Epiclesis

J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R.*

The Calling Down of the Holy Spirit

http://www.radiantlight.org.uk/art_gallery/details/?show_image_id=43&full_frame=1

Elizabeth Wang does a good job evoking the power
and majesty of the Supreme overshadowing.

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If it seems to the reader that I am fixated
on this liturgical moment, you're right.
Three words are central to this eternal mystery:

Illumine, Consume, Transform

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I find it interesting that the average Catholic
spends very little time and effort seeking light
relative to this mysterious eternal moment.

We must humbly approach this mystery,
and yet we would do well to commemorate it well.

Below are the four approved English language translations
of the critically important Divine Action.

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What follows is an actual miraculous elevation of the host
at the epiclesis in Lourdes, France:

Looks authentic to me.
Praise God!!!

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Next we see one version of the Eastern Rite epiclesis,
The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

http://esoptron.umd.edu/ugc/liturgy3.html

THE EPICLESIS
(INVOCATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT)

Priest (silently): Again we offer to You this spiritual and unbloody sacrifice, and we implore and pray, and entreat You, send down Your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts here present.

(Blessing the bread) And make this bread the precious body of Your Christ. (Blessing the chalice) And that which is in this chalice, the precious blood of your Christ. (Blessing both) Having changed them by Your Holy Spirit:

Priest (silently): So that to those who partake of them, they may be for the purification of the soul, for the remission of sins, for the communion in Your Holy Spirit, for the fullness of the heavenly kingdom, for confidence in You, not for judgment or condemnation.

Priest (silently): Moreover, we offer to You this spiritual sacrifice for those who departed in the faith; the forefathers, fathers, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, preachers, evangelists, martyrs, confessors, ascetics and for every righteous spirit who has died in the faith.

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Click this icon for a very illuminating talk
on the epiclesis from the Eastern Orthodox perspective

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Below you'll find a detailed treatment on this very pivotal
element of Christian liturgical tradition.

http://www.ltp.org/p-1895-the-eucharistic-epiclesis-a-detailed-history-from-the-patristic-to-the-modern-era.aspx

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Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,
Mike Rizzio

Imitate Mary
Become like Jesus
Live for the Triune God

Seek the Light of Our Lord Jesus Christ
See you on the High Ground!

* - J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R. stands for:
Jesus, Mary and Joseph;
O Beata Trinitas;
St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael

REMEMBER DCCC! What makes us think it won't happen again?

J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R.*

Skull Cathedral

Otranto, Italy

Eight hundred Catholic martyrs in glass-fronted cases behind the altar.

Some details from various websites:

Mehmed II (Mohammed II) made Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) the new capital of the Ottoman Empire, and he assumed the title of Kayser-i Rûm (Caesar Romanus = Roman Emperor). The Russian Tsars also claimed to be the successors to the eastern imperial title. To consolidate his claim, Mehmed II wanted to gain control over the Western capital, Rome, and Ottoman forces occupied parts of the Italian Peninsula. They started with the invasion of Otranto and Apulia on 28 July 1480. After Mehmed II's death on 3 May 1481 the campaign in Italy was cancelled and Ottoman forces retreated.

“The gray-haired Archbishop was dragged from the altar and his body sawed in two”

“Turkish commander summons 800 inhabitants, all of the able-bodied men, and forces them to choose between the Muslim faith and death. All 800 [martyrs] are beheaded on the hill of Minerva, and their skulls are preserved in the cathedral.”

http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/161401?eng=y

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottoman_invasion_of_Otranto

Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,

Mike Rizzio

Imitate Mary
Become like Jesus
Live for the Triune God

Seek the Light of Our Lord Jesus Christ
See you on the High Ground!

* - J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R. stands for:
Jesus, Mary and Joseph;
O Beata Trinitas;
St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael

Formula for Creation and Formula for Re-creation?

J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R.*

Romeo Niram God's Formula
(with modesty provided by yours truly)
http://niramartmagazine.wordpress.com/category/painting/page/2/

(From the above website) This exhibition is dedicated to the encounter that has never taken place in the real world between the physicist Albert Einstein and the sculptor Constantin Brancusi, an encounter that may have taken place in the world of the creative ideas. Romeo Niram tries to find common points, to establish clear relations between science and art, showing how the human mind can reach, by way of unknown and unexplainable mechanisms, scientifically or artistically, the same genial intuition that can determine the progress of Humanity.

