Daily Writing
| Shepherds of Christ Daily Writing |
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July 27, 2008
July 28th Holy Spirit Novena
Scripture selection is Day 4 Period I.The Novena Rosary Mysteries
for July 28th are Glorious.
July 27, 2008
Seventeen Sunday of Ordinary Times
Readings
1 Kings 3: 5, 7-12
At Gibeon Yahweh appeared to Solomon in a dream during the night. God said, 'Ask what you would like me to give you.'
Now, Yahweh my God, you have made your servant king in succession to David my father. But I am a very young man, unskilled in leadership. And here is your servant, surrounded with your people whom you have chosen, a people so numerous that its number cannot be counted or reckoned. So give your servant a heart to understand how to govern your people, how to discern between good and evil, for how could one otherwise govern such a great people as yours?' It pleased Yahweh that Solomon should have asked for this. 'Since you have asked for this,' God said, 'and not asked for long life for yourself or riches or the lives of your enemies but have asked for a discerning judgement for yourself, here and now I do what you ask. I give you a heart wise and shrewd as no one has had before and no one will have after you.
Romans 8: 28-30
We are well aware that God works with those who love him, those who have been called in accordance with his purpose, and turns everything to their good. He decided beforehand who were the ones destined to be moulded to the pattern of his Son, so that he should be the eldest of many brothers; it was those so destined that he called; those that he called, he justified, and those that he has justified he has brought into glory.
Matthew 13: 44-52
'The kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off in his joy, sells everything he owns and buys the field.
'Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it.
'Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet that is cast in the sea and brings in a haul of all kinds of fish. When it is full, the fishermen bring it ashore; then, sitting down, they collect the good ones in baskets and throw away those that are no use. This is how it will be at the end of time: the angels will appear and separate the wicked from the upright, to throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.
'Have you understood all these?' They said, 'Yes.' And he said to them, 'Well then, every scribe who becomes a disciple of the kingdom of Heaven is like a householder who brings out from his storeroom new things as well as old.'
Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Mt. 13:44-46)
Cycle A
UNEQUALED TREASURE
What kind of zeal do we display in seeking God in our lives? Nothing is of greater value, nothing brings greater joy, and nothing requires greater commitment.
In 1923 a high-level meeting of the world’s greatest movers and shakers met at Chicago’s Edgewater Beach Hotel. In attendance was the president of the nation’s largest steel company, the nation’s largest gas company, and the nation’s largest utility company. Also in attendance were the other six major movers and shakers of the economy and culture. Each man had achieved his position through non-stop work. Little sleep, much maneuvering, many deals, a little bit of cronyism, and a life spent with a single all consuming passion for being the greatest.
What did this chase for the pearl, for the treasure get them? Twenty-five years later, where were these nine powerful men?
Three had died penniless, three had committed suicide, two were in prison, and one had gone insane. They may have gained the world for a while, but in the end they lost the world and perhaps much more!
“Worldly people,” as Blessed Henry Suso said, “often purchase hell at a very dear price.” They allow, as Cuthbert of Lindifarne stated, the “love of money to come and snatch them away.” How sad it is, as Gemma Galgani explained, “to have visions of the earth instead of visions of heaven.”
How sorrowful it is to chase after worldly pearls, worldly treasures. How many are willing to give thousands upon thousands of dollars chasing after a little white golf ball, and yet not willing to give more than a dollar a week for God!
Many in this world are willing to sacrifice everything for a goal they have set for themselves, whether a perfect pearl or a rare treasure. But so few are willing to sacrifice or chase after the pearl of all pearls, the treasure of all treasures.
If we are willing to sacrifice for earthly things which perish and disappear with time, how much more should we be willing to sacrifice for things which are eternal? As Saint Paul would say, “People are willing to sacrifice their whole life training for a competition in order to win a simple wreath made of leaves.” Shouldn’t we be as dedicated in chasing after the crown of eternal life? Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once wrote, “Tell me what you are busy about and I will tell you what and who you are.” Are we busy doing God’s work? There is an ancient proverb that says, “A great way to find out what you want from life is to write your own eulogy or epitaph.” Will that eulogy or epitaph be “I have fought the good fight, I have won the race, I have won the crown of victory, God.” Or will it be “I was an avid golfer, a great jokester, a great business executive, a great mover and shaker of the world.” Is this world all I want, or do I want the kingdom of God, heaven, and eternal bliss with God? Let us keep in mind, as Saint Ignatius of Loyola so often said, “the earth is only the earth.”
Being a Christian involves a total commitment, total dedication. Jesus reminds us that he would rather that we be hot or cold but not lukewarm. For as he said, the “lukewarm” will be vomited out by him! The theologian Fr. Karl Rahner once said that the “Christian of the future will either be a mystic or nothing at all.” God does not want a part of us, he wants all of us! Being a Christian is not a part-time job, or an addition to our life, it is our whole reason for being!
What kind of zeal do we display in seeking God in our lives? Nothing is of greater value, nothing brings greater joy, and nothing requires greater commitment. Let us remember. Jesus does not want a part of us; he wants all of us! Every breathing moment is to be dedicated to serving the pearl of all pearls, the treasure of all treasures. And let us remember the poignant words of the psalmist (#90):
All our days pass away….
Our life is over like a sigh.
Our span is seventy years
Or eighty for those who are strong.
