegation. It means control over our lower natures. N.B. 8/9/47 (You considered yourself too much)

Try and cultivate a broad outlook on life. Don’t consider too minutely the details of your life. If you do, the tendency is to exaggerate failings, difficulties, circumstances; in fact you exaggerate your own affairs and your own importance. Look at God and you will see your nothingness and find your rest and peace in Him. All-Being. Look simply to God as your loving Father and do his will peacefully and lovingly.

Strain is not part of God’s will for you. It is caused chiefly by too much attention to the daily round of duties – you become lost in them, forgetting the great principles of our existence. In other words you can’t grasp the beauty of the wood and be thrilled with joy at the sight because of the trees. Another cause of strain is depression at your shortcomings, which of course shows pride and self love, want of complete abandonment of your whole being, failings included, to God.

Remember, too, that faith, hope and charity are the big things, and they lead us directly to God even though perhaps we are deficient in the moral virtues which however do not lead us directly to God but are concerned with our human actions and passions.

Remedies.

1. A certain relaxation should characterize all your works. The greatest instrumentalists are always relaxed even when playing the most difficult works.

2. Age quod agis - simply and easily.

3. Leave the future to God and take things as they come.

“Science

and Human Values” Lecture – Denys Jackson

23/5/45

Men are using the discoveries of science to wipe one another out with greater efficiency. Since we cannot stop war we control scientific research. This would be blasphemous to modern progressive but it is essential if the human race is to be sane, normal and healthy. The will to power (swellheadedness) is at the root of war and the desire for new discoveries in science. New inventions are constantly upsetting the social order, putting men out of work. Evils of Industrialization which is the outcome of scientific research which has been given unlimited free play.

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Big cities – congested areas – slums.

Feverish activity, noise, unhealthy atmosphere – all causing a great strain on the body and soul, the nerves. Over-emphasis on the material side of life, over-emphasis on the purely human. Amid the increase of material luxury, God is forgotten, religion suffers, and spiritual values thrust aside. Too much comfort, ease, pleasure. Artificial strength given by gymnasium, regular food etc. For man to develop more fully a return to a more primitive life essential, a life closer to nature. Family life is destroyed. Desire for high material standard of living, for comfort and ease, incompatible with desire for many children. When children grow up they are allured away from home by attractions afforded by modern invention. There is no loneliness like the loneliness of a crowd. Real human associations can only be had in a small community, say a village. One’s individual personality is swamped in a city.

Art suffers, for since spiritual values have been thrust under, the true idea of real art and beauty disappears. Modern art as a consequence is sinister, confused, repulsive because it reflects the monstrosity which our human nature has become, distorted by Industrialization. Industrialization doesn’t create a beauty loving or beauty creating society. It unfits him for the acquiring of any real benefit from his leisure hours. It makes him either nervously feverish or slothful. In practice, if there is not beauty in working life, there will be no beauty in leisure hours. Culture is not something to be put on only in leisure hours after we have spent the rest of the day striving after all the modern cons.

In ancient times and in the middle ages men in their everyday life and work strove to express the beautiful. Arts and crafts were not segregated as they are now. Of course, then, men took their time, and religion played a large part in their lives, it motivated them in middle ages to build beautiful churches, paint beautiful pictures etc. Then, men were more balanced in their attitude towards themselves and others. They realized better than we do their powers and limitations and their place among their fellowmen.

What has Industrialization done? The Industrialist is not concerned with producing something beautiful; he must standardize and is bent on an efficient article that will satisfy the average man.

The factory worker is not engaged in a craft but is a mere adjunct to the machine which produces the article. Speed and efficiency are the catch words. There is nothing inspiring in the life of a factory worker that would be capable of leading his mind to God. Moreover men are unbalanced in their attitude towards themselves and others. Factory life is not calculated to draw out a man’s talents and good qualities. He loses heart and gets the under-dog outlook. He looks upon the magnate as lord of all and a great man. He underestimates his own significance in God’s scheme of things and

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overestimates the significance of the man in the back room with all the power and wealth. The reverse happens in the case of the man in the back room. Art museums only emphasize the discrepancy between life and beauty. Culture should be a fundamental attitude of every working man viz, to develop himself and God’s gifts for the greater glory of God. This is why God gave us a human nature. Beauty should flower from this culture. The only beauty we achieve nowadays is the streamlines of a Chev or a modern Bank. The remedy being applied nowadays is to try and introduce art, beauty and culture into a man’s leisure hours. This will help for those who have more than average energy. But Industrialization for the average is too unnerving and tiring to leave them any energy or interest for such things as art etc.

It makes men avoid real issues, it distracts them from vital questions e.g. our newspapers face to facts and suggest solutions. They might offend a great part of their reading public. So they create false issues which only distract and clutter up the mind with rubbish.

Why did Our Lord institute the Eucharist? Fr Power: Feast of Corpus Christi.

31/5/45

1. In memory of Himself.

1) Of the Incarnation by which God assumed a human nature which we could see, hear, and so come to know God better.

2) Of his Death which He endured to free us from slavery. To restore our rights as sons of God, to open the way to the possession of God’s heaven.

1. Of His Resurrection – that He is the first born into heaven of many Brethren.

2. That He might make us holy.

He has placed in us at Baptism supernatural potencies which He Himself acknowledges in a wonderful and mysterious way in Holy Communion. But the degree of success of an artist depends largely upon the nature of the material which he is molding. We must be pliable in the hands of the Shaper of Souls.

3. That He might make us Apostles i.e. ministers channels of holiness to others.

4. That He might fit us for life in Heaven, which life is one of intense activity; a life where we go increasing in perfection, although of course we cannot exist.

