Embracing the cross

We know that life is inundated with a variety of a million crosses to be dealt with and born.  Suffering, disappointments, hurt feelings, financial struggles, temptations of the flesh, relationship conflicts - each and every result of original sin.  It is easy to lose heart, complain, wallow in self-pity, question the number and nature of crosses which appear to be useless upsets in our lives.  Sure, we have a choice and can approach frustrations with a bitter, resentful attitude if we so choose, but who truly wants to add misery to their lives?  (Ironically, some do.)  

Doesn't the noble path call for acceptance and trust that everything works together for good in the Divine Plan?  Those who have gone before us witness that this is indeed true.  The martyrs chose the Lord over life itself.  He was their portion and their cup, and that was reward enough for them.  The saints embraced life's troubles with joyful, outstretched arms; they knew from whence strength would come and what treasure  awaited them at the completion of their good fight.  We have it much easier than most of those good people did, and still we grumble when the merest of things does not go our way.  More often than not, it is more than just a mere thing to the scope of our poor, simple intellects, and we permit our emotions to run amuck because our dreams/plans are not playing out as we desire.

Who holds all things in the palm of His hand?  Who gives motion to life itself?  Why are we so silly as to bewail life if it does not unfold as we hope - why do we stubbornly persist in attempting to orchestrate our lives to such astronomical degrees?  Suffering and troubles are thus necessary, to "gently" remind us to Whom we belong and to Whom we owe life itself.  Can we not bear our burdens in obedience out of love for Him?  I think so.  Especially when we know the cross was followed by the resurrection - pain and suffering will be followed by eternal rapture.  And, we need not be discouraged thinking that rewards will not be merited until after we are released from the physical world; He does draw near to us now, to comfort our soul, provide strength, draw us up again and again, and ever nearer to Himself.  Each time we embrace the crosses He permits us to suffer, we are all the more closely embracing Him and becoming more like Him.  What a reward in itself! <3 

How sad for those who choose the way of misery and self pity, viewing suffering as a useless waste of time and energy - if only they knew the peace that comes from taking up the cross as did He, and trusting in the Father's design.  Suffering is indeed a tremendous blessing, for without it, we would be at a loss as to how to both emulate and unite to, our beloved Lord.  We struggle as it is to follow in His footsteps in the way of virtue, as there are a myriad of temptations and distractions to either cause our failure or dilute our fervor.  So, we should rejoice when forced with suffering, for it has a simple approach - pick up the cross, carry it to completion, and lay it at His feet. 

"We are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, out inner self is being renewed day by day.  For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal."  ~2 Corinthians 4:16-18 

A new Blessed & a wonderful Holy Father!

Today in England, Pope Benedict XVI beatifies a man who sacrificed all in his quest for truth and in order to follow God's will in everything.  A former Anglican converted Catholic, ordained priest, and later cardinal, John Henry Newman is appropriately being honored as an example of perseverance in the path to sainthood.  He said, "A good man seeks to please himself, not necessarily seeking to offend God, but a saint is one who seeks to please God in all things, no matter what the cost."  The Holy Father used Newman's life as an example as to how we should be answering Christ's call in our own lives.

"Newman's life also teaches us that passion for the truth, intellectual honesty and the genuine conversion are costly. The truth that sets us free cannot be kept to ourselves; it calls for testimony, it begs to be heard, and in the end its convincing power comes from itself and not from the human eloquence or arguments in which it may be couched."

"We know that in times of crisis and upheaval God has raised up great saints and prophets for the renewal of the Church and Christian society; we trust in his providence and we pray for his continued guidance. But each of us, in accordance with his or her state of life, is called to work for the advancement of God's Kingdom by imbuing temporal life with the values of the Gospel."

"Christ had need of families to remind the world of the dignity of human love and the beauty of family life.  He needs men and women who devote their lives to the noble task of education, tending the young and forming them in the ways of the Gospel."

"Ask our Lord what he has in mind for you. Ask him the generosity to say yes. Do not be afraid to give yourself totally to Jesus.  He will give you the grace you need to fulfill your vocation."

