Dying And Rising With Christ - St Leo the Great's Sermon (AD 400-461)

Christ came to bring us the help which only he could give. In his divinity he was immune to suffering; consequently, once he had assumed our fragile humanity, death could have no permanent hold on him. His immortal nature possessed the power to raise his dead body to life again.

We must cleave to this mystery always, striving with supreme effort of mind and body to be conformed to it. Although failure to observe the pascal solemnity would be very grave offense, it would be still more dangerous to take part in the liturgy without sharing in our Lord's passion. The Apostle's saying is true: If we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him.

We can give authentic worship to the suffering, dead, and risen Christ only if we ourselves suffer, die, and rise again with him. This sharing in Christ's Death and Resurrection begins for all the children of the Church at Baptism, in which sin is destroyed and thy are born to new life, the triple immersion in the water representing the Lord's three days sojourn in the grave. Their funeral pile, so to speak, is brought tumbling down, they enter the font in their old, sin-stained condition, to be brought forth new by the baptismal waters.

What has been effected sacramentally, however, must still be carried out in their daily lives. As long as thy are in this mortal body, those who are born of the Spirit must take up their cross.

So then, if anyone feels himself overstepping the bounds of Christian discipline and his desires drawing him away from the straight path, let him take refuge in the Lord's cross and nail his sinful passions to the tree of life. Let him cry to the Lord in the prophet's words: Pierce my flesh with the nails of your fear, I tremble at your judgements.

To pierce one's flesh with the nail of God's fear is to let the dread of divine judgment curb one's senses from unlawful desires. The person who thus resists temptation and mortifies his concupiscence to prevent it leading him into deadly sin will then be free to say with the Apostle: Far be it from me to boast of anything except the cross of Jesus Christ, through whom the world is crucified to me, and I the world.

Christ has lifted us up with himself on the cross; there let Christians take their stand. They know it is the place where their human nature was redeemed, and all their steps should be directed toward it. For the Lord's passion is prolonged until the end of the world. Just as it is he whom we honour and love in the saints, he whom we feed and clothe in the poor, so too is is he who suffers in all who endure adversity for the sake of what is right; unless, indeed, we are to imagine that, now that the faith has spread thorough out the world and the number of unbelievers has decreased, all persecution has come to an end together with every conflict which ever raged against the blessed martyrs- as if the bearing of the cross were reserved only for those who had to suffer atrocious torments for the love of Christ.

And so those wise souls who have learned to fear and love the one and only Lord and to hope in him alone mortify their passions and crucify their bodily senses, refusing either to fear their foes or to serve them. They prefer the will of God to their own lives, and insofar as they renounce love of self for love of God they love themselves all the more truly.

By such members of Christ's body as these the holy feast of Easter is authentically celebrated, and they will lack none of those victories which our Saviour's passion has won.

-- St Leo the Great (circa 400-461) was elected pope in 440. One hundred and forty-three of his letters and 96 sermons have survived.

My Battle Between Love and Fear

What an upheaval it has been for me, within me! For since by birthday, the highpoint and beginnings of my signs of change so far, my body and soul has been thirsty for the living water that never leaves us thirsty again. The tumulus battle between Love and Fear wages within me causing an instability of the equilibrium of peace within me. The inner man bears his cross; my mind weighted by thoughts of my human capacities and ideals, because my body and soul craves for a new experience of god. The realm of Christian mysticism experienced by so many Saints (Theresa of Avila, Faustina, Padre Pio) but till now, unknown to me.

The three spheres of conflict stemming from this battle between Love and Fear are in essence- Faith Hope and Love; Wisdom Knowledge and Understanding (of god and self); and living the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Christ. They are all interconnected. If I say I LOVE god, then I should trust him? If my faith is living, then I should have no fear of living the gospel to the letter? Right? This challenge of faith initiated out of love for god caused all of this.

For Lent, I have decided to undertake the difficult task of disciplining and conquering myself for 40 days, in preparation for a future career, and also to know the will of god and understand myself. Alas for me, that I should be a burden unto myself! To deny the flesh, and honour my simple lenten commitments made out of my free will to imitate Christ and his virtues is a very difficult and challenging! I think also that at the age of 21, people want to start building on the foundation blocks laid over the years, so this is the time of "shaping up" for me!

The person who truly knows himself would recognize how frail human nature is. God I know, trusting in the experience of other saints, is using this confusion of mine to merit a humble heart, yet, it seems contrary to me and is very painful to bear. Knowing your weaknesses, poverty, and limitations causes in me an anxiety and fear, yet it is pruning my faith in the hidden and unseen god to trust in divine providence for even greater things. I share this perspective with all so they they too who are in a similar situation as myself, may know two things. That you're not the only one out there who questions faith, love, and life, and two, that all things god uses for the good of those who love him.

My Birthday Miracle - Heaven answers prayers!

I fulfilled 21 years of age on February 18th. To celebrate such a significant age for me, I took four days to honour it, which began on the 16th to the 19th. On those four days, something special happened.

First of all, I witnessed a miracle. For the whole day and afternoon of Saturday 16th, it was raining and the whole sky was covered with grey clouds. That was the day of my second birthday party after 16 years. I grew concerned because I didn't have tents to hold the 50-60 persons that would arrive in 1 1/2 hours time (8pm). I began to pray. I took out my rosary and reminded Virgin Mary of her promise to those who pray her rosary, and I trusted her to answer my petitions favorably . The promise was this - "You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the rosary." I also prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Those two prayers I trusted god to respond to, because of some past, distressing experiences in my life where these prayers proved itself useful. I prayed to see my stars and heaven responded.

Those threatening clouds which showed no sign of removing itself, slowly dissipated. First I saw one star, it was my sign of hope. Then when I went to the back of my apartment, I saw the moon. I rejoiced greatly. For the whole time of the party from 8pm till 2am not a drop of rain. It was my special miracle. I even counted 20 stars. Maybe I missed one. lol. Our Lady held up the rain! Now I know I can trust Our Lady for anything; especially now that in my life, a blanket of fear, caused by a wrestle with love, has rested on me. Growing in faith is a challenge!

The second special thing was, that god was answering my prayer for change. That has been my prayer since the beginning of Christmas. For this lent, and my birthday, I think he is seeing my efforts and is pleased so is acting in response. Again he is using Virgin Mary to wean me into true faith, hope and love. On the 27th I will be doing a 33 day consecration preparation to the Immaculate Heart. I am eagerly awaiting it because for it to come in such opportune timing, it must be from god.

Happy Lent

Happy Lent to everybody, I hope that it will indeed be a grace filled one. Already I am feeling the presures of maintaining a life of pray and discipline. I pray that to have the fruit of the fifth sorrowful mystery of the rosary - Final perseverance (i.e. to lent's end). Detaching myself from the comforts of material things, human affections particularly, and not complaining but submitting to humility is hard. Countering my pride is a struggle but praise be to god for grace and my desire of conforming my will to his will.

The State of the World

I am becoming very conscious of the state of the world these days. Since the beginning of advent, my spirit was troubled and I didn't know why. I recognized it as a type of fear, and since it was manifesting itself through my body by a spontaneous jerk, I wanted to discover the root of it. Early this January I identified it to a fear for my survival. It was of course significant for me. I began to react to this fear by pursuing a healthy physical and spiritual lifestyle. I went to the gym, I began to weigh my needs and wants, my spending power, my emotional and intellectual states, and what is important to me that's not necessarily tangible . I started to pursue a life of discipline in a small degree.

Then I came to another realization. The frank possibility of a world crisis about to begin this year. Judging mainly by the political tension in the middle east, the new age movement and the coming age of Aquarius, the economic crisis in America, Global warming and climate change, depletion of natural resources especially crude oil, the mid-completion of a one world government and ethical system, and especially Catholic Christian church approved prophecy. I think we are on the brink of a world war crisis. This is probably why my spirit has been bothered because my family and I are not prepared for a crisis be it shortage of food, water etc.

Very soon I will be calling a family meeting and also I have plans to speak with my church leaders so that the church may be prepared. It these are indeed sign from god, I believe that I should act upon it though I may be considered a fool or a hysteric. I think we better be safe and prepared than not. I share this with you so that you too may stock up on food and essentials for life than waste money on comforts.

