Well said Father. There is a gratuitous nature to the miraculous. An example is apparitions. Were the three children of Fatima praying for Our Lady to appear or did they merit by their devotions any such thing? It was gratuitously given to them by God according to His plan and Love.
Yes I believe in miracles...all of my prayers. are answered was given...but there's a lot of pain on my way....I prayed...in our present time that GOD would take all the pain ...the fears ...the hurt I always encountered...but not dying of course...Just infinite happiness great power to stop greed ...deception and poverty...i prayed that GOD would make a way as soon as possible...
Thank you, Father. I have great problems concentrating on my prayers, especially the Rosary and the Divine Office. My mind is on every distraction. When I try to put myself into the mysteries during the rosary, I end up the star of the story too often.
you and every one of us. Even the saints are well known to have a hard time praying without distractions. It's part of our struggle. And yet you never give up. God keep blessing you.
I suppose, as you grow closer to God, you would be able to ask for things that are aligned to His will, more often than not. And as you live more intimately with God, you would pray and ask correctly or in worthy manners. Of course God is not a mystery box or a puzzle that if you solve correctly, will open up and present you some treasures. Praying and asking to God and receiving the blessing, rewards, or miracles in return reveal to us that God is gentle, full of understanding, loving, and faithful. And if you pray but do not receive what is desired, it is because there is a path that you need to take that will lead you to God.
🎯 Key points for quick navigation: 00:00 *Father Ambrose Little introduces the topic: how dev can merit. He suggests the complexity of the topic and plans to use theological principles for the discussion.* 00:34 *Series provides concise answers to big questions philosophy and theology. Viewer asks how devotions and prayers, like saying multiplearies, impact the likelihood of receiving miracles.* 01:01 *Devotions and ferv impact the efficacy of prayers. Aquinas 101 videos on related topics recommended for further understanding.* 01:30 *Merit in prayer is contextualized within the of God’s grace. Merit involves deserving a reward, but it is through grace of God and cooperation that we merit.* 02:10 *Aquinas explains that principal reward of cooperating with grace is eternal life. Prayer must originate from, aiming toward enjoyment of God in eternal life.* 02:54 *Temporal goods can asked for if they aid in coming to greater love of God. God these goods if they assist in leading us to beatitude.* 05:01 *Devotions help direct our hearts toward God.s and attentiveness in devotions facilitate deeper focus and communion with God.* Made with HARPA AI
🎯 Key points for quick navigation: 00:00 *🎤 Introduction to complexity of meriting through our devotions.* 00:34 *📚 The series "Big Questions Little Answers" aims to explain complex and philosophical questions.* 00:47 *🙏 Viewer question about how many prayers or rosaries are needed to merit a miracle.* 01:30 *✨ Supernatural Grace is a gift God, and Merit is about deserving a reward through cooperation with God's actions- **02:25** 💞 Saint Thomas says prayer must proceed charity and aim for the enjoyment of God in eternal life.* [:54](www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIajMRsb&t=174s) 🍞 Jesus teaches that good gifts from God must aimed at helping us come closer to Him. 03:51 *🕊️ God always answers prayers for things necessary for salvation when askediously and perseveringly.* 04:46 *📿otions like rosaries and novenas direct our hearts toward God, aiding in and faithful prayer.* 05:15 *🌌 Pr long, inspired by Jesus, emphasizes devotion over mere ritual.* [0556](www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIajMRsb&t=356s) 🙌 Devotional practices allow humans to dedicate themselves to through specific acts and rituals. 06:51️ Attention to devotional acts purifies our intentions, keeping our hearts focused on and His will. 07:19 *🌟 More Devotion to the Saints will be covered next time.* Made with HARPA AI
The notion of “meriting by grace” is an oxymoron, if we are speaking of merit properly so-called. The notion of meritum *de condigno* OTOH, not being the notion of merit properly so-called, is not oxymoronic.
#what does Paul mean by the thorn in his flesh? Are there certian struggles that are unique to each of us that we shouldn't even pray to have removed? I don't know what to make of some suffering because it's able to sanctify me but all I want is for it to pass.
I think the point is not to pray to have it removed just because we don't like it or afraid of it, but praying so we ourselves understand is pleasing to God that we're willing to suffer it in His name, in the hopes that He grants us fortitude to help us overcome it without out avoiding it. _«And going a little farther He fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’»_ [Matthew 26, 39; cfr. Mt 26, 42; Mk 14, 36; Lk 22, 42]. In other words, we shouldn't run away from suffering, but accept it exists on Earth and that, most probably, we'll have to face it sooner or later, one way or another, but thanks to it we've a great opportunity to demonstrate we have total trust in God, and that whatever happens it'll all be an offering to His Glory. [I'm not native speaker, I hope the idea is clear.] God bless.
I like very much your questions. I am a Jewish convert to the Catholic Faith. From the time I became Catholic, I was interested in understanding redemptive suffering. So that's what I'm going to start my answer with. I would say you are exactly like any good Catholic in your attitude towards your struggles, knowing they can sanctify you and yet wanting them to go away. More importantly, not only can they sanctify you, but you can also make an offering to God of your struggles and sufferings. We can pray the Daily Offering Prayer to "offer up" our sufferings and struggles in union with the sufferings of Christ on the Cross, for the redemption of the world. This is called "redemptive suffering." You can find several different wordings of the Daily Offering Prayer online. The USCCB has one. Nobody knows exactly what the thorn was for St. Paul. I think the specifics are intentionally omitted so that all of us can identify with his struggles. You could guess it was poor eyesight, or maybe a gimpy foot, or difficult people you have to work with, whatever your own thorn might be. As for praying that the Lord remove the struggles, think of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He asked to have His suffering removed, didn't He? And He finished by saying, "Not my will but Your Will be done." He repeated the whole prayer three times. See Luke 22:41-42, Matthew 26:39, Mark 14:35-36,41. St. Paul also asked three times to have his thorn removed. The Lord answered, "My grace is sufficient...." The Scriptures also say, "You have not because you ask not," and "Ask and you shall receive." So there is no problem asking for relief from our struggles. The problem comes when we don't want to accept, "My grace is sufficient" as an answer. Should we ask once, three times, or more? There is another example of the persistent widow, who nagged the judge ceaselessly until he gave in and granted her request. So I would say we need to pay attention to the Holy Spirit, as to whether, and when, we should stop asking. Sometimes it's better to bear suffering with patience than to have the problem quickly resolved. Remember that "All things work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) God's Plan is always for our good. God bless you, and may He grant you peace in your struggles. 🙏
#askafriar Is it possible for the devil to repent? If so, what would this change for humanity (insofar as thr devil plays a prominent role in our temptation and possible perdition)? If not, at what point did it become impossible, and why then? Thank you.
#askafriar With the likelihood that some canonized saints are legends or made up, what are the implications/dangers of asking for the intercession of saints we are not confident to have ever existed?
That milkshake is part of the miracle. 😄 Thank you, Father Ambrose! I profit much from your episodes.
Outstanding as always, Father. Enjoy the milkshake.
Thank you for teaching us Fr. Ambrose Little!!! 😊
Prayers of gratitude rising up for you, Father Ambrose, for helping us to perfect our prayer life!
Thank you Father Ambrose!!
Well said Father. There is a gratuitous nature to the miraculous. An example is apparitions. Were the three children of Fatima praying for Our Lady to appear or did they merit by their devotions any such thing? It was gratuitously given to them by God according to His plan and Love.
Yes I believe in miracles...all of my prayers. are answered was given...but there's a lot of pain on my way....I prayed...in our present time that GOD would take all the pain ...the fears ...the hurt I always encountered...but not dying of course...Just infinite happiness great power to stop greed
...deception and poverty...i prayed that GOD would make a way as soon as possible...
Thank you, Father. I have great problems concentrating on my prayers, especially the Rosary and the Divine Office. My mind is on every distraction. When I try to put myself into the mysteries during the rosary, I end up the star of the story too often.
you and every one of us. Even the saints are well known to have a hard time praying without distractions. It's part of our struggle. And yet you never give up. God keep blessing you.
God bless you, too. God bless us all.
Thanks!
Very informative, thank you!
I enjoyed your video,
Thank you and God bless.
I suppose, as you grow closer to God, you would be able to ask for things that are aligned to His will, more often than not. And as you live more intimately with God, you would pray and ask correctly or in worthy manners. Of course God is not a mystery box or a puzzle that if you solve correctly, will open up and present you some treasures. Praying and asking to God and receiving the blessing, rewards, or miracles in return reveal to us that God is gentle, full of understanding, loving, and faithful. And if you pray but do not receive what is desired, it is because there is a path that you need to take that will lead you to God.
Wonderful! Thank you.
Thank you Fr. Little! Now I'm craving for a milkshake....
🎯 Key points for quick navigation:
00:00 *Father Ambrose Little introduces the topic: how dev can merit. He suggests the complexity of the topic and plans to use theological principles for the discussion.*
00:34 *Series provides concise answers to big questions philosophy and theology. Viewer asks how devotions and prayers, like saying multiplearies, impact the likelihood of receiving miracles.*
01:01 *Devotions and ferv impact the efficacy of prayers. Aquinas 101 videos on related topics recommended for further understanding.*
01:30 *Merit in prayer is contextualized within the of God’s grace. Merit involves deserving a reward, but it is through grace of God and cooperation that we merit.*
02:10 *Aquinas explains that principal reward of cooperating with grace is eternal life. Prayer must originate from, aiming toward enjoyment of God in eternal life.*
02:54 *Temporal goods can asked for if they aid in coming to greater love of God. God these goods if they assist in leading us to beatitude.*
05:01 *Devotions help direct our hearts toward God.s and attentiveness in devotions facilitate deeper focus and communion with God.*
Made with HARPA AI
Thanks a lot, Fr. A. Little for the spiritual enlightenment.
🎯 Key points for quick navigation:
00:00 *🎤 Introduction to complexity of meriting through our devotions.*
00:34 *📚 The series "Big Questions Little Answers" aims to explain complex and philosophical questions.*
00:47 *🙏 Viewer question about how many prayers or rosaries are needed to merit a miracle.*
01:30 *✨ Supernatural Grace is a gift God, and Merit is about deserving a reward through cooperation with God's actions- **02:25** 💞 Saint Thomas says prayer must proceed charity and aim for the enjoyment of God in eternal life.*
[:54](www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIajMRsb&t=174s) 🍞 Jesus teaches that good gifts from God must aimed at helping us come closer to Him.
03:51 *🕊️ God always answers prayers for things necessary for salvation when askediously and perseveringly.*
04:46 *📿otions like rosaries and novenas direct our hearts toward God, aiding in and faithful prayer.*
05:15 *🌌 Pr long, inspired by Jesus, emphasizes devotion over mere ritual.*
[0556](www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIajMRsb&t=356s) 🙌 Devotional practices allow humans to dedicate themselves to through specific acts and rituals.
06:51️ Attention to devotional acts purifies our intentions, keeping our hearts focused on and His will.
07:19 *🌟 More Devotion to the Saints will be covered next time.*
Made with HARPA AI
#ASKAFRIAR: Can we laity pray over people? And What Does The Church Teach On Tongues and Charismatic Renewal?
UA-cam has removed a reply I wrote concerning redemptive suffering. Why would they do such a thing?
One can have just that
The notion of “meriting by grace” is an oxymoron, if we are speaking of merit properly so-called. The notion of meritum *de condigno* OTOH, not being the notion of merit properly so-called, is not oxymoronic.
#what does Paul mean by the thorn in his flesh? Are there certian struggles that are unique to each of us that we shouldn't even pray to have removed? I don't know what to make of some suffering because it's able to sanctify me but all I want is for it to pass.
I think the point is not to pray to have it removed just because we don't like it or afraid of it, but praying so we ourselves understand is pleasing to God that we're willing to suffer it in His name, in the hopes that He grants us fortitude to help us overcome it without out avoiding it.
_«And going a little farther He fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’»_ [Matthew 26, 39; cfr. Mt 26, 42; Mk 14, 36; Lk 22, 42].
In other words, we shouldn't run away from suffering, but accept it exists on Earth and that, most probably, we'll have to face it sooner or later, one way or another, but thanks to it we've a great opportunity to demonstrate we have total trust in God, and that whatever happens it'll all be an offering to His Glory.
[I'm not native speaker, I hope the idea is clear.]
God bless.
I like very much your questions. I am a Jewish convert to the Catholic Faith. From the time I became Catholic, I was interested in understanding redemptive suffering. So that's what I'm going to start my answer with.
I would say you are exactly like any good Catholic in your attitude towards your struggles, knowing they can sanctify you and yet wanting them to go away. More importantly, not only can they sanctify you, but you can also make an offering to God of your struggles and sufferings. We can pray the Daily Offering Prayer to "offer up" our sufferings and struggles in union with the sufferings of Christ on the Cross, for the redemption of the world. This is called "redemptive suffering." You can find several different wordings of the Daily Offering Prayer online. The USCCB has one.
Nobody knows exactly what the thorn was for St. Paul. I think the specifics are intentionally omitted so that all of us can identify with his struggles. You could guess it was poor eyesight, or maybe a gimpy foot, or difficult people you have to work with, whatever your own thorn might be.
As for praying that the Lord remove the struggles, think of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He asked to have His suffering removed, didn't He? And He finished by saying, "Not my will but Your Will be done." He repeated the whole prayer three times. See Luke 22:41-42, Matthew 26:39, Mark 14:35-36,41. St. Paul also asked three times to have his thorn removed. The Lord answered, "My grace is sufficient...."
The Scriptures also say, "You have not because you ask not," and "Ask and you shall receive." So there is no problem asking for relief from our struggles. The problem comes when we don't want to accept, "My grace is sufficient" as an answer. Should we ask once, three times, or more? There is another example of the persistent widow, who nagged the judge ceaselessly until he gave in and granted her request. So I would say we need to pay attention to the Holy Spirit, as to whether, and when, we should stop asking. Sometimes it's better to bear suffering with patience than to have the problem quickly resolved. Remember that "All things work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
God's Plan is always for our good.
God bless you, and may He grant you peace in your struggles. 🙏
Question: is praying for dearh legitimate?
Why you prayed for a death?...
Death is boring
#askafriar Is it possible for the devil to repent? If so, what would this change for humanity (insofar as thr devil plays a prominent role in our temptation and possible perdition)? If not, at what point did it become impossible, and why then? Thank you.
To be a devil is a choice
#askafriar With the likelihood that some canonized saints are legends or made up, what are the implications/dangers of asking for the intercession of saints we are not confident to have ever existed?
This would be good to know as my confirmation saint is apparently "fabulous" (that's the technical term for "like a fable")
Pls.forgive me GOD for all the sins I made
Would you mind to give all the happiness I prayed.
Pls
NO