 

These are only a few gems from this amazing address; read it in its entirety here.  What a wise and holy pope we have in Benedict XVI.  I have not had an opportunity to read much of his writing yet, but this short speech alone is peppered with Benedict's great humility, strong desire for the continuous conversion of souls, and an overflowing love for Christ and His Church - I believe I will be reading much more Benedict in the future.  A great affection for our dear late Pope Paul II was fostered in my heart during my childhood thanks to my father's constant praise of, and explanation of his documents, faith, and love for God's people.  And now another spiritual giant to lead us - much needed strength and wisdom during this time when Christ's Church and people are under so much attack.

 

Blessed John Henry Newman, pray for us, that we will seek to please God in all facets of our daily life in order to become saints.

Lately

- Last week was a busy one with going back to the job(s) full swing after surgery.  God's strength is limitless!

  - Incisions are healing well; I've found that Vit. E really helps with the itching.

- Had some lovely days with this one - beach, errands, lots of movies, games, heart to heart talks. 

Discovered that she really enjoys her desserts! We shared some tasty ones.

Sanibel/Captiva Islands were beautiful.  Only 7 people on this particular beach! Want to go back soon.

- Post Catherine's visit, I have been swamped with catching up tasks around the house and for work.

So much music from the church to organize/sort/file, but making headway.

- With hubby's school and jobs also settling into full swing alongside mine, I appreciate more the time we have together. And I miss him more often! :)

- Realizing how much guidance, love, and affirmation young people need...I pray and hope that I am able to be some source of these things for my students.

- Slowly, slowly, settling into a routine, but now fighting off a cold, so organization and scheduling have been on the back burner. Hoping to get there soon...

- Been able to catch up with a few dear friends lately and it's been wonderful!

I am so blessed in the way of friendships.

- Laura is coming to visit for a few days next week with the adorable nephews; I have Friday off, so we have some fun activities planned.

I.need.rest. On that note...

"Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope."

 Ephesians 3:20

Labor Day...

My Labor Day was spent in Sarasota where I met up with Catherine & Laura's gang at Uncle Bruce's. We hung out at the beach, enjoyed playing with and watching the boys, and catching up with the Uncle's family.  Then I took our dear Catherine back home with me and she's here until Saturday!  She has a bit of a sore throat right now, so I think we're going to take it easy today and keep her well dosed with vitamins.  I do have to go back to teaching this week (tomorrow) so we are going to try and make the most of today and Thursday.  Love having siblings come visit!! (hint hint!)

Uncle Bruce having "breakfast" with Elias

They love Aunt Catherine!

Lunch

So glad you're here!!

Suffering - the way of Christ

Suffering is a favorite meditation subject of mine.  Our Lord's words bring such consolation when He assures us that the way of a Christian is a way of suffering and affliction.  Today's Gospel concerns more of an emotional/mental suffering rather then a physical suffering - "If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.  Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple."  Luke 14:26, 27.  (It must be understood that love/hate were the words used to measure preference in the Aramaic language, or this would be a peculiar command indeed, since God clearly desires us to love our family and neighbors.)  We are reminded that we must not prefer anything to God and His law, even comfort and ease in our relationships with family, friends, acquaintances, etc.  It is not enough merely to ensure that we ourselves are not committing significant sins.  We must not only live according to the Commandments and Christ's teachings, encouraging those around us by word and deed, but must also be mindful not to betray our fidelity to God by condoning sinful actions by either remaining silent, or appearing to accept such behavior.  We must judge sin as sin, for by sugar-coating it, or perhaps not speaking up at all, we are doing more harm then good to those for whom we care.  This type of judgement has nothing to do with the final, ultimate judgement that God will pass on each and every soul; pointing out sin is not an attempt to step over that Divine boundary; indeed God orders us to do just that in seeking the good of the other.  Of course, this does not mean that we are to stop loving or praying for those people, on the contrary - love the sinner, hate the sin - they need all the more love and prayer.  

