Let Us Imagine

Well, let us imagine that within us is an extremely rich palace, built entirely of gold and previous stones; in sum, built for a lord such as this. Imagine, too, as is indeed so, that you have a part to play in order for the palace to be so beautiful; for there is no edifice as beautiful as is a soul pure and full of virtues. The greater the virtues the more resplendent the jewels. Imagine, also, that in this palace dwells this mighty King who has been gracious enough to become your Father; and that He is seated upon an extremely valuable throne, which is your heart.

This may seem trifling at the beginning; I mean, this image I've used in order to explain recollection. But the image may be very helpful - to you especially - for since we women have no learning, all of this imagining is necessary that we may truly understand that within us lies something incomparably more precious than what we see outside ourselves. Let's not imagine that we are hollow inside. And please God it may be only women that go about forgetful of this inner richness and beauty. I consider it impossible for us to pay so much attention to worldly things if we take the care to remember we have a Guest such as this within us, for we then see how lowly these things are next to what we possess within ourselves. Well, what else does an animal do upon seeing what is pleasing to its sight than satisfy its hunger by taking the prey? Indeed, there should be some difference between them and us.

You will laugh at me, perhaps, and say that what I'm explaining is very clear, and you'll be right; for me, though, it was obscure for some time. I understood well that I had a soul. But what this soul deserved and who dwelt within it I did not understand because I had covered my eyes with the vanities of the world. For, in my opinion, if I had understood as I do now that in this little palace of my soul dwelt so great a King, I would not have left Him alone so often. I would have remained with Him at times and striven more so as not to be so unclean. But what a marvelous thing, that He who would fill a thousand worlds and many more with His grandeur would enclose Himself in something so small! [And so He wanted to enclose Himself in the womb of His most Blessed Mother.] In fact, since He is Lord He is free to do what He wants, and since He loves us He adapts Himself to our size.

- St. Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, 28:9, 10, 11

The Fire of Divine Love is More Quickly Enkindled

...those who know how to recollect themselves are like those who travel by sea; and since it is important for us not to proceed so slowly, let us speak a little about how we should get accustomed to a method that's so good. These souls are safer from many occasions. The fire of divine love is more quickly enkindled when they blow a little with their intellects. Since they are close to the fire, a little spark will ignite and set everything ablaze. Because there is no impediment from outside, the soul is alone with its God; it is well prepared for this enkindling. [I would like you to understand clearly this manner of prayer, which, as I have said, is called 'recollection.']

- St. Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, 28:8

The Soul Should Get Used to Recollection

And even though it isn't aware of this at the beginning, since the (prayer of) recollection is not so deep - for there are greater and lesser degrees of recollection - the soul should get used to this recollection; although in the beginning the body causes difficulty, because it claims its rights without realizing that it is cutting off its own head by not surrendering. If we make the effort, practice this recollection for some days, and get used to it, the gain will be clearly seen; we will understand, when beginning to pray, that the bees are approaching and entering the beehive to make honey. And this recollection will be effected without our effort because the Lord has desired that, during the time the faculties are drawn inward, the soul and its will may merit to have this dominion. When the soul does no more than give a sign that it wishes to be recollected, the senses obey it and become recollected. Even though they go out again afterward, their having already surrendered is a great thing; for they go out as captives and subjects and do not cause the harm they did previously. And when the will calls them back again, they come more quickly, until after many of these entries the Lord wills that they rest entirely in perfect contemplation.

- St. Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, 28:7

The Recollected are Already Out to Sea

Those who know how to recollect themselves are already out to sea, as they say. For even though they may not have got completely away from land, they do what they can during that time to get free from it by recollecting their senses within. If they recollection is true, it is felt very clearly; for it produces some effect in the soul. I don't know how to explain it. Whoever has experienced it will understand; the soul is like one who gets up from the table after winning a game, for it already sees what the things of the world are. It rises up at the best time, as one who enters a fortified castle to be safe from enemies. There is a withdrawing of the senses from exterior things and a renunciation of them in such a way that, without one's realizing it, the eyes close so as to avoid seeing them and so that the sight might be more awake to things of the soul.

So, anyone who walks by this path keeps his eyes closed almost as often as he prays. This is a praiseworthy custom for many reasons. It is a striving so as not to look at things here below. This striving comes at the beginning; afterward, there's no need to strive; a greater effort is needed to open the eyes while praying. It seems the soul is aware of the being strengthened and fortified at the expense of the body, that it leaves the body alone and weakened, and that it receives in this recollection a supply of provisions to strengthen it against the body.

