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Sept. 17
Where, Lord, that I can better serve you in the cloister and under the banner of the Poverello of Assisi? And he, seeing my embarrassment, smiled, smiled for a long time, and this smile in my heart left ineffable sweetness, sometimes it really felt to me, I seemed to see his shadow, and my flesh, my whole being, was glad in Salvador, in his God.And then I felt two forces within me, who fought each other and that lacerated heart. The world that I wanted for himself, and God, who called me to a new life. My God, who can now show that internal martyrdom took place in me?The only memory of that internal struggle, which was then in me, makes my blood run cold in his veins, and that they have passed, or are to spend twenty years.I felt the duty to obey the voice of you, true God and good!, But yours and mine enemies tyrannized me, I dislocated bones, mocked me and I contorcían guts!I wanted to obey you, my God, my husband. This was always the feeling that prevailed in my mind and in my heart, but where they could gather forces crush, with a firm and determined, first false flattery, then the tyranny of a world that is not yours?You know, Lord, the bitter tears I shed in front of you in those days luctuosísimos! You know, God, my soul: the groans of my heart, tears coming down from these eyes. You had undeniable proof of those tears and expressing it, remaining soaked pillow. Wanted and always wanted to obey, but life caught me. I wanted to die rather than stop responding to your call.But you, Lord, you made your child experience the full effects of a real abandonment, you got up at last, I stretched out your mighty hand and took me to the place where I'd previously already called. We are given, God, infinite praise and thanksgiving.You here I hid in the eyes of all, but even then you've committed to your child a very great mission, a mission that only you and me is known. My God, my Father!, How I mapped to this mission?!I do not know. But maybe I just should have done more, and this is the reason for the current concern of my heart.Restlessness I feel to be inside me agigantando these days of spiritual retreat.
(November 1922, the sisters Campanile - Letters. III, p. 1005)
THIRD DAY
THE SHIELD OF FAITH
Faith is a gift of God to us through the action of the Holy Spirit in the life of human beings. Precisely from faith is how we live as members of the Mystical Body of Christ. It is faith that unites us with God and with others through grace. Resort to certain texts of Scripture to be enlightened by the Spirit Sanctifier.
That Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts, being rooted and grounded in love, may all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, so that you fill all the fullness of God. (Eph 3:17-19)
Having thus received our justification of faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom 5:1).
Jesus said, 'Woman, great is your faith as you want to happen. (Mt 15:28).
We could continue with an almost endless list of texts of Scripture on faith, but for our discussion today, I think it is enough. In the teachings of Father Pius faith ranks rightful preeminent as the foundation of the spiritual edifice which is to design and build, and unitive principle and transforming supernatural agency. As is said of hope and charity presupposes the existence and dynamics of the virtue of faith.
a). Nature and excellence of faith
Indeed Father Pius positively highlights unitive function of faith in God, right amount and purpose of the beatific vision: << God wants espouse faith in the soul and the soul that must celebrate this celestial betrothal must walk in pure faith, that is appropriate and unique to this union of love >> (19-12-1913, I, 441). And thus is explained and understood the insistence with which recommends always rekindle faith to preserve and increase union with God, while they put to flight all diabolical arts that may hinder.Also believe that the P. Pius wants souls with clear and precise about the nature and excellence of this virtue, so they can avoid possible deviations from somewhat puzzling phenomena, dark regarding the way of perfection. Both intelligence and the will have their part in a merely passive acceptance of the mysteries and the truths revealed; requires the effort and dynamism of the will which proposes to understanding the motivations truly acceptable. It is therefore no direct knowledge, immediate and obvious, but not merely sensible or rational. Therefore you should avoid the illusion of wanting to confine the light of knowledge of the faith to the field of evidence, does not involve the direct view of the connection between the premises and the conclusion, is dark by nature and therefore intelligence must submit to the decision of the will. This however, in no way forget that faith is a gift of God, which must be ordered by prayer, and is to solidify and consolidate personal acts that are worthy precisely because they inspired and directed by this virtue.These and other highlights on P. Pio when he tries to show the excellence of faith or discover their intrinsic nature to make souls troubled by doubts and uncertainties regain composure.On October 22, 1916, referring to some thoughts of his spiritual director, Fr Augustine writes:
• << Living faith, blind belief and complete adherence to authority constituted by God for you is the light that illuminated the steps of God's people in their journey through the desert, the light that shines forever in height all adept spirit to the Father, the light that led the Magi to adore the newborn Messiah, is the star prophesied by Balaam is the torch that directs the steps of these spirits desolate. And this light, this close and this torch are also illuminating your soul, direct your steps to not hesitate; robustecen your spirit in God's love and the soul without noticing, always moving towards the eternal goal. You do not see and do not understand, but it is not necessary, you will perceive not only darkness, but that does not hide the sun forever. Be assured that this sun is precisely that which the seer of God sang: "Through your light we see your light" >> (Ps 35.10-III, 400)
And earlier, on August 6, 1915, had written• << Between moans and anxieties San Pablo asked incessantly be released, but the same Jesus replied that His grace will be enough. So does all souls who want to love Him with sincerity and purity of heart. How do you doubt it? Is he by chance our God, faithful above all men, for not allowing us not to be tested on our strengths? >> (III, 92).
And in March 1916 he added:
• << Creed, if you can not persuade you, that your spirit shines light and darkness are already contemplating what you think. Believe that you are close wing aurora. Creed that Jesus, Sun of Justice, is with you, I want you well and always want, as long as you lend it to act freely in you >> (III, 170).
• << Remain steadfast in the faith always and ever vigilant to disappear and the trickery of the enemy [...]. In a special way rekindle faith in the promises of eternal life that the most sweet Lord who makes our fight with strength and courage >> (26-11-1913, II, 249).
The spiritual director strongly rejoices when he sees souls moving down this path with immense confidence and total abandonment in the goodness of the Heavenly Father:
• << How not enjoy seeing a daughter who loves God, who converses with God, feels and sees God in faith, without any affection like sweet and sensitive? >> (13-6-1918, III, 301).
With the grace of God and the faithful and active assistance of the Holy Spirit let us seriously and lovingly by God to do now our life review in the light of the above.Given the extent and richness of the subject, divide it into two parts, so that will help us to reflect on two days.
TO THINK AND CHECK OUR LIFE
1. Faith is a gift Am I aware of this gift that God has given me?2. What and who to believe?3. How do I exercise my faith?4. How do I express my faith to others, I am ashamed of it?5. What does it mean for me to believe?6. What is my commitment towards God in faith?
PRAY:
Lord our GodFather of mercies and God of all comfortGrant us the light of the Holy SpiritTo believe, love and awarenessIn your Holy Son.You who live and reign,For ever and ever. Amen.
Pray three Our Fathers, three Hail Mary and Glory Be ...Closing Prayer:
Oh God that St. Pio of PietrelcinaCapuchin priestyou have given the signal privilegeto participate in a wonderful wayin the passion of your Son,grant us through her intercession,identify in the death of Christto share in his resurrection.Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A sad but sweet voice sounded in my poor heart, was the announcement that drew loving father in your child's mind the dangers to be encountered in the struggle of life, was the voice of the kind father who wanted the heart of the child away from those innocent childhood loves, was the voice of a loving father who whispered to the ears and heart of the child to depart entirely from clay, mud, and jealously asked to be devoted entirely to him.
Passionately, with amorous sighs, with inexpressible groans with sweet words and soft, he called himself, wanted to make it all yours.
Moreover, almost jealous of the child, often allowing the creature, daughter of earth and mud, threw punches and kicks give undeserved son he loved with such tenderness and affection, and that he understood how much had been misleading and misleading the love, innocent and childlike, gave the creatures ...
Then I, the ungrateful son, and understood everything clearly envisaged the terrible and frightening picture that he, in his infinite mercy, showed me; grim picture indeed, that would have to tremble and frightened souls tested.
