The Past, the Present, and the Future

The past affects the future inasmuch as it dwells in our memory; that is, thinking on the past changes the way one lives in the present. One remembers good experiences, and tries to relive them; the evil and unpleasant things one seeks to avoid in the future. One reads history and forms opinions on the government, economy, and social issues of the present based on what has transpired in the past. If we study history to learn from man's previous mistakes (which we ought), so much the more should we take care to make time and meditate on Christ's life, that it might sanctify our lives in the present and bring us to happiness hereafter.

Pange Lingua!

Pange lingua mea! Thou member of mine upon which Christ Himself has deigned to rest! Pange lingua gloriosi Corporis mysterium! As long as I am able, I shall sing to thee, My God!

Satisfaction

Can a human being ever be satisfied on this earth? Even if all one's material dreams were fulfilled (however limited or expansive), one couldn't help but wish and seek for more. More, more, more! What is it that drives man this way? He seeks happiness, and will be fulfilled - satisfied - only in Heaven in the Love of Christ.

My heart is restless, O Lord, until it rests in Thee! 
~St. Augustine

To Be Ruled by Love

Fill your mind with all that is good
That your soul may be ordered as it should.
Open your heart to God above
And let your desires be ruled by Love.


"Would that I could keep Thee always in mine inmost heart to be,
Thou, and Thou alone suggesting every thought and wish in me;
All my soul with singing offered for a sacrifice to Thee!"

~Eia, Jesu adorande by John Maubern, 1494

Of Human Beings

A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
A person is a terrible thing to use.
A heart is a terrible thing to break.
A soul is a terrible thing to lose.

The Motive Behind Christian Action

Days are filled with action. Prayers to say, work to do, errands to run, chores to be done. In what manner do I perform these actions? Can I truly say that I do everything as a Christian would? What really is the motivation behind everything I do? I spend my days in pursuit of happiness and beauty. What animates this desire for good? It could very well be selfishness, arrogance, or self-aggrandizement at any moment. But no. Let my motive no longer be sinful. Let it be charity! Without love, one cannot attempt to serve God and please Him. Let me cultivate a love for God and neighbor that is both the ultimate inspiration of my actions and the purpose of my life.

Maneant in vobis fides, spes, et caritas; maior autem horum est caritas.  1 Cor 13:13



"Ah, Lord Jesus go not from me! Stay, ah, stay with me my Lord!
Make me shrink from whatsoever will not with Thy name accord.
Act through me in every action, speak through me in every word."

~ Eia, Jesu adorande  by John Maubern, 1494

Peace and Justice

Peace and justice oftentimes, I have found, do not go together. In terms of a dispute with someone, especially a relative or close friend, many times it is better to take the short end of the stick oneself in the effort to preserve the peace in the house (or circle of friends). One could insist that justice be done to uphold what is good and right, but if enforcing justice in a situation causes more strife and hurt than before, the value of peace and goodwill must be weighed against the value of justice. Of course, in opting for peace rather than justice when the two are juxtaposed, one must be careful not to become a doormat or play the "martyr." It must be done solely out of love for the other, and love for God. The "short end" must be grasped willingly, joyfully, and without complaint. Besides, God deals with us mercifully and indulgently here on earth- should we not do the same for our brethren?

Garden Song

(Sung to the tune of Polly Wolly Doodle)

We are breaking out the barrows
And we're singin' with the sparrows
Singing "polly wolly doodle" all the day
We're clearing out tomatoes and digging up potatoes
Singing "polly wolly doodle" all the day!

With a rake
And a hoe
And a lot of old weeds to go
We'll be cleaning out the garden
Til dinnertime for certain
Singing polly wolly doodle all the day!