Fr Power. 9/6/45. The difference between a good speaker and a poor one – the former gets up because he has something to say, the latter because he has to say something.

Advice- University about public speaking – “Stand up, speak up, shut up.”

The priest must spread Apostleship of prayer, preaching and the press. Fr Power showed us a pamphlet of the Methodists who were encouraging reading of New Testament. It had reached the 9,000,000th edition. Fr Power remarked “Well, if they could print 9,000,000 (pause) they must have made a lot of money.” The boys roared.

Retreat 10/6/45 Fr Johnstone. You can waste a good deal of time in vain learning – in curiously reading many books about things which don’t really matter and in arguing about abstruse problems of philosophy and theology.

This is both a distraction and a waste of time for you anyway.

You’ve got to learn how to serve the Master better, how to become a more devoted slave of Mary, how to perfect your prayers. Your prayers lately have been fruitless as a result of pride. You are concerned with your own perfection, forgetting that your perfection is to be found in praising and glorifying, thanking and adoring God. To do this well, both humility and self denial are necessary. Humility is the realization that whatever is of good in you comes from God alone and He alone should receive due praise. You should exist only with reference to Him; you should make Him the centre of everything, not yourself. Self-denial is that virtue by which we can use creatures in so far as they bring us nearer to God and reject them in so far as they draw us away from Him or in so far as they do not help us to come nearer to Him. Depend upon creatures as little as possible, so that you can draw nearer to God. Our Lord takes a poor view of passing emotional enthusiasm.

“Not every one who says “Lord, Lord” shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven, but he who doth the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

“Yea, rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it”

“He who doth the will of my Father, he is my mother and my brother and my sister.”

Our Lord wants our wills.

Meditation. 24/6/45. Feast of St John the Baptist

God has enabled you to receive His public revelation in full, through the Scriptures, through the doctrine of the Church. He doesn’t speak in vain; He expects you to live that revelation to the full. Are you doing so?

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Love seeks always to please its beloved; love makes like, love desires always the company of its beloved. If this is so, love is primarily a matter of the will. God has been giving me new light on the Incarnation, His words, the Church and her teaching. All these are but means, necessary of course, to increase the union between man and God. He took our nature that He might restore friendship, love and affection between God and men. So I must use all these means for that end only viz. to love God more, to come nearer to Him. How stupid is pride which makes the creature forget his entire dependence on God. Since pride tends to divorce the creature from God it is necessarily opposed to that realization of God’s nearness and love. A truly humble man knows that God must always be close to him; therefore he is drawn to love Him.

Fr Power. 23Pope Leo XIII in his encyclical on the rosary pointed out three things about which the world erred and which Christ came to correct.

1. Obedience: The obedience of worldly people is an obedience of fear or slavery. It is unwilling obedience to human authorities.

In the Joyful mysteries of the rosary, we see the Holy Family practicing supernatural obedience. When they obeyed lawful human authorities, they obeyed God.

2. Suffering: The world looks upon it as an evil and as something to be shunned. In the sorrowful mysteries we see the Innocent Christ consummating the work of redemption by acute suffering. He wants us to take up our cross and follow Him.

3. Life after death: The world thinks death is the end of everything. Although Christ was buried, in the glorious mysteries He impresses upon us the reality of life after death. In times of trial we should keep before our minds “Did it not (P. 119) become His to suffer and so to enter into His glory.” So it is with us.

July 6th 1945. Came out of the Mercy Hospital yesterday.

I resolve not to allow man nor woman, honours nor wealth, neither human friendships nor popularity to swerve me from my main purpose in life viz. union with Christ, my head in the Mystical Body, through Mary; and the extension of the Mystical Body on earth.

It is natural that your nature hankers after these things but service of Jesus is service of your will; the best way to become indifferent to creatures is not to desire them at all; take them with gratitude if they come but set your will on the main thing.

23 Pope Leo XIII Born 2 March, 1810, at Carpineto; elected pope 20 February, 1878; died 20 July, 1903, at Rome.

Prayer. Retreat Sunday 8/7/45 Lecture – Rev H.A. Johnstone.

Till now we have been considering the dispositions for true prayer viz: self denial and humility. But if you take the meaning of prayer in the broad sense, namely the complete surrender of oneself to God, all the virtues are a necessary complement of prayer, notably the three theological virtues.

There are certain difficulties to be overcome in order to give ourselves completely to God.

(i) We are like children who are fascinated by bright, sweet or pleasant things and don’t know what is really good for them. We concern ourselves too much with trifles and waste the energy of our faculties on created things, those faculties which are capable of apprehending the Infinite.

(ii) We cannot acquire an adequate idea of God; our knowledge of Him is acquired to a certain extent only through the mirror of created things.

This is where self denial is necessary. We must fasten our attention on God and direct our whole being towards Him. This is the purpose of retreats and recollections and times of set prayer – to recall our main purpose in life. viz. union with God and to direct our whole being towards Him once again (to begin again) and to root out any superfluous and inordinate love of a creature. If we use creatures it is only to obey and please God.

You can see now that your week in hospital was not very profitable to your spirituality.

(i) You became inordinately fond of trifles e.g. repartee with nurses.

(ii) These tended to distract you from God; as a consequence your prayer was hopeless – distracted, wandering, irreverent. You never considered the great dignity of God whom you addressed. Your prayer was routine, not earnest.

(iii)You were self controlled – often too cold on the one hand and too familiar on the other. Our Lord is your model. He was balanced in His attitude towards others. People won’t respect you, nor seek spiritual advice from you, if you are too familiar.

