The attack on marriage is really an attack on the human person, and his dignity, for the devil seeks to pervert our true purpose, to pervert God's holy design. For many of us, we cannot march in protests or write dozens of letters or call numerous times to urge legislators to vote for the Truth. But one thing we can all do is pray and fast. We have designated one day each week to fast for these intentions:

1. That marriage may be preserved, promoted, and understood as God's plan for creation.

2. For all marriages that they may reflect the love of the Trinity.

3. For broken marriages that Christ bring healing and conversion to the spouses' souls.

4. For those who are married, for the sanctification of their marriage and their spouse. For those who are single, for their future spouse and vocation.


Thursday, November 30, 2017

December 1st Fast

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JMJ
"Night was falling as they passed within the walls, but there was light enough to see that it was full, full to overflowing.  The better sort had long ago secured all that was to be had in the way of lodging. Poor people like themselves had little chance. Joseph searched diligently everywhere, but to no purpose.  Wherever he saw a door open he hastened towards it; he pointed to Mary and held out his hand with the few coins he had left. But all in vain; everywhere the same answer: 'No room.'
Up and down the streets they wandered that bitter night. No one would take her in. Joseph's tearful eyes looked up into her face. She was utterly worn out, but the smile on her lips told of a peace within that no trouble this world could disturb. What was he to do? It was no use trying anymore. He brushed his sleeve across his eyes and led the ass carefully down the hill again." (Jesus of Nazareth, Mother Mary Loyola)
It is easy to confuse our assumptions about God's will with His actual will for us when it involves an intrinsic good.  One has firm trust in Divine Providence but cannot help clinging to the permanent portrait of what he conceives that to be.  One's faith extends only halfway, for it trusts in God's Providence but not that His grace will be sufficient if His Plan does not align with his own. 

 The search for lodging by St. Joseph reveals the Holy Family's model of resignation to God's will.  He knows he cannot provide a fitting place for the Holy Child to be born, and this he humbly accepts, but surely some small comforts, such as protection from the piercing cold, could be found for his beloved wife, and her Son?  Yet, he does not clamor all the more when his will is rejected with each innkeeper's rude slam of the door; instead, he, once more humbly accepts the divine will that God will provide but according to His plan.

 In this technological world, the increased capability to control and know things easily threatens to weaken our trust in God's Divine Providence.  One either hesitates to commit because of numerous unknowable variables or is frustrated by unforeseen circumstances. The saints displayed heroic virtue because there is great valiance in accepting the unexpected will of God.  


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