And most of these are emptiness and pain.
They pass swiftly and we are gone….
Make us know the shortness of our life
That we may gain wisdom of heart.O Lord, teach us to recognize how short our life is so that we may become wise. Teach us to place a higher priority on the things we do for the next world than on the things of this world! Let us place in our hearts the words of Saint Basil the Great: “Good family, athletic valor, a handsome or pretty face, tall stature, people’s esteem, dominion over others—none of these are important insofar as our prayers and petitions are concerned. Our ideals soar far above the earthly.”
From Light
Happiness and Peace Preface There are two realities we
deal with every day of our lives. On the one hand we desire a
life of happiness, peace and contentment, and on the other hand
we recognize that life comes with suffering. How do we reconcile
these two realities? As Christians we believe that
Christ reconciles these two realities; that in Christ, the
Reconciler, we can have a taste of happiness, a taste of peace
and contentment, even amidst a life that inevitably and
unavoidably comes with suffering, with trials and tribulations. Holiness is a voyage toward
light, happiness and peace. It is a journey toward “wholeness”
and toward authentic “humanness.” In a world that thirsts and
aches for meaning and purpose, the spiritual life provides the
means for attaining this purpose and meaning. Light, Happiness, and Peace:
Journeying Through Traditional Catholic Spirituality
by Fr. John J. Pasquini
Introduction How many times have we become
delayed in our travels because of a lack of direction? How many
times have we pondered that if we only had a map we would find
the way safely and more quickly? Whenever embarking on a long
and arduous journey, we always need to have a map at hand to
guide us through to our destination effectively and securely. What can be said of our
“worldly” travels can be said of our spiritual journey. Getting
to the destination is a matter of responding to grace, but this
response to grace can be made much more effective and safe if we
have a general idea of where we are going. And so just as there
is a map for a “worldly” trip, there is also a map for the
spiritual journey, a map that has been written through years of
experience with grace. While it is true that there
are no two journeys completely alike in the spiritual life,
there is a general pattern that can be traced. It is this
pattern we will explore in this book. The first stage of the
spiritual life involves the purgative stage, a stage of
purification. It is followed by the illuminative stage, a stage
of great enlightenment and integration. The third and final
stage is the unitive stage. This is the stage of the mystics. It
is the stage where one’s will and God’s will are united to such
an extent that one may say, without much reservation, that every
action performed is an action of God. What a gift! What a journey!
Let us read about this journey, but more importantly, let us
seek to respond to grace and live out this journey, the ultimate
journey to light, happiness, and peace.
The Awakening1 Mother TeresaPeople are hungry for God. People are hungry for love. Are you aware of that? Do you know that? Do you see that? Do you have eyes to see? Quite often we look but we don’t see. We are all passing through this world. We need to open our eyes and see.
When we open our eyes to the reality of God, then we can be said to have been awakened. There is a point in our life where we are faced with the reality that there is something which is beyond the self, something which transcends the limits of our being. This moment is a moment of choice. Do we seek to explore and enter into this mystery of that which is beyond the limits of the self or do we repress the experience? The choice made is the choice that will help govern our life.
What “voice” attracts someone to God?
We are awakened and moved to follow the ways of grace by being enlightened to the presence of God. Traditionally, people have been attracted to God in the following ways:
Meaning and Purpose
People are often awakened or attracted to God because God gives them a sense of meaning and purpose in life (cf. Dt 6:24-25). We recognize that we must be more than some complex organism that is born, lives, struggles, and dies in emptiness. Life in many ways would be a farce if that were so. Life would be inevitably on the edge of disintegration. No, there must be more to life than mere existence, than mere survival.
Life needs purpose and meaning, a purpose and meaning that transcends the here and now.
God provides this purpose and meaning. He provides each person with a priestly, kingly, and prophetic life. We are called to be priestly by bringing Christ’s healing and reconciling presence to those in need; likewise, we are called to be open to receiving that same reconciling and healing presence brought by others in the name of Christ for our own self. We are called to a kingly life by recognizing our dignity as a human being and by recognizing the dignity of all life from conception to natural death. This calling also entails a vocation of seeking justice for all. We are called to the prophetic life by standing up for the truth, no matter what the cost. The martyrs exemplified this aspect in extraordinary ways. Seeking God, living in God, and carrying out his mission of the
good news as well as in preparing the way for the Lord are all aspects that provide meaning and purpose to life.A life with purpose and meaning is a happy life. Despair is always associated to some degree with the loss of meaning and purpose.
Truth
Many are attracted to God because God is Truth (1 Jn 4:6). Such people seek truth in life, no matter where they may find it. Their life is a quest for this truth. Such people find great comfort in God for he is truth itself. Hence, life becomes for such individuals a delving into the mysteries of God, which consumes the entirety of their lives and gives them the ultimate in joy. St. Thomas Aquinas in many ways exemplified the reality of this search for truth as did the great philosophers St. Edith Stein and Jacques Maritain.
Good
Some people find God by seeing the good around them. Malcolm Muggeridge, a world-renowned reporter for the BBC, was such a person in many respects. It was in seeing the good that was in the heart of Mother Teresa of Calcutta that he was able to find Christ. In Mother Teresa he saw Jesus Christ, and his life would never be the same again. Likewise, it was in the goodness of St. Francis of Assisi that the poor and disenfranchised would come back to the Church, even amidst their struggles. It was in seeing the good in St. Joan of Arc that a whole nation fought for its independence and dignity. God is good, and those who have found authentic goodness have found God (cf. Rm 12:2).
