My take on daily Scripture readings... in the ordinary sense of the Word!
Surrendering Ambition:In 1521, a cannonball shattered Ignatius's leg and his dreams of military glory, forcing him into a long, agonizing recovery. Out of boredom, he began reading about the lives of the saints, which sparked a deep conversion. Reflection: What "cannonballs" or unexpected disruptions have shattered my own plans or ego? How might God be using these painful or limiting moments to redirect my life toward a deeper purpose?Paying Attention to Desires (Discernment)While recovering, Ignatius noticed that daydreaming about worldly honors left him feeling initially excited but ultimately empty. Conversely, thinking about emulating the saints brought him lasting peace and joy. Reflection: What desires, actions, or thoughts consistently leave me feeling drained and restless? What brings me a deep, lasting sense of peace and joy? How can I use these inner movements to help me make better choices?
The purpose of journaling is not to replay your time of prayer minute by minute. Instead, after your prayer period concludes, consider the following:What were the significant interior movements (that is, feelings, reactions, intuitions, desires, emotions, thoughts, or insights)?What was the prevailing mood of my prayer: peace, agitation, excitement, boredom, confusion, calm?Was my prayer more about the head or the heart, or about both?What word, phrase, image, or memory meant most to me during prayer?Is there some unfinished business that I think God is calling me to return to during another time of prayer?Is there something happening in my life that is becoming part of my prayer? Do I feel moved to do something concrete in my life?Am I making the necessary preparations for my prayer? Is there anything I am doing or not doing that is getting in the way of my listening to God?https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-what-how-why-of-prayer/review-prayer-by-keeping-a-journal/
THE PEACE OF WILD THINGSby Wendell BerryWhen despair grows in meand I wake in the middle of the night at the least soundin fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,I go and lie down where the wood drakerests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.I come into the peace of wild thingswho do not tax their lives with forethoughtof grief. I come into the presence of still water.And I feel above me the day-blind starswaiting for their light. For a timeI rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
Guidelines for prayer● I try to imagine a broken world going from the situations that are farthest to those closest to me. ● I meditate on the present situations of rupture with God, with creation, with others, with my inner self. How will the future be for them and for me if we continue down this path?● With my inner senses, I try to explore the final consequences and proportions of the wounds of our world.
The Goal of our life is to live with God forever.God, who loves us, gave us life.Our own response of love allows God's lifeto flow into us without limit.All the things in this world are gifts from God,presented to us so that we can know God more easilyand make a return of love more readily.As a result, we appreciate and use all these gifts of God insofar as they help us to develop as loving persons.But if any of these gifts become the center of our lives,they displace God and so hinder our growth toward our goal.In everyday life, then, we must hold ourselves in balancebefore all of these created gifts insofar as we have a choice and are not bound by some obligation.We should not fix our desires on health or sickness,wealth or poverty, success or failure, a long life or a short one.For everything has the potential of calling forth in usA deeper response to our life in God.Our only desire and our one choice should be this:I want and I choose what better leadsto God's deepening his life in me.(St. Ignatius as paraphrased by David L. Fleming SJ)Guidelines for prayerYou can choose between different approaches :● Read slowly calmly the Principle and Foundation and try to discover the areas in your life that are enlightened by God's light.● You are part of a covenant that God has made with us since the beginning of time, going back to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David... Jesus... Peter, Paul... Ignatius... and the torch has now been passed onto you. Receive this light as a legacy and reflect on how it has enlightened your life to this day. Give thanks for all those who have passed on this torch to you.● Everything in our life is a gift from God. With our gifts and choices we can enlighten the world or leave it in darkness. God is for me like a beacon that illuminates and guides me through life. Let me take a moment to thank Him for my areas of light and ask Him to help me get to know better my areas of darkness.https://www.educatemagis.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/2020/02/UAP_8_days_retreat_FULL.pdf
https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/rummaging-for-god-praying-backward-through-your-day/
