Catholic Online Forum

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.com/


Gerhard is a priest friend of mine from South Africa.


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

Gerhard's Lenten contribution for today: http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.com/





Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

Todays Gerhard: Always revive unity

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... unity.html



Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

At one time or another or possibly always, Gerhard's meditation for today is for all of us:


http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... trong.html



Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

Today's "Gerhard" is very short, but very powerful and not just because that's what happened to me ages ago, and I've never looked back.


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

Today's Gerhard:

continued here:

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... f-god.html



Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

Wednesday, August 01, 2012
Gerhard: Nourish ourselves with the Word of God

Like an arid landscape in need of water,
Jeremiah is in need of nourishment!

Nourish ourselves with the Word of God .

Jeremiah complains to his mother and to God,
for he is in need of assurance, support and conviction
that what he is is doing is the will of God
(Jer 15:10.16-21).
His being rejected and scorned by Judah
has reached breaking point:
"Why is my suffering continual, my wound incurable,
refusing to be healed."

There are times in our own lives when we feel the same.
Is it worth "doing the Will of God?"
Should I give up my repeated prejudice and judgement of others?
I am tired of "loving" - it only leads to me being exploited,
being taken for granted and used as a floor mat.
Must I always be the one to "keep quiet for the sake of peace"?

Nourish ourselves with the Word of God
because God's answer to Jeremiah is quite clear:
"If you come back, I will take you back ....
I am with you to save you and to deliver you..."

Even when I do not see the bigger picture,
come back to God.
Even when "living the Word of God" seems futile,
come back to God.
Nourish ourselves with the Word of God .

God re-instates his choice of Jeremiah
when Jeremiah has converted himself !
i.e. when he has regained confidence in God's Plan for him
by rejecting those 'rebellious thoughts.'

To read the rest go here: http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... f-god.html

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

Friday, August 03, 2012
Gerhard: Walk in the path of God’s teachings.

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... hings.html



Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

Do not doubt in God’s help .

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... -help.html


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

Today Gerhard chose these words from Chiara Lubich, foundress of the Focolare Movement. ( Originally published in July 1984).

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... -life.html


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

An excerpt from Gerhard: August 13, 2012

Respect also human laws:

A passion for God emerges in the Readings from the Book of Ezekiel
over the next two weeks (in between the celebration of great Feasts).
The prophet Ezekiel will speak to us through apocalyptic visions
of beasts and fire, wings and colours, storms, clouds and winds!

Saint Theresa of Lisieux spoke of
the "sacrament of the present moment":
each present moment is charged with God communicating with us.
Hence each moment is a "sacrament."

We are in the eighth month of 2012, the thirteenth day,
and each one of us will encounter specific places
during the course of the day, places and situations unique to us.
In terms of Ezekiel's message,
what will God be saying to me today?


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

Feast of the Assumption of our Blessed Mother...excerpt from todays Gerhard...
http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... -word.html


Like someone being given a rose,
humankind is given a "Mystical Rose",
in the person of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

We first read of her in Scripture when she said her "Yes!" to the Angel Gabriel, to become the Mother of God, Incarnate in Jesus.
She was living today's Password:
Believe in the power of God’s Word ,
and in that she is "mystical."

From her place in the Upper Room in Jerusalem at Pentecost,
until today, she continues to
Believe in the power of God’s Word ,
so that "mystically"-speaking, she can be for us a model
of what it means to be "Christian."


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

Dear Mary,

Thanks for introducing us to your friend Gerhard, and his blog. His entry for today's Feast of the Queenship of Mary is:

He is simple and direct. Yes, devotion to Mary is intrinsicto Christian worship, as we read in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 971. Mary leads us to her Son, and we find in her our Mother and Model. Happy Feast of Our Lady, today, to you, Mary, and to everyone!

"Mary, my Queen and my Mother, I am all yours! Keep me; guard me, as your property and possession." (This is a short form of total consecration to Jesus through Mary). For more on St. Louis de Montfort's true devotion see: http://www.ewtn.com/library/montfort/truedevo.htm

MariaChristi

_________________
MariaChristi

To love is to serve:

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... serve.html


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

Dear Mary,

Thanks for the link. I read it after I had read another commentary on today's Gospel. Both are thought-provoking, but I prefer this one by St. Teresa of Avila because I think I learn more about love and service through prayer:

Wednesday of the Twenty-second week in Ordinary Time
Commentary of the day
Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), Carmelite, Doctor of the Church
The Way of Perfection, ch.24 (©Institute of Carmelite Studies)

"Jesus left and went to a deserted place"

How could we forget the Master who taught us this prayer, and with so much love and desire that it benefit us?... You already know that His Majesty teaches that it be recited in solitude. This is what He always did when He prayed, and not out of any need of His own but for our instruction. It has already been mentioned that one cannot speak simultaneously to God and to the world; this would amount to nothing more than reciting the prayer while listening to what is being said elsewhere or to letting the mind wander and making no effort to control it.

There can be exceptions at times, either because of bad humors - especially if the person is melancholic - or because of faint feelings in the head so that all efforts become useless. Or it can happen that God will permit days of severe temptation in his servants for their greater good. And though in their affliction they are striving to be quiet, they cannot even be attentive to what they are saying, no matter how hard they try; nor will the intellect settle down in anything, but by the disordered way it goes about, it will seem to be in a frenzy. Whoever experiences the affliction these distractions cause will see that they are not his fault... Like a sick person he should strive to bring some relief to his soul; let him occupy himself in other works of virtue. This advice now is for persons who are careful and who have understood that they must not speak simultaneously to both God and the world.