Beautiful
Many are attracted to God because they see in the beauty of creation the handprint of God. St. Augustine, St. Bonaventure, and St. Francis can be said to exemplify this reality. For them all of creation echoed the beauty and providence of God. To find authentic beauty is to find the source of all beauty, God (cf. Ws 13:3).
The Four Ways
While it is true that most people will find an affinity for one of the above ways or “voices of God,” all the above ways or “voices” should be a part of a person’s attraction to God. An individual should make it his or her constant prayer to grow in the ways that he or she may perceive, in grace, to be an area of growth.
The spiritual life is about balance and moderation. One’s attraction to God must echo this reality. While in the above descriptions I have mentioned some names of people who exemplify one of the traditional “four voices” of God, it is important to emphasize that in the case of the saints there is almost always a harmonious balance. They experience in their lives all “four voices,” and thus provide us with inspiration.
A Hardened Heart
I felt at the time that religion would impede my work. I wanted to have nothing to do with the religion of those I saw all around me. I felt that I must turn from it as from a drug. I felt it indeed to be an opiate of the people and not a very attractive one, so I hardened my heart. It was a conscious and deliberate process. Dorothy Day
Dorothy Day would eventually respond to God and soften her heart and become a world leader in the Church's work for the poor and the disenfranchised.
A hardened heart is one of the most problematic dilemmas that we can experience along our journey in life (cf. Jn 12:40). It is so problematic in that it is very difficult to overcome and to heal. There is perhaps nothing more obtrusive to the gift of grace than a heart that is unwilling to open itself up to the possibility of an all-engulfing God.
A hardened heart is a frightened heart, a heart unwilling to take a chance at experiencing anything beyond its comfort level. There is a fear that what we may find if we open our heart will be too overwhelming to deal with.
A hardened heart is most often the consequence of some unresolved issue or deep psychological scar that has never been dealt with properly. We cannot conquer what we do not recognize.
When we examine the lives of atheists, it is astonishingly common to find these people lacking in good fatherly figures. It is difficult to pray "Our Father who art in heaven" when our only experience of a father has been that of one who was evil, mean-spirited, or non-existent. When looking at the lives of the world's major atheists, such as men like Nietzsche, we are struck by this lack of fatherly guidance. For people such as this, nothing short of a miracle is necessary to soften their hearts.
It is here where the communion of saints becomes so significant (cf. Jn 2:1-14; Rv 5:8). The communion of the faithful here on earth and in heaven has a profound effect on the softening of hearts throughout the world, for by themselves people with hardened hearts are much too weak to respond to the grace that is being showered upon them. A tragic event or the power of the prayers of the saints is often the only way these people soften their hearts. In many ways, they are very much like addicts. They often need to hit rock bottom before they can acknowledge the need of another. It is through the prayers of others, known and unknown, that the world's hearts are softened.
We must thus, never underestimate the power of praying for others. St. Monica prayed for thirty years for the conversion of her son, Augustine. Her prayers were successful in softening his heart and he became the great St. Augustine.
__________________
1 Mother Teresa, One Heart Full of Love (Ann Arbor: Servant Publications, 1984), 11.
The Long Loneliness (New York: Curtis Books, 1972), 10.
2 Dorothy Day,end of excerpt from Light, Happiness and Peace
The purple book
Light, Happiness and Peace by Fr. John J. Pasquini is a gift and a very strong companion to the prayers Authenticity a book of prayers by Fr. John. This book Light, Happiness and Peace is a journey into the spiritual life — an awakening of deeper life IN HIM. Here are some of the comments we received from bishops and cardinals about the book.Cardinal – Pontifical Council for Culture – Vatican City
Light, Happiness and Peace through a discussion on traditional Catholic Spirituality will contribute in bringing back prayer into the mainstream of life.”
“I am sure that this book,Bishop – India
Light, Happiness and Peace. The thoughts presented by Fr. John J. Pasquini are very inspiring and will help me in my prayers and talks and sermons to the people.”
“Thank you for the bookPrefetto – Vatican City
Light, Happiness and Peace, Journeying Through Traditional Catholic Spirituality, by Fr. John J. Pasquini, that you kindly sent to me for the Vatican library. I gladly take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the books and for your kind attention to our Institution.”
“Received the copy ofPatriarch of Egypt
Light, Happiness and Peace.”
“Many thanks for the rich and precious bookArchbishop – Uganda
Light, Happiness and Peace, on the spiritual life by Fr. John Pasquini. Your wonderful work to spread devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary is commendable.”
“With many thanks, I acknowledge receipt of the special bookArchbishop – Sri Lanka
Light, Happiness and Peace by Fr. John Pasquini – which was a sequel to the Authenticity book you sent me last August. I am pleased to note that the focus in both those works is on the power of the Eucharist and on devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.”
