The Joys and Challenges of a Solitary Life

[whiterockdove]

Hi Therese    I guess that was kind of a silly question on my part! 

Thank you for the reminder on aspirations and ejaculations.  I need to be better about incorporating those in my day. So easy to say, but so hard to remember to say. 

[whiterockdove]

Of The Several Kinds of Monks

It is well known that there are four kinds of monks.
The first are Cenobites, that is monastic or conventual, living  under a rule or abbot.
The second are Anchorites or hermits, who, not in the first fervor of devotion, but after long probation in the monastic life,
Have learnt to fight against the devil and after being aided  by the comfort and encouragement of others, are now able, by Gods assistance,
To strive hand in hand against the flesh and evil thoughts, and so go fourth from the army of the Brotherhood, to the single combat of the wilderness. The third and worst kind are the Serabites, who have never been tried under any Rule, nor by the experience of a skillful master,
As gold is tried in he furnace, but being soft as lead, and by their works still cleaving to
The world, are known by their tonsure to be disloyal to God.

-The Rule of Our Most Holy Father, St. Benedict

[Therese]

Hi Therese   I guess that was kind of a silly question on my part!  

Thank you for the reminder on aspirations and ejaculations.  I need to be better about incorporating those in my day. So easy to say, but so hard to remember to say.  

Hi!  You are very welcome, Whiterockdove.  I have read that making ejaculations/aspirations throughout the day is more beneficial in one's spiritual life than one's allotted time in the day for mental prayer and meditation--not that we should neglect or deliberately omit mental prayer and meditation.  Let us both make a resolution today to make more ejaculations/aspirations that ever before.  Let us live this day like it were our last and do all for the glory and love of God, conversing with Him and adoring Him in our hearts, turning to Him before we turn to others for consolations, help, company, etc..  God bless you!

[whiterockdove]

Amen, my Sister in Jesus and Mary!

Your words about  living this day as if it were our last are  very timely,

All for the glory of God!
My husband and I were discussing that concept yesterday, both wanting to
Be more vigilant there. 

God Bless you too!

[Shin]

Yes, I can believe that easily, regular short aspirations keep lifting the mind up to its proper place!

So a person can begin to live the supernatural Christian life rather than the natural life.

May God help us to do so!

[whiterockdove]

Here's an aspiration for today;

"Admirable is the name of God"

-To be said in the spirit of reparation for blasphemy.

As told by Jesus to Sister Marie of St. Peter, OCD

[Therese]

I'll pray this ejaculation today, Whiterockdove, in reparation for blasphemy, one of the sins that offends God the most.  I'd like to spend much time making reparation for sins.

[Therese]

Yes, Shin, what you say is true about regular aspirations keeping the mind lifted to where it should be. If we keep our mind and heart where it should be all day long, how greatly glorified our Lord will be!

[whiterockdove]

Here's an aspiration for today;

"Admirable is the name of God"

-To be said in the spirit of reparation for blasphemy.

As told by Jesus to Sister Marie of St. Peter, OCD

Moses said to God: Lo, I shall go to the children of Israel and say to them: the God of your fathers hath sent me to you. If they should say to me; what is his name? What shall I say to them?
God said to Moses: I AM WHO AM. He said; Thus shalt thou say to the children of Israel;
HE WHO IS, hath sent me to you.

Exodus 3: 13-14
   

[Shin]

Admirable is the name of God!

[Therese]

I have a special attraction to this reparative ejaculation and had used it many times yesterday.  I'll keep using it, as it is very easy to pray and I'm sure it is very pleasing to our Lord to hear it.

[whiterockdove]

Here's an aspiration for  the day;

Very popular and very true.....

"Jesus, I trust in you!"

St. Faustina, pray for us.
Amen.

[Therese]

Here are some aspirations particularly fitting for today's Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus:  Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love!  All for Thee, Sacred Heart of Jesus!  Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in Thee!  Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Thy love for me!

[whiterockdove]

Thank you Therese!

Here's a nice Hymn to Mary-

Mary crowned with living light
Temple of The Lord,
Place of peace and holiness,
Shelter of The Word.

Mystery of sinless life,
In our fallen race,
Free from shadow, you reflect
Plenitude of grace.

Virgin-Mother of our God,
Lift us when we fall
Who were named upon the cross
Mother of us all.

Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
Heaven sings your praise,
Mary magnifies your name
Through eternal days.

-this was in the Little  Hours of The Blessed Virgin Mary for  Monday morning

[Therese]

Thanks for sharing that lovely hymn with me, Whiterockdove!  I am reading a very wonderful book about our Lady, the chapters are short meditations that are loaded with the most precious gems about our Lady's love for us and how much we should love her.  I think that everybody every day should read about Mary in books and sing hymns to her (and about her, to our Lord).  God bless you!

[Therese]

I know somebody who just joined a hermitage.  Hopefully, he'll let me know what life as a hermit is like.  I am interested in learning about it.