Bernini’s Holy Spirit at Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy, 2011
Prayer: “You own me, My God; mind, body, and soul. I am Thine, and it is Thine I wish to be. I beg of You, Lord, make my heart like unto Thine, and then, do with me as Thou wilt. For Thou art The Way, The Truth, and The Life, and Thine is The Kingdom and The Glory forever. Amen.” (August 6, 2010 – Journey Through The Stillness, written by Martha Wiggins)
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“Most Holy Lord and God, I am made humble before Thee. Send your Spirit upon me that I may speak your words and lead all souls to You. Guardian Angel, serve to protect this lowly servant from the evils that would prevail. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, make me worthy, as you each are, to fulfill the will of God. And Jesus, grant that my Heart be like unto Thine; that through me your love and mercy may reign over all the earth, nations and souls, forever. Amen.” (March 21, 2010 – Journey Through The Stillness, written by Martha Wiggins)
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Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Rome, Italy, 2012
“Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, ‘Who is it you want?’ ‘Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied. ‘I am he,’ Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, ‘I am he,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.” John 18:4-6
Has it been a long time since you actually spent time reading in The Bible? Maybe some have not picked up a Bible since childhood, or Sunday Bible School. Some may have memorized verses as a child, but haven’t read them in context as an adult. If it has been a long time pick up your Bible and read. Your understanding as an adult is quite different than as a child.
As a child, I might have read the above quote and laughed at the idea of all the soldiers falling to the ground when Jesus spoke. As an adult, I have a much different reaction. As an adult I can read between the lines. As an adult I don’t view it as humor, but as proof.
This quote deepens my understanding of exactly what is taking place at Jesus’ arrest. First, Jesus has full knowledge of all that has happened to make His arrest possible. He knows that Judas is His betrayer and has done so. Second, He has full knowledge of all that is going to happen and still meets His destiny head on. He goes out to His captors and asks them who it is they seek.
The third, and most telling part, is that when Jesus speaks, the soldiers draw back and fall to the ground. In this instant Jesus is showing His power, letting all know, that without His consent, they would have no power over Him. He is arrested voluntarily.
A child might not fully grasp these implications, but as an adult, we are fully capable of understanding all that they mean. We have no excuse.
Imagine a love so real, so strong, so merciful and forgiving, that one would choose a destiny of torture and crucifixion. And yet, that is exactly what Jesus did. He did it for me. He did it for you.
Now imagine His Agony In The Garden, knowing full well exactly what was to happen to Him; knowing every vile, torturous act that would befall Him on our behalf. He consented by telling God, The Father, “Not my will, but yours be done.” Then He went out to meet His destiny. Our own destiny lies within His.
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Lake Moraine and The Valley of The Ten Peaks, Banff National Park, Canada, 2010, taken by Martha Wiggins
Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor, and clothe yourself in honor and majesty.” Job 40:10
I took this beautiful picture of Lake Moraine and The Valley of Ten Peaks in one of my most favorite places on earth, Banff National Park, Canada. My husband and I, along with our grown children, have been there several summers hiking in the beautiful, pristine, mountain setting. I call it ‘Heaven on Earth.’ One summer we hiked one of the most breathtaking hikes I have ever been on. I actually felt as if we were ‘hiking in heaven.’ It touched me in such a way that I believe it is etched on my soul! If you have ever experienced anything similar, then you know exactly what I mean.
I tried to spend time in Stillness before Our Lord as often as possible while staying in Banff. From our hotel room I looked out on a spectacular view of Lake Louise, another beautiful spot. The following is an entry from The Stillness written while there one time.
July 24, 2010 – Today it is My Risen Lord, as I sit before the gorgeous view from the hotel room window. He is excited, almost bouncing with pleasure. He says, “Look, look at the grandeur of all My Father has placed before us. See His Glory, Martha? Be in it, be of it. Take it unto thyself and make it a part of you. It will be given back to others tenfold because it will radiate from you. This is how one should relish creation. Become a part of it. Become ONE with it, become ONE with Me.” He is smiling, ready to go!”
One of the things I state on the website is that I have a simple faith. The site is based on sharing my simple faith. While I am a wholeheartedly, and faithfully Catholic, I also believe there is much in common to be shared with all Christians. Love is the common thread, and Jesus is Love!
While still on our trip, I entered into The Stillness again on the 26th and here is what transpired. “As I place myself in His Presence He is glad to see me. He reminds me, ‘I know this is a busy and exciting time, but remember to look inward to Me often. Martha, you are surrounded by love; love of family, love of nature, and love of Me. In fact, as you realize, you don’t have to look only inward to see Me. Here, you have to just look outward. I am EVERYWHERE; it is easy. It is SIMPLE.”
In my simple faith, because I believe He will speak to me, and because I listen for Him to speak to me, He does. I am simple in the same way a child is simple, and always expecting to be awed by Him. When I see His Glory I long to be in it, and of it. I long to make it a part of me so that I can reflect and radiate it outwardly to all!
“The LORD our God has shown us his glory and his majesty, and we have heard his voice from the fire. Today we have seen that a person can live even if God speaks with them.” Deuteronomy 5:24
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I have posted previously about The Imitation of Christ, a devotional written in the 15th century whose authorship is attributed to Thomas a Kempis. Second only to the Bible as the most widely read book in the world, it is written in order to help the devout soul to attain holiness. Many life topics are addressed in a beautifully rich way. Today I will share the chapter on inward consolation… looking within and actually finding God there. Please read slowly… absorb its beauty.