“I am very grateful to you for sending me the special book on the Spiritual life,
Introduction “Suffering is a part of the
mystery of being human.” His Holiness Pope John Paul II There are two realities we deal with every day
of our lives. On the one hand we desire a life of happiness, a
life of peace and contentment, and on the other hand we
recognize that life comes with suffering. How do we reconcile
these two realities? As people of God we believe
that God reconciles these two realities; that in God, the
Reconciler, the Savior, the Sanctifier, we can have a taste of
happiness, a taste of peace and contentment, even amidst a life
that inevitably and unavoidably comes with suffering, with
trials and tribulations. In our prayer to the Father,
through the Son, and in the Spirit, and through the intercessory
power of Mary, may we come to light, happiness, and peace. May we embrace, in our times
of difficulty, the words of the Scriptures: “I rejoice in my
sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what
is wanting in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body…”
(cf. Col. 1:24). Let us embrace our mission of cooperating in
the redemptive work of our Savior. These prayers are intended
for those who are experiencing moments of suffering. It is an
ideal prayer book for those who are homebound, or in hospitals,
rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, or hospice. It is an
ideal prayer book for those who have experienced a loss of some
kind, whether of a job or a loved one. To allow unavoidable
suffering to simmer is destructive. To take the unavoidable and
allow the grace of God to transform it is at the heart of the
mystery of Christian healing. May God grant those who pray
these prayers the grace to find peace and a more profound love
of God and neighbor amidst their difficulties.
Prayers Seeing Dimly I see dimly now as in a mirror.
I await the day when I will see You as You are.
On that day I will experience what eye has never seen, nor
ear has ever heard.
On that day I will see what You have prepared for those
who love You.
I see dimly now as in a mirror.
I await the day when I will see You as You are.
Penetrating the Depths of the Cross In my unavoidable suffering, help me to
enter into the In abandonment and desolation grant me
supernatural When I have been given a Judas kiss and been
berated by When my closest friends have abandoned me
and said, “I In being scourged, spat upon, blindfolded,
and crowned When I cry “let this chalice pass from me,”
let me respond When the cross seems too heavy for me to
carry on and the In this rapid crescendo of torture, may I
never lose sight If all the world were to desert me, You, O
Lord, would In trustful abandonment, in complete
submission to Your will,
thicket of the Cross.
faith, hope and love.
the “high priests” and “secular soldiers” of the world,
grant
me consolation in Your unconquerable will.
do not know the man,” grant me the gift of forgiveness.
with thorns, grant me the grace to return hatred with love.
with “not as I will, but as You will.”
crowds yell, “crucify him, crucify him,” grant me the grace
to persevere till the end.
of You, my Lord, my comfort, my consolation, my victory.
be here!
and in the fatigued words, “into Thy hands I commend my
spirit,”
may I find Your Resurrection, Your Victory, Your Conquest!
Gratitude Thank You, O Lord, for all You do is
directed toward Thank You, O Lord, for hard work rather than
rest, For in the cross is found my source of
purification Thank you for relegating me to the lowest
places, for in Thank You, God, for punishments,
chastisements, and Thank You, O Lord, for all You do for me is
directed toward
my salvation.
for the cross rather than comfort,
for the dryness in prayer rather than consolation;
and salvation, and in the dryness I learn to love You
for simply being You.
Your kingdom I will enjoy the most precious of places.
afflictions, for through them You teach me the value of
humility, generosity, chastity, mildness, temperance,
and diligence.
my salvation.
Sacred Heart Sacred Heart of Jesus, wounded out of love
for me, have Sacred Heart of Jesus, grant me the grace to
recognize my In my forgetfulness, indifference, pride,
covetousness, lust, Grant me the grace to overcome my blindness. Grant me the gift of offering up my
sufferings to expiate Jesus You cry out, “My Heart seeks to be
comforted?” Let me cry out in response, “O Lord, may I
be a comfort to
mercy on me.
sins and the ability to make reparation for the wounds I
have inflicted upon You by my sinfulness.
anger, gluttony, envy and sloth I pierce Your Sacred Heart.
and repair in justice and love what I have failed to do.
Your Sacred Heart.”
In Imitation of Two Hearts — Prayers for Consolation, Renewal and Peace in Times of Suffering
Fr. John J. Pasquini leads a suffering soul to the gentle Hearts of Jesus and Mary. In these most loving Hearts - the prayers by Fr. John Pasquini - help the person suffering to know more deeply the pascal mystery of death/resurrection. President of the Pontifical Council for HealthPastoral Care - Cardinal - Vatican City
In Imitation of Two Hearts, will be well used by Pastors to bring consolation to the suffering Brothers and Sisters, I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you my sentiments of high esteem.”
“Your publication,Apostolic Nuncio – Belgium
In Imitation of Two Hearts.”
“Many thanks for your kind letter with the useful information and for the consoling book,Monsignor – Uganda
In Imitation of Two Hearts.”
“Thank you for the powerful book of prayer published by Fr. John J. PasquiniBishop – USA
In Imitation of Two Hearts, which was written by Fr. John J. Pasquini. I look forward to using this book of prayers and I appreciate your thoughtfulness in sending it to me.”
“I thank you for the copy ofCardinal – Japan
In Imitation of Two Hearts. Hope this small book will reach to many people in this time of suffering.”
“Thank you for your kind gift of Christmas season
Prayers Eucharist and Life Animate me.
Act in me, with me, and for me.
Make me wholly, fully Christian.
May I experience the echo of the sacraments in my
Eucharistic worship.
