5. Some one told me of a certain book written on the subject by the saintly Friar Peter of Alcantara (as I think I may justly call him); I should have submitted to his decision, knowing that he was competent to judge, but on reading it I found he agreed with me that the mind must act until called to recollection by love, although he stated it in other words. Possibly I may be mistaken, but I rely on these reasons. Firstly, he who reasons less and tries to do least, does most in spiritual matters. We should make our petitions like beggars before a powerful and rich Emperor; then, with downcast eyes, humbly wait. When He secretly shows us He hears our prayers, it is well to be silent, as He has drawn us into His presence; there would then be no harm in trying to keep our minds at rest (that is to say, if we can). If, however, the King makes no sign of listening or of seeing us, there is no need to stand inert, like a dolt, which the soul would resemble if it continued inactive. In this case its dryness would greatly increase, and the imagination would be made more restless than before by its very effort to think of nothing. Our Lord wishes us at such a time to offer Him our petitions and to place ourselves in His presence; He knows what is best for us. Interior Castle, 4th mansion (prayer of quiet), Chapter 3, Paragraph 5 https://www.documentacatholicaomnia...,_The_Interior_Castle_Of_The_Mansions,_EN.pdf I have seen this line translated as "he who thinks least" elsewhere.
This quote is one of the most chilled out ones I have ever read. When I read books of saints I often get this image of a super intense champions of the faith. But when I see them write something like this I get the sense they were super calm about everything. Yes their crosses were hard, but their faith and insight were greater. And it makes sense, because God is All Good. I bet it was amazing to be in her presence given how much God was radiating Himself through her.
I have liked David Wood but I do not like this spat between him and Sam Shamoun. I have avoided looking at the details as it is not pleasant seeing them tearing at each other in public. It is sad because both of them are talented speakers and debaters. But Sam has a brilliance about him and he is aware that he himself is not important. That in his weakness the Lord uses him to show forth His glory.
I must admit I may be inclined to be a little too innocent. But on the other hand extending a certain innocence to people at the start is not a bad thing. To assume the best about them. In the case of Tucker I would like to continue to extend this trust. Famous people I would fully trust at the moment? Well really there are quite few. Candace Owens. Dr Taylor Marshall. Bishop Strickland and so on. But this is a Great, Great testing time. One thing I have noticed recently is that people who I had a huge respect for can turn down the Dark Road. It reminds me of The Lord of the Rings. Where people who start out good tend to get drawn into the Dark Side. The most huge, huge Spiritual War is going on all around us. Also sometimes people who tended to walk on the Dark Side get drawn back into the good. The good thing is that the fog is clearing. We can see good and evil choosing sides. The Great Evil and the False Church is becoming right out there in the open. There is no more pretending. Evil is right out there in the open. This is a great Blessing. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. 2 Peter 2:1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
A very great blessing to see light shining into the dark corners exposing the crouching evil spirits behind the "headlines". I dont know what to say about Tucker. He is on a journey...as we all are...but he hasnt quite given into the tremendous grace that has been offered him. His disgust for Israel's hideous treatment of Gaza has spilled over into hatred of Jews I fear. Giving Nick Fuentes a platform was a very bad thing to do IMO. Candace Owen's seem to be able to offend everyone. Just because she is a truth speaker. I would even say a truth crusader which makes her very dangerous to the "Hidden Hand". I hope she has security. I expect she does a lot of praying. Just my opinion here.
I loved a line in our parish priest homily this morning; "Be seekers of truth, rather than gatherers of facts". He was telling us to pray for the grace and gift of wisdom. It is more important than knowledge. It helps us discern right from wrong.
Jesus is the truth...as Pilot said, what is truth?? I follow none of these influencers. But i used to.... the closer we get to the Truth, the more we seek Jesus and nothing else..the rest is just static. White noise to clog our minds. Our mind and souls become much clearer when we stop watching these people. Let nothing disturb you, am I not your Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe.
I agree with the forum members who emphasize focusing on JESUS, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The Blessed Virgin Mary, the Queen of Heaven and our Mother, exhorts her children to be united in prayer and penance—loving, encouraging, and bearing with one another. Engaging in arguments distracts us from our heavenly goal: Eyes on Jesus! Deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. It’s a tall order, more than enough to occupy our time and efforts, which we can only fulfill with God’s grace. In one of her messages, Our Lady assures us, “I will not give up!” Neither should we, keeping in mind that she envelops us in her mantle of protection and maternal care. God’s grace is sufficient for us.
I only share what they do to me...even Candace, because they turn into angry arguments. Ben Shapiro against her, another fight another day... look at what Trump is becoming. They throw the name of Jesus around as a ploy to make us think they are one of us.....only to snatch us later with a whole new persona. All of these " influencers" are zillionairs ....if they were truly speaking the truth, they would not be breathing. Again my opinion. Some people actually spend their days, with itchy ears, to see what new crazy distractions are happening. Why are we so gullible?
There's a balance, though th0se called to a more focused prayer life, especially mental prayer, are better equipped to avoid distractions. The MOG members I appreciate the most are like Purpleflower (mother of a young family), who come on board periodically with great insight and then return to their godly mission. There are others who share wisdom after having come through trials and crosses that I look forward listening to. Then there are my older children who are in the midst of raising a brood, then call to share wisdom with their home-trapped Dad.
Of course Mario....without a doubt.. my faith grows from what other people write and share. I should have said when people become obsessive with the influencers.......this is like a beautiful little community here. All are in my prayers daily. It is our differences which make life much more interesting. Hope is what it brings us and that is needed so much.
To all, in my post about influencers, I was not talking about anyone in here. I shared that I felt that way.. myself.. When I said people are gullible, I again was speaking of how I used to feel.. My words don't always come out right and I would not want anyone to dare think I meant them. Sharing written word doesn't work well for me due to a problem I have. Just do not want to anyone to take it personally. My humble opinion only...