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The Mystical City of God in a Year

The Mystical City of God in a Year

By Fr. Edward Looney

What do we know about Jesus and Mary? For starters, what the evangelists recorded in the gospels. Throughout Church history, mystics have received visions of the life of Jesus and Mary and recorded them as biographies. One such mystic was Venerable Maria of Agreda who authored The Mystical City of God, a four volume book totaling more than 2,000 pages. It's a daunting task to read, but Marian theologian Fr. Edward Looney has partnered with TAN Books to read it in a year. Join him as he reads and provides reflections daily.
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Day 323: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 2, Paragraphs 392-402

The Mystical City of God in a YearNov 19, 2022

00:00
18:21
Year 2, Day 365: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 23, Paragraphs 786-791

Year 2, Day 365: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 23, Paragraphs 786-791

Fr. Edward Looney reads the final reading of the Mystical City of God from book 8, chapter 23, and then reflects on the project as it reaches completion.  

Dec 31, 202325:36
Year 2, Day 364: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 22, Paragraphs 775-785

Year 2, Day 364: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 22, Paragraphs 775-785

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 22 of book 8 and then comments on the tomb of Our Lady.  

Dec 30, 202326:32
Year 2, Day 363: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 21, Paragraphs 767-774

Year 2, Day 363: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 21, Paragraphs 767-774

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 21 of book 8, and then comments on the dormition tradition and our salvation. 

Dec 29, 202314:56
Year 2, Day 362: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 21, Paragraphs 760-766

Year 2, Day 362: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 21, Paragraphs 760-766

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 21 of book 8 and then comments on the glory of Heaven.  

Dec 28, 202315:48
Year 2, Day 361: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 20, Paragraphs 747-759

Year 2, Day 361: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 20, Paragraphs 747-759

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 20 of book 8 and then comments on Mary's funeral procession, burial, and what it teaches us about dying to self.  

Dec 27, 202320:59
Year 2, Day 360: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 19, Paragraphs 740-746

Year 2, Day 360: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 19, Paragraphs 740-746

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 19 of book 8 and then comments on why Mary chose to die rather than not experience death.  

Dec 26, 202315:50
Year 2, Day 359: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 19, Paragraphs 732-739

Year 2, Day 359: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 19, Paragraphs 732-739

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 19 of book 8 and then comments on the last days/hours of Mary's life and what happened. He also shares about the movie "Full of Grace" which is a beautiful cinematic reflection on this topic.  

Dec 25, 202315:32
Year 2, Day 358: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 18, Paragraphs 722-731

Year 2, Day 358: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 18, Paragraphs 722-731

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 18 of book 8 and then comments on Mary's prayers for priests and what we as the Faithful should love about the Church. 

Dec 24, 202320:20
Year 2, Day 357: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 18, Paragraphs 713-721

Year 2, Day 357: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 18, Paragraphs 713-721

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 18 of book 8 and then comments on the on Mary's reflection over her life and the significance of her receiving Holy Communion and its meaning for us.  

Dec 23, 202318:60
Year 2, Day 356: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 17, Paragraphs 706-712

Year 2, Day 356: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 17, Paragraphs 706-712

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 16 of book 8 and then comments on the end last days before Mary's departure from this world, the prophecies of prophets about it, and God wanting to bring her into eternity.  

Dec 22, 202318:13
Year 2, Day 355: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 17, Paragraphs 696-705

Year 2, Day 355: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 17, Paragraphs 696-705

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter7 of book 8 and then comments on the annunciation/assumption parallel and the apostles knowledge of Mary's forthcoming departure.  

Dec 21, 202319:29
Year 2, Day 354: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 16, Paragraphs 688-695

Year 2, Day 354: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 16, Paragraphs 688-695

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 16 of book 8 and then comments on the use of time and incorporating devotional prayer in our day.  

Dec 20, 202316:22
Year 2, Day 353: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 16, Paragraphs 680-687

Year 2, Day 353: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 16, Paragraphs 680-687

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 16 of book 8 and then comments on Mary remembering what God had done for her, her memories of the Jesus and why we should be grateful for her. 

Dec 19, 202320:08
Year 2, Day 352: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 15, Paragraphs 671-679

Year 2, Day 352: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 15, Paragraphs 671-679

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 15 of book 8 and then comments on what Mary's observances of feasts means for our observance, celebration, and spiritual life.  

Dec 18, 202317:36
Year 2, Day 351: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 15, Paragraphs 662-670

Year 2, Day 351: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 15, Paragraphs 662-670

Fr. Edward Looney reads chapter 15 of book 8 and then comments on Mary's intercessory role in relation to the feasts of Christ.  

