Remember, O Thou Man - How My Sins Offend Our Lord

Look at these images...

 

 

"Behold this Heart which has loved men so much, which has heaped on them so many benefits, in exchange for this infinite love it finds ingratitude; instead it meets with forgetfulness, indifference, outrages" (Words of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary, complaining of man's sins.)

Sin offends God.  Not only the fact that it exists, but every time we commit actual sin, we offend our Good God who we should love above all things because He is infinitely perfect and truly worthy of all love.  "Actual sin is any willful thought, desire, word, action, or omission forbidden by the law of God." (St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism #2)  Any time we willfully sin, we hurt Our Lord and add to His passion.  Yes, He is in glory now, but because He is outside of time and He took the punishment for our sins all those years ago, each one we commit was felt by Him then.  The Catechism tells us that there are two kinds of actual sin, mortal and venial.  But what does it matter which ones we commit?  In a way, it does, but in an arguably greater way, it doesn't matter.  I say this because the infinitely perfect God of the universe who is all goodness and love does not deserve one harsh remark, unkind look, or complaining thought.  

 

"Every sin must be said to renew in a certain way the Passion of Our Lord, 'crucifying again to themselves the Son of God and making Him a mockery'" (Heb. 6:6) (Words of Pope Pius XI in his encyclical on Reparation to the Sacred Heart)

We should avoid venial sin at all costs first and foremost because it hurts the all-good God.  Lent reminds us of that as it brings the above images of the suffering and death of Our Lord to our close attention.  In Lent, we are encouraged to approach the cross, sit with Our Lord, and notice the incredible suffering He endured; He endures at our hands.  Venial sin, although not as serious as mortal sin is still like one of the thorns in His crown or one of the many lashes He received in the scourging.  None of it should have ever happened to Him.  He was the only one in history with the right to complain of evil happening to Him, but like a sheep led to the slaughter, He opened not His mouth.  He offered no complaint.

Venial sin also harms us.  It is a sickness to our soul.  When the immune system, so to speak, of a soul is compromised, it is easier to fall into greater sins, including mortal, which are the death of the soul.  We should avoid venial sin firstly because it hurts Our Lord, but also because it compromises our own souls leaving them more vulnerable to further and greater sins.

God hates sin because it is the breaking of His law, which is in place not to restrict us but to guide us to the true happiness of Heaven.  The Saints hated sin because, being friends of God, they hated all that God hates.  They knew sin offends God and so of course, they wanted to avoid it, because they loved Him above all else.  This is what we should do too for we are all called to be saints, to love God above all things, and be happy with Him forever.  

This Lent, think that it could be your very last.  Our priest said this morning in his sermon that we should live this Lent as if we will be in Heaven by Easter.  If you knew that's where you were headed in these next 40 days, how would you prepare?  Wouldn't you try to avoid sin and frivolities at all costs?  If you were getting ready to go on the trip of a lifetime or move across the world, of course, you would prepare yourself well in advance.  Why do we not do that now as we look forward to our home of Heaven?  We lose sight of the goal and we think we have many years to put all our lives in order.  No one, however, is guaranteed that time so use what you have now well.  Offend the good Jesus no more!  Do not neglect Him, but strive now to make up for all your past offenses and those of the fallen world around you.  He loves and cares for each one of us, but so many do not even pay Him the time of day.  He is our God, our Creator, our Redeemer.  Let us remember this and live every day in light of this blessed reality.

How can we keep from committing sin?  The Catechism tells us, "By praying and receiving the sacraments; by remembering that God is always with us; by recalling that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit; by keeping occupied with work or play; by promptly resisting the sources of sin within us; by avoiding the near occasions of sin."

In short, follow the examples of the Saints.  St. Thérèse, St. John Bosco, St. Alphonsus, the martyrs, St. Rose of Lima, St. Benedict, any of them!  Their lives are full of stories that tell us how they occupied themselves and avoided sin.  It is not always easy but if we make a great effort, God will give us great grace to help us succeed.  He is actually just waiting to give us the grace.  He waits even a little sorrowfully, because we often give Him a pitiful glance, like the woman in the above image, but do we actually make a concerted effort to turn from our bad habits and sinful ways?  Not often.  Let us take this Lent to try again most ardently.  Remember that we may only have this one and after that, we shall stand before Our Lord and render Him an account of all our thoughts, words, and actions.  Let us make this Lent a time that we will be proud to recount.

"Death rather than sin!"

Thank you for reading my poorly written little post.  I'm mostly writing this as an outline for my 4th grader's Catechism lesson.  Please pray for them and me as I present this lesson and may they become little saints in love with their Divine Master!

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

Sarah 

My Simple Daybook vol. III

 

For Today 6.26.23

~Daybook Template taken from The Simple Woman's blog~

Looking out my window...

