peace and joy
Sabbath Moments
September 3, 2011
Awareness of God
Welcome to this meme hosted by Colleen at Thoughts on Grace where we recount moments when we rested in the Lord or found Him in the ordinary. Visit her to read other bloggers’ Sabbath Moments.
Supernatural Prudence
This week I’ve spent time pondering meditations from Divine Intimacy. It makes me feel grounded. Today’s reading covered supernatural prudence vs. human prudence. The first is the virtue which suggests to us what we should do and what we should avoid to reach eternal union with God. Human prudence is oriented towards earthly happiness, helping us choose those actions which lead to earthly power or wealth with no orientation towards God. St. Paul calls it the “wisdom of the flesh” in Romans 8:7 and calls it the “enemy of God.”
It seems to me that supernatural prudence leads to a certain amount of happiness on earth even when we choose to do difficult or repugnant things out of a love of God and our neighbor. Doing the will of God even in the hard things of life brings peace and happiness. That’s what suffering with joy is all about.
Zinnias
This year I planted zinnia seeds in the east flower bed. I’ve wanted to grow these tall, colorful flowers for years and finally decided on the best location. They love the heat and dry conditions of this summer and so are doing very well. Butterflies flock to them.
Each week I send a few over to my piano students’ mom after their lessons and cut a few to enjoy in the house. They have no scent so they don’t make me sneeze or get a headache. My husband loves them, too. I enjoy their beauty and the continuing surprise of so many different colors. The zinnia patch is a little bit of heaven.
Pope St. Pius X
Today is the feast of Pope St. Pius X whose motto was “restore all things in Christ.” He recognized that Christianity was under attack from the Modernists and issued new rules on receiving First Holy Communion and daily Communion to strengthen Catholics’ relationship with God. We enjoy today the fruits of his leadership. Pope Pius XII canonized him on May 29, 1954.
A few years ago I read the story of his life and learned that he performed some healing miracles during his life. My Sabbath Moment for today is reflecting on how blessed we are to have had such great 20th century popes to lead the Church in such troubled times.
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R. Now and forever. Amen.
(Click on the link above to read why I am ending my posts with this.)
Sabbath Moments
April 9, 2010
Awareness of God
Welcome to Sabbath Moments, a weekly meme hosted by Colleen at Thoughts on Grace. Visit her to read other Catholic bloggers’ posts of resting in the Lord or finding Him in the ordinary.
A beautiful shrub/tree
The past couple of weeks we’ve had a wonderful man helping us, weather permitting, to get some things accomplished in the yard. This Monday he tackled digging out the mimosa tree stump, which was a lot bigger than I thought it would be. We lost the tree due to damage from the 2008 ice storm. It just never recovered and continually lost limbs over subsequent winters. We replaced it with a saucer magnolia, which many people in southwest Missouri call “tulip trees”, although authentic tulip trees are entirely different.
Saucer Magnolia by Yannick Trottier via Wikimedia
I’ve had a yen for this shrub, which can be trained into a lovely tree, for many years now. It’ll grow to be about 25′ tall and every spring will blossom with large white flowers that are pink at the base. I love pruning bushes into trees and shaping trees into something beautiful. I think God loves pruning us, too, into something delightful and beautiful.
A problem solved
As I was composing the monthly newsletter I publish for Una Voce Arkansas Ozarks I finally figured out how to capture a cover page I designed for my “Tips for Newcomers to the Traditional Latin Mass” booklet and turn it into a jpg image. YIPEE!!! Capturing a Word page as an image is something I’ve wanted to be able to do for a long time. Word doesn’t allow a screen capture of a page, which has frustrated me in the past when I’ve created a cover and wanted to show just the cover elsewhere. In case you ever want to do this, here’s how:
1. Copy the page you want to turn into an image to the clipboard.
2. Open Microsoft Office Powerpoint, select portrait or landscape layout.
3. Copy the clipboard contents to the Powerpoint slide.
Cover, Tips ebook
4. When you get the Powerpoint slide to look the way you want, save it in jpg format and presto! You now have an image of what you created in Word.
Why is this a Sabbath Moment? Because God blessed me with the determination to figure out a problem and make the solution work. It took quite awhile but I did it for Him – to get the news about the ebook out there.
Spring planting
Wednesday and Thursday we got some of the garden planted in the lovely, sunny weather. This year we’ll have more to share because we’re putting in more of everything. The Lord is going to have to help me drive off the Japanese beetles, though. Peace and joy in spring planting!