Niram proposes a new interpretation of Brancusi´s sculpture by means of the science, or of the physics by means of the art. It is not without interest that The Beginning of the World, the famous egg-shaped sculpture of Brancusi had been created before the scientific community decided the shape of the Universe to be quasi-spherical, or that Einstein’s formula E=mc² proved to be, after his death, the Formula of the Creation of the Universe. Brancusi’s sculpture, Einstein’s physics, art and science are brought together on Niram’s canvas, raising even more questions. The answers may be found in a thorough exploration of what lies between the lines and colours of the Romanian painter.

In the words of Álvaro Lobato de Faria, director and founder of MAC, Romeo Niram, a painter of renowned merit, of powerful and expressive personality and of unquestionable virtuosity, is, between the abstract and the figurative, a sensitive witness of our times. Niram puts forward ideas, thoughts and concepts full of passion and energy, of strong structure and morphology, a renewal of the Art.

Born in a Jewish family in 1974 in Bucharest, Romeo Niram lives in Madrid, where he has founded the arts magazine in 4 languages Niram Art, dedicated to promoting artists of all nationalities. This month the first Espacio Niram is to be inaugurated in the heart of the Spanish capital, a unique space meant to be the physical continuation of the virtual artistic space created by the Niram Art Magazine, a gathering spot for all artists and those interested in arts.

The Spanish art critic Begoña Fernández Cabaleiro underlined in the article Brancusi, Einstein and the Origin of the Universe that Niram creates a unique language, of symbols and colours that offers the key to the understanding of his work.

The Movement for Contemporary Art, distinguished cultural institution that has energized for 14 years the arts’ scene in Portugal, offers the Portuguese art-lovers this intriguing artistic vision named Brancusi : E=mc² by Romeo Niram, together with the necessary key to the understanding of his art.

Einstein’s formula E=mc² proved to be...the Formula of the Creation of the Universe.

Christ's formula for the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper is gather/mass with an offering of bread and wine, Epiclecis/"This is my Body"/"This is my Blood." (simplified to the essentials)

The Holy Eucharist has been described by many Christians as eternal re-creation in Jesus Christ (Remember: salvation comes not just from the passion and death of Our Lord, but also and most importantly from His Resurrection:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodox_Christian_theology
"The Word of God came in His own Person, because it was He alone, the Image of the Father, Who could recreate man made after the Image. In order to effect this re-creation, however, He had first to do away with death and corruption. Therefore He assumed a human body, in order that in it death might once and for all be destroyed, and that men might be renewed according to the Image [of God]."  St. Athanasius, On the Incarnation

http://www.catholicsentinel.org/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=35&ArticleID=4943
"On Easter, we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus to new life, the mystery of God's re-creation, the mystery of eternal life, the mystery of God sharing our human suffering, even our death that we might share Jesus Resurrection and Ascension into heaven."

http://www.christinyou.net/pages/xnty=res.html
"In the resurrection God breaks into history; eternity breaks into time; God re-creates humanity."

Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,
Mike Rizzio

Imitate Mary
Become like Jesus
Live for the Triune God

Seek the Light of Our Lord Jesus Christ
See you on the High Ground!

* - J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R. stands for:
Jesus, Mary and Joseph;
O Beata Trinitas;
St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael

Gold Mining "Possess the Vision" A Christian Site

J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R.*

http://possessthevision.wordpress.com

Jesus is The Light of the World
(Bold text, gold highlighting
 and [[[My Comment]]]) are my additions)

In our previous posting we introduced the Golden Lamp Stand as one of the objects found inside the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. We identified that the purpose of the Lamp Stand is to illuminate the bread found on the Table of Show Bread. We also demonstrated that this bread is symbolic of the Bread of Life, which in turn, is Jesus our Lord and Savior.

As in our postings about the Table of Show Bread, we will initiate our analysis by looking at what the words of Jesus have to say about His identity. We will then present a series of events that reveal how the truth of this statement was supported in the form of miracles.

