Inspirational Writings
Ed Catmull - Creativity Inc.
Victor Fernández y Rafael Santos Torroella - Querido Salvador, Querido Lorquito
Alfredo Jalife-Rahme - Global Water Wars: Privatization and Fracking
Miguel León-Portilla - Aztec Thought and Culture
Chris Pueyo - El Chico de las Estrellas
Vandana Shiva - Water Wars
1998-9-28
En Perseguirme Mundo, ¿Qué Interesa?
por Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz En perseguirme mundo ¿qué interesa? ¿En que te ofendo, cuando sólo intento Poner bellezas en mi entendimiento Y no mi entendimiento en las bellezas? Yo no estimo tesoros ni riquezas. Y así, siempre me causa mas contenta Poner riquezas en mi pensamiento Que no mi pensamiento en las riquezas Y no estimo hermosura que, bencida, Es despojo civil de las edades, Ni riqueza me agrada fementida, Teniendo por mejor, en mis verdades, Consumir vanidades de la vida Que consumir la vida en vanidades |
What Interest Have You, World, in Persecuting Me?
by Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz Unknown Translator What interest have you, World, in persecuting me? Wherein do I offend you, when all I want Is to give beauty to my mind And not my mind to beautiful things? I do not care for goods or treasures; and so am always more content To endow my thoughts with riches Rather than riches with my thoughts. And I esteem not looks, which age Takes away in civil stealth, Nor am I impressed by wealth, Holding that in truth 'tis better To expend the vanities of life Than to expend one's life in vanities. |
2000
Ts'its'tsi'nako, Thought-Woman,
is sitting in her room
and whatever she thinks about
appears.
Ceremony, p.1
Leslie Marmon Silko
Ts'its'tsi'nako, Thought-Woman,
is sitting in her room
and whatever she thinks about
appears.
Ceremony, p.1
Leslie Marmon Silko
2009
Busca Dentro De Ti
Especialmente para ti,
de tu grupo de oración
El Buen Pastor
Hubo en un tiempo un antiguo pueblo donde nunca
salía el sol. Los hombres de ese lugar llevaban
una estrella divina en la frente con la que se
alumbraban, pero al paso del tiempo se volvieron
crueles y malvados, tanto, que Dios decidió
arrebatarles su luz para que no la emplearan en hacer el mal.
Pensó esconder aquel precioso don en lo más profundo
de la tierra pero se dijo: El hombre cavará
algún día las entrañas de la tierra y lo encontrará.
Entonces pensó que en el hondo océano sería bueno,
pero también se dijo: El hombre aprenderá
a sumergirse como los peces en el mar
y allí lo encontrará.
No encontraba donde esconderlo para que no pudieran
encontrarlo, hasta que por fin pensó: “Lo esconderé
dentro del hombre mismo. No se le ocurrirá buscarlo
allí.” Y así lo hizo, guardó aquel misterioso don de
luz en lo más recóndito del Espíritu del hombre
y allí ha permanecido desde entonces.
Por eso dentro de cada ser humano hay “algo” divino.
El hombre ha recorrido la tierra, ha urgado los mares
y el espacio buscándolo sin saber que
todo el tiempo lo ha llevado dentro de sí.
Busca dentro de ti ese algo y cuando lo encuentres, que tu rostro lo refleje,
que tus acciones lo delaten y que tu corazón lo demuestre.
El hombre por desgracia desdeña los bienes gratuitos
para ir en busca de las miserias costosas.
Busca Dentro De Ti
Especialmente para ti,
de tu grupo de oración
El Buen Pastor
Hubo en un tiempo un antiguo pueblo donde nunca
salía el sol. Los hombres de ese lugar llevaban
una estrella divina en la frente con la que se
alumbraban, pero al paso del tiempo se volvieron
crueles y malvados, tanto, que Dios decidió
arrebatarles su luz para que no la emplearan en hacer el mal.
Pensó esconder aquel precioso don en lo más profundo
de la tierra pero se dijo: El hombre cavará
algún día las entrañas de la tierra y lo encontrará.
Entonces pensó que en el hondo océano sería bueno,
pero también se dijo: El hombre aprenderá
a sumergirse como los peces en el mar
y allí lo encontrará.
No encontraba donde esconderlo para que no pudieran
encontrarlo, hasta que por fin pensó: “Lo esconderé
dentro del hombre mismo. No se le ocurrirá buscarlo
allí.” Y así lo hizo, guardó aquel misterioso don de
luz en lo más recóndito del Espíritu del hombre
y allí ha permanecido desde entonces.
Por eso dentro de cada ser humano hay “algo” divino.
El hombre ha recorrido la tierra, ha urgado los mares
y el espacio buscándolo sin saber que
todo el tiempo lo ha llevado dentro de sí.
Busca dentro de ti ese algo y cuando lo encuentres, que tu rostro lo refleje,
que tus acciones lo delaten y que tu corazón lo demuestre.
El hombre por desgracia desdeña los bienes gratuitos
para ir en busca de las miserias costosas.
2009-12-21
Oración que había aparecido garabateada en un trozo de papel de estraza
hallado en el campo de concentración de Ravensburg:
Acuérdate, Señor, no sólo de los hombres y mujeres de buena voluntad,
sino también de los de mala voluntad.
No recuerdes tan sólo todo el sufrimiento que nos han causado;
recuerda también los frutos que hemos dado gracias a este sufrimiento:
La camadería, la lealtad, la humildad, el valor, la generosidad y la grandeza de ánimo,
que todo ello ha conseguido inspirar.
Y cuando los llames a ellos a juicio,
haz que todos esos frutos que hemos dado sirvan para su recompensa y perdón.
Alma de Campeón, p. 41-42
Horacio Jaramillo Loya
Oración que había aparecido garabateada en un trozo de papel de estraza
hallado en el campo de concentración de Ravensburg:
Acuérdate, Señor, no sólo de los hombres y mujeres de buena voluntad,
sino también de los de mala voluntad.
No recuerdes tan sólo todo el sufrimiento que nos han causado;
recuerda también los frutos que hemos dado gracias a este sufrimiento:
La camadería, la lealtad, la humildad, el valor, la generosidad y la grandeza de ánimo,
que todo ello ha conseguido inspirar.
Y cuando los llames a ellos a juicio,
haz que todos esos frutos que hemos dado sirvan para su recompensa y perdón.
Alma de Campeón, p. 41-42
Horacio Jaramillo Loya
2010-10-1
What does your mind seek?
Where is your heart?
If you give your heart to each and every thing,
you lead it nowhere: you destroy your heart.
Can anything be found on earth?
p. 4-5
Truly do we live on earth?
Not forever on earth; only a little while here.
Although it be jade, it will be broken,
Although it be gold, it is crushed,
Although it be quetzal feather, it is torn asunder.
Not forever on earth; only a little while here.
p. 7
Aztec Thought and Culture
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
What does your mind seek?
Where is your heart?
If you give your heart to each and every thing,
you lead it nowhere: you destroy your heart.
Can anything be found on earth?
p. 4-5
Truly do we live on earth?
Not forever on earth; only a little while here.
Although it be jade, it will be broken,
Although it be gold, it is crushed,
Although it be quetzal feather, it is torn asunder.
Not forever on earth; only a little while here.
p. 7
Aztec Thought and Culture
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
2010-10-9
The Aztecs were transformed by their beliefs in 5 eras or Suns into “a people with a mission.
A chosen people who believed their mission was to side with the sun in the cosmic struggle,
to side with goodness to ascertain its triumph over evil,
and to give to all of humanity the benefits of the victory of the forces of light over the powers of night.”
Aztec Thought and Culture, p. 36
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
The Aztecs were transformed by their beliefs in 5 eras or Suns into “a people with a mission.
A chosen people who believed their mission was to side with the sun in the cosmic struggle,
to side with goodness to ascertain its triumph over evil,
and to give to all of humanity the benefits of the victory of the forces of light over the powers of night.”
Aztec Thought and Culture, p. 36
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
2010-10-12
In Defense of a Way of Life
by Conquered Peoples, 1524
Our Lords, our very esteemed Lords:
great hardships have you endured to reach this land.
Here before you,
we ignorant people contemplate you....
And now, what are we to say?
What should we cause your ears to hear?
Perchance, is there any meaning to us?
Only very common people are we....
Through an interpreter we reply,
we exhale the breath and the words
of the Lord of the Close Vicinity.
Because of Him we dare to do this.
For this reason we place ourselves in danger....
Perhaps we are to be taken to our ruin, to our destruction.
But where are we to go now?
We are ordinary people,
we are subject to death and destruction, we are mortals;
allow us then to die,
let us perish now,
since our gods are already dead.
...
Calm and amiable,
consider, oh Lords,
whatever is best.
We cannot be tranquil,
and yet we certainly do not believe;
we do not accept your teachings as truth,
even though this may offend you.
Here are the Lords, those who rule,
those who sustain, whose duty is to the entire world.
It is not enough that we have already lost,
that our way of life has been taken away,
has been annihilated.
Were we to remain in this place,
we could be made prisoners.
Do with us as you please.
This is all that we answer, that we reply,
to your breath, to your words,
Oh, our Lords!
Aztec Thought and Culture, p.63-67
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
In Defense of a Way of Life
by Conquered Peoples, 1524
Our Lords, our very esteemed Lords:
great hardships have you endured to reach this land.
Here before you,
we ignorant people contemplate you....
And now, what are we to say?
What should we cause your ears to hear?
Perchance, is there any meaning to us?
Only very common people are we....
Through an interpreter we reply,
we exhale the breath and the words
of the Lord of the Close Vicinity.
Because of Him we dare to do this.
For this reason we place ourselves in danger....
Perhaps we are to be taken to our ruin, to our destruction.
But where are we to go now?
We are ordinary people,
we are subject to death and destruction, we are mortals;
allow us then to die,
let us perish now,
since our gods are already dead.
...
Calm and amiable,
consider, oh Lords,
whatever is best.
We cannot be tranquil,
and yet we certainly do not believe;
we do not accept your teachings as truth,
even though this may offend you.
Here are the Lords, those who rule,
those who sustain, whose duty is to the entire world.
It is not enough that we have already lost,
that our way of life has been taken away,
has been annihilated.
Were we to remain in this place,
we could be made prisoners.
Do with us as you please.
This is all that we answer, that we reply,
to your breath, to your words,
Oh, our Lords!
Aztec Thought and Culture, p.63-67
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
2010-10-12
Is There any Truth to Man or is He Merely an Illusion?
The divine spark in man's heart transforms him into an artist, a poet, or a sage.
With this gift man is capable of making things divine.
Aztec Thought and Culture, p.105
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
Is There any Truth to Man or is He Merely an Illusion?
The divine spark in man's heart transforms him into an artist, a poet, or a sage.
With this gift man is capable of making things divine.
Aztec Thought and Culture, p.105
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
2010-10-12
Poetry is "the Only Truth on Earth"
Our priests, I ask of you:
From whence come the flowers that enrapture man?
The songs that intoxicate, the lovely songs?
Only from His home do they come, from the innermost part of heaven,
only from there comes the myriad of flowers....
Where the nectar of the flowers is found
the fragrant beauty of the flower is refined....
They interlace, they interweave;
among them songs, among them warbles the quetzal bird.
Aztec Thought and Culture, p.77
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
Poetry is "the Only Truth on Earth"
Our priests, I ask of you:
From whence come the flowers that enrapture man?
The songs that intoxicate, the lovely songs?
Only from His home do they come, from the innermost part of heaven,
only from there comes the myriad of flowers....
Where the nectar of the flowers is found
the fragrant beauty of the flower is refined....
They interlace, they interweave;
among them songs, among them warbles the quetzal bird.
Aztec Thought and Culture, p.77
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
2010-10-12
Inspiration is a Gift from Heaven
The flowers sprout, they are fresh, they grow;
they open their blossoms,
and from within emerge the flowers of song;
among men You scatter them, You send them.
You are the singer!
Aztec Thought and Culture, p.77
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
Inspiration is a Gift from Heaven
The flowers sprout, they are fresh, they grow;
they open their blossoms,
and from within emerge the flowers of song;
among men You scatter them, You send them.
You are the singer!
Aztec Thought and Culture, p.77
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
2010-10-16
Life after Death
To my skeptical friends
Meditate, remember the region of mystery;
beyond is His house; truly we all go
to where the fleshless are, all of us men;
our hearts shall go to know His face.
p. 129
Beyond is the place where one lives.
I would be lying to myself were I to say;
"Perhaps everything ends on this earth;
here do our lives end."
No, oh Lord of the Close Vicinity,
it is beyond, with those who dwell in Your house,
that I will sing songs to You, in the innermost of heaven.
My heart rises;
I fix my eyes upon You,
next to You, beside You,
Oh Giver of Life!
Aztec Thought and Culture, p. 133
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
Life after Death
To my skeptical friends
Meditate, remember the region of mystery;
beyond is His house; truly we all go
to where the fleshless are, all of us men;
our hearts shall go to know His face.
p. 129
Beyond is the place where one lives.
I would be lying to myself were I to say;
"Perhaps everything ends on this earth;
here do our lives end."
No, oh Lord of the Close Vicinity,
it is beyond, with those who dwell in Your house,
that I will sing songs to You, in the innermost of heaven.
My heart rises;
I fix my eyes upon You,
next to You, beside You,
Oh Giver of Life!
Aztec Thought and Culture, p. 133
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
2010-10-16
Lucy's Message to the World:
Let us consider things as lent to us, oh, friends;
only in passing are we here on earth;
tomorrow or the day after,
as Your heart desires, oh, Giver of Life,
we shall go, my friends, to His home.
Aztec Thought and Culture, p. 124
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
Lucy's Message to the World:
Let us consider things as lent to us, oh, friends;
only in passing are we here on earth;
tomorrow or the day after,
as Your heart desires, oh, Giver of Life,
we shall go, my friends, to His home.
Aztec Thought and Culture, p. 124
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
2010-10-24
Purity of Heart was an Ideal of Nahuatl Education
Even if he were poor and lowly,
even if his father and his mother were the poorest of the poor....
His lineage was not considered,
only his way of life mattered....
The purity of his heart,
his good and humane heart....
His stout heart....
It was said that he had God in his heart,
that he was wise in the things of God.
Aztec Thought and Culture, p. 142-143
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
Purity of Heart was an Ideal of Nahuatl Education
Even if he were poor and lowly,
even if his father and his mother were the poorest of the poor....
His lineage was not considered,
only his way of life mattered....
The purity of his heart,
his good and humane heart....
His stout heart....
It was said that he had God in his heart,
that he was wise in the things of God.
Aztec Thought and Culture, p. 142-143
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
2010-10-24
Don Quixote's Advice to his Grandchildren:
Act! Cut wood, work the land,
plant cactus, sow maguey;
you shall have drink, food, clothing.
With this you will stand straight.
With this you shall live.
For this you shall be spoken of, praised;
in this manner you will show yourself to your parents and relatives.
Someday you shall tie yourself to a skirt and blouse.
What will she drink? What will she eat?
Is she going to live off of the air?
You are the support, the remedy;
you are the eagle, the tiger.
Aztec Thought and Culture, p. 148
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
Don Quixote's Advice to his Grandchildren:
Act! Cut wood, work the land,
plant cactus, sow maguey;
you shall have drink, food, clothing.
With this you will stand straight.
With this you shall live.
For this you shall be spoken of, praised;
in this manner you will show yourself to your parents and relatives.
Someday you shall tie yourself to a skirt and blouse.
What will she drink? What will she eat?
Is she going to live off of the air?
You are the support, the remedy;
you are the eagle, the tiger.
Aztec Thought and Culture, p. 148
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
2010-10-25
My Teachers are Toltecs
The good painter is a Toltec, an artist;
he creates with red and black ink,
with black water....
The good painter is wise,
God is in his heart.
He puts divinity into things;
the converses with his own heart.
He knows the colors, he applies them and shades them;
he draws feet and faces,
he puts in the shadow, he achieves perfection.
He paints the colors of all the flowers,
as if he were a Toltec.
Aztec Thought and Culture, p. 172-173
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
My Teachers are Toltecs
The good painter is a Toltec, an artist;
he creates with red and black ink,
with black water....
The good painter is wise,
God is in his heart.
He puts divinity into things;
the converses with his own heart.
He knows the colors, he applies them and shades them;
he draws feet and faces,
he puts in the shadow, he achieves perfection.
He paints the colors of all the flowers,
as if he were a Toltec.
Aztec Thought and Culture, p. 172-173
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
2010-10-25
Elizabet?
Who am I?
As a bird I fly about,
I sing of flowers;
I compose songs,
butterflies of song.
Let them burst forth from my soul!
Let my heart be delighted with them!
Aztec Thought and Culture, p. 181
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
Elizabet?
Who am I?
As a bird I fly about,
I sing of flowers;
I compose songs,
butterflies of song.
Let them burst forth from my soul!
Let my heart be delighted with them!
Aztec Thought and Culture, p. 181
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
2010-10-25
Elizabet vs Jealousee
The good feather artist is skillful,
is master of herself; it is her duty
to humanize the desires of the people.
She works with feathers,
chooses them and arranges them,
paints them with different colors,
joins them together.
The bad feather artist is careless;
she ignores the look of things,
she is greedy, she scorns other people.
She is like a turkey with a shrouded heart,
sluggish, coarse, weak.
The things that she makes are not good.
She ruins everything that she touches.
Aztec Thought and Culture, p. 171-172
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
Elizabet vs Jealousee
The good feather artist is skillful,
is master of herself; it is her duty
to humanize the desires of the people.
She works with feathers,
chooses them and arranges them,
paints them with different colors,
joins them together.
The bad feather artist is careless;
she ignores the look of things,
she is greedy, she scorns other people.
She is like a turkey with a shrouded heart,
sluggish, coarse, weak.
The things that she makes are not good.
She ruins everything that she touches.
Aztec Thought and Culture, p. 171-172
Miguel León-Portilla
Translated by Jack Emory Davis
2011-2-10
John 3:19
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world,
but people loved darkness instead of light
because their deeds were evil.
Everyone who does evil hates the light,
and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light,
so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
Juan 3:19
Esto requiere un juicio: la luz vino al mundo,
y los hombres prefirieron las tinieblas a la luz,
porque sus obras eran malas.
Pues el que obra el mal odia la luz y no va a la luz,
no sea que sus obras malas sean descubiertas y condenadas.
Pero el que hace la verdad va a la luz,
para que se vea que sus obras han sido hechas en Dios.
John 3:19
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world,
but people loved darkness instead of light
because their deeds were evil.
Everyone who does evil hates the light,
and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light,
so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
Juan 3:19
Esto requiere un juicio: la luz vino al mundo,
y los hombres prefirieron las tinieblas a la luz,
porque sus obras eran malas.
Pues el que obra el mal odia la luz y no va a la luz,
no sea que sus obras malas sean descubiertas y condenadas.
Pero el que hace la verdad va a la luz,
para que se vea que sus obras han sido hechas en Dios.
2012-2-12
Prayer For Peace by St. Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that
I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that
we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that
we are born to eternal life.
Prayer For Peace by St. Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that
I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that
we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that
we are born to eternal life.
2012-11-18
Carta de San Luis María Grignion de Montfort
a su Hermana María Luisa
Hombres y demonios en esta gran ciudad de París me han declarado una guerra que encuentro dulce y grata.
Que me calumnien, que se burlen de mí, que destruyan mi reputación, que me echen a la cárcel.
Éstos son dones preciosos, cosas grandiosas y maravillosas que conforman los pertrechos y la comitiva
de la Divina Sabiduría, a dónde lleva la vida de aquellos en quienes mora. ¿Cuándo poseeré esta amorosa y misteriosa
sabiduría? ¿Cuándo vivirá en mí la sabiduría? ¿Cuándo estaré suficientemente preparado para servir de morada
a la sabiduría, en un mundo donde es rechazada y no encuentra sitio?
Sabio, según el mundo, es aquel que sigue únicamente sus sentimientos y razonamientos humanos,
actuando como buen cristiano y como un hombre íntegro, haciendo poco esfuerzo por agradecer a Dios
o por arrepentirse de los pecados que ha cometido contra Él. El hombre mundano fundamenta su conducta en
su honor personal, en el qué dirán, en la buena vida, en sus propios intereses.
Carta de San Luis María Grignion de Montfort
a su Hermana María Luisa
Hombres y demonios en esta gran ciudad de París me han declarado una guerra que encuentro dulce y grata.
Que me calumnien, que se burlen de mí, que destruyan mi reputación, que me echen a la cárcel.
Éstos son dones preciosos, cosas grandiosas y maravillosas que conforman los pertrechos y la comitiva
de la Divina Sabiduría, a dónde lleva la vida de aquellos en quienes mora. ¿Cuándo poseeré esta amorosa y misteriosa
sabiduría? ¿Cuándo vivirá en mí la sabiduría? ¿Cuándo estaré suficientemente preparado para servir de morada
a la sabiduría, en un mundo donde es rechazada y no encuentra sitio?
Sabio, según el mundo, es aquel que sigue únicamente sus sentimientos y razonamientos humanos,
actuando como buen cristiano y como un hombre íntegro, haciendo poco esfuerzo por agradecer a Dios
o por arrepentirse de los pecados que ha cometido contra Él. El hombre mundano fundamenta su conducta en
su honor personal, en el qué dirán, en la buena vida, en sus propios intereses.
2012-11-30
Love Our Enemies
St. Faustina
Once when I was having a long talk with Jesus about our students, encouraged by His kindness, I asked Him,
"Do You have among our students any who are a comfort to Your Heart?" The Lord answered [that] He has,
but their love is weak, and so I put them in your special care - pray for them. (288)
ENEMIES AND THOSE WHO ARE A THORN IN OUR SIDE
The Lord said to me, "It should be of no concern to you how anyone else acts; you are to be My living reflection,
through love and mercy. I answered, "Lord, but they often take advantage of my goodness."
"That makes no difference, My daughter. That is no concern of yours.
As for you, be always merciful toward other people, and especially toward sinners." (1446)
Love Our Enemies
St. Faustina
Once when I was having a long talk with Jesus about our students, encouraged by His kindness, I asked Him,
"Do You have among our students any who are a comfort to Your Heart?" The Lord answered [that] He has,
but their love is weak, and so I put them in your special care - pray for them. (288)
ENEMIES AND THOSE WHO ARE A THORN IN OUR SIDE
The Lord said to me, "It should be of no concern to you how anyone else acts; you are to be My living reflection,
through love and mercy. I answered, "Lord, but they often take advantage of my goodness."
"That makes no difference, My daughter. That is no concern of yours.
As for you, be always merciful toward other people, and especially toward sinners." (1446)
2012-11-30
Mercy Triumphed over Justice when Jesus Died on the Cross
St. Faustina
I remind you, My daughter, that as often as you hear the clock strike the third hour, immerse yourself completely in My mercy,
adoring and glorifying it; invoke its omnipotence for the whole world, and particularly for poor sinners;
for at that moment mercy was opened wide for every soul. In this hour you can obtain everything for yourself and for others
for the asking; it was the hour of grace for the whole world - mercy triumphed over justice.
My daughter, try your best to make the Stations of the Cross in this hour, provided that your duties permit it; and if you are
not able to make the Stations of the Cross, then at least step into the chapel for a moment and adore, in the Blessed
Sacrament, My Heart, which is full of mercy; and should you be unable to step into the chapel, immerse yourself in prayer
there where you happen to be, if only for a very brief instant. I claim veneration for My mercy from every creature, but above
all from you, since it is to you that I have given the most profound understanding of this mystery.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 559
Mercy Triumphed over Justice when Jesus Died on the Cross
St. Faustina
I remind you, My daughter, that as often as you hear the clock strike the third hour, immerse yourself completely in My mercy,
adoring and glorifying it; invoke its omnipotence for the whole world, and particularly for poor sinners;
for at that moment mercy was opened wide for every soul. In this hour you can obtain everything for yourself and for others
for the asking; it was the hour of grace for the whole world - mercy triumphed over justice.
My daughter, try your best to make the Stations of the Cross in this hour, provided that your duties permit it; and if you are
not able to make the Stations of the Cross, then at least step into the chapel for a moment and adore, in the Blessed
Sacrament, My Heart, which is full of mercy; and should you be unable to step into the chapel, immerse yourself in prayer
there where you happen to be, if only for a very brief instant. I claim veneration for My mercy from every creature, but above
all from you, since it is to you that I have given the most profound understanding of this mystery.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 559
2013-1-16
Cada Uno es Juzgado por su Conciencia
San Pablo Quienes pecaron sin conocer la Lay, serán juzgados sin que se hable de la Ley; y los que pecaron conociendo la Ley, serán juzgados por la Ley. Porque no son justos ante Dios los que escucharon la Ley, sinlo los que la cumplen. (Rom 2:12-13) |
God's Judgment and the Law
St. Paul For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law. For it is not the hearers of the Law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the Law who will be justified. (Rom 2:12-13) |
2013-1-16
Triste Situación del que Conoce la Ley y no a Cristo
San Pablo Sabemos que la Ley es espiritual, pero yo soy hombre de carne y venido del pecado. No entiendo mis propios actos: no hago lo que quiero y hago las cosas que detesto. Ahora bien, si hago lo que no quiero, reconozco que la Ley es buena. No soy yo quien obra el mal, sino el pecado que habita en mí. Bien sé que el bien no habita en mí, quiero decir, en mi carne. Puedo querer hacer el bien, pero hacerlo, no. De hecho no hago el bien que quiero, sino el mal que no quiero. Por lo tanto, si hago lo que no quiero, eso ya no es obra mía sino del pecado que habita en mí. (Rom 7:14-20) ¡Infeliz de mí! ¿Quién me liberará de este cuerpo, o de esta muerte? ¡Gracias sean dadas a Dios por Jesucristo, nuestro Señor! (Rom 7:24-25) |
Tha Law and Sin
St. Paul Fow we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the Law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good that I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but the sin that dwells within me. (Rom 7:14-20) Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Rom 7:24-25) |
2013-1-16
Paciencia en las Pruebas
San Santiago Feliz el hombre que soporta pacientemente la prueba, porque, después de probado, recibirá la corona de vida que el Señor prometió a los que lo aman. (Stgo 1:12) |
Testing of Your Faith
St. James Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him. (Jas 1:12) |
2013-1-16
Apaches
"... when the Apaches heard coyotes howling in the distance the women began to wail,
for they had not heard that welcome sound for eight years."
The Apaches - Eagles of the Southwest, p. 321
Donald E. Worcester
Apaches
"... when the Apaches heard coyotes howling in the distance the women began to wail,
for they had not heard that welcome sound for eight years."
The Apaches - Eagles of the Southwest, p. 321
Donald E. Worcester
2013-1-17
La Bella Sabiduría
La Sabiduría es radiante e inmarcesible,
la ven sin dificultad los que la aman,
y los que van buscándola la encuentran;
ella misma se da a conocer a los que la desean.
p. 4
Yo soy la madre del amor hermoso,
y del temor, y de la ciencia,
y de la santa esperanza;
en mí toda gracia y el camino de la verdad;
en mí, toda la esperanza de vida y virtud.
p. 15
¡Es incomparablemente mejor para el ser humano el poseerme
que poseer todo el oro y la plata del mundo,
todas las piedras preciosas y los bienes del universo entero!
p. 36
El Amor de la Sabiduría Eterna
San Luis de Montfort
La Bella Sabiduría
La Sabiduría es radiante e inmarcesible,
la ven sin dificultad los que la aman,
y los que van buscándola la encuentran;
ella misma se da a conocer a los que la desean.
p. 4
Yo soy la madre del amor hermoso,
y del temor, y de la ciencia,
y de la santa esperanza;
en mí toda gracia y el camino de la verdad;
en mí, toda la esperanza de vida y virtud.
p. 15
¡Es incomparablemente mejor para el ser humano el poseerme
que poseer todo el oro y la plata del mundo,
todas las piedras preciosas y los bienes del universo entero!
p. 36
El Amor de la Sabiduría Eterna
San Luis de Montfort
2013-1-19
La Sabiduría inspira grandes empresas... Da pesadas cruces
Por último, no habiendo nada más dinámico que la Sabiduría -la Sabiduría es más móvil que cualquier movimiento-
(Sab 7,24), no permite que quienes se honran con su amistad se adormilen en la tibieza y la negligencia. Les inflama
e inspira grandes empresas por la gloria de Dios y la salvación de las almas. Y, para ponerlos a prueba y hacerlos aún
más dignos de sí misma, les proporciona grandes combates y les reserva contradicciones y obstáculos en casi todo lo
que empreden.
En efecto, permite ya que el diablo los tiente o el mundo los calumnie o desprecie, ya que sus enemigos los superen y
derriben, ya que sus amigos y parientes los abandonen y traicionen. Aquí permite que los aflija la pérdida de sus bienes,
allá que los atormente la enfermedad; más allá, una injusticia; y más allá aún, la tristeza y el desaliento. En una palabra:
los prueba de mil maneras en el crisol de la tribulación.
Pero el Espíritu Santo dice: Sufrieron pequeños castigos, recibirán grandes favores, porque Dios los puso a prueba
y los halló dignos de sí; los probó como oro en crisol, los recibió como sacrificio de holocausto; a la hora de la cuenta
resplandecerán como chispas que prenden por un cañaberal (Sab 3,4-7).
La Sabiduría dio éxito a las tareas del justo e hizo fecundos sus trabajos; lo protegió contra la codicia de los explotadores
y lo enriqueció; lo defendió de sus enemigos y lo puso a salvo de sus asechanzas; le dio la victoria en la dura batalla para
que supiera que la Sabiduría es más fuerte que todo (Sab 10,10-12).
La cruz es, pues, el patrimonio y recompensa de cuantos desean y poseen la Sabiduría eterna. Pero esta amable Soberana
-que lo hizo todo con números, peso y medida- sólo envía a sus amigos cruces proporcionadas a sus fuerzas y vierte tan
suave unción sobre los sufrimientos, que en ellos encuentran sus delicias.
El Amor de la Sabiduría Eterna, p. 53-55
San Luis de Montfort
La Sabiduría inspira grandes empresas... Da pesadas cruces
Por último, no habiendo nada más dinámico que la Sabiduría -la Sabiduría es más móvil que cualquier movimiento-
(Sab 7,24), no permite que quienes se honran con su amistad se adormilen en la tibieza y la negligencia. Les inflama
e inspira grandes empresas por la gloria de Dios y la salvación de las almas. Y, para ponerlos a prueba y hacerlos aún
más dignos de sí misma, les proporciona grandes combates y les reserva contradicciones y obstáculos en casi todo lo
que empreden.
En efecto, permite ya que el diablo los tiente o el mundo los calumnie o desprecie, ya que sus enemigos los superen y
derriben, ya que sus amigos y parientes los abandonen y traicionen. Aquí permite que los aflija la pérdida de sus bienes,
allá que los atormente la enfermedad; más allá, una injusticia; y más allá aún, la tristeza y el desaliento. En una palabra:
los prueba de mil maneras en el crisol de la tribulación.
Pero el Espíritu Santo dice: Sufrieron pequeños castigos, recibirán grandes favores, porque Dios los puso a prueba
y los halló dignos de sí; los probó como oro en crisol, los recibió como sacrificio de holocausto; a la hora de la cuenta
resplandecerán como chispas que prenden por un cañaberal (Sab 3,4-7).
La Sabiduría dio éxito a las tareas del justo e hizo fecundos sus trabajos; lo protegió contra la codicia de los explotadores
y lo enriqueció; lo defendió de sus enemigos y lo puso a salvo de sus asechanzas; le dio la victoria en la dura batalla para
que supiera que la Sabiduría es más fuerte que todo (Sab 10,10-12).
La cruz es, pues, el patrimonio y recompensa de cuantos desean y poseen la Sabiduría eterna. Pero esta amable Soberana
-que lo hizo todo con números, peso y medida- sólo envía a sus amigos cruces proporcionadas a sus fuerzas y vierte tan
suave unción sobre los sufrimientos, que en ellos encuentran sus delicias.
El Amor de la Sabiduría Eterna, p. 53-55
San Luis de Montfort
2013-1-19
El deseo de adquirir la Sabiduría del Beato Enrique Suso:
Pues, ¡qué! ¿No sabes que los enamorados soportan miles y miles de sufrimientos por el objeto de su amor?
¡Oh Sabiduría eterna! ¡No, no retrocederé jamás en tu amor, aunque para llegar a su mansión tenga que caminar
entre zarzas y barzas que me envuelvvan hasta la cabeza! Aunque me vea expuesto a mil crueldades en el
cuerpo y en el alma, ¡preferiré tu amistad a todo y te haré reinar como soberana absoluta sobre todos mis afectos!
El Amor de la Sabiduría Eterna, p. 54
San Luis de Montfort
El deseo de adquirir la Sabiduría del Beato Enrique Suso:
Pues, ¡qué! ¿No sabes que los enamorados soportan miles y miles de sufrimientos por el objeto de su amor?
¡Oh Sabiduría eterna! ¡No, no retrocederé jamás en tu amor, aunque para llegar a su mansión tenga que caminar
entre zarzas y barzas que me envuelvvan hasta la cabeza! Aunque me vea expuesto a mil crueldades en el
cuerpo y en el alma, ¡preferiré tu amistad a todo y te haré reinar como soberana absoluta sobre todos mis afectos!
El Amor de la Sabiduría Eterna, p. 54
San Luis de Montfort
2013-1-20
La Venganza no es Buena
Cuenta San Dionisio Areopagita que un obispo, llamado Carpio, había convertido a un idólatra a costa de grandes trabajos.
Pero, enterado de que otro pagano le había hecho apostatar en un instante, se dirigió a Dios rogándole durante toda una noche
con insistentes plegarias que castigara al culpable de la injuria inferida a la divina Majestad. Y mira que, hallándose en lo más
ferviente de su plegaria y de su celo, vio que se abría la tierra y que los demonios trataban de arrojar al inferno al pagano y al
apóstata. Al alzar los ojos, vio que se abrían los cielos y que Jesucristo avanzaba hacia él rodeado de multitud de ángeles.
El Señor le dice:
- Carpio, ¿tú me pides venganza? ¡No me conoces! ¿Sabes lo que pides
y cuánto me han costado los pecadores? ¿Por qué deseas que los condene?
Los amo tanto que estaría dispuesto, si fuera necesario, a morir de nuevo por cada uno de ellos!
Y, acercándose a Carpio, le mostró las espaldas desnudas y añadió:
- Carpio, si quieres venagnza, ¡véngate en mí, no en los pobres pecadores!
El Amor de la Sabiduría Eterna, p. 69-70
San Luis de Montfort
La Venganza no es Buena
Cuenta San Dionisio Areopagita que un obispo, llamado Carpio, había convertido a un idólatra a costa de grandes trabajos.
Pero, enterado de que otro pagano le había hecho apostatar en un instante, se dirigió a Dios rogándole durante toda una noche
con insistentes plegarias que castigara al culpable de la injuria inferida a la divina Majestad. Y mira que, hallándose en lo más
ferviente de su plegaria y de su celo, vio que se abría la tierra y que los demonios trataban de arrojar al inferno al pagano y al
apóstata. Al alzar los ojos, vio que se abrían los cielos y que Jesucristo avanzaba hacia él rodeado de multitud de ángeles.
El Señor le dice:
- Carpio, ¿tú me pides venganza? ¡No me conoces! ¿Sabes lo que pides
y cuánto me han costado los pecadores? ¿Por qué deseas que los condene?
Los amo tanto que estaría dispuesto, si fuera necesario, a morir de nuevo por cada uno de ellos!
Y, acercándose a Carpio, le mostró las espaldas desnudas y añadió:
- Carpio, si quieres venagnza, ¡véngate en mí, no en los pobres pecadores!
El Amor de la Sabiduría Eterna, p. 69-70
San Luis de Montfort
2013-1-22
Dios Recompensa a Sus Fieles Siervos
"Los guías espirituales brillarán como el resplendor del firmamento;
los que educaron al pueblo para que fuera justo brillarán como las estrellas por toda la eternidad." (Dn 12:3)
God Rewards His Faithful Servants
"And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above;
and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." (Dn 12:3)
Dios Recompensa a Sus Fieles Siervos
"Los guías espirituales brillarán como el resplendor del firmamento;
los que educaron al pueblo para que fuera justo brillarán como las estrellas por toda la eternidad." (Dn 12:3)
God Rewards His Faithful Servants
"And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above;
and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." (Dn 12:3)
2013-1-23
Abran Sus Corazones a Dios
¿Hasta cuándo, hijos de los hombres, tendrán el corazón endurecido y apegado a la tierra?
¿Hasta cuándo amarán la vanidad y buscarán el engaño? (Sal 4,3).
¿Qué esperan para abrir los ojos y los corazones a la divina Sabiduría,
que es la más deseable de todas las realidades,
que para ganarse el corazón de los seres humanos revela su propio origen,
manifiesta su belleza, osteanta sus tesoros
y atestigua de mil maneras sus anhelos de que la deseen y busquen?
Ansíen pues, mis palabras (Sab 6,11). Ella misma se da a conocer a los que la desean (Sab 6,13).
El deseo de la Sabiduría conduce al Reino eterno (Sab 6,20-21).
El Amor de la Sabiduría Eterna, p. 94
San Luis de Montfort
Abran Sus Corazones a Dios
¿Hasta cuándo, hijos de los hombres, tendrán el corazón endurecido y apegado a la tierra?
¿Hasta cuándo amarán la vanidad y buscarán el engaño? (Sal 4,3).
¿Qué esperan para abrir los ojos y los corazones a la divina Sabiduría,
que es la más deseable de todas las realidades,
que para ganarse el corazón de los seres humanos revela su propio origen,
manifiesta su belleza, osteanta sus tesoros
y atestigua de mil maneras sus anhelos de que la deseen y busquen?
Ansíen pues, mis palabras (Sab 6,11). Ella misma se da a conocer a los que la desean (Sab 6,13).
El deseo de la Sabiduría conduce al Reino eterno (Sab 6,20-21).
El Amor de la Sabiduría Eterna, p. 94
San Luis de Montfort
2013-1-25
Missionaries Are...
As free as the clouds that sail high above the earth... but in bondage to Your love and Your will;
men who will range far and wide with the Gospel pouring from their lips like a bright and burning flame,
with the Rosary in their hands, baying like watchdogs, burning like fire,
dispelling the darkness of this world, lighting it up like the sun...
True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, p. xxi
St. Louis de Montfort
Missionaries Are...
As free as the clouds that sail high above the earth... but in bondage to Your love and Your will;
men who will range far and wide with the Gospel pouring from their lips like a bright and burning flame,
with the Rosary in their hands, baying like watchdogs, burning like fire,
dispelling the darkness of this world, lighting it up like the sun...
True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, p. xxi
St. Louis de Montfort
2013-1-27
Mary is Our Example and Inspiration
What Lucifer lost by pride Mary won by humility. What Eve ruined and lost by disobedience Mary saved by obedience.
By obeying the serpent, Eve ruined her children as well as herself and delivered them up to him.
Mary by her perfect fidelity to God saved her children with herself and consecrated them to his divine majesty.
True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, p. 22
St. Louis de Montfort
Mary is Our Example and Inspiration
What Lucifer lost by pride Mary won by humility. What Eve ruined and lost by disobedience Mary saved by obedience.
By obeying the serpent, Eve ruined her children as well as herself and delivered them up to him.
Mary by her perfect fidelity to God saved her children with herself and consecrated them to his divine majesty.
True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, p. 22
St. Louis de Montfort
2013-1-27
The Children of Mary
They will be like thunder-clouds (Isai 60:8) flying through the air at the slightest breath of the Holy Spirit.
Attached to nothing, surprised at nothing, troubled at nothing, they will shower down the rain of God's word and of eternal life.
They will thunder against sin, they will storm against the world, they will strike down the devil and his followers
and for life and for death, they will pierce through and through with the two-edged sword of God's word (Heb 4:12; Eph 6:17)
all those against whom they are sent by Almighty God.
True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, p. 24
St. Louis de Montfort
The Children of Mary
They will be like thunder-clouds (Isai 60:8) flying through the air at the slightest breath of the Holy Spirit.
Attached to nothing, surprised at nothing, troubled at nothing, they will shower down the rain of God's word and of eternal life.
They will thunder against sin, they will storm against the world, they will strike down the devil and his followers
and for life and for death, they will pierce through and through with the two-edged sword of God's word (Heb 4:12; Eph 6:17)
all those against whom they are sent by Almighty God.
True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, p. 24
St. Louis de Montfort
2013-2-17
Marks of Authentic Devotion to Our Lady
[True devotion] is trustful, that is to say, it fills us with confidence in the Blessed Virgin, the confidence that a child has for its loving Mother. It prompts us to go to her in every need of body and soul with great simplicity, trust and affection. We implore our Mother's help always, everywhere, and for everything. We pray to her to be enlightened in our doubts, to be put back on the right path when we go astray, to be protected when we are tempted, to be strengthened when we are weakening, to be lifted up when we fall into sin, to be encouraged when we are losing heart, to be rid of our scruples, to be consoled in the trials, crosses and disappointments of life. Finally, in all our afflictions of body and soul, we naturally turn to Mary for help, with never a fear of importuning her or displeasing our Lord.
True devotion to our Lady is holy, that is, it leas us to avoid sin and to imitate the virtues of Mary. Her ten principal virtues are: deep humility, lively faith, blind obedience, unceasing prayer, constant self-denial, surpassing purity, ardent love, heroic patience, angelic kindness, and heavenly wisdom.
True devotion to our Lady is constant. It strengthens us in our desire to do good and prevents us from giving up our devotional practices too easily. It gives us the courage to oppose the fashions and maxims of the world, the vexations and unruly inclinations of the flesh and the temptations of the devil. Thus a person truly devoted to our Blessed Lady is not changeable, fretful, scrupulous or timid. We do not say however that such a person never sins or that his sensible feelings of devotion never change. When he has fallen, he stretches out his hand to his Blessed Mother and rises again. If he loses all taste and feeling for devotion, he is not at all upset because a good and faithful servant of Mary is guided in his life by faith in Jesus and Mary, and not by feelings.
True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, p. 47-48
St. Louis de Montfort
Marks of Authentic Devotion to Our Lady
[True devotion] is trustful, that is to say, it fills us with confidence in the Blessed Virgin, the confidence that a child has for its loving Mother. It prompts us to go to her in every need of body and soul with great simplicity, trust and affection. We implore our Mother's help always, everywhere, and for everything. We pray to her to be enlightened in our doubts, to be put back on the right path when we go astray, to be protected when we are tempted, to be strengthened when we are weakening, to be lifted up when we fall into sin, to be encouraged when we are losing heart, to be rid of our scruples, to be consoled in the trials, crosses and disappointments of life. Finally, in all our afflictions of body and soul, we naturally turn to Mary for help, with never a fear of importuning her or displeasing our Lord.
True devotion to our Lady is holy, that is, it leas us to avoid sin and to imitate the virtues of Mary. Her ten principal virtues are: deep humility, lively faith, blind obedience, unceasing prayer, constant self-denial, surpassing purity, ardent love, heroic patience, angelic kindness, and heavenly wisdom.
True devotion to our Lady is constant. It strengthens us in our desire to do good and prevents us from giving up our devotional practices too easily. It gives us the courage to oppose the fashions and maxims of the world, the vexations and unruly inclinations of the flesh and the temptations of the devil. Thus a person truly devoted to our Blessed Lady is not changeable, fretful, scrupulous or timid. We do not say however that such a person never sins or that his sensible feelings of devotion never change. When he has fallen, he stretches out his hand to his Blessed Mother and rises again. If he loses all taste and feeling for devotion, he is not at all upset because a good and faithful servant of Mary is guided in his life by faith in Jesus and Mary, and not by feelings.
True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, p. 47-48
St. Louis de Montfort
2013-2-18
Do not Force Others to Believe in your God
God wants us to learn to love each other as true brothers and stop killing each other in His name. He is a good Father
who loves and provides for His children, even when they do not know Him. In the end, we will all go back to our Creator
to be judged for all the good and all the bad that we have done in this life. "God has highly exalted [Jesus Christ] and bestowed
on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in Heaven and on
earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Phil 2:9-11) Therefore, do not
try to force anybody to believe in Him. You cannot force love. However, nothing is impossible for God. But He loves us so much that
He gave us our freewill and a heart to distinguish what is good and what is bad, so that we would choose Him. In time, the
unbelievers will see the truth and they alone will come back to our Father, with an open heart.
“Our religion seems foolish to you, but so does yours to me.” - Sitting Bull, Sioux, 1889.
p. 30
Cortés kept preaching to Moctezuma, hoping for a conversion that would justify all he had done
-and planned to do- in Mexico. According to Díaz, the Tlatoani replied:
These arguments of yours have been familiar to me for some time. I understand what you
said to my ambassadors... about the three gods and the cross, also what you preached in the various
towns through which you passed. We have given you no answer, since we have worshiped our own
gods here from the beginning and know them to be good.
No doubt yours are good also, but do not trouble to tell us any more about them at present.
Ronald Wright
Stolen Continents, p. 35
No Fuercen a Otros a Creer en su Dios
Dios quiere que aprendamos a amarnos como verdaderos hermanos y que dejemos de matarnos unos a otros en Su
nombre. Él es un buen Padre que ama y provee a Sus hijos, aun cuando éstos no lo conocen. Al final, todos
regresaremos a nuestro Creador a ser juzgados por todo lo bueno y todo lo malo que hemos hecho en esta vida.
"Dios engrandeció a [Jesucristo] y le dio el Nombre que está sobre todo nombre, para que al Nombre de Jesús se doble
toda rodilla en los cielos, en la tierra y entre los muertos, y toda lengua proclame que Cristo Jesús es el Señor
para gloria de Dios Padre." (Fil 2:9-11) Por lo tanto, no traten de forzar a nadie a que crea en Él. Ustedes no pueden
fozar el amor. Sin embargo, nada es imposible para Dios. Pero Él nos ama tanto que nos regaló nuestro libre albedrío y un
corazón para distinguir lo que es bueno y lo que es malo, para que lo eligieramos a Él. Con el tiempo, los que no
creen verán la verdad y ellos sólos regresarán a nuestro Padre, con un corazón abierto.
“Nuestra religión les parece tonta, pero también la de ustedes a mí.” - Sitting Bull, Sioux, 1889.
p. 30
Cortés seguía predicando a Moctezuma, esparando una conversión que justificaría todo lo que había hecho
-y planeaba hacer- en México. Según Díaz, el Tlatoani contestó:
Estos argumentos tuyos los he conocido por algún tiempo. Entiendo lo que le dijiste a mis embajadores...
acerca de los tres dioses y la cruz, también lo que predicaste en los diferentes pueblos por los que pasaste.
No te hemos dado respuesta, ya que hemos adorado nuestros propios dioses
aquí desde el comienzo y sabemos que son buenos.
Sin duda también los tuyos son buenos, pero no te molestes en hablarnos más de ellos por el momento.
Ronald Wright
Stolen Continents, p. 35
Do not Force Others to Believe in your God
God wants us to learn to love each other as true brothers and stop killing each other in His name. He is a good Father
who loves and provides for His children, even when they do not know Him. In the end, we will all go back to our Creator
to be judged for all the good and all the bad that we have done in this life. "God has highly exalted [Jesus Christ] and bestowed
on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in Heaven and on
earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Phil 2:9-11) Therefore, do not
try to force anybody to believe in Him. You cannot force love. However, nothing is impossible for God. But He loves us so much that
He gave us our freewill and a heart to distinguish what is good and what is bad, so that we would choose Him. In time, the
unbelievers will see the truth and they alone will come back to our Father, with an open heart.
“Our religion seems foolish to you, but so does yours to me.” - Sitting Bull, Sioux, 1889.
p. 30
Cortés kept preaching to Moctezuma, hoping for a conversion that would justify all he had done
-and planned to do- in Mexico. According to Díaz, the Tlatoani replied:
These arguments of yours have been familiar to me for some time. I understand what you
said to my ambassadors... about the three gods and the cross, also what you preached in the various
towns through which you passed. We have given you no answer, since we have worshiped our own
gods here from the beginning and know them to be good.
No doubt yours are good also, but do not trouble to tell us any more about them at present.
Ronald Wright
Stolen Continents, p. 35
No Fuercen a Otros a Creer en su Dios
Dios quiere que aprendamos a amarnos como verdaderos hermanos y que dejemos de matarnos unos a otros en Su
nombre. Él es un buen Padre que ama y provee a Sus hijos, aun cuando éstos no lo conocen. Al final, todos
regresaremos a nuestro Creador a ser juzgados por todo lo bueno y todo lo malo que hemos hecho en esta vida.
"Dios engrandeció a [Jesucristo] y le dio el Nombre que está sobre todo nombre, para que al Nombre de Jesús se doble
toda rodilla en los cielos, en la tierra y entre los muertos, y toda lengua proclame que Cristo Jesús es el Señor
para gloria de Dios Padre." (Fil 2:9-11) Por lo tanto, no traten de forzar a nadie a que crea en Él. Ustedes no pueden
fozar el amor. Sin embargo, nada es imposible para Dios. Pero Él nos ama tanto que nos regaló nuestro libre albedrío y un
corazón para distinguir lo que es bueno y lo que es malo, para que lo eligieramos a Él. Con el tiempo, los que no
creen verán la verdad y ellos sólos regresarán a nuestro Padre, con un corazón abierto.
“Nuestra religión les parece tonta, pero también la de ustedes a mí.” - Sitting Bull, Sioux, 1889.
p. 30
Cortés seguía predicando a Moctezuma, esparando una conversión que justificaría todo lo que había hecho
-y planeaba hacer- en México. Según Díaz, el Tlatoani contestó:
Estos argumentos tuyos los he conocido por algún tiempo. Entiendo lo que le dijiste a mis embajadores...
acerca de los tres dioses y la cruz, también lo que predicaste en los diferentes pueblos por los que pasaste.
No te hemos dado respuesta, ya que hemos adorado nuestros propios dioses
aquí desde el comienzo y sabemos que son buenos.
Sin duda también los tuyos son buenos, pero no te molestes en hablarnos más de ellos por el momento.
Ronald Wright
Stolen Continents, p. 35
2013-2-27
We Endure Everything for God's Love
Sinners continualy hate and persecute the elect, openly and secretly. The elect are a burden to them.
They despise them, criticise them, ridicule them, insult them, rob them, deceive them, impoverish them,
hunt them down and trample them to the dust; while they themselves are making fortunes, enjoying themselves,
getting good positions for themselves, enriching themselves, rising to power and living in comfort.
True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, p. 89
St. Louis de Montfort
We Endure Everything for God's Love
Sinners continualy hate and persecute the elect, openly and secretly. The elect are a burden to them.
They despise them, criticise them, ridicule them, insult them, rob them, deceive them, impoverish them,
hunt them down and trample them to the dust; while they themselves are making fortunes, enjoying themselves,
getting good positions for themselves, enriching themselves, rising to power and living in comfort.
True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, p. 89
St. Louis de Montfort
2013-2-27
Mary Loves and Protects Her Servants
[Mary] adorns [her servants] with the merits and worth of their own good actions.
[...] she gives them the strength to carry the yoke of the Lord
and the skill to do great things for the glory of God and the salvation of their poor brothers.
True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, p. 97
St. Louis de Montfort
Mary Loves and Protects Her Servants
[Mary] adorns [her servants] with the merits and worth of their own good actions.
[...] she gives them the strength to carry the yoke of the Lord
and the skill to do great things for the glory of God and the salvation of their poor brothers.
True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, p. 97
St. Louis de Montfort
2013-4-28
Entre el Cielo y la Tierra
La soledad del mexicano, bajo la gran noche de piedra de la Altiplanice, poblada todavía de dioses insaciables,
es diversa a la del norteamericano, extraviado en un mundo abstracto de máquinas, conciudadanos y preceptos
morales. En el valle de México el hombre se siente suspendido entre el cielo y la tierra y oscila entre poderes
y fuerzas contrarias, ojos petrificados, bocas que devoran.
Octavio Paz
El Laberinto de la Soledad y Otras Obras, p. 41
Entre el Cielo y la Tierra
La soledad del mexicano, bajo la gran noche de piedra de la Altiplanice, poblada todavía de dioses insaciables,
es diversa a la del norteamericano, extraviado en un mundo abstracto de máquinas, conciudadanos y preceptos
morales. En el valle de México el hombre se siente suspendido entre el cielo y la tierra y oscila entre poderes
y fuerzas contrarias, ojos petrificados, bocas que devoran.
Octavio Paz
El Laberinto de la Soledad y Otras Obras, p. 41
2013-4-28
El Culto a la Muerte
Nuestro culto a la muerte es culto a la vida,
del mismo modo que el amor,
que es hambre de vida,
es anhelo de muerte.
Octavio Paz
El Laberinto de la Soledad y Otras Obras, p. 44
El Culto a la Muerte
Nuestro culto a la muerte es culto a la vida,
del mismo modo que el amor,
que es hambre de vida,
es anhelo de muerte.
Octavio Paz
El Laberinto de la Soledad y Otras Obras, p. 44
2013-6-11
The Divine Mercy
O Eternal Love, You command Your Sacred Image to be painted
And reveal to us the inconceivable fount of mercy,
You bless whoever approaches Your rays,
And a soul all black will turn into snow.
O sweet Jesus, it is here You established the throne of Your mercy
To bring joy and hope to sinful man.
From Your open Heart, as from a pure fount,
Flows comfort to a repentant heart and soul.
May praise and glory for this Image
Never cease to stream from man's soul.
May praise of God's mercy pour from every heart,
Now, and at every hour, and forever, and ever.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 4
The Divine Mercy
O Eternal Love, You command Your Sacred Image to be painted
And reveal to us the inconceivable fount of mercy,
You bless whoever approaches Your rays,
And a soul all black will turn into snow.
O sweet Jesus, it is here You established the throne of Your mercy
To bring joy and hope to sinful man.
From Your open Heart, as from a pure fount,
Flows comfort to a repentant heart and soul.
May praise and glory for this Image
Never cease to stream from man's soul.
May praise of God's mercy pour from every heart,
Now, and at every hour, and forever, and ever.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 4
2013-6-11
Trust in Jesus like a Child
And so, trusting in Your mercy,
I walk through life like a little child,
Offering You each day this heart
Burning with love for Your greater glory.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 4
Trust in Jesus like a Child
And so, trusting in Your mercy,
I walk through life like a little child,
Offering You each day this heart
Burning with love for Your greater glory.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 4
2013-6-12
The Devil's Deceptions
At a certain point, there came to me the very powerful impression that I am rejected by God.
This terrible thought pierced my soul right through; in the midst of the suffering my soul began
to experience the agony of death. I wanted to die but could not. The thought came to me:
of what use is it to strive for virtues; why mortify oneself when all this is disagreeable to God?
When I made this known to the Directress of Novices, I received this reply,
"Know, dear Sister, that God has chosen you for great sanctity. This is a sign that God wants
to have you very close to Himself in Heaven. Have great trust in the Lord Jesus."
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 13
The Devil's Deceptions
At a certain point, there came to me the very powerful impression that I am rejected by God.
This terrible thought pierced my soul right through; in the midst of the suffering my soul began
to experience the agony of death. I wanted to die but could not. The thought came to me:
of what use is it to strive for virtues; why mortify oneself when all this is disagreeable to God?
When I made this known to the Directress of Novices, I received this reply,
"Know, dear Sister, that God has chosen you for great sanctity. This is a sign that God wants
to have you very close to Himself in Heaven. Have great trust in the Lord Jesus."
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 13
2013-7-13
God Loves the Innocent
Once, after an adoration for our country, a pain pierced my soul, and I began to pray in this way:
"Most merciful Jesus, I beseech You through the intercession of Your Saints, and especially the intercession
of Your dearest Mother who nurtured You from childhood, bless my native land. I beg You, Jesus, look not on
our sins, but on the tears of little children, on the hunger and cold they suffer. Jesus, for the sake of these innocent
ones, grant me the grace that I am asking of You for my country."
At that moment, I saw the Lord Jesus, His eyes filled with tears, and He said to me,
You see, My daughter, what great compassion I have for them. Know that it is they who uphold the world.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 135
God Loves the Innocent
Once, after an adoration for our country, a pain pierced my soul, and I began to pray in this way:
"Most merciful Jesus, I beseech You through the intercession of Your Saints, and especially the intercession
of Your dearest Mother who nurtured You from childhood, bless my native land. I beg You, Jesus, look not on
our sins, but on the tears of little children, on the hunger and cold they suffer. Jesus, for the sake of these innocent
ones, grant me the grace that I am asking of You for my country."
At that moment, I saw the Lord Jesus, His eyes filled with tears, and He said to me,
You see, My daughter, what great compassion I have for them. Know that it is they who uphold the world.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 135
2013-8-3
God, who is Light itself, lives in a pure and humble heart,
and all sufferings and adversities serve but to reveal the soul's holiness.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 243
God, who is Light itself, lives in a pure and humble heart,
and all sufferings and adversities serve but to reveal the soul's holiness.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 243
2013-8-18
God is Our Strength
Only God can give one such courage [to endure so many humiliations and sufferings]; otherwise one would give up.
But I see with joy that all these adversities contribute to God's greater glory. The Lord has few such souls. O infinite eternity,
you will make manifest the efforts of heroic souls, because the earth rewards their efforts with hatred and ingratitude. Such
souls do not have friends; they are solitary. And in this solitude, they gain strength; they draw their strength from God alone.
With humility, but also with courage, they stand firmly in the face of all the storms that beat upon them. Like high-towering
oaks, they are unmoved. And in this there is just this one secret: that it's from God that they draw this strength, and
everything whatsoever they have need of, they have for themselves and for others. They not only carry their own burden,
but also know how to take on, and are capable of taking on, the burdens of others. They are pillars of light along God's ways;
they live in light themselves and shed light upon others. They themselves live on the heights, and know how to show the way
to lesser ones and help them attain those heights.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 329
God is Our Strength
Only God can give one such courage [to endure so many humiliations and sufferings]; otherwise one would give up.
But I see with joy that all these adversities contribute to God's greater glory. The Lord has few such souls. O infinite eternity,
you will make manifest the efforts of heroic souls, because the earth rewards their efforts with hatred and ingratitude. Such
souls do not have friends; they are solitary. And in this solitude, they gain strength; they draw their strength from God alone.
With humility, but also with courage, they stand firmly in the face of all the storms that beat upon them. Like high-towering
oaks, they are unmoved. And in this there is just this one secret: that it's from God that they draw this strength, and
everything whatsoever they have need of, they have for themselves and for others. They not only carry their own burden,
but also know how to take on, and are capable of taking on, the burdens of others. They are pillars of light along God's ways;
they live in light themselves and shed light upon others. They themselves live on the heights, and know how to show the way
to lesser ones and help them attain those heights.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 329
2013-10-7
The Power of Love
I do not fear at all being abandoned by creatures because, even if all abandoned me, I would not be alone, for the Lord
is with me. And even if the Lord were to hide, love will know how to find Him. For love knows no gates or guards;
even the keen-eyed Cherub himself, with his flaming sword, will not stop love; it will work its way through wilderness
and scorching heat, through storm, thunder and darkness, and will reach the source from which it came, and there
it will endure forever. All things will come to an end; but love, never.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 390
The Power of Love
I do not fear at all being abandoned by creatures because, even if all abandoned me, I would not be alone, for the Lord
is with me. And even if the Lord were to hide, love will know how to find Him. For love knows no gates or guards;
even the keen-eyed Cherub himself, with his flaming sword, will not stop love; it will work its way through wilderness
and scorching heat, through storm, thunder and darkness, and will reach the source from which it came, and there
it will endure forever. All things will come to an end; but love, never.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 390
2013-10-9
"[...] destruida la teocracia indígena, muertos o exiliados los dioses,
sin tierra en que apoyarse ni trasmundo al que emigrar,
el indio ve en la religión cristiana una Madre."
Octavio Paz
El Laberinto de la Soledad y Otras Obras, p. 157
"[...] destruida la teocracia indígena, muertos o exiliados los dioses,
sin tierra en que apoyarse ni trasmundo al que emigrar,
el indio ve en la religión cristiana una Madre."
Octavio Paz
El Laberinto de la Soledad y Otras Obras, p. 157
2013-10-15
The Road to Sanctity
Neither graces, nor revelations, nor raptures, nor gifts granted to a soul make it perfect, but rather the intimate
union of the soul with God. These gifts are merely ornaments of the soul, but constitute neither its essence
nor its perfection. My sanctity and perfection consist in the close union of my will with the will of God. God
never violates our free will. It is up to us whether we want to receive God's grace or not. It is up to us
whether we will cooperate with it or waste it.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 412
The Road to Sanctity
Neither graces, nor revelations, nor raptures, nor gifts granted to a soul make it perfect, but rather the intimate
union of the soul with God. These gifts are merely ornaments of the soul, but constitute neither its essence
nor its perfection. My sanctity and perfection consist in the close union of my will with the will of God. God
never violates our free will. It is up to us whether we want to receive God's grace or not. It is up to us
whether we will cooperate with it or waste it.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 412
2013-10-16
Don't Tie Yourself to Earthly Possessions
[God] gave me to understand how fleeting all earthly things are, and [how] everything that appears great
disappears like smoke, and does not give the soul freedom, but weariness. Happy the soul that understands
these things and with only one foot touches the earth. My repose is to be united with You; everything else tires
me. Oh, how much I feel I am in exile! I see that no one understands my interior life. You alone understand
me, You who are hidden in my heart and yet are eternally alive.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 420
Don't Tie Yourself to Earthly Possessions
[God] gave me to understand how fleeting all earthly things are, and [how] everything that appears great
disappears like smoke, and does not give the soul freedom, but weariness. Happy the soul that understands
these things and with only one foot touches the earth. My repose is to be united with You; everything else tires
me. Oh, how much I feel I am in exile! I see that no one understands my interior life. You alone understand
me, You who are hidden in my heart and yet are eternally alive.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 420
2013-10-19
Divine Mercy is Poured Out for Everybody
Divine Mercy is Poured Out for Everybody
Oh omnipotence of Divine Mercy,
Salvation of sinful people, You are a sea of mercy and compassion; You aid those who entreat You with humility. The fountain of God's love Dwells in pure hearts, Bathed in the Sea of Mercy, Radiant as stars, bright as the dawn. The miracles of mercy are impenetrable. Neither the sinner nor just one will fathom them. When You cast upon us an eye of pity, You draw us all closer to Your love. May the light of Your love Enlighten the souls in darkness; Grant that these souls will know You And, together with us, praise Your mercy. Even for those who have torn the garment of Your unity, A fount of mercy flows from Your Heart. The omnipotence of Your mercy, Oh God, Can lead these souls also out of error. |
A truly gentle and humble soul
Already here on earth the air of paradise breathes, And in the fragrance of her humble heart The Creator Himself delights. A soul who praises the goodness of her Lord Is especially loved by Him. She is always close to the living fountain And draws graces from Mercy Divine. From that terrible heat of the cleansing fire Rises a plaint to Your mercy, And they receive comfort, refreshment, relief In the stream of mingled Blood and Water. Fire and ice cannot be joined; Either the fire dies, or the ice melts. But by Your mercy, O God, You can make up for all that is lacking. |
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 437-443
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 437-443
2013-10-19
When the Soul Returns to Her Creator
When the Soul Returns to Her Creator
O day of eternity, O day so long desired.
With thirst and longing, my eyes search you out. Soon love will tear the veil asunder, And you will be my salvation. O day most beautiful, moment incomparable, When for the first time I shall see my God, The Bridegroom of my soul and Lord of lords, And fear will not restrain my soul. O day most solemn, O day of brightness, When the soul will know God in His omnipotence And drown totally in His love, Knowing the miseries of exile are o'er. |
O happy day, O blessed day,
When my heart will burn for You with fire eternal, For even now I feel Your presence, though through the veil. Through life and death, O Jesus, You are my rapture and delight. O day, of which I dreamed through all my life, Waiting long for You, O God, For it is You alone whom I desire. You are the one and only of my heart; all else is naught. O day of delight, day of eternal bliss, God of great majesty, my beloved Spouse, You know that nothing will satisfy a virgin heart. On Your tender Heart I rest my brow. |
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 444
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 444
2013-10-20
Rosa
"Caricatura del amor, víctima del amor, la prostituta es símbolo de los poderes que humilla nuestro mundo."
Octavio Paz
El Laberinto de la Soledad y Otras Obras, p. 233
Rosa
"Caricatura del amor, víctima del amor, la prostituta es símbolo de los poderes que humilla nuestro mundo."
Octavio Paz
El Laberinto de la Soledad y Otras Obras, p. 233
2013-10-22
Abortion
I wanted very much to make a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament today, but God's will was otherwise. At eight
o'clock I was seized with such violent pains that I had to go to bed at once. I was convulsed with pain for three hours [...]
No medicine had any effect on me, and whatever I swallowed I threw up. At times, the pain caused me to lose
consciousness. Jesus had me realize that in this way I took part in His Agony in the Garden, and that He Himself
allowed these sufferings in order to offer reparation to God for the souls murdered in the wombs of wicked mothers.
Now I understand the nature of these pains, because the Lord Himself has made this known to me... Yet when I think
that I may perhaps suffer in this way again, I tremble. But I don't know whether I'll ever again suffer in this way; I leave
that to God. What it pleases God to send, I will accept with submission and love. If only I could save one soul from
murder by means of these sufferings!
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 460-461
Abortion
I wanted very much to make a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament today, but God's will was otherwise. At eight
o'clock I was seized with such violent pains that I had to go to bed at once. I was convulsed with pain for three hours [...]
No medicine had any effect on me, and whatever I swallowed I threw up. At times, the pain caused me to lose
consciousness. Jesus had me realize that in this way I took part in His Agony in the Garden, and that He Himself
allowed these sufferings in order to offer reparation to God for the souls murdered in the wombs of wicked mothers.
Now I understand the nature of these pains, because the Lord Himself has made this known to me... Yet when I think
that I may perhaps suffer in this way again, I tremble. But I don't know whether I'll ever again suffer in this way; I leave
that to God. What it pleases God to send, I will accept with submission and love. If only I could save one soul from
murder by means of these sufferings!
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 460-461
2013-10-22
A Pure Heart's Greatest Desire
A Pure Heart's Greatest Desire
With longing I gaze into the starlit sky,
Into the sapphire of fathomless firmaments. There the pure heart leaps out to find You, O God, And years to be freed of the bonds of the flesh. With great longing, I gaze upon you, my homeland, When will this, my exile, come to an end? O Jesus, such is the call of Your bride Who suffers agony in her thirst for You. With longing, I gaze at the footprints of the saints Who crossed this wilderness on their way to the fatherland. They left me the example of their virtue and their counsels. And they say to me, "Patience, Sister, soon the fetters will break." |
But my longing soul hears not these words.
Ardently it yearns for its Lord and its God, And it understands not human language, Because it is enamored of Him alone. My longing soul, wounded with love, Forces its way through all created things And unites itself with infinite eternity, With the Lord whom my heart has espoused. Allow my longing soul, O God, to be drowned in Your Divine Three-fold Essence. Fulfill my desires, for which I humbly beg You, With a heart brimming with love's fire. |
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 469-470
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 469-470
2013-10-23
Humility
O humility, lovely flower, I see how few souls possess you. Is it because you are so beautiful and at the same time
so difficult to attain? O yes, it is both the one and the other. Even God takes great pleasure in her. The floodgates
of heaven are open to a humble soul, and a sea of graces flows down upon her. O how beautiful is a humble soul!
From her heart, as from a censer, rises a varied and most pleasing fragrance which breaks through the skies and
reaches God Himself, filling His Most Sacred Heart with joy. God refuses nothing to such a soul; she is all-powerful
and influences the destiny of the whole world. God raises such a soul up to His very throne, and the more she
humbles herself, the more God stoops down to her, pursuing her with His graces and accompanying her at every
moment with His omnipotence. Such a soul is most deeply united with God. O humility, strike deep roots in my
whole being. O Virgin most pure, but also most humble, help me to attain deep humility. Now I understand why
there are so few saints; it is because so few souls are deply humble.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 470-471
Humility
O humility, lovely flower, I see how few souls possess you. Is it because you are so beautiful and at the same time
so difficult to attain? O yes, it is both the one and the other. Even God takes great pleasure in her. The floodgates
of heaven are open to a humble soul, and a sea of graces flows down upon her. O how beautiful is a humble soul!
From her heart, as from a censer, rises a varied and most pleasing fragrance which breaks through the skies and
reaches God Himself, filling His Most Sacred Heart with joy. God refuses nothing to such a soul; she is all-powerful
and influences the destiny of the whole world. God raises such a soul up to His very throne, and the more she
humbles herself, the more God stoops down to her, pursuing her with His graces and accompanying her at every
moment with His omnipotence. Such a soul is most deeply united with God. O humility, strike deep roots in my
whole being. O Virgin most pure, but also most humble, help me to attain deep humility. Now I understand why
there are so few saints; it is because so few souls are deply humble.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 470-471
2013-11-1
Sacrificio y Creación
La pirámide asegura la continuidad del tiempo (el humano y el cósmico) por el sacrificio: es un espacio generador
de vida. Su plataforma-santuario, cuadrado como el mundo, es el teatro de los dioses y su campo de juego.
Juegan con el tiempo y su juego es la creación y la destrucción de los mundos. En sus juegos que son guerras
que son danzas los dioses crean, destruyen y, a veces, se auto-destruyen. Al inmolarse, recrean al mundo.
El juego de los dioses es un juego sangriento que culmina en un sacrificio que es la creación del mundo.
Octavio Paz
El Laberinto de la Soledad y Otras Obras, p. 280
Sacrificio y Creación
La pirámide asegura la continuidad del tiempo (el humano y el cósmico) por el sacrificio: es un espacio generador
de vida. Su plataforma-santuario, cuadrado como el mundo, es el teatro de los dioses y su campo de juego.
Juegan con el tiempo y su juego es la creación y la destrucción de los mundos. En sus juegos que son guerras
que son danzas los dioses crean, destruyen y, a veces, se auto-destruyen. Al inmolarse, recrean al mundo.
El juego de los dioses es un juego sangriento que culmina en un sacrificio que es la creación del mundo.
Octavio Paz
El Laberinto de la Soledad y Otras Obras, p. 280
2013-11-1
Concepción Circular del Tiempo
[...] nosotros los modernos, a un tiempo fanáticos y víctimas del tiempo rectilíneo e irrepetible del progreso, no
podemos aceptar con todas sus consecuencias la visión del tiempo cíclico. En el caso de los aztecas, la idea
del regreso del tiempo hundía sus raíces en un sentimiento de culpabilidad. El tiempo del principio, al regresar,
asumía la forma de una reparación.
Octavio Paz
El Laberinto de la Soledad y Otras Obras, p. 292-293
Concepción Circular del Tiempo
[...] nosotros los modernos, a un tiempo fanáticos y víctimas del tiempo rectilíneo e irrepetible del progreso, no
podemos aceptar con todas sus consecuencias la visión del tiempo cíclico. En el caso de los aztecas, la idea
del regreso del tiempo hundía sus raíces en un sentimiento de culpabilidad. El tiempo del principio, al regresar,
asumía la forma de una reparación.
Octavio Paz
El Laberinto de la Soledad y Otras Obras, p. 292-293
2013-11-4
Los españoles derriban las estatuas de los dioses, destruyen los templos, queman los códices y aniquilan a
la casta sacerdotal. Es como si hubiesen quitado los ojos, los oídos, el alma y la memoria al pueblo indígena.
Octavio Paz
El Laberinto de la Soledad y Otras Obras, p. 321-322
Los españoles derriban las estatuas de los dioses, destruyen los templos, queman los códices y aniquilan a
la casta sacerdotal. Es como si hubiesen quitado los ojos, los oídos, el alma y la memoria al pueblo indígena.
Octavio Paz
El Laberinto de la Soledad y Otras Obras, p. 321-322
2013-11-5
Los indios son el hueso de México, su realidad primera y última.
Octavio Paz
El Laberinto de la Soledad y Otras Obras, p. 338
Los indios son el hueso de México, su realidad primera y última.
Octavio Paz
El Laberinto de la Soledad y Otras Obras, p. 338
2013-11-12
A Soul's Journey Towards Perfection
The Goodness of God
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 523-535
A Soul's Journey Towards Perfection
The Goodness of God
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 523-535
2013-11-20
Adoring God's Mercy
Let souls who are striving for perfection particularly adore My mercy, because the abundance of graces which I grant
them flows from My mercy. I desire that these souls distinguish themselves by boundless trust in My mercy. I
myself will attend to the sanctification of such souls. I will provide them with anything that they need to attain
santity. The graces of my mercy are drawn my means of one vessel only, and that is - trust. The more a soul trusts,
the more it will receive. Souls that trust boundlessly are a great comfort to Me, because I pour all the treasures of
My graces into them. I rejoice that they ask for much, because it is My desire to give much, very much. On the
other hand, I am sad when souls ask for little, when they narrow their hearts.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 560-561
Adoring God's Mercy
Let souls who are striving for perfection particularly adore My mercy, because the abundance of graces which I grant
them flows from My mercy. I desire that these souls distinguish themselves by boundless trust in My mercy. I
myself will attend to the sanctification of such souls. I will provide them with anything that they need to attain
santity. The graces of my mercy are drawn my means of one vessel only, and that is - trust. The more a soul trusts,
the more it will receive. Souls that trust boundlessly are a great comfort to Me, because I pour all the treasures of
My graces into them. I rejoice that they ask for much, because it is My desire to give much, very much. On the
other hand, I am sad when souls ask for little, when they narrow their hearts.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 560-561
2013-11-20
Jesus Doesn't Abandon Mankind
Today I heard the words: In the Old Covenant I sent prophets wielding thunderbolts to My people. Today I am
sending you with My mercy to the people of the whole world. I do not want to punish aching mankind, but I
desire to heal it, pressing it to My Merciful Heart. I use punishment when they themselves force Me to do so;
My hand is reluctant to take hold of the sword of justice. Before the Day of Justice I am sending the Day of
Mercy. I replied, "O my Jesus, speak to souls Yourself, because my words are insignificant."
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 564
Jesus Doesn't Abandon Mankind
Today I heard the words: In the Old Covenant I sent prophets wielding thunderbolts to My people. Today I am
sending you with My mercy to the people of the whole world. I do not want to punish aching mankind, but I
desire to heal it, pressing it to My Merciful Heart. I use punishment when they themselves force Me to do so;
My hand is reluctant to take hold of the sword of justice. Before the Day of Justice I am sending the Day of
Mercy. I replied, "O my Jesus, speak to souls Yourself, because my words are insignificant."
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 564
2013-12-16
Chosen Souls are like Stars that Illuminate the World
Chosen souls are, in My hand, lights which I cast into the darkness of the world and with which I illuminate it.
As stars illuminate the night, so chosen souls illuminate the earth. And the more perfect a soul is, the stronger
and the more far-reaching is the light shed by it. It can be hidden and unknown, even to those closest to it,
and yet its holiness is reflected in souls even to the most distant extremities of the world.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 569
Chosen Souls are like Stars that Illuminate the World
Chosen souls are, in My hand, lights which I cast into the darkness of the world and with which I illuminate it.
As stars illuminate the night, so chosen souls illuminate the earth. And the more perfect a soul is, the stronger
and the more far-reaching is the light shed by it. It can be hidden and unknown, even to those closest to it,
and yet its holiness is reflected in souls even to the most distant extremities of the world.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 569
2014-2-12
God is Our Shield
I was your Teacher, I am and I will be; strive to make your heart like unto My humble and gentle Heart.
Never claim your rights. Bear with great calm and patience everything that befalls you. Do not defend
yourself when you are put to shame, though innocent. Let others triumph. Do not stop being good when
you notice that your goodness is being abused. I Myself will speak up for you when it is necessary. Be
grateful for the smallest of My graces, because your gratitude compels Me to grant you new graces...
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 602-603
God is Our Shield
I was your Teacher, I am and I will be; strive to make your heart like unto My humble and gentle Heart.
Never claim your rights. Bear with great calm and patience everything that befalls you. Do not defend
yourself when you are put to shame, though innocent. Let others triumph. Do not stop being good when
you notice that your goodness is being abused. I Myself will speak up for you when it is necessary. Be
grateful for the smallest of My graces, because your gratitude compels Me to grant you new graces...
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 602-603
2014-5-13
We Are Storytellers
As a writer, you may have heard or felt a call to action, a call to write, but hesitated. You must heed the call.
As you struggle, as you learn, and as you write, you may very well walk the path of the hero, overcome obstacles,
gain allies, and become the next great screenwriter. The Hero's Journey may very well become your personal odyssey.
David Trottier
Screenwriter's Bible, p. 49
We Are Storytellers
As a writer, you may have heard or felt a call to action, a call to write, but hesitated. You must heed the call.
As you struggle, as you learn, and as you write, you may very well walk the path of the hero, overcome obstacles,
gain allies, and become the next great screenwriter. The Hero's Journey may very well become your personal odyssey.
David Trottier
Screenwriter's Bible, p. 49
2014-5-19
"The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom,
and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength." (1 Co 1:25)
"The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom,
and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength." (1 Co 1:25)
2014-6-16
Testimonio en Contra de ESRI -
Les Toca a los Ricos
Ahora les toca a los ricos: lloren y laméntense porque les han venido encima desgracias. Los gusanos se han
metido en sus reservas y la polilla se come sus vestidos, su oro y su plata se han oxidado. El óxido se levanta
como acusador contra ustedes y como un fuego les devora las carnes. ¿Cómo han atesorado, si ya eran los
últimos tiempos?
El salario de los trabajadores que cosecharon sus campos se ha puesto a gritar, pues ustedes no les pagaron;
las quejas de los segadores ya habían llegado a los oídos del Señor de los ejércitos. Han conocido sólo lujo
y placeres en este mundo, y lo pasaron muy bien, mientras otros eran asesinados. Condenaron y mataron
al inocente, pues ¿cómo podía defenderse?
(Stgo 5:1-6)
Testimonio en Contra de ESRI -
Les Toca a los Ricos
Ahora les toca a los ricos: lloren y laméntense porque les han venido encima desgracias. Los gusanos se han
metido en sus reservas y la polilla se come sus vestidos, su oro y su plata se han oxidado. El óxido se levanta
como acusador contra ustedes y como un fuego les devora las carnes. ¿Cómo han atesorado, si ya eran los
últimos tiempos?
El salario de los trabajadores que cosecharon sus campos se ha puesto a gritar, pues ustedes no les pagaron;
las quejas de los segadores ya habían llegado a los oídos del Señor de los ejércitos. Han conocido sólo lujo
y placeres en este mundo, y lo pasaron muy bien, mientras otros eran asesinados. Condenaron y mataron
al inocente, pues ¿cómo podía defenderse?
(Stgo 5:1-6)
2014-7-20
The War Against the Devil
"One day, as St Francis was in prayer, it was revealed to him by God that Brother Bernard,
by divine permission, would sustain many painful combats with the devil."
“Fear not, Francis, for all the temptations which will assail Brother Bernard are permitted by God,
to increase his virtue and win for him a crown of merit; for at length he will gain the victory over all his enemies,
because he is one of the ministers of the kingdom of heaven.”
The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi, p. 21
The War Against the Devil
"One day, as St Francis was in prayer, it was revealed to him by God that Brother Bernard,
by divine permission, would sustain many painful combats with the devil."
“Fear not, Francis, for all the temptations which will assail Brother Bernard are permitted by God,
to increase his virtue and win for him a crown of merit; for at length he will gain the victory over all his enemies,
because he is one of the ministers of the kingdom of heaven.”
The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi, p. 21
2014-7-20
The Goodness of God Towards His Servants
"He that blesseth thee shall be blessed,
he that curseth thee shall not remain unpunished."
The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi, p. 21
The Goodness of God Towards His Servants
"He that blesseth thee shall be blessed,
he that curseth thee shall not remain unpunished."
The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi, p. 21
2014-7-28
Why Me?
Thou art neither comely
nor learned,
nor art thou of noble birth.
Wouldst thou know why all men come after me? Know that it is because the Lord, who is in heaven,
who sees the evil and the good in all places - because, I say, his holy eyes have found among
men no one more wicked, more imperfect, or a greater sinner than I am; and to accomplish
the wonderful work which he intends to do, he has found no creature more vile than I am
on earth; for which reason he has chosen me, to confound all strength, beauty, greatness, noble birth,
and all the science of the world, that men may learn that every virtue and every good gift cometh from him,
and not from any creature, that none may glory before him; but if any one glory, let him glory in the Lord,
to whom belongeth all glory in eternity.
The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi, p. 28
Why Me?
Thou art neither comely
nor learned,
nor art thou of noble birth.
Wouldst thou know why all men come after me? Know that it is because the Lord, who is in heaven,
who sees the evil and the good in all places - because, I say, his holy eyes have found among
men no one more wicked, more imperfect, or a greater sinner than I am; and to accomplish
the wonderful work which he intends to do, he has found no creature more vile than I am
on earth; for which reason he has chosen me, to confound all strength, beauty, greatness, noble birth,
and all the science of the world, that men may learn that every virtue and every good gift cometh from him,
and not from any creature, that none may glory before him; but if any one glory, let him glory in the Lord,
to whom belongeth all glory in eternity.
The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi, p. 28
2014-8-14
We Come to this World to Suffer
My son, be patient [said St. Francis]; for the infirmities of the body are given by God in this world
for the salvation of the soul in the next;
there is great merit in them when they are patiently endured.
The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi, p. 54
We Come to this World to Suffer
My son, be patient [said St. Francis]; for the infirmities of the body are given by God in this world
for the salvation of the soul in the next;
there is great merit in them when they are patiently endured.
The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi, p. 54
2014-8-30
The Final Judgment
This is the man whom we once held in derision and made a byword of reproach—we fools!
We thought that his life was madness and that his end was without honor.
Why has he been numbered among the sons of God? And why is his lot among the saints?
So it was we who strayed from the way of truth, and the light of righteousness did not shine on us,
and the sun did not rise upon us.
We took our fill of the paths of lawlessness and destruction, and we journeyed through trackless deserts,
but the way of the Lord we have not known.
What has our arrogance profited us? And what good has our boasted wealth brought us?
All those things have vanished like a shadow, and like a rumor that passes by;
like a ship that sails through the billowy water,
and when it has passed no trace can be found, nor track of its keel in the waves;
(Wisdom 5:4-10)
The Final Judgment
This is the man whom we once held in derision and made a byword of reproach—we fools!
We thought that his life was madness and that his end was without honor.
Why has he been numbered among the sons of God? And why is his lot among the saints?
So it was we who strayed from the way of truth, and the light of righteousness did not shine on us,
and the sun did not rise upon us.
We took our fill of the paths of lawlessness and destruction, and we journeyed through trackless deserts,
but the way of the Lord we have not known.
What has our arrogance profited us? And what good has our boasted wealth brought us?
All those things have vanished like a shadow, and like a rumor that passes by;
like a ship that sails through the billowy water,
and when it has passed no trace can be found, nor track of its keel in the waves;
(Wisdom 5:4-10)
2014-10-13
Do Not Be Discouraged
May God bless thee, and guard thee from all temptation!
But if temptation come unto thee, be not afraid, for I hold thee to be more truly the servant of God,
and more worthy of love the harder thou art oppressed by temptation.
And I tell thee in all sincerity, that no man should account himself to be a perfect friend of God
until he has passed through manifold temptations and tribulations.
The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi, p. 112
Do Not Be Discouraged
May God bless thee, and guard thee from all temptation!
But if temptation come unto thee, be not afraid, for I hold thee to be more truly the servant of God,
and more worthy of love the harder thou art oppressed by temptation.
And I tell thee in all sincerity, that no man should account himself to be a perfect friend of God
until he has passed through manifold temptations and tribulations.
The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi, p. 112
2014-10-25
The Beatitudes
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you
falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they
persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Mt 5:3-12)
The Beatitudes
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you
falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they
persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Mt 5:3-12)
2014-11-18
Todo Honor y toda Gloria son Tuyos por Siempre, Señor
Así como en la imagen del Señor y de la Bienaventurada Virgen, pintada en la madera, se honra
al Señor y a la Virgen, sin que la madera ni la pintura se atribuyan nada a sí mismas, así el siervo
de Dios es como una pintura del Señor en que Dios es honrado por el beneficio de su gracia; pero
él no debe atribuirse nada, porque respecto de Dios es menos que la madera y la pintura, es puro
nada; y por lo tanto a sólo Dios debe atribuir la honra y la gloria, y a sí mismo tan sólo la
vergüenza y la tribulación mientras vive entre las miserias de este mundo.
Florecillas de San Francisco, p. 283
Todo Honor y toda Gloria son Tuyos por Siempre, Señor
Así como en la imagen del Señor y de la Bienaventurada Virgen, pintada en la madera, se honra
al Señor y a la Virgen, sin que la madera ni la pintura se atribuyan nada a sí mismas, así el siervo
de Dios es como una pintura del Señor en que Dios es honrado por el beneficio de su gracia; pero
él no debe atribuirse nada, porque respecto de Dios es menos que la madera y la pintura, es puro
nada; y por lo tanto a sólo Dios debe atribuir la honra y la gloria, y a sí mismo tan sólo la
vergüenza y la tribulación mientras vive entre las miserias de este mundo.
Florecillas de San Francisco, p. 283
2014-12-28
My God, I choose everything
Hágase en mí, Señor, Tu voluntad
Later on, when the way of perfection was opened out before me, I realised that in order to become a Saint
one must suffer much, always seek the most perfect path, and forget oneself. I also understood that there
are many degrees of holiness, that each soul is free to respond to the calls of Our Lord, to do much or little
for His love--in a word, to choose amongst the sacrifices He asks. And then also, as in the days of my
childhood, I cried out: "My God, I choose everything, I will not be a Saint by halves, I am not afraid of
suffering for Thee, I only fear one thing, and that is to do my own will. Accept the offering of my will, for I
choose all that Thou willest."
St. Therese of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul, p. 37
My God, I choose everything
Hágase en mí, Señor, Tu voluntad
Later on, when the way of perfection was opened out before me, I realised that in order to become a Saint
one must suffer much, always seek the most perfect path, and forget oneself. I also understood that there
are many degrees of holiness, that each soul is free to respond to the calls of Our Lord, to do much or little
for His love--in a word, to choose amongst the sacrifices He asks. And then also, as in the days of my
childhood, I cried out: "My God, I choose everything, I will not be a Saint by halves, I am not afraid of
suffering for Thee, I only fear one thing, and that is to do my own will. Accept the offering of my will, for I
choose all that Thou willest."
St. Therese of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul, p. 37
2015-1-12
All Honor and Glory be to God Forever
Our Lord made me understand that the only true glory is that which lasts for ever; and that to attain it there is
no necessity to do brilliant deeds, but rather to hide from the eyes of others, and even from oneself, so that
"the left hand knows not what the right hand does."
St. Therese of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul, p. 67
All Honor and Glory be to God Forever
Our Lord made me understand that the only true glory is that which lasts for ever; and that to attain it there is
no necessity to do brilliant deeds, but rather to hide from the eyes of others, and even from oneself, so that
"the left hand knows not what the right hand does."
St. Therese of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul, p. 67
2015-1-12
I Trust in You, Lord
I am not trusting in my own merits, for I have none; but I trust in Him Who is Virtue and Holiness itself.
St. Therese of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul, p. 67
I Trust in You, Lord
I am not trusting in my own merits, for I have none; but I trust in Him Who is Virtue and Holiness itself.
St. Therese of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul, p. 67
2015-1-12
I Have Savored Bitterness
O happy failure, from how many evils have you saved me! I am most thankful to Our Lord that He let me
find only bitterness in earthly friendships.
St. Therese of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul, p. 75
I Have Savored Bitterness
O happy failure, from how many evils have you saved me! I am most thankful to Our Lord that He let me
find only bitterness in earthly friendships.
St. Therese of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul, p. 75
2015-1-13
"One evening, not knowing in what words to tell Our Lord how much I loved him, and how much I wished that
He was served and honoured everywhere, I thought sorrowfully that from the depths of hell there does not go up
to Him one single act of love. Then, from my inmost heart, I cried out that I would gladly be cast into that place
of torment and blasphemy so that He might be eternally loved even there. This could not be for His Glory, since
He only wishes our happiness, but love feels the need of saying foolish things. If I spoke in this way, it was not
that I did not long to go to Heaven, but for me Heaven was nothing else than Love, and in my ardour I felt that
nothing could separate me from the Divine Being Who held me captive."
St. Therese of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul, p. 95
My God, I too preferred to go to hell so that you wouldn't have to lower Yourself to pick me up from the floor
when I was hurting and suffering and did not have the strength to get up. But You loved me so much and replied,
“What kind of Father would I be if I did that?” You raised me up, You hugged me close to Your Heart and I forgot
all my pain in Your most blessed Heart.
And how many times I have wished to go to purgatory, if that is Your will, only to adore Your Divine Mercy there,
with all those blessed souls from purgatory that I love so much, until You take pity on all of them, forgive their sins
and let them return to You, so that they may also give You all their love, proclaim Your Mercy and fill You with happiness.
"One evening, not knowing in what words to tell Our Lord how much I loved him, and how much I wished that
He was served and honoured everywhere, I thought sorrowfully that from the depths of hell there does not go up
to Him one single act of love. Then, from my inmost heart, I cried out that I would gladly be cast into that place
of torment and blasphemy so that He might be eternally loved even there. This could not be for His Glory, since
He only wishes our happiness, but love feels the need of saying foolish things. If I spoke in this way, it was not
that I did not long to go to Heaven, but for me Heaven was nothing else than Love, and in my ardour I felt that
nothing could separate me from the Divine Being Who held me captive."
St. Therese of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul, p. 95
My God, I too preferred to go to hell so that you wouldn't have to lower Yourself to pick me up from the floor
when I was hurting and suffering and did not have the strength to get up. But You loved me so much and replied,
“What kind of Father would I be if I did that?” You raised me up, You hugged me close to Your Heart and I forgot
all my pain in Your most blessed Heart.
And how many times I have wished to go to purgatory, if that is Your will, only to adore Your Divine Mercy there,
with all those blessed souls from purgatory that I love so much, until You take pity on all of them, forgive their sins
and let them return to You, so that they may also give You all their love, proclaim Your Mercy and fill You with happiness.
2015-1-13
A Pure Heart is Innocent
"To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their
consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable,
disobedient, unfit for any good work." (Tit 1:15)
"...a simple and upright soul does not see evil in anything, because evil only exists in impure hearts and not in
inanimate objects."
St. Therese of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul, p. 103
A Pure Heart is Innocent
"To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their
consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable,
disobedient, unfit for any good work." (Tit 1:15)
"...a simple and upright soul does not see evil in anything, because evil only exists in impure hearts and not in
inanimate objects."
St. Therese of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul, p. 103
2015-1-26
God's Mercy is Greater than All our Sins
It is not because I have been preserved from mortal sin that I lift up my heart to God in trust and love. I feel that even
had I on my conscience every crime one could commit, I should lose nothing of my confidence: my heart broken with
sorrow, I would throw myself into the Arms of my Saviour. I know that He loves the Prodigal Son [...] No one could
frighten me, for I know what to believe concerning His Mercy and His Love. And I know that all that multitude of sins
would disappear in an instant, even as a drop of water cast into a flaming furnace.
St. Therese of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul, p. 196
God's Mercy is Greater than All our Sins
It is not because I have been preserved from mortal sin that I lift up my heart to God in trust and love. I feel that even
had I on my conscience every crime one could commit, I should lose nothing of my confidence: my heart broken with
sorrow, I would throw myself into the Arms of my Saviour. I know that He loves the Prodigal Son [...] No one could
frighten me, for I know what to believe concerning His Mercy and His Love. And I know that all that multitude of sins
would disappear in an instant, even as a drop of water cast into a flaming furnace.
St. Therese of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul, p. 196
2015-1-26
Love has chosen me, a weak and imperfect creature, as its victim.
St. Therese of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul, p. 203
Love has chosen me, a weak and imperfect creature, as its victim.
St. Therese of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul, p. 203
2015-7-20
"El Obrero es Digno de su Salario"
¿No saben que los que trabajan en el servicio sagrado son mantenidos por el Templo, y los que sirven al altar
reciben su parte de lo que ha sido ofrecido sobre el altar? El Señor ha ordenado, de igual manera, que los que
anuncian el Evangleio vivan del Evangelio. Pero yo no he hecho uso de tales derechos ni tampoco les escribo
ahora para reclamarles nada. ¡Antes morir! Esos es para mi una gloria que nadie me podrá quitar.” (1 Cor 9:13-15)
“The worker deserves his wages”
Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at
the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach
the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing
this in the hope that you will do such things for me, for I would rather die than allow anyone to deprive me of this
boast. (1 Cor 9:13-15)
"El Obrero es Digno de su Salario"
¿No saben que los que trabajan en el servicio sagrado son mantenidos por el Templo, y los que sirven al altar
reciben su parte de lo que ha sido ofrecido sobre el altar? El Señor ha ordenado, de igual manera, que los que
anuncian el Evangleio vivan del Evangelio. Pero yo no he hecho uso de tales derechos ni tampoco les escribo
ahora para reclamarles nada. ¡Antes morir! Esos es para mi una gloria que nadie me podrá quitar.” (1 Cor 9:13-15)
“The worker deserves his wages”
Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at
the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach
the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing
this in the hope that you will do such things for me, for I would rather die than allow anyone to deprive me of this
boast. (1 Cor 9:13-15)
2015-11-5
"Farmer! The boss won't eat your poverty anymore!" -Túpac Amaru
Eduardo Galeano
The Open Veins of Latin America, p. 70
"Farmer! The boss won't eat your poverty anymore!" -Túpac Amaru
Eduardo Galeano
The Open Veins of Latin America, p. 70
2015-11-5
The Church Itself Collected Taxes from the Drug
With the scarce coins that they received in exchange for their work, the Indians bought coca leaves
instead of food: by chewing them, they could better endure, at the price of shortening their own life,
the mortal tasks that were imposed on them. Besides the coca leaves, the Indians also consumed alcohol,
and their owners complained of the propagation of the 'evil vices'.
Eduardo Galeano
The Open Veins of Latin America, p. 73
The Church Itself Collected Taxes from the Drug
With the scarce coins that they received in exchange for their work, the Indians bought coca leaves
instead of food: by chewing them, they could better endure, at the price of shortening their own life,
the mortal tasks that were imposed on them. Besides the coca leaves, the Indians also consumed alcohol,
and their owners complained of the propagation of the 'evil vices'.
Eduardo Galeano
The Open Veins of Latin America, p. 73
2015-11-5
Freedom and Justice for the Indian
Defeated in their own land, condemned to an eternal exodus, the indigenous people of Latin America
were pushed towards the poorest regions, the arid mountains or the interior of the deserts,
as the frontier of dominant civilization was extended.
The Indians have suffered and still suffer –synthesis of the drama of Latin America–
the curse of their own wealth.
Eduardo Galeano
The Open Veins of Latin America, p. 73
Freedom and Justice for the Indian
Defeated in their own land, condemned to an eternal exodus, the indigenous people of Latin America
were pushed towards the poorest regions, the arid mountains or the interior of the deserts,
as the frontier of dominant civilization was extended.
The Indians have suffered and still suffer –synthesis of the drama of Latin America–
the curse of their own wealth.
Eduardo Galeano
The Open Veins of Latin America, p. 73
2016-1-21
Jesus, Give Me Strength
Jesus, may Your pure and healthy blood circulate in my ailing organism,
and may Your pure and healthy body transform my weak body,
and may a healthy and vigorous life throb within me,
if it is truly Your holy will that I should set about the work in question;
and this will be a clear sign of Your holy will for me.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 407
Jesus, Give Me Strength
Jesus, may Your pure and healthy blood circulate in my ailing organism,
and may Your pure and healthy body transform my weak body,
and may a healthy and vigorous life throb within me,
if it is truly Your holy will that I should set about the work in question;
and this will be a clear sign of Your holy will for me.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 407
2016-1-21
I Love You, My Blessed Jesus
O Jesus, eternal God, thank You for Your countless graces and blessings.
Let every beat of my heart be a new hymn of thanksgiving to You, O God.
Let every drop of my blood circulate for You, Lord.
My soul is one hymn in adoration of Your mercy.
I love You, God, for Yourself alone.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 635
I Love You, My Blessed Jesus
O Jesus, eternal God, thank You for Your countless graces and blessings.
Let every beat of my heart be a new hymn of thanksgiving to You, O God.
Let every drop of my blood circulate for You, Lord.
My soul is one hymn in adoration of Your mercy.
I love You, God, for Yourself alone.
St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Diary: Divine Mercy in my Soul, p. 635
2016-3-14
We Need to Walk Alone
Natalio Hernández Xocoyotzin
Sometimes I feel that we Indians
are waiting for the arrival of one man
that can do everything,
that knows everything,
that can help us resolve
all our problems.
However, that man that can do everything
and that knows everything
will never arrive;
because he lives within us,
he walks with us;
he is still asleep,
but is already awakening.
Miguel León Portilla
Vision of the Defeated, p. 255
We Need to Walk Alone
Natalio Hernández Xocoyotzin
Sometimes I feel that we Indians
are waiting for the arrival of one man
that can do everything,
that knows everything,
that can help us resolve
all our problems.
However, that man that can do everything
and that knows everything
will never arrive;
because he lives within us,
he walks with us;
he is still asleep,
but is already awakening.
Miguel León Portilla
Vision of the Defeated, p. 255
2016-7-25
If I Could See Your Face, Oh Lord, I would Die of Love
Luis: I can't see your face.
Father: Nobody can.
Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you,
and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence.
I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
(Exodus 33:18-20)
If I Could See Your Face, Oh Lord, I would Die of Love
Luis: I can't see your face.
Father: Nobody can.
Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you,
and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence.
I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
(Exodus 33:18-20)
2016-11-16
I'm an Artist :)
"He who works with his hands is a laborer.
He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman.
He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist."
-Louis Nizer
I'm an Artist :)
"He who works with his hands is a laborer.
He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman.
He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist."
-Louis Nizer
2017-6-1
Without Corn there is No Country
In the year 2009, the Mexican government authorized the experimental and limited planting of genetically modified corn.
A public outcry arose from the fields. Nobody ignored that the winds would take care of spreading the invasion,
until GM corn became destiny's fatality.
Fed by corn, many of the first towns had grown in America:
The corn was people, the people was corn, and corn had, just like people, all the colors and tastes.
Can the children of corn, the ones who make the corn that made them,
resist the onslaught of the chemical industry,
that imposes its venomous dictatorship in the world?
Or will they end up accepting, everywhere in America,
this merchandise that calls itself corn
but has just one color and has no taste nor memory?
Eduardo Galeano
Children of the Days, p. 200
Without Corn there is No Country
In the year 2009, the Mexican government authorized the experimental and limited planting of genetically modified corn.
A public outcry arose from the fields. Nobody ignored that the winds would take care of spreading the invasion,
until GM corn became destiny's fatality.
Fed by corn, many of the first towns had grown in America:
The corn was people, the people was corn, and corn had, just like people, all the colors and tastes.
Can the children of corn, the ones who make the corn that made them,
resist the onslaught of the chemical industry,
that imposes its venomous dictatorship in the world?
Or will they end up accepting, everywhere in America,
this merchandise that calls itself corn
but has just one color and has no taste nor memory?
Eduardo Galeano
Children of the Days, p. 200
2017-6-25
The Art of Neurons
Don't you have enemies? How come?
Is it because you never told the truth, and you never loved justice?
-Santiago Ramón y Cajal
Eduardo Galeano
Children of the Days, p. 240
The Art of Neurons
Don't you have enemies? How come?
Is it because you never told the truth, and you never loved justice?
-Santiago Ramón y Cajal
Eduardo Galeano
Children of the Days, p. 240
2018-4-22
Lead a Holy Life
Holiness is not the luxury of a few. It is a simple duty for each one of us.
-Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Lead a Holy Life
Holiness is not the luxury of a few. It is a simple duty for each one of us.
-Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta
2018-4-22
I See Jesus in Every Human Being
I see Jesus in every human being.
I say to myself, this is hungry Jesus,
I must feed him.
This is sick Jesus.
This one has leprosy or gangrene;
I must wash him and tend to him.
I serve because I love Jesus.
-Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta
I See Jesus in Every Human Being
I see Jesus in every human being.
I say to myself, this is hungry Jesus,
I must feed him.
This is sick Jesus.
This one has leprosy or gangrene;
I must wash him and tend to him.
I serve because I love Jesus.
-Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta
2018-4-22
Always Smile
Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.
-Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Always Smile
Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.
-Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta
2018-4-22
Seeing and Adoring the Presence of Jesus
Seeking the face of God in everything, everyone, all the time, and his hand in every happening;
this is what it means to be contemplative in the heart of the world.
Seeing and adoring the presence of Jesus,
especially in the lowly appearance of bread, and in the distressing disguise of the poor.
-Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Seeing and Adoring the Presence of Jesus
Seeking the face of God in everything, everyone, all the time, and his hand in every happening;
this is what it means to be contemplative in the heart of the world.
Seeing and adoring the presence of Jesus,
especially in the lowly appearance of bread, and in the distressing disguise of the poor.
-Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta
2018-4-22
Holiness Consists in Loving the Will of God
Holiness does not consist in doing extraordinary things.
It consists in accepting, with a smile, what Jesus sends us.
It consists in accepting and following the will of God.
-Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Holiness Consists in Loving the Will of God
Holiness does not consist in doing extraordinary things.
It consists in accepting, with a smile, what Jesus sends us.
It consists in accepting and following the will of God.
-Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta
2018-10-15
St. Anthony Preaches to the Fishes
St. Anthony Preaches to the Fishes
Christ, the blessed one, was pleased to show forth the great sanctity of his most faithful servant St Anthony, and how men ought devoutly to listen to his preaching, be means of creatures without reason. On one occasion, amongst others, he made use of fish to reprove the folly of faithless heretics: even as we read in the Old Testament that in ancient times he reproved the ignorance of Balaam by the mouth of an ass.
St Anthony being at one time at Rimini, where there were a great number of heretics, and wishing to lead them by the light of faith into the way of truth, preached to them for several days, and reasoned with them on the faith of Christ and on the Holy Scriptures. They not only resisted his words, but were hardened and obstinate, refusing to listen to him.
At last St Anthony, inspired by God, went down to the sea-shore, where the river runs into the sea, and having placed himself on a bank between the river and the sea, he began to speak to the fishes as if the Lord had sent him to preach to them, and said: "Listen to the word of God, O ye fishes of the sea and of the river, seeing that the faithless heretics refuse to do so."
No sooner had he spoken these words than suddenly so great a multitude of fishes, both small and great, approached the bank on which he stood, that never before had so many been seen in the sea or the river. All kept their heads out of the water, and seemed to be looking attentively on St Anthony's face; all were ranged in perfect order and most peacefully, the smaller ones in front near the bank, after them came those a little bigger, and last of all, were the water was deeper, the largest.
When they had placed themselves in this order, St Anthony began to preach to them most solemnly, saying: "My brothers the fishes, you are bound, as much as is in your power, to return thanks to your Creator, who has given you so noble an element for your dwelling; for you have at your choice both sweet water and salt; you have many places of refuge from the tempest; you have likewise a pure and transparent element for your nourishment. God, your bountiful and kind Creator, when he made you, ordered you to increase and multiply, and gave you his blessing. In the universal deluge, all other creatures perished; you alone did God preserve from all harm. He has given you fins to enable you to go where you will. To you was it granted, according to the commandment of God, to keep the prophet Jonas, and after three days to throw him safe and sound on dry land. You it was who gave the tribute-money to our Saviour Jesus Christ, when, through his poverty, he had not wherewith to pay. By a singular mystery you were the nourishment of the eternal King, Jesus Christ, before and after his resurrection. Because of all these things you are bound to praise and bless the Lord, who has given you blessings so many and so much greater than to other creatures."
At these words the fish began to open their mouths, and bow their heads, endeavouring as much as was in their power to express their reverence and show forth their praise.
St Anthony, seeing the reverence of the fish towards their Creator, rejoiced greatly in spirit, and said with a loud voice: "Blessed be the eternal God; for the fishes of the sea honour him more than men without faith, and animals without reason listen to his word with greater attention than sinful heretics."
And whilst St Anthony was preaching, the number of fishes increased, and none of them left the place that he had chosen. And the people of the city hearing of the miracle, made haste to go and witness it. With them also came the heretics of whom we have spoken above, who, seeing so wonderful and manifest a miracle, were touched in their hearts; and threw themselves at the feet of St Anthony to hear his words. The saint then began to expound to them the Catholic faith. He preached so eloquently, that all those heretics were converted, and returned to the true faith of Christ; the faithful also were filled with joy, and greatly comforted, being strengthened in the faith.
After this St Anthony sent away the fishes, with the blessing of God; and they all departed, rejoicing as they went, and the people returned to the city. But St Anthony remained at Rimini for several days, preaching and reaping much spiritual fruit in the souls of his hearers.
St Anthony being at one time at Rimini, where there were a great number of heretics, and wishing to lead them by the light of faith into the way of truth, preached to them for several days, and reasoned with them on the faith of Christ and on the Holy Scriptures. They not only resisted his words, but were hardened and obstinate, refusing to listen to him.
At last St Anthony, inspired by God, went down to the sea-shore, where the river runs into the sea, and having placed himself on a bank between the river and the sea, he began to speak to the fishes as if the Lord had sent him to preach to them, and said: "Listen to the word of God, O ye fishes of the sea and of the river, seeing that the faithless heretics refuse to do so."
No sooner had he spoken these words than suddenly so great a multitude of fishes, both small and great, approached the bank on which he stood, that never before had so many been seen in the sea or the river. All kept their heads out of the water, and seemed to be looking attentively on St Anthony's face; all were ranged in perfect order and most peacefully, the smaller ones in front near the bank, after them came those a little bigger, and last of all, were the water was deeper, the largest.
When they had placed themselves in this order, St Anthony began to preach to them most solemnly, saying: "My brothers the fishes, you are bound, as much as is in your power, to return thanks to your Creator, who has given you so noble an element for your dwelling; for you have at your choice both sweet water and salt; you have many places of refuge from the tempest; you have likewise a pure and transparent element for your nourishment. God, your bountiful and kind Creator, when he made you, ordered you to increase and multiply, and gave you his blessing. In the universal deluge, all other creatures perished; you alone did God preserve from all harm. He has given you fins to enable you to go where you will. To you was it granted, according to the commandment of God, to keep the prophet Jonas, and after three days to throw him safe and sound on dry land. You it was who gave the tribute-money to our Saviour Jesus Christ, when, through his poverty, he had not wherewith to pay. By a singular mystery you were the nourishment of the eternal King, Jesus Christ, before and after his resurrection. Because of all these things you are bound to praise and bless the Lord, who has given you blessings so many and so much greater than to other creatures."
At these words the fish began to open their mouths, and bow their heads, endeavouring as much as was in their power to express their reverence and show forth their praise.
St Anthony, seeing the reverence of the fish towards their Creator, rejoiced greatly in spirit, and said with a loud voice: "Blessed be the eternal God; for the fishes of the sea honour him more than men without faith, and animals without reason listen to his word with greater attention than sinful heretics."
And whilst St Anthony was preaching, the number of fishes increased, and none of them left the place that he had chosen. And the people of the city hearing of the miracle, made haste to go and witness it. With them also came the heretics of whom we have spoken above, who, seeing so wonderful and manifest a miracle, were touched in their hearts; and threw themselves at the feet of St Anthony to hear his words. The saint then began to expound to them the Catholic faith. He preached so eloquently, that all those heretics were converted, and returned to the true faith of Christ; the faithful also were filled with joy, and greatly comforted, being strengthened in the faith.
After this St Anthony sent away the fishes, with the blessing of God; and they all departed, rejoicing as they went, and the people returned to the city. But St Anthony remained at Rimini for several days, preaching and reaping much spiritual fruit in the souls of his hearers.
The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi, p. 95-97
I also command always all my dear brothers and sisters, the little animals of Your Blessed Creation, in Your Holy Name, my Lord Jesus Christ, to adore and bless Your Divine Mercy with me, for Your Holy Glory, for all the wretched souls who reject it.
2018-9-19
Write the Truth
Write the Truth
In 388 B.C. Plato urged the city fathers of Athens to exile all poets and storytellers. They are a threat to society, he argued. Writers deal with ideas, but not in the open, rational manner of philosophers. Instead, they conceal their ideas inside the seductive emotions of art. Yet felt ideas, as Plato pointed out, are ideas nonetheless. Every effective story sends a charged idea out to us, in effect compelling the idea into us, so that we must believe. In fact, the persuasive power of a story is so great that we may believe its meaning even if we find it morally repellent. Storytellers, Plato insisted, are dangerous people. He was right.
[…]
On the other hand, I wouldn’t want to live in a country where a [movie] couldn’t be made. I oppose all censorship. In pursuit of truth, we must willingly suffer the ugliest of lies. […] If everyone is given a voice, even the irrationally radical or cruelly reactionary, humanity will sort through all possibilities and make the right choice. No civilization, including Plato’s, has ever been destroyed because its citizens learned too much truth.
Authoritative personalities, like Plato, fear the threat that comes not from idea, but from emotion. Those in power never want us to feel. Thought can be controlled and manipulated, but emotion is willful and unpredictable. Artists threaten authority by exposing lies and inspiring passion for change. This is why when tyrants seize power, their firing squads aim at the heart of the writer.
Lastly, given story’s power to influence, we need to look at the issue of an artist’s social responsibility. I believe we have no responsibility to cure social ills or renew faith in humanity, to uplift the spirits of society or even express our inner being. We have only one responsibility: to tell the truth. Therefore, study your Story Climax and extract from it your Controlling Idea. But before you take another step, ask yourself this question: Is this the truth? Do I believe in the meaning of my story? If the answer is no, toss it and start again. If yes, do everything possible to get your work into the world. For although an artist may, in his private life, lie to others, even to himself, when he creates he tells the truth; and in a world of lies and liars, an honest work of art is always an act of social responsibility.
[…]
On the other hand, I wouldn’t want to live in a country where a [movie] couldn’t be made. I oppose all censorship. In pursuit of truth, we must willingly suffer the ugliest of lies. […] If everyone is given a voice, even the irrationally radical or cruelly reactionary, humanity will sort through all possibilities and make the right choice. No civilization, including Plato’s, has ever been destroyed because its citizens learned too much truth.
Authoritative personalities, like Plato, fear the threat that comes not from idea, but from emotion. Those in power never want us to feel. Thought can be controlled and manipulated, but emotion is willful and unpredictable. Artists threaten authority by exposing lies and inspiring passion for change. This is why when tyrants seize power, their firing squads aim at the heart of the writer.
Lastly, given story’s power to influence, we need to look at the issue of an artist’s social responsibility. I believe we have no responsibility to cure social ills or renew faith in humanity, to uplift the spirits of society or even express our inner being. We have only one responsibility: to tell the truth. Therefore, study your Story Climax and extract from it your Controlling Idea. But before you take another step, ask yourself this question: Is this the truth? Do I believe in the meaning of my story? If the answer is no, toss it and start again. If yes, do everything possible to get your work into the world. For although an artist may, in his private life, lie to others, even to himself, when he creates he tells the truth; and in a world of lies and liars, an honest work of art is always an act of social responsibility.
Robert McKee
Story, p.129-131
Story, p.129-131
2018-11-26
Heart and Soul of the Artist
Heart and Soul of the Artist
At the core of every artist is a sacred place where all the rules are set aside or deliberately forgotten, and nothing matters but the instinctive choices of the heart and soul of the artist. (p. xvii)
Christopher Vogler
The Writer's Journey, p. xvii
The Writer's Journey, p. xvii
2018-12-9
Heart of a Poet
Heart of a Poet
Luis: Will they like this?
Father: You will never know if you don't say it.
Father: You will never know if you don't say it.
Stories appeal to the organs at different levels and there is a hierarchy, an ascending order of emotional development that is reflected in the Indian concept of the chakra system. These are imagined to be a number of invisible but very real centers of life within the body, most of them located along the spine. There are seven principle chakras, each governing a different function, ascending from the crude physical needs of the body to the highest aspirations of the soul. Chakra means ring or circle and the chakras are conceived as ring-like centers of energy near important organs. They are pictured as lotus flowers that can be open or closed depending on the person’s spiritual development. They form a map of the stages of a person’s growth, for few people progress past the first three levels, having to do with sheer survival, sex, and power, all below the belt line. Some are lucky enough to progress to the heart chakra and experience love. Few reach the level of the throat chakra that allows for expression of the other drives. Writers and artists may be among these. With spiritual enlightenment the sixth chakra, in the region of the “third eye,” can be opened, sometimes granting psychic abilities, and for a very few saintly people, the seventh or crown chakra may flower, showering the full awakened person with a fountain of divine grace.
Christopher Vogler
The Writer's Journey, p. 360
The Writer's Journey, p. 360
2019-3-31
Climate-Smart Agriculture
Climate-Smart Agriculture
The Gates Foundation and the fertilizer and biotech industry—the Exxons of agriculture—joined hands at the Paris climate summit to push the false solution of climate-smart agriculture. The Gates Foundation, along with the other biotech evangelists of our times, have it completely wrong—climate-smart agriculture and “One Agriculture,” packaged in a PR bubble, will starve the world and worsen the refugee crisis, which is already spiraling out of control. The Gates Foundation, pretending to feed the world, is proselytizing the very model of agriculture that has contributed to half of the climate problem as a solution.
Vandana Shiva
Water Wars (p. xxv)
Water Wars (p. xxv)
2019-3-31
Biopiracy of Climate Resilient Crops
Biopiracy of Climate Resilient Crops
The delusional corporations have not “invented” climate-resilient traits in seeds. They have simply pirated the traits from farmers’ varieties. Fifteen hundred patents on climate-resilient crops have been taken out by big biotech. Navdanya/Research Foundation for Science, Technology, and Ecology, have published the list in the report “Biopiracy of Climate Resilient Crops: Gene Giants Steal Farmers Innovation.” With these very broad patents, corporations like Monsanto can prevent access to climate-resilient seeds in the aftermath of climate disasters through patents—which grant an exclusive right to produce, distribute, sell the patented product. Climate-resilient traits are not created through genetic engineering, they are pirated from seeds farmers have evolved over generations. For thousands of years, farmers, especially women, have evolved and bred seed freely in partnership with each other and with nature, to further increase the diversity of that which nature has given us and adapt it to the needs of different cultures.
Vandana Shiva
Water Wars (p. xxv-xxvi)
Water Wars (p. xxv-xxvi)
2019-3-31
Displaced Environmental Migrants
Displaced Environmental Migrants
The convergence of financial, food, climate, and energy crises impacts soils and peoples in many ways. Coupled with wars, these translate into waves of internally and externally displaced persons. Uprooted people are vulnerable to other exploitations, and the soils that they once knew and defended are open for appropriation, despoliation, and general harm. In rural areas where people depend on scarce productive land resources, land degradation is a driver of forced migration. An estimated 42 percent of households intensify their seasonal mobility in the event of poor harvests, while 17 percent migrate when there is crop destruction, and 13 percent leave in the case of strong climatic events such as extreme droughts. By 2050, 200 million people may be permanently displaced environmental migrants.
Vandana Shiva
Water Wars (p. xxvii)
Water Wars (p. xxvii)
2019-3-31
Water Wars Mutate into Culture and Religious Wars
Water Wars Mutate into Culture and Religious Wars
The massive influx of refugees has destabilized Europe politically and culturally, creating divisions between countries and within societies. The displacement of Syria, which is rooted in drought, is erased from public mind by blaming religion for the upheaval. This is how water wars mutate into culture wars and religious conflicts.
In Nigeria, Boko Haram is presented as an extremist religious movement. However, as Luc Gnacadja, the former head of the UNCCD has attested, “the depletion of Lake Chad helped create the conditions for conflict. In much of northern Nigeria, Muslim herders are in competition with Christian farmers for dwindling water supplies. The so-called religious fight is actually about access to vital resources.
In Nigeria, Boko Haram is presented as an extremist religious movement. However, as Luc Gnacadja, the former head of the UNCCD has attested, “the depletion of Lake Chad helped create the conditions for conflict. In much of northern Nigeria, Muslim herders are in competition with Christian farmers for dwindling water supplies. The so-called religious fight is actually about access to vital resources.
Vandana Shiva
Water Wars (p. xxix-xxx)
Water Wars (p. xxix-xxx)
2019-3-31
We Need to Make Peace with Water and with the Earth to Combat the Rise of Terrorism
We Need to Make Peace with Water and with the Earth to Combat the Rise of Terrorism
As people are displaced and insecurities grow, identity is transformed and destroyed. Among these vulnerable cultures and identities, terrorism, extremism, and xenophobia take virulent forms. Vicious cycles of violence and exclusion—cultural, political, and economic—predominate.
These are the roots of the rise of the new terrorism and extremism. This is the new face of Water Wars.
These vicious cycles of violence begin with violence against the Earth, violence against water, and violence against the rights of communities, which are all sustained by water.
To make peace, we need to make peace with water and with the Earth. We need to cultivate our deeper identities as earthlings and as water beings. We need to remember that we are water, soil, seed, and earth.
These are the roots of the rise of the new terrorism and extremism. This is the new face of Water Wars.
These vicious cycles of violence begin with violence against the Earth, violence against water, and violence against the rights of communities, which are all sustained by water.
To make peace, we need to make peace with water and with the Earth. We need to cultivate our deeper identities as earthlings and as water beings. We need to remember that we are water, soil, seed, and earth.
Vandana Shiva
Water Wars (p. xxxi)
Water Wars (p. xxxi)
2019-4-16
Our History Gives Meaning to Our Lives
Our History Gives Meaning to Our Lives
In 1982, Ganga Ram Kalundia, the leader of the tribal anti-dam movement, was shot and killed by the police. Even after his death, Kalundia’s fellow tribals continued the struggle [against the Narmada Valley Dam financed by the World Bank].
Our links with our ancestors are the basis of our society and of the reproduction of our society. Our children grow up playing around the stones which mark the burial sites of our ancestors. … Without relating to our ancestors, our lives lose all meaning. They talk of compensation. How can they compensate us for the loss of the very meaning of our lives if they bury these burial stones under the dam? They talk of rehabilitation. Can they ever rehabilitate the sacred sites they have violated?
Our links with our ancestors are the basis of our society and of the reproduction of our society. Our children grow up playing around the stones which mark the burial sites of our ancestors. … Without relating to our ancestors, our lives lose all meaning. They talk of compensation. How can they compensate us for the loss of the very meaning of our lives if they bury these burial stones under the dam? They talk of rehabilitation. Can they ever rehabilitate the sacred sites they have violated?
Vandana Shiva
Water Wars (p. 67)
Water Wars (p. 67)
2019-4-21
The Great Thirst
The Great Thirst
In the maquiladoras of Mexico, drinking water is so scarce that babies and children drink Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Coca-Cola’s products sell in 195 countries, generating a revenue of $16 billion. Water scarcity is clearly a source of corporate profits. In an annual report, Coca-Cola proclaims:
All of us in the Coca-Cola family wake up each morning knowing that every single one of the world’s 5.6 billion people will get thirsty that day. If we make it impossible for these 5.6 billion people to escape Coca-Cola, then we assure our future success for many years to come. Doing anything else is not an option.
Companies like Coca-Cola are fully aware that water is the real thirst quencher and are jumping into the bottled water business.
Vandana Shiva
Water Wars (p. 99)
Water Wars (p. 99)
2019-4-21
Ecological Disasters
The Tragedy of the Aral Sea
Ecological Disasters
The Tragedy of the Aral Sea
In 1990, economist Vasily Selyunin commented on the Aral Sea: “The root of the problem is over irrigation, on a scale so vast that is has washed all the humus out of the soil. The loss has to be made good with shock doses of fertilizers. As a result, the earth has become like a junkie, unable to function without its fix.” Fishing ports now lie 40 to 50 kilometers from the Aral shores, and the fish catch has collapsed from 25,000 tons a year to zero. Half of the population of the nearby city of Aralsk, Kazakhstan, has migrated. Unfortunately, as the Uzbek poet Muhammed Salikh points out, “You cannot fill the Aral with tears.”
Vandana Shiva
Water Wars (p. 112)
Water Wars (p. 112)
2019-7-6
Canals of Blood
Canals of Blood
In 1985, 1,000 peasants participated in a march and pressed their demands. They also organized a conference on drought eradication that year. At the conference, the chairman of the Maharashtra State Drought Relief and Eradication Committee argued that if sugarcane cultivation were abandoned, 250,000 hectares of land could be irrigated, instead of the proposed 90,000 hectares. However, the sugar barons fiercely opposed the diversion of water away from cash-crop production. One politician’s words reflect the sentiment of the sugar barons: “We will not give one drop of water from sugarcane; instead a canal of blood will flow. Cane and sugar factories are the glory of Maharashtra.”
Vandana Shiva
Water Wars (p. 125)
Water Wars (p. 125)
2019-7-6
Water is Sacred
Water is Sacred
The Ganges does not merely possess the purifying qualities of water; it is saturated with antiseptic minerals that kill bacteria.
Modern bacteriological research has confirmed that cholera germs die in Ganges water. Dr. F.C. Harrison writes:
Modern bacteriological research has confirmed that cholera germs die in Ganges water. Dr. F.C. Harrison writes:
A peculiar fact, which has never been satisfactorily explained, is the quick death, in three to five hours, of the Cholera vibrio in the waters of Ganga. When one remembers sewage by numerous corpses of natives, often cholera casualties, and by the bathing of thousands of natives, it seems remarkable that the belief of the Hindus, that the water of this river is pure and cannot be defiled and that they can safely drink it and bathe in it, should be confirmed by means of modern bacteriological research.
It is no wonder that the Indian people hold the Ganges and other rivers dearly and believe they possess mysterious powers. It is not surprising that despite the colonization of India by Coca-Cola and McDonald’s, millions of people feel drawn to the Ganges on the occasion of Kumbh Mela.
Vandana Shiva
Water Wars (p. 133-134)
Water Wars (p. 133-134)
2019-7-6
Giving "Value" to Water
Giving "Value" to Water
The proposal to give market values to all resources as a solution to the ecological crisis is like offering the disease as the cure. With the arrival of the industrial revolution, all value became synonymous with commercial value, and the spiritual, ecological, cultural, and social significance of resources was eroded. Forests were no longer living communities; they were reduced to timber mines. Minerals were no longer veins of the earth; they were merely raw material. We are now witnessing the commodification of two vital resources—biodiversity and water—which, for a long time, were beyond the reach of forest industrialization. Biodiversity is now a mere genetic mine and water a commodity.
Vandana Shiva
Water Wars (p. 137-138)
Water Wars (p. 137-138)
2019-7-6
Myths and Stories, Beliefs and Devotion, Culture and Celebration
Water that Liberates and Gives Us Life
Myths and Stories, Beliefs and Devotion, Culture and Celebration
Water that Liberates and Gives Us Life
Sacred waters carry us beyond the marketplace into a world charged with myths and stories, beliefs and devotion, culture and celebration. These are the worlds that enable us to save and share water, and convert scarcity into abundance. We are all Sagar’s children, thirsting for waters that liberate and give us life—organically and spiritually. The struggle over the kumbh, between gods and demons, between those who protect and those who destroy, between those who nurture and those who exploit is ongoing. Each of us has a role in shaping the creation story of the future. Each of us is responsible for the kumbh—the sacred water pot.
Vandana Shiva
Water Wars (p. 139)
Water Wars (p. 139)
2019-8-22
Jesus Heals Ten Men With Leprosy
(Always Be Very Grateful)
Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.
When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.
(Luke 17:11-19)
2020-2-15
The Lord Forbade You to Hurt Me and You Rebelled Against Him
"They will know that I am God".
-God Father
-God Father
Korah, Dathan and Abiram
Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and certain Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—became insolent and rose up against Moses. With them were 250 Israelite men, well-known community leaders who had been appointed members of the council. They came as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the Lord’s assembly?”
When Moses heard this, he fell facedown. Then he said to Korah and all his followers: “In the morning the Lord will show who belongs to him and who is holy, and he will have that person come near him. The man he chooses he will cause to come near him. You, Korah, and all your followers are to do this: Take censers and tomorrow put burning coals and incense in them before the Lord. The man the Lord chooses will be the one who is holy. You Levites have gone too far!”
Moses also said to Korah, “Now listen, you Levites! Isn’t it enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the Israelite community and brought you near himself to do the work at the Lord’s tabernacle and to stand before the community and minister to them? He has brought you and all your fellow Levites near himself, but now you are trying to get the priesthood too. It is against the Lord that you and all your followers have banded together. Who is Aaron that you should grumble against him?”
Then Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab. But they said, “We will not come! Isn’t it enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness? And now you also want to lord it over us! Moreover, you haven’t brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Do you want to treat these men like slaves? No, we will not come!”
Then Moses became very angry and said to the Lord, “Do not accept their offering. I have not taken so much as a donkey from them, nor have I wronged any of them.”
Moses said to Korah, “You and all your followers are to appear before the Lord tomorrow—you and they and Aaron. Each man is to take his censer and put incense in it—250 censers in all—and present it before the Lord. You and Aaron are to present your censers also.” So each of them took his censer, put burning coals and incense in it, and stood with Moses and Aaron at the entrance to the tent of meeting. When Korah had gathered all his followers in opposition to them at the entrance to the tent of meeting, the glory of the Lord appeared to the entire assembly. The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Separate yourselves from this assembly so I can put an end to them at once.”
But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and cried out, “O God, the God who gives breath to all living things, will you be angry with the entire assembly when only one man sins?”
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Say to the assembly, ‘Move away from the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abiram.’”
Moses got up and went to Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him. He warned the assembly, “Move back from the tents of these wicked men! Do not touch anything belonging to them, or you will be swept away because of all their sins.” So they moved away from the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. Dathan and Abiram had come out and were standing with their wives, children and little ones at the entrances to their tents.
Then Moses said, “This is how you will know that the Lord has sent me to do all these things and that it was not my idea: If these men die a natural death and suffer the fate of all mankind, then the Lord has not sent me. But if the Lord brings about something totally new, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them, with everything that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the realm of the dead, then you will know that these men have treated the Lord with contempt.”
As soon as he finished saying all this, the ground under them split apart and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, and all those associated with Korah, together with their possessions. They went down alive into the realm of the dead, with everything they owned; the earth closed over them, and they perished and were gone from the community. At their cries, all the Israelites around them fled, shouting, “The earth is going to swallow us too!”
And fire came out from the Lord and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense.
When Moses heard this, he fell facedown. Then he said to Korah and all his followers: “In the morning the Lord will show who belongs to him and who is holy, and he will have that person come near him. The man he chooses he will cause to come near him. You, Korah, and all your followers are to do this: Take censers and tomorrow put burning coals and incense in them before the Lord. The man the Lord chooses will be the one who is holy. You Levites have gone too far!”
Moses also said to Korah, “Now listen, you Levites! Isn’t it enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the Israelite community and brought you near himself to do the work at the Lord’s tabernacle and to stand before the community and minister to them? He has brought you and all your fellow Levites near himself, but now you are trying to get the priesthood too. It is against the Lord that you and all your followers have banded together. Who is Aaron that you should grumble against him?”
Then Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab. But they said, “We will not come! Isn’t it enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness? And now you also want to lord it over us! Moreover, you haven’t brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Do you want to treat these men like slaves? No, we will not come!”
Then Moses became very angry and said to the Lord, “Do not accept their offering. I have not taken so much as a donkey from them, nor have I wronged any of them.”
Moses said to Korah, “You and all your followers are to appear before the Lord tomorrow—you and they and Aaron. Each man is to take his censer and put incense in it—250 censers in all—and present it before the Lord. You and Aaron are to present your censers also.” So each of them took his censer, put burning coals and incense in it, and stood with Moses and Aaron at the entrance to the tent of meeting. When Korah had gathered all his followers in opposition to them at the entrance to the tent of meeting, the glory of the Lord appeared to the entire assembly. The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Separate yourselves from this assembly so I can put an end to them at once.”
But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and cried out, “O God, the God who gives breath to all living things, will you be angry with the entire assembly when only one man sins?”
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Say to the assembly, ‘Move away from the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abiram.’”
Moses got up and went to Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him. He warned the assembly, “Move back from the tents of these wicked men! Do not touch anything belonging to them, or you will be swept away because of all their sins.” So they moved away from the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. Dathan and Abiram had come out and were standing with their wives, children and little ones at the entrances to their tents.
Then Moses said, “This is how you will know that the Lord has sent me to do all these things and that it was not my idea: If these men die a natural death and suffer the fate of all mankind, then the Lord has not sent me. But if the Lord brings about something totally new, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them, with everything that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the realm of the dead, then you will know that these men have treated the Lord with contempt.”
As soon as he finished saying all this, the ground under them split apart and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, and all those associated with Korah, together with their possessions. They went down alive into the realm of the dead, with everything they owned; the earth closed over them, and they perished and were gone from the community. At their cries, all the Israelites around them fled, shouting, “The earth is going to swallow us too!”
And fire came out from the Lord and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense.
Numbers (16:1-35)