Perceiving those filth, those miseries, I invoked once the most holy names of Jesus and Mary, calling anxiously to good father to come to my aid. And that is that once, in response to my call, he showed me, and, seeing that I was struggling to rid myself of that fateful box, seemed to smile, seemed to invite me to another life, made me realize that the port safe refuge of peace for me was the ecclesiastical militia army.
(November 1922, the sisters Campanile - Letters. III, p. 1005)
SECOND DAY
GOD'S LOVE 2-9
Let us use the following text of the Word of God to illuminate our thinking to this day:For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (Jn 3:16).More proof that God loves us is that Christ, while we were yet sinners, died for us. (Rom 5:8).But God, rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, being dead, because of our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-by grace alone we are saved - and raised us up and made us sit together in heavenly in Christ Jesus, in order to show in the coming ages the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (Eph 2:4-7).In this was manifested the love of God for us, that God sent his only Son into the world that we might live through Him Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins. (I Jn 4.9 to 10).If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he has seen, can not love God whom he has not seen. (I John 4:20).
<< What is this love? >>
The same P. Pius was proposed the question and gave the answer remember some of his ideas in the letters.Charity is not static but dynamic reality. As natural love supernatural and infused also reveals and manifests in the soul as a trend and a movement of the will and the heart to the well known, and in this case to the Supreme Good perceived in the light of faith and revelation. Padre Pio it manifest in many ways, for example:
May your confidence once again enlighten my understanding, your love of this heart heat pain grinding offend the hour of trial! (E I, c. 368).
To love God is the greatest duty of life, and I understood as a child, as yet understand many children still poisoned by the world.
Everything could be summarized thus: I am consumed by the love of God and love of neighbor.
Love is but a spark of God in men, the very essence of God personified in the Holy Spirit, we poor mortals, we should give ourselves to God with all the capacity of our love.
The P. Pius was a person able to discover and appreciate the grace of God, especially the gift of love. For him the basic principle of his life was the love of Jesus Christ, the love of God, I used to compare with a devouring fire. This love led him to surrender completely to Him, fully accepting his will. It is true that the nature of this love is ineffable but our humble friar made the effort to admit and publicize even with words:
Oh, if I had a dying infinite hearts, all hearts of heaven and earth, your mother ... all, all, oh Jesus, I offer Thee the. Jesus, I love you so much, it is useless to repeat it, I love you. Take this heart, fill it with your love, then send me whatever you want.
My life is Christ living for Jesus, for His glory, to serve him, to love him. He is in love with both of my heart that makes me burn everything in its divine fire, in the fire of love. What is this fire that consumes me whole? If Jesus thus makes us happy on earth ... What will in heaven?.
The soul that has chosen divine love, not selfish load in the Heart of Jesus, but must also feel it burning charity towards the brothers, who often hurts. It is not difficult to understand, because the soul, no longer living their lives, but that of Jesus who lives in it, must feel, desire and experience the same feelings, desires and life that lives there. And you know, if you've got it late, you know, say, what feelings and desires of what was and is animated by this divine Master God and humanity. Suffer So your soul for God and the brothers who do not want to know about it because this is the great pleasure of it.
We consider the above we have enough to make a serious and thoughtful living the experience of God in their lives. It is a gift, a grace, a gift. Unfortunately too many times we leave without unwrapping gifts or receive them put them anywhere and do not give them more importance ...
TO REVIEW OUR LIFE
1. Am I really aware of the love of God in my life?
2. What is my attitude to the love God has me?
3. How does God love?
4. Where does the love of God at the time of my projection and discernment?
5. What circumstances and events of each day experiment with greater intensity the Love of God?
6. Am I able to talk and to share this love with others or ashamed of it?
7. In my relationships with others? Fraternal living experience of God's love?
8. How project love and charity to those around me?
9. What are the means that I have to implement to truly practice the love of God?
10. Do I give as an offering of love for the salvation of mankind?
PRAY:Lord Jesus Christ, Way, Truth and Life,you've made love to you and the brothersthe form of evangelical perfectionGod grant me a love infinitely generous.A radical fidelity to your plan of love in my life,and with the fire of your Holy SpiritPurify and sanctify my desire for holinessand delivery for the redemption of mankind. Amen.