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R. Now and forever. Amen.
(Click on the link above to read why I am ending my posts with this.)
Sunday Snippets – A Catholic Carnival
March 20, 2011
Welcome to Sunday Snippets – A Catholic Carnival, hosted by RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing. Visit her to see posts of the past week by other Catholic bloggers.
This week I admit to being distracted by the events in Japan, so I spent extra time praying for the Japanese and contemplating a post I will be writing based on some of the images coming out of that ravaged country. Meanwhile, I wrote:
St. Thomas Inspired by the Dove of the Holy Ghost – a commentary on Sassetta’s great work for a Carmelite convent in Sienna.
Sabbath Moments – a few ways God touched my life this week.
Praying the Psalms – Psalm 62 – a reflection on this great psalm of abandonment to Divine Providence.
The North American Nebula in Infrared
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My word shall not pass away (Mark 13:31, Lk. 21:33). Gazing at the wonders of the universe with the help of NASA Spitzer is always a meditation on the greatness and beauty of God. Yet we know that what we see and experience today will one day no longer be.
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth. For the first heaven and the first earth was gone, and the sea is now no more (Rev. 21:1)
Seeing then that all these things are to be dissolved, what manner of people ought you to be in holy conversation and godliness? Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of the Lord, by which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with the burning heat? But we look for new heavens and a new earth according to his promises, in which justice dwelleth. ( 2 Peter 3:11-13).
If what Spitzer and Hubble show us now, glorious as it is, will dissolve, how beautiful will the new heaven and earth be? Lent is about preparing ourselves for the beauty, peace, and justice that is to come. It is about hope.
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R. Now and forever. Amen.
(Click on the link above to read why I am ending my posts with this.)
Praying the Psalms – Psalm 61
March 12, 2011
King David Playing the Zither, Andrea Celesti (1637-1712 Venice), oil on canvas, private collection
Welcome to “Praying the Psalms”. Jenny at Just a Minute hosts this meme and I invite you to visit her to see what other bloggers have written about this Psalm.
This Psalm is the call of the soul feeling intense separation from our heavenly Father. Whether it is the dark night of the soul which Blessed Teresa of Calcutta endured for years, or the anguish of the sinner who has willfully separated himself from God and realizes his devastation, the feeling of a desperate soul rings out.
vs. 1-5 Hear, O God, my cry; listen to my prayer! From the earth’s end I call to You as my heart grows faint. You will set me high upon a rock; You will give me rest, for You are my refuge, a tower of strength against the enemy. Oh, that I might lodge in Your tent forever, take refuge in the shelter of Your wings! [Sin takes me from Your presence. If I try to live without You I am barren and desolate in my soul. Your tent (tabernacle) is set upon the heights of Mount Sion (heaven) and on every altar. Grant that I may ever take refuge in the shelter of Your sacraments and Your grace, especially in the Sacrament of Penance where I am each time made anew by Your mercy. In the Sacred Heart of Your Son I find rest and safety.]
vs. 6-9 You indeed, O God, have accepted my vows; You granted me the heritage of those who fear Your name. Add to the days of the king’s life’ let his years be many generations; let him sit enthroned before God forever; bid kindness and faithfulness preserve him. So will I sing the praises of Your name forever, fulfilling my vows day by day. [At Baptism God accepts our vows to renounce Satan and all his works. Through this sacrament we inherit eternal life. Lord, I wish for all mankind to know You as Christ the King, whose Heart takes the shape of our hearts and lives in glory at the right hand of our Father, the place where we belong. Protect, defend, and purify us all in this world of mayhem and violence so that we may, rejoicing, sing Your praises forever in peace and joy].
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R. Now and forever. Amen.
(Click on the link above to read why I am ending my posts with this.)
Sunday Snippets – A Catholic Carnival
February 27, 2011
Welcome to Sunday Snippets, hosted by RAnn at This That and the Other Thing. Visit her to find other interesting posts by Catholic bloggers and join in the fun.
Since I’m out of town this weekend with family for my 97-year-old uncle’s funeral, I haven’t much to post. Here are three to ponder:
Through Resentment to Forgiveness
God bless all my readers and thanks for visiting.
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R. Now and forever. Amen.
(Click on the link above to read why I am ending my posts with this.)
Sabbath Moments
February 5, 2011
Awareness of God
Here we are with the Sabbath Moments meme hosted by Colleen at Thoughts on Grace. Visit her to read other bloggers’ moments with the Lord.
