Anxiety and worry are the byproduct of being human. Weakness is revealed in the reality that we can't control everything, do everything, or be everything for everyone. That's why we pray to the Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Merciful Father. For in His Son we receive compassion and Life; in His Spirit 'we can do all things in Him who strengthens us.'
Here are 4 Christ-Cross-born realities to bring us calm.
"For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late. The rash one has no integrity; but the just one, because of his faith, shall live." Habakkuk 1:2-3, 2:2-4
The first secret is really common knowledge in Catholic Tradition. From the Garden of Gethsemane until today, God answers all heartfelt prayer. His answer, however, is a response of both Divine Love and Divine Wisdom. It is, therefore, on His Perfect Time (though He is timeless), in a most perfect way, in what is best for us, His beloved children. Surprises are to be expected. Patience, prayer, vigilance, faith, and hope are needed--as they will also be tested, and strengthened. For our true desire, whether we know it or not, is for the good. We sometimes think that this is found in little goods; God, however, is the ultimate good, and He gives Himself to us in grace (and sometimes in temporal things) out of Love. In Patience, vigilance and prayer, secret number one is the joy of blessed hindsight.
"Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD; let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.. Oh, that today you would hear his voice..." Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9
Secret number two is also common knowledge among God's saints (and I don't claim to be one as of yet; I have just read their wisdom). It is the secret of the Cross. While we wait upon our cross for the salvation of the Lord, we must turn to the Savior on His Cross--right next to us! For our salvation is in being the good thief. And the good thief trusts in the Lord in his hardship...and he listens intently to Jesus from His Cross. Words of Wisdom, such as 'Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,' reveal the Mercy, Beneficence, and Unconditional Love of the only One Holy enough to bring true Justice and Peace in our lives...God the Father. Secret number two is to listen intently to the Crucified Lord while enduring our cross. The good thief did. And look where he is now.
'I remind you, to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
Secret number three is all about praying, and all about the Holy Spirit. God never intended for His children to be timid, weak, and ashamed of the gospel truth. After all, we are all baptized to be priestly, prophetic, and kingly people. And the gospel is the answer to all the world's woes. Yet, we think that only certain people are 'qualified' to evangelize. And we would rather hang the banner of our football team proudly out our car window than hang the Cross of Christ from our heart. Secret number three is the Holy Spirit yearning to explode from within US, in compassionate, composed, and faithful evangelization.
"The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith.' The Lord replied, 'If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.'" Luke 10:17-24
Simple, garbage in garbage out. Or, you are what you eat. Listen to the world, faith diminishes. Listen to the Church, faith increases. Eat the 'popular cultural' fast food philosophy and become a fast food soul. Eat and drink the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and receive eternal life. Secret number four is what keeps apostles apostles and disciples disciples...Jesus Christ unadulterated.
What do you think? tranz4mation@comcast.net
