In this episode Pat talks about finding a way through grief, loss, and tribulation. She speaks with Catholic author and singer-songwriter Susan Bailey. Together they discuss recovery from loss or grief and how to deal with it creatively and with the help of prayer and the sacraments. Pat and Susan talk about her kayaking experiences and the spiritual lessons she learned from it, as captured in her book, River of Grace.
Also AW listeners are among the first to get a sneak peak at my latest book.
Mary “magnified” the Lord, not because of the words she said or sang in praise of Him, but because Mary fulfilled God’s purpose for her to the fullest possible degree. Completely unhindered by sin, Mary evolved completely into the person God created her to be, and in so doing, her whole life magnified the Lord. Mary, herself, is the Magnificat.
And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, 52 he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever.”
1 Thessalonians 5:23, “The God of peace sanctify you wholly, that your whole spirit, and soul, and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Three divisions or “parts” to man:
spirit – Psalm 51:10, “Lord, create in my inward parts a right spirit.”
soul – Genesis 2:7, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
body – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
Matthew 10:10, Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.
Mark 12:30-31, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Hebrews 11:1, (NJB) “Only faith can guarantee the blessings that we hope for, or prove the existence of realities that are unseen.” (KJV) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Joh 4:23 “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
This week’s lectio exercise is based on a Thomistic approach. Go on! Try it!
Read (Lectio)
Colossians 3:23-24
(DRB) Whatsoever you do, do it from the heart, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that you shall receive of the Lord the reward of inheritance. Serve ye the Lord Christ.
(KJV) And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
(NAB-A) Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance; be slaves of the Lord Christ.
(NJB) Whatever your work is, put your heart into it as done for the Lord and not for human beings, knowing that the Lord will repay you by making you his heirs. It is Christ the Lord that you are serving.
(RSV-CE) Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you are serving the Lord Christ.
Meditate (Meditatio)
To whom is God speaking in these verses?
Which tasks of your daily life are most distasteful to you? What is is about those tasks that you find disagreeable? What does God mean by “whatever your task…”?
How do we do that? When and where in your daily routine, specifically, do these verses apply to you?
What does “heartily” or “from the heart” mean? Why are we doing our “work as unto the Lord”?
Who are we serving on a daily basis?
What does God mean by “you will receive the inheritance”? Which tasks done for the love of Christ in your heart merit reward?
Pray (Oratio)
As you consider that all the mundane jobs, chores, and duties of your station in life can accrue toward your eternal reward, what emotions and/or motivations do these verses inspire or provoke in you? Does it change how you will go about your daily routine from now on? How? What do you want to say to the Lord about that?
Rest (Contemplatio)
Perhaps you’d like to take a few minutes to thank Him for elevating such “little things” to eternity, so that none of it is wasted or useless.
Sonja Corbitt is the Bible Study Evangelista. She’s a Catholic Scripture teacher with a story teller’s gift – a Southern Belle with a warrior’s heart and a poet’s pen.
We’re all sweating and dirty with the effort to love and lift all He’s given to us – those people, duties, callings, and longings that break our hearts and make them sing, sometimes at the same time. But most times, we need to be loved and lifted ourselves.
So her Bible study media are created with you in mind, bites of spinach that taste like cake, to help you make space in your busy heart and schedule for God to love and lift you all the way up into His great lap, where all you’ve been given is loved and lifted too.
It is well known that there are four kinds of monks. The first kind is that of Cenobites, that is, the monastic, who live under a rule and an Abbot.
The second kind is that of Anchorites, or Hermits, that is, of those who, no longer in the first fervor of their conversion, but taught by long monastic practice and the help of many brethren, have already learned to fight against the devil; and going forth from the rank of their brethren well trained for single combat in the desert, they are able, with the help of God, to cope single-handed without the help of others, against the vices of the flesh and evil thoughts.
But a third and most vile class of monks is that of Sarabaites, who have been tried by no rule under the hand of a master, as gold is tried in the fire (cf Prov 27:21); but, soft as lead, and still keeping faith with the world by their works, they are known to belie God by their tonsure. Living in two’s and three’s, or even singly, without a shepherd, enclosed, not in the Lord’s sheepfold, but in their own, the gratification of their desires is law unto them; because what they choose to do they call holy, but what they dislike they hold to be unlawful.
But the fourth class of monks is that called Landlopers, who keep going their whole life long from one province to another, staying three or four days at a time in different cells as guests. Always roving and never settled, they indulge their passions and the cravings of their appetite, and are in every way worse than the Sarabaites. It is better to pass all these over in silence than to speak of their most wretched life.
Therefore, passing these over, let us go on with the help of God to lay down a rule for that most valiant kind of monks, the Cenobites.