Southwest Missouri is sporting lovely snow covered evergreens. In our small town only the sun has been able to clean the streets, so the one in front of the house that gets little sun is snowy and icy. We got another 3 inches yesterday and 4 inches last night. Beauty belongs to God, and I thank Him for a warm house and trust Him to make sure we have the money to pay the next gas bill! It’s all his money anyway.
Father Zuhlsdorf posted about a beautiful concert he attended at Trinity Church in New York this week. It was music from the Sarum Rite and I listened to the whole concert with great pleasure. Byrd and his contemporaries wrote some truly heavenly music I never get tired of hearing. Trinity is the kind of church made for this kind of music. It plays well in the background while you’re doing chores. Awesome performance.
I also worked up an ebook for newcomers to the Traditional Latin Mass. Writing, designing, and laying out stuff is very relaxing for me. Hunting for just the right photo, not so much. I couldn’t have done this without God’s help. So far, feedback has been good. Will write a post about it next week.
Want to subscribe to posts by email? Visit the third box in the sidebar.
R. Now and forever. Amen.
(Click on the link above to read why I am ending my posts with this.)
A Blessed Christmas
This is a close-up image with added special effects that I took of my brother’s Christmas tree a couple of years ago. I did some tinkering to create a custom-made Christmas Card – just for you readers.
We are the ornaments hung lovingly on the Tree of Life by our heavenly Father, while Christ, the Light of the world, bathes us in His grace. He brings joy and peace to all hearts who open themselves up to Him. No place is so dark that His light cannot penetrate. We are most beautiful in its rays.
This is what I pray for the whole world – to know Him, love Him, and serve Him now and for eternity.
Emmanuel is here. Jesus is here. May He come again in glory soon. Merry Christmas and a very blessed New Year.
Sabbath Moments
November 5, 2010
Sabbath Moments are those times during the week when we take the time to consciously think of and be with God – resting in the Lord, so to speak. Colleen at Thoughts on Grace hosts this meme, so visit her to hear of other bloggers’ Sabbath Moments.
This week I spent time relaxing and reading spiritual blogs by others which I found very thought-provoking and inspiring.
Another Sabbath Moments time was walking Francie in sunny fall weather, helping her strengthen the leg she had knee surgery on.
For a break I read the first Isabel Dalhousie mystery, Alexander McCall Smith’s series heroine of Scotland’s who-done-its. God means for us to enjoy His gifts and those of our fellow travelers who have been specially blessed by Him.
Peace and joy to all my readers and remember to suffer with joy.
R. Now and forever. Amen.
(Click on the link above to read why I am ending my posts with this.)
Keeping the Faith in the Middle of Election Insanity
October 22, 2010
Ever since the 2008 presidential election campaigns and the subsequent bills and behavior of our elected officials I’ve periodically felt overcome with anxiety for myself, my family, and the future of our country. Elected officials have replaced God and the ten commandments with ideologies that lead only to death. If I don’t immediately turn to God – and turn off the talking heads – fear overtakes faith.
As we approach this coming election the craziness in the political swamp is at the highest pitch I’ve ever seen in my life so I’m taking cover in Father Philip Schuster, O.S.B.’s wonderfully simple book, Seeking God’s Will Through Faith, Hope & Charity. Perhaps you will find peace and joy in these words of his:
Often we meet good people who claim no formal church affiliation. It is possible for these people to have some sort of faith. But unless one accepts all that Jesus taught and all that He teaches through His Church today, one cannot possess the fullness of true faith. Those who follow only what seems best to them cannot come to the fullness of supernatural faith.
Think, meditate, on these glories of faith: in faith the God of revelation speaks words of truth. We listen and we believe Him. Faith is listening to God’s voice telling us His secrets about Himself, His plans for us. “In Your light we see light” with the eyes of faith. Faith gives us total security. Faith is the crowning of our human reason, for it fills our mind with revealed truths. In obedience of mind we cling to God’s wisdom and to our salvation. Faith is the foundation of our hope, our charity. Faith lets us see darkly now what one day we hope to see face to face.
…Our own faith can grow, become conviction, and completely change our life, too.
Faith is not contrary to reason; rather, it carries us beyond reason. We see this especially in what we believe about suffering, but also in what we believe about the Eucharist, about baptism, penance, and matrimony, of God’s love for us, of His forgiveness, and so many other wonderful revealed truths. The person of faith sees and knows marvelous truths that remain hidden from the one without faith.