- St. Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, 28:8

Enclosed within this Little Heaven of our Soul

Those who by such a method can enclose themselves within this little heaven of our soul, where the Maker of heaven and earth is present, and grow accustomed to refusing to be where the exterior senses in their distraction have gone or look in that direction should believe they are following an excellent path and that they will not fail to drink water from the fount; for they will journey far in a short time. Their situation is like that of a person who travels by ship; with a little wind he reaches the end of his journey in a few days. But those who go by land take longer. [It's the path of heave. I say 'of heave,' because they are there in the palace of the King; they are not on earth and are more secure against many occasions.]

- St. Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, 28:5

This Prayer is Called 'Recollection'

The intellect is recollected much more quickly with this kind of prayer (the Our Father) even though it may be vocal; it is a prayer that brings with it many blessings. This prayer is called "recollection," because the soul collects its faculties together and enters within itself to be with its God. And its divine Master comes more quickly to teach it and give it the prayer of quiet than He would through any other method it might use. For centered there within itself, it can think about the Passion and represent the Son and offer Him to the Father and not tire the intellect by going to look for Him on Mount Calvary or in the garden or at the pillar.

- St. Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, 28:4

Leave Aside Faintheartedness

Leave aside any of that faintheartedness that some persons have and think is humility. You see, humility doesn't consist in refusing a favor the King offers you, but in accepting such a favor and understanding how bountifully it comes to you and being delighted with it. What a nice kind of humility! I have the Emperor of heaven and earth in my house (for He comes to it in order to favor me and be happy with me), and out of humility I do not want to answer Him or stay with Him or take what He gives me, but I leave Him alone. Or, while He is telling me and begging me to ask Him for something, I do not do so but remain poor; and I even let Him go, for He sees that I never finish trying to make up my mind.

Having nothing to do with this kind of humility, daughters, but speak with Him as with a father, or a brother, or a lord, or as with a spouse; sometimes in one way, at other times in another; He will teach you what you must do in order to please Him. Don't be foolish; take Him at His word. Since He is your Spouse, He will treat you accordingly. [Consider that it is well worthwhile for you to have understood this truth: that the Lord is within us, and that there we must be with Him.]

- St. Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, 28:3

New Documentary Film on 'The Passion of the Christ'

New Documentary Film on 'The Passion of the Christ'
by Daniel Bijan - PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Catholic PRWire

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) 11/10/2004 – A new documentary feature film on ‘The Passion of the Christ’ opens in selected theaters on December 3, 2004. “Impact: The Passion of the Christ’ is already stirring controversy and interest around the world as it touches on the wide gulf between the religious and secular communities around the world.

The film has garnered praise and criticism as it tackles the controversies that surrounded the most explosive movie of our time and addresses the ‘cultural war’ that is taking place in America. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Tim Chey, the movie also takes viewers around the world to London, Tokyo, Oslo, Bombay, and Bangkok in search of answers to the compelling questions that surrounded ‘The Passion of the Christ’.

One of the subjects of the film, a neo-Nazi, turned after himself in for the ten-year old bombing of two buildings in Olso, Norway, two hours after seeing ‘The Passion of the Christ’.
The film has so far received the same type of response that ‘The Passion of the Christ’ received as judged by two film festivals (American Film Renaissance and Liberty Film Festival) it played in recently. Applause rang out incessantly throughout the movie by some in the crowd; while others, after the movie, criticized the overtly hard-core Christian message.

“I think this movie is despicable,” voiced one critic, “in that if you just accept Jesus Christ, you can go on your way even if you commit murder. That’s way too simplistic.” Another critic said it (“Impact”) takes another cheap shot at Michael Moore by stating that if the Columbine High School killers had known Jesus Christ, they wouldn’t have committed those atrocities.
Nonetheless, others felt the exact opposite. “This movie needs to be seen by the world,” one attendee said. “It shows how Christians and Catholics are being persecuted by those in the media.”

Chey shakes his head at the continuing controversy. “There is definitely a wide chasm of religious and cultural views that is increasing, not decreasing, in this country,” says Chey. “All of this culminated in the movie ‘The Passion of the Christ’ and when you take a step back, you see this chasm is very great indeed.” ‘Impact: The Passion of the Christ’ will expand into more theaters by early next year.

Contact info:Fallen World Distribution9461 Charleville Blvd, Ste 147Beverly Hills, CA 90212 email: Contact@ImpacttheMovie.com

Contact: Fallen World Productionshttp://www.ImpacttheMovie.com CA, US
Daniel Bijan - PR - PR, 310 8907195-890 7195
Keywords: 'The Passion of the Christ'

Wanted: Used Liturgy of the Hours, Four Volumes

Liturgy of the Hours
by Philip Ferguson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Catholic PRWire

Wanted - Used copies of the four volume "Liturgy of the Hours".
Any volume, all four preferred. Usable. Growing membership necessitates our reaching out to you, as the purchase of new books is very expensive. Double your postal cost guaranteed.