On Inward Consolation
Chapter I
I will hearken what the Lord God shall say within me.(1) Blessed is the soul which heareth the Lord speaking within it, and receiveth the word of consolation from His mouth. Blessed are the ears which receive the echoes of the soft whisper of God, and turn not aside to the whisperings of this world. Blessed truly are the ears which listen not to the voice that soundeth without, but to that which teacheth truth inwardly. Blessed are the eyes which are closed to things without, but are fixed upon things within. Blessed are they who search inward things and study to prepare themselves more and more by daily exercises for the receiving of heavenly mysteries. Blessed are they who long to have leisure for God, and free themselves from every hindrance of the world. Think on these things, O my soul, and shut the doors of thy carnal desires, so mayest thou hear what the Lord God will say within thee.
2. These things saith thy Beloved, “I am thy salvation, I am thy peace and thy life. Keep thee unto Me, and thou shalt find peace.” Put away thee all transitory things, seek those things that are eternal. For what are all temporal things but deceits, and what shall all created things help thee if thou be forsaken by the Creator? Therefore put all things else away, and give thyself to the Creator, to be well pleasing and faithful to Him, that thou mayest be able to attain true blessedness.
(1) Psalm lxxxv. 8.
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Achilleion Palace, Corfu, Greece, 2012- former home of Empress Elizabeth of Austria (taken my Martha Wiggins)
“But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:12-14)
Sometimes we are so blinded by our goals, our desires, our needs that we lose the capability of rational discernment. Our focus is on the end result and not how we get there. We may compromise our values and we may unintentionally or intentionally hurt others who may be in our way. Our sins take over and rule our hearts. We no longer see our sins for what they truly are… a slow death.
In the Psalm above, David recognizes that he has sins that are hidden even from himself and he asks the Lord to forgive him for them. When our sins rule over us, even though they may be hidden from us or not completely intentional, we are not blameless. We can’t claim ignorance as our excuse and expect the freedom to continue on toward our goal, to continue on in sin. God may be quicker to forgive such offenses as they are lesser ones than those that are willful or deliberate, but they still offend Him and are still called sin.
It is good to take account of all in our life from time to time and look closely to see where we may have slackened our guard against sin. Then we should pray as David above and ask God to forgive our hidden sins and keep us from repeating them, asking Him to make both our words and our thoughts pleasing in His sight.
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Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, 2012, taken by Martha Wiggins
Just because…
Amazing Grace (By John Newton)
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me….
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.
T’was Grace that taught…
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear…
the hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares…
we have already come.
T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far…
and Grace will lead us home.
The Lord has promised good to me…
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be…
as long as life endures.
When we’ve been here ten thousand years…
bright shining as the sun.
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise…
then when we’ve first begun.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me….
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.
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Resurrection Tapestry, Vatican Museum, taken by Martha Wiggins 2012
“Who will stand up for me against evildoers? Who will take his stand for me against those who do wickedness? If the Lord had not been my help, My soul would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence. If I should say, ‘My foot has slipped,’ Your lovingkindness, O Lord, will hold me up. When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.” Psalm 94:16-19
A best friend is someone who knows us through and through and still likes us. A best friend is willing to give much and get little in return. A best friend will lay down his or her own life, if necessary, for us. A best friend will also fight tooth and nail for our soul if we are lost. In truth, there are not many friends in our lives that live up to all of these attributes or expectations. If we have one who does, we know to cherish and not abuse them. We love them as deeply as they love us.
The Lord says He is that best friend. He will not waiver in the face of evil, nor the face of death. Does your soul now dwell in silence? Does you soul live in a state of anxiety, helplessness, or doubt? Is your soul in a state of complacency, denial, or rebuke? Turn to the Lord for He will stand up for you; He will defend you. Turn to the Lord in His lovingkindness. Let Him caress your soul that you may delight in His consolations. Then treat Him accordingly. Cherish Him, do not abuse Him, and love Him as deeply as He loves you.
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2012-2014 Achilleion Palace, Corfu, Greece, 2012- former home of Empress Elizabeth of Austria (taken my Martha Wiggins)
“…Consider what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for Jehovah; and he is with you in the judgment.” 2 Chronicles 19:6
When we judge others we must remember to do so through the eyes of Christ. By judging solely through our humanity we have only ourselves to use in comparison. By judging through Christ we open up to the possibilities of the Divine at work, not just in ourselves but others.
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“That evening Jesus’ followers went down to Lake Galilee. It was dark now, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The followers got into a boat and started across the lake to Capernaum. By now a strong wind was blowing, and the waves on the lake were getting bigger. When they had rowed the boat about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the water, coming toward the boat. The followers were afraid, but Jesus said to them, ‘It is I. Do not be afraid.’ Then they were glad to take him into the boat. At once the boat came to land at the place where they wanted to go.” John 6:16-21
Jesus has gone off to be alone on the mountain. The disciples tire of waiting for Him and decide to go on ahead to Capernaum, knowing He will come later and meet up with them.
In other words, they become impatient, strike out on their own, and figure He will come and find them. I know I would be just like Jesus’ disciples in this Gospel. A lack of patience is at the root of many of our trials and tribulations.
So, it is not too surprising that the disciples find themselves rowing their boat in a strong storm. They become very frightened as the winds increase and the waves grow bigger. They are certainly very glad when they see Jesus walking on the water to come to them. Jesus gets into the boat, and at once they land where they wanted to go.
One of moral of the story is to have patience and wait on Jesus. For me an even bigger moral is that when we go our own way, row our own boat, there is bound to be trouble and the best way to end it is to quickly invite Jesus into the boat! And, I absolutely love the outcome. When we get Jesus into our boat, we immediately land where we are supposed to be going!
If you thought you could do it all on your own, and you left Jesus to go on ahead, expecting Him to come and hunt for you later, then stop rowing the boat right now. Wherever you are, whatever problems or storms surround you, stop, and ask Jesus to get into your boat. He is already searching for you, already coming, and He will walk on water to get to you.
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