(iv) Pride is the root of all this. You want to be independent from God; you don’t consider what He wants. You have a very subtle idea in your sub-conscious mind that you are pretty good and that there are not many like you. – that you can’t improve much upon your present state. God alone knows your potentialities and how perfect he wants you to become. In perfecting yourself remember you do God’s will, not your own – you can’t do anything without Him

8/7/45. You are the Spouse of Christ.

As a safeguard to my chastity, as for my greater peace of soul I resolve not to try to win the friendship of any woman by repartee or any means; but to be frank and courteous when spoken to. (See advice of Fr Tiscalini).

John Swinnerton was a most brilliant man and most thorough Oxford scholar, yet he denoted his talents to education. In preparing his lectures, he prepared them most thoroughly, considering how his pupils were likely to react, what was the best way of putting the truth across. He looked at the subject from the student’s point of view and never put his subject before his pupils.

Lecture of Fr Tincaline. 4/8/45

Six years ordained from C.C.C. secretary to Bishop of Ballaret – in Dogma room 11.30 - 12.30 am He was nervous but he controlled it in his voice.

He was convinced of the fact that only the grace of God effects real changes in the spiritual world; the priest is but God’s instrument or channel of Grace. Yet the instrument must do it’s part if the principal cause is to effect something worth while. If you don’t prepare your sermons well, you won’t achieve anything. Your object should not be to become an orator but to do good with the help of God’s grace. Father showed, too, how any fool could become popular but we were ordained to make Christ popular. In college days he often had attacks of the blues; never has he had an unhappy day since ordination. The grace of God is a wonderful thing. Fired often with a feeling sometimes that not much good is being achieved, when God will give you some great spiritual uplift. He will achieve some great good through you. Don’t be discouraged by advice such as – “Oh! It’s useless trying to do anything for him – we’ve tried everything.” No case is hopeless. God might intend that you should be the one to bring about the desired change; your peculiar qualities may aid you to succeed where others failed. Human nature also is a funny thing. Besides narrating several instances where the merciful hand of God wrought conversions of heart a few hours before death (even a few minutes) he told us of a case, a man in a hospital whose confession he secured with no trouble – yet another priest had been trying to hear his confession for months. The man didn’t want to give the first priest the satisfaction of roping in a lost soul. Don’t rush confessions – each soul is a diocese. The confessions of children are even more important than those of adults. It is absolutely essential to be patient, especially with children. Hear all they have to say – don’t let them go away, if they have something to say. Someone asked him –

why doesn’t the priest ask questions in confessions? Often, someone has something to discuss, but doesn’t know how to bring up the problem

Prudence and tact

(1) In dealing with fellow priests never criticize anyone or authority – it will spread. With your lay-folk be always the priest. In your visitations ask them if they have any spiritual troubles, then move on, treating all alike. That is the way the want you, a priest; they want to know you as a priest, the faultless representative of Jesus Christ, not as a merely human friend, compete with human failings and weaknesses, just one like themselves.

To do your duties as a priest well, to be always first and foremost a priest and an intimate friend of Jesus Christ, holding his sentiments, requires constant self-denial, constant communication with Our Lord in prayer, getting His views, His outlook – no compromise with the world and its outlook. But have confidence. The Church will go on, come Communism, come heresy. Don’t get an exaggerated notion of your own responsibility; you are but Our Lord’s instrument in a supernatural task. He wants you to do simply and peacefully your best. He will do the rest.

Love is an affective union of the heart (will plus affections) with some good. This may result in cupidity i.e. desire of that good for one-self; or in benevolence which is the disinterested wishing of well to that good. When you have natural love of benevolence between persons you have the state of friendship. Friendship is a state existing between persons in whom there is mutual love of benevolence, not concealed but manifested. When this state of friendship exists between God and man we call it charity. The love of benevolence on God’s side is infinite, wonderful. Since this love of benevolence in friendship consists in a communication of goods from the lover to the beloved we ask.

What has God communicated to us?

(1) From our native nothingness he gave us existence. He gave us life, human life, with all its social, spiritual sacramental implications.

Social: Human nature is realized in single individuals but they must not forget that they are not the whole of humanity; they merely share human nature and they are to work out their perfection, achieve their end in society.

Spiritual: The Godward tendency of man, unlike that of lower creatures is to be worked out by man in a spiritual manner i.e.God has endowed us with an intellect and free will.

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So our “Godward finality” besides being social is spiritual – but it is also sacramental. By sacramental we mean the signifying of the spirit by the outward reality, matter. But the two go together; they are one. Undue importance must not be given to either. While the material must be subject to the spiritual, the material must not be despised. A man-angel is just as bad as a man-beast.

See “Liturgy and Life.” - Dom Theodore Wesseling. .

(2) Then Our Lord came through Mary. He came to give us more abundant life, a fuller life, a supernatural life, His own life i.e. We, like Him are to be sons of God. With Him we form the one Christ – He the Head, we the members. Of course, His coming affects profoundly our human nature and its social, spiritual and sacramental implications.

Social: Our Lord formed a new society which may be compared to a body. He is the head, we the members, the Holy Spirit the life. The final end of the Body is the face to face vision of God. The state is subordinate to this society for our eternal end is more important than our temporal needs.

Spiritual: The life of the spirit has been extended enormously; we now can know and love God in a supernatural fashion through the act of faith hope and charity. Our Godward tendency is now towards Him as he is in Me.

Sacramental: Not only do our bodies signify the informing soul, but now our whole nature signifies the divine life which we process through grace. Our Lord has instituted rites which both signify and confer divine grace which gives us a share in the divine life. We call these rites sacraments. The Church and her liturgy are always balanced- she preserves human nature intact never over emphasizing society or the individual or either the spiritual or material side of our nature.

See “The Guidance of Parents” – Fr Lord P.160 for attitude towards your mother.