Pray three Our Fathers, three Hail Marys with Glory ...
Closing Prayer:
Oh God that St. Pio of PietrelcinaCapuchin priestyou have given the signal privilegeto participate in a wonderful wayin the passion of your Son,grant us through her intercession,identify in the death of Christto share in his resurrection.Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
NINE days accompanied by St. Pio
First Day:God's call
To start this tour we go to Holy Scripture tells us:
Then I was the word of YHVH in these terms:Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,and before you were born I consecrated you;Prophet to the nations I appointed you a. (Jeremiah 1:4-5).
The God of all grace,which has called to his eternal glory in Christ,after suffering briefrestore them, entrench, will strengthen and consolidate. (I Peter 5:10)
Suffice it to find and convince us first that it is God who calls. The initiative is only God. No flame or wiser people or more eloquent. Nor to the important and powerful. Moreover not call people who are considered "good", "holy" unfit for service in the Kingdom of God. God calls whom He will.In Francesco Forgione (who later be Padre Pio) is no exception. God calls since I can remember. We're talking between 4 or 5 years old. Even then being just a "bambino", God had looked with a very special love and I had reserved for the sign of the presence of God's mercy in the world.It is true that when Francesco experiences in himself God's call is doing is going through a time of struggle between attraction ephemeral, fleeting and misleading "world" and following Jesus Christ crucified poor and humble style of St. Francis of Assisi . It is as if the Lord's call will drill and penetrate the heart of Francesco since childhood. His release is tested and it's time to decide between God or the "world", good or evil, life or death. Choose God and His will is a real struggle, because one's freedom is hindered by the consequences of sin. "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Mt 26, 41) and therefore it is necessary to enjoy the full freedom of the children of God to choose, because "to be free Christ has set us free" (Gal 5, 1). This was the dilemma and Francesco experienced enormous challenge since childhood. He himself will count as follows:
I felt two forces clashed in me and I tore the heart: I wanted the world to him and God was calling me to a new life. My God, how to describe my martyrdom? Just to remember the struggle unfolding in me chills my blood in the veins. Twenty years have passed. I felt I had to obey you, true God and good, but my enemies tyrannized me, me and me descoyuntaban bones twisted gut.
I wanted to obey, my God and my husband, but where do you find the strength to resist this world that is not yours? Finally showed up and, holding out your almighty hand, took me to where you called me ... (Ep. III, p. 1006ss.).
This is the voice and experience of our Brother. Following Christ is not easy. Not only is it easy, but now seems meaningless. In a globalized world, hedonistic, materialistic in which we have endeavored to kill God, removing almost all areas where man moves, the most exquisite flowers bloom Holiness.Grace of God. Definitely. The pure and is called grace. It is grace that ignore and pay attention to that voice calling. Grace is the answer to that call that leads to the decision to follow Christ. Everything absolutely everything is grace. But much has the answer of the person to God. For Francesco if he had not answered the call, the plan that God had for him, not sure what we would today as Capuchin friar, much less as a Saint. However, when we discover that God's grace precisely joined unconditional collaboration and generous, that "fiat" of Francesco Forgione, then we can find that when you combine God's grace and unconditional generosity of man, then God does " works great and wonderful "as it did in the P. Pius.
This is the question in which I invite you to reflect. I propose the following questions:
1st. Am I aware of the call that God does in my life?2nd. How long have you discovered in me that call?3rd What are the struggles that prevent me from closer monitoring of Jesus Christ?4th Am I willing to give up everything to gain Christ and I feel better and ephemeral easy road of sin?5th I trust you to let God truly free access to my life?6th What is my attitude to all this?7th What answer I give God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
For prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, the human face of Godand infinite manifestation of the Father's mercyLight pours over me with your Holy SpiritI come to know what you are pleased,and can grow in me the grace of holinessTrinidad Augusta Thou oh you wanted to share with me.I pray for the intercession of Father Pius grant me repentance of my sinsAnd the generosity to make yourself known to all who are close to me.