What we ourselves can do is to strive to be alone; and please God it will suffice, as I say, that we understand to whom we are speaking and the answer the Lord makes to our petitions. Do you think He is silent? Even though we do not hear Him, He speaks well to the heart when we beseech Him from the heart.

_________________
MariaChristi

Maria, if that's where God called you then that's definitely where He wants you.

The charism of the Focolare is Unity and Charity. Ours is a Trinitarian spirituality..."I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13: 34-35


In a sense, we are called to re-live Mary by bringing Jesus to the World.


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

Dear Mary,

All are called to holiness. I agree with you that holiness comes to us through Mary. God's Will to bring all of us back to Him, sent Jesus through Mary in the Incarnation; and He continues to send every grace through her to the end of time. In preferring one commentary to another, I was trying to point out the necessity of coming to know Christ truly before we can love or serve truly. Perhaps I was remembering the order of words in the Baltimore Catechism: " God made us to know Him, love Him and serve Him...". I am also mindful of the words of Jesus in the Gospel:

Mat 7:21 - 23 "Not every one who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.' "

Prayer is like oxygen for any follower of Christ. If we do not come to know Him, and allow Him to know us, than we run the risk of doing without Him; i.e. loving and serving only by our own natural instincts; and according to our own will. Saints help us to see more clearly God's Will, as they lived and wrote about their relationship with Him. Prayer as St. John Mary Vianney wrote is "nothing other than union with God." St. Teresa is a Doctor of the Church because her teaching is universal. It is not merely for Carmelites, but her gifts (like those of Chiara Lubich) are intended to enrich the entire Church. All true Movements and true spirituality ultimately leads us to the Trinity and loving union with one another.

As Jesus lovingly told Martha that she was too busy about many things, and pointed her to the one thing necessary, so I think we need to be careful that we learn in prayer, God's Will for us : our sanctification. I believe Martha learned to serve truly when she began do do as her sister Mary had chosen to do: sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from Him how to love and to serve. Our Blessed Mother is the model disciple. In her we see a "contemplative in action". At Cana, she shares what she learned in prayer and directs the other servants: "Do whatever He tells you".

Gerhard's blog is good and his commentary is good; certainly love seeks to serve. I wanted to add St. Teresa's words for anyone who may not have realized the danger there can be in in simply "thinking we love" or "thinking we are serving lovingly" without having a true union with God. Does that clarify it somewhat? I had the feeling that you thought my preference had to do with my own spirituality only.

_________________
MariaChristi

Maria, I'm sorry what I said yesterday wasn't clear.

I believe Gerhard's 'Word' for today will clarify my comments far better than I could.

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... -love.html


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

Thanks, Mary. No apology needed. God knows our hearts and our desire to know, love and serve Him better each day!

_________________
MariaChristi

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... s-our.html

Today's Gerhard reminds me of "as I have loved you, so also must you love one another".

I think the little boy has understood that very deeply.


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... -else.html


And we are given the key!
Charity above all else...


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

From Gerhard:

Simple Password today.
Show love to the poor .

And there are many ways of showing love
- not just providing handouts.
Accept, however, that where handouts are needed,
we are needed to hand out.

No, there are many more "poor" around us:
emotionally, spiritually, psychologically,
in a "not good" relationship or "not good" space right now...

There's more here:

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... -poor.html


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

Saint Therese of the Child Jesus...


http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... hbour.html



Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... to-me.html


This is what we all hope to hear on Judgement day, too...


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

Fabulous lead-in to Year of Faith...

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... -love.html


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

Gerhard has a sense of humor along with his love for
God and for, "...that they may all be one...etc

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... ctity.html


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

What do I need to "lose" in order to have Christ in my life?


http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... r-our.html


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... tient.html




Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

Really enjoyed it.Thanks

_________________
Simon

Simon, I've been reading Gerhard's blog every day for about a year now.

There's always something that helps me live the Word of God a little better.

Gerhard is a Priest of the Work of Mary [Focolare] and he lives in South Africa...are you anywhere near there?


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

No No I am in the middle of India.Foreign priests are not allowed to work for long periods(Forigners Act?) here,thank God for the Grace of the Internet.Otherwise I would be condemned to be ignorant about The Faith.

_________________
Simon

Simon, I understand from personal experience how that feels.

However, I did find a Focolare in India; if this is not close enough to visit you could contact them and they'll be able to give you the information you might need:

http://www.stthomaschurch.in/site/religious/focolare/


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... oving.html


Excerpt from Saturday, Nov 24: "Do not tire in loving"





Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

I would trust that just about all of us, if not all, have had experiences such as Father Gerhard is sharing with us today.


http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... thers.html




Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

Today's Fr. Gerhard: So true, as always...


http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... other.html


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... -life.html

‘But to all who received him,
he gave power to become children of God’


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... arity.html



Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... -with.html




Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... -your.html





Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

Fr. Gerhard:


http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... ut-of.html




Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

Saint John of the Cross.

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... cross.html


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... oving.html



Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... deeds.html




Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... among.html





Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... -gods.html





Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... -love.html





Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

posting.php?mode=reply&f=224&t=64753





Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

The priest said at his Homily that"the wise men had to search" and that the "star left them" in other words they had to struggle- is this the common experience? Everyone faces a struggle and has to walk an uncharted path sometimes?

_________________
Simon

Sounds good to me, Simon...they had to stop several hours to sleep,and two years is quite a long time.



Sounds like me and everyone I ever met!


Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI

http://gerhard-hattinghsblog.blogspot.c ... an-08.html
Tuesday, January 8, 2013:




Mary

_________________
"Those who encounter the Risen Jesus
and entrust themselves docilely to him have nothing to fear.
This is the message that Christians are called to spread
to the very ends of the earth." Benedict XVI