We have been given an amazing opportunity to witness to the hope that we have been given in Jesus Christ. Our hope is in Him, not in men, not in princes. He gives Himself completely to us in the Sacraments, and thanks be to God, we still can receive Him without fear in our country. Hope in Jesus Christ is our anchor and He will not abandon us during this current storm, even if things get decidedly worse. It is going to take a lot of trust on our part, and He will give us fortitude and courage to speak when we need to, take action when called for, and to stand firm in silence when necessary.
Each one of us has been born at this time for a particular reason. In our ordinary lives, we are called to love in an extraordinary way. There is a lot going on in our world and country, and it is very discouraging at times. But God has not abandoned us. We may be chastised a bit, but we trust in His Love for us and in His Divine Providence. He gives and He takes away. In all, is His Grace. In this time, I can choose to become overwhelmed with the things of the world or I can choose to place all my trust in Him. Trusting in Him does not mean complacency or ignoring what is going on around me. There is a battle going on, and we must remain engaged. Trusting in Him means giving myself completely to Him in relationship as His beloved daughter and knowing He will call me to action where I am needed in the battle. The only way to remain grounded in Him right now is through prayer and fasting. As Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said,
"Fasting detaches you from this world, prayer reattaches you to the next world."
It takes discernment to hear what God is telling us, and with too much indulgence (non only food, but information and material goods) comes fog, but with fasting comes clarity. May we discern where God wants us to be in this battle, equipped with all the virtues, especially the theological and cardinal: faith, hope, love, prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.
Lord, have mercy on us as we place our trust in You. Mary, our Mother, watch over us. I give you my will, conform it to the will of Your Son. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us. St. Joseph, pray for us. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. In Your Most Holy Name, Amen.
Wonderful. So encouraging at this time. I am especially struck by "with too much indulgence (not only food, but information and material goods) comes fog, but with fasting comes clarity." I say amen to your prayer that we may discern where God wants us in this battle. God be praised!
ReplyDeleteThis post caused a great calm to come over me. In our tumultuous times, such as now, I wonder what does God want me to do? As you have stated so beautifully "He will call me to action where I am needed in the battle".
ReplyDeleteOnly he knows my circumstances - what I can or cannot do regardless of what I might want to do.