"We can only acquire a 'scientia crucis' if we have the grace to taste and relish the Cross through and through." - St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
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When I was little, family and school mates often mocked me for my devotions, attending daily Mass and staying after school to pray my rosary. I can't remember ever being angry or fighting anyone because of it. When one of the parish priests told me I was using religion as an escape - I wasn't big into sports as a kid - I didn't know how to respond. He also told this to my dad, and so many times I had to "sneak away" to make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady. Once or twice a friend of my brother, who happened to be an altar boy, would see me in church "after hours" and tell my brother - together they would make fun of me. Another friend of my brother's who intended to enter seminary, once told me I could never be a priest because I was too pious. I never got mad or tried to defend myself - I just felt a deep sense of sorrow and sadness, which I offered up.
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I only relate all of this to explain how I feel about the attacks upon the Holy Father and the Church - especially by those who profess to be Catholic. Surprisingly, I'm not angry about it. I feel no need to lash out or attack the "enemy". Instead I feel the most peculiar sorrow - much like I felt as a little kid - although it seems more intense than that. It is more akin to pain, and then sorrow and sadness, which I offer up.
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I consider it a special grace from the Divine Mercy.
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Novena prayer for the Pope.
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Photo credit: Zimbio
Terry, thanks for sharing this. May God continue to bless you.
ReplyDeleteTerry: I went to daily Mass as a child in the fifth and sixth grades.. I was so in love with the Lord. I wanted to be a nun.My dear Mother drove me every day. Fortunately for me, my family was so Catholic that no one thought me odd. I am continually amazed at how your Faith has outpaced the obstacles and challenges that you have faced.
ReplyDeleteI feel sorrow too for Papa Benedict. Like you, I think we should be on our knees with our eyes upon Jesus. People are so mixed up. I pray for them and thank God every day for my Faith. I ask God to protect my Faith...