Well, today there was a stray cat sitting outside our back door, so that was fun!   But I didn't get a picture.  However, I have been enjoying both the early morning sun and the evening golden hour rays that peek through my window.  My window faces north so I don't get a lot of direct sunlight but the little rays that slip in are always delightful.

I am thinking...

...Of all the upcoming plans that are taking shape for summer and fall!  When it rains it pours!  I've spent so many years thinking about life, jobs, and vocations, and now things are starting to move.  God is opening doors that I worried over for so long.  This leads into my next section...

I am thankful...

...For God's perfect timing.  Life decisions are a fine balancing act between trusting God's timing and guidance and acting for ourselves.  We cannot just sit around waiting for God to show us our future with a flash of light but we also can't be frustrated when our well-laid plans are not fulfilled.  Act and trust in God.  These were more thoughts, I suppose, but I'm just so thankful to God for opening doors and taking care of my future!

One of my favorite things...

Wow, I can't think of a favorite thing right now.  Probably family time.  It's so important.  My sister is away for quite a while right now.  Family time is precious; don't miss it.  Take advantage of every family trip, every brunch, every car ride, and every grocery store trip together.  Someday, we won't have that precious time together.  Friends will always come and go.  Your family, however, is with you all the time until they aren't.  We truly don't appreciate what we have until it's gone.

I am creating...

I'm actually reeeeeallllyyyyy excited about this one. 😁  I'm just starting this project with a gauge swatch but I purchased all the yarn and printed the pattern so I'm gearing up to create...

Photo credit to Melanie Landsittel

🎉🎉 The School Teacher Cardigan by Melanie Landsittel on Ravelry 🎉🎉

Isn't this such a cute design?!  It's classic and practical, yet is feminine and has an intriguing texture.  I'm super excited to cast on but first I need to read over the pattern thoroughly, take all my measurements, and do the math because this is a customizable pattern!  I'm really hoping it will be pretty straightforward though.

I am wearing...

What have I been wearing?  I can't even think of something that's really been shining through my wardrobe.  I think the most important thing to me recently has been longer skirts.  I was a camp counselor for a traditional Catholic girls' camp (I'll be blogging about that soon!) and I wanted to be able to dress casually and coolly while also staying modest and feminine in accordance with the dress guidelines.  I've been having fun in longer skits that are swishy and yet cool!

I am reading...

...A couple of really good books!  Firstly, I wanted a light-hearted, light on the sappy, beautiful novel to read while I was dog-sitting.  Well, thanks to my dear friend Cecilia and the Immaculata Bookstore, I finally determined to find and read The Awakening of Miss Prim.  I borrowed a copy from the local library and am so happy I finally read this gem!!

I'm still processing how good it was.  I wrote a very rambly review over on Goodreads so if you've already read the book or know the outcome, go ahead and read it to know some of my initial thoughts.  But I've had a lot more thoughts over the past couple of days since reading it.  It's come to my mind while discussing courtship with friends after church and literature with my mom over tea and coffee in the morning.  This book is really on to something; actually, a lot of somethings.  I'm seriously thinking of changing my review from 4.5 stars to 5.  I hope this book opens many eyes to the necessity and beauty of a traditional life.  I also hope people discover and cherish truly good literature; not just the serial works that are a dime a dozen.

Also pictured above is a lovely cross-stitch bookmark my dear friend, Emma, sent me.  Her grandma stitched it!!  Isn't it just precious?!  And it went with the book soooo well!  😍  The little knitting project you see started there is coming along nicely.  It's a dishcloth for my mom because she loved the color when I used it for a hot pad.

The other book I'm really enjoying right now is Mary Magdalene: In the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich.  This book is absolutely beautiful and a surprisingly easy read.  I'm loving the short excerpts from the Blessed's visions and the intimate way it allows us to see Our Lord, Mary Magdalene, and the other Biblical figures.  Sometimes this book even goes on the monthly $5 TAN Book sale, so keep an eye out for it there!  (I earn a small commission for purchases made through these links!)

 I am watching...

... All Creatures Great and Small season 3!!!  Eeee!  (Look at their faces, the darlings. 😂)  We've only watched the first two episodes but it is already so so good.  I absolutely positively love this series.  This post is long enough already so I'll spare you my fangirl-y ranting. 🙈

I'm also working through When Calls the Heart season 7.  I know I'm behind but I'm catching up!  I just have to say, seasons 6 and 7 have been bringing my mom and I to. Tears. 😭  I had no idea WCTH was still capable of this.  I've missed you, Hope Valley.

 I am listening to...

...These vintage summer music playlists!  They're so fun.  I love the artwork paired with them as well.  Definitely takes you back in time and helps you to relish every moment of summer!

I am hoping...