It is interesting to note that Christ immediately follows this revelation with the well known "whoever does not carry his own cross" statement.  He was aware that His commandments would cause division and strife in relationships, even within families, which can be especially saddening and heartbreaking.  Even so, He says we must not waver from both living and speaking truth, and must be willing to accept any hardships or suffering which results from such conflicts out of love for Him.  No matter how hard the situations that face us as Christ's disciples, we must be that much stronger in submitting to and obeying Him...the reward for our sufferings will be great indeed!  With such a love and such a Beloved who suffered the ultimate for us, how can we refuse?  "In truth, the soul perfectly enamored of Christ, its beloved, would not wish to have any other bed or state in this world than the one he had."  (Those are the words of Blessed Angela of Foligno, whose writings I would like to read more of, as she was a wife and mother.)  So those of you who are suffering from any type of circumstance or affliction, take heart and rejoice even in affliction.  He is by your side and will not forsake His faithful.

Dress loveliness

I ran across the website of this delightful small-end clothing company this past week.  It's interesting to note how other eras still influence today's styles and continue to recycle throughout fashion history.  Such lovely designs - feminine and modest - wish I had the right frame (especially the arms!) to pull these off. 

A few of my favs from Shabby Apple:

(This one just might be a must-have someday!)

Slow but steady recovery

So, the surgery was successful. The dr. removed the cyst and found a great amount of endometriosis throughout the regions of my abdomen, most of which she was able to remove.  My reproductive organs are safe and sound - miraculous news to me because of all the endo that was present and I've read so many horror stories - thanks be to God.  And thanks to all of you; I know that my smooth surgery can be attributed to your prayers!

All in all, it was a great first surgery experience for me.  I was very calm and peaceful all morning (which surprised me because I had some major freak-out moments in the days before); my dear dr. had to perform an unexpected c-section so my surgery was 2 hours late, but hubby and I had brought books and so snuggled in the waiting room and read together - I napped a little; after I was admitted and prepped, my dr. prayed a Hail Mary with me (ahhhh), they wheeled me in and put me under.  3 hours and 4 incisions later, I woke up in post-op. to a lovely older nurse from Romania who provided me with gentle, firm, and attentive care for the duration of my hospital stay of 9 hrs.  She was so kind and compassionate I intend to write her a thank-you note, as some of the other nurses were not going around with smiles on their faces, so to me, it made all the difference to have the one I did!  I experienced quite a bit of pain and dehydration, but that suffering was put to good use through prayer, I hope :) 

Recovering at home has been slow but steady.  Hubby has been so wonderful in taking care of me, as usual - he's always the best nurse.  The biggest struggle was making it through my church job this past weekend, but hubby stepped in with his gorgeous voice to sing while I played, so that helped tremendously.  Ben stayed with us for a week's time, and was helpful in making some eats, taking the trash out, and entertaining me - thanks, Ben! 

Despite the pain and restlessness, time in bed has been good for me; you know, that old "Be still and know that I am God."  Lots of time for prayer and reflection - which has resulted in much gratitude for my life, my health, my suffering, my God, my hubby, my jobs, my family, my friends....everything with which He has surrounded me - I am indeed very blessed.  Snippets from books, movies, Skype w/family and friends, and cross-stitching have also filled my down-time.  Nice to be able to indulge in the pleasures of life without any interruptions or time restraints!  And all the naps have been lovely.

It was back to school for hubby this Monday.  It will be a busy semester for him, but he is eager to commence his MA studies.  I feel bad that I have not been able to send him off with breakfast and a packed lunch; next week, hubby.  I've been missing him - yay for commuting to Ave together starting next week when I'm back in proper shape and form for my teaching job.  :)

First choir rehearsal at St. Raphael's tonight! Looking forward to begin forming this little choir by easing them into some easy chant and polyphony.  "Slow but steady" seems to be an applicable mantra for this week!  Hope some newbies show up.

My sister, Catherine comes to visit us soon!  She arrived in FL yesterday and is currently spending time with Laura's little family.  We'll meet in the middle on Sunday to take her into our custody, looking forward to having some fun sister time with her.

"Oh Lord, how great is the depth of the kindness which you have shown to those who love you."
Psalm 30:20