Gratitude: Begin by thanking God for the blessings of the day, acknowledging his gifts with a heart full of gratitude.Petition: Ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten your heart and mind, allowing you to see your day through God's eyes.Review: Reflect on the day, from the moment you woke up to the present, noticing where you felt God's presence or were drawn away from him.Forgiveness: Acknowledge your faults and ask for God's forgiveness. This step is not about dwelling on guilt but about recognizing our need for God's mercy and grace.Renewal: Look forward to the next day with hope. Make a simple resolution in response to God's inviting love and grace experienced during your reflection.https://www.denvercatholic.org/three-ways-to-incorporate-ignatian-spirituality-into-daily-life
The pain is real – The suffering of purgatory is likened by the saints to burning in a blazing fire. In fact, some saints have even said that the pain of purgatory is not all that different from the suffering of hell. One of the chief sources of the pain is the fact that salvation has been obtained, and yet one cannot immediately enjoy its consolations. This delay of the enjoyment of heaven leads to a spiritual agony of sorts. St. Thomas Aquinas explains it like this:The more one longs for a thing, the more painful does deprivation of it become. And because after this life, the desire for God, the Supreme Good, is intense in the souls of the just (because this impetus toward him is not hampered by the weight of the body, and that time of enjoyment of the Perfect Good would have come) had there been no obstacle; the soul suffers enormously from the delay.So the souls in purgatory are suffering in a very real and painful way, a way we cannot fully comprehend. We have the ability to help them and relieve them by our prayers and actions.https://www.catholic.sg/the-forgotten-church-five-reasons-to-pray-for-the-souls-in-purgatory/?__cf_chl_f_tk=QrMJY6v1XUfb6y53aUaoB6s7mIA7RVZ7vEzPOE32h.k-1783002088-1.0.1.1-knsEI53K4Py_Lfm1rvQVeSFZgYS5ZGJcQlaBy6BhdDY
Pray slowly over the verses. What words or images move you? Consider: Who is God for me? How does God see me?For ReflectionPrayer has far more to do with what God wants to do in us than with our trying to “reach” or “realize,” still less “entertain,” God in prayer. This truth eliminates anxiety and concern as to the success or non-success of our prayer, for we can be quite certain that, if we want to pray and give the time to prayer, God is always successful and that is what matters. . . . What we think of as our search for God is, in reality, a response to the divine Lover drawing us to himself. There is never a moment when divine Love is not at work. . . . This work is nothing other than a giving of the divine Self in love. The logical consequence for us must surely be that our part is to let ourselves be loved, let ourselves be given to, let ourselves be worked upon by this great God and made capable of total union with Him.—Ruth Burrows, Essence of Prayer
Questions about Myself and GodWhat holds me back from becoming a more loving person?How are my spirit, my mood this past week?What makes me move away from my good self, my good spirit?Have anyone's words hit me more strongly than usual?What is one thing I really like about myself?On a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high), how happy am I?Do I feel called to do or let go of anything in my life?When was I most aware of God, most alive?If I die today, what would people miss about me?What three words would I most like to have said about me if I died today?What discourages me, buoys me up, preoccupies me?Do I tend to be someone who frets and worries or am I able to let things go in trust?Do I have to control people and things?What keeps me from trusting?How do I handle worry?What situation would I most like to change in my life—but can't?Questions about the FamilyWhat do I regard as my family's greatest achievement?What are my strong points as a son, daughter, or spouse?What are my weak points as a family member?What most separates me from my family?Do I act or react with regard to my family?Am I able to listen to my family or do I have the need to dominate?Do I pray with my spouse, or boyfriend/girlfriend?Do we ever explore new ways of praying together?Do I pray for each member of my family daily?Do I accept family members as they are, or do I have such great expectations that it separates me from them?Do I affirm them?https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-what-how-why-of-prayer/a-short-course-on-prayer/
Reflection Questions: Evaluate Your Heart: The people in the palaces of Samaria trusted in their material wealth and comfort. What "fortresses" do you rely on for security, and how might those things blind you to the needs or injustices around you? Embrace Grace in Severity: The "shepherd's rescue" imagery is a promise of severe judgment but also a remnant of grace. When facing spiritual discipline, can you see God's grace in the fact that He refuses to leave you in your self-destructive patterns? Agape Study
Reflection Questions: AI GenIn ancient times, leprosy was highly contagious and isolating. Anyone who touched a leper was considered ceremonially unclean. Why do you think Jesus chose to stretch out His hand and touch the man rather than just speaking a word? How does Jesus' willingness to touch the untouchable challenge the way you view people in your community who are marginalized or overlooked? Reflect on an area of your life where you feel spiritually or emotionally isolated. How does Jesus' willingness to meet you in your mess comfort you?