Father Mauritius Wilde, OSB, Ph.D., did his philosophical, theological and doctoral studies in Europe. He is the author of several books and directs retreats regularly. He serves as Prior at Sant’Anselmo in Rome.
Join host Donna Garrett, with Fr. Daniel Brandenburg, LC, as they discuss the spiritual classic “Interior Freedom” by Fr. Jacques Philippe a priest of Communaute des Beatitudes, an international association of the faithful of Pontifical Right founded in France in 1973. The members of the Community, which has a contemplative vocation based on Carmelite spirituality, are actively engaged in the service of the poor and the proclamation of the Gospel.
Discussed in this episode, among other topics, from “Interior Freedom” page 102
Donna Garrett is joined in this particular series by Fr. Daniel Brandenburg, LC
“Three aspects of the spiritual life the joyful, sorrowful and glorious outpourings of the Holy Sprit recall the image of the fire and the log used by St John of the Cross. ‘ When fire approaches the log it first lights it up and warms it. That corresponds to a joyful mystery. We are warmed by the love of God revealed to us . When the fire comes closer, the wood begins to blacken, smoke, smell bad, and give out tar and other unpleasant substances. This is the sorrowful outpouring; the soul has the painful experience of its own wretchedness. This phase lasts until the purifying fire has completed its work and the soul is totally transformed into a fire of love. Here is the glorious outpouring, in which the soul is strengthened in charity, the fire Jesus came to kindle on earth.”
Dear Mother, I now come before you
on the last day of this novena.
I know you have heard me, Mary.
I believe you have prayed with me each day
for my very special intentions.
My heart is filled with so much gratitude
as I think of you.
I have in you, dear Lady,
a Mother of kindness,
of gentleness and of consolation.
How blessed I am to be your very own child.
In the course of these prayers
I have asked for many things.
I know deep in my heart, Mary,
you have given me much more.
Oh, dear Queen of Heaven,
that I could face all of my days as you did,
and pray that lovely prayer of yours,
“Be it done unto me according to thy word…!”
As I end this period of prayer,
please continue to pray
for these needs of mine,
which fill me with concern.
(pause)
Prayer can change anything on earth.
I plead with you then,
to remember my intentions to your Divine Son.
Gracious Mother of God,
as I end this prayer,
I ask you to guide me always
closer to your Blessed Son,
Jesus my Lord.
I truly desire to live in His light,
to be an example
to those around me of His love.
Pray with me please
to carry in my mind and in my heart,
His cross of Salvation
and His Gospel of love.
Oh Mary, Mother of Consolation,
pray for me, now
and at the hour of my death.
Mary’s name is from the root for myrrh, meaning bitter. The tree sap that produces myrrh gathers in “tears,” when the bark is deeply scored, which are cherished and collected for their extreme value. Myrrh is the balsam of suffering, purification, and death, as it was used as an opiate to deaden pain, an antiseptic, and in the embalming and preparation of bodies for burial.
See how your Mother loves you? She helps ease your suffering, and purify and prepare your soul for eternal life.
And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, 52 he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever.”
1 Samuel 2:1-10, The Magnificat is based on the Song of Hannah.
Scriptural uses of myrrh
Song of Solomon 1:13, A bundle of myrrh [is] my well-beloved unto me; he shall lie all night between my breasts.
Esther 2:12, Myrrh used in perfumes, cosmetics, and “purification.”
Exodus 30:22-38, myrrh used in the tabernacle anointing oil and incense
Matthew 2:11, Magi bring frankincense and myrrh to Baby Jesus.
Mark 15:23, Myrrh mixed with wine is offered to Jesus on the cross.
John 19:39, Myrrh included in burial spices.
Hebrews 5:8, Jesus learned obedience through what He suffered.
Sonja Corbitt is the Bible Study Evangelista. She’s a Catholic Scripture teacher with a story teller’s gift – a Southern Belle with a warrior’s heart and a poet’s pen.
We’re all sweating and dirty with the effort to love and lift all He’s given to us – those people, duties, callings, and longings that break our hearts and make them sing, sometimes at the same time. But most times, we need to be loved and lifted ourselves.
So her Bible study media are created with you in mind, bites of spinach that taste like cake, to help you make space in your busy heart and schedule for God to love and lift you all the way up into His great lap, where all you’ve been given is loved and lifted too.
Holy Mary, Our Lady of Consolation,
I come before you today as your pilgrim.
My entire life is a journey,
a pilgrimage.
Constantly do I seek the way of your Son,
as I move toward our heavenly home.
I am inspired by you, Mary.