May I recognize that in Eucharistic communion I live out
the fullness of my call.
In you, veneration, love, charity, intimacy, spring forth to
make me your disciple.
Fill my spiritual being, ensure its sacramental and physical
life, ensure its salvation and its place within the journey
of
providence.
Sprinkle Me Precious blood below your head crowned with
thorns, Below your pierced heart, sprinkle me with
your salvation. Precious blood below your pierced hands,
sprinkle me Below your feet, sprinkle me clean. Precious blood flowing down your back, wash
me O drink divine, O tabernacle of consolation,
O precious O precious blood, O drink divine, make me
pure in will Sprinkle me, O Lord, with your stream of
life. In Eternity What I now see in your “Eucharistic face” I
will one day My life, my treasure, my love, my divine
savior, under What humanity could never have conceived or
uttered
sprinkle me with grace.
with redemption.
spotless.
blood of Jesus, fill me with love and mercy, with sanctity
and salvation.
and heart.
see in eternity most perfectly.
your Eucharistic veil enlighten my mind, stir up my heart,
and inspire me with a firm hope, fervent faith, and burning
love.
about you, O Lord my God, love has made manifest in
your “Eucharistic face.”
Prayer for Priests Lord, protect and support your priests who
are united in a Lord, protect and keep faithful those who
have been At the moment of the institution of the
Eucharist your They were born to derive their strength and
their very At the moment of the institution of the
Eucharist your Dear Lord, may your priests manifest, in the
celebration of
singular and exceptional way to the Eucharist.
entrusted with this mystery of faith.
priests were born.
existence from the gift of the Eucharist.
priests found their very reason for being.
the Mass, the depth of this mystery, the depth of this self
giving,
the depth of this source and summit of Christian life.
Here are some quotes for Fr. John J.Pasquini’s book
Medicine of Immortality. This book can be ordered from Shepherds of Christ Ministries.“
Fr. John Pasquini’s Medicine of Immortality is a wonderful source of inspiration for priests, and all who read it, to gain a deeper appreciation of the healing power of the Eucharist. His clear, succinct presentation of the Mass offers a pastorally insightful explanation of the mystery we believe, we celebrate and which we are called to live out in our lives. The prayers and meditations compiled in his book offer opportunities for spiritual reflection which will assist the reader in growth toward a deeper understanding of the mystery of the Eucharist.”Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, Archbishop Emeritus of Philadelphia
“
In Medicine of Immortality, Father John Pasquini offers his readers the richness of Catholic devotional prayer, the wisdom of the Fathers and, most of all, the fruits of his own prayer and meditation before the Blessed Sacrament. I recommend this book to all who wish to grow in their love for the Lord, who sustains the life of His Church through the precious gift of His Body and Blood.”Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago
“
The work of Father John Pasquini in writing the book Medicine of Immortality is evidence of his own great love for Christ in the Holy Eucharist, and of his determination to teach what Christ has taught and the Church has reiterated since her beginning.”The Most Reverend Fabian W. Bruskewitz, Bishop of Lincoln, Nebraska, author of The Catholic Church: Jesus Christ Present in the World.
“
The Apostolic Exhortation of our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, Sacramentum Caritatis, is a great gift to the Church presenting a true compendium on the sublime Sacrament of the Eucharist. In accord with the spirit of Eucharistic reverence which the Pope’s words inspire, Father Pasquini’s work, Medicine of Immortality, is a reflection of the writer’s personal devotion to this Sacrament of Sacraments. By sharing his compilation of prayers and meditations, Father Pasquini speaks to the mystery that the awesome depths of the Eucharist are unfathomable.”
Most Reverent Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of Palm Beach
“
I pray that Fr. Pasquini's book will inspire great devotion to the Eucharist among the faithful on a very wide scale. He has provided us with all the resources we need both for correct understanding of this greatest of Gifts and for fervent devotion. I will remain forever grateful to him for this truly wonderful priestly and apostolic work. In pointing people directly to the source of all healing and immortality, he is just doing what priests do best: witness Christ!”Rev. Fr. Thomas J. Euteneuer, Exorcist, President, Human Life International, EWTN Contributor & Columnist
Prayers Mortification Christ has many who desire him, but few who
will sacrifice for The tears of life cleanse the soul but the
lack of tears extinguishes O Jesus, Fount of Eternal Wisdom, may my
passions be in order
him.
its light.
with right reason and the proper use of my will. May they
lead
me away from self
O Jesus, Our Way and Our Life, may I seek to
be attached to all
that is for your honor and glory and become detached of all
that
is not for your honor and glory.
O Jesus, Our Refuge, may I seek to empty myself of all but you.
O Jesus of Great Counsel, may I have the
strength to deny my
passions and appetites in order to purify them and in order
to
purify my path to you.
O Jesus, Treasure of the Faithful, may I
grow in detachment,
mortification, obedience, self-discipline
and simplicity.
O Jesus, Seat of Eternal Wisdom, may I be
aware of deceptive and
inordinate pleasures which are momentary, but in the long
run
lead to sadness and remorse.
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make me
indifferent to all, so
that I may love all. May I grow in self-mastery
so that I may enter
the heart of holiness and happiness.
O Jesus, Lover of Creation, may my passions
be in order with
right reason and the proper use of my will.
Christ has many who desire him, but few who
will sacrifice for
him.