Dec 17, 202316:46
Year 2, Day 350: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 14, Paragraphs 651-661

Year 2, Day 350: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 14, Paragraphs 651-661

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 14 of book 8 and then comments on Old Testament typology and Mary's celebration of Christmas and what she can obtain for us and the world, and how we can celebrate like her. 

Dec 16, 202322:20
Year 2, Day 349: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 14, Paragraphs 642-650

Year 2, Day 349: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 14, Paragraphs 642-650

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 14 of book 8 and reflects on how Mary celebrates the incarnation, her knowledge of the plants, and the hymns she wrote. 

Dec 15, 202318:25
Year 2, Day 348: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 13, Paragraphs 636-641

Year 2, Day 348: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 13, Paragraphs 636-641

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 13 of book 8 and then comments on fostering gratitude for graces received and the gifts of our Catholic faith.  

Dec 14, 202314:02
Year 2, Day 347: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 13, Paragraphs 625-635

Year 2, Day 347: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 13, Paragraphs 625-635

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 13 of book 8 and then comments on Mary's celebration of St. Joachim and St. Anne and her spouse St. Joseph. 

Dec 13, 202321:16
Year 2, Day 346: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 12, Paragraphs 611-624

Year 2, Day 346: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 12, Paragraphs 611-624

Fr.  Edward Looney reads from chapter 12 of book 8 and then comments on the celebrations of Mary's life.  

Dec 12, 202325:27
Year 2, Day 345: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 11, Paragraphs 603-610

Year 2, Day 345: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 11, Paragraphs 603-610

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 11 of book 8 and then comments on Mary's frequent visits to Heaven while on earth and what rejoicing that brought souls there.  

Dec 11, 202317:19
Year 2, Day 344: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 11, Paragraphs 595-602

Year 2, Day 344: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 11, Paragraphs 595-602

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 11 of book 8 and reflects on the nearness of Mary's journey to eternal life. 

Dec 10, 202314:14
Year 2, Day 343: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 10, Paragraphs 585-594

Year 2, Day 343: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 10, Paragraphs 585-594

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 10 of book 8 and then comments on Mary's reception of holy communion, her receiving visitors, her care for the poor, and her meditation on the passion.  

Dec 09, 202318:35
Year 2, Day 342: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 10, Paragraphs 575-584

Year 2, Day 342: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 10, Paragraphs 575-584

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 10 of book 8 and then comments on the power of reflecting on Christ's passion. 

Dec 09, 202317:04
Year 2, Day 341: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 9, Paragraphs 566-574

Year 2, Day 341: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 9, Paragraphs 566-574

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 9 of book 8 and then comments on establishment of the feasts of the Church and praying for your priest.

Dec 08, 202319:07
Year 2, Day 340: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 9, Paragraphs 557-565

Year 2, Day 340: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 9, Paragraphs 557-565

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 9 of book 8 and then comments on the origins of the gospels written by the evangelists.  

Dec 07, 202317:01
Year 2, Day 339: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 8, Paragraphs 544-556

Year 2, Day 339: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 8, Paragraphs 544-556

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 8 of book 8 and then comments on the impact of stories on our faith.  

Dec 06, 202320:25
Year 2, Day 338: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 8, Paragraphs 533-543

Year 2, Day 338: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 8, Paragraphs 533-543

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 8 of book 8 and then comments on Mary as a pilgrim to the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Dec 05, 202318:30
Year 2, Day 337: Vol 4, Book 8, Chapter 7, Paragraphs 519-532

Year 2, Day 337: Vol 4, Book 8, Chapter 7, Paragraphs 519-532

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 7 of book 8 and then comments on the power of the sacraments.

Dec 03, 202322:23
Year 2, Day 336: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 7, Paragraphs 505-518

Year 2, Day 336: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 7, Paragraphs 505-518

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 7 of book 8 and comments on the virtuousness of Mary. 



Dec 02, 202322:12
Year 2, Day 335: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 6, Paragraphs 496-504

Year 2, Day 335: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 6, Paragraphs 496-504

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 6 of book 8 and then reflects about the power of receiving Holy Communion for our spiritual lives.  

Dec 01, 202316:03
Year 2, Day 334: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 6, Paragraphs 489-495

Year 2, Day 334: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 6, Paragraphs 489-495

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 6 of book 8 and then comments on Mary's preparation of the cenacle for Mass. 

Nov 30, 202314:28
Year 2, Day 333: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 6, Paragraphs 480-488

Year 2, Day 333: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 6, Paragraphs 480-488

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 6 of book 8 and then comments on the continued theme of Mary's power over evil and St. Paul's encounter with Mary.  

