Mahsheed's Corner

Here's my attempt at 7 Quick Takes, in honor of Jennifer F.

1. I used to read books one at a time but now I’m finding it better to read several books in parallel. A perfect day is one where I’ve read a few pages from each book.

2. Speaking of which, I wonder if I’m not too obsessed about finishing books and prayers. If I pray a novena and miss a day, do I forget about the missed prayer and say the next day’s prayer or do I double up for that day? Being an ex-Muslim, anxiety about “prayer debt” (in Islam one is obliged to make up for missed days) is something I’ve had all my life.

3. Miseria, Misericordia, Magnificat--is the secret of Pope Paul the VI’s spirituality, according to his secretary (now Bishop of Cloyne), Father John Magee.

4. Iran and Honduras, pray for the people of these countries!

5. Saint Superman makes a good point, that freedom is interior and external rights are no good while interior freedom is lacking. But I also think we are obliged to fight to stay free. Totalitarianism crushes souls.

6. On the other hand, Professor Peter Kreeft says civilizations will come and go, but our eternal souls are precious.

7. Coming soon, my conversion testimony...

Labels: Spirituality, Thoughts

Silence is the Greatest Lesson Ever Preached
How wonderful is the silence of Christ in the Tabernacle.

Silence is the greatest lesson ever preached.

- Silence under irritation
- Silence under criticism
- Silence under disappointment
- Silence when rebuffed
- Silence under ingratitude
- Silence under jealousy in oneself
- Silence under the jealousy of others
- Silence under disloyalty
- Silence when self-pleased
- Silence in sorrows of all kinds

No practice seems of more value than silence.

It gives the impression of latent force.
It wins confidence.
It secures deference.

A judicious reserve clothes a person with an air of mystery,
often the most interesting aspect of personality.

Silence has also a positive quality in forebearance.

There are forbearances of speech that constitute most effective replies;
which work persuasion that a torrent of eloquence cannot accomplish.

Via The Cukiersky Family Apostolate, found here.

Labels: Spirituality, Written By Others