Becoming an 'ant of God' By: C.C.

"Emulate the tiny ant; be an ant of God . Listen to the word of God and hide it in your heart. Collect plenty of food during the happy days of your spiritual summers. You will then be able to endure the difficult days of temptations during the winters of your soul." (St. Augustine) 
   The spiritual life is one of patient enduring and steadfast hope in God. It is not an easy journey and for this we are to be grateful. As we continue this Lenten season and meditate further upon the Lord's sacrifice for us, we come to find comfort in the 'winters of our soul' as a means of uniting with our Lord's suffering and ultimately a necessary experience if we long to share  in the joy of His resurrection. 

    The world challenges us with many contradictory messages and presents apparent 'remedies' for the difficulties that we may face in this life. These false remedies are not solutions for healing, but rather they are prescriptions of disillusionment and numbness. They are an invitation to lose sight of true Goodness and further separate us from our Lord and His plans. Those striving toward living a life in Communion with the Church and the Lord must practice their faith with great fervor and seek to be 'an ant of God'. 

     To become an ant of God is to recognize our limitations and the tininess of our existence in the face of our Lord's majesty and greatness. We are called to store in our hearts the spiritual food that we gather from listening to the word of God and from our prayer life so that we can endure what comes with virtue. We are called to gather the fruit of this Lenten season and deepen our awareness of our Lord so that we may persevere in our spiritual life.

   'Emulating the tiny ant' is to be made great in our Lord; and by His love we can endure all things. We are provided with true food that sustains our soul and provides a remedy for all ill. The witness of great faith and reliance on our Lord allows for many souls to see the grandeur of God and His works.Our life then serves as an invitation to others. Let us meditate upon the words of St. Augustine and  'collect plenty of food during the happy days of our spiritual summers'. May we persevere in the days of temptation and strive fervently for the Eternal feast and banquet of our Lord. (CC) 

'Chaste' By God and Thankful. By: C.C.

   

   Chastity was once a word not only foreign to my ears, but a virtue that I dismissed as belonging only to 'those religious types' the people who had been 'brought up in the Church'. The people who had parents to teach and guide them along a path of sanctity and holiness. I searched for and tried to conjure up every excuse as to why I did not live my life with a regard for purity. I told myself that a life of purity was 'abnormal' and I settled instead for living a lie, I settled for this repeatedly. I settled for living a life that deadened the deepest part within me.I appropriately entitled this sharing today 'Chaste by God and Thankful' because my journey toward purity began when I could not deny the way that our Lord was calling to me, and how fast I tried to run away from Him. I am happy that He has won.
  How poorly I once judged and perceived the pursuit of purity. As I prepare to enter into the Sacrament of Marriage next weekend, I can not help but share the importance of purity and chastity with others. The gift from our Lord that I receive through this Sacrament, in marrying my best friend is reflective of the gift that God gave to me in coming to understand the importance and beauty of purity. Love is not reflected by one who desires only to hold you by touch, love is in the one who desires and strives to uphold your purity and love of God.
   Purity and chastity as a means of understanding and becoming aware of the immeasurable love and unimaginable joys that are attainable; not by a physical touch, but by something Someone much greater and more intimate that anything one could ever imagine. It is the outpouring of God's love, enabling us to recognize human love in the way that He intends for each of His children. 
  Marriage is a witness to the world of 'Divine love', and it is through the witness of a wedding I attended some years ago that God used this blessed couple to spark an awareness of the joy in chastity. 
   I met Nadia and Mike at Church in 2008 they were preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage and were also in charge of the Parish Music Ministry. It was the beginning of my attempt to return and learn how to practice my faith. It was the beginning of being 'Chaste by God'.           
     Prior to meeting them, I met the priest there in a Confessional. I do not think I even remembered how to give a proper Confession at that time. Father introduced me to Nadia. She was everything I critiqued and judged as the 'typical Church girl' but as soon as I introduced myself she embraced me with a hug. This welcome is telling of the love and reality of joy that exists in the Church. 
   I was far from being 'in the Church' I was struggling to accept myself and the life that I knew I was still victim of. A life of struggling with purity and the 'ways of the world'. I never shared much with anyone initially, this was out of my own fear of being judged and my attempt to live the illusion that I was still 'running away from God'. I became part of the choir there, working quite closely with Nadia and Mike throughout their time and preparations for marriage. I sang words that I desperately wished would enter into my heart and soul. 
   They eventually talked me into joining life-teen. I remember well their joy, their laughter, and their love. Primarily I remember their strong faith and witness of living a life centered around our Lord. Every judgement I had made about purity, everything I had perceived was thrown out the window. I could not deny the truth of our Lord's love. I could not deny the way that He too desires us to live this way. 
   Nadia and Mike asked me to sing as lead cantor on their wedding day along with another friend. I was so moved and honored, and looking back, so unworthy of this. On their wedding day they gave me the gift of witnessing a sign of Divine love. It was on their wedding day July 18th, 2009 that I realized the `secret` to their love and joy, the reason for all their laughter was because of their shared and united surrender to our Lord and His plans.
  This day left a mark within me, so deeply that as I left the Church I was in tears. These tears were of joy and also of repentance. For the first time staring me in the face was the fruits of life in Christ and the wounds within caused by my sin. It was following their wedding that the race with God really began.
   It was not easy, and it was not something that happened over night. It took great work and sacrifice to embrace a life of striving for purity. There were more tears and many more falls to come since their wedding day. But in 2010 everything changed for good.
    I committed myself to purity. Finding comfort in the Church and those around me who knew the truth of God`s love. I discovered Jason Evert, Theology of the Body, and the beauty of the Sacrament of Confession. 
   Everything that was once dead inside of me became alive, by discovering the love of our Lord; love that did not leave me despite my shortcomings and my sin. I chose to write about this today because I realize the power of being a witness of purity to others. To those who may be struggling as I once was. And for those who feel that this can not be attainable. 
  When I encounter people who knew me before `God won the race` I am further humbled by God`s majesty and work in my life. I recognize that my past has become a place of grace and encouragement to others. 
   Last year I began giving chastity talks and it is through this how I see the Lord`s hand upon every moment of my journey since Nadia and Mike`s wedding. 
   As I approach the altar with joy in my heart, with immeasurable love for my fiance, and united to him `Chaste` by God I understand the responsibility I have to share the importance and beauty of chastity with others so that they too can experience a love that is worth every sacrifice, worth every `NO` and telling of our true worth and beauty in the Lord. 
   May my wedding day be a sign to others of `Divine Love` in the world. And may all of you struggling with purity allow God to win the race. I am blessed most of all to know that Nadia and Mike will be there to witness my wedding,unaware (until now) of the gift their wedding and marriage has been to me. (CC)
  
