Great stuff Victor. I have listened to this twice, once over a cup of tea. Lot's of points to think about.
I never thought about us having a responsibility to use our given intelligence wisely before. You do hear the expression about proffessors having no common sense, and wearing odd socks, yet to view intellect spiritually and as being something given by God that we must give account for our stewardship of, wow! Scary stuff, well serious stuff anyway.
I really enjoy listening to your videos, I can drink tea and eat at the same time!! Not marmalade and hot chocolate this morning. I had cadbury's chocolate marshmallow cakes and a cup of tea. The diet starts next Monday now!!!! Well, it's far too cold here, to start a diet today. It wouldn't be healthy. ;)
Victor, I agree with Shadowlands- so many good points to ponder. When you spoke about those with great intellect, I thought about Fr. John Corapi. He speaks on this topic often and has been known to say that a person can educate themselves right into imbecility. Trying to make the point you brought up here- how does God expect those with great intellect to use it? As for the topic of our weakness, I'm sticking with St Paul on this one who tells us that he has strength for everything through the one who strengthens him (sorry for the poor paraphrase). And God Himself tells us that in our weakness, He is strong. I will leave it at that before this comment becomes a post in itself! Thank you for so much food for meditation this morning. God bless!
Victor - you score an A+ with this one - intellect and great faith. 'To much is given.....' you know the line. I love the simple faith of the Mrs. Davenport types, something we should all have more of because it is often laced with great humility. I'm sure that God has quite a sense of humor watching the 'intellectual types' try to figure things out while the simple faithful cry out... have mercy on me a sinner'. Beautiful, Victor. Thank you for sharing your faith and love with all of us. Andie
I loved this video, Victor :) The funny thing is that this topic was one I was speaking to the Lord about this morning when I was praying so I was really happy to play your video and hear you speaking on this subject. I have a soft spot for St. Peter because I can relate so much to stepping out of the boat in faith and then floundering about because I have not kept my eyes fixed on the one from whom all faith stems. Like Karin, the verse "My strength is made perfect in weakness" came to mind while listening to your video. This morning I was thinking about my falls and I realized that these very flaws are some of the things that keep me glued so tightly to the Lord's side. They keep me dependent on Him. What's beautiful is when someone is highly intelligent and has great faith - like Pope John Paul II. Often the intellect can interfere with faith unless a person is very humble. We have seen the damage a great intellect can bring about if it is not subject to God. Think of some of our scientists. They are brain smart and spirit dumb (to put it bluntly). Okay...well I admit to snacking while I was listening to this, too. I'm with Shadowlands - it's far too cold to start a diet today ;) I hope you do this again sometime, Victor. There is a lot to reflect on here and I enjoyed listening to your insights on faith and intellect. God bless you, Victor!
It's so great that you're visiting here again. Yes, I believe those amongst us with great intellect have an added responsibility on how to use it. That's why it saddens me when well respected and obviously intelligent people spend their efforts convincing others that God does not exist. They may hold that opinion, that's their choice. But to use their persuasive powers to lead others away from God. How sad ... and what a frightening prospect to answer to when God asks: "You may not have believed in Me, but then why did you spend so much time leading others away from me - if I didn't exist?"
Hello Karinann,
I suppose God expects believers with great intellect to use their gift in drawing others towards Him. Priests, for instance, have a great responsibility in this respect. Their long education and training is there for one purpose - to be good shepherds leading the flock home to Heaven.
Hi Andie,
You're right ... the simple Faith of Mrs Davenport and those like her may well please God no end. To believe and have Faith like a child ... not questioning for ever and try to analyse God.
God does not ask us to understand Him. He asks us to love and trust Him to do the right thing.
Greetings Mary,
Yes ... St Peter and St Thomas hold great hopes for me as I stumble and fall many times in my Faith. Peter denied Jesus and Thomas just would not believe. And they were both forgiven. I hope they both smile on me as I fall and they say: "Never mind ... get up. We've been there and we know that sometimes it's difficult to believe. It's part of being human. You can't help it!"
Hi Bernie,
It's so nice for you to visit me too. I so love my readers' comments and I hope they put me right when I say something totally off-tangent.
Perhaps I'll try some other recordings again. I may use some topics I used years ago on my Christian radio programs. I have some old tapes but the quality has faded over the years ... bit like me I suppose.
Oh by the way ... I declare that I'm wearing two odd colored socks. See Shadowlands' comment. The thing is ... I have another pair exactly like them somewhere in the cupboard. Two pairs of odd colored socks ... whose idea was it to sell socks like that?
Karinann, that is a beautiful quote from St. Therese. Listening to Victor immediately brought to mind the simplicity of both St. Therese and Blessed Mother Theresa, who I am sure is a great (though still unproclaimed) saint in heaven.
A wonderful reflection. Certainly caused me to consider my "faith" again. I'm sure it's still a mustard seed after all these years! You have such a wonderful way with words. And I know they are inspired by the Holy Spirit! Have a grand day! Cathy
I am counting on God's forgiveness, He knows I sure am going to need it!
When you spoke of the sick people, the ones that suffer much and yet, their faith remains strong..it reminded me of my dad. We were in the emergency room with him last night, he has prostate cancer and his bleeding was out of control. He handles his suffering in a way that is amazing to me...like you said, I feel so humble and small when I see this. I think I have great faith, then I see his faith...it leaves me speechless.
Wonderful reflection Victor! You are a gifted writer. Your stories are like parables, giving us meaning and insight.
Thank you for your kind words and your encouragement. We all have Faith of sorts somehow, and we need to draw on that Faith when things get a little difficult. Mine is perhaps as small as a mustard seed too!
Hi Daily Grace,
I am praying for your father right now. Even though our Faith may be tiny at times, so tiny that we can not even see it ... rest assured that God sees it. He smiles and says: "Thank you for at least trying!"
Remember what the man with little Faith said to Jesus: "I believe, Lord; help my unbelief." Mark 9:24.
This was great Victor! My grandmother was an Italian immigrant with a Mrs. Davenport seemingly "simple faith". The reality for me is that in her simplicity, she was actually one of the wisest people I have ever known. Thank you for sharing!
Mrs Davenport is a character from my book "Visions" and from my Father Ignatius stories. She is based on a real person I know. There are many people whose belief and trust in God is so "simple"; praying the Rosary and lighting candles. I'm sure God loves them as much, if not more, than all those theologians and learned people who "know it all".
God bless you and yours; and thank you for your visit.
Thank you, Victor. And it's so wonderful how our Popes have been blessed with both [brilliant intellect + humility/simplicity of heart! PS: Chocolate + Ginger combo, you say? Well, I had just finished a lovely cup of ginger tea here; and now--because of you--shall reach for an imaginary piece (or 2!) of dark chocolate as well. Good, indeed. :)
Great stuff Victor. I have listened to this twice, once over a cup of tea. Lot's of points to think about.
ReplyDeleteI never thought about us having a responsibility to use our given intelligence wisely before. You do hear the expression about proffessors having no common sense, and wearing odd socks, yet to view intellect spiritually and as being something given by God that we must give account for our stewardship of, wow! Scary stuff, well serious stuff anyway.
I really enjoy listening to your videos, I can drink tea and eat at the same time!! Not marmalade and hot chocolate this morning. I had cadbury's chocolate marshmallow cakes and a cup of tea. The diet starts next Monday now!!!! Well, it's far too cold here, to start a diet today. It wouldn't be healthy. ;)
Victor,
ReplyDeleteI agree with Shadowlands- so many good points to ponder.
When you spoke about those with great intellect, I thought about Fr. John Corapi. He speaks on this topic often and has been known to say that a person can educate themselves right into imbecility. Trying to make the point you brought up here- how does God expect those with great intellect to use it?
As for the topic of our weakness, I'm sticking with St Paul on this one who tells us that he has strength for everything through the one who strengthens him (sorry for the poor paraphrase). And God Himself tells us that in our weakness, He is strong.
I will leave it at that before this comment becomes a post in itself!
Thank you for so much food for meditation this morning.
God bless!
Victor - you score an A+ with this one - intellect and great faith. 'To much is given.....' you know the line. I love the simple faith of the Mrs. Davenport types, something we should all have more of because it is often laced with great humility. I'm sure that God has quite a sense of humor watching the 'intellectual types' try to figure things out while the simple faithful cry out...
ReplyDeletehave mercy on me a sinner'. Beautiful, Victor. Thank you for sharing your faith and love with all of us.
Andie
I loved this video, Victor :) The funny thing is that this topic was one I was speaking to the Lord about this morning when I was praying so I was really happy to play your video and hear you speaking on this subject. I have a soft spot for St. Peter because I can relate so much to stepping out of the boat in faith and then floundering about because I have not kept my eyes fixed on the one from whom all faith stems. Like Karin, the verse "My strength is made perfect in weakness" came to mind while listening to your video. This morning I was thinking about my falls and I realized that these very flaws are some of the things that keep me glued so tightly to the Lord's side. They keep me dependent on Him.
ReplyDeleteWhat's beautiful is when someone is highly intelligent and has great faith - like Pope John Paul II. Often the intellect can interfere with faith unless a person is very humble. We have seen the damage a great intellect can bring about if it is not subject to God. Think of some of our scientists. They are brain smart and spirit dumb (to put it bluntly).
Okay...well I admit to snacking while I was listening to this, too. I'm with Shadowlands - it's far too cold to start a diet today ;)
I hope you do this again sometime, Victor. There is a lot to reflect on here and I enjoyed listening to your insights on faith and intellect. God bless you, Victor!
This is wonderful, I want to come back and listen to you again. You have given me so much to ponder, thank you Victor.....:-) Hugs
ReplyDeleteHi Shadowlands,
ReplyDeleteIt's so great that you're visiting here again. Yes, I believe those amongst us with great intellect have an added responsibility on how to use it. That's why it saddens me when well respected and obviously intelligent people spend their efforts convincing others that God does not exist. They may hold that opinion, that's their choice. But to use their persuasive powers to lead others away from God. How sad ... and what a frightening prospect to answer to when God asks: "You may not have believed in Me, but then why did you spend so much time leading others away from me - if I didn't exist?"
Hello Karinann,
I suppose God expects believers with great intellect to use their gift in drawing others towards Him. Priests, for instance, have a great responsibility in this respect. Their long education and training is there for one purpose - to be good shepherds leading the flock home to Heaven.
Hi Andie,
You're right ... the simple Faith of Mrs Davenport and those like her may well please God no end. To believe and have Faith like a child ... not questioning for ever and try to analyse God.
God does not ask us to understand Him. He asks us to love and trust Him to do the right thing.
Greetings Mary,
Yes ... St Peter and St Thomas hold great hopes for me as I stumble and fall many times in my Faith. Peter denied Jesus and Thomas just would not believe. And they were both forgiven. I hope they both smile on me as I fall and they say: "Never mind ... get up. We've been there and we know that sometimes it's difficult to believe. It's part of being human. You can't help it!"
Hi Bernie,
It's so nice for you to visit me too. I so love my readers' comments and I hope they put me right when I say something totally off-tangent.
Perhaps I'll try some other recordings again. I may use some topics I used years ago on my Christian radio programs. I have some old tapes but the quality has faded over the years ... bit like me I suppose.
Oh by the way ... I declare that I'm wearing two odd colored socks. See Shadowlands' comment. The thing is ... I have another pair exactly like them somewhere in the cupboard. Two pairs of odd colored socks ... whose idea was it to sell socks like that?
God bless you all.
Victor,
ReplyDeleteI found this quote from St Therese of Lisieux and thought of this post. Thought I'd pass it along.
"Our Lord needs from us neither great deeds nor profound thoughts. Neither intelligence nor talents. He cherishes simplicity."
~St Therese of Lisieux
Victor? About the sock thing? As long as there is no hole in the toe - you're good to go ;)
ReplyDeleteKarinann, that is a beautiful quote from St. Therese. Listening to Victor immediately brought to mind the simplicity of both St. Therese and Blessed Mother Theresa, who I am sure is a great (though still unproclaimed) saint in heaven.
ReplyDeleteThank you Karinann. I was not aware of that quote from St Therese.
ReplyDeleteNo holes Mary ... just different colors. I've plenty of them ... none have matching colors it seems.
Hi Paramedicgirl,
It's so nice to see you visiting here again. I agree with what you say.
God bless you Karinann, Mary and Paramedicgirl.
A wonderful reflection. Certainly caused me to consider my "faith" again. I'm sure it's still a mustard seed after all these years! You have such a wonderful way with words. And I know they are inspired by the Holy Spirit! Have a grand day! Cathy
ReplyDeleteI am counting on God's forgiveness, He knows I sure am going to need it!
ReplyDeleteWhen you spoke of the sick people, the ones that suffer much and yet, their faith remains strong..it reminded me of my dad. We were in the emergency room with him last night, he has prostate cancer and his bleeding was out of control. He handles his suffering in a way that is amazing to me...like you said, I feel so humble and small when I see this. I think I have great faith, then I see his faith...it leaves me speechless.
Wonderful reflection Victor! You are a gifted writer. Your stories are like parables, giving us meaning and insight.
God bless
Hello Cathy,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words and your encouragement. We all have Faith of sorts somehow, and we need to draw on that Faith when things get a little difficult. Mine is perhaps as small as a mustard seed too!
Hi Daily Grace,
I am praying for your father right now. Even though our Faith may be tiny at times, so tiny that we can not even see it ... rest assured that God sees it. He smiles and says: "Thank you for at least trying!"
Remember what the man with little Faith said to Jesus: "I believe, Lord; help my unbelief." Mark 9:24.
God bless you Cathy and Daily Grace.
This was great Victor! My grandmother was an Italian immigrant with a Mrs. Davenport seemingly "simple faith". The reality for me is that in her simplicity, she was actually one of the wisest people I have ever known. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you Debbie for visiting me.
ReplyDeleteMrs Davenport is a character from my book "Visions" and from my Father Ignatius stories. She is based on a real person I know. There are many people whose belief and trust in God is so "simple"; praying the Rosary and lighting candles. I'm sure God loves them as much, if not more, than all those theologians and learned people who "know it all".
God bless you and yours; and thank you for your visit.
Thank you, Victor. And it's so wonderful how our Popes have been blessed with both [brilliant intellect + humility/simplicity of heart!
ReplyDeletePS: Chocolate + Ginger combo, you say? Well, I had just finished a lovely cup of ginger tea here; and now--because of you--shall reach for an imaginary piece (or 2!) of dark chocolate as well. Good, indeed. :)
Ginger marmalade on toast and hot chocolate drink are great in real life as well as in my imagination.
DeleteThank you for visiting me Eileen. God bless you.