The Rosary: not for EVERY Catholic?

[AlanFromWichita]

Hi Alan, I never said nor implied any such thing. So I guess we agree ?

Sure. When people make statements without qualification, sometimes it is important to me to understand the scope of the statement. Is it intended to be absolute.

So in other words if a person tells the saint he does not wish to do the Rosary, it isn’t the desire of the saint to talk him into it. So the saint could fulfill the statements by focusing on others who may be more open. That’s why I asked.

Alan

 

[nuntym]

+JMJ+

I see your point, but I don’t think we can interpret it as saying “urging/nagging every single Catholic to say it.” Yes, he says “loving it,” which is doable without actually saying it; for example I don’t say the Rosary unless it’s with others who wish me to join them, but I keep a blessed Rosary right next to me as I sit here and type all day.

And I can encourage others to say it, but this is where I differ in your interpretation. I can encourage others to say it, while accurately holding that not everyone either needs to or is called by God to say it. It’s optional, period. The saint did not say, in letter or IMO in spirit, “talk every single person into saying it even if they don’t want to.”

Here’s the problem I have with these threads. Someone says they have a hard time praying the Rosary, and wants to know if that makes them a Bad Catholic. The objective answer is “no,” but that’s not what they get. They get: “well, TECHnically no, but it’s a great blessing and you should really try to do it,” or, “have you tried doing it this way … or that way,” or, “while it is not ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED, it is a great thing and you are missing out if you don’t do it.”

This, I’m confident, is what nuntym is referring to by making it guilt ridden. No, it isn’t for everybody, but you’re strange or an outcast or “not getting it” if you don’t.

If the person had asked, “how can I focus better when I say the Rosary,” then that should be the question that is answered. But we seem to morph the question, “is it required for me to pray the Rosary,” into, “please help me I desperately want to pray the Rosary so I want advice on how to do that.” It makes the OP “less than” for even having asked.

And there is nothing wrong with encouraging someone to say the Rosary, but when they don’t want to then IMO it is not charity to try to goad them into doing it. Maybe they just need a quiet room. Maybe they need to readjust their priorities. We’re like Sam I Am in Green Eggs and Ham. We love it so much, that maybe – just maybe – If we just make a good enough case for how to eat green eggs and ham, the dude will finally give in and try them. Maybe that’s a bad example because the nagging eventually pays off for Sam I Am.

Maybe a better example showing how I feel when people tell me their devotions are better and that I should choose of my Own Free Will to do it their way: Office Space. The restaurant scene where Janet (Jennifer Aniston) always wears the required “pieces of flair,” but her boss wants her to wear more but wants it to be her own decision. Here she is being talked to by her boss about her flair, and this is the effect it had on her.

Alan

THIS is what I am trying to get to, and not “baiting” you as you say, Saints Alive, in your PM. I do not appreciate you thinking like what you have PM’d me, Saints Alive, although I do appreciate PM’ing me and not posting it here.

The OP had been trying to pray the Rosary for two years already and he still is having difficulty in praying it. Granted that difficulty per se does not mean he is doing against God’s will, but if this difficulty is admixed with a lack of peace, then we should be having doubts.

The above shows how much he is loving the Rosary; that is why the quote from St. de Montfort applies to him more than any of us here.

Although if you really want to see how much I love Mother Mary and the Rosary, then search these forums on how much I have defended her and devotions to her here.

 

[christian14]

DO NOT JUST PRAY ROSAY! PRACTICE IT IN DAILY LIFE.
“So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”(James chapter 2, 17).
If you want to communicate with God, go to life and practice what He told you in Bible.

 

[jimperu]

Alan. This person was seeking “help” on these threads with his difficulty in his praying the Rosary. Many responses, myself included, are loving, caring, good people that are simply reaching out in the “best” way they can. A very high percentage of the responses were excellent. I suggest if you have a problem with these threads, as you stated, that you take time to reflect on the wonderful give and take by everyone that finds love and support through this venue. JMJ

 

[Reuben_J]

I’ve been praying an almost daily Rosary for over two years now.
I have had some blessings as in new understandings and an occasional special prayer time.

However,
One thing I am always hoping for is the ability to listen to that “still, small voice” as I pray. I was hoping that I could learn to meditate and contemplate while repeating the Rosary.

I tend to have problems concentrating in some ways. For example, I recall that as a young man I took a short walk through a natural area in town and tried to simply commune with God as I observed His creation. All my mind would do is wonder. So the Rosary can be a challenge for me.

I’ve tried methods such as praying in English, Latin, chanting at times, and more … just to see if I could concentrate better.

But trying to really communicate with our God while praying the Rosary almost seems like “cheating” at times – I’ve filled my formal prayer time with prayer, but have I prayed? Have I tried my best to commune with God?

I do take some comfort in this: If nothing else I am persistent.

I sometimes wonder if I should drop the Rosary and begin to practice lectio divina instead.

I’d appreciate any thoughts on the matter of prayer here.

Thanks, Reg.

Praise God that you are praying. It is something not easy to sustain and a difficult habit to maintain. I would say, bottom line is you are praying, even if it the rosary, even if you find it difficult to meditate while doing it. There is always grace in praying.

I am not much of a Rosary person, the reason being is nearly the same as yours. Frankly I cannot meditate during the rosary. I don’t know. Perhaps I am too caught up in reciting the Rosary, I am not too sure. Therefore in my personal prayer, I would usually pray directly to God and meditate. The Lectio Divina is best for me and very fruitful too because I get to learn the Bible too.

The Rosary for me is when I am restless and cannot concentrate. At least I would still be praying by reciting the Rosary. In that sense we as Catholics are very privileged for we have a ready made prayer for us to say.

Rosary can still play a very important part in our paryer life because it can be said corporately and individually.

God bless.

 

[AlanFromWichita]

Alan. This person was seeking “help” on these threads with his difficulty in his praying the Rosary. Many responses, myself included, are loving, caring, good people that are simply reaching out in the “best” way they can. A very high percentage of the responses were excellent. I suggest if you have a problem with these threads, as you stated, that you take time to reflect on the wonderful give and take by everyone that finds love and support through this venue. JMJ

I agree that most of the posts were fine. But when a poster got to the point of complaining about posters who were trying to “discourage” the Rosary, that’s what alerted my defensive systems to go into motion. I don’t enjoy the Rosary, I don’t feel called to it, and I have seldom prayed it unless in groups – and I haven’t missed a blessing as far as I can tell. It is a wonderful devotion for many people. But when someone asks, “is it required for Catholics,” the correct answer is “no.” Period.

If we say, “no it isn’t, but have you tried …;” or “no it isn’t, but have you thought of …” then I don’t see that as a problem. But when it gets to post after post of, “well no, technically not, but you’re missing out on blessings and you really should not give up on it,” then it starts to convey the message that if the OP doesn’t pray the Rosary like seemingly “everyone else” does, then there is something wrong with the OP or at least the OP is the oddball for not feeling this way.

And then when a poster complained about those of us who correctly told the OP it wasn’t necessary, as if we’re trying to chase them away from God by doing so, that was my limit in this case of when I decided to intervene.

We are all different parts to the Body of Christ, which is why the Church understands that we don’t require the same devotions of every person. Sometimes I come in at night when the Church is dark and empty (since I’m a musician I have a key) and just sit quietly and soak in the atmosphere and be in awe. Then I might go kneel before a couple statues and maybe light a couple candles. I tend to prefer Mary, Joseph (holding the Child), St. Jude, and the Sacred Heart. I can spend 45 minutes doing nothing. Or maybe praying spontaneous improvised prayer, asking God questions on my mind or asking Him for understanding on various topics. But mostly I just listen to the creak and groans of the building, the noises from outside, and the whole church being lit only by outside lights coming in and the candles. Sometimes I catch myself in a mindless smile I didn’t even realize I had because I wasn’t thinking of anything funny – just overwhelmed with a feeling of awe at the glory of God – and at the achievements of man to have built such a wonderful place as this. Just hanging around with God and the saints and not another soul in the place. It gives me spiritual consolations unlike any I’ve ever had before.

I personally think every single Catholic “ought to” have the experience of going into a church when it is locked, and if they don’t they should try harder to achieve it. In fact, I don’t see how somebody can be fully Catholic and not take advantage of this devotion, of sitting alone in a dark, quiet church building. I’ve taken several friends with me to do this at times, and really every Catholic should find a way to gain access to the church after hours in order to do this. What’s that – you don’t have a key? Well, well, well … of course that could be worked through if only you were caring enough to make an attempt. Ask the pastor. Ask the musicians. Ask the janitor. Call the parish office and ask. There are plenty of ways one might go about having this devotion. Most “practicing Catholics” just throw their hands up and say, “I don’t have a key,” but these people don’t understand “whatever you ask for you will receive,” and I squarely ask of each of them, “you don’t have a key in your possession, but have you asked ANYBODY with a key if they would let you in some time?” Because really it’s just a cop-out that they use not having a key as an excuse to not getting into the church. Obviously they don’t want this devotion because they won’t even lift a hand to pick up a phone and ask. I know for an absolute fact that if someone came up to me after Mass and said, “do you have a key to the church? I was wondering if sometime you could let me in at night so we can sit in a dark church?” that I would give them that chance. (Provided, of course, they didn’t seem dangerous or deceptive. ) Really, as Catholics, we should do everything we can to have this experience because without it, well, you wouldn’t be as much like me, would you?

Alan

 

[The_Reginator]

Hey, thanks for all the ideas folks!
I’ve been taking my time reading your posts.

I began the Rosary because, for some reason I can no longer remember, my prayer life (as in a formal time of prayer) had virtually disappeared. The beauty of the Rosary for me is the fact that it is structured and has the 15 (now 20 per JP2) mysteries to meditate upon. (If only I could “meditate” …)
I was hoping to learn discipline, and have (to quite a degree compared to when I began). I was hoping to enter more deeply into prayer … and have not. I might start another thread (some day) asking for (name removed by moderator)ut as to how others pray the Rosary. I seem to recall past threads about this (and may look them up instead).

I thought I had a slim understanding of Lectio Divina, but I’d better “read up on it” as I find I’m a little lost as to how to undertake it.

Sometimes I come in at night when the Church is dark and empty (since I’m a musician I have a key) and just sit quietly and soak in the atmosphere and be in awe. Then I might go kneel before a couple statues and maybe light a couple candles. I tend to prefer Mary, Joseph (holding the Child), St. Jude, and the Sacred Heart. I can spend 45 minutes doing nothing. Or maybe praying spontaneous improvised prayer, asking God questions on my mind or asking Him for understanding on various topics. But mostly I just listen to the creak and groans of the building, the noises from outside, and the whole church being lit only by outside lights coming in and the candles. Sometimes I catch myself in a mindless smile I didn’t even realize I had because I wasn’t thinking of anything funny – just overwhelmed with a feeling of awe at the glory of God – and at the achievements of man to have built such a wonderful place as this. Just hanging around with God and the saints and not another soul in the place. It gives me spiritual consolations unlike any I’ve ever had before.

I personally think every single Catholic “ought to” have the experience of going into a church when it is locked, and if they don’t they should try harder to achieve it. In fact, I don’t see how somebody can be fully Catholic and not take advantage of this devotion, of sitting alone in a dark, quiet church building. I’ve taken several friends with me to do this at times, and really every Catholic should find a way to gain access to the church after hours in order to do this.

Alan

Alan, we have an advantage in our rural parish in that regard. Although the church is locked at night, we are able to enter an empty church during the day and can be left quite alone for an hour or two. Our priest was surprised when he started here as he was used to having the church building locked at all times (Mass excluded). I’ve only taken advantage of this a handful of times to date but I’ll keep your suggestion in mind for future opportunities.

• Reg.

 

[HolyRosaryChild]

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Spot on DBT!

During The Holy Rosaries I pray daily, Our Lady Mary guides me for the causes to pray for, while the next Holy Rosary, Jesus is bringing up sins of my past to ask forgiveness and heal in between. Over the past couple of weeks I have been asked to focus more on the Souls in purgatory during Rosary times. I picture Jesus Stations of His Cross and Our Lady Mary’s Visit with Elizabeth, Her Coronation, special events during Her Life and then over to Jesus’ Teachings. Before I commence each Rosary, I offer up all of the tasks I am currently doing to Him (this blocks out evil and negativity and distraction in thoughts) while I am picturing Jesus and Mother Mary up there and in His Holy Cards and The Catholic Rosary Card.

This has assisted me brilliantly in remaining focussed during each of The Holy Rosaries prayed.

Different horses for different courses! Each of us will choose whatever assistance is applicable (ie may be of assistance) from our Brothers and Sisters in Christ!