Another great advantage of stressing faith “defined as believing simply because God has spoken” is that then we tend to be much more convinced of the truth, the reality, of what we believe. This is very important. If I stress to myself that God has revealed this truth, then I will know it is true, and I will hold that truth with greater certitude and conviction than if I rely only on my own reasoning power…
If my belief in resurrection and eternal life is based on the Word of God rather than on my own reasoning, then eternal life, with all its promised joys, becomes a reality for me, and I can much better face the crosses in my daily life. For hope then becomes strong, eternal life is for me, and I can experience peace and joy, even in the face of tragedy. Surely this was the faith of the martyrs.
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle…
R. Now and forever. Amen.
(Click on the link above to read why I am ending my posts with this.)
Report on the Michaelmas Pilgrimage
October 6, 2010
This simple sanctuary shows the Traditional Mass altar set up for the Michaelmas Pilgrimage we attended at St. Michael church in Cherokee Village, Arkansas last Sunday.
The permanent tabernacle is at the far left, while a custom made portable tabernacle rests on the altar for the Mass, as this parish is primarily devoted to the Novus Ordo and uses only the permanent tabernacle for its liturgies.
Since I took this with an older small Sony digital camera, the resolution and exposure are not ideal so I’ll explain the two stained glass windows. On the left is the Holy Spirit window and on the right is St. Michael overcoming Satan. One thing I really like about this window is that at the top of St. Michael’s spear the Holy Spirit rests. Sorry you can’t see it better. Maybe next year I’ll have my new digital camera and can do the scene more justice.
Michaelmas Pilgrimage
Every year the St. Pio da Pietrelcina Latin Mass Community, whose chaplain is Father Laurent Demets, F.S.S.P., hosts a pilgrimage in honor of St. Michael the Archangel on the Sunday as close to the feast as possible.
At the beginning it was on Sunday morning starting at St. Philomena’s shrine in Cherokee Village and five miles later ended at St. Michael church in time for the 11:00 Mass. After about ten years the event has expanded to include Saturday soccer games, ballroom dances, barbecue, spiritual exercises, and on Sunday the Mass, potluck, and the pilgrimage culminating in solemn vespers and Benediction Sunday evening.
Roger and I are too decrepit to participate in most activities so we drive three hours Sunday morning to get to Mass, which is now at 11:15, stay for the pot luck so we can visit with friends, and then take to the road to get back home before sundown. This year the weather was sunny and cool so the entire trip was lovely. Ever the photographer, on the way home I lamented not having the new camera I’ve been wanting so we could get photos of the hay fields with scattered bales, and the cows, goats, and sheep we passed in the sweet light of evening.
A highlight for me: because of the weather and the health improvements I’ve made, this extensive day trip did not leave me feeling like a limp dishrag and in a lot of pain. But I could not do too many of these kinds of trips too often, so thanks be to God for the joy of this one.
Planned church for the St. Pio da Pietrelcina Latin Mass Community
As a former church musician I must say that the organist and choir are excellent and the sacred liturgy, celebrated with an MC and fourteen altar boys, is very uplifting. If any readers live close enough to participate with your families (lots of kids there), perhaps you could try the Michaelmas Pilgrimage this coming year for a weekend of Catholic life.
Finally, after many years, the St. Pio community has unveiled plans for a church of its own, dedicated solely to the celebration of the 1962 Roman Missal. Click on the link above to read more about the project and pass the word along. Northern Arkansas is part of the Ozarks and it is a lovely place to live if you can find work there.
R. Now and forever. Amen.
(Click on the link above to read why I am ending my posts with this.)
Sabbath Moments
September 4, 2010
Sabbath Moments is a meme hosted by Colleen at Thoughts on Grace. Visit her to read how bloggers rest in the Lord, forsaking the madness of the world every now and then.
Last week I couldn’t post, so I’m including from both this week and then.
1. Last week I read Imaculeé Illibagiza’s books Led By Faith: Rising from the Ashes of the Rwandan Genocide
2. Writing the post Christ and the Rich Meaning of “Amen” afforded me hours with God, the great AMEN who revealed Himself to us most fortunate men in the Person of Christ. Sometimes I am overwhelmed with His love and wish I didn’t have to do another thing in this world but think on Him.
3. Sharing a week’s harvest of asparagus beans with my neighbor who has 6 homeschooled kids and hearing how much the family likes them. In turn she gave me a can of Ranch style beans and told how she uses them to make nachos. This was a real blessing because our meatless Fridays always present a challenge for me, given that hubby won’t eat fish.
