O
Oneofthewomen
Guest
Prayers for you Brother Jay, and for your growing community.
May your Holy Week be blessed.
:hug3:
May your Holy Week be blessed.
:hug3:
- Status
A
Avila123
Guest
For Brother JR
http://www.prayersbyemail.com/postcard/pictures/sickprayer10.jpg
Please wrap up warm, drink your chicken broth and obey Brother Gerard (remember we love and miss you).
http://www.prayersbyemail.com/postcard/pictures/sickprayer10.jpg
Please wrap up warm, drink your chicken broth and obey Brother Gerard (remember we love and miss you).
J
JReducation
Guest
OK, so I’m having a little trouble sleeping and no one is looking. 
First of all, I want to thank everyone for their warm wishes and continued prayers. Please don’t stop. They are having a positive effect on my body and my soul. Let’s talk about my body first.
I went to see my primary care doctor and he’s still happy. That’s good news. The damage to my system is irreversible, but the progression of the deterioration of my kidneys and lungs has slowed down. That’s good news for some and for other it’s, “OH NO! Is he going to be around longer?” The answer to that question is known only to God.
Now, let’s talk about my soul. Who doesn’t struggle with sin and temptation? If you’re here, go to another page. I don’t want to scandalize you. Yes, religious do struggle with sin, probably more than most people. Don’t ask me why, because I don’t have the perfect answer. If I did, I could probably find the solution and win a Nobel Prize in religion. Is there even such a thing?
What I’ve noticed, since all of your started this prayer crusade for me is that I’m starting to win some battles against sin. Please allow me the moment to be a little personal. Indulge me. I’m an old man. A few days ago I had a very strange discussion with one of the brothers. I didn’t realize it at the moment, but I was hurting his feelings. Suddenly, there were tears, not mine, his. When I asked him why he was crying he was honest. “Father, sometimes you hurt my feelings.” To be honest, I never intentionally try to hurt people’s feelings. However, we all step on other’s toes, more often than we think. Most of the time people don’t tell us. My guess is that it’s a trust issue. You have to trust the person before you say, “Ouch! You’re hurting me.”
That night, after lights out, I was laying there thinking back on our conversation. Of course, I felt very badly about hurting Brother’s feelings. That was never a question. But something else happened. As if by Divine assistance, which I believe it was, I realized that even when I’m right, I can also be wrong in my dealings with this one brother. Yes, he has some things that he has to work on. But he’s also a very good man, very loving, honest, and he’s very young. His basic problem is one of maturity. Maturity is not something that we can legislate. You can’t command someone to be wise and mature overnight. It has to come with experience. Those of us who have experience have to be patient with those who are not at the same point as we are. I felt a sudden sense of horror and remorse. I realized that in the stillness of the night, Christ was speaking to me. He was calling me to soften my tone, to lighten up on the boy and to remember that I too was there once upon a time. I too did and said foolish things. I too pouted when things didn’t go my way and I certainly had an attitude when corrected, but others were kind to me. Superiors were not blind to my faults, but they put up with them and gently guided me by their example more than correction.
I then remembered my novice master and the headaches that I gave him. I felt ashamed of myself. I now realize that he was my best friend, when I thought he was the enemy. He challenged me and at the same time he bore my idiocy with patience. I was his purgatory on earth. His example came back to me to convict me and to teach me. He has passed away. My only regret is that I would like to see him once more to say, “I’m sorry and I’m grateful for your example in humility and patience.” How I wish he were alive!
I know that I would not have had this realization without your prayers. This is why I am sharing with you a piece of my conscience. Sometimes, it’s good to know that our prayers are heard and answered, even if it’s halfway around the world or across the street. This takes me to my last point for today, Good Friday.
In all of this, I also remembered what our holy father St. Francis taught us about sin and about the cross. On the cross, Jesus not only redeems us from our sinfulness, but he exposes for us the poverty of God. God is totally naked, totally helpless, and totally loving. He pours himself out for the beloved . . . you and me. While we are sinners and we need to acknowledge our sins, repent and do penance, our sinfulness can be a means to consolation to us. Because when we face our sins, we realize that we can’t save ourselves from them. Only God can do that. In essence, God uses our sins to encourage us to turn toward the cross. Obviously, we are free to cooperate or not. But as the Scriptures tell us, God brings good out of evil. He brings good out of our sinful state, if we let him. Without God, we can do nothing. But God who is rich in mercy and justice became poor on the cross in order to make us rich in grace.