22/8/45.Catholic papers say today is the feast of the Immaculate heart of Mary, the feast having been extended to the Universal Church by Pius XII.

As a result of reading “Liturgy and Life” I have discovered that a source of many of my troubles, such as awkwardness in conversation, hopelessness at discharging many practical tasks, strain, embarrassment, has been a want of balance in my mentality. I have been badly affected in my outlook by the individualism of the Age? which is at bottom egotism and pride – desire to excel above everyone and be on top.

‘We

Individualization of your too self centered spirituality.

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I hadn’t realized what I am – a human being, spiritual, social sacramental. My spirituality was individualistic. I forgot that God is “Our Father.” Our Lord, when He brought the supernatural to human nature, did not wish the balance, spiritual social sacramental to be disturbed, only elevated. I forgot that my spiritual and material, supernatural and natural perfection was to be achieved in society, through material works as well as spiritual.

Each of us has a vocation in life, it embraces two things.

(1) The development of all our natural gifts.

(2) Our supernatural gifts.

And our perfection is to be achieved as members of Christ’s Mystical Body. We should ask God to show us our peculiar vocation in this Body and then perform it accordingly, doing our best, exercising our talents fully yet with due balance. By living life in this full manner we give ourselves back to God and union of friendship is complete. Good manners are the icing on the cake of charity. Tact, sympathy, consideration, respect all are part of good manners. Father Lord S.J. says good manners; its essence is control of strength, restraint. It is natural and selfish to let ourselves go –boorish results and egotism. This is not your vocation in the Mystical Body. Our Lord to 24Gemma Galgari on Holy Thursday night 1899.

“Look at this cross, look at these thorns and nails and learn how to love. Do you really wish to love in return? Learn first how to suffer, for suffering will teach you how to love. If you want to love Jesus always never be a moment without suffering for his sake.”

Lecture. Mr Mullins M.P. Labour. 22/8/45

He showed how Communism was a menace as wide as Catholicism in reach.

Philosophy –

a. Man is the result of his environment; we have no free will, we must necessarily be moulded by our environment.

b. This world is all. We are of the earth, earthy.

He showed how Communism was spreading even among the criminals of Pentridge. Martin, educated well-spoken, courageous, born of Irish Catholic parents was given 20 years for shooting a policeman 10 years ago or so ago. Mr Mullins had been for four years psychologist and librarian at this goal. He said the prisoner would never read wild west yarns, detective stories or thrillers – they

24 Maria Gemma Umberta Pia Galgani (March 12, 1878 – April 11, 1903) was an Italian mystic, venerated as a saint since 1940

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abhorred Dickens; they read only Hegel, Marx and other materialistic philosophers. Why, asked Mr Mullins did they despise the former and lap up the latter? He was convinced that they avoided the first in order to keep far from there any of the simple ideas which as children they had learnt from home and their mother. Religion and their lives they wanted blocked out. They read the latter chiefly to justify themselves they were determined in the course of action they had embraced; communism just suited them. He saw Martin flogged, suspended from a triangle, stripped to waist, leather bands round neck and waist. The flogger was public executioner £10 for hanging, £5 for flogging. He was 6. 4” and burly. Whip was thonged rope. After 3rd stroke back was bleeding, after 15th a mass of raw flesh. Martin was the only one in the history of the place who took it without a whimper or a flinch. After it he saluted the governor, clicked his heels and walked out.

Catholics are self complacent and self satisfied. They would have to wake up to Labour and not vote blindly in future. Labour wasn’t labour very often, but Communism masked. People would have to think, to study the man for whom they vote. He was convinced that 50% of Labour party would fall under Communism flag if once the latter controlled the political field as they now control the industrial field. Industrial councils would be alright if the right men were in them. He said that Catholics were alright on Sunday but gave themselves to their environment the other six days of the week. It took grit to stand up for Catholic truth in factories etc. They would have to be given the ideal of Christianity if they were to combat the sweeping living idealism of Communism. Catholic action the solution. Santa Maria and Catholic actionists doing a great work. There is mediation in God’s hierarchy of creation.

In the order of nature and the order of grace i.e. in the Mystical Body of His Son. Whenever something happens to you which tends to unbalance you (success, failure, great joy or desolation, sickness, loneliness) think of what you are:

(1) Part of creation – thank God for it; like the earth, the flowers and trees, the animals, you depend upon God.

(2) You are part of a cell in His Mystical Body. Say the Our Father slowly.

Meditation. 6/9/45-29/9/45. Tranquility, simplicity, purity are what you want.

Our Lord and worldly spirits pray for realization of what is worldly spirit. Having insisted on charity He stresses danger of worldly spirit.

1. Worldly spirit – concupiscence of flesh, eyes, pride of life.

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Making this life end of our existence – also independence from any higher being. So proceeds to militant atheism. Concupiscence in us which is bias to evil. Worldly spirit presents itself often in fair guise; it always compromises on principles.

Social pressure in business. Must abhor and hate this spirit. Worldly spirit cannot co-exist with Holy Spirit – is dead to supernatural. Pharisees – blind leaders of blind.

They have no principles. Holy Spirit will convince the world of sin, justice and judgment. See mock judgments of Our Lord by Pilate and others. His warning to them.

Meditation. 2/10/45. Holy Angels.

(1) They guard us against powers of darkness.

(2) Gratitude to God for guardians.

(3) Our respect for our guardian angel shown by love and appeals for help.

Votive Mass of Angels – 25Alcuin Died 804.

Mention in his letters of this Mass. Much later in Spain. Lauds hymns – tomorrow’s feast.

