Journeying With The Saints

This week we are reading from the 48th number from "Way to Inner Peace." I know I've said this before, but this week's reading might be my favorite. The topic this week is on how the world scorns the virtues. I know what it's like to look at virtue and look down on those that are trying to live a virtuous life. I used to be that kind of person. We live in an upside down world where many people are trying snuff out the virtues because they make them uncomfortable.

Three Key Points: Encouragement, virtue, and light.

Today's readings are from Notebook 6, numbers 1647-1651.

Most of the time when we hear Sister Faustina talk about her sufferings, she is suffering all alone. Christ is there, obviously, but it's rare for the other Sisters to try to come and alleviate her sufferings. Suffering is hard enough but suffering alone is even more miserable. This reminded me of my maternal-grandmother and how she would often send me to visit those that were lonely.

Today's readings are from Notebook 6, numbers 1642-1646.

Often times we look at our present situation in the world and think, "Man, this is the worst. There has never been a worst time. It looks like the end is near." Christ is going to talk to Sister Faustina about how the world is not as powerful as we often give it credit. We need to trust His plan.

Today's readings are from Notebook 6, numbers 1637-1641.

Every once in a while, I like to do a refresher course on here about different teachings or practices of the Church. That's not to say that you all listening don't know but it's always nice to brush up on different teachings. Sister Faustina is going to confession and she talks about how her spirit was struggling to give a good confession because she was feeling so bad. We'll talk about the disposition our soul should be in during confession.

Today's readings are from Notebook 6, numbers 1633-1636.

As we've been reading through these past couple of days, Sister Faustina has been talking a lot about the sufferings that she is going through. We are in the year 1938 and that's the year she does pass away. She died on October 5, 1938, so we still have more than half a year with her. We used to hear more about her work of getting the Divine Mercy message out to the world; now we mostly hear about her sufferings.

Today's readings are from Notebook 6, numbers 1630-1632.

As I was reading through Sister Faustina's writings, I realized that it's just one big long prayer. As I tried to meditate on what I wanted to say afterwards, I couldn't think of anything to add. It needs no comment from me. Join with Sister Faustina in this powerful prayer.

Today's readings are from Notebook 6, numbers 1625-1629.

I think in today's readings we find one of the hardest teachings of Christ--to love our enemies. Christ is going to talk to Sister Faustina about having great love for those who cause her sufferings and who hate her. If you are anything like me, you find that very difficult to do.

Today's readings are from Notebook 6, numbers 1617-1624.

We are entering into another Lent with Sister Faustina. Even though, we may not be entering into Lent right now, it's still an important Church season to talk about. It's important to reflect on the Lenten season before it occurs. We often wait till the last minute to think about it and that leaves us scrambling around trying to figure out what we want to do.

This week we are reading from the 47th number from "Way to Inner Peace." This is going to be a fun topic to read about and discuss. It's all about the differences between men and women and how these differences are really complimentary. We live in a climate and culture that tells us that there are basically no differences between men and women. We intuitively know that's not true just be spending a bit of time around both sexes.

Three Key Points: Differences, complimentary, and design.

Today's readings are from Notebook 6, numbers 1612-1616.

Christ is going to tell Sister Faustina that He needs her sufferings to rescue souls. She is going to go through some very difficult times. She's going to be very physically ill. Two Sisters come to her asking for her help when she dies. She's working really hard for others. We can use our sufferings to help others, as well.