The tears of life cleanse the soul but the
lack of tears extinguishes
its light.
The Doorway Lord Jesus, Author of Life,
grant me the gift to enter through the
humble door, for it is this door that leads to true self
holiness, and happiness.
Lord, Example of Virtues,
make me realize that humility has
nothing to do with low self-esteem;
rather it is about seeing
myself the way I truly and really am.
Lord, meek and humble of
heart, your gift of humility helps me to
avoid unnecessary and unworthy praise, self-seeking,
the
impressing of others or boasting, and the pursuit of worldly
"things" such as fame. It promotes the awareness of the need
for
growth through the recognition of my weaknesses and sins. It
acknowledges the need for compassion, assistance and
strength.
It promotes a clear conscience and the strength to bear the
cross.
It rejoices in being corrected and sees reproaches as kisses
from
you, O Lord. It helps me to be a person for others and
recognizes
that all things and activities are to be for your honor, and
that all
of life is part of your providential plan.
Lord Jesus, Treasure of the
Faithful, grant me the gift to enter
through the humble door, for it is the door that leads to
true self knowledge,
to true holiness, to true happiness.
Lord, help me to see that to
be humble is to see myself the way
you see me, which is to see myself genuinely.
Authenticity by Fr. John J. Pasquini is to help one grow ever deeper in the Unitive life.The book of prayers
Apostolic Nuncio – Archbishop – Philippines
Authenticity, much is gained in prayer, and much is accomplished through prayer. More especially if prayer is directed in behalf of the Church.”
“WithMonsignor – Malaysia
Authenticity, of Fr. Pasquini really good and thought to get copies for some of our priests. May I place an order of 20 copies of this book.”
“I found the book,Bishop – Argentina
Authenticity, which I read during the last month of September (with prayers and meditations). I found it very convenient for priests. It did me a lot of good, thanks God.”
“I received for the second time your letter. The first time it was accompanied with the yellow bookBishop – Arlington - USA
Authenticity, which was written by Fr. John J. Pasquini. I look forward to using this book of Prayer and I appreciate your thoughtfulness in sending it to me.”
“I thank you for the copy ofBishop – Ethiopia
Authenticity, Prayers and Meditations by Fr. John J. Pasquini is an invaluable source of inspiration for all circumstances of life.”
“The book entitled,Monsignor – Apostolic Nuncio – Taiwan
Authenticity, which will help the priests and others to have an intimate communion with the Blessed Trinity.”
“I wish to thank you for forwarding this good book,Bishop – South Africa
Authenticity with prayers and meditations for all circumstances in our spiritual lives. Thank you sincerely for trying to make people devout. I also thank your society for distributing these books for use by those who try and live spiritual lives.”
“I received your book
Ecce Fides: Pillar of Truth
by
Fr. John Pasquini
Shepherds of Christ Ministries
INTRODUCTION
by His Eminence Paul Cardinal Poupard
Of vital importance for evangelization is an awareness of the cultures in which people live, shape their thinking, develop their lifestyles, and seek to grow in their humanity. In our task of spreading the Good News we are called on to read the signs of the times and renew the way we participate in the Church’s evangelizing mission, adapting to the new situations emerging in our continually changing cultures. But as cultures and currents of thought are fickle, changing under influences both good and bad, it is important for us to remain focused on the fullness of our faith if we are to carry out our mission as Christians, the great commandment to go out and preach the good news to all the peoples. Our faith, revealed in biblical culture, further understood through 2000 years of changing cultures, remains our response to the same Good News, the Gospel, the story of salvation in which God sent his Son to redeem the world through his birth, death, and resurrection. Through the Church, the bride of Christ, his light shines visibly to all men; by the power of the Spirit, in the sacraments instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, we can be healed and transformed, conformed to the same Son of God in preparation for eternal life. This is the truth we need to hear, meet, interiorize, and live out in conversion to God’s own Divine will.