In St. Dominic - Pax et fides,
Phil Ferguson, O.P.L. (Life Professed) Sec/Treas.
Contact: Dominican Laity of Idaho ID, US Philip Ferguson - Sec/Treas.,
208-362-0894

Where His Majesty is Present, All Glory is Present

You already know that God is everywhere. It's obvious, then, that where the king is there is his court; in sum, wherever God is, there is heaven. Without a doubt you can believe that where His Majesty is present, all glory is present. Consider what St. Augustine says, that he sought Him in many places but found Him ultimately within himself. Do you think it matters little for a soul with a wandering mind to understand this truth and see that there is no need to go to heaven in order to speak with one's Eternal Father or find delight in Him? Nor is there any need to shout. However softly we speak, He is near enough to hear us. Neither is there any need for wings to go to find Him. All one need do is go into solitude and look at Him within oneself, and not turn away from so good a Guest but with great humility speak to Him as to a father. Beseech Him as you would a father; tell Him about your trials; ask Him for a remedy against them, realizing that you are not worthy to be His daughter.

- St. Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, 28:2 (continuing treatise on the 'Our Father')

Now Consider What Your Master Says, 'Who Art in Heaven'

St. Teresa continues her treatise on the Paternoster (the Our Father):

Now consider what your Master says: 'Who art in heaven.' Do you think it's of little importance to know what heaven is and where you must seek your most sacred Father? Well, I tell you that for wandering minds it is very important not only to believe these truths but to strive to understand them by experience. Doing this is one of the ways of greatly slowing down the mind and recollecting the soul.

- St. Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, 28:1

In this House, Please God

St. Teresa makes clear to her daughters that earthly lineage means nothing in the spiritual life; that we are all children of God.

Well, daughters, doesn't it seem to you that this Master is a good one, since in order to make us grow fond of learning what He teaches us He begins by granting us so wonderful a favor? Does it seem right to you now wthat even thought we recite these first words vocally (The Our Father) we should fail to let our intellects understand and our hearts break in pieces at seeing such love? What son is there in the world who doesn't strive to learn who his father is when he knows he has such a good one with so much majesty and power? If our Father had not so much majesty, it wouldn't surprise me if we refused to be known as His children. The world has come to such a state that if the father is of a lower status than his son, the son doesn't feel honored in recognizing him as his father.

Such an attitude doesn't belong here (in the convent). In this house, please God, may there never be any thought about such a thing; it would be a hell. But the one who is from nobler lineage should be the one to speak least about her father. All the Sisters must be equal.

- St. Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, 27:5,6

With Love You Bear Us

Behold, my Lord, that since with the love You bear us and with Your humility, nothing will stop you...in sum, Lord, You are on earth and clothed with it. Since You posses our nature, it seems You have some reason to look to our gain. But behold, Your Father is in heaven. You Yourself said so. It is right that You look to His honor. Since You have vowed to undergo disgrace for us, leave Your Father free. Don't oblige Him to do so much for a people so wretched, like myself, who will not thank You properly [and there are no others who will do better.]

- St. Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, 27:3

O Son of God and My Lord!

O Son of God and my Lord! How is it that You give so much all together in the first words? Since You humble Yourself to such an extreme in joining with us in prayer and making Yourself the Brother of creatures so lowly and wretched, how is it that You give us in the name of Your Father everything that can be given? For You desire that He consider us His children, because Your word cannot fail. You oblige Him to be true to Your word, which is no small burden since in being Father He must bear with us no matter how serious the offenses. If we return to Him like the prodigal son, He has to pardon us. He has to console us in our trials. He has to sustain us in the way a father like this must. For, in effect, He must be better than all the fathers in the world, because in Him everything must be faultless. And after all this He must make us sharers and heirs with You.

- St. Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, 27:2

Our Father Who Art in Heaven

Our Father who art in heaven. O my Lord, how You do show Yourself to be the Father of such a Son; and how Your Son does show Himself to be the Son of such a Father! May You be blessed forever and ever! This favor would not be so great, Lord, if it came at the end of the prayer. But at the beginning, You fill our hands and give a reward so large that it would easily fill the intellect and thus occupy the will in such a way one would be unable to speak a word.

Oh, daughters, how readily should perfect contemplation come at this point! Oh, how right it would be for the soul to enter within itself in order to rise the better above itself that this holy Son might make it understand the nature of the place where He says His Father dwells, which is in the heavens. Let us go forth from the earth, my daughters, for there is no reason that a favor like this should be so little esteemed, that after we have understood how great it is, we should still want to remain on earth.

- St. Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, 27:1

O Lord of the World, My True Spouse!