   

What God Has Joined. By: C.C.

" Therefore, what God has joined together, let no man separate." (Mark 10:9)

   The sanctity of marriage is often overlooked today and sadly detached from being regarded as an important vocation. Throughout scripture we are provided with various references to married life, and also the the beauty of the 'wedding feast'.
   At the wedding of Cana we bear witness to our Lord's miracle of turning water into wine; a powerful moment, and one that can be reflected as Jesus' immense love and desire to aid young married couples. The wedding at Cana furthers our understanding of His immense providence and mercy on those in need. If only we invite Him to the feast, if only we allow Him into our marriages. 
   Today's Gospel also provides us with instruction concerning the law of divorce. The response given from our Lord is not one to demand that we settle in difficulties or remain in marriages that are 'troubled' it is a plea to us so that we understand upon entering the Sacrament what is demanded and required of this vocation. It is the choice to embrace the challenges that may come with faith and hope. It is an invitation to embrace our Lord so that we can have clarity of discernment if we are called to married life.
     If 'no man should separate what God has joined' then we must live by first seeking God and learn who we are in Him so that we will be joined together with one whom God has called us to. "The joy of Yes forever", as Pope Francis reminds us is attainable by remembering that the foundation of all Christian marriages is to be in relationship with Jesus. 
  We must remember that through the Sacrament of Marriage two become one by our Lord's grace, in His love, and only through being bound to Him will the marriage be a source of 'Divine love' as intended. This is not an easy pursuit, but one made fruitful by remaining in constant regard for our Lord and His will for our lives. 
   As I prepare to enter into this Sacrament, I see before me a lot of unknown. There is a veil between what I can see presently, and that which I will venture toward with my future spouse. I cling most strongly to the love and providence of our Lord and Blessed Mother. 
   I have read various confessions of Catholic brides and other blog posts that highlight some of the experiences attributed to 'planning a Catholic wedding' and all things catering to the final 'crunch days' before the vows. This time is undoubtedly hectic, but beautiful. It is a preparation to share myself fully with another, to journey together,  and as a friend told me, my spouse will be a " Partner in this life as he helps you seek and love your eternal spouse more deeply and vice-versa. This life is but a journey to the real life in God".
   We journey together to enter into the wedding feast of our Lord. This is more than the external things of planning. This design for marriage that our Lord reveals to us is more than the flowers, and garments, and planning. It is more than the abundance of wine. It is a journey lived by the grace of our Lord with great faith in His promises. Let us pray for marriages and for all vocations, that our Lord may sustain and guide all of His children. (C.C.)
      