Sabbath moments come in many ways and very often if we open our eyes and hearts to them. They bring peace and joy in daily living.
R. Now and forever. Amen.
(Click on the link for the reason I end my posts this way.)
Sunday Snippets – A Catholic Carnival
August 15, 2010
Assumption, c. 1774, Martin Knoller (b. 1725, Steinach am Brenner, d. 1804, Milano), Oil on canvas, Musée du Louvre, Paris
Today is the feast of the glorious Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. Jesus brought His mother home, just what a loving Son would do. These two persons are the only ones in heaven with glorified bodies. The rest will have to wait until the end of the world. There surely will be much dancing and celebration among the saints when they no longer suffer the limitations of the earthly body. I can tell you that I am really looking forward to it. Meanwhile, please enjoy this great painting by Martin Knoller.
And now…welcome to Sunday Snippets where Catholic bloggers get together over at RAnn’s This That and the Other Thing (I love her blog name) to share our posts. All are invited to join us, even if you don’t have a blog.
This week I commented on some points Father Philip made on Faith in his book I’m reading. It’s at True Faith vs. Intellectual Pride.
In Vengeance is Mine I wrote about overcoming the desire to indulge in colorful curses by substituting Psalm 9B. It’s one of those great psalms that shows how God deals with predators on the poor.
At Sabbath Moments I wrote about how God answered a prayer.
For a short reflection on a few verses from Psalm 31, visit Praying the Psalms – Psalm 31. I really enjoy writing to this meme.
Lastly, for a spiritual tune-up going into the fall, and other useful items, visit End of Summer Spiritual Tune-up which has a link to my monthly newsletter for Una Voce Arkansas Ozarks.
God bless all my readers and stay cool. I miss spring and wish I had a shady swimming hole nearby. Wishing all of you peace and joy.
Praying the Psalms – Psalm 29
July 31, 2010
Psalms 29:7f., Moshe Tzvi HaLevi Berger, Artist's comment: "Shafts of fire. In the Scriptures, the Almighty describes Himself as a devouring fire. But this fire is special - it can destroy but it can also purify and elevate. It is so kind, that it can enlighten the path of the lost ones who are searching and lead them towards life, the Eternal's greatest gift."
Psalm 29 is about the voice of the Lord and the many ways He speaks to us, softly and loudly, but always powerfully.
1. Give to the Lord, you sons of God, give to the Lord glory and praise. [This is the justice we owe to God, our creator - always glory and praise for all He has done for us, especially for giving us life.]
2. Give to the Lord the glory due His name; adore the Lord in holy attire. [The name of God is Jesus, the Word, who deserves our thanksgiving and honor and glory and adoration for bending to us, for taking on our flesh and sacrificing Himself for us.
To adore the Lord in holy attire is to stand before Him in sanctifying grace. Of ourselves we have nothing, but he gives us the holy attire, the wedding clothes, the grace to be humbly and joyfully in His presence. He knows we are poor, yet He wants us in His presence so He gives us the garment of salvation, just what we need to be there. How can we not glorify His name for this great mercy?]
3-9. The voice of the Lord is over the waters. The voice of the Lord is mighty; the voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars, the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon leap like a calf and Sarion like a young wild bull. The voice of the Lord strikes fiery flames; the voice of the Lord shakes the desert, the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord twists the oaks and strips the forests, and in His temple all say “Glory!” [Jesus commanded the waves to subside and the winds to calm during the storm when His apostles were frightened. This miracle is the living embodiment of the psalm. No matter how strong the wind blows or how hard it rains, He is there and in control. In every storm I pray to God for protection and ask Him to prevent harm to us, knowing that it pleases Him to be recognized by His creature for His power and glory.]
In the temple of the Lord on every Sunday, we glorify His name in the Gloria in excelsis Deo. His holy Word in the scriptures strikes fiery flames in our hearts – flames that burn our faults and sins away through penance and conversion of heart – flames of longing for Him that become one with the flames of His love for us until we are totally purified of selfishness. All in His temple – angels, saints, and sinners on earth, and all creation cry out “Glory!” If we do not do this, we have no idea of who we are and Who He is. We do not know the meaning of love.]
10-11. The Lord is enthroned above the flood; the Lord is enthroned as king forever. May the Lord give strength to His people; may the Lord bless His people with peace! [John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Christ is our King forever. He gives us the peace of knowing that no matter the difficulties we suffer in this life, if we live His teachings we will have eternal harmony, peace, at-one-ness with Him and each other. Who does not want this great blessing?