St. Robert Bellarmine composed hymns “Custodes hominum”

Exodus 23:21 Take notice of him, and hear his voice, and do not think him one to be contemned: for he will not forgive when thou hast sinned, and my name is in him. But if thou wilt hear his voice, and do all that I speak, I will be an enemy to thy enemies, and will afflict them that afflict thee. “Take notice of him.”

Read Book of Judith.

Why does God give us angels when he is with us? Shows abundance with which He showers his gifts upon us.

St Bruno 1030 C.A.M.

06/10/45. Dark period. Founded Carthusians. Inspired to give themselves to God in silence and solitude. See opening words of Book ii Imitation. How vanity is useless. However we can live active life to good purpose. See Our Lord.

Vanity, self seeking useless. Do all for the love of God. Bruno man of brilliant talents. For 18 years teacher at Rheims. Born at Cologne. Solitude and complete self renunciation life to which they gave themselves chiefly. Grand Charterhouse given to them by 26St Hugh, Bishop of Grenoble, being inspired in a dream.

25 An eminent educator, scholar, and theologian born about 735 Written by J.A. Burns. Transcribed by Michael C. Tinkler.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume I. Published 1907. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat, March 1, 1907. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York

Work of priests can be read without prayer.

Meditation – Three forms of prayer. Recollection Sunday. Fr Johnstone –7/10/45

Prayer – many forms.

(1) General idea of all prayer – improper sense.

(2) That form of prayer in which the mind has a great part to play.

(3) That limited part of prayer in which our minds alone operate, thinking over truths.

Meditation perfectly natural because God has given us facility of intellect to turn things over.

Ordinary man who uses his mind is constantly making meditations. Through the acts of will chiefly are we brought into closer union with God. We think in order that we might rouse will to action. The thinking a subordinate part of prayer. We study in order that we may know; we pray in order that we may love God more.

Incognito non possunt amari

“Lord, that I may realize the truths of the faith.”

Furnishing of thoughts like putting fresh coals on dying fire.

Grace of God brings success at prayer.

Method – a way by which we reach an end, not ends in themselves.

End of prayer is union with God.

Danger – to be too wrapped up in method.

Methods are different ways of using our faculties. Map of country useful but we don’t study it for its own sake. We study it with a view to making a journey – it is a guide to a desired goal. In prayer, our object should be to get out of ourselves on to God. In beginning, there is a certain reflex self consciousness which should be got rid of as we get used to the method. In all acts, in their perfect state, much is done unconsciously e.g. playing instrument, dressing, playing cricket etc. Much done instinctively; often difficult for expert to explain process of his technique. Mustn’t be slaves to method. Fidelity to method is an endurance of effort – there is no such thing as the best method of prayer is different for different people for different moods.

Vocal Prayer does not exclude idea of mental prayer. Vocal prayer not true prayer unless it is mental. Vocal prayer should not be a hindrance to progress in true prayer i.e. prayer by which

26 St Hugh, Bishop of Grenoble Born about the year 1135 at the castle of Avalon, near Pontcharra, in Burgundy; died at London, 16 Nov., 1200. Copyright © 2007 by Kevin Knight. All rights reserved

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we come closer to God. Should make sentiments of vocal prayer our own, should use vocal prayer to stimulate our own thoughts. Should not despise vocal prayer. Useful, especially at times when our own minds are sluggish. Before vocal prayer we should recollect whom we are addressing. See St Teresa for vocal prayer. Say our vocal prayers as well as possible. Not in number of words said that counts. Don’t busy yourself with many words especially when God may wish to bestow upon you the prayer of quiet.

St Ignatius – take some vocal prayer and work through phrase by phrase, praying as we go.

Before prayer, prepare your heart and be not like one who tempts God. Each one must prepare himself for prayer, forming a plan, usually the night before. Even if we never use the plan, it has served its purpose, we shan’t tempt God.

(1) Keep recollected from night before is very important. Thoughts with which we go to sleep will influence beginning of day. Keep a single mind with a simple intention always of pleasing God. Age quod agis.

(2) In morning – 5 points. Immediate preparation for prayer most important. Presence of God; fix my whole being on God. “When you pray, enter into your chamber and shut the door.” Dwell longer on thoughts of presence of God. Adoration and humility; make nothing of ourselves before God. Petition – for grace. B.V.M., angels and saints. intercession. Earnest desire shown by petition – ergo, if we really want to pray well, we should ask frequently and earnestly.

Preludes are ladders to prayer.

Good, quick, clean, vigorous beginning to prayer essential. Come to prayer having clearly in mind what you are going to do, about what you are going to pray. Our imagination, we find, is a great cause of distraction.

Preludes are the bridge between non-prayer and prayer.

We should make it an ally in prayer by picturing a certain scene.

Two preludes then –(1) A picture for imagination. (2) Fruit for which we should ask.

These preludes most useful aids to true prayer, useful and easy introductions. Try Anima Christi. Be sure beforehand of what you are aiming at in prayer. We pray primarily that we may honour God and

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give Him His due. St Ignatius always wished that every action should begin with a prayer that all our offerings, prayers etc. should be directed purely towards God. Consolation or any delights we may get in prayer are purely secondary elements in prayer – so is desolation. They are by-products of prayer. Greater proof of love to pray even in desolation where there is no feeling of delight, no attraction for spiritual things etc. We should accept consolations humbly and gratefully. They may make us proud. It can make us think of ourselves instead of God. Seek God consolation, not consolations of God. No prayer is good unless it makes us more humble and makes us love God more. Danger in desolation. Because we may relax our efforts when prayer is dull and hard. Requires self denial. God tests us in desolation. Endurance is proof of love, proof of constancy of will. Desolation proves that we can do nothing of ourselves, makes us look more to God. Life is a series of opportunities to love; our love may be a love of concupiscence (self love) or a love of benevolence. Christ has commanded us to love with the love of benevolence, all men, to be embraced, and for His sake. Our natural tendency to self love, inordinate self love; hence we must die to ourselves by self denial that we may live for Him in others. Prayer, love of Him, sacrifice, your part in Mass all can aim at same thing – closer union with Him. Desire only Him, do all things only for him. Keep silence only for Him.