As we proceed toward the Easter Triduum, let us remember the Poverty of God. In becoming poor, Christ enriches us with grace. But this came at a great price. The Father had to watch the Son being torn apart and pierced but do nothing to stop it. Who of us would allow one of our children to endure such horrific torture? Who of us can love this intensely? God looks at his suffering Son and says to himself, “This is the way that it has to be.” The Son looks to the Father and asks him to absolve us. “Father, forgive them.” The Father and Son are of one heart and mind, to redeem us at all cost. The Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to understand the poverty of our human condition and how it is assumed by God himself in the poverty of the Cross.
Have a blessed Triduum. Please pray for me and join me in praying for children, which is my special intention for Lent. I pray that every child will have the opportunity to experience the love of the Crucified Savior and grow to be a mirror of perfection.
First of all, I want to thank everyone for their warm wishes and continued prayers. Please don’t stop. They are having a positive effect on my body and my soul. Let’s talk about my body first.
I went to see my primary care doctor and he’s still happy. That’s good news. The damage to my system is irreversible, but the progression of the deterioration of my kidneys and lungs has slowed down. That’s good news for some and for other it’s, “OH NO! Is he going to be around longer?” The answer to that question is known only to God.
Now, let’s talk about my soul. Who doesn’t struggle with sin and temptation? If you’re here, go to another page. I don’t want to scandalize you. Yes, religious do struggle with sin, probably more than most people. Don’t ask me why, because I don’t have the perfect answer. If I did, I could probably find the solution and win a Nobel Prize in religion. Is there even such a thing?
What I’ve noticed, since all of your started this prayer crusade for me is that I’m starting to win some battles against sin. Please allow me the moment to be a little personal. Indulge me. I’m an old man. A few days ago I had a very strange discussion with one of the brothers. I didn’t realize it at the moment, but I was hurting his feelings. Suddenly, there were tears, not mine, his. When I asked him why he was crying he was honest. “Father, sometimes you hurt my feelings.” To be honest, I never intentionally try to hurt people’s feelings. However, we all step on other’s toes, more often than we think. Most of the time people don’t tell us. My guess is that it’s a trust issue. You have to trust the person before you say, “Ouch! You’re hurting me.”
That night, after lights out, I was laying there thinking back on our conversation. Of course, I felt very badly about hurting Brother’s feelings. That was never a question. But something else happened. As if by Divine assistance, which I believe it was, I realized that even when I’m right, I can also be wrong in my dealings with this one brother. Yes, he has some things that he has to work on. But he’s also a very good man, very loving, honest, and he’s very young. His basic problem is one of maturity. Maturity is not something that we can legislate. You can’t command someone to be wise and mature overnight. It has to come with experience. Those of us who have experience have to be patient with those who are not at the same point as we are. I felt a sudden sense of horror and remorse. I realized that in the stillness of the night, Christ was speaking to me. He was calling me to soften my tone, to lighten up on the boy and to remember that I too was there once upon a time. I too did and said foolish things. I too pouted when things didn’t go my way and I certainly had an attitude when corrected, but others were kind to me. Superiors were not blind to my faults, but they put up with them and gently guided me by their example more than correction.
I then remembered my novice master and the headaches that I gave him. I felt ashamed of myself. I now realize that he was my best friend, when I thought he was the enemy. He challenged me and at the same time he bore my idiocy with patience. I was his purgatory on earth. His example came back to me to convict me and to teach me. He has passed away. My only regret is that I would like to see him once more to say, “I’m sorry and I’m grateful for your example in humility and patience.” How I wish he were alive!
I know that I would not have had this realization without your prayers. This is why I am sharing with you a piece of my conscience. Sometimes, it’s good to know that our prayers are heard and answered, even if it’s halfway around the world or across the street. This takes me to my last point for today, Good Friday.
In all of this, I also remembered what our holy father St. Francis taught us about sin and about the cross. On the cross, Jesus not only redeems us from our sinfulness, but he exposes for us the poverty of God. God is totally naked, totally helpless, and totally loving. He pours himself out for the beloved . . . you and me. While we are sinners and we need to acknowledge our sins, repent and do penance, our sinfulness can be a means to consolation to us. Because when we face our sins, we realize that we can’t save ourselves from them. Only God can do that. In essence, God uses our sins to encourage us to turn toward the cross. Obviously, we are free to cooperate or not. But as the Scriptures tell us, God brings good out of evil. He brings good out of our sinful state, if we let him. Without God, we can do nothing. But God who is rich in mercy and justice became poor on the cross in order to make us rich in grace.
As we proceed toward the Easter Triduum, let us remember the Poverty of God. In becoming poor, Christ enriches us with grace. But this came at a great price. The Father had to watch the Son being torn apart and pierced but do nothing to stop it. Who of us would allow one of our children to endure such horrific torture? Who of us can love this intensely? God looks at his suffering Son and says to himself, “This is the way that it has to be.” The Son looks to the Father and asks him to absolve us. “Father, forgive them.” The Father and Son are of one heart and mind, to redeem us at all cost. The Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to understand the poverty of our human condition and how it is assumed by God himself in the poverty of the Cross.
Have a blessed Triduum. Please pray for me and join me in praying for children, which is my special intention for Lent. I pray that every child will have the opportunity to experience the love of the Crucified Savior and grow to be a mirror of perfection.
O
Oneofthewomen
Guest
Thank you for sharing this Br. Jay!
Peace, prayers & hugs to you!
Peace, prayers & hugs to you!
L
Lormar
Guest
Thank you, Brother Jay, for what you wrote, as it was something I needed to read. Patience is not my strong point. Neither is obedience. Nor humility. Did I mention charity? Charity of thought, word and action? Well, let’s add that to the list as well. Not off to a good start for a Catholic, especially one my age.
You are in my prayers every day. Thank you for yours!
God bless you!
You are in my prayers every day. Thank you for yours!
God bless you!
H
Hmgbrd
Guest
Oh Thank you Brother JR! Your thoughts were an inspiration for me and a light for this day.
Praying for you and sending you a big :hug3: Thank you, thank you.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.Holy
Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
†
Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
:harp:
Praying for you and sending you a big :hug3: Thank you, thank you.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.Holy
Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
†
Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
:harp:
P
pianistclare
Guest
Many prayers for you.
Many blessings for us.
Pax et bonum.
Clare
Many blessings for us.
Pax et bonum.
Clare
L
Luigi_Daniele
Guest
Grazie fratello.
T
tradcathconvert
Guest
Hail Mary x3 for Brother JR
J
jeannetherese
Guest
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee!
Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of they womb, Jesus!
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
May God bless you and all children.
Amen.
A
Avila123
Guest
Dear Brother JR,
It is so good to hear from you. Thank you for your insightful words. It seems to me that your young brother has revealed to you, not only trust, but humility, wisdom, courage and great love. It is the people we love that hurt us the most (unintentionally), yet it can be very hard to turn around and quietly tell them, because we don’t want to hurt them back or start an argument. Your young brother is wise in realising that the hurt harboring in his soul needs healing, and in taking courage, he has (thanks to God) enabled you to also seek healing from Jesus. Now if only the rest of us could follow that young man’s example.
You are always in my daily prayers.
Dear St. Benedict,
you are a “blessing” indeed, as your name indicates.
Practicing what you preached, you founded the monastic tradition of the West by joining prayer to labor for God, both liturgical and private prayer.
Help all religious to follow their Rule and be true to their vocation.
May they labor and pray for the world to the greater glory of God.
Amen.
I have also prayed for your prayer intentions. Have a blessed Easter.
*Sorry but I just can’t help wanting to remind you to rest properly, wrap up warm and obey Brother Gerard. *
It is so good to hear from you. Thank you for your insightful words. It seems to me that your young brother has revealed to you, not only trust, but humility, wisdom, courage and great love. It is the people we love that hurt us the most (unintentionally), yet it can be very hard to turn around and quietly tell them, because we don’t want to hurt them back or start an argument. Your young brother is wise in realising that the hurt harboring in his soul needs healing, and in taking courage, he has (thanks to God) enabled you to also seek healing from Jesus. Now if only the rest of us could follow that young man’s example.
You are always in my daily prayers.
Dear St. Benedict,
you are a “blessing” indeed, as your name indicates.
Practicing what you preached, you founded the monastic tradition of the West by joining prayer to labor for God, both liturgical and private prayer.
Help all religious to follow their Rule and be true to their vocation.
May they labor and pray for the world to the greater glory of God.
Amen.
I have also prayed for your prayer intentions. Have a blessed Easter.
*Sorry but I just can’t help wanting to remind you to rest properly, wrap up warm and obey Brother Gerard. *
Z
zab
Guest
May Our Blessed Mother comfort you
M
Marie5890
Guest
Our prayers help you. Your reflections help us. Praise God for both.
Prayers
Prayers
T
tradcathconvert
Guest
Hail Mary x3 for Brother JR
J
JReducation
Guest
I got to go to the Easter Vigil. The liturgy lasted three hours, but what an incredible three hours. Words can’t even begin to describe it. From the blessing of the fire, through the Old Testament Readings, the proclamation of the Gospel, the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, the consecration and the communion rite, I just couldn’t stop smiling and crying at the same time.