'God Alone' By: C.C.

    " God Save us from gloomy saints" (St. Teresa of Avila)

   The rule of St. Benedict is filled with beauty and powerful teachings that can enrich the lives of the faithful. Even those living outside of a monastic setting can learn and establish a routine rightly ordered in serving God alone. Though many of us are called by God to live within the 'world' we must contemplate and reflect upon what this vocation and state of life demands of us. 

    Too often it can be suggested that many close themselves off to aspiring toward holiness. It is as if living for God alone, as St. Benedict lived and encourages others to live, solely belongs to those within monastic communities and religious life. This way of thinking detaches us from living authentic Christian lives and can lead us to live within the world consumed with things, rather than living solely for God to Whom all things belong. 

   It is to God alone that we should offer all the glory and praise. It is for Him alone that we should live so that we can live united with others in the way that He wills. Living for God alone is a means of drawing out of ourselves and our often selfish desires so that we can become most charitable and more Christ like to those that we encounter.To lose oneself to God is to find oneself most complete and most fully alive.

  In reading about the lives of our beloved saints and those most hidden in Christ, one can see how God revealed Himself abundantly in accordance to their surrender. It was through their giving of self to the invisible reality of God that the Divine became most visible. 

  Often it is poorly perceived that one who gives themselves to God alone becomes unrelatable, selfish, judgemental of others, and detached from 'reality'. This has become a reason for much Christian critique in today's society. These perceptions are a reflection and fruit of disordered devotion to God. If one strives to live for God alone and does this with great faith and love of God then the fruits of this should be the fruits of the Holy Spirit. We should see,experience, and reflect 'love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control' (Galatians 5:22) These fruits are belonging to those desiring to live for God alone. 

  Through an honest desire to please God alone we will find ourselves living with others in a way that welcomes the peace of our Lord and the fruits of His Spirit. In this manner the way of life that we attempt to lead becomes an invitation to others and not one of opposition. Let us be true to the call that we have received from our Lord in faith. Let us live always in shadow of the Cross, striving to be hidden in God so that His greatness and joy may shine through us to others. (C.C.)

Judgement of Others. By: C.C.

"Sound doctrine must be maintained. We must never judge in arrogant haughtiness persons who do not embrace our mode of life. We must never say that it is no use for them to live chastely in the married state, to direct their houses and families in a Christian way, or to heap up for themselves heavenly treasures by their acts of mercy." (St. Augustine)

   To maintain sound doctrine is an essential part of maintaining truth and unity. It is to preserve identity. St. Augustine reminds us that 'we must never judge in arrogant haughtiness persons who do not embrace our mode of life'. Rather, it can be suggested that we should strive to embrace our Lord and the reason for our life more intently. Taking what we have been taught and know by the grace of faith to live our lives as followers of Christ and His Church.

  We must concern ourselves less with the salvation of others and set our gaze upon our own affairs. Being harsh to judge oneself, and recognize our own inadequacies and lack of faith.In this manner we will be busy striving toward the Lord with a fullness of devotion and repentance that we will have little time to observe the faults of others. This arrogant observation is often the result of our own pride. 

   We must be humble; seeing ourselves fully, our own affairs, and our own hearts. 

Our Lord has called us to love Him above all things and to love neighbor as oneself. In this judgement where is our love? In judging with 'arrogant haughtiness' the lives of others where is our love of neighbour? 

   We must exude this love and faith through action. Loving our neighbour through their faults, guiding them gently without force along a path that we, in faith attempt to walk. We must be witnesses. (CC)

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only" (James 1:22)

Today's Second Reading; A First In Effective Evangelization by: C.C.