Life is what we choose to make it. Either – a mere temporal existence, a time to indulge self as much as possible by love of concupiscence, pandering to flesh.Or – with the help of grace, a preparation by fervent prayer and denial of the Body for the final resurrection of body and union of soul with Him in Beatific Vision – a time when we practice love of benevolence for sake of Jesus only. “Take heed not to practice your good before men in order to be seen by them.” (Mt 6)

Our lord gives three examples – Almsgiving, prayer, fasting.

1st Prelude- The Pharisees

2nd Prelude.

Have I this view of vanity. Do I seek esteem of others, boast, even exaggerate hiding one’s failures and ignorance, (words) By actions – showing off, clothes, pushing ourselves forward – pretending to be more good than we really are. How am I to find out if I have it? Do I get vexed if I am corrected, neglected. Not harmful on every occasion but harmful in the long run. It shows self-seeking, concentration on self, makes one selfish and childish so that one could be taken up with trifles etc. I will be guided by human respect. Loses merit of good actions. Throw it all overboard- fix heart on God alone. Pride source of vanity; sometimes may be from inferiority complex, in order to attract

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some notice. God wants me as He has made me. Look to God for reward; seek esteem only of God, try to please only God. Are you pleased with that?

Mud on soutanne.

At prayer, suggest motives to God why He should bestow His graces upon us. Great motive – Our Lord who suffered for me. Ask God by his qualities, His kindness, His longsuffering and patience. In order to live not for men and their praise we must fill our lives with God.

PS.90 “Behold He shall neither slumber nor sleep that dupeth Israel.” His eyes are always upon us, although we may forget Him. Picture of eye is symbol of God looking at us, to see if we are responding to His gifts, to see if we are striving after him.

Eccles 17:7 “And his eyes are upon their works.”

Jn 8:29 “I do always the things that are pleasing to Him.”

Do we? Are we indifferent to importance of all our actions in God’s eyes. Greater faith to see greatness underneath drabness of our human lives.

Ps 118 (135) “Make thy face to shine upon they servant and teach me they justifications.”

It is not always clear what is the way he wishes us to follow. Perhaps God is not pleased with us in certain of our actions. Ask for greater light, we may often.

“Times Jesum practereuntem” - Bernard I fear Jesus passing by. O’ Lord, teach me they will.

Look at your great likes and dislikes. See symptoms underneath all like notions. Compare ourselves with Our Lord as He would act in these circumstances.

Holiness of God: Nb 10 :17

“No one is good, but God only.” True source of good, all good is God. God is absolute goodness. We honour Christ, primarily because He is God. The qualities in His human nature merely result from fact that He is a divine Person. No created person is holy in comparison with God. What is it to be holy? Why do we stand in awe at holiness? Because of its perfection. We reverence a man whom we esteem as holy.

Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God of Hosts. Holiness shines like a light or fire. Holiness consists primarily in knowledge and love. Consider how much God is above us, dwelling in inaccessible light.

2 Kings 6 - Ark of Covenant

We reverence holy things and persons as belonging to Him. God is offended still now, when we pray irreverently, when we treat God’s consecrated ones irreverently. “Be ye holy, because I am holy.” The infinity of God. God gives His grace in a mysterious manner. He will manifest Himself to us in

‘We

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some manner. Our idea of God is as much a negative as a positive notion. Admire God – wonder at his greatness. Admit His greatness. He is not perceptible to senses, nor is He comprehendible by mind.

“Idea of University” – Newman. Recognize that God is altogether to myself, my love and service of God ought to exceed my service of others or myself. Ask for grace to rise to God.

Lk 15 Parable of Prodigal Son.

See Our Lord when He speaks this parable was dining with worldly, Romanized Jews. Pious Jews scandalized. Ask God to teach us to know Him better. Christ invented this story to give us an idea of what God is. We see in Our Lord’s acts what the Father is, but now we hear it from His lips what the Father is.

Thank Our Lord for His teaching – ask Him to teach us to hear His words with understanding so that we might grasp God better, and understand His ways. God gives us talents and gifts – he doesn’t force us to do good but he wants us to do His will, permitting us however to misuse His gifts. Let us express sorrow for our self-will in use of gifts. We have no right to use His gifts only in accord with His will. See qualities of father when prodigal returned. God awaits patiently the sinner’s return; stirs his conscience, gives graces. Father embraced dirty swineherd, so God runs to us when we are contrite. God restores what we had lost by sin. Extraordinary that God should be so interested in our well-being. If ordinary father acted like this we would call it foolishness; in God it is vastly superior wisdom. The foolishness of God is wisdom far beyond trhat of our intelligences. We too must follow God in this.

29/10/45. We have seen official position of Him as King, on His six thrones.

He can be called a King on account of his personality. Tendency is to confuse position of authority with personality of one holding office. We must submit to authority because it comes from God, not because of person holding office. Duty of those in authority to develop personality in accord with dignity. By so doing he can win personal loyalty besides loyalty to seat of authority. Our Lord is wonderful in His kingly character. He dominates by His extraordinary wisdom. All seekers of the truth came immediately to Him. He captured their wills. See how Apostles came to Him, probably prepared to criticize, and were immediately won by his wisdom and insight. Magdalen drawn to Him. Often his enemies capitulated before Him. In order to advance in holiness, we must put pressure on selves.