Pray three Our Fathers, three Hail Marys with Glory ...
Closing Prayer:
Oh God that St. Pio of PietrelcinaCapuchin priestyou have given the signal privilegeto participate in a wonderful wayin the passion of your Son,grant us through her intercession,identificaros in the death of Christto share in his resurrection.Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Capuchin Friar Paul MissionarySeptember 14, 2012.
"When I am lifted up from the earth will draw all men to myself" (Jn 12:32)Turn your eyes to the redeeming Cross where Jesus Christ Madero slope on top of Calvary and with outstretched arms pleading love and mercy for Himself, but first and foremost for humanity.A humanity which has now withdrawn his gaze, his eyes and heart of Jesus Christ and especially the cross that is not easy to accept or charge.The Cross is the flag of the brave. The Cross is the book of life. The cross is the inheritance of the saints. The Cross is the glory of Christians.All who have chosen the Kingdom of God are to fight the shadow of the cross of Christ. The vocation of Christians is twofold: God calls us to penalties, to the tribulations, to jobs, own our status as creatures, but also calls us the glory, for eternal beatitude sign of his love and faithfulness .Through the passion of Jesus Christ and his crucifixion and death on the cross, Jesus Christ the Lord of time and history mankind has made in his plan of universal salvation. By giving his life on the cross, Jesus Christ has gathered all that were scattered throughout the land, according to the pro dictated Prophecy Prophet Isaiah: The rise an emblem for the nations, gather the exiles of Israel and together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners. (Is 11:12). This emblem, this banner is the cross. All will be gathered under this tree of life which is in the center of the universe. Under the banner of the cross and walk the brave struggle to safe passage to conquer the sky. The cross protects you from all your enemies and take the glorious kingdom of heaven.The cross is with you and makes you succeed in the spiritual battle against evil. Being always embraced the cross you will succeed in combating stalking you and you always want from the way of God. In all your struggles, your temptations, your difficulties will come your way, keep this in your mind and in your heart the Cross of Christ and this sign conquer.The strength of the cross that comes the Sacred Heart of Jesus that gave victory to the martyrs on their tyrants, sinners snatched from the bondage of Satan. For the cross pagans have become penitent and loving Jesus Christ. Just take it to the Cross of Christ! Think of him who gave his life for love for you to live fully and victorious run to meet your Lord with open arms in the tree is waiting to introduce you to the heavenly Jerusalem.Cruz Oh lovely I love you and adore you, which rich treasure of grace and love. On this day the Church celebrates your exaltation, is to celebrate Jesus Christ's victory over death and sin. You celebrate the infatuation of all hearts. May we all be on your victory worthy of the same award. Cruz Oh God, I know for all consolation in sorrow, exaltation in humiliation, strength in weakness, help in our life and hope of salvation in our death. The cross is the book of life that contains all the wisdom of God. The chair of God. The altar where my God and Savior diesSeptember 14, 2012Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy CrossCapuchin Friar Paul Missionary.
14 September
Pray that this divine Lover, this beloved Spouse of our souls, complete the work of grace that has begun in me, poor thing. In me, his poor miserable creature, who, from birth, has proved a very special predilection, he has shown me that not only would have been my savior, my highest benefactor, but also devoted friend, sincere and faithful , the friend of heart, the eternal and infinite love, comfort, joy, relief, my treasure.
And I, alas, in the meantime, perhaps innocently and unconsciously guided my heart, ever burning with love for all and all the creatures that were pleasant and pleasing me. He has always watched over me, scolded me internally, I reproached, paternally, sweetly yes, but the rebuke was listening to the soul.
(November 1922, the sisters Campanile - Letters. III, p. 1005)
Sept. 13
God commands us to love him, not to the extent and the way he deserves, because he knows the extent of our ability, and we never send or ask us what we can do, but we are commanded to love Him as our possibilities, with all our soul, all our mind and with all our heart. Well, what you do not strive to do all this? And, if you do not, why whine?, Why angst? God knows very well our intention, that is straight, which is holy to him. God knows why it allows so many wishes do not become reality, but after much effort, and that some do not get ever. Well, even in these cases, no cause to grieve in vain, because there is always profit and profit for the soul, because although only got the fruit of mortification of souls, and would be a great thing.
