A few years ago, I wandered into a little church in Ferrara, Italy, and saw a black and white photo of a woman religious in front of a tomb. This Sr. Veronica of the Blessed Sacrament was a Carmelite mystic who had died in 1964. Her canonization cause (in Italian) is: SuorVeronica.org.
I was struck, first, by the notion of running into a new-to-me saint around the corner. What surprising people and stories might I encounter anywhere if I’m paying attention?
Secondly, one of Sr. Veronica’s reflections on her mystical encounters with Jesus and Mary struck me: "I would have felt like I should be silent and remain alone with God. At the same time, I would have felt like I should go to everyone and preach Love."
What a beautiful, paradoxical truth: God’s loving presence embraces us securely, but because it is love, of course, it moves us to share.
I consider Texas my home state… I weeped :-( My only hope and future is that we have a good and merciful and faithful God no matter what happens on earth ❤️✝️❤️
My prayer "Lord Jesus, may the joy and truth of the Gospel transform my life that I may witness it to those around me. Grant that I may spread your truth and merciful love wherever I go." Amen
A keeper, for sure! Thank you, Amy. Happy Sunday to all the LFF and those they love. ( thank you, Pam)
Amen.
That is what God has for all of us his love! Amen Amen Amen ????????????
Anyone who has ever been a caregiver for a loved one (a spouse, a child, a parent) knows how paradoxical it can be. There is great anguish , at times anger, and guilt that comes with being the person caring for the sick. And yet, on the other hand, pouring out your love to care for their every need with a well-prepared meal, taking them outdoors to enjoy nature, or gathering with friends to socialize warms the heart and you realize that God has put you in this place because you’ve been chosen to serve others. Thank you Amy for this wonderful devotion for the day. Peace and good to all the LFF.
Thank *you* for your thoughts!
Embrace his love. Amen.!
Amein Yeshua hamachiach
❤️????????❤️
I have pondered the paradoxes in life on many occasions, Sr. Veronica’s reflection says all I could say but never found the words, well spotted Amy,. ———Jesus mission to bring salvation to mankind involved active times of proclaiming the Word and paradoxically times of prayer and stillness with the Father. Both were necessary to fulfil his mission, which was to do the will of His Father. ——— In our lives we have to face “tough love” decisions where the scalpel of candour (the quality of being open and honest; frankness) needs to be used. ——— This is where we, just like Jesus showed us how, need to take time to be still and pray for guidance. Ask that our true, perhaps unconscious closeted motivations are revealed, before we act. Patience, wait on the Lord. ——— If our motivation is driven by ego, our need to be seen to be right, to win, then put the brakes on, don’t do that ——— If it’s to fulfil the will of the Father, eg for the benefit of another, proceed with love and gentleness.
I don’t know about you, but I told everyone I knew when I fell in love!!! That was a natural response, isn’t that true for most people unless I am ashamed of that love relationship?!?!?! The truths in Scripture are paradoxical!!! *** 2 Corinthians 12:10, “Because of how I suffered for Christ, I’m glad that I am weak. I am glad in hard times. I am glad when people say mean things about me. I am glad when things are difficult. And I am glad when people make me suffer. When I am weak, I am strong!” *** Matthew 20:16, “So those who are last will be first. And those who are first will be last.” *** Matthew 16:25, “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it. But whoever loses their life for Me will find it.” *** Acts 20:35b, “We must remember the words of the Lord Jesus. He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” *** 2 Corinthians 6:10, “We are sad, but we are always full of joy. We are poor, but we make many people rich. We have nothing, but we own everything.” *** Mark 9:35, “ Jesus sat down and called for the 12 disciples to come to him. Then he said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last. They must be the servant of everyone.” *** Matthew 23:11-12, “The most important person among you will be your servant. People who lift themselves up will be made humble. And people who make themselves humble will be lifted up!”
Amen
Amen.
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Praying for the loved ones we lost in the Texas flood ✝️✝️✝️ Praying for the loved ones who are unaccounted for in the Texas flood ✝️✝️✝️ Praying for the loved ones who are searching for those unaccounted for in the Texas flood ✝️✝️✝️ ******* 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God!” Amen!!!