Praying for the holy souls in purgatory is God's intention. He says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25: 40)In the Diary of St. Faustina, she wrote that Jesus told her many souls are detained in purgatory. He told her: “Bring to Me the souls who are detained in purgatory, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice” (1226).https://www.cathstan.org/voices/why-do-we-need-to-pray-for-the-holy-souls-in-purgatory
Reflection Questions: (AI GEN)Volunteering Over Coercion: God asked an open question and depended on a voluntary response. If God asks "whom shall I send?" regarding a specific need in your community, what makes you hesitate to volunteer? The Unpopular Message: God warned Isaiah that his mission would involve delivering a difficult message to unreceptive people. How do you handle it when your values, boundaries, or beliefs are met with pushback or apathy?
Reflection Questions (AI Gen)When facing seemingly insurmountable odds—the besieging Assyrian army led by King Sennacherib—Hezekiah's response was not panic or surrender, but prayer. [1, 2, 3]Handling Overwhelming Situations: When faced with impossible challenges or persecution, do you look for worldly solutions, or do you lay your problems before the Lord? [1]The Power of Prayer: How does Hezekiah's prayer in 2 Kings 19:14-19 act as a model for your own supplications today? What does it teach you about recognizing God's sovereignty over your circumstances? [1, 2]
Weekend Reflection:* What are some new insights I have learned from this spiritual reading on the aspect of suffering? * What area of pain and suffering that I am going through now can I unite with the Cross? * How is my attitude towards suffering going to change from now onwards? What steps can I take to make this a norm ?
Reflection Questions: (From Catholic Life)Do I view purgatory as a place of mere punishment, or as the intense, purifying fire of God's merciful love preparing the soul to enter Heaven? Since nothing unholy can enter the presence of God, how can I actively detach myself from venial sins and worldly attachments here on earth?
Reflection Questions: (AI Gen)Before Elijah departs, he asks Elisha what he wants. Elisha asks for a "double portion" of his mentor's spirit. If God asked you what you needed to fulfill your calling or purpose, what would you ask for? Transitions are inherently scary. When you face an ending or a period of massive change, do you try to hold onto the past or boldly step into the future God is creating for you?
Reflection Questions (AI Gen)When you examine your own daily flaws and need for grace, how does it change your perspective on the faults of others?Is it harder for you to accept God's forgiveness or to extend forgiveness to the people who have hurt you?Do you actively remind yourself of the grace God gives you daily, and how does this impact your response to those who wrong you?
Reflection Questions: (AI Gen)What drives your actions: What wounds, fears, or desires push you to control situations rather than trusting God?Your sphere of influence: How are you utilizing your voice, resources, and leadership to positively impact those around you?Receptivity to feedback: How do you respond to correction, accountability, or when people say "no" to you?
Reflection Questions (AI Gen)The "Why Me?" Question: God specifically chose Israel despite them being the "fewest of all peoples." How does realizing that God's love isn't based on your merit, size, or strength shift your perspective on your own identity? Being a Treasured Possession: What does it practically mean for you to view yourself as a "holy people" and a "treasured possession"? How does this truth alter how you walk through your daily life? Unmerited Favor: Consider the things God has given you that you had no right to receive. How can making a list of these unearned blessings cultivate deeper humility and gratitude?