...To get some new stickers to put on my water bottle!  I had to get a new one before the girls' summer camp because my dear old hydro flask was compromised with a crack in the bottom of the outside lining.  I've been using it for quite some time in that condition because it wouldn't leak, but I really need my water to stay cold so I had to splurge on a new one!  Now it is a beautiful blank canvas just waiting for some awesome stickers.  I'll hopefully be able to share my final decisions soon! 

I am learning...

...Always to conquer my own will and surrender to God's most Holy and Perfect Will!  It can be very hard to be resigned, even when things are going your way.  But we must always be resigned whether things go well or badly for us.  

In my kitchen...

I made these delicious deserts in the not-too-distant past!  (I haven't made much noteworthy, as of late, unfortunately.)  The fruit pizza on the left was for friends of ours from church when they were having their home enthroned to the Sacred Heart of Jesus!  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to complete it in time for the party so I brought it to Mass the following day.   Here is the recipe I followed from Catholic Cuisine!

The dessert on the right is an absolutely delicious White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake from The Pioneer Woman!  I definitely recommend letting it set up overnight for the flavors to marry and the filling to hold up best.  It's not too sweet and is the perfect amount of cream cheesy! 😋

My sister also made this stunning version of the Sacred and Immaculate Heart fruit pizza for our own home enthronement!

Board room

Alright, well, I just binged-pinned a bunch of ACGAS and WCTH.  🙈  But I also have lots of beautiful, summery pins accumulating!

(You can view my entire Pinterest here!)

Shared Quote

A moment from my day

I've been writing quite a few pen-pal letters after camp and just generally catching up!  It's been so fun to put things together and send off snail-mail across the country in lots of different directions. 

Closing Notes

Thank you all so much for taking some time out of your day to see what I've been about!  This summer is really shaping up to be a very relaxing yet busy time. 😂  I can't wait to share more with you soon!  What have you been up to?  Have you watched the shows I mentioned or read the books?  Have a wonderful day!!

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

Sarah

Catholic Holy Cards: What to do with them all?

Last year I received a comment on my decluttering post asking, 

"How do you pray with your holy cards?"

That's a great question!  Besides using them as bookmarks, holy cards can be a tremendous spiritual aid.  I really like to use ones that have my favorite prayers, quotes, and images on them when I'm praying at church or sitting in quiet meditation at home.  

I keep the bulk of my holy card collection in a box from my Little Flower's Girls Group growing up.  The box was part of our project for the virtue of orderliness.  I have to chuckle a little bit because, while the box keeps my holy cards all in one place and is not visibly a mess, the inside of the box is a little chaotic.  But there is a method to the madness.

Usually, these holy cards are out of sight and out of mind but I do rifle through this box whenever I need to find a certain prayer, image, or even a card for a letter or a gift!  I also keep some extra brown scapulars in here, as you can see.

Now to the ones I pray with!  I have this lovely little holy card album I purchased while visiting the Norbertine Canonesses.  It's perfect for keeping my most favorite prayer cards and carrying them in my purse/backpack.  I whip this out after every Mass and nearly every time I visit a church or chapel!  The most important way we can remember to use holy cards in our prayer is to have them readily available at any time!  (Here's one from Full of Grace USA!)

                   

This picture of St. Thérèse is my grandfather's memorial card.  

It reminds me to pray for him and all my departed family whenever I open this album.

I had an aversion to this image of Christ after the scourging when I was younger as I thought it gratuitous.  But in the last 5 or so years, I read some of the book, "Revelations of St. Bridget: On the Life and Passion of Our Lord and the Life of His Blessed Mother" (affiliate link) in which Our Lord's sufferings are described.  Our Lady speaks,

"...I beheld His body bruised and beaten to the very ribs, so that His ribs could be seen; and what was still more bitter, when the scourge was raised, His very flesh was furrowed by the thongs. ... my Son stood thus, all bloody, all torn, so that no soundness could be found in Him nor any spot to scourge..."

Venerable Fulton Sheen also wrote in his book, "The Life of Christ" speaking of Our Lord, 

"He will find Himself without a friend in the world, an outcast on a hill, with mobs shouting His death, and His flesh hanging from Him like purple rags."

So you see, this image of Our Lord could be very accurate and I find it so helpful in meditation on Our Lord's suffering and passion.  Now to the praying part!!  I have this picture opposite The Litany of Humility.  A great pairing, right?  (You can find both of these holy cards here!)

Other holy cards included in my album are these wedding remembrance cards!  These are so beautiful for meditating on parts of the Holy Family's life that are hidden but they're also good reminders to pray for the couples whose weddings I've attended and for all married couples.

These images are so beautiful.  I use the left one of Mary, Jesus, St. Dominic, and St. Catherine while praying the Rosary.  It is a remembrance of a priest's ordination so I pray for him too!  The right one is my uncle's funeral card.