O Lord of the world, my true Spouse! (You can say this to Him if He has moved your heart to pity at seeing Him thus, for not only will you desire to look at Him but you will also delight in speaking with Him, not with ready-made prayers but with those that come from the sorrow of your own heart, for He esteems them highly.) Are You so in need, my Lord and my Love, that You would want to receive such poor company as mine, for I see by Your expression that You have been consoled by me? Well then, how is it Lord that the angels leave You and that even Your Father doesn't console You? If it's true, Lord, that You want to endure everything for me, what is this that I suffer for you? Of what am I complaining? I am already ashamed, since I have seen You in such a condition. I desire to suffer, Lord, all the trials that come to me and esteem them as a great good enabling me to imitate You in something. Let us walk together, Lord. Where You go, I will go; whatever you suffer, I will suffer.

- St. Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, 26:6

Think of Our Lord

If you feel happy, think of Our Lord at His Resurrection, for the very thought of how He rose from the tomb will delight you. How He shone with splendor! What spoils He brought away from the battle, where He won a glorious kingdom that He wishes to make all your own and Himself with it. It is (too) much to look but once on Him Who gives you such riches?

If you have trials to bear, if you are sorrowful, watch Him on His way to the garden. What grief must have arisen in His soul to cause Him, who was patience itself, to manifest and complain of it!

Or see Him bound to the column, full of sufferings, His flesh all torn to pieces because of His tender love for you.

Or look on Him laden with the cross, and not allowed to stay to take breath.

He will gaze on you with beautiful, compassionate eyes, and will forget His own grief to solace yours, only because you went to comfort Him, and turned to look at Him.

- St. Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, 26:4

So Good a Friend and Captain

With so good a Friend and Captain ever present, Himself the first to suffer, everything can be borne.

He helps, He strengthens, He never fails, He is the true Friend.

I see clearly, and since then have always seen, that if we are to please God, and if He is to give us His great graces, everything must pass through the hands of His most sacred humanity, in whom His Majesty said that He is well pleased.

I know this by repeated experience; I have seen clearly that this is the door by which we are to enter, if we would have His supreme Majesty reveal to us His great Secrets.

- St. Teresa of Avila, Life, 22:9

Bl. Elizabeth of the Trinity, virgin

We would like to remind you of this upcoming event.

Bl. Elizabeth of the Trinity (Virgin)
Date: Monday, November 8, 2004

http://www.oksister.com/Saints/elizabeth_of_the_trinity.htm

Required Memorial from the Common of Virgins.

Elizabeth Catez of the Trinity was born in 1880 in the dioceseof Bourges. In 1901 she entered the Discalced CarmeliteMonastery of Dijon. There she made her profession of vows in1903 and from there she was called "to light, to Love and tolife" by the Divine Spouse in 1906. A faithful adorer in spiritand in truth, her life was a "praise of glory" of the MostBlessed Trinity present in her soul and loved amidst interiordarkness and excruciating illness. In the mystery of divineinhabitation she found her "heave on earth," her special charismand her mission for the Church.

Reading:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ourlady-announce/files/Readings/

Virtual Tour of Lourdes and Nevers

Just finished the Lourdes and Nevers sections of my Virtual Tour, located on my website. Some up close and interesting photos, for those interested. You can find it here:
http://www.angelfire.com/falcon/greenhearts/
Select you best resolution and go to the Tour section.

Peace,
Jeff

(From Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Praise Forum at Delphi: http://forums.delphiforums.com/Lynden/messages/?msg=4742.1 )

Seek for Some Companion in Prayer

Let us return to consider our vocal prayer, in order to pray intelligently, and in such a way that, without our understanding how, God may give us all the rest.

As you are alone, seek for some companion - and where could you find a better one than the Master Who taught you the prayer you are about to say?

Picture this same Lord close beside you. See how lovingly, how humbly He is teaching you - believe me, you should never be without so good a Friend.

If you accustom yourselves to draw Him near you, and He sees that you love to have Him and make every effort to please Him, you will be unable, so to speak, to send Him away.

He will never fail you, but will help you in all your troubles and you will find Him everywhere.

Do you think it is a small thing to have such a Friend at your side?

- St. Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, 26:1

Endeavor to Realize Whose Presence You are Approaching

"Before prayer, endeavor to realize Whose Presence you are approaching and to Whom you are about to speak, keeping in mind Whom you are addressing.

"If our lives were a thousand times as long as they are we should never fully understand how we ought to behave towards God, before Whom the angels tremble, Who can do all He wills, and with Whom to wish is to accomplish. Ought we not, my daughters, to rejoice in these perfections of our Bridegroom, and to learn to know Him and what our lives should be?

"God Bless me! When a girl is going to be married she knows who her husband is to be and what are his means and position, shall not we think about our Bridegroom before He takes us home on the wedding-day?

"Why should I be prevented from understanding Who this Man is, Who is His Father, to what country He will take me, what are the riches He promises to endow me with, and what rank He holds? May I not know how best to please Him, what are his tastes, and how to bring my mind to harmonize with His?

"To understand these truths is to practice mental prayer."

- St. Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, 22:5