For it is God Who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," Who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the Face of Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us.
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;
persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day.
For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison
Who
of us today has a care free life? Even if you are a billionaire, are
there not still problems? Whether emotional, physical, spiritual matters
not. Truly today's troubles are enough for the day ... worry not for
tomorrow and belabor not over those that were and cannot be changed. No
matter what we're going through now, no matter what we're facing;
medical issues, persecution, financial problems including jobs, housing,
daily needs; we must remember that all this is TRULY a drop of water in
all the oceans of the world compared to eternity. If we hold fast to
Jesus & Mary, receive the graces and strengths of the Sacraments to
sustain us, there's really nothing we can't face. And when troubles DO
come our way, it's an opportunity to unite them to the sufferings of our
dear Lord's Passion for the good of souls everywhere! What a noble joy!
By themselves, our meager offerings do little if anything, but united
to the Passion of Jesus and His True Presence in the Holy Eucharist,
even the smallest effort of ours is MIGHTY! :)
We are one
in the Body of Christ by virtue of our Baptism ... so this means ALL
Christians, not just Catholics. True, by the grace of God, we Catholics
count ourselves privileged (for lack of a better word) to have the
fullness of Faith in all SEVEN Sacraments that Jesus instituted. It
boggles my mind why any Catholic wouldn't avail themselves of the graces
of Confession and especially Holy Communion as frequently as possible.
The strengths are truly supernatural and much needed in this world
today! So, is the servant any better than the Master? Did Jesus suffer
indignities? lies? slander? beatings? calumny? tortures? indifference?
Yes, the Church (and its members) will follow the Master in His Passion
and Crucifixion .. but oh the glorious Resurrection to come!
The
ole boy likes to keep us preoccupied with events of daily living. The
father of lies loves to have us entertain him by our worries, anguish,
pain and justifications for our sins. He delights with much glee when he
sees us vexed over our problems. Why? Because when we're upset and
worried, confused and depressed ... it takes away our peace and we're
likely not "in the mood" to PRAY. Prayer too gives us strength. The
lifeline to the Trinity and our Lady. In today's world, every Christian
needs to make time for a DAILY PRAYER ROUTINE that is WRITTEN IN STONE.
Many folks go to the gym RELIGIOUSLY .... why not do the same thing for
your prayer life? The gym will help keep your body healthy for as long
as you have it ... but a real relationship with the Trinity and our Lady
will keep your soul healthy for an ETERNITY!
So when
troubles come your way, as they will more and more now because the
devil's time is much shorter than it has ever been. If you