(June 3, 1917, at an unknown target - Letters. III, p. 918)
Sept. 12
Holiness, I take Your meeting with parents Capitulares to join my brothers spiritually and humbly lay at your feet my affectionate gift and my total devotion to his august person, in an act of faith, love and obedience to the dignity of those who represent on earth. The Capuchin Order has always been at the forefront of love, loyalty, obedience and devotion to the Apostolic See; ask the Lord to always stay well and continue in its tradition of religious seriousness and austerity, evangelical poverty, faithful observance of the rule and constitutions, even if it has to be renewed in the vitality and spirit inside, following the directives of Vatican II, to be increasingly willing to address the needs of the mother church, supporting the indications Your Holiness.I know that your heart suffers a lot these days by the plight of the Church, for the peace of the world, for the many needs of the nations, but above all, the lack of obedience of some, even Catholics, to high Vos lessons, assisted by the Holy Spirit, you give us the name of God.I offer my prayers and suffering every day, like simple but heartfelt memories of the last of your children, so that the Lord will comfort you with his grace, to continue the rectum and weary way, in defense of eternal truth, that never changes with the change of time.I thank you, also on behalf of my spiritual children and the "Prayer Groups" clear and definitive word you have said, especially in the last encyclical Humanae Vitae, and reaffirm my faith and unquestioning obedience to your enlightened guidance.May the Lord grant victory to truth, peace to his Church, tranquility to the nations of the earth, health and prosperity to your Holiness, that, these clouds dissipated, the kingdom of God will triumph in all hearts, thank your apostolic activity of the supreme pastor of all Christendom.
(September 12, 1968, Pope Paul VI - Ep. IV, p. 12)
September 6
My current state, my father, leaves much to be desired, I feel very depressed. I see the crosses in addition to the crosses, the aches pains, and could not stand on my feet if the immediate intervention of the heavenly Father not hold me with his powerful arm.
Physical discomfort are added the hard struggles of the spirit. Clouds oscurísimas are becoming more dense in the sky of my poor soul. Jesus is always with me, it is true, but how painful, my father, is the test that subjects the soul to the danger of offending the divine husband! But God always alive! Hope to win and be victorious and the decision to continue fighting not weaken me ever.
(September 7, 1914, Father Agustin de San Marco in Lamis - Letters. I, p. 582)
September 4
Do not be frightened the innumerable temptations assail you continually, for the Holy Spirit announces the devout soul that if you decide to move in the ways of God, must be available and ready for temptation. So, cheer, that certain and infallible proof of the choice of a soul for perfection is the temptation, in which the poor girl will be placed as a sign of contradiction in the middle of the storm. They encourage us to endure the difficulty of life of all the saints, who were free of this test.
Temptation does not respect any choice. Even respected the Apostle of the Gentiles, who, after being caught living in paradise, such was the trial to which he was subjected, that Satan came to slap him.My God, who is able to read these pages without feeling that it freezes the blood in veins?!How many tears, how many sighs, moans many, many prayers, not raised this holy apostle, asking the Lord to withdraw from him this excruciating test! What was Jesus' response? No other than this: "My grace is sufficient for you ... "," Virtue is perfected in the disease, in the test '.
September 1
Abandon what the enemy is repeatedly blowing your soul, wanting to make you believe that you are very close to losing. He despises these malicious insinuations and quiet lives, because the Lord is with you even more trouble. Sacred Scripture also assures us that a troubled soul is united to his God: "With her I am, God says, in trouble." Courage, then, and fear not, because it is also true that the lost soul who fears is not lost, and that the fighting looking to God, sing victory, sing the hymn of triumph. No reason to panic, my Raffaelina, as the heavenly Father has promised us the help needed to not be overcome by temptations.
(April 10, 1915, to Raffaelina Cerase - Letters. II, p. 393)