We are here to practice for our eternal heavenly peace. The daily battles to overcome our faults and sins are won not with our strength but with His that He gives us when we call upon His name, Jesus. Perhaps the greatest peace this side of heaven is knowing that no matter how bad things are, the Lord is always with us, seeing and knowing our needs, and teaching us His ways if we look and listen to His voice. It is right that we ask to be blessed with peace, for in asking that, we are asking for the eternal life He wants to give us. Lord, that I may keep my eyes on the prize in this life so that I may persevere into eternal peace, joy, and life with You. Send forth the fire of Your Holy Spirit to burn, in mercy, everything that stands between us. Be my strength in all things for the glory of Your Name.
Sabbath Moments
July 24, 2010
On Saturdays we join Colleen at Thoughts on Grace to share those moments we rested quietly in God. Sometimes I may not be resting physically, but I am with God. My Sabbath Moments for this week:
- I began re-reading Seeking God’s Will through Faith, Hope and Charity by Father Philip Schuster, OSB and blogged about this holy monk who was my friend. Quite a story.
- Early in the day several times this week I went out to gather asparagus beans. The crop is huge and a huge blessing from God. I have steamed and frozen a couple of batches this week in addition to the ones we used for ourselves and gave away to a single mom on a tight budget. As I snip the beans and sniff the scent of their lovely flowers, I thank God for the food He gave us so bountifully. It may seem odd to say, but the simple act of harvesting veggies brings me peace and joy.
- I completed several digital paintings this week. Painting is very relaxing for me. I thank God for opening up this new avenue of of creativity after He closed off others.
Life is so hectic and takes so much energy that Sabbath Moments become a necessary means to keep focused on the Lord and our purpose for living. God is always waiting for us to discover Him in the ordinary.
A Path to Holiness
July 5 2010
St. Josemaria Escriva
One of my favorite bishops in this country is Robert Finn of the Kansas City-St. Joseph diocese in Missouri. On the feast of St. Josemaria Escriva at Our Lady of Good Counsel parish he preached a great sermon that reinforces the “Little Way” of St. Therese of Lisieux and “The Work” of St. Josemaria which is very like the “Little Way” applied to modern times in the world.
When St. Augustine wrote that “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee,” he was speaking of man’s search for peace, joy, and meaning in life. These desires can only be fulfilled by the all-holy God who fills us with His holiness when we open our hearts to Him. As a practical matter, doing this is not easy because with all the cares of the world we often become side-tracked, chasing after everything else but God. It is just this condition that makes St. Josemaria’s message so appealing for the modern person who is not called to the cloister, the hermitage, or the priesthood. Holiness is for everyone.
Here are some excerpts from Bishop Finn’s sermon:
I know that one of the primary things that has attracted me to St. Josemaria is his humble devotion, his fidelity to the Church at a time when there was much upheaval, and his simple plan to help us see all of our most everyday tasks and efforts, our daily work, as a path to holiness…
And he was given such a profound God’s-eye view of the way that ordinary men and women, lay faithful, family men and women, and diocesan priests as well, could be holy in accord with God’s plan: not by leaving the world but precisely by living close to God in the world – and offering all that happens, and all they do as a gift to God for the end of sanctification…
We can reach heaven surely and safely by being contemplatives in the middle of the world. This is so important because, in fact it is the vocation of probably 95% of humanity!…[So important for the sick, suffering, disabled, and war-torn to understand. Our lives are not useless or meaningless no matter what the politics of the day may say.]
Emblematic of the simplicity and depth of St. Josemaria’s vision for holiness is the truth that God is our Father… [And trusting in Him is fundamental. "Ours not to reason why, ours but to do and die..." - Kipling's "Charge of the Light Brigade".]…
[Jesus] has a Father, and…we can call Him “Our Father.”…this truth is not for a few. It is for all the sons and daughters. It is for you and me. WE have a Father. We must never forget it. We must, again and again, surrender ourselves onto His lap, into His arms…
We are, as St. Josemaria said, like God’s donkey, quietly pulling the load and doing the work. [Donkeys are beautiful (to me), dependable, and sure-footed. One bore Christ into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Being a donkey bearing the Son of God to others through daily work seems like a very good thing to me.]
To read the entire sermon visit The Catholic Key blog, written by the staff of the diocesan paper for Kansas City – St. Joseph. I promise that if you liked these excerpts, you will like all the rest.
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