 

[nuntym]

+JMJ+

(If only I could “meditate” …)

The best definition that I learned of Catholic Meditation, ironically, is from that Protestant bestseller “The Purpose Driven Life”. I do not have the book right now so I cannot quote it exactly, but the book defines meditation as (roughly) using the mindset we use to trying to solve problems or puzzles. Specifically, when you meditate, you try to “solve” what God is trying to tell you through the words that you read or recited using your memory, imagination, logic and all the other faculties of your heart and mind. When you get into meditation, you must believe that God wants to commune with you and give to you His Wisdom.

You may want to read some pointers on how to meditate using the Rosary from this old thread of mine: Little Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary Throughout the Day

I was hoping to learn discipline, and have (to quite a degree compared to when I began).

Hmm, if you have noticed improvements in your discipline and spirituality from regular prayer of the Rosary then maybe it is best you do not abandon it

I was hoping to enter more deeply into prayer … and have not. I might start another thread (some day) asking for (name removed by moderator)ut as to how others pray the Rosary. I seem to recall past threads about this (and may look them up instead).

This old post of mine might help: forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?p=10088464#post10088464

I thought I had a slim understanding of Lectio Divina, but I’d better “read up on it” as I find I’m a little lost as to how to undertake it.

 

[Saints_Alive]

Ah, but look more closely at what he says !

“I do not know how this should be, but it is perfectly true; and I know no surer way of discovering whether a person belongs to God than by finding out if he loves the Hail Mary and the Rosary. I say, “if he loves”, for it can happen that a person for some reason may be unable to say the Rosary, but this does not prevent him from loving it and inspiring others to say it.”

The underlined part is very important and is why I wince when I see threads like this. None of us should ever discourage the Rosary in any way. It’s ok to tell someone that the rosary may not be for everyone, but we should let them figure that out for themselves. We should never encourage one to stop praying the Rosary no matter what. Again, look at what St Louis actually said.

As far as meditating on the Mysteries, one just has to find what works for him/her. If I catch myself letting my thoughts drift away from the Mystery I’m on, I stop and re-focus. However long it takes. Usually not long at all. For example if I’m on the 4th Mystery of the Sorrowful Mysteries, I may stop and ask God to never let me forget the Carrying of the Cross when I catch myself feeling sorry for myself or feeling burdened for whatever reason. Perhaps an elderly family member has asked me to do them a favor that would cause an inconvenience for me. The power of the Rosary allows me to see that favor as a Cross to bear that will certainly seem weightless compared to the cross Christ had to bear for us.

Reg, you wrote “I have had some blessings as in new understandings and an occasional special prayer time.”

Don’t give that up Try Lectio Divina in addition to the Rosary.

Not sure why the anger, but I wasn’t trying to anger you or attack your post. What I meant was that with all of these sort of “having trouble with the Rosary” threads, there are always posts that encourage dropping the Rosary, along with the typical “it’s not required anyhow” comments. It certainly isn’t required that Catholics pray the Rosary. But…

I still think you are missing the message of St Louis in his words you quoted. He wasn’t saying it’s ok to steer anyone away from the Rosary. Quite the contrary.

You provided the words of St Louis de Monfort below, and I embrace every single one of them. Not sure why you have a problem with me embracing what you cited.

"I do not know how this should be, but it is perfectly true; and I know no surer way of discovering whether a person belongs to God than by finding out if he loves the Hail Mary and the Rosary. I say, “if he loves”, for it can happen that a person for some reason may be unable to say the Rosary, but this does not prevent him from loving it and inspiring others to say it."

The Rosary simply can’t be beat !

Nice little video for inspiration if anyone cares to view it. It’s brief.

youtube.com/watch?v=FUDhvqpVICk

Hi Alan, I never said nor implied any such thing. So I guess we agree ?

And then when a poster complained about those of us who correctly told the OP it wasn’t necessary, as if we’re trying to chase them away from God by doing so, that was my limit in this case of when I decided to intervene.

Alan

You are just making stuff up Alan. Why are you trying to defame me ?

Look at my posts. The first two clearly indicated my acknowledgement that the Church doesn’t require a Catholic to pray the Rosary.

You are taking my posts, which are right there in black and white for all to read, and twisting them into what you want them to mean instead of what I meant.

That’s sad Alan.

 

[Saints_Alive]

And then when a poster complained about those of us who correctly told the OP it wasn’t necessary, as if we’re trying to chase them away from God by doing so, that was my limit in this case of when I decided to intervene.

Alan

Alan, my first two posts on this thread contain statements that make it very clear I acknowledge the fact that the Church does not require her children to pray the Holy Rosary. Please reread them. Do you now agree ?

And this part…
** as if we’re trying to chase them away from God by doing so **

I’m not accusing anyone of chasing folks away from God, I’m agreeing 100% with St Louis !

**“I do not know how this should be, but it is perfectly true; and I know no surer way of discovering whether a person belongs to God than by finding out if he loves the Hail Mary and the Rosary. I say, “if he loves”, for it can happen that a person for some reason may be unable to say the Rosary, but this does not prevent him from loving it and inspiring others to say it.”**St Louis de Monfort

He’s is the one getting preachy here, not me ! You’ll find your Litmus Test in there and many other great Saint’s words.

Here is what I really meant, Alan.

“With the Rosary, the Christian people sits at the school of Mary and is led to contemplate the beauty on the face of Christ and to experience the depths of his love.” – Pope John Paul II, his apostolic letter on the Rosary

“The Rosary is the most excellent form of prayer and the most efficacious means of attaining eternal life.
It is the remedy for all our evils, the root of all our blessings. There is no more excellent way of praying” – Pope Leo XIII

“Give me an army saying the Rosary and I will conquer the world” – Pope Pius IX

“The word ‘Rosary’ means ‘Crown of Roses,’ that is to say that every time someone says the Rosary devoutly, they place a crown of one hundred fifty-three red roses and sixteen white roses upon the heads of Jesus and Mary. Being heavenly roses they will never fade or lose their exquisite beauty” – St. Louis De Montfort, The Secret of the Rosary

Saints and Popes Alan. You HAVE to love Our Lady and her Holy Rosary ! Saints and Popes don’t jump at the chance to help us find another prayer when we state we are having some sort of trouble with the Holy Rosary. So, should we ?

It’s May for Heaven’ sakes ! Our Holy Father Francis just had his Papacy consecrated to Our Lady of Fatima this week !

I dunno, perhaps the Church doesn’t require Marian devotion because it simply should go without saying

 

[AlanFromWichita]

Saints and Popes Alan. You HAVE to love Our Lady and her Holy Rosary ! Saints and Popes don’t jump at the chance to help us find another prayer when we state we are having some sort of trouble with the Holy Rosary. So, should we ?

I don’t believe Catholic doctrine requires me to “love” the Rosary or any particular physical object. And as far as a prayer regimen, I don’t have to “love” any particular sequence of prayers, with possible exception of the Mass – and do you notice the Hail Mary isn’t even part of the Mass? If Catholic doctrine requires that I must love the Rosary or say it with any particular regularity, I hope someone will correct me on this.

I have one with me at times, like when I go to a Knights of Columbus meeting; my son is the Grand Knight this year and he started the practice of coming to the meetings a half hour early for a Rosary. So I’ll say the Rosary with them sometimes, or more often I’ll come in after the Rosary. At age 26, he was our youngest Grand Knight ever in our chapter, but he won’t go for reelection in July because he is starting the seminary in August. So apparently I don’t go around dissuading others from saying the Rosary or from loving the Church or our Lady or the Rosary; as I now am justifying myself to you.

Saturday June 1 will be joining other Secular Franciscans in a Rosary at the abortion clinic that the infamous Dr. George Tiller operated before he was murdered in the back of his church; it has recently reopened under management of a former employee of Tiller. Although I have participated in life chains across the street from it, I’ve never actually protested nor held prayer vigil at the clinic. Since I’m a new inquirer for the Franciscans, I’m going in obedience to the order’s activities. It is a fraternal organization and I’m expected to participate, and I will do it cheerfully.

It’s May for Heaven’ sakes ! Our Holy Father Francis just had his Papacy consecrated to Our Lady of Fatima this week !

That’s fine. I don’t know or care about Our Lady of Fatima, except that my wife does so if I have any questions about it I can ask her or ask others on CAF. If it makes you feel any better, this Sunday I am going to replace the sending forth hymn with a Marian one, and play it on the organ instead of the piano. One little old lady in particular talks to me about this every May and October; after Mass Sunday she came up and said, “I was hoping to hear some Mary hymns on mothers’ day.” So I opened the organ and played “Immaculate Mary” and “Hail Holy Queen.” She was so happy she said, “wait until I tell them I got a personal one!” It took me and my daughter (the cantor – she sang while I played) five minutes to give that lady an experience she’ll remember the rest of her life. I could say any number of Rosaries with her and not have given her any such memorable experience. Remember we are all different members of the Body of Christ.

See here how I celebrated Mary’s month last year. A few wrong notes; maybe I’ll re-record it sometime.

So I’m not leaving Mary by the side of the road or something like that, just because I don’t looove to say the Rosary. But your comments come across to me like you think I am.

I dunno, perhaps the Church doesn’t require Marian devotion because it simply should go without saying

This is the problem. When you “should” on me, you are indicating that because I don’t like saying the Rosary and don’t do it except socially, there is something wrong with my devotions. This gets us back to the original problem whereby you are trying to lay a guilt trip on the likes of me for having a different preference in devotions.

Besides, I asked my pastor flat out if this was something I “must” do, or at least “should” do. He told me it was an optional devotion, and it was my preference. You are telling me in essence that my pastor was misleading, if not spiritually bankrupt for giving me that advice.

Of course you will jump up and say, “I never said to ignore your pastor,” no you didn’t in so many words but in spirit you contradicted him even though I’ve already explained myself to you in defense of your judging either my prayer life or perhaps it is my attitude toward a prayer life you’re judging. And that’s exactly what it is. A judgment of me because I have different taste than you.

Now if you want to “should” around regarding prayer life, I think every single Catholic SHOULD do contemplative prayer, but in my case I have the CCC to back me up. Most Catholics never even heard of this expression of prayer. If they don’t get to that point, their prayer life just may be very shallow. It may be full and very busy and one can say the Rosary and meditate three hours a day, but like the CCC says prayer life “should” go further into prayer that achieves true union with God.

The reason I keep defending is that you keep attacking my prayer life and questioning my devotion to God and His Mother. Why is it so hard to just say, “no, the Rosary is not required?” You can even add, “personally I thrive on it as do many others, but no it is not required.” But you can’t seem to stop trying to change my mind. Why don’t you just tell me about your devotion, and if I need changing, God will change me through your words of love. It isn’t likely to happen as long as you keep calling my very Catholicity into question and judging me.

Alan

 

[Saints_Alive]

Alan,

you wrote

" I could say any number of Rosaries with her and not have given her any such memorable experience. "

we don’t pray the Rosary for that reason

 

[AlanFromWichita]

Alan,

you wrote

" I could say any number of Rosaries with her and not have given her any such memorable experience. "

we don’t pray the Rosary for that reason

As you hopefully noticed, I didn’t.

How carefully you must comb through my posts to find something to object to.

I’m beginning to think this is more personal, than about your allegations that I dissuade people from saying the Rosary. I think I’ve made it amply clear that is not the case, but hey if you want to try another shot at putting your foot into your mouth, have at it. I don’t think your ego can possibly let go of this unless I say yes every single Catholic should say the Rosary or feel very insufficient.

If your goal is to show that because I don’t like to say the Rosary that means I don’t honor Mary, you have your work cut out for you.

I will remember you as a special intention when I say the Rosary in front of the abortuary on June 1, is that ok? Maybe that will be my penance for the day.

Alan

 

[Saints_Alive]

The reason I keep defending is that you keep attacking my prayer life and questioning my devotion to God and His Mother. Why is it so hard to just say, “no, the Rosary is not required?” You can even add, “personally I thrive on it as do many others, but no it is not required.” But you can’t seem to stop trying to change my mind. Why don’t you just tell me about your devotion, and if I need changing, God will change me through your words of love. It isn’t likely to happen as long as you keep calling my very Catholicity into question and judging me.

Alan

I just now saw this part

You do know people can read in my first two posts here I stated the Rosary isn’t required ? As far as questioning your faith, you have accused me of that repeatedly without any basis for doing so.

As far as telling you about my devotion, if you had actually read my posts you wouldn’t have to ask.

Let’s stop derailing the thread, ok ?

 

[AlanFromWichita]

Let’s stop derailing the thread, ok ?

I can let go if you can…

I challenge you to not even reply to my posts any more.

Alan

 

[AlanFromWichita]

Let’s stop derailing the thread, ok ?

I can let go if you can.

I think that illustrating that not saying the Rosary does not = a lack of devotion to Mary or any other deficiency in one’s Catholicism, speaks directly to the subject of the thread.

If you disagree, then keep it up and I will respond in kind. I doubt anybody else is even reading this thread anymore since it became the AlanFromWichita/Saints Alive show.

Alan

 

[fred_conty]

The Rosary: not for EVERY Catholic???

I would say that not every catholic has to say the rosary, but that it is for every catholic and for others as well.

Temptations are not easy, and if I were to say that because they are not easy then it is ok for me to give in, I would be wrong. Merely because something is easy is not a good basis for decision.

The rosary is not easy, although for some it seems to be and that is good. We do the right things and the good things because we need to do them for our own good.

Is the rosary a good thing, and is it the right thing?

Mary, the mother of God, and the mother of us all, has said pray the rosary. She above all, next to her son in heaven, would know what is good for us and what pleases her Son. She never said it would be easy. She just said to pray it. I for one believe her whether I want to or not, for I know she of all people knows what I need. Who would know better than she?

Just some thoughts.​

“Night is not dark, fair as the moon, the woman robed in living light, crowned with the stars, who served on earth the Word to whom her faith gave birth.” (hymn)

 

[Saints_Alive]

I can understand if someone has a difficulty with praying the rosary or in understanding how to pray the rosary. If it is prayed properly, it is difficult, well, at least I can say it is difficult for me almost always to pray the rosary.

If it is prayed well it takes a good deal of concentration, and I must admit I am lazy when it comes to that. And then there is always something else waiting for me to do so there is the temptation to hurry it up so I can do more important or pressing things (so I think).

The distractions are innumerable, no more than I get over one distraction then another takes my mind away again, and again, and …

The mysteries, being repeated every day, day after day, tend to get a bit monotonous and dry, and it takes effort to refresh and keep my thoughts alive with thoughts of faith, hope, and love. This is a big struggle.

Shall I go on? Or should I sum it up and just say its’ a tough prayer to do daily.

Then why don’t I just switch and do something else? Good question. Why don’t I switch?

Because Mary is the mother of Jesus and she of all people would know what pleases her son and what is good for us to do. I couldn’t ask for a better spiritual director if I seached a thousand years. She would only be telling me to do what is good, and helpful, and the best.
If she says to pray the rosary, and she has, then I’m going to do it. And if my time was wasted doing it, then she can answer to her Son. But I’m not worried about that.

So I will say the rosary daily and ask her intercession, and do what she asked, and if it is difficult, then I can offer that up for other’s salvation as well.

By the way, the rosary isn’t the only prayer we should be saying each day. It is just one.

Just some goobly glot.​

“Give me ears to listen. Give me eyes to see. Give me words to speak and show your face to me.” (hymn)

Whether prayer is easy or difficult isn’t the measure of good prayer.
Whether it is emotional or unemotional isn’t the measure of good prayer.

What is it that we expect and need from prayer?

Grace, the power of God.

Just a thought.​

“Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand. I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.” (hymn)

The Rosary: not for EVERY Catholic???

I would say that not every catholic has to say the rosary, but that it is for every catholic and for others as well.

Temptations are not easy, and if I were to say that because they are not easy then it is ok for me to give in, I would be wrong. Merely because something is easy is not a good basis for decision.

The rosary is not easy, although for some it seems to be and that is good. We do the right things and the good things because we need to do them for our own good.

Is the rosary a good thing, and is it the right thing?

Mary, the mother of God, and the mother of us all, has said pray the rosary. She above all, next to her son in heaven, would know what is good for us and what pleases her Son. She never said it would be easy. She just said to pray it. I for one believe her whether I want to or not, for I know she of all people knows what I need. Who would know better than she?

Just some thoughts.​

“Night is not dark, fair as the moon, the woman robed in living light, crowned with the stars, who served on earth the Word to whom her faith gave birth.” (hymn)

Thanks Fred

Best posts on the thread imo.

 

[mommamaree]

I am still reading this thread, despite it becoming the “AlanfromWitchita/SaintsAlive Show”.

I just wanted to chime in. I am a convert to Catholicism, of 3 years. I have yet to figure out the Rosary. I don’t like saying the prayers. I have trouble with understanding what I am supposed to be doing. I have an emotional and intellectual resistance to the idea of a daily Rosary. And yet I find myself collecting beautiful Rosary beads and having them blessed. I have them draped over my bedside lamp, just waiting for me to pick them up. I like holding the beads, and counting them during prayers, more than I like saying the actual prayers themselves. Weird.
I figure some day I will develop a daily practice of praying the Rosary, but with my life being what it is now, and still being so new to the Church, I am still trying to learn how to keep the Commandments and the Precepts of the Church, and remember the holy days of obligation.