From: richarra@gmail.com   
      
   Who do you love first and foremost?   
      
    Jesus challenges his disciples to examine who they love first and   
   foremost. A true disciple loves God above all else and is willing to   
   forsake all for Jesus Christ. Jesus insists that his disciples give   
   him the loyalty which is only due to God, a loyalty which is higher   
   than spouse or kin. It is possible that family and friends can become   
   our enemies if the thought of them keeps us from doing what we know   
   God wants us to do. Does the love of Jesus Christ compel you to put   
   God first in all you do   
   Excerpt from commentary on (2 Corinthians 5:14)   
      
   <<>><<>><<>>   
   July 26th - Bl. Titus Brandsma   
      
    A true hero, he was one whom Hitler put in the concentration camp for   
   his Catholic beliefs and opposition to the Third Reich.  He was chosen   
   for  the horrendous Nazi medical "experiments".  When his body was   
   worn out and no longer useful for their horrific experiments, a doctor   
   gave him a shot of carbolic acid to end his life.  One of the nurses   
   had fallen away from the church for quite a while but felt guilty   
   about the murdering of the priest.  The priest's kindness and love   
   impressed her and she asked him if he would hear her confession which   
   he did.  She returned to the Catholic church shortly after.  Fr Titus   
   was a Carmelite priest.   
      
   Fr Titus walked the way of the Cross in the concentration camp but   
   still, was known for his courage and kindness:   
      
   “He has been beaten terribly in Dachau. His little jacket was covered   
   with blood but ‘it’s not worth worrying about.’ With a few words he   
   silenced any further comment. Then he would reflect for a few quiet   
   moments and offer some thoughts from Teresa of Avila to whoever would   
   listen to him.”   
   -- Brother Raphael Tijhuis, 1946, a Carmelite who was with Titus in   
   the concentration camp, which Brother Raphael survived.   
      
   “The ‘Kretiner aus Holland’ [the cretin from Holland] has in the short   
   time that he was with us often been severely beaten, so that his face   
   was covered over with blood. But he kept up his courage, and his   
   spirit could simply not be broken.”   
   -- H. A. C. Jansen   
      
   “His spirit could simply not be broken. Any thought of revenge was far   
   from him: thus he could say his Our Father in silence while in the   
   presence of his attackers.”   
   -- R. Höppener   
      
   It is difficult to speak God's message in the presence of those who   
   know what is right but don't want to hear it.  Even if spoken with   
   kindness and respect, it will cause the messenger to be attacked in   
   some way.  But Bl. Fr Titus sends us all a message of consolation.   
   God is hidden from us but not well hidden if we search for Him.  He   
   won the victory over evil and He is with us, right by our side!   
      
      
   Saint Quote:   
   "He who wants to win the world for Christ must have the courage to   
   come in conflict with it."   
   --Bl. Fr. Titus Brandsma.   
      
   Bible Quote:   
   For as by the disobedience of one man, many were made sinners:   
   so also by the obedience of one,   
   many shall be made just. (Rom 5:19  DRB)   
      
      
   <><><><>   
   Fr Titus who was pronounced "Beata" in 1985 (first step to sainthood)   
   also wrote this:   
      
   A new awareness of Thy love   
    Encompasses my heart:   
   Sweet Jesus, I in Thee and Thou   
    In me shall never part.   
      
   No grief shall fall my way but I   
   Shall see Thy grief-filled eyes;   
   The lonely way that Thou once walked   
   Has made me sorrow-wise.   
      
   All trouble is a white-lit joy   
   That lights my darkest day;   
   Thy love has turned to brightest light   
   This night-like way.   
      
   If I have Thee alone,   
   The hours will bless   
   With still, cold hands of love   
   My utter loneliness.   
      
   Stay with me, Jesus, only stay;   
   I shall not fear   
   If, reaching out my hand,   
   I feel Thee near.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)