Wednesday, November 9, 2011

How He Loves Us

It takes me by surprise when I experience what theologians call "sensible consolations" in prayer. According to the Catholic encyclopedia,
"[a sensible consolation] has its beginning and is felt chiefly in the senses or sensible faculties. It consists in sensible devotion and a feeling of fervour arising from the consideration of God's goodness vividly represented to the mind and heart; or from the external aids and ceremonies of the Church. It is not to be disregarded on this account because it leads us finally to good. St. Alphonsus says, 'Spiritual consolations are gifts which are much more precious than all the riches and honors of the world. And if the sensibility itself is aroused, this completes our devotion, for then our whole being is united to God and tastes God.' (Love for Jesus, xvii)." http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14254a.htm
When I say it takes me by surprise, I mean it delights me, and it is an unexpected gift from God. A lot of the time when I pray, well, I can't explain it, it's not desolation and it's not consolation, it's just faithfulness.

I think it was St. Francis of Assisi who would ask God to remove his spiritual consolations and save them for Heaven. Not me. I say, "Thanks! Keep them coming, God!"

Well anyway, this is essentially the sensible consolation I experienced today in the silence of St. Mary's Chapel during Eucharistic Adoration- God's simultaneous love of each of us, uniquely, totally and completely:


On an unrelated note, but very important to share: today is Founder's Day! It's been 142 years already!

Sr. Regina Rose and Sr. Leslie have their presentation tonight about the beginnings of our Community. They have been working really hard on it and I am looking forward to seeing it!

3 comments:

  1. I'm feeling a bit out of sync lately and think I need to get into a daily quiet time routine. Any ideas on what to include in a quick 20-30 min quiet time?

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  2. Hi Karen! It is so wonderful that you are going to establish a daily quiet time! It's something that we all benefit from.

    I highly recommend the rosary. This meditation would take 20-30 minutes, and it has many mental, physical and spiritual benefits! http://www.erosary.com/

    Another wonderful practice is Lectio Divina. This contemplation would also take 20-30 minutes. This is a wonderful step-by-step guide to Lectio Divina- PDF file: http://qvdays.org/pdf/lectio_divina.pdf

    And another... The ACTS Prayer Model is excellent and would also take 20-30 minutes:
    A=Adoration (Worship of our Loving God)
    C=Contrition (Of Specific Sins)
    T=Thanksgiving (Gratitude)
    S=Supplication (Requests)

    And another... A prayer journal: Get a journal and write letters to God. Spend some of your time writing and some of your time sitting and listening in silence.

    You could also find a spiritual director who you trust who you would meet with 1 hour a month to discuss your relationship with God.

    Hope these ideas help!

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  3. P.S. I would also recommend that this daily time is the same time every day, such as 6:00am, 4:30pm, 9:00pm, whenever. It helps you to have that time for the Lord. And a certain place helps too.

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