The Church is the custodian of the Good News and is also described by my patron, St Paul, in his letter to Timothy, as the pillar of truth, the subtitle of this useful catechetical book. The same Apostle to the gentiles took his missionary zeal from his awareness that ours is not a faith limited to its Hebrew roots, but contains within it a zeal to engage in a dynamic and salvific encounter with all cultures, for, as John Paul II would later proclaim magisterially, “a faith that does not become culture, is a faith which is not fully thought through, not truly lived out and not faithfully lived” (John Paul II, Letter creating the Pontifical Council for Culture, 20 May 1982). The Church is also expert in humanity, it safeguards the truth, not as a treasure hidden under a lampshade or in a bushel, but as an announcement
for all humanity. Contrary to the characteristics of many sects and new alternative religions springing up today, the Church’s essential truth is no secret, but a series of historical events that we need to proclaim in a way our contemporaries can access, ad modum recipientis as I was taught in seminary. We seek to hand this faith on to new generations with new energy, new ardour, and daring a new creativity in charity (cf. Novo Millennio Ineunte). And let us add, with a word characterizing Benedict XVI’s Pontificate, joyfully.Following the paradigm of the Incarnation, wherein God became Man for our sake, the light of truth, takes on the form and fullness of cultures, not to glory in its sinful nature, but to transform them anew in order to reconcile men with each other, recreating them in the image and likeness of the new Adam. The meeting between the one faith and the many cultures is fundamentally at the service of this new Christian humanism, which is why “the split between the Gospel and culture is the drama of our times” as Pope Paul VI stated in the Apostolic Exhortation,
Evangelii Nuntiandi 1975. Pope John Paul II also described how “the future of man depends on culture”, which is not mere neutral context, but the battleground for the new evangelization. He set out our task thus: “In fact, we have to reach out to people where they are, with their worries and questions, to help them find the moral and spiritual landmarks they need to live lives worthy of our specific vocation, and to find in Christ’s call the hope that does not disappoint (cf. Rom 5,5), as we follow the method used by the Apostle Paul at the Areopagus in Athens (Acts 17, 22-34).” (Discourse to the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for Culture, 16 March 2002).In Europe we have noticed a resurgence in interest in religious matters in the public sphere, but sadly this has coincided with a spread of religious ignorance. This has led to a new thirst that is more spiritual than religious, by which I mean that people are seeking something beyond materialism, but without engaging with the reality of the Church, ecclesial traditions, and the historical events to which She witnesses, the very ways God has chosen to reveal Himself and transform us. This is also a time in which sociologists speak of a disaffection with institutions and the phenomenon of believing without belonging, the sort of insipid relativist belief that shirks the challenge of objective truth (see my work,
Where is your God? Chicago 2004). I note too how many western cultures are invaded by consumerism and individualism, trends that through globalization are spreading throughout the world. So it is important that as Church, as family, sustaining each other, and, in particular, praying for each other as the Association Shepherds of Christ does, that we return to the source of life, our faith, which is usefully exposed in this volume, and take it out to our contemporaries, evangelizing them and their cultures and inculturating the Gospel, with the humility to remember that it is the Holy Spirit who is the principle agent of the new evangelization. Let all who thirst come to the water and find a water that is truly satisfying!
Paul Cardinal Poupard President of the Pontifical Council for Culture |
 |
This is a book it took Fr. Pasquini 25 years
to write
He wrote it
1) to lead Catholics who left the Church back
2) for non-Catholics who want to know
about the Church
3) for Catholics who want to know
about the Church
4) for college students who want to know
about the Church
5) for DRE's
6) for any religious instruction
Nursing Home Mass disc
A Mass by Fr. John J. Pasquini
about 30 minutes
Recorded at St.
Joseph's Assisted Living
in Jupiter, Florida
$10.00 plus shipping
Transcribed from Fr. Pasquini's homily on the DVD
From the Nursing Home Tape
Fr. Pasquini says there are two realities we face everyday of our life, we all have a hunger and desire for happiness — some people say I want peace above everything, I want love above everything, I want heaven above everything, I want salvation but ultimately they want happiness, love is happiness, peace is happiness, and that is why the scriptures would say another word for God is happiness, for only in God do we find our happinessSing song: God's Love
And yet even though we recognize that hunger for happiness we realize that life comes with suffering unavoidable suffering, and what do we do with that unavoidable suffering, well we can walk through life with that suffering with God or without God, when we bring God into those times of unavoidable suffering we are able to reconcile these 2 desires, these 2 mysteries, we are able to reconcile the reality that we desire happiness in God and we able to recognize that our suffering can be made easier to deal with could be transformed and even can become a gift a sharing in Christ redemption for the world, a sharing in His suffering for ourselves and for the world, for others and the souls in purgatory.Jesus is the great reconciler, He reconciles that desire for happiness with the reality of suffering, even transformed suffering, that unavoidable suffering into a gift, into a special gift, now how do we bring this about in our daily life, well the first thing we need to do — we need to be people of prayer. We have to enter into the life of Christ for if we live with Christ and die with Christ we will be resurrected with Christ and so we enter into that mystery of Christ who had happiness even amidst the pains and difficulties, the trials and tribulations of every day life.We are called to imitate our Savior and we imitate our Savior by learning from Him. And so we are called to a life of prayer and I encourage each and every one of you to make sure that every time you wake up you begin your day in prayer and every day that is finished you end your day in prayer. Some times it might be just saying Good Morning God be with me today in the joys and in the sadness, give me the strength, be with me. And it may just be at night Lord God I am tired but I love you and I worship you and I want to always be with you.But no matter how long your prayers or how short, begin the day in prayer and end it in prayer. And if you have a little time at night to examine the day to look at the day to see how God was active in your life and say Lord Jesus thank you for these blessing thank you for being active in my life, and to look at the day and say hum I had so many opportunities to respond in a loving Christ-like way and I failed. Lord Jesus forgive me grant me the strengthen to be better tomorrow.And then of course to pray the beautiful rosary — as we pray it throughout the week we meditate on the entire life of Jesus and that entire life of Jesus becomes a part of us so that when we walk through life we walk it in imitation of Him who had happiness even amidst the difficulties of life.And then of course the sacraments, do come and be anointed, to call your priest to come and anointed you, that beautiful sacrament that strengthens us spiritually in our times, the difficulty and in our time of age as we get old. Be anointed with that special sacrament that boosts us spiritually and physically.To make use of the sacrament of reconciliation. Make sure you call your priest so that you may cleanse your soul as we all need our souls cleansed on a regular basis because the more our soul is cleansed the more we can see as Christ sees, hear as Christ hears, experience life as Christ experienced it for He was like us in all things but sin. And so when we cleanse ourselves of sin we become more like the Savior and therefore we are able to deal with life much more beautifully. For Christ makes our joys more joyous and He makes our times of difficulty easier to deal with.And then of course to receive the Eucharist — to come to the table of the Lord and be nourish with the Medicine of Immortality, the antidote against death, the promise that we will live forever, to receive His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. Now some of you will not be able to make it to Mass. I would encourage you to call your local parish and to have them bring communion to you so that you may receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ. And if they are unable, make a Spiritual Communion, say Lord Jesus I wish I could be here at your Mass and so I wish and I hope for the gifts that come with the Eucharist. Please bless me and He will. He will.And so we are called to be nourished by Our Lord, by prayer and the great equated prayer the rosary - that beautiful meditative prayer, by the sacraments. And then we are called to say Lord Jesus I surrender and trust in you. I surrender and trust in you.There is a beautiful prayer from the great saint St. Francis de Sales. And St. Francis de Sales beautifully summarizes how we should take life, because it is easy to say you're called to surrender and to trust but that's a life long journey. We all know that. But we need to pray every day for the more we surrender and trust to God the more He will take care of us.And St. Francis de Sales beautifully explains that when he says "Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow, the same Eternal Father takes care of you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day of your life. Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then and put aside all useless thoughts, all vain dreads and all anxious imaginations."I give my heart to Jesus and Mary with you in love. Amen.