Today we shall pray some prayers on spiritual warfare - a periodic necessity every now & then
Questions to Evaluate Your PrioritiesWhom (or what) are you ultimately serving? If you are wavering between worldly desires and a committed spiritual or moral path, ask yourself if you are trying to serve two masters. What is the outcome of your delayed choice? Sometimes deciding not to choose is a choice in itself. How is your current hesitancy affecting your closest relationships or your own mental well-being? What does the crowd want? It is easy to go with the flow of popular culture or peer pressure. Are you avoiding a decision because it is unpopular with the crowd?AI Generated
Salt goes inward to bring out flavor and prevent decay, representing your internal character and daily impact. [1, 2]In what ways are you acting as a positive, preserving influence in your workplace, family, or neighborhood? How are you actively "adding flavor"—such as joy, peace, and reconciliation—to the environments you are in? What causes a Christian to "lose their saltiness" or become ineffective in today's society, and are there areas where this has happened to you? AI Gen
Reflection Questions: How do you define true success? Do you rely on your own self-reliance and competency, or do you recognize your complete spiritual dependence on God? Are you heartbroken over your own shortcomings and the brokenness of the world, or have you become immune to constant bad news? How can this grief drive you to seek God's comfort? The world values power and control. How do you respond when you feel you need to take control or manipulate a situation? How can you practice gentle strength in your daily interactions?AI Genhttps://scheduler.zoom.us/joyce-stellusFeel free to fill up this schedule form if you would like a chat, share a prayer or simply just talk about life~
Reflection QuestionsWhat am I truly feeling right now? Often, anger or frustration masks deeper feelings like hurt, exhaustion, or feeling unappreciated. Am I trying to be right, or am I trying to be understood? Assess whether the goal is constructive collaboration or "winning" the argument. How did I contribute to the escalation? Consider whether you used a harsh tone, interrupted, or made assumptions about the other person's intentions. Is this argument worth having? Ask yourself if the issue will matter next year, or if your energy is better spent elsewhere. (AI Gen)
* By escaping world corruption, we partake in the divine nature. What specific "evil desires" or worldly distractions are actively hindering you from reflecting God's nature today?AI GeneratedWhat one spiritual habit can I commit myself to practice each day ?https://scheduler.zoom.us/joyce-stellus/30-mins-with-joyce-be5x30en
Research shows that the types of questions you ask yourself during reflection make a massive difference. Ask "What" instead of "Why": Asking "Why am I feeling this way?" can lead to overthinking, rumination, and self-blame. Instead, ask "What specifically triggered this feeling?" or "What steps can I take to handle this?".Journaling and Meditation: Regular mindfulness practices create the mental space needed to observe your inner processes without judgment. Solitude: Disconnecting from daily distractions allows your mind to settle and process your experiencesAI generated
In what areas of your life (time, finances, relationships) are you acting like the rightful owner rather than a tenant entrusted with God's gifts? Where might you be resisting Jesus' authority in order to maintain control or avoid accountability?Vince MillerWhat's New?Schedule a 30-minute chat with Joyce at a time that works best for you. We can talk about the readings, life and share a prayer if you have any need. Or even if you don't have a reason , it doesn't matter.
1. Is my parish community/ home real houses of worship where 1 Peter 4: 7-11 comes alive? What is my role here and what steps am I taking to contribute to this spirit? 2. In what ways am I being actively engaged in service and worship, both in the Church and my home
Reflection Questions:When Bartimaeus began to shout, the crowd rebuked him and told him to be quiet. What "crowds" or external voices in your life pressure you to stay silent or back down when you are seeking God? Instead of quieting down, Bartimaeus shouted all the louder. How does your faith respond when you face obstacles or resistance in prayer?How does it make you feel to know that Jesus stopped in the middle of a busy journey to address Bartimaeus's cries?AI generated
Activity :1. Draw out your family tree to the 4th generation and give each one names. Take turns in praying for each one. (Purchase the Book Devotion to the Holy Souls in Purgatory -easily available online for a reasonable price)2. Today, take some time to enter this road to Jerusalem with Jesus. What would you like to discuss with Jesus - your fears, your anxieties, your doubts etc. Talk to the Lord about this.
