Enter by the narrow gate

(a reflection on Mt 7:13)
Narrow is the gate that leads from this world into heaven.
How do we get there?
How do we enter by this narrow gate?
whether we like it or not
(and it helps if we "learn to like it")
this narrow gate is learning from
the many sorrows,
moments of true repentance for wrong-doing,
moments of "victory over self-will"
accepting the will of God
(with its trials and moments of deprivations).

All of this means to walk into the narrow gate.
In this way, we truly attain union with God.
Is not this end worthy of any sacrifice?

Prayer: God, You are my highest Good. No road will be too long if it leads me to You, no sacrifice too hard. Bless and strengthen my good will! Amen.

What to do about pain

Pain is an ordinary part of human experience. We are fully human only when we experience pain. Pain may come for a short visit or a long stay. To me, pain was like an "allergy" I had to deal with, or not. But choosing to constantly numb pain or run away from it does not help us grow and learn from the deeper message it brings into our lives.

Sometimes, temporary helps are useful in dealing with an overwhelming moment of pain. But sooner or later it is better to face the underlying reason for the pain, and uproot it at its core. This is what pain is for: to warn us of an enemy within. The pain itself is not the enemy. Many who choose to live with pain and are miserable, waste this precious "gift" and opportunity given in order to learn to persevere and be strengthened in the Spirit.

If the pain is due to a physical illness, we have to listen to what the doctor recommends as a cure, and follow obediently without delay. If the pain is emotional, we can reach out and be of service to others who may also be hurting and in this way walk to overcome the pain, together.

I have walked with another who was hurting in the same way that I was after losing a child. She became my little ray of hope when my life seemed hopeless. I became an instrument of God's peace to her when her heart was restless and afraid. We all have the God-given grace to choose to surrender all pain, and unite it to Christ's sufferings on the Cross. In this way, animated by God's inner strength in the Holy Spirit, we become participants in Calvary uniting ourselves to the yoke of Christ (who bears all our pain for us already).

We have the ability to choose to rejoice in our pain and live; or be distressed by it and die.
Which will you choose?

What brings God close to our hearts?

Should I close myself to the world and pray all day in solitude?
Will this bring God close to my heart?

It is the fidelity of my love for His greatest LOVE that brings Him close to my heart.
For He is always faithful.

Should I feel consolations and sweet anointings when I pray?
Does this mean God is close to my heart?
Is this a "sign" that God is close to my heart?

It is not always in the "feelings" I have of His sweetness, but in the consent I freely give to His holy will,
which helps carry out God's plans in me. This brings God closer to my heart.

A hundred or more times a day I should look upon this loving will of God, and dissolving my will into it, sing songs of praise and glory to His name. This simple act of love brings God close to my heart each day.

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

July 14, 2010

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha
(1656-1680)
Kateri said: “I am not my own; I have given myself to Jesus. He must be my only love. The state of helpless poverty that may befall me if I do not marry does not frighten me. All I need is a little food and a few pieces of clothing. With the work of my hands I shall always earn what is necessary and what is left over I’ll give to my relatives and to the poor. If I should become sick and unable to work, then I shall be like the Lord on the cross. He will have mercy on me and help me, I am sure.”

My prayer for you: Blessed Kateri, pray for us.

God Alone Suffices

Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you. Though all things pass, God does not change. Patience wins all things. We lack nothing when we possess God, for God alone suffices.

My prayer for you today:
My Sweet Lord, give us the patience to be quiet and remain still in your loving embrace. That we obediently listen to your gentle call, and be ready to serve others as ordained by the Father: with You, through You and for You. Amen.

Where is your treasure?

Where your treasure is, there also is your heart (Mt 6:21)

Reflection: Material wealth may bring happiness to some, but it is also a danger and temptation that can easily lead to greed. This makes us forget our true eternal good. Only one thing removes this danger: total dedication and surrendering to Christ.

Whenever the Lord fills the heart it is easier to reject the danger and temptation of giving in to the temporal "treasures" of this world. What is the object of my thoughts? To what am I attracted? Where is my treasure?

Prayer: My Savior, my true friend and companion, make me all Yours...that I may be happy resting in Your love. This is my only real treasure now and forever. Amen.