Nice day we’re having?
“In external matters. In times of great heat, cold or rain; in times of famine, epidemics and similar occasions we should refrain from expressions like these: “What unbearable heat!” “What piercing cold!” “What a tragedy!” In these instances we should avoid expressions indicating opposition to God’s will. We should want things to be just as they are, because it is God who thus disposes them. An incident in point would be this one: Late one night St. Francis Borgia arrived unexpectedly at a Jesuit house, in a snowstorm. He knocked and knocked on the door, but all to no purpose because the community being asleep, no one heard him. When morning came all were embarrassed for the discomfort he had experienced by having had to spend the night in the open. The saint, however, said he had enjoyed the greatest consolation during those long hours of the night by imagining that he saw our Lord up in the sky dropping the snowflakes down upon him.”
– St. Alphonsus de Liguori — Special Practices of Uniformity
Not so much a comment on the above, as just to say hello and to thank you for your blog – I subscribe via RSS, and enjoy the daily meditation!
As I read from an older Breviary this morning, I thought of you – that you would like very much the II Nocturn, which I append here – hope it fits!
God and Mary w/ you,
Fr. Austin
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The Lesson is taken from the Sermons of St. Venerable Bede the Priest Sermo 18 de Sanctis
Never shall there be discord anywhere there, but all things in harmony. For everywhere there, things are in such concord that all the Saints are at unity with each other in one peace and joy. Everywhere there, all things are tranquil and quiet. Perpetual is the splendour there ; not like unto the sunlight which we know here, but a light which is the brighter, as it is the more blessed. For that city, as saith Scripture, needeth not the light of the sun, because the Lord Almighty doth enlighten it by the Lamb which is the Light thereof. There the Saints shall shine like as the brightness of the firmament, and they that have turned many to righteousness, as the stars, for ever and ever.
And so there is no night there, no darkness, no gathering of clouds, no asperity of heat or cold. But such is the nature of things there as no eye hath seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, except of those only who have been found worthy to enjoy it, whose names are written in the book of life ; and who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, and are before the throne of God, serving him day and night. There is no old age anywhere there, nor misery of old age, for all are come to perfect manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
But far above all these things is the fellowship there. That is, to enjoy the companionship of the heavenly citizens : to look upon the choirs of Angels and Archangels, of Thrones and Dominions, Principalities, Powers, and all the heavenly Virtues on high : and to behold the army of the Saints shining more gloriously than the stars ; of the Patriarchs glowing with faith ; of the Prophets rejoicing in hope ; of the Apostles judging the world reformed into twelve tribes of the new Israel ; of the Martyrs resplendent in their ruddy crowns of victory ; and of the Virgins wearing garlands of the purest white.
Comment by Fr. Brian T. Austin, FSSP — November 5, 2009 @ 7:20 am
I am only just able to type because you have given me a good cry!
You know, the Holy Spirit is the most amazing bestower of grace-filled knowledge! He shoots a force of love so deeply within one’s poor soul that it overwhelms so unsuspectingly! You must know that your quotation has been the absolute right message at the absolute right time – Praise God!!! You have cooperated greatly with His Majesty by sending it. I thank you from deep inside my heart.
I thought I might end by posting a prayerful response to your quotation…
The Lord hath put on them a robe of honour, And hath put about their heads a crown of joy. With the bread of life and understanding the Lord hath fed them, and hath given them the water of wisdom to drink. And hath put about their heads a crown of joy.
Father, I hope you will not mind but I am going to post your quotation so that everyone may read it!!! May it fill to the brim and inspire hope in the hearts of all good souls who read it! Thank you so much.
And, St. Bede, Pray for us!
Comment by aeternus — November 5, 2009 @ 3:28 pm