I try to pray this prayer every time I use this album.  This is The Golden Arrow prayer as given by Our Lord to Sr. Mary of St. Peter.  He said that it delightfully wounds His heart in reparation for the blasphemies He receives.  (Copies of this card can be found here!)

The card opposite is one from Catholic to the Max.  The prayer is so beautiful and has helped me so much in my vocation discernment.  Or at least, it has helped me to pray for patience and resignation.

Then in the front of my missal under the flap of the cover, I keep all the priestly ordination cards I've collected.  These priests are all very special to me so having their cards in the front of my missal allows me to pray for them at every Mass.

Then at the back of my missal, I have a few random cards.  These were given to me by friends so I often remember to pray for them as well.  The one of Mary and Baby Jesus is the card from the profession of a Carmelite nun!  

I usually grab this nice small card of Our Lady of Guadalupe to use as an extra bookmark if the Mass is from the common of the Blessed Virgin.  It was given to me by my dear Carmelite pen-pal whose title is "of Our Lady of Guadalupe!" 💙  Please pray for her as she will be making her final profession in July!! 🎉

Finally, I also have holy cards as bookmarks in my Catholic Girl's Guide by Father Lasance.  This book is full of beautiful meditations, lessons, and prayers so I have lots of pages bookmarked.  It really is a little powerhouse of prayer that I carry with me almost everywhere in my purse!

I also keep a few holy cards that I've received from pen-pals in my writing desk.  This one is very special as it's a relic of the Infant of Prague statue!  😊  

Even if you don't have room for all of your most important holy cards in your missal or prayer album, get creative and put them around the house in places you'll see them!  Your desk, bathroom mirror, car, and kitchen are all great places to put little prayer reminders!

I hope you enjoyed reading this and that you got even a little inspiration about how to use your holy cards!  They can be a very helpful and handy tool for memorizing prayers and praying for others.  

Where do you keep your holy cards and how do you use them?  I'd love to hear in the comments below!

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

Sarah

Goodbye Social Media, Hello TAN Books

Hello, my dear readers,

I hope you're doing well!  Here I am again after a long silence.  One of these days, I'll get regular about posting!  (Right?😅)  Anyway, you may recall that I've been trying to keep my social media time in check for a while now.  (I blogged about it here and here.)  Well, as much as I tried and hoped to balance my time and maintain self-control, I still struggled with endless scrolling.  Yes, there were so many good Catholic quotes, adorable knitting patterns, and lovely inspiration, but I was overall being harmed by my time on social media.  Along with the good posts, there were so many occasions to be accosted by language.  When scrolling reels, who knows how many times you'll hear curse words or, even worse, God's name used in vain.  It really is upsetting to the soul.  Not only that, but it's very hard not to fall into the comparison game whether that be wanting all the beautiful yarn or desiring a life and vocation that is not your own.  It's so important to focus on the here and now; what's right in front of us.  I was seeing all of these lovely posts from wives, mothers, and homemakers, but that is not my calling right now.  Right now, I need to focus on cultivating virtue in myself towards God, my family, and my friends; not the husband I don't have.  

So with that, I've finally decided to deactivate my Instagram accounts.  (Facebook will remain to stay connected to family and friends.)  The accounts are not completely deleted in case I would like to make the time to come back to them, but in my mind, they're just as good as deleted for now.  Instead, I would like to make more time for prayer, reading, work, knitting, and blogging here!  This blog has always been my favorite way to share experiences and thoughts.  I've just wasted so much time trying to keep up with trends that I don't set aside the longer block of time required to post here.  

But now that I don't have Instagram, I wanted to share one of my latest endeavors here with you!!  

Introducing my very own TAN books Affiliate Link!!  🎉  

For every purchase made using the link above, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you!  This is a small way to support my endeavors and adventures at home for the rest of this summer.  (That will be changing this fall; stay tuned for more announcements!)  So if you enjoy reading great Catholic literature, both classic and new, please prayerfully consider using my link!  Thank you!!

My old blog, The Life of a Homeschooler, was all about my homeschooling adventures and learning.  However, for me, homeschooling never stops even after you graduate.  I'm constantly learning, especially about my faith and I want to have the best books possible for doing that!  I've read TAN Books throughout my life and schooling.  They have a wonderful selection for early readers through the learned adult.  These books will help you grow in your faith and spirituality while keeping your mind and imagination engaged!

In the future, whenever I post about the TAN Books I'm reading or sharing in a gift guide, I'll share this affiliate link so stay tuned for lots of great Catholic literature content!  

Thank you so much for being here, friend!  I hope to share lots more wonderful Catholic content in the very near future without any of the added stress of social media.  Is there anything in particular you would like to read about here?  Please do let me know in the comments below!

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

Sarah