Here are the words of Jesus declaring to be the Light of the World:

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

By claiming to be the Light of the World, Jesus is proclaiming that He is the living Lamp Stand that came down from heaven. After all, Jesus came to earth to help us see that He is the Bread of Life, the Christ and the Son of God.

Here is a scripture that supports the proposition that Jesus is the Light of the World:

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:1-5)

Jesus is the Light of the World because He illuminates the pathway to the Father, which He did for His disciples in the above scripture.

The Principles of the Light of the World

In looking at the life of Jesus as the Light of the World, we find several key traits that can be used in molding our own lives to that of Christ Jesus. One such trait is to illuminate the pathway to the Father to others, just as Jesus did. Being a light to others means that our good works should be visible to others so that the goodness of God is clearly seen. Our lives should enable them to understand what we are and what we believe. Therefore, those around us will not be surprised that we are a Christian. We should be a light to others so that they will not stumble in the darkness, but rather, have the everlasting light of Jesus. Read the words of Jesus in regard to becoming a light for others:

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-6)

In this scripture Jesus passes the purpose of the Lamp Stand on to His disciples who are to be held on high to dispense the light of Gods own Son to everyone in the world. The key principle is that it is the mission of every Christian to be light to those around us. We must illuminate the truth that God gives to our fellow man. Like the Golden Lamp Stand we must illuminate the Table of Showbread and the Holy Place of God. Therefore we must illuminate Jesus who is the light of the world, the bread of life, the only begotten Son of God. We must illuminate the fact that Jesus came to tell us the Fathers Truth, that He came to save us from our own sin and that He is the Savior of the world.

Another principle discovered at the Golden Lamp Stand is to become enlightened through prayer in the Holy Place of God.
[[[This is precisely what happens in Catholic Liturgy with the ultimate Prayer in the ultimate Holy Place—the Priest's Eucharistic Prayer and Christ's Words of Institution at the altar in Holy Mass]]]
Jesus turned to prayer to seek guidance from the Father and we should do likewise. It is critical that we get our guidance in the Holy Place. The following passage is a good example of Jesus getting His direction from the Father through prayer:

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Then He came to the disciples and found them asleep, and said to Peter, “What? Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:36-41)

This is what coming to the Golden Lamp Stand was all about. In this example Jesus is getting directions from the Father that seem counter intuitive and illogical to our earthly mind, yet they are very effective in achieving God’s purpose. As in Jesus’ case this guidance came through prayer. It is prayer that comes once we are inside the Holy Place that illuminates our pathway. In addition, remember that the seven globes of the Lamp Stand represent the perfect vision of the Father. It is this all knowing vision that enables the Father to guide us when we pray an enable us to setting our course as well as avoid obstacles. This guidance is essential to proceeding effectively toward our mission.

So, we as imitators of God seek to become more like Jesus who is the Golden Lamp Stand, in the following ways:

Enter into the Holy Place in your Prayer Life

We must move from the Outer Court and into the Holy Place of the inner courtyard. We need to get past our sinful nature that drives us back to the outer court yard begging for forgiveness. To enter into enlightened prayer in the Holy Place we must become a fundamentally changed people who can live with a pure heart, not desiring the world or anything in it.

Your prayers in the Holy Place fill the bowls of the Lamp Stand with the oil that illuminates Jesus, the Bread of Life and enables you to see the truth (after all you have passed through the door call the Truth). Your prayer will illuminate your walk with God and the anointing oil of the Lord will cover you such that you can be a light unto others.

Seek God for Direction

Our prayer time then becomes a time of communication. We seek closeness with God and God in turn illuminates our path.

Be Visible

Our actions and life need to be visible to others. The world must know that we follow in the steps directed by our Father. Do not be dismayed if the things that God shows you seem to be impossible. The best way to be visible is to set out and attempt the impossible and proclaim it to the world. After all, if we only attempt what we can achieve then where does God fit in? He certainly gets no glory from our independent actions. But if we undertake the impossible in the name of God, then God will support our actions with miracles that make the impossible possible. Others see what God has done and are impacted by their experience. Most importantly, God gets the glory that He justly deserves.