Consolation disc
$10.00 plus shipping
Fr. Pasquini has done a beautiful gift of his most wonderful
homily
given when someone dear has died. It can be given as a tremendous gift.
The mom of one our members died.
Her family was so pleased for Fr. Pasquini's words at her death.
Authenticity Disc
$10.00 plus shipping
Read on the ocean
Good Morning Lord Good morning Lord.
I do not know what today will bring,
But help me to be prepared for the adventure.
I pray that you bless me, prompt me, and help me follow your
call.
In the difficulties of today comfort me.
In the joys of today help me rejoice.
In the anxieties and frustrations and fears give me the
courage to
go on.
In my successes and in my failures, make me realize that you
are
there to mold and fashion me.
Help me, Lord, to recognize that life is an adventure with
great
safety and great dangers.
Wherever you lead me today, give me the strength to take
this
adventure which you have prepared for me.
Mold me Mary O beautiful mold of Mary,
where Jesus was naturally and divinely Mary you molded your Son,
Jesus, God and man. May I be melted and broken
down so that I may be poured into May you mold me in such a way
that I might appear as your Son. Mold me to be fully human and
so that I may participate in the O beautiful mold of Mary,
where Jesus was naturally and divinely Take Care Lord Take care, Lord, of those who
weep tonight and find life Take care, Lord, of those who
weep tonight and find themselves Take care, Lord, of those who
weep tonight and find it hard to Take care, Lord, of those who
weep tonight and find themselves Take care, Lord, of those who
weep tonight and find themselves Take care, Lord, of those who
weep tonight and find themselves Take care, Lord, of those who
weep tonight. Soothe them, comfort them,
and show them your mercy.
formed, pray for me.
your mold.
divinity of your Son.
formed, pray for me.
burdensome.
lonely.
continue on.
ill.
dying alone.
suffering.
Holy Spirit Novena Disc
$10.00 plus shipping
Divine Mercy Chaplet
$10.00 plus shipping
Book of 9 Priestly Newsletters
by Fr. John J. Pasquini
Comments
1) It was with pleasure that I have received your kind and thoughtful letter and the books written by Rev. John J. Pasquini: Shepherds of Christ, a book of spirituality, newsletters for priests...Please accept my sincere gratitude for all these spiritual gifts which may be useful for daily meditation. - Belguim Bishop
2) I write to acknowledge receipt of your kind letter of May 5th, enclosing a copy of Shepherds of Christ, A Book of Spirituality, Newsletters for Priests, by Rev. John J. Pasquini. While thanking you for the same, I assure you of my prayers and, with cordial regards, I remain - Vatican Cardinal
3) We received the copy of the Prayer Manual, the copy of Shepherds of Christ: A Book of Spirituality, Newsletters for Priests by Rev. John J. Pasquini that you kindly sent for the Vatican Library. I gladly take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the books and for your kind attention to our Institution. - Vatican Cardinal
4) This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter of May 5th. Thank you for sending me your materials - Shepherds of Christ, A Book of Spirituality Newsletters for Priests, by Rev. John J. Pasquini. I appreciate having these materials. - USA Bishop
5) Cardinal has asked me to acknowledge receipt of recent letter and the enclosed collection of newsletters. On behalf of the Cardinal, thank you for sending these materials and for sharing your ongoing commitment to the faithful support of the priesthood and the Church. Please know of our gratitude for your prayers and the assurance of our remembrance of your intentions and the success of your ministry. - USA Cardinal
6) Thank you also for your letter of April 9 and the accompanying materials which I received today! - USA Bishop
7) Thank you very much for your letter of May 5, 2008, and for the enclosed prayer cards, booklet, book and newsletter, produced by Shepherds of Christ Ministries. - USA Bishop
8) Today I received a huge packet with your letter of May 5, A Book of Spirituality Newsletters for Priests by Rev. John J. Pasquini. God reward you for your kindness. - Kazakhstan Bishop
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