“Every day spent in your rhythm of life is extremely valuable” (Inner Word).
Showing all posts by Elija
Blessed Christina of Stommeln: An ally in the fight against the Devil
Before delving into the life of this blessed woman, we will include an introductory note on the Beguines, the association to which she belonged and which experienced its heyday in the 13th and 14th centuries. The Beguines were pious women, either single or widowed, who lived together and cultivated a spiritual life. Unlike religious orders, the Beguines retained their possessions and made only temporary vows of obedience, renewing them each year. Therefore, these women could return to the world. They elected a “mistress” to run the house for one or two years. Despite the wealth that some of them brought to the community, the Beguines worked with their own hands to earn a living and lived simple, poverty-stricken lives. Beguine houses originated in Flanders (Belgium) and spread throughout Western Europe, although there were also “itinerant Beguines.” Some houses adopted the rule of the Third Order of St. Francis or St. Dominic.
Conflicts with the clergy intensified, as many did not understand the Beguines’ form of life. These tensions reached Rome, where German bishops succeeded in having the Beguines condemned. Subsequently, they were even persecuted and banned. Today, only a few Beguine houses remain in Flanders.
Love and do what you want
Rom 13:8-10
Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this sentence, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Read More
THE EXQUISITE FLAVOR
“You know very well that our dear Lord does not focus so much on the greatness of our works, nor even on their difficulty, but rather on the love with which we perform them.” —St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus
WAITING ON GOD
“Those who strive to live according to the truth and care little about how others treat or judge them find their serenity in God.” (Blessed Henry Suso)
When speaking of “serenity in God,” Blessed Henry Suso refers to inner peace, harmony with the divine will, and the repose of the soul in the Lord. The focus is on God, and all the powers of the soul are oriented toward the truth. In other words, it is a matter of continually seeking and fulfilling God’s will. This reminds us of Jesus’ exhortation: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Read More
Blessed Henry of Zwiefalten: An unknown saint
Today, November 4, we commemorate St. Charles Borromeo, a great bishop and church reformer. The liturgy rightly praises God for this servant’s witness. However, I think it is important to make known certain saints who have fallen into oblivion, so that we may rejoice in them and give thanks to the Lord for their lives. We can also hope that they rejoice when we remember them.
One of these somewhat forgotten saints is Blessed Henry of Zwiefalten, whose tomb is unknown and in whose honor no altar or chapel has been erected—or if there are any, they are very obscure. Yet he is engraved in God’s memory, and ancient chronicles tell his moving story.
Saint Ida of Toggenburg: From a life in a palace to seclusion in the forest
While reviewing the saints celebrated on November 3rd in the Calendar of Saints, I was particularly moved by the story of Saint Ida of Toggenburg, a thirteenth-century hermit.
Her pious father, Count Hartmann, married her to Count Henry of Toggenburg when she was 17. She moved with her husband to Switzerland. This nobleman, owner of many castles and respected as a good warrior, had a very irascible temperament. Ida, raised in the fear of God and in virtue, endured him with patience and meekness. The couple could not have children, so Ida took in the poor as her own, becoming an “angel of comfort” to many in the villages and cottages. She also cared for all the castle’s inhabitants and guided them toward a pious life through her words and example. She was beloved by all.
It seemed that her life would pass peacefully, dedicated to the glory of God and the blessing of others. But suddenly, everything changed.
FAITHFULNESS AND ATTENTION
“Be faithful and attentive to Me, even in the smallest things. That will increase your strength” (Inner Word).
The Blessed Souls of purgatory
2 Macc 12:43-45
Judas Maccabee took a collection from them individually, amounting to nearly two thousand drachmas, and sent it to Jerusalem to have a sacrifice for sin offered, an action altogether fine and noble, prompted by his belief in the resurrection. For had he not expected the fallen to rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead, whereas if he had in view the splendid recompense reserved for those who make a pious end, the thought was holy and devout. Hence, he had this expiatory sacrifice offered for the dead, so that they might be released from their sin.
After the Solemnity of All Saints, the commemoration of the faithful departed immediately follows. They belong to the so-called “purgative Church”, i.e. they are our brothers and sisters who are still waiting for the beatific vision of God and are undergoing their last purification.
THE FATHER OF THE KING
‘In order that everyone may really know this King [Jesus], they must know His kingdom as well. Now, to achieve this dual knowledge perfectly, it is also necessary to know the Father of this King, the Maker of this kingdom.’ (Message from God the Father to Sister Eugenia Ravasio).