Let us root out ENVY.

First prelude – Sons of Jacob envious of Joseph.

Envy is sadness at good of another in so far as that goodness is considered as a lessening of our own good. Common disease of soul. We don’t like others being better than ourselves. We dislike hearing others praised. Not –“Yes, but”, but “Yes and.” Serious outbreak of envy against Our Lord. “For envy they had delivered Him.”

Consider malice of fault. It becomes a mortal sin if we give full consent to envy of some serious quality say – their virtue or success in apostolic ministry. Leads to hatred of others, quarrels. Directly against charity. Even leads to annoyance at good done by another; can even lead us to take away from good done by others; can make us cynical. How to cure it. Stamp on it as on a poisonous snake. Praise God for His good qualities. Our Lord’s lessons. Prodigal son, good shepherd, parable of vineyard. “Art thou envious because I am generous.” God has right to dispose of His gifts as he likes. They please God and can be of help to us. Get habit of praising people. Let us emulate people who are good. Speak of good qualities of others, not defects. We have no right to insist or to any gift. His will be done in all things.

The Court of Heaven. Lk 9:28 – Scene of Transfiguration.

Ask for success at your prayer.

(1) On mount of Transfiguration, standing on a plain. Later crusaders built a fort on it against Saracens.

(2) Pray for a greater appreciation of Heaven, where we are to be with Christ. Look at radiance and beauty of Our Lord. See joyous effect on apostles. Apostles were perceiving to some extent Godhead in Christ. Radiant, white splendid as the dawn. Fresh as the dawn. Our joy in Heaven will be to see glory of Christ’s Godhead. Miraculous cloud – Father making Himself one with Him. He praised His Son. This glory of God manifested in old Testament also – Moses. Moses foreshadowed Him, Head of N.T. Ask for longing for Heaven and Himself.

Are we satisfied now that we should like to go to Heaven? Would we be willing now to leave all and join Him in Heaven.

(Lk 12:35 -59) Parable of watchful Servants.

8 "Gird your loins and light your lamps

and be like servants who await their master's return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.

Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.

And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants.

Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.

You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come."

Then Peter said, "Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?"

And the Lord replied, "Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute (the) food allowance at the proper time?

Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so.

Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property.

But if that servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed in coming,' 9 and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk,

then that servant's master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful.

That servant who knew his master's will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely;

and the servant who was ignorant of his master's will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.

10 "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!

11 There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!

Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.

From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three;

a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."

‘We ought not to be swayed by the authority of the writer, whether he be a great literary light or an insignificant person but by the love of the simple truth.’ Thomas a’ Kempis

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He also said to the crowds, "When you see (a) cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain - and so it does;

55 and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot - and so it is.

56

You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?

57

"Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?

58

If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison.

59

I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny." 12

Another picture of Heaven. Our Lord said he would gird Himself and minister to those who were just waiting for Him. Jn 21 – See Our Lord serving Apostles on seashore.

Extraordinary that God should make Himself to a servant for our sakes.

Happiness of heaven – vision of God. Heaven is not static – it is vastly active. No boredom. Speak to Our Lord about it. Thank Our Lord for His goodness to us; any sacrifice? Ask grace to put first things first. To attain Heaven is chief business of life.

“And God will wipe away the tears from their eyes.”

Tears of parting; mutilation, disappointment, sin imperfections, failure – This is a valley of tears.

Recommend suffering souls to Our Lord.

1st Prelude: Court of Heaven.

See great company of saints.

2nd prelude

Grace to be strongly moved by thought of heaven in important movements. Kingdom of Heaven like to a pearl of great price. We should be detached from all things in this life. “Abandon sinful desires; crush wrong, false tendencies, control passions. Must give up what will be unfit for our vocation. e.g. great love of worldly amusements, own self will.

The more we give up for God, the better. “Thy Kingdom Come.” To myself and others. Pray well, receive sacraments worthily.

“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Life in heaven very altruistic – will live entirely for God.

Must prepare here for life above. Serve God, not our passions, our inclinations, man or anyone –only God.

Prayer. Recollection Sunday 10/11/45

Catch spirit of Our Lord in prayers. Our Lord began His public life with 40 days prayer, He wished to give us a practical lesson.

Holy Spirit came upon Him whilst He prayed. He made time to pray. Rose before anyone else. Spent night in prayer on mountain. He was in habit or retiring into wilderness.

Before any important event He prayed.

(1) Importance of prayer in Our Lord’s life.

(2) Prayed at all times: although He always was busy about His fathers business, He was always united to Father.

(3) Note effects of Our Lord’s prayer. Radiant countenance. God comes to us in prayer.

The Suffering Church – Purgatory. Not very much revealed about Purgatory by God. Some private revelations have been extravagant. Purgatorial pains are meant to be deterrents from sin. Smallest real love of God far more sublime than any natural ecstasy. Think of God’s beauty, loveliness. How terrible would be loss of God! Souls of purgatory realize better than saints here what greatness of God is. Frightful torment in Purgatory of separation from God. John Berchmans – his message – sainthood can be acquired by keeping one's rule perfectly. In order to learn to love God, we must practice loving God.

In order to avoid distractions we need grace and God’s ordinary way of giving it is by my asking for help.

(1) Ask for knowledge of what I have received from God. See His gifts. Creation, conservation, redemption, application of these merits, vocations. Every gift of God’s makes us more like God. Think of his important gifts.

(2) Why has God done it? He has given us these gifts in order that, using them, we may prepare ourselves to receive greater gifts in charity.

