The coming Isolation and Desolation

Posted on October 23, 2016 by veilofveronica

light in the darkness

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

We have entered into a time of chaos and lawlessness.  Hatred and vitriol are everywhere.  Terror is starting to reign.  Everyone is blaming everyone else.  I know we all fear.  People may decide to stay in their homes, and not go out, for fear of the hatred in the world.  But hiding brings isolation.  Isolation brings desolation.  There is nothing the devil wants more than to bring this desolation to your soul.  Many have already begun feeling desolation.  Trapped in sin of wrath, pornography, addiction, adultery and envy.  Now we have added violence to the mix, a quickening of the isolation.   We are fighting powers and principalities.

For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Ephesians 6:12

But what does Christ compel us to do?  He compels us to look at our own soul, to pull the planks out of eyes, and to let him take on our desolation.  He clothes us in righteousness. Shame can be lifted, but only when you recognize your own sins.  If we recognize this truth, repent of our own sins, and are clothed in the love of the Lord we will not feel alone.

I will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5

And when we recognize our sins, repent of them and clothe ourselves with Christ, we can go out.  We can spread love to our neighbor.  We can change the hate.  Pray to your guardian angel to reveal to you those who mean you harm, and those who do not.  Share what you have with others.  Reach out to others in need.  And if there comes a time when hope becomes an act of the will, then ask God to replace your will with His.  If we give mercy to others, mercy is given to us. Remain in truth and love.

Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy shown us, we are not discouraged.
Rather, we have renounced shameful, hidden things; not acting deceitfully or falsifying the word of God, but by the open declaration of the truth we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.  2 Corinthians 4:1-2

Recognize the Gospel, because it brings life.  Love of this world, of pleasures, of materialism, of status, brings death.  The god of this world is Satan.  Do not fall prey to his divisiveness.

And even though our gospel is veiled, it is veiled for those who are perishing,
in whose case the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they may not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.  He brings unity of man.  When we walk away from Him we see division.  Be a light in the dark world.

 For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for the sake of Jesus.  For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to bring to light the knowledge of the glory of God on the face of [Jesus] Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:5-6

And most important.  Do not be afraid.  Our kingdom is not of this world.  It is more important now than ever to walk in the love of Christ and fear not.  For nothing is impossible with God.  Recognize that sometimes what looks like a suffering can actually  be a mercy.  We may lose our comforts but we will not lose the love of God.

Even though I walk through valley of the shadow of death, 
I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Psalm 23:4

And pray without ceasing.  Prayer is how we put on the Armor of God.

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A mother’s heart

Posted on October 16, 2016 by veilofveronica

two-hearts

I have been fighting a personal battle that was written about here.

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Angelic Dream

Posted on October 10, 2016 by veilofveronica

marco_d_oggiono_-_the_three_archangels_-_wga16632

The Three Arch Angels by Marco d Oggiono

For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully.” Luke 4:10

I haven’t been able to sleep well for the past several weeks.  I toss and I turn, but I never seem to get settled.  Finally, in the early hours this morning I fell asleep.  And I had the most amazing dream.

I was walking down a railroad track that was up on a hill.  There was a road down below it. I was having many anxious thoughts about where I was headed because I was on my way to start a new era in my life and my children’s lives.  Suddenly I looked down on the road and saw what looked to be a homeless woman.  She appeared to be asking for help.

A little leery, but also recognizing the frantic tone of her voice, I went down the hill towards her.  She approached me trying to grab me.  I backed up out of fear.  She stated “please help me.”  Though she was ragged and dirty, she was also beautiful.  She had the bluest eyes and blonde hair.  She was dressed in clothes from another era.  The way she stated “please help me” made me less afraid, and made me have pity.  I said, “I will help you” and I grabbed her to hug her.

Suddenly, there was a buzzing sound in my ears.  Then the sound became clearer, and I could hear the most beautiful heavenly angelic music.  It overwhelmed me and I fell to the ground.  I looked to my right and could faintly see transparent angelic figures, many of them.  I exclaimed, “Oh my God,” in awe.  They kept singing, all the while they stated to me, “WE ARE REAL.”  They were pleased I came to the aid of the woman.  I turned to get up, she was gone and so were they.  Then I woke up.

Upon reflection, I wondered if the woman was a suffering soul in purgatory because of the way she was dressed.  My family and I pray the St. Gertrude prayer every night to release souls from purgatory.  All I really know is that even though I was asleep, it felt real.  And I also know God does send his angels to protect us.  They are real, and they are here now.

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Suffering for Christ

Posted on October 5, 2016 by veilofveronica

jbaptistbeheading

The Beheading of John the Baptist

Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. Collossians 1:24

Recently, my family and I have undergone what I would describe as intense emotional suffering.  Everyday, I ask the Lord to unite my suffering with His.  Then, over the last weekend in September, my husband and I were invited to a good friends wedding.  I looked forward to the respite from the emotional state I was in to go out of town with my husband to witness this beautiful Sacrament.

We arrived in Indianapolis on Friday night and my husband and I went out to dinner for an uneventful evening.  It was nice to spend time with my husband without the kids.  I have watched him grow in holiness over the years and I love him more each day.

On Saturday morning, when I should have been preparing to get ready for the ceremony, I woke up violently ill.  I was throwing up so much, I was unable to make it to the ceremony. We had to check out of the hotel, so my husband and I decided to try to get me home, a five and a half hour ride.  In the car, I could not stop throwing up.  I was so sick my husband pulled into an urgent care in Louisville, KY to see if they could help me.  They were able to give me a shot to stop the throwing up.  I was able to make it home.

I am telling you this story because something different happened to me during all of this.  All I could think about was how Christ’s suffering on the Cross for us was worse than what I was going through.  I decided I needed to offer this suffering up, something we often say a lot, but I’m not sure if we often mean.  But I meant it from the bottom of my heart.  I picked two personal intentions and offered this suffering up.  I also did not snap at my husband even though my body ached and the car ride was painful.  It was just a word — acceptance.  Like if this is what God has allowed to be sent my way, as all that passes through His hands, than I accept it, I unite my suffering with His, and I offer it up for others.  I have always been a big complainer when it came to being sick.  But here this time, I did not get angry about missing the wedding or at the extraordinary circumstances I found myself in.  It was just unusual for me.  Now, I ask God to help me feel the same about the emotional suffering.

I recorded in my journal when I felt well enough again and was able to get to the chapel.  I think it is a message for all of us, when we trust.

September 26, 2016

Beloved,

Do you know how much I love you?  You console my heart uniting your suffering with the Cross.  I say again — TRUST.  My plan is greater, My humble little one.  The last shall be first and the first shall be last.  I AM the one who makes you worthy.  I gifted My Son for this sole purpose.  I know you mean the words, “Lord, I am not worthy” when you say them.  It is My mercy that will bring you home, little one.  You feel so small, but you have done what I asked which makes you great.  Time will tell and all will be known.  Do not fear.  I am with you always.  I love you and you are mine.  You have totally surrendered your love to me.  When you give me your all, I give you mine.  If I AM for you, no one can be against you.  Fear not.  You are truly beloved. 

Abba

In this time, when there is so much suffering and persecution, let us unite our sufferings with Christ in reparation.  Live the Gospel.  Live love.

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All is well

Posted on September 12, 2016 by veilofveronica

murillo_esteban_st_francis_embracing_the_crucified_christ

Bartolomé Esteban Murillo – St Francis Embraces the crucified Christ

“If God sends you many sufferings, it is a sign that He has great plans for you and certainly wants to make you a saint.”
–St. Ignatius Loyola

From my journal September 7, 2016

Beloved,

All has passed through my hands.  Why do you trust so little?  Haven’t I shown you my love?  Can you not feel how much I love you?  Your suffering is redemptive.  That bears more fruit than any action you can take.  When you unite your suffering with Christ’s suffering there is so much power.    Do not worry about things you cannot control.  This world is passing away and all is well my little child.  My plan is so much bigger than you. Have peace.  Miracles will abound.  Remain in Me and I will remain in you.  Persecution will be short, endure.  I will give you grace and strength.  I AM with you.

Abba

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Do you KNOW HIM?

Posted on August 24, 2016 by veilofveronica

Monstrance at Aquinas

24 hour Adoration chapel at Aquinas College, Nashville, TN

“I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me” John 10:14

The past few months have been very difficult with personal trials I will not go into.  I feel the Lord pressing me, telling me, “take up your cross and follow me.”  There was a time when I would have said no.  I would have taken the easy path.  I would have followed what the world told me to do.  But in the 6 years since Veronica’s murder, I have to say I feel as though I have been in a state of constant prayer.  I wake up every morning talking to the Lord, and I go to bed at night talking to the Lord.  Suffering can do that to you.  But praying can lead to joy in the hope of things unseen.

Throughout this journey there are several things that have brought me much closer to the Lord, His Mother Mary being one, going to Mass frequently, Confession, and Adoration. When I first developed a devotion to Mary, I knew that she always pointed to her Son, but what I didn’t realize was how deeply she drew you to Him, and once you KNEW HIM, she steps back to let you rest there with Him.

My times in Adoration have been emotional and immense.  He IS LOVE AND MERCY.  I am so thankful we have a 24 hour Adoration Chapel in town where I can go to pray.  The photo above is from there.  Sometimes I just sit in there pour out my heart and cry.  Always, I feel loved and forgiven.

Some of the trials I have been through lately would have been a lot harder if I didn’t have this relationship with my Lord.  And though I find myself increasingly against the grain of our culture, there is a sense of peace that overcomes me when I step into Adoration and have a conversation with God.

As the world increasingly spins out of control, there is a joy in knowing the Triune God who seeks communion with me.  As you know I keep a journal.  I record my conversations with God, I give them to my Spiritual Director, and occasionally I share them with you.  I thought I would share this latest entry from August 20, 2016;

August 20, 2016 – Adoration Chapel

Beloved,

You are surrounded by heavenly Saints.  I hear your cries. When you bring all of you to Me, you can receive all of Me and shine My light into the darkness of the world.  The earth is rumbling and moaning.  The sins of mankind are many.  My Son’s precious Blood was poured out for these.  Hardened sinners will be brought back to the rejoicing of heaven.  But woe to those who reject my love, they choose the abyss.

My mercy is pouring out over the earth.  The suffering will be great.  But I have made you for these days.  Rely on Me and all will be well.  Like a ship caught in fog, you cannot see, but the shore is not far.  Follow my guidepost.  Mother Mary will lead you. 

DO NOT BE AFRAID.  Your tears are not in vain.  I hear the cries of my people and I am with you always.

Abba

Matthew 3:8-10 “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.  The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

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Purity and the Domestic Church

Posted on August 11, 2016 by veilofveronica

(I have added our regular commenter, Michael Patrick’s marvelous website, ‘Sweetwater Haven’ to the links under my favorite spiritual sites and the Surrender Novena, one of the be…

Source: Purity and the Domestic Church

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Confidence in things unseen

Posted on August 8, 2016 by veilofveronica

Pastoral Center

The renovated chapel in the Diocesan Pastoral Center, Nashville, TN

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

I went to our new Pastoral Center yesterday for a conference.  We celebrated Mass, and I was stunned when I walked into the renovated chapel which used to be blank and bland.  I saw this breathtaking artwork behind the altar.  Saints, Our Blessed Mother, Christ on the Cross at the center of it all.  It was everything that lifts my eyes to heaven.  The Priest sang the Mass, and his voice was beautiful.  The music was transcendent.  The homily called us to Sainthood.  It was heaven on earth, and it actually brought tears to my eyes.

This morning I went to the 24 hour adoration chapel we have in town, and I feel the Lord calling me closer and closer, which is what he wants with each one of us.  I wrote in my journal what popped in my head.  I will relay it here for you;

Beloved,

It is the merits of my Son that frees all people that is why I call you to adoration.  Prayers do not go unanswered.  If only people knew the power of prayer.  A war is raging for souls and I am calling my most faithful to battle.  Heed my call.  I am LOVE itself.  I place you in the Sacred Heart.  The Immaculata covers you in her mantle.  Things are quickening.  Do not be afraid.

John 6:13 – “so they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that could have been more than they could eat.”

-see how your cup overflows when you believe?  Have faith.  Do not fear.  Trust me totally and completely.

Abba

God is calling each and everyone of us, as the world swirls in confusion, into an intimate relationship with Him.  If we heed His call, our world can stop swirling and we can be at peace.  Keep your eyes on Him.

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He is there

Posted on July 29, 2016 by veilofveronica

Eva, Amber and Me

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

Eva’s cancer is back.   She’s been given a 3% chance of survival.  The Nano Knife is not an option right now as she needs more nutrients in her blood, I think.  She had to have a feeding tube inserted yesterday.  I decided to take her to St. Mary’s where we have the incorrupt body of Bishop Miles.   I thought perhaps we could ask for his intercession and she could receive a miracle.   Along the way we talked about confession and healing our souls, as well as asking for healing of her physical body.

When we arrived at the church, it was pouring rain.  We parked in a parking space and went to pay for parking.  It was pouring rain and the stupid machine wouldn’t take my payment.  We were there in the rain for about ten minutes. I was getting frustrated and was having words with the Lord in my head.  “Lord, why did I bring her all the way up here if we can’t even go in the church?” Then up to the parking meter came another woman to pay.  She used to work with Eva.  I knew why God had delayed us.  We all went inside and Eva went down to the bathroom with her old co-worker and informed her of the pancreatic cancer .  The woman came upstairs and said to me — “I was sitting at home and the Lord told me to come up here to pray, and I am not even Catholic.”   Turns out her dad had died of pancreatic cancer.  I was teary at the woman’s statement.  God works in mysterious ways.

I explained, to both women,the Communion of Saints and how those Saints in heaven can intercede and pray for us and that Bishop Miles incorrupt body is a sign of holiness.  That as Catholics we ask both those in heaven and those on earth to pray for us because we are part of the community of God.   Eva and I prayed at the coffin of Bishop Miles.  Then the woman and I prayed over Eva together.  She was very charismatic in her prayer, and I realized how God works through all kinds of people.  It was a sign that He is walking with Eva through all of this.

We went to lunch.  She called it her last meal, since the feeding tube would be inserted that afternoon.  I really hope Eva knows how much God loves her, and that God’s mercy is surrounding her.  Please keep praying for her.

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The Living God

Posted on July 22, 2016 by veilofveronica

Mary Magdelene the Penitent

Mary Magdalene- Painting by Kathleen Carr, my cousin.

Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene

Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping.  And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb
and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet
where the Body of Jesus had been.  And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”
She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.”
When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus.  Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?  Whom are you looking for?”
She thought it was the gardener and said to him,  “Sir, if you carried him away,
tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher.
Jesus said to her,  “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.
But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father,
to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples,
“I have seen the Lord,”and then reported what he told her. John 20:1-7- 11:18

 

Today is the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene.  The Apostle to the Apostles.  She was at the foot of the cross.  Her story is a story of love and redemption.  She was a terrible sinner.  The Gospel tells us she had 7 demons in her.  Yet, in her state, as the lowliest of low sinners, Christ lifted her up out of her sin and gave her new life, new freedom.   It shows us that no matter how deep in sin we are, no matter how far away, Christ can lift us out of it.

Jesus tells her in today’s Gospel not to hold on to Him.  I found that strange.  The Priest explained in his homily that He was telling her not to hold on to His physical representation.  He would now be mystically available, just as He is to us today.  We don’t have Him walking around with us, but we have the Living God, mystically available to us in the Eucharist, and spiritually in our hearts.   Do we recognize that when we go to communion?  Do we ask for spiritual communion with Him?  Are you aware of how much He loves you?

Recently, I made a Consecration to Merciful Love.  It is based on a Consecration St. Therese of Lisieux made, it shows you overwhelmingly how much God loves us, even when we fail. I cannot tell you how much this Consecration drew me deeper into a relationship with the Trinity.  I have also been reading the 24 hours of the Passion by Louisa Piccarreta.  Reading these two things has been profound for me.  They draw you into the Divine Will, something I think St. Mary Magdalene and St. Therese experienced.  It is an experience of the Living God.   I weep because of how little the world can see God chasing us, and how much we run away.

As I sat in the chapel yesterday, I had an experience.  It is hard to explain, except that I felt in the presence of the Living God.  I felt His Sacred Heart.  As the outside world swirls around me, with personal storms, and with global crisis, I totally and completely felt God tell me, “I’ve got this.”  I told the Lord, “I’m so glad you do, because I don’t.”  It was an experience and exercise in TOTAL TRUST.  I felt safe.

My friend, Eva, has been told her pancreatic cancer is back.  I weep.  God says, “I’ve got this.”  I experience personal hardships.  God says, “I’ve got this.”   I look at the news.  God says, “I’ve got this.”  In that moment, in the chapel, all I can say that I experienced is that the God who created the universe, who created each unique human being, is definitely intimately involved in our lives.  I have no doubt of that.  If we only knew how much He loves us, we would all be living very differently.

Hold onto hope.  Love one another.  Ask God to make His will be yours.

“My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When can I enter and see the face of God?” Psalm 42:2

Remember things of this world are passing away, our real life is in eternity in heaven with God.  Do not be afraid.  If you aren’t praying, start, if you are ask God to take you deeper into a relationship with Him.  If you are grounded in the Lord, you shall survive life’s storms.

“Do not love the world or the things of the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is from the world.  Yet the world and its enticement are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever.” 1 John 2:15-17

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