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.


Friday, October 6, 2023

October 6th Fast

+JMJ 

"The Rosary is a powerful weapon to put the demons to flight and to keep oneself from sin…If you desire peace in your hearts, in your homes, and in your country, assemble each evening to recite the Rosary. Let not even one day pass without saying it, no matter how burdened you may be with many cares and labors.” – Pope Pius XI


Man yearns for rest. One naturally desires for a life unencumbered by obstacles that disturb his quest for a soul at peace and so decries circumstances which upset this worthy goal and ideal.  When impediments arise, as they inevitably do, he resentfully blames uncontrollable situations or people for his restlessness, refusing to adapt and accept, choosing instead to begrudge and reject.  This spirit not only plants the weeds of ingratitude but furthermore, it drives away the peaceful security which resides in a soul who trusts in the providence of God. 

One frustrated by encumbrances, fails to understand that His Father has allowed these challenges to edify him not thwart him. It is not by happenstance that one is placed in a certain time and circumstance. When Esther bewailed her fate to confront the King unannounced at the peril of her life, her uncle Mordecai responded," Who knows that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as place?" (Esther 4:14) Like the Israelites in the desert who grumble and lament their liberty, the restive soul is narrowly focused on the burden of the journey, rather than perceiving the grace he has been given to pursue his goal.

Idyllic circumstances will rarely present themselves, and so man must resign himself to whatever situation is providentially afforded him, acknowledging obstacles but courageously refusing to be weighed down by them. The daily recitation of the rosary provides a beautiful example of this challenge. For it is a calling to fidelity, not flawlessness. The commitment to the rosary requires patience, and constancy even on very difficult days. It is in persevering in this daily discipline— calmly plodding through the hindrances that tempt him away from the devotion— one can understand that peace can be obtained not through perfection but through patience.





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