Journeys of a Catholic Poster Girl

So, friends, we have just been through the spiritual wringer, with Pentecost tomorrow crowning the Easter season. We’ve been through Lent, the Triduum, and Easter in what always seems to be a whirlwind, doesn’t it? We begin in the freezing cold of February (remember the snow storm? Whew!) and end with it being 80 degrees tomorrow. Time always goes so fast…

I know that a lot of us, myself included, made, or tried to make, some faith life changes during Lent. Here’s how I’m doing:

1. Daily Rosary: I’ve been better about this lately. Usually I try to say my decades on the way home from work, or if I’m waiting in a doctor’s office. But sometimes praying in the car is undermined by my less-than-charitable thoughts towards other drivers. I can also say it before I go to bed but then I find I can fall asleep, and I don’t think that works so well.
2. Daily Bible reading: this happens about 98% of the time, unless I’m in surgery (like the other day) and too conked out to read.
3. Daily Mass: Oh not happening. Trying, but not happening yet. I’m going to definitely make a concerted effort to start going once a week, at least, once I’m back at work.
4. Spiritual reading: Going well, especially with the Pope’s book.
5. Magnificat reading: About 50%. It doesn’t help that my subscription seems to be delayed and I’m going to have to go to the Cathedral Book Shop or Catholica for the June edition. Sigh

So I am trying, but sometimes it seems like I spend most of my days in frivolous things. I mean, how much time does it really take to say the rosary? To say extra prayers, to spend time with God? And how much is the reward? It’s priceless. Yet…I can always think of other things to do. Not a good thing.
Also, once my implant is activated, I’m going to “hie thee to a confessional” and get a good confession done. Long-time readers know I am not the biggest fan of this sacrament. But once I can hear again I’m going to try to strengthen my devotion to it. I’ve done enough reading now to be convinced it’s something I need to be more consistent about. If the Pope is going to confession weekly, then I should be there a lot more often, I think.

I know the only way to get closer to God and discern his will for my life (which I’ve been floundering about with, lately) is to pray more and to spend more time with him. I better step it up…

to remind us “cradle Catholics” of all the wonders of our faith and to re-inspire us!

I give you The Recovering Dissident Catholic, one of my new favorite blogs–her writing is truly inspired.  She was born Catholic, fell away and was Confirmed into Full Communion this past Easter. But let her tell you about it!

Prayer requests for a friend’s family that’s going through a rough time right now. I know you guys are awesome at prayer, so fire up the engines for my friend. A lot going on there right now.

<b>Elizabeth Bennet</b><br>
Often called Lizzy, Elizabeth is the heroine of Pride and Prejudice. The seceond eldest of five sisters, she is witty and intelligence, though her prejudice prevents her from recognizing her true love when he appears. However, Mr. Darcy, though he appears proud, wins her love and respect, but not before she believes she’s lost him forever.<br>
<a href=’http://www.thequizzery.com/quiz.php?id=3147′>Which Classic Heroine are You?</a>

Here are the long-promised notes for the introduction and chapter one…obviously, this is what struck me and what I saw as important themes. If you’re reading the book, or have questions, feel free to comment and I’ll try to clarify. As with everything B XVI writes, there is much insight that can only be seen after multiple readings! I’ve also included page markings and bible quotes when applicable. These will also be quite long, although I have tried to shorten them from my original notes to make them more comprehensive.

Introduction

The Pope discusses Jesus as a “new Moses”; while Moses could speak with the Lord “as a friend” (4), he couldn’t see God’s face. Jesus gives us “a real, immediate vision of the face of God” and has “most intimate unity” (6) with the Father. We have to understand the connection between Moses and Jesus if we are to understand how Jesus is presented in the N.T. He is the fulfillment of Moses’ prophesy in Deutoronomy (Deut. 34:10). Without Jesus’ grounding as the Son of God, his teachings would be “pure presumption” (7). This shows us how Jesus was understood by him time–they misjudged him because they could not accept these “inner groundings” of seeing and knowing face to face (7).

(Read on …)