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JMJ
"Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing;God alone suffices. "
St. Teresa of Avila
The culture of consumerism so pollutes the atmosphere that man finds himself perpetually dissatisfied; he hungers for more, only to find his desire never fulfilled, his thirst never slaked. Like Tantalus in the Greek myth, he always grasps but never gains.
The faithful follower of Christ may think he is immune to this habitual inclination since he knows like St. Augustine that "our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee, O Lord." And yet, his restive soul is still not at peace because he stubbornly clings to childish wants and demands rather than yielding his will in childlike trust and acceptance. For a child is satisfied with little, content to simply have his basic needs met by one who tenderly loves him. A little one does not dwell on adversity nor is hindered by humiliations, but rests peacefully in the security of a devoted family. Time holds no meaning for him and so he joyfully delights in every moment, revealing by his innocent laugh how he grateful he is to be alive. When one becomes like a child again, he is not only satisfied by the essentials, but learns to cast off the spirit of gluttony by embracing the spirit of gratitude.
The beautiful month of May always invites the Christian to reflect on the many virtues of Our dear Mother Mary. The Divine Plan was not detailed in advance, but rather unfolded before her eyes. Yet, through every hardship, one can imagine that she would console St. Joseph and herself by saying, "At least we have Him with us." Does every disciple think the same when tribulation- be it large or small- comes? Is one content with the necessities, grateful for the small comforts given by the Father of Mercies? Or is he always frustrated by sufferings, impeded by inconveniences, perturbed because circumstances cannot be just so?
Undaunted by the sorrows she endured, Mary possessed a grateful disposition and a childlike trust in God's providence. Though she experienced excruciating pain, her heart was filled with profound peace, as it clung to Him who satisfied all her needs.
"Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no city to dwell in; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress,
He led them by a straight way, till they reached a city to dwell in.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to the sons of men!
For He satisfies him who is thirsty, and the hungry He fills with good things."
(Ps. 108: 4-9)