Affections important in time of prayer. Take it systematically. When you consider a thought, make sure you pray over it. Talk to God or Our Lady or one of the saints. Great advantage in repeating a meditation. Means less concentration and more prayer. Make your meditation personal. Look over the past year and consider God’s gifts – His graces, sacramental and external actual graces, the knowledge etc. Why then did God give me these gifts? What must I do in return? Thank God and try to see how you can return His love. Can we give God anything. Through our free will we can – by conforming our will to God’s will and service.

Pray to the Holy Spirit to get the sentiments of St Ignatius. Prayer - in pieces.

Love ought to show itself in deeds rather than words. Parable of man and two sons in vineyard. Be straight with God.

My prayers and my life must be at peace, otherwise my prayer is shallow and baseless. Be completely sincere with God. Make an effort to live up to your promises to God.

{Spiritual exercises of St Ignatius good for developing sincerity towards God.}

Preparatory prayer.

(1) Presence of God.

(2) Adoration and reverence.

(3) Ask for grace to give my all to God. Consider how God dwells in all his gifts. Elements, plants, animals. Sun, scenery, food shelter.

God gives Himself to me in his gifts. His providence consists of God’s knowledge of power. Mystics could experience and feel God present in creatures. God’s presence in creatures is to prepare me for direct presence of God to me in Heaven. When we grow up spiritually we won’t miss His creatures.

St Andrew.

Bishops and their helpers carry on work of Apostles. Jn 1. By banks of Jordan. “Behold the Lamb of God.” “Come and see.”

First call of an apostle.

Solemn calling on Mount. Ask for grace to appreciate your vocation which is to the same work. Ask him to safeguard our vocation so that we may serve Our Lord to the end. Pray for vocations, especially for brothers and nuns.

1. St John the Baptist

2. Andrew.

3. Peter.

(1) St John was nearing the end of his ministry of baptism of penance. “He must increase, I must decrease.” Zeal for Christ’s work without self seeking. Purity of intention.

(2)Andrew: Dwelt with him for a day. 1st call is a grace – need grace to persevere.

(3) Peter: See how great events happen quietly. Priests, work is great but quiet work. God works through human means.

Love consists in mutual interchange on either side. It consists rather in your doing things for God rather than receiving things from Him. Consider how God dwells in men. He gives human beings more than to other creatures – therefore they are more like to God.

Spiritual soul, intellect, free will – in this is man an image of God. Motive of zeal for souls. Any improvements in a soul makes it more like God. God is worshipped in the soul.

“In spirit I am truth.” Acts of sorrow that men don’t worship God enough in their souls. Special intentions by sanctifying grace. Ask for proper esteem of sanctifying grace.

Fr Maher. Meditation Retreat – 6 days - 1946

What we do in our ordinary daily duties is the test of our verbal, not what we do when we are on show.

What did Our Lord do for the 30 years of His hidden life.

“It is written at the head of the book that I do Thy will, behold I come.”

“I always do the things that please Him.”

“Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business.”

This was life for Jesus – to honour and please His father, not to possess as much wealth as He could get, not to enjoy Himself; He used money of course, he did enjoy Himself but His joy consisted in pleasing His Father.

Jesus was always patient. Charity must be patient before it can be kind. When Jesus performed any action, it was not to get a kick out of it; or he did not do it primarily to please or enjoy Himself. His gaze in every action was always upon His Father – how he might honour and please Him. In this consisted the whole philosophy of Jesus. Consequently he used material things only in so far as they assisted Him to this end. He hadn’t a craving to possess more and more material wealth.

Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of God.

Our Lord’s whole life was an illustration not only of actual poverty but of poverty of spirit or perfect detachment from riches and honors. Humility and detachment are the essential qualities of a follower of Him because they make him unselfish so that he is able to spend himself in doing God’s work, not in pleasing himself. Riches are things or pleasures which money can buy. These things are essential in moderation but they must be kept in control, otherwise we will be wasting our time in trifles. In order also to be detached from praise and honour we must love humiliations if we are to do Christ’s work well. e.g. if you visit a bad Catholic in order to bring him back and he blows you up, you only reveal your own vanity and attachment to your own honour if you blow him up. And you can see that you wouldn’t do him any good. There is a danger for you in pride. You mightn’t seek the praise of others but the tendency in you is to think yourself a mighty good bloke. If your resentment wells ups at some criticism, this shows you are not perfectly humble. If it is deserved well you should admit your faults, if it is not, well, Our Lord never lost patience in humiliations.

Three degrees of humility.

(1) To prefer the loss of all things rather than commit a mortal sin.

(2) Not to prefer sickness; dishonour, short life, poverty to health, honour long life or riches if by having the latter or seeking them too strongly, I shall commit a venial sin.

(3) This degree is here on account of the bias in our nature towards the above mentioned goods. In order to strike a balance we must create a bias in the other direction by preferring, when left to our own choice (and provided our sanity, work, good temper will be safe) sickness to health, a short life to a long one, pain to pleasure, poverty to wealth, dishonour to honour, and this for the love of Jesus Christ and in order to become more like Him.

‘We ought not to be swayed by the authority of the writer, whether he be a great literary light or an insignificant person but by the love of the simple truth.’ Thomas a’ Kempis

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Resolution 15/3/46

To pay particular attention to my meditation and Mass in the mornings. To say well my preparatory acts before Meditation and to be sincere in my acts at Mass. To sketch as many sermons as possibly during the year. To read up those books, that will be useful later one, at least as many as possible.

Ordination Cards.

Sr M Leonard, Clement, Philippa Mercy Hospital, Melbourne.

Miss S Murphy, Dennington Victoria.

Miss P Dwyer, “Iona”, Crossley Via Port Fairy, Victoria.

O Brien’s, Watt’s. Jim Rush. Last updated Thursday, May 23, 2024

Fr. James Norris- Spiritual diaries