I call myself your pilgrim
as you are my special Patroness,
my gentle and loving Mother,
leading me each and every day
closer to your Blessed Son,
my Lord and Savior.
Oh Mary, please pray for me
as I continue my earthly pilgrimage.
Ask our Blessed Lord to strengthen me each day
that I may resist
the many temptations of this life.
Pray for me, Mary,
that I may always remember
that I was not created for this earthly home,
but rather for our heavenly home with my Father.
At this time, dear Mother,
please join me in prayer
for the particular intentions of this novena.
(pause)
Look kindly on these needs
and ask our Blessed Lord to help me.
Always be with me, Mary,
as I continue on this pilgrimage home.
When that day comes
when I shall end this pilgrimage,
I pray that you will stand with me
as I see, face to face,
the Father of all goodness,
my God and my all.
Most blessed Mary,
kind and loving Mother,
receive me, your child,
into your tender care.
In your life, Mary,
you always offered kindness
to those around you.
Pray with me now to our loving Lord,
that in my life
I may reflect you through kindness.
There are so many times
in this life of ours, Mary,
that kindness gives way to harshness.
In the rush to “get things done,”
I become quick and short
with those around me.
In my own little world,
I often think only of my own plans,
my own accomplishments,
and I forget that
I am only one of God’s children,
only one of your children.
Dear blessed Mother,
teach me your ways.
Help me to take more time
with those who seek my time.
I want to be like you, Mary,
in every way.
In the rush of each day,
remind me to be kind.
Pray with me now, Mary,
as I place before our Lord
the main intentions of this novena.
(pause)
Please ask our loving Savior
to help me in these particular needs of mine.
Turn your eyes,
so filled with kindness, on me,
gracious Mother,
and help me as I trust so much in you.
I desire always the kingdom of your Son.
Help me to finish this day in His love
and under your kind and gentle care,
Mother of God.
Msgr. Esseff discusses his retreat with The Daughters of Mary, Mother of Healing Love community which meets the needs of the children brought to the St. Charles Children’s Home located in New Hampshire. He speaks of their work and the need to step out in courage to share the Divine Love which is needed to heal the deepest wounds of the heart. He talks about Mother Paul Marie, foundress of this new community, as well as Servant of God Fr. Flannagan, and St. Mother Teresa. Msgr. Esseff talks about the importance of the both the male and female healthy role models in the lives children.
The mission of The Daughters of Mary, Mother of Healing Love: We founded the Daughters of Mary Mother of Healing Love to bring the healing love of Jesus to those who are suffering, and in a special way to families. Our primary apostolate at the present time is the St.Charles Children’s Home, where we care for children from troubled families.
Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30th, 1953, by the late Bishop William J. Hafey, D.D. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, PA. Msgr. Esseff served a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity around the world. Msgr. Esseff encountered St. Padre Pio, who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world, serving in the Pontifical Missions, a Catholic organization established by St. Pope John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world especially to the poor. Msgr. Esseff assisted the founders of the Institute for Priestly Formation and continues to serve as a spiritual director for the Institute. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world.
Holy Mother Mary,
again I come before you as your child.
I pray with all my heart and mind
for all of God’s pilgrim people.
Pray for me, dear Mother,
for a greater understanding
of the wonderful gift of Christ
in the Eucharist.
Help me to see in this most Blessed Sacrament,
Christ Himself,
the great and unending gift of the Father.
Help me, Mary,
to feel the nearness of my Lord.
Through the celebration of the Eucharist,
He truly touches me;
He feeds me by His divine sacrifice,
His death and resurrection.
So abundant is God’s love
through this Sacrament.
May I ever see this love,
this grace,
and live as a child of God,
a child of light.
At Mass, dear Mother,
our entire salvation unfolds before my eyes.
Jesus, our Savior, comes to us,
as the wonderful sacrifice
to the Father is renewed.
What a loving Father we have,
and how endless is His love
and mercy for all of us!
Mary, Mother of God,
keep me mindful of this great gift
of the Eucharist.
Please pray with me now,
dear Mother,
for these special needs of mine.
(pause).
Ask our blessed Lord
to keep me ever united to Him,
and always close in prayer to you.
From the 
Msgr. Esseff discusses his retreat with The Daughters of Mary, Mother of Healing Love community which meets the needs of the children brought to the St. Charles Children’s Home located in New Hampshire. He speaks of their work and the need to step out in courage to share the Divine Love which is needed to heal the deepest wounds of the heart. He talks about Mother Paul Marie, foundress of this new community, as well as Servant of God Fr. Flannagan, and St. Mother Teresa. Msgr. Esseff talks about the importance of the both the male and female healthy role models in the lives children.
The mission of The Daughters of Mary, Mother of Healing Love:
