Thoughts on Obedience, Part I

Whoever wishes to offer God an acceptable sacrifice has nothing more preciouse to offer than his own will.

~ John Trithemius, Rule

found in Essential Monastic Wisdom

Good Shepherd Sunday

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, sometimes referred to as Good Shepherd Sunday, is different for us this year.  I/we don't remember this day without Sr. Gaudentia celebrating her profession anniversary.  The two have been one in the same.

The Good Shepherd is certainly an image of Christ that Sr. Gaudentia dearly loved.  Even in her advanced years, she showed forth a beautiful aura of childlike trust in the Shepherd to whom she could turn whenever she was in need. 

Perhaps that's one of the best legacies she leaves us.  To have such trust and confidence in a loving Lord who cares for all our needs, that we can turn to Him as small children turn to their parents, and know that he will supply our needs.

Thoughts on Prayer from the Saints, Part V

We must pray without tiring,

for the salvation of mankind

does not depend on material success;

nor on sciences that cloud the intellect.

Neither does it depend

on arms and human industries,

but on Jesus alone.

~ St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

Thoughts on Prayer from the Saints, Part IV

"For me prayer is a surge of the heart,

it is a simple look towards Heaven,

it is a cry of recognition and of love,

embracing both trial and joy."

~ Saint Therese of Lisieux

Thoughts on Prayer from the Saints, Part III

Prayer reveals to souls

the vanity of earthly goods and pleasures.

It fills them with light,

strength and consolation;

and gives them a foretaste of the calm bliss

of our heavenly home.

~ St. Rose of Viterbo

Thoughts on Prayer from the Saints, Part II

Virtues are formed by prayer.

Prayer preserves temperance.

Prayer suppresses anger.

Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy.

Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit,

and raises man to Heaven.

~ St. Ephraem

Thoughts on Prayer from the Saints, Part I

Pray with great confidence,

with confidence based upon the goodness

and infinite generosity of God

and upon the promises of Jesus Christ.

God is a spring of living water

which flows unceasingly

into the hearts of those who pray.

~St. Louis de Montfort