Imitation Of Christ - On Compunction of Heart

The Imitation Of Christ

Book 1: Admissions For A Spiritual Life

Chapter 21
On Compunction Of Heart

If You want to make progress, keep your soul in the fear of God and never wish to be completely free. Discipline your senses and never indulge in hilarity.
Have sorrow for your sins and you will find interior peace. Repentance opens the way to many blessings, which dissipation soon destroys. It is a wonder that any of us can be wholly contented in this life when we think of our exile from God and of the daily dangers our soul faces. But because of frivolity and the negligence of our defects we are unaware of the misery of our own soul. Often we laugh when we ought to weep, for there is no perfect freedom nor real joy except in the fear of God and in a good conscience.

Those are truly happy who have the grace to rid themselves of temptation to distractions and turn to God by sincere contrition. Those, too, are happy who avoid the things that only give them a troubled conscience. Fight hard against your sins; bad habits are overcome by good habits. Do not make excuses that others hinder you; for if you let them alone, they will let you alone to do what you must.k Do not mind other people's business and do not become involved in the affairs of great persons. keep an eye on your own self and reprove yourself rather than your friends. Do not be upset if you are not in the favour of the worldly-minded; but rather be sorry that your behaviour is not that of a devout servant of God.

It is far better for a person to lack consolations in this life, particularly those of the flesh. If we receive little or no spiritual consolations it is our own fault (though sometimes the lack of them is a test of our faith); for we do not have true compunction of heart, nor do we refrain altogether from seeking consolations from without.

Realize that you are unworthy of supernatural consolations, but instead deserve tribulation. The comforts of the world are distasteful to those who have perfect contrition for their sins. Good people always find enough reason to have sorrow and to weep; for whether they look at themselves or think about their neighbour, they realize that no one lives in the world free from affliction; and the more thoroughly they look into thier own hearts, the deeper will be their sorrow. But the cause for real grief and contrition is the remembrance of our sins, in which we are so enmeshed that we can hardly think about spiritual matters.

If you would think more often about death than of a long life, you would be more eager to amend your life. If you thought seriously about the pains of hell or purgatory, you would gladly endure pain and labour, and no hardship would seem too much for you. But since these things do not penetrate the heart and wee still love the false pleasures of this world, we tend to be cold and indifferent.

It is the weakness of the spirit that often makes our wretched bodies complain for the slightest reason. Therefore, humbly pray to God, that in His merciful goodness He will give you the spirit of penance, and in hte words of the Prophet say to Him: Feed me, O Lord, "with the bread of tears" and give me "tears to drink beyoud measure" (Ps 80:6).

Sanctus II - Libera

I found a lovely, deeply spiritually resounding hymn to our Lord sang my Libera. I was watching a youtube video with pictures of the incorrupt bodies of the saints, and this song, Sanctus II by the boy group Libera, I fell in love with, I decided to put it as my blog's song. Hope you all enjoy.

Blessing Of Friendship

The Lord bestowed a blessing on me yesterday. The blessing of rekindling a long lost friendship. A friend whom I haven't seen in nine years popped up in a friend request on facebook. Since the last day I saw him in primary school, I was always grieved at his departing from Trinidad, knowing that I may never see him, hear him and socialize with him again in all my life. The only knowledge he left with us was that he was going to live in Canada. As a child, that hit hard. He was one of those I had liked to play with plenty.

Leaving all my childhood friends was hard enough, but knowing that you may never be able to see somebody again was ever more harder for me to accept. Yesterday, god in his infinite mercy showed a QUITE unexpected blessing which I can't thank him enough for. All I could have said was OH MY GOD! I did that for quite some time in disbelief and total shock and awe. I thank god with ALL my heart. Truly there is a god when these sort of things happen.

Christ's Victory Over Hell

Some time ago, I found this great site for people who wanted to venture and divulge deeper into The mystery of Christ's victory over Satan on the Cross, and speaks about the Seven Last Words of our Lord. It is from the book that I am reading which I so frequently speak about because of its in dept knowledge of the mysteries of God and the hidden lives of Jesus and Mary - The Mystical City of God by Venerable Mary of Agreda Spain















For all those who love The Crucified Christ and His Sorrowful Mother, and Honour his holy wounds and her inexpressible sorrows, I share with you this wonderful book and these passages for your encouragement of Faith, Hope and Love.

