St. Peter In Chains Cathedral

8-7-17

2724

Good Morning,

"God show me one way in this Mass I can become a better version of myself this week."

Matthew Kelly

xxx

Under the expression, "you learn something everyday"

--- I learned for the first time this summer that Matthew Kelly (of Dynamic Catholic -- Be Bold. Be Catholic fame), also journals at Mass. He has something like 17 years worth of journals on his thoughts and reflections while attending Sunday Mass.

I thought I was the only one doing such a thing--- (writing in My Magnificat or Give Us This Day Prayer Books), reflecting on my thoughts during homilies.

He has 52 weeks in his little booklet, with a short mediation to get you started--- here's one I picked at random:

"In every age, there are a small number of men and women who are prepared to turn their backs on popular culture and personal gain to embrace heroically the life Jesus outlined in the Gospels. These people fashion Catholicism into a lifestyle, they listen attentively to the voice of God in their lives, and they passionately pursue their personal adventure of salvation. As a result, they capture the attention and the imaginations of everyone who CROSSES THEIR PATH!"

..... a wonderful habit to develop --- to be reflected on as many times as you open your prayer book or Mass Journal.

Peace,

Grandpazach 

Transfiguration

Road up Mountain, view inside Chapel

 

7-6-17

2725

Good Morning,

From Give Us This Day --Reflection by Sister Melannie Svoboda:

"God's presence in our lives is often hidden. But at particular moments, God's beauty or goodness or love breaks through the surface of our everyday. Such 'attacks' might not last long, but they serve as gentle reminders that God is working just beneath the surface of observable reality. And amid the trials, misunderstandings, and ambiguities of daily living, GOD IS THERE, saying to each of us, 'You are my beloved son, my beloved daughter.' And such divine affirmation helps to sustain us, as it did Jesus, in our hard work of selfless loving."

Peace,

Grandpazach 

P.S.--- 6 1/2 years ago Linda and I were blessed to visit this beautiful Church of The Transfiguration on Mt. Tabor. Seeing things like that in person brings the Bible to life.     Have a good week.

The Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major

8-5-17

2726

Good Morning,
This date marks the dedication of Rome's first Marian Basilica by Pope Sixtus III around the year 435...... After the basilica's construction, a miraculous shower of white rose petals fell upon the gathered faithful. the basilica is still know today as Maria ad Nives, "Mary of the Snows."
xxxx
Words from Servant of God Sister Ida Peterfy -- Meditation of the day;
"Mary is our Mother. (means a lot to me --GEZ) She is WITH US in our joys and in our sorrows. She is so eager to tell us to keep going, to do our best and not to worry because God, our Father, will provide. And if we are confident in the greatest troubles, we will be able to see 'what good' can come out of even unhappy events. Our life is a constant dying with Christ, being crucified with him, and it is constant resurrection.
BE FRIENDS WITH MARY. A mother is the most unselfish 'fan' of her child. She is so willing to 'bring us up' as she brought up Jesus, our brother. We will learn from her to look for the will of the Father, to listen to the gentle loving Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, who lives in us but who will not move us unless we let him, and ask him, and acknowledge his work and cooperate with it."
Peace,
Grandpazach

Photos:
Top three from Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome and bottom one from the Old Cathedral in Vincennes, Indiana

St. John Vianney---Patron of Priests

8-4-17

2727

Good Morning,
Happy St. John Vianney  Day
Before he died in 1859 he had this to say about what it is to be a good Christian:
'A good Christian is not satisfied simply to believe in the truths of our holy religion. He loves them, he ponders over them, he tries in every possible way to acquire a knowledge of them; he loves to hear the Word of God, and the more he hears it, the more he longs for it.
......  The hope of a good Christian is firm; his TRUST IN GOD IS UNSHAKEN. he never loses sight of the next life. the remembrance of the sufferings of Jesus Christ is ever present in his mind, is always in his heart..."
xxxx
Great Words to live by.
Peace,
Grandpazach

Subiaco, Arkansas and Vincinnes, Indiana

8-3-17

2728

Good Morning,
Starting the morning with God
                           is the key to strength and success in your day.
Peace,
Grandpazach

Photos:
Speaking of Religious Architecture, Paintings, Sculptures, Carvings, Stone work, etc.
This month's Prayer Intention of Pope Francis is as follows:
ARTISTS
"That artists of our time, through their ingenuity, may help everyone discover the beauty of creation."

Find Peace and Comfort down the trail

8-2-17

2729

Good Morning,
One could say that I've spent a lifetime visiting Shrines, Monasteries, Convents, Mother Houses, Schools, Retreat Centers, Gardens, and Churches ---- renewing and refreshing my spiritual life at each and every turn. To say nothing of all "God's Children" that I have met along the trail.
ALL of these oases are not only for prayer but also for beauty.
xxxx
For Saint Peter Julian Eymard  (!811-1868 --whose Feast we celebrate today) is quoted as saying:
"For the Eucharist nothing is too beautiful.'
This sentiment inspired Eymard's quest to dedicate creative genius in architecture, painting, and sculpture to the honor of the Blessed Sacrament. (Rodin once studied under him and he is the founder of the Fathers of the Blessed Sacrament).
xxx
One more wonderful quote from Sister Mary Charles McGough, OSB
"Religious Art has the power to Teach, to Heal, to Comfort, to Challenge, to Entertain, and to HELP PEOPLE PRAY!!"
Peace,
Grandpazach

Photos -Paintings:
Places I've visited

Explore--- Cross That Bridge

8-1-17

2730

Good Morning,
The field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom. (Matthew 13:38)
xxxx
from the Word Among Us:
"People really do notice when you carry yourself with Joy and Kindness. Your words are more powerful than you might think. God can speak through you to help others grow closer to him. The more you open your life, the greater impact you can have.
DON'T FORGET ---- God will also use others to help you grow. He might reveal something about the Kingdom that you haven't seen yet. He might even use an unexpected voice to speak to you!
'Lord, use my life as a seed of you kingdom.' "
Peace,
Grandpazach

Photo:
Beautiful bridge over the Wabash River ---connecting Vincennes, Indiana with the Land of Lincoln  ---not far from Piopolis, where  the Zachmans first settled over 175 years ago.
Cross that Bridge and see what the Good Lord has in store for you!!


Ohot