Isaiah 55 just blew me away.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
My word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire.
This was so powerful. All I could think of was that God has made himself present through every age in history. The second verse made me think of John’s Prologue.
***In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was God.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. ***
But Jesus does not return to the Father empty handed. He takes us with him. Of course, I’m always blown away by the Gloria.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
I was thinking of the power of Christ and how incredible he is.
As I watched my best friend, who’s a deacon, proclaim the Gospel of the resurrection. I thought, “What an honor, to proclaim the Resurrection of the Lord on the most important night of the year.”
I’ve seen many baptisms and performed a few myself. But tonight, as I saw my other friend, who’s a priest, baptizing and I saw the water pouring over the heads of the catechumens, I could only feel the power of the Holy Spirit and the thought that kept coming back to me as I looked at these people was how clean their souls are at that moment. If it were me, that’s the moment when I wish death would come. What an incredible moment to die. For those who understand the power of Baptism, it’s not a morbid thought at all.
As the rest of the mass progressed, I realized that I too am starting to go around the last bend on my own road. The whole mass of the resurrection was one long meditation and prayer preparing me for my own encounter with death and I’m not afraid. I was absolutely incredible. I can’t explain it.
I remembered many of my faults through the years and how often I have failed the Lord and my brothers and sisters. But I also feel a sense of wonder. I’m not sure how to explain it. I’m going to be alright. God never lets us down. God never goes away. Death never has the last word. I’ll be ok. I can go home at any time and I’m OK with that. If I have to wait here a little longer, that stinks; but I’ll take whatever he gives and give whatever he takes. We just have to be ready for whatever God wills.
I’m just giddy. I don’t know what else I can say about my Easter experience. I wish that I could explain it, but I can’t. So, I’ll stop here and wish everyone a Blessed Easter. I pray that you will find the same joy that I have found in the proclamation of the Resurrection.
View attachment 19790
Death shall never have the last word.
.
Isaiah 55 just blew me away.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
My word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire.
This was so powerful. All I could think of was that God has made himself present through every age in history. The second verse made me think of John’s Prologue.
***In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was God.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. ***
But Jesus does not return to the Father empty handed. He takes us with him. Of course, I’m always blown away by the Gloria.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
I was thinking of the power of Christ and how incredible he is.
As I watched my best friend, who’s a deacon, proclaim the Gospel of the resurrection. I thought, “What an honor, to proclaim the Resurrection of the Lord on the most important night of the year.”
I’ve seen many baptisms and performed a few myself. But tonight, as I saw my other friend, who’s a priest, baptizing and I saw the water pouring over the heads of the catechumens, I could only feel the power of the Holy Spirit and the thought that kept coming back to me as I looked at these people was how clean their souls are at that moment. If it were me, that’s the moment when I wish death would come. What an incredible moment to die. For those who understand the power of Baptism, it’s not a morbid thought at all.
As the rest of the mass progressed, I realized that I too am starting to go around the last bend on my own road. The whole mass of the resurrection was one long meditation and prayer preparing me for my own encounter with death and I’m not afraid. I was absolutely incredible. I can’t explain it.
I remembered many of my faults through the years and how often I have failed the Lord and my brothers and sisters. But I also feel a sense of wonder. I’m not sure how to explain it. I’m going to be alright. God never lets us down. God never goes away. Death never has the last word. I’ll be ok. I can go home at any time and I’m OK with that. If I have to wait here a little longer, that stinks; but I’ll take whatever he gives and give whatever he takes. We just have to be ready for whatever God wills.
I’m just giddy. I don’t know what else I can say about my Easter experience. I wish that I could explain it, but I can’t. So, I’ll stop here and wish everyone a Blessed Easter. I pray that you will find the same joy that I have found in the proclamation of the Resurrection.
View attachment 19790
Death shall never have the last word.
.
M
maltmom
Guest
Happy Easter Brother Jay! You are in my prayers.:hug3:
H
hazcompat
Guest
Happy Easter.
Peace
Peace
T
tradcathconvert
Guest
Hail Mary x3 for Brother JR
Happy Easter, Brother JR
Happy Easter, Brother JR
A
Aramis
Guest
Prayed for you during matins, Brother JR.
Christ is Risen!
Christ is Risen!
A
Avila123
Guest
Have a blessed Easter-tide Brother JR.
You remain in my daily prayers.
You remain in my daily prayers.
- Status