Mary's Year - 2008

"Jesus said to me (Valentina Papagna) while I was reciting the chaplet of Divine Mercy. "Fear not, My children for what you hear or read or see which causes confusion. Have hope only in Me. I want to tell you that the next year is a very special year. It will be dedicated to My beloved and Holy Mother, and many graces will be given to the world. Pray, My children, for all this to happen. This is how you ask; -

' Dearest and loving Father, may we pray to You through Your loving Son Jesus and His Holy Mother for all Her children, that many graces will come through Her intercession. We ask You and thank You through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen' "

This was the message given to the world on 28^th November 2007 by my favorite living visionary, Valentina Papagna of Sydney Australia. Pray many rosaries this year was the request so as to defeat evil works. Here is the visionary's website. I encourage all to listen to the words of our lord in our day and heed his call for love and service through prayer and good works for the world.

Hour of Grace for the world

For the first time in two years I was able to celebrate one of the feast days dearest to my heart - The Immaculate Conception, with holy Mass. It being a holy day of obligation. The only disappointment I had was that I had to work, and I was not able to renew my medal of the Immaculate Conception. If not, I would have been helping the Legion of Mary by doing some charity work. I for one did my part in making the hour of grace for the world, and the importance of that day known. Everything within my reach was done. I took two days to prepare an article about it, I emailed it to everyone in the institute, placed it on a public notice board, and everybody I met I shared the message boldly. God and Our Lady I trust was well pleased. For that I am happy.

After celebrating the Immaculate Conception, the dawn of salvation and first light as I call it, I now change focus to the no0n time of our salvation - Christmas.

Created In Secret - The North American Union, RFID chip

I just found out some very worrisome information on youtube. It is about the North American Union which apparently exist but is not publicized and secondly, is created to achieve a global objective set by corrupt men in power. Watch the video as it is very important for every citizen of the world to demand answers, and to be on guard for the lies of politicians. These are the real enemies of state, not religion nor the Catholic Church, but secularism, materialism, atheistic ideologies and the degradation of values through relativism, advocating of capital sins - Greed, Avarice, Pride, Selfishness, Soth, Lust and Anger.

What I do not find amazing is the remarkable similarity of structure this government, with the church's existing government. Historically the church has been wrongfully condemned and injured for this type of authority which in virtue is good when in the hands of god fearing men of faith and reason. These evil minded men really opposed this structure because they couldn't get a share in this power. They in reality were envious of this power like Cain's hatred for his brother Abel, so they persecute the church and condemn the pope!

The North American Union, RFID VChip Secret.

It is amazing how much this existing reality is painted for us in the movies "Star Wars" and "The Lord of the Rings"

Theology of the Body

This is just a simple account of how god works in everyday life and meets you where you are. I share it with you that you too may recognize his silent workings in your own life.

I can recognize the silent and opportune workings of god. Though I don't know what or why he is doing what he is doing, I feel secure to trust him. One such work of god was, on seeing my incumbent dispair over my particular sin lust, arranged that on Sunday gone, I and my Aspirant brothers attended a little talk about the vocation of marriage. It is fitting that when discerning the call to the priesthood we also discern his calling to the married life. But this was not the reason god had inspired me and arranged that I be there. His real reason was because he wanted me to receive confession after falling again into mortal sin.

My conscience was bothering me because if I went to holy mass, I wouldn't be able to receive communion. God wanted to fix that. He even provided for me a confessor that I admire, who is an exorcist and a well regarded Spiritan Father (Order of the Holy Ghost Fathers), Father Neil Rodriguez. I submitted to the spirit of love and mercy by continuing to journey in that spirit. Because lust dehumanizes a person (me) I gave serious thought to something I really wanted to study to help me understand my manhood and humanity, but have only since been brushing the surface - 'Theology of the Body'. Pope John Paul's counter - revolutionizing work on human sexuality. To facilitate this, I bought a beginners book by renowned author of the subject, Christopher West. Now I am in awe of the beautiful person I am. Made in God's image and likeness.

Facebook Horror

I am a frequent user of facebook and Hi5 Social Networks. But this flash presentation shocked me. It is very important that ALL FACEBOOK USERS WATCH THIS. All of your personal information is at risk and extremely vulnerable because of this network.

