Hello Friends,
Is it me, or has this Fall been cold and rainy? Even though the chilly air is often not my friend, there is something about wearing a warm sweater, curling up under a warm blanket, (with my heating pad, lol), watching a movie or reading an enjoyable book. I have been reflecting on the souls in purgatory this month and have kept them in my prayers.
The content for this newsletter often comes from my own curiosity and reflections. In that reflection it is hard not to bring in the heaviness to my writing as there seems to be a constant flow of negative events happening in our world.
However, the advent season will soon be upon us and with this season comes immense joy. Our Saviour will soon be born. I continue to pray for all the humans in our world, those in my country, my community and in my home. With this, I also look around me and am reminded of all I am thankful for. Gratitude is a virtue that we need to cultivate.
External things, and stuff that I have accumulated is not what I give thanks for. Things often lose their luster after a while. I remember buying a car, we did not have it home for a full week and in a parking lot, a person in the car beside us opened his car door and left a big dent in ours. It reminded me that things of this world are just that, things. They do not last forever. It is not about the external stuff we have; it is about the internal ways that we see and feel the workings of the Holy Spirit. It is the subtle changes that come with knowing Jesus, more intimately. When we have an intimate relationship with Jesus, we can see the joy of living a life of gratitude. It is not being grateful for just the good days but also for those that bring us uncertainty.
As I look back at the summer, I breathe in the many moments that I felt deep rooted joy. These past five years I have had many times where I have seen God’s grace in my life. What I have appreciated the most is the small and some may say insignificant ways that make me feel very blessed. The small things made it possible for me to be and do things with my people. The people that God has put into my life. Many of these things I thought I would never do again. In the beginning, giving up riding my bike was hard. I was an avid rider. I am thankful that this year I was able to do a bike ride in Rondeau Park with my husband Tony.
Gratitude comes daily, with walks with my grandchildren, helping an aging parent, reaching out to a friend, or extending some help to someone at the grocery store. This is where the Holy Spirit leads me to joy. We are all looking for connection. We are all looking for a kind face. God tells us that we are not meant to be alone. We are to live in communion with each other. One body in Christ.
There was a time Fibromyalgia kept me resting in bed. It was hard to move, and I was extremely tired. I missed family events. St. Teresa of Calcutta reminds me, “the best way to show gratitude to God is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy.” Through God’s grace, I have seen that many things turn from the impossible to the possible. That there are brighter days ahead. That He is with me, wherever I find myself. St. Paul reminds us, in Philippians 4:6-7 “do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This summer may not have been the best for you. There may have been suffering, God never leaves us there. He always shows us signs of the good that comes through that suffering. Life is meant to be lived with those that God has given us. To pray for those that are in that dark night. God also wants the best for us. He wants us to remember about His great mercy. God’s mercy is there and given to us freely at the moment that we seek it. This reminds us of Psalm 106:1, “Give thanks to the Lord, who is good, whose mercy endures forever.”
St. Paul tells us in Romans 12:12, “rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.” The world can be a harsh place, counting our blessings and praying for those who are suffering are ways that can comfort ourselves and others in times of need. As we prepare for the Advent Season, let us be thankful that God sent His only son to be with us. Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel!
Prayers I am Saying, Information that I am Listening too, Resources for Advent & Apple Crisp
November is the month to keep in your prayers the Holy Souls in purgatory. I pray the St. Gertrude Prayer for their intersession. If you are looking for more information on purgatory, you can find it here; Confused by Purgatory? Fr. Mike Schmitz Explains All! (catholic-link.org)
St. Gertrude’s Prayer for the Souls in Purgatory
Eternal Father,
I offer You the most precious blood,
of thy Divine Son, Jesus,
in union with the Masses said
throughout the world today,
for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory,
for sinners everywhere,
for sinners in the universal Church,
for those in my own home,
and in my family. Amen.
Information about Israel Palestine and Gaza
The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge has a podcast:
Israel, Palestine, Gaza – Conflict+War – Canadian Podcasts (canadian-podcasts.com)
When times are hard, we often find ourselves wondering what we can do to help. Spiritually consider offering prayers or fasting. Offer your work or your own suffering as prayer for others. Light a blessed candle as a sign of solidarity for all those in the world suffering today. Say the rosary and offer it up to those in need. Go to mass and pray for the suffering of others. Start a novena. Remembering them each day and pray for their intentions.
Resources for Advent
A Complete Guide to Catholic Advent | Dynamic Catholic
Advent Resources | Ave Maria Press
Advent & Lent – Ascension (ascensionpress.com)
Catholic Advent Resource Guide 2023: Books, Apps, Videos, And More! – Catholic-Link
Apple Crisp
Pillsbury: The Completer Book of Baking
One of favourite desserts to make at this time of year is Apple Crisp. I have a favourite recipe book that I bought when I was first married, and it has great baking recipes that I continue to use. Here is one of my favourites.
Fruit Mixture
· 6 cups sliced peeled apples
· 1teaspoon cinnamon, if desired
· I tablespoon water
· 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Topping
· 1 cup rolled oats
· ¾ cup all purpose flour
· ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar
· 1/2 cup butter of margarine
Heat oven to 375F. Place apples in ungreased 2-quart casserole or 8-inch square (11/2 quart) baking dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon, water, and lemon juice. In large bowl, combine all topping ingredients: mix until crumbly, Sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over apples. Bake at 375F, for 25 to 35 minutes or until fruit is tender and tipping is golden brown. Serve warm with cream, ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Notes:
I use Cortland apples; I use more cinnamon than listed. I like to coat the apples in it. I do not use lemon juice. I prefer to use butter. You can make this recipe, gluten free and vegan. Switch the oats to gluten free oats. Switch the butter to vegan butter. I have doubled the recipe, and it still works well.
If you have found your way here, welcome!
As part of being a Spiritual Director, I offer this newsletter to engage others to go deeper in their faith. I do this by providing opportunities for reflection. Reflection if you let it can turn to action. If you have any questions, please leave comments below.
