Our Cross and Christ's Cross...

"Simon have you catch any fish?..."

"How different, Lord, are the path along which you guide souls. In the lives of the saints we find many who left nothing behind them, not the smallest souvenir or scrap of writing. But there are others, like our Mother St. Teresa , who have enriched the Church by their teaching. ...Which kind of live is most pleasing to our Lord? I think both are equally acceptable ...Yes, all is well when one tries to do nothing but God's will." - St. Therese of Lisieux [The Story of a Soul. Sinag-Tala Publishers, Manila: 1957,p. 113. ]

Reflection

I was reminded of the passing away of Pope John Paul II. Perhaps of all modern Popes, JPII is one of the poorest in terms of material possessions. He owned nothing except for a piece of pen, papers, shoes and clothes. He did not own mansions or estates. But his life and dedication to the Church was rich and exemplary. He even wished that after his death all his scribblings be destroyed. It is a sign of humility, a feeling that one is inadequate in comparison to the eternal goodness of God.

The quotes above from St. Therese reminded us of the wonderful ways of God. God treats us in varied ways. He accepts us for whatever things we do as long as it is in accord of God's will. Above all things the greatness of a person is measured in his or her conformity to the will of God. Here is the root and mystery of original sin. A concept spurned by the modern world. They think it is morbid and evil to accept the concept of original sin. But original sin has distorted the image of God in us. But in His redemptive plan, God gave us His Son Jesus and that conformity to his will can only be done if we conform ourselves to Christ. This is the reason why the Lord said, "Come learn from me, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light...learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart..." (Blessed be the Lord). On the other hand He also said, "Take up your cross and follow me..." Crucifying ourselves is a pain, but learning from the Lord is sweet. By his cross he has come to purify us so that little by little our selves will be conformed to the image of Christ, the tree of life, and thereby his abundant grace we shall regain the image of God darkened by sin but now purified, white as snow by the Blood of the Lamb. Amen.

Prayer

Father, we lift our hearts to you this eventide, with grateful hearts for your goodness and love. Help us to carry our cross daily. This cross may be the people who are closed to us, or the people whom we serve. This cross may consist of our enemies and adversaries, but whatever it is, we fully abandon ourselves to the goodness of your love.

Jesus, together with Mary, our mother, as we stand at the foot of the cross, let us shed tears of repentance so that by your mercy and love we may find forgiveness and relief. We fully trust in you Lord Jesus.

Through the intercession of Mary, Joseph, St. Therese - the little flower, and of all the saints in heaven, may we obtain the grace of final perseverance till the end of time. We ask this in Jesus name. AMEN.