This information must reach the public!!!

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Me - The Loyalist

I took this test and this is what i got. I truly highlights alot about my personality and my needs more than wants. I encourage you to know more about yourselves too. The website and my results-

You Are 6: The Loyalist You have strong relationships and are intensely loyal.
People find you easy to love and care for.

You like your world to be stable and secure, no surprises.
You're cautious. You prefer your inner circle to the outside world.

At Your Best: You are courageous, a positive thinker, and expressive. You can take on the world.

At Your Worst: You are secretly insecure - which makes you sarcastic, cold, and argumentative.

Your Fixation: Doubt

Your Primary Fear: Abandonment

Your Primary Desire: Security and support

Other Number 6's: Mel Gibson, Woody Allen, Jay Leno, Marilyn Monroe, and Julia Roberts.

Traditional Anglican Communion Petitions Rome for Union

Finally unification is taking place among the protestant and catholic churches. I first heard about this from the spiritdaily.com website TAC has sent a petition for full union with the church on October 16th. I am amazed at the progress of unification! I remember Pope Benedict XVI was saying that his pontificate will focus on the unity of christians. It seems that this may come true in part for him and us. I Started to research and it seems to be true and in the making. The Vatican is supposed to give a response to them.

If this does happen, I am concerned about the effect it will have in our churches and among our priests. Our church is already in a crisis with not having enough priest and secondly, the catholic UNfaithful are becoming less catholic Christian and are abandoning the church. What impact will it have in the lives of both our members? A whole church would now need instruction in catholicism in know what we know, and come to trust what we believe.

I feel sorry for the war torn Anglican Church with all is chaos and confusion among everybody. researching answers for this TAC union, i was reading about the conflict and they all don't know what they stand for anymore. They have lost their identity through their compromising and they need some serious guidance to save that church. I am happy that the Anglican Church, at least the more catholic ones, are making the wise and righteous decisions for their own relief from this distress which they face, and are not accepting the diminishing future which that faith holds. Happy will they be who are converting to the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church which alone can say christ established. Read the articles yourselves - free republic, Virtual Online (the voice for Global Orthodox Anglicanism)

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Our Mistress Enters Ephesus

The Most Blessed Mary thanked the owners, who were to live with Her. Then She retired to her room and, prostrate upon the ground as was usual in her prayers, She adored the immutable essence of God, offering to sacrifice Herself in his service in the city (Ephesus) and saying:


"Lord God omnipotent, by the immensity of thy Divinity Thou fillest all the heavens and the earth (Jer. 23,34). I thy humble handmaid, desire to fulfill entirely thy holy will, on all occasions, in all places, and at all times, in which thy Providence shall deign to place me; for Thou art my only Good, my being and my life, and toward thy pleasure and satisfaction tend all my thoughts, words and actions"

The most prudent Mother perceived that the Lord accepted her prayer and her offering, and that He responded to her desires with divine power, ready to assist and govern Her always. - The Mystical City of God by Ven. Mary of Agreda Spain.

I encourage all to Imitate Mary by Imitating Her prayer. Print it, pray it, and memorize it.

The Imitation of Mary

Recently, I bought and began reading this well known book that was inspired by another well known book. It is The Imitation of Mary, and I would leave to your guess, which book inspired me to buy this book (clue - Change of names). So far, the book does not live up to my expectations, maybe because of the style, or because I don't have confidence in the author, or maybe because I am just to critical and scrutinizing of the teaching. This mostly I feel is the cause of me not enjoying the book. All this I know very well makes what is valuable seem repulsive.

What I do like is the simplicity of the book, and I think this is what makes it stand out. It focuses on the pennies of the gospel and of the graces in the life of our Blessed Mother; and so far, it has helped my walk in imitation of her who loved god most while on earth, and who loves him most intimately in heaven. I decided to share the first chapter of the first book with you, for your edification.

Imitation Of The Virtues Of The Blessed Virgin

Blessed those who do not abandon the way I have bidden them go! Blessed those who listen to what I tell them (Prov 8:32-33) and who follow the models of virtue I offer them.

