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, September 30, 2021

October 1st Fast

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JMJ

"And if the good God wants you weak and helpless like a child...do you believe that you will have less merit? ...Agree to stumble at every step therefore, even to fall, to carry your cross weakly, to love your helplessness. Your soul will draw more profit from it than if, carried by grace, you would accomplish with enthusiasm heroic actions that would fill your soul with personal satisfaction and pride."

St. Thérèse of Lisieux


How ironic that in a society where sin is celebrated, flaws are disdained. Failings are never admitted, the public persona of perfection maintained at all costs.  Pride in one's accomplishments is preserved and promoted through both digital and traditional means. Misdeeds are forever shoved in the closet, or excused by blaming uncontrollable circumstances. One may scoff at public figures who eschew humble confessions, but how often does he reflect on the defensive tactics used to hide personal vulnerabilities?

Why does man cringe from humiliation? Perhaps it is because he has deceived himself (consciously or not) into believing that he is incapable of failure or embarrassment. The word "humility" has the same root as the word for earth and ground:"humus".  Humiliations should remind man of his origin for he "is dust and unto dust [he] shall return".  One's defeats should not surprise him, but rather affirm for him that he is mortal and not divine.  Humiliations can either keep one grounded in the truth of his weakness and his need for God's grace; or moments of embarrassment can turn one to anger and resentment, believing others are responsible for the revelation of his shortcomings.

If one struggles to hide his feelings, clinging to an image he has desperately striven to preserve, the results will only be frustration and anxiety. Yet, man does himself a great disservice if he does not reflect on the possibility that God has allowed these mortifying moments of failure to surface in order to invite one to greater trust in Himself.  The more one accepts and confesses to humiliations, the stronger his dependence on God will be, for through his acknowledged weakness, he eagerly admits his need for His Redeemer, and rests in the security and consolation of God's tender love for him. Just like any parent who treasures his child's reliance and trust, Our Father cherishes His child all the more as he relinquishes his stubborn hold on imagined independence, and clings to His Merciful Heart with devotion and gratitude.



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