Be a Light to Others

Let your actions, words and life be an inspiration to others. When they see God’s favor in your life they will look to you for guidance. Point them toward Jesus. Disciple them and nurture them in the way of the Lord.

Expect Miracles to Follow the Truth from God

Speak the truth of your enlightenment to others and expect the power of God to support your action with His miraculous power through the Holy Spirit. Step out in faith, do what He puts in your heart and expect Him to do what you cannot:

So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts. ‘Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bringforth the capstone With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”“ (Zec 4:6-7) 

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So what is a Catholic to make of this?
It all sounds right and true as far as it goes.

What is missing?
(drumroll please)
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The Fifth Mystery of Light

The Holy Eucharist
The Pilot Light of the Seven Sacraments

E=mc²

"For the God who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness,"
is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light
of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."  2 Cor 4:6

Energy = mass_rest (absolute speed of light x absolute speed of light)
Energeia = Mass_{day of rest} ("This is my Body"  x  "This is my Blood")

http://thebreadoflifeemc2.blogspot.com/

If the Consecration of the Bread and Wine
does not involve Holy Light x Holy Light,
then how do you explain the transformation?

The Eastern Orthodox provide this insight
from the Divine Liturgy (akin to our Mass):

"Enable me by the power of Thy Holy Spirit so that, being vested with the grace of priesthood, I may stand before Thy holy Table and celebrate the mystery of Thy holy and pure Body and Thy precious Blood ... for Thou, O Christ our God, art the Offerer and Thou art the One offered; it is Thou Who receivest the offering and Thou art Thyself the offering which is distributed."

–The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom

So, if natural light transforms chemicals to plant food
and life-giving oxygen via photosynthesis,
what do you think God's own blessing
of Supernatural Light can accomplish?

Confect the Holy Eucharist!

The Holy Spirit alone has the power
(dunamis/energeia)
for He is the Glory Cloud.

And lest we forget the image of Our Lord
and Savior during this time of great mercy:

I see two distinct rays of light flowing out
from the Sacred Heart (Eucharistic Heart)
of the Glorious Person of the Risen Jesus Christ.

Is Jesus trying to tell us someting about
Light x Light?

Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,
Mike Rizzio

Imitate Mary
Become like Jesus
Live for the Triune God

Seek the Light of Our Lord Jesus Christ
See you on the High Ground!

* - J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R. stands for:
Jesus, Mary and Joseph;
O Beata Trinitas;
St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael

Seek the Light of Our Lord Jesus Christ, See you on the High Ground

J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R.*

GOOGLE Search seeking Jesus...

and find

The Bride of Christ

Wow, what a find!!!

At first glance, this is one incredible website.

http://possessthevision.wordpress.com/category/golgotha/

 A Christian Joseph W. Gordon seems to be behind this.

He fails to directly mention:
Pope, The Blessed Mother, Catholic,
or Eucharist anywhere on the site.

It is possible that he is a Catholic in waiting?

I think so.

In the post at

http://possessthevision.wordpress.com/2009/04/19/inside-the-ark-of-the-covenant/

"Papa Joe" states:

"Jesus to be our Ark of the New Covenant,
the manifestation of the Most Holy Place
and our passage way to both."

Let's pray he comes to realize the Fullness of Truth that we Catholics have been gifted with. The Blessed Virgin Mary is the Ark of the Covenant and Jesus is the New and Everlasting Covenant. One is the vessel, the other is the ultimate gift. 

Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,
Mike Rizzio

Imitate Mary
Become like Jesus
Live for the Triune God

Seek the Light of Our Lord Jesus Christ
See you on the High Ground!

* - J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R. stands for:
Jesus, Mary and Joseph;
O Beata Trinitas;
St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael

The Citadel

J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R.*

It's time to build up the walls
and man the watchtowers.

If you haven't seen the movie The Secret of Kells?
I highly recommend this animated gem from 2009.
You can watch it in its entirety on YouTube at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdpwD8vti1M

The Secret of Kells

The quickening we feel must serve as a catalyst
to a great awakening of like-hearted people
who choose to stand firm on the Faith of
Our Fathers.  We need great courage
 during times like these for they
will surely try men's souls.
The signs of the times
are everywhere
apparent.
I jest
not.


Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,
Mike Rizzio

Imitate Mary
Become like Jesus
Live for the Triune God

Seek the Light of Our Lord Jesus Christ
See you on the High Ground!

* - J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R. stands for:
Jesus, Mary and Joseph;
O Beata Trinitas;
St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael

Jesus in Stained Glass and RGB

J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R.*

More than most images, this stained glass reveals the
vivid colors that relate an aspect of the Triune God:

Jesus' humanity is in red
Jesus' divinity (spirit) is in green
The blue represents the realm of God the Father

Oh, and white/gold represents unity
in nature and royalty

Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,
Mike Rizzio

Imitate Mary
Become like Jesus
Live for the Triune God

Seek the Light of Our Lord Jesus Christ
See you on the High Ground!

* - J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R. stands for:
Jesus, Mary and Joseph;
O Beata Trinitas;
St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael

If it's Real, If it's True, It's Catholic

J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R.*

Michael Voris makes a compelling case about Theology.

I think it dovetails nicely with my Heart (on the sidebar)

What do you think?


Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,
Mike Rizzio

Imitate Mary
Become like Jesus
Live for the Triune God

Seek the Light of Our Lord Jesus Christ
See you on the High Ground!

* - J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R. stands for:
Jesus, Mary and Joseph;
O Beata Trinitas;
St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael

RGB Heaven??? Just could be

J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R.*

This collage makes one thing perfectly clear:
Artists are painting heaven using copious amounts
of Red, Green and Blue.

The centerpiece of Jan Van Eck's
Adoration of the Lamb triptych
adds another layer to this tapestry

National Public Radio (NPR) has an intriguing interview
about this incredible Renaisance painting.

Listen by clicking on this icon:

Blue, Red, Green

Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,

Mike Rizzio

Imitate Mary
Become like Jesus
Live for the Triune God

Seek the Light of Our Lord Jesus Christ
See you on the High Ground!

* - J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R. stands for:
Jesus, Mary and Joseph;
O Beata Trinitas;
St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael

Divine Liturgy...Informative–Performative–Transformative

J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R.*

Dr. Scott Hahn's Covenant and Communion, a reflection on Pope Benedict XVI's collected works is a treasure trove.  As I pondered this ambitious effort, beginning on page 180 this morning, I knew I would be blogging about Our Holy Father's perspective of ultimate Truth. Dr. Hahn starts with the words, "Benedict's vision here is breathtaking..."

He goes on, and I summarize: The actio divina divine action (energeia) of the divine liturgy (Mass) is informative (through Christ's speech), performative (through Christ's active suffering), and transformative (through Christ's gift of love).

This is truly revolutionary.  When we the Mystical Body of Christ begin to fully appreciate our role in the cosmic liturgy we will allow ourselves to be informed (lectio divina); we will perform as co-responsible members (offering our very lives in Mass as befitting our common priesthood); we will be living instruments of the Holy Spirit's tranformative love in the world (constant conversion).

Our quest must be to use all means possible to communicate this truth to the world.

Dr. Hahn ends the section with the explanation:

"Benedict integrates modern rhetorical insights into Scripture, especially speech-act theories with the perspectives of liturgical theology and metaphysics in order to articulate a compelling, bibilically grounded understanding of what truly happens in the divine liturgy."

Sounds like an undivided heart to me...

 Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,

Mike Rizzio

Imitate Mary
Become like Jesus
Live for the Triune God

Seek the Light of Our Lord Jesus Christ
See you on the High Ground!


* - J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R. stands for:
Jesus, Mary and Joseph;
O Beata Trinitas;
St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael

The Battle for True Light, Life and Love...11.11.11

J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R.*

It seems that the upcoming date 11.11.11 is a New Ager's dream. Yes, the Aquarian Conspiracy is back in the news. This time there is significant global web traffic that relates a quantum leap in consciousness that involves light, life and love. Good grief! 

http://www.the111111gathering.com/vision.html

Here are some other manifestations of LLL / New Age counterfeits:

http://spiritlibrary.com/circle-of-light/the-power-of-love-the-fiery-furnace

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_F0xk3rrf0

http://global-spirituality.com/books/the-partners-within/sample-meditations

http://www.prweb.com/releases/photography/exhibit_florida/prweb4062174.htm

http://www.ecampus.com/bk_detail.asp?isbn=9781451549287&referrer=cj&AID=10529222&PID=1843057

Ever wonder what your main path in life is? Now, with the help of Chad Cryder's illuminating A GREAT LOVE, you can begin to discover the true basic nature of your life. There are three main spiritual necessities, advises Chad-Life, Light, and Love. From these three prevailing forces live ten powerful lessons to unlock your greatest potential ever. Written in a helpful workbook format, Chad shows you how to use these lessons to tap into your true basic nature as a spiritual being. As you practice and share what the book teaches, you will open up to a greater happiness and a deeper understanding of your life's path. You will also realize that you are loved and respected and a true part of the universal plan. Clearly written and cleverly conceived, A GREAT LOVE also includes the voices of four spirit guides known as the Custodians, giving the book a tone that is as loving as it is humorous and dramatic. Meant to be interactive, A GREAT LOVE asks readers to engage all six of their senses when using and practicing the lessons on a daily basis. A life advisor and spiritual counselor, Chad has been conducting intuitive and tarot readings for over two decades, and first became aware of the Custodians and the spiritual forces of Life, Light, and Love at ten years of age. Inspiring, thoughtful, and full of Chad's great wisdom, A GREAT LOVE is for anyone who wants to be more aware of their life's path and passion.

How is it that people still try to relate truth 

i.e., Light, Life and Love without God?

LUCIFER

Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,
Mike Rizzio

Imitate Mary
Become like Jesus
Live for the Triune God

Seek the Light of Our Lord Jesus Christ
See you on the High Ground!

* - J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R. stands for:
Jesus, Mary and Joseph;
O Beata Trinitas;
St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael

Light, Life and Love...Trinity

J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R.*

 Sometimes I find that non-Catholic Christians have a better grasp

of the importance of Light, Life, Love as a Triune Truth

than do Catholics. What is really lamentable is that we 

have a greater gift to share; a fuller, richer,

real and substantial understanding

of Jesus Christ as Light, Life
and Love in the

Eucharist.

Thank you

Pastor Bristow!

http://bennybristow.com/lifes.htm

Light – Life – Love

  

One day when I had been assigned to give a Wednesday night devotional, I sat on the patio to think about a subject pertaining to God. I began by considering the question, “What are three words that help describe the awesomeness of God?”  Almost immediately three words came into my mind—all three beginning with the letter “L”!  The words were “LIGHT,” “LIFE,” and “LOVE.” Then it occurred to me that these three words are important throughout the Bible.

Therefore, would you please study with me the importance of these three words as they relate to God?

GOD AND LIGHT

Almost immediately the Bible begins with God and light. As Moses recorded the days of creation, on the first day and the first thing that God made was light. “Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). Then as we read further to the fourth day of creation, we learn that God resumed the subject of light. “Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also” (Genesis 1:16). Therefore, light is essential for all the other things in God’s creation.

However, the Bible gives even a greater importance to light, because light is used to describe God. Centuries later, the Holy Spirit guided the apostle John to write, “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).

Before Jesus made His appearance on this earth, Malachi, the last recorded Old Testament prophet announced, “The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings” (Malachi 4:2).  When the apostle John introduced Jesus as the Word in his book, he wrote: “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4).

The sinful world did not like this light from heaven exposing their darkness on earth, but this did not stop Jesus from shining. He taught: “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19).

All through His ministry, Jesus showed the world the light of God. In fact, He identified Himself as being the “light of the world,” John 8:12, and taught His disciples to be reflectors of His light (Matthew 5:14-16). Christians are also commanded to walk in the light of God so they can enjoy fellowship with one another and the cleansing blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7). Without doubt, light is an essential word to describe God!

GOD AND LIFE

After God made light, He then used His power to make life. From the smallest creature to the largest animals that roam the land and swim in the sea, God gave all of them life. But God saved the best until the last. On the sixth and last day of creation, God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth” (Genesis 1:26). Man would be more than the animals—he would be in the image of God.

Therefore, God followed the following procedure in making man. First of all, he made him a physical body from the dust, and then gave him an eternal Soul. “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). Thus, the animals had only physical life, but man had both physical and eternal life.

When God made man and woman, He placed them in a beautiful, growing, watered, garden that He had prepared for them. The garden had all kinds of trees, but the center attraction of it was the tree of life. In fact, there was only one tree that God declared to be off limits to this first couple; it was the tree of death (Genesis 2:17). Therefore, they had a choice between life and death.

Perhaps the saddest thing recorded in the Bible is the fact that this first couple chose death—they obeyed the serpent and disobeyed God. The important question now is, “How will the God of light, life, and love respond?”

Here is the answer, Adam and Eve, along with all generations must face the certainty of physical death—”in Adam all die” (1 Corinthians 15:22). This is the sad news! However, there is also some good news. God also promised spiritual life through the seed of woman (Genesis 3:15).

GOD AND LOVE

Why didn’t God let Adam and Eve die? After all, they had chosen death! The only way to answer this question is that He was motivated by love. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). But the question might be asked, “Did the love of God overcome the fact that this first couple had become sinners?” Yes, God’s love was demonstrated regardless of this fact! “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Always keep in mind that God Himself IS LOVE! The apostle John verifies this truth: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:7-10).

As Jesus went about teaching His message of salvation, He lived and taught love. Love your enemies, love your brethren, love the Father, and to His disciples, love one another. Among the things He wanted to leave with His disciples was the importance of love. When the world saw them, Jesus wanted them to be identified by love.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34, 35). Love had existed in the Old Testament, but Jesus exalted it to its greatest heights. He chose love as the badge for all who followed Him to wear. In this sense, Jesus identified love as a new commandment.

The apostle Paul taught the exalted kind of love that was lived and commanded by Jesus. Before expressing what love will do, Paul showed its importance and how love affects all the acts of Christianity: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

Therefore, among the many words that can be used to describe the greatness of God, surely the words LIGHT, LIFE, and LOVE would describe Him best!  

+       +       +

And from the following site, I find a confirmation of sorts from another Christian, Earl Jackson, a Baptist pastor for over 35 years: http://www.amazingdoctrines.com/def-trinity.html

One.

The three persons of the Godhead have a numerical essence of one.  That means they equally share the same divine essence or nature.  All the attributes of God belong to each of the three persons.  Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each possess all the substance and all the attributes of deity.  The plurality of the Godhead is therefore not a plurality essences, but a plurality of personal distinction.  God is not Three and One, but Three in one.

The false teachers misrepresent this doctrine as tri-theism.  They say 1+1+1=3 but this is the wrong mathematical formula.  The correct formula is not addition but multiplication.  1X1X1=1. 

Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,

Mike Rizzio

Imitate Mary

Become like Jesus

Live for the Triune God

Seek the Light of Our Lord Jesus Christ

See you on the High Ground!

* - J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R. stands for:

Jesus, Mary and Joseph;

O Beata Trinitas;

St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael

Weapon of Mass Construction AND Weapon of Mass Destruction

J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R.*

http://www.cramer-institute.com/TheSandbox/WeaponsForWarfare.html

The Eucharist is a word the ancients used to describe reality—both/and ultimate reality.  Through Christ's Passion, Death and Resurrection the Greek εὐχαριστία (eucharistia),  which in English translates to thanksgiving, has been elevated to a mysterious oneness with the Real Person and Real Presence of Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity, both fully God and fully man. 

We must be careful when stating a premise like "The Eucharist is not a Weapon." 

See the blog at  http://datinggod.org/2011/02/25/the-eucharist-is-not-a-weapon-part-i

"Dating God" is another easily misunderstood modern construct.

The Catholic way of pondering reality makes one first consider the argument that the Eucharist is both a weapon and not a weapon. It might also be true that if the Eucharist is a weapon then it is both a Weapon of Mass Construction and a Weapon of Mass Destruction.

There is ample proof that a protracted battle is raging for the heart and soul of mankind and that the Body of Christ is central to this life–death struggle.  Going deeper and to the source, the Holy Eucharist is the center of the Body of Christ and the Heavenly End for all the saved (our ultimate objective).

Now if military science is applied to mortal combat of a spiritual and temporal nature, it is certain that the twin concepts: center of mass (Carl Von Clausewitz's Center of Gravity), and key terrain (vital ground) must be clearly understood.  It has been stated throughout history that whoever occupies and holds the high ground at the end of the day wins (discounting instances of protracted siege warfare).   Can anyone forget the children's game“King of the Hill?”  Now, what was the objective of King of the Hill?  I think you get the point.

I recall the US Army's Nine Principles of War and the acronym MOSSMOUSE.  The first M stands for Mass. The O stands for Objective.

It can be shown that the Holy Eucharist is both a Weapon of Mass Construction (defined as the prime instrument for building up the Body of Christ) and also Key Terrain, the Keystone of our Faith, the high ground (in repose in the Tabernacle, the Holy of Holies).

So, what are we to say about vanquishing the enemy.  Does not the devil cower when the Holy Eucharist is lifted up and venerated by the masses?  Does he not hate the True Light of the Fifth Luminous Mystery, the Light that dispels the darkness?  Is not the best defense a good offense?

In this sense, the Holy Eucharist might also be viewed as a Weapon of Mass Destruction.  Radiating the Light of Truth in charity (the principle, Offense) is directed at evil at work in this world. The sanctifying grace of the Holy Eucharist is all powerful.  It is the ultimate Weapon of Light, to be used against the former Angel of Light and his minions.

Just remember the scene of the Crucifixion:  A bone jarring earthquake, a sanctuary curtain torn in the two, a blotted out sun (darkness covering the earth).  This is absolute warfare on the world stage and it witnesses to the Body of Christ thoroughly destroyed.

Talk about the ultimate sign of contradiction...

Dying You destroyed our death, rising You restored our life...

The Holy Eucharist contains all this and so much more.

...Lord Jesus come in glory.

The blog at http://defranklin.wordpress.com/2010/10/11/the-weapon-of-mass-destruction/ provides a valuable non-denominational take on WMD in the spiritual world.  I excerpt one key passage:

Since sin is the greatest weapon of mass destruction, Christ, therefore, must be the most supreme defense. Christ is the greatest of mass construction. Where sin tears down, Christ builds up.

Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,

Mike Rizzio

Imitate Mary
Become like Jesus
Live for the Triune God

Seek the Light of Our Lord Jesus Christ
See you on the High Ground!

* - J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R. stands for:
Jesus, Mary and Joseph;
O Beata Trinitas;
St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael

Cutting a Groove in Cyberspace

J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R.*

God help me if I am wrong,
God help me if I am right.

On Wednesday as I was scouting out the north forty I
dropped by the Beeville Texas Public Library to check my email.

There I realized something quite profound.
Somehow after maintaining this blog for five years
I have managed to "cut a groove" in cyberspace.

Typing in a GOOGLE Search on E-U-C-H-A...
provides an interesting result.
eucharist e mc2
Now I wonder if GOOGLE can/will supress
the connection.  Only time will tell.

Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,
Mike Rizzio

Imitate Mary
Become like Jesus
Live for the Triune God

Seek the Light of Our Lord Jesus Christ
See you on the High Ground!

* - J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R. stands for:
Jesus, Mary and Joseph;
O Beata Trinitas;
St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael

The Star of the New Evangelization

J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R.*

Michael Voris is "spot on" once again
with his most recent offering on THE VORTEX:

http://www.realcatholictv.com/daily/?today=2011-10-31

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN-SlHOF2Ug&feature=player_embedded#!



If there is to be sustained movement to bring the Muslim world
to understanding of God's salvation history through the
atoning sacrifice of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,
it just might come through Mary, Mother of God.

The Fatima Message
is key

Our Lady Queen of Peace
Pray for us.

Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,
Mike Rizzio

Imitate Mary
Become like Jesus
Live for the Triune God

Seek the Light of Our Lord Jesus Christ
See you on the High Ground!

* - J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R. stands for:
Jesus, Mary and Joseph;
O Beata Trinitas;
St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael