October 4th Fast

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JMJ

"Where there is charity and wisdom there is neither fear nor ignorance. Where there is patience and humility there is neither anger nor worry.  Where there is poverty and joy there is neither cupidity nor avarice. Where there is quiet and meditation there is neither solicitude nor dissipation. Where there is the fear of the Lord to guard the house the enemy cannot find a way to enter. Where there is mercy and discretion there is neither superfluity nor hard-heartedness."

(From the Admonitions of St. Francis of Assisi)

When we gaze upon the cross, we see the heart of our dear Savior, His love poured out for us.  And as we look upon Him we should recall His words during the Agony that preceded His Passion: "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will."  We hear the words of St. Paul echo in our hearts: ". . . He humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even death on a cross."  Mary, as His first and greatest disciple, understood resignation of will completely: ". . . let it be done unto me according to thy word." Sometimes, we put so much energy into fighting others, or fighting the world, or things we cannot control, that there is no fight left for that which is most important: the battle for our soul, the fight to train our will.  One finds it easier to yield to His desires rather than yielding to the power of His grace to overcome them.

Self-sacrifice is the lifeblood of a healthy vocation, but less it become a romantic notion, one must be aware that though it is not a natural inclination, it is an attainable one.  It requires discipline of one's own will and conformity to the will of God.  How often does one pray for patience, for humility, for courage to trust in the Lord, for generosity of spirit, etc., only to be surprised when God gives him plentiful opportunities to practice it?  He not only gives us these moments each day, but also gives us the grace to triumph over the temptations that inevitably lie in wait.  During these times, we must surrender to the grace he supplies, not continue on the willful path, trusting in ourselves to win the battle rather than trusting in Our Lord.  It is a difficult task indeed to yield; one would rather hold tightly to his entrenched will than embrace the Cross of Christ.  And so, instead of relinquishing the moment to the flame of one's passions, he must allow the living and sanctifying water of Christ's grace to quench the fire and restore peace to his soul.

". . .but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (Jn 4:14)

Peace and joy do not simply happen upon a home; they can only make a dwelling where true sacrificial love is present.  Unity of hearts  and oneness of spirit exists when the impediments caused by clinging to self-will are removed.  Let us guard our hearts so "that the enemy cannot find a way to enter" instead of guarding our wills, our own self-interest so that God's grace has no place to reside.