In putting these words on the lips of Mary, the Church urges us to study the life of the Queen of Saints and to imitate her splendid example. Happy the man who imitates our Lady, for in imitating her he imitates Jesus, king and incomparable model of all virtues.

The Blessed Virgin's life contains lessons for everyone. If we study it, we learn how to live in prosperity and adversity, prayer and work, honours and humiliations. We shall never attain the perfection she brought to every action; but our perfection can be measured by our closeness to her.

You claim to be the servants of Mary: do you really what to become like her in her sublime holiness? Then imitate, as far as you can, her lively faith, her prompt obedience, her deep humility, her selfless intentions, her generous love. Is there anyone of you that cannot make it your aim, with the help of God;s grace, to follow Mary's example in the practice of these virtues: Without such imitation your love for her will be a weak thing indeed, and you cannot expect to receive evident proof of her special protection.

True enough, you recite daily prayers in her honour; you give external signs of your devotion to her; your belong to a society that is especially consecrated to her. And all this binds her to ask God for the saving graces you need. But if your devotion does not take you a step further and lead you to imitatte her virtues, then your devotion will not save you. The philistines took possession of the ark of the Lord and adorned it with their gifts. But the ark did not become a source of blessing for them, because they continued to adore their idols as before.

O Queen of all the virtues, is it not fitting that one who loves you should do for you what he does for his friends in this world? We try to adapt ourselves to our friends' character and to make their likes and dislikes our own. Such adaptation leads to a union of hearts. In fact, we may say that where there is no likeness there can be on friendship. Your heart, Blessed Virgin, is utterly humble, pure, submissive to God's will, and zealous for His interests. How can itbe united in the bonds of affectin to a heart that is pleasure-seeking, proud, unresigned to God's will, and without zeal for His glory?

The Apostle rightly says: "If you love me, then imitate me as I imitate Jesus" (1 Cor 4:16). If you are really my children (Mary says), then make your mother's spirit your own: the spirit of charity, peace, self-denial, and reverent love for God. Holy Virgin, from now on I will show you my loving devotion by imitationg your virtues. THere is no greate homage, no greater proof of love, that I can give.

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Observer Status

These past days I labeled 'Observer Status'.

You know how you feel when you feel like nothing is happening at this moment in your soul, yet you know god is shaping you with the currents of divine love? Fatherly love in particular? That is how I make sense of the silent working of god's action, god's Holy Spirit on me these days. I don't feel like I am on a spiritual high, nor do i feel low. I don't even feel like its a feeling. I imagine that I am in the abode of providence, and what ever happens to me is willed by god. The good and bad things of my day. And I had many.

First of all I was told by my boss to look for another job, mainly because of my irresponsible approach to work. When I was told this, I was calm and relaxed. Something that the average person would not be. I turned to god in prayer immediately, continuing my petition to him for a stable job. Of course it affected me, but I was not frantic and anxious like my usual disposition would be. On the inside was peaceful. I heard that I need to leave at the end of the year. Thank god for the extention.

On top of that my family and I need a house to relocate to at the end of the month, and we have found none as yet. With all of this I am calm and very trusting and hopeful. It must be god at work in me.

Please say a prayer for me and my family. Thanks alot for your support

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Chastity, Saint Rose

Today is a feast that is special to my heart. I love the place in which I live, and the patroness of my home town is Saint Rose of Lima. I naturally acquired a love for her who loved god. I completed my novena in hope of receiving what I prayed for because I am in dire need of it. Today I also did some naughty things which I corrected, when I could have done so, and where I chose not to avoid the occasion of sin, I ask for forgiveness. I tried not to worry about it, and moved on with life trusting in divine mercy.

Tomorrow I set out to a study on chastity for the weekend. I hope to learn something new. I pray god blesses my soul with the virtue of Chastity in the manner he blessed the Virgin Mary. Even if I decide to marry, I pray that I be chaste in some degree befitting that state. I remember the Venerable Mary of Agreda Spain, recording what the words of Our Lady in her book 'The Mystical City of God', Mary says that Chasity adorns all the rest of virtues giving them their brilliance. Can't remember her exact words.

My sins and temptations attack this virtue in me. I pray not to yield to temptation as I did today, against this virtue. May God preserve virtue in me as in Saint Rose.