Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Confusion, Defeat and Disaster

Fr Judge said that these three things follow, or are a result of disobedience. Wow. It occurred to me that I can use these three things to test whether or not I am being obedient to the Lord. I hope that I am always obedient but as David said, "Who knows all of his faults?" I guess there can be no greater effort, goal or determination in life than to be obedient to God. Jesus gave us that imperative, never diverted from that one goal: to do the Father's Will. Please God that in some small measure I may imitate that beloved goal.

Friday, March 6, 2009

The Cross

We should use the Cross to bless our minds when they lag in study. We should use it in our heart when it is restless, disturbed and tempted. It should be worked into our food. It should begin and end and companion our conversation and activities so that all things will be done in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; and in adoration, praise and thanksgiving to Him Who was wounded for our iniquities, Who was bruised for our sins, Whose feet and hands were dug and Whose bones for us were numbered on that Cross. Fr Thomas Judge

I have lived with the Cross, the knowledge of salvation through Jesus' death and resurrection my whole life. I am a child who does not understand the hideous death from which I have been saved. I have not grown up before and after. It has always been a part of me. So how in the world can I really appreciate it? How can I understand it? How can I be truly grateful? I have no idea. But one thing I can do is love and serve, love and serve, love and serve - truly impossible for me alone but with the Cross I can do it. With the Cross ever in my mind's eye and my heart I MUST love and serve. If I stay focussed on that, then maybe Our Lord will let me suffer with Him and carry that Cross. This Lenten Season, may it please God to let the cross lead me to love and service, to open my blind eyes and stubborn, stony heart to love and serve.