"Now when I came to you, brothers, I did not come with any brilliance of oratory or wise argument to announce to you the mystery of God. I was resolved that the only knowledge I would have while I was with you was knowledge of Jesus, and of him as the crucified Christ. I came among you in weakness, in fear and great trembling and what I spoke and proclaimed was not meant to convince by philosophical argument, but to demonstrate the convincing power of the Spirit, so that your faith should depend not on human wisdom but on the power of God." (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)

  In learning about the lives of countless saints and people of faith who have made the largest impact throughout the history and life of our Church, we come to recognize their lowliness and their humility as an undeniable virtue that made them 'superheroes' of faith. 

  It was a humble desire to completely rid oneself of all things worldly; a disregard for honor and praise, and a discomfort with personal glory and merit. This shared humble witness that we find in the lives of our Salvation history is something that we must recall and strive to imitate if we are to be effective servants of God in the Church. 

  If we desire to share the faith with others effectively, we must first recognize the importance of being deeply rooted in our Lord who first desires us and calls us toward Himself. We are sent forth on a mission, not for our own glory but to share the glory of God. Should we attain any worldly merit on account of His work it is to Him and for Him alone that the glory belongs.

  Today's second reading from St. Paul presents us with a man overwhelmed by the greatness of Our Father and a willingness to be obedient to the call he had received through Christ to share the message of the Gospel with others. He did not come forth with 'brilliance of oratory' and yet, when he spoke people responded with faith. It was in losing himself and surrendering his life to God that his works were fruitful and his speech divine. St. Paul was a witness to the transforming power of our Lord.

  "I came among you in weakness, in fear and great trembling". St. Paul came forth as a witness with his human frailty and brokenness, recognizing his human nature as one among others. By recognizing his ordinary place among them, St. Paul attributed to leading many toward the extraordinary power of our Lord. He came in the Spirit of Christ not to establish great things, but to point toward Eternal Greatness. To evangelize effectively we must remember that everything begins with our Lord through our surrender to Him, onward to others, and always for the glory of God. 

  It is not in the establishment of great things that we are successful in sharing the Gospel and beauty of the Church, it is by rooting ourselves in what has already been established by Christ Himself. (CC)

"Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility?" (St. Augustine)

  

  

  

   

  

Sacred Sharings From a Simple Stumbler By:C.C.

“Let me not be afraid to linger here in your presence with all my humanity exposed.For you are God –you are not surprised by my frailties, my continuous failures.” (St. Teresa of Avila)

    Humility is a beautiful virtue. It is one most demonstrated in the life of Our Lord and Blessed Mother, it is seen through the lives of our Saints, and in the lives of those who are ultimately striving for holiness along their daily journey. Humility requires us to look into ourselves, at ourselves, and yearn for a deeper sense of self awareness. This self clarity and examination enables us to acknowledge that we are in need of our Lord's continual love, mercy, forgiveness, and also His guiding hand. 

  When we come to see ourselves for who and what we truly are, we can begin to see what we are not and where we need to improve ourselves and to grow in virtue. We can, if we will it, see who God is.We are in a world that looks upon brokenness with a sense of disgrace. There is a fascination with the wounded, not as a means of bringing about transformation and aid, but one that is aimed at exposing embarrassment and bringing forth shame. We have been conditioned and exposed through the media and the magnitude of the 'cyber world' to peer into the lives of others through lenses of judgement. Lenses that welcome our outward gaze of critique and keep us from peering into our own humanity;keeping us from acknowledging our frailties and our own continuous failures. "If God lets us experience our weaknesses one by one, it’s not so that we can devote most of our waking hours to thinking about them. It’s so that we can turn to God with all of our faults and weaknesses intact, and give ourselves to him just as we are."(Fr.Justin Sheenan) 

    As we begin to experience our weaknesses and accept our human limitations we can then be open to the Lord who is limitless and full of mercy. It is first by accepting oneself that we can begin to welcome our Lord. We find through this surrender to Him that God loves us and desires us to give ourselves completely to Him 'just as we are'. It is by working within our humanness that our Lord most shines His majesty. It is our cooperation with His transforming love that allows us to be a sign of His love within the world and in the lives of all those around us.

  Our witness to those we encounter does more for the Lord when we remain rooted in the understanding of our shortcomings and our own failures. It is the greatness of surrender that allows for God's greater glory. Let us all desire to 'linger' in the presence of God with our humanity exposed before Him without fear, and recognize the power of God's grace and mercy to help us grow in virtue. Let us give ourselves to our Lord 'just as we are' and entrust all that we will become entirely to Him.(CC)