I am happy, indeed, Padraig. I truly believe my restricted movement and isolation is already proving to be a blessing prayer-wise. Not that I did not pray prior to my injury, but I was tempted to be distracted by pending responsibilities. My current relative immobility is proving a blessing, at least for now. We shall see.
Yes but it can be hard being stilled. In one way prayer can be the hardest thing we ever do. Lately I have been thinking about Carthusian monks, especially the young ones and my heart goes out to them. It's like climbing a cliff face. Also my great hero Father Lazarus in Egypt.
For instance, I'm required to wear a boot on my right foot for 3 months which limits my mobility greatly, and as little weight-bearing as possible during that time. 'Tis annoying since an "east of Lake Ontario" winter approaches. Last winter was a doozy so hopefully it will be more mild this year. JoeJerk is tempting me with discouragement. But God is good. My second cousin, Keith Miller, a solid Christian though non-Catholic, has offered to bring some of my firewood from the barn and stack it on our back porch. And I have support from loving members of the parish. But I had to cancel the men's Bible study last evening (just when we were about to dive into the Bread of Life discourse in John 6). And always there is my marvelous wife, Geralyn. She's pampering me a little too much, but it's all a sign of her love. I'm blessed to have a wife such as she. So now I can construct a little poustinia of silence in my heart. Blessed be God, both now and forever more! https://humanumreview.com/articles/poustinia-catherine-doherty Catherine Doherty popularized the Eastern Christian tradition of poustinia in her book, "Poustinia: Encountering God in Silence, Solitude and Prayer". A poustinia is a "desert"—a simple room or cabin for solitary prayer and fasting, typically for about a day, where one can withdraw from distractions to be with God. Doherty's work introduced this practice of spiritual retreat and its associated "poustinik" way of life to a Western audience. With Patrick on the hills of Ireland!
I am so sorry , Terry, I had no idea that your injury was so bad or that it would have so many consequences in your everyday life. I always turn to Paul in Romans when a Cross comes along when he promises us on behalf of God , that all things work together for the good for those who love Him. It is up to us then to discern in each particular circumstance what good may come from this particular cross. In your own case clearly wants you to switch from Apostolic to Contemplative mode for a period. This is not a rest break because actually the contemplative path is the busiest path of all. We are a bit like the humming bird whose wings move so fast that it looks like they are not moving at all. There is nothing so busy as constantly standing still. Or..at times...as painful. One French writer wrote that the Cross we are asked to carry is the Cross we would least choose ourselves. Why is this? It is because the Cross we are handed is the very Cross we most need, the area of our lives which most requires the most work. The same goes for our temptations. If the Cross were easy it would not really be a Cross. It is so many years since I read Catherine De Hueck Doherty. She had the most wonderful and interesting life. One day, no doubt she will be declared a saint. She had such a very simple and clear a way of writing about the spiritual life.
One strange thing I have found in my own entrance into solitude, especially in my own little desert here in Spain is that like, Jesus we meet the devil there. He tempts us and asks us to ask ourselves many difficult questions about many difficult things ,especially concerning ourselves. Like Peter we can say as Jesus did of him , 'The devil has asked permission to try you'. Lately I have been thinking of my contemplative sisters and brothers all over the World especially the young ones ,starting out who are so very much tried and tested. For older souls like myself who have spent most of my life in Great Solitude the devil seems almost like an old friend he has become for familiar and constant a foe. But thanks to him, despite himself , I have been showered with so very many graces. So as you enter your own desert, Terry, to so with great gratitude to God. It is a very,very great grace, but prepare yourself to meet the angel of Darkness there.
If I remember correctly you got a taste of solitude last year for a month when your wife had left to be with your daughter for the birth of your grandchild.
Yes, Geralyn is a marvelous anchor, especially for our 3 children with families. Our 2 Legionary sons have their religious communities of course, and our youngest son (still in his 20's) has a contingency of faithful, single Catholic friends, but Mom remains an anchor of wisdom, especially for our daughters' w/young ones currently ranging from 13 down to 2. In fact, we were scheduled to visit Christopher and his family in Texas shortly, but my injury with its non-weight-bearing demands have postponed that opportunity. Proverbs 31 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”
Good news! I had my third visit with the local podiatrist; the x-ray showed the fracture closing up a bit. So he said I can wean myself, over the next week or so, from the boot he had provided for my right foot; I just have to make sure what I wear has a firm sole and be careful outside, especially with the current wintry pattern (no need to worry about that with eagle-eyed Geralyn nearby!) Looks like it will be a Merry Christmas! Merry but prudent! 2026 should be free and clear!
Early Christmas blessings, I love it! Now keep your feet planted firmly under you if you need to be out and about.
Thank God. I wonder Terry, you have had all this wonderful time to Slow down and pray : have you any big take away from it.? Any special graces or insights? Luke 5:16, "But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray,
Yes! Spiritual habits are of such importance. It has been as if I were on a starvation diet (actually I've gained a couple of pounds). But with only one Holy Mass per week (no daily Mass), no Adoration, no spontaneous visits to the Blessed Sacrament, it's been sparse to say the least. Interestingly, just before my injury I snapped a picture of the Sacred Monstrance at the end of our 6-hr. stretch of Adoration at St. Ann's. That night I was the only one kneeling before the Lord at 10pm. Anyway, I have meditated on that photo during my "time off." I have also made it to Confession down at Divine Mercy Parish in Central Square. And of course Our Lady's Psalter and the Divine Office! As far as special graces, the realization of all the spiritual benefits I have, because of "taken for granted" mobility, has really sunk in. One never knows when God's permissive Will can turn things upside down. Miker and Alyce know this better than I. I can say one night (though come to think of it I never mentioned it to Geralyn) the Lord showed me the graces He makes available to us all, like a storeroom piled high with precious gems. Such beauty and generosity! I regretted all my wasted opportunities. We must pray much for Catholics who are oblivious to the missed possibilities of intimacy with the Two Hearts. I should meditate more on poverty.
I must say that your prayers and contact with me also inspires me. The sacrifices Geralyn has made speak again of her love over these last 43 years since our engagement, is a constant reminder of the impact Jesus can make in the lives of others through us. Galatians 6:3 For if any one thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each man will have to bear his own load. 6 Let him who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