Nov 29, 202317:31
Year 2, Day 332: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 5, Paragraphs 473-479

Year 2, Day 332: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 5, Paragraphs 473-479

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 5 of book 8 and then comments on what we remember from the four volumes, having a pure motive for love of God, and the value of a daily examination.  

Nov 28, 202315:37
Year 2, Day 331: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 5, Paragraphs 464-472

Year 2, Day 331: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 5, Paragraphs 464-472

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 5 of book 8 and then comments on the story sea of life.  

Nov 27, 202317:28
Year 2, Day 330: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 5, Paragraphs 456-463

Year 2, Day 330: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 5, Paragraphs 456-463

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 5 of book 8 and then comments on St. Peter's request for Mary to visit, the titles used by the Church for Mary, and the way of life for the women who surround themselves around Mary.  

Nov 26, 202317:45
Year 2, Day 329: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 4, Paragraphs 448-455

Year 2, Day 329: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 4, Paragraphs 448-455

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 4 of book 8 and then comments on the interior life of Mary and how she resists the temptations of the devil.

Nov 25, 202317:13
Year 2, Day 328: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 4, Paragraphs 440-447

Year 2, Day 328: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 4, Paragraphs 440-447

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 4 of book 8 and then comments on the church in Ephesus.  

Nov 24, 202318:31
Year 2, Day 327: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 4, Paragraphs 431-439

Year 2, Day 327: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 4, Paragraphs 431-439

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 4 of book 8 and then comments on the false religion that emerges in Ephesus.  

Nov 23, 202317:16
Year 2, Day 326: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 3, Paragraphs 422-430

Year 2, Day 326: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 3, Paragraphs 422-430

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 3 of book 8 and then comments on being instructed by Mary, our concern for others, and how Mary prays without ceasing in heaven.  

Nov 22, 202319:07
Year 2, Day 325: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 3, Paragraphs 413-421

Year 2, Day 325: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 3, Paragraphs 413-421

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 3 of book 8 and then comments on our love for God, people, and things, and also on the evil seeds planted in our hearts.  

Nov 21, 202319:36
Year 2, Day 324: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 2, Paragraphs 403-412

Year 2, Day 324: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 2, Paragraphs 403-412

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 2 of book 8 and then comments on Mary's intercessory role and how God the Father wants it.  

Nov 20, 202317:56
Year 2, Day 323: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 2, Paragraphs 392-402

Year 2, Day 323: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 2, Paragraphs 392-402

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 2 of book 8 and then comments on conversions gained by St. James and his martyrdom.  

Nov 19, 202318:21
Year 2, Day 322: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 1, Paragraphs 385-391

Year 2, Day 322: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 1, Paragraphs 385-391

Fr. Edward reads from chapter 1 of book 8 and then comments on what the martyrdom of St. James meant for the other apostles.  

Nov 18, 202315:21
Year 2, Day 321: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 1, Paragraphs 374-384

Year 2, Day 321: Volume 4, Book 8, Chapter 1, Paragraphs 374-384

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 1 of book 8 and then comments on Mary's prayers and concern for the Apostles.  

Nov 17, 202316:59
Year 2, Day 320: Volume 4, Book 8 Chapter 1, Paragraphs 365-373

Year 2, Day 320: Volume 4, Book 8 Chapter 1, Paragraphs 365-373

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 1 of book 8 and then comments on what Mary does before leaving Jerusalem for Ephesus and also on the title Star of the Sea.  

Nov 16, 202318:05
Year 2, Day 319: Volume 4, Book 7, Chapter 17, Paragraphs 353-363

Year 2, Day 319: Volume 4, Book 7, Chapter 17, Paragraphs 353-363

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 18 of book 7 and then comments on the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar and how we can foster a devotion to her today.  

Nov 15, 202322:49
Year 2, Day 318: Volume 4, Book 7, Chapter 17, Paragraphs 343-352

Year 2, Day 318: Volume 4, Book 7, Chapter 17, Paragraphs 343-352

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 17 of book 7 and then comments on the building and significance of the Marian shrine in Zaragoza.  

Nov 14, 202320:37
Year 2, Day 317: Volume 4, Book 7, Chapter 17, Paragraphs 334-342

Year 2, Day 317: Volume 4, Book 7, Chapter 17, Paragraphs 334-342

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 17 of book 7 and then comments on the demons tormenting the damned and our developing relationship with Mary.  

Nov 13, 202320:44
Year 2, Day 316: Volume 4, Book 7, Chapter 16, Paragraphs 325-333

Year 2, Day 316: Volume 4, Book 7, Chapter 16, Paragraphs 325-333

Fr. Edward Looney reads from chapter 16 of book 7 and then comments on our gratitude for Mary and the help she gives us.  

Nov 12, 202319:25