Reflection Questions: 1. In what ways do I need to change my attitude towards suffering in my life? How open am I to accepting my daily crosses? 2. Speak to the Holy Spirit of your fears and allow Him to speak into your life on the blessings that come with suffering
Reflection Questions: Where do I see the Holy Spirit moving in my life today compared to this time last year?What is one concrete way I can be a blessing to others this week using my unique gifts?The Upper Room
Reflection Which of the 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit (e.g., patience, peace, joy) do I see most actively operating in my life right now?Which fruit do I feel I am currently lacking, and what is one concrete way I can invite the Holy Spirit to cultivate it in me today? Word Press
Reflection Am I willing to say, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening," even if it requires stepping out of my comfort zone?Which of the Fruits of the Spirit (e.g., patience, joy, self-control) do I most need to invite into my daily interactions and challenges today?Catholic Minute
Where am I trying to "go it alone" rather than seeking God's will for my next steps?Am I a source of sound advice and loving counsel for my family and friends when they face difficulties? https://www.facebook.com/FatherSimOne/posts/new-year-novena-mother-of-perpetual-help-novena-day-7intention-for-double-portio/1217914517153318/
Do I simply know God's teachings, or do I actively relish and find joy in them?Are there areas in my life where I struggle to see God's hand or plan? How might the Holy Spirit be asking me to shift my perspective?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=La7eGWDYVD8
Reflection; Do I prioritize earthly things, successes, or opinions, or do I evaluate their true value based on how they relate to God? How does this gift help me know God better, and more importantly, understand myself and my true purpose in serving Him?My Catholic Life
In what areas of my life am I currently feeling rushed, frustrated, or desperate for an immediate answer? How can I allow the Holy Spirit to replace my anxiety with a peaceful, enduring patience while I wait for God's perfect timing?Ascension Press
* Does your prayer feel like a burdensome chore, or a delightful conversation with a loving Father? How can you find more joy and satisfaction in your spiritual practices today?* Do you willingly and lovingly submit to God's will, even when it is difficult? In what areas of your life are you struggling to let God take the lead?Source: Catholic Dailies
Reflection:* Do I come to God just purely out of love for Him or do I have a secret agenda? How can I change this? * Which gifts do I seek most from the Holy Spirit this season of my life? Speak to the Holy Spirit about this
Reflection* Are there any dark areas in my life that I would like the Holy Spirit to shed His light into?* Make a weekend confession to be cleansed of these dark areas
Reflection:* How important is the Holy Spirit in my life ?* What can I do on a daily basis to involve the Holy Spirit more in my decision-making and clarity of actions?
Reflection: * Which group or community do I belong to that meets together to pray and witness Jesus, both being salient features of a thriving community. If I do not belong to a group which does BOTH of these, then seek to align myself to a group like this - like the early followers of Jesus!
Reflection:* For this weekend, besides spending some extra time listening to the Lord and just adoring Him, find out what exactly He wants me to do as His friend and anointed. Write down whatever impressions you receive and take it from there!
Reflection:* In What ways need I abide and latch myself to the Main vine more?* How could I have better radiated the joy of Christ in the past when things were not going very well in my life?
Please listen from 2.30 onwards. Thank you Reflection:* Do I take the time to study some writings of the early Church Fathers each week and to increase my knowledge in Church apologetics?* In my prayer time - do I listen or talk more? What steps do I need to take in order to make this more effective.
Reflection Points:* Think about the last trial that you had to go through. Thank the Lord for the specifics of this particular trial. * Rejoice and be glad - You are highly favoured! Thank God for the next trial in your life - yes, you read that right! * Tell Jesus exactly what you feel about trials and tribulations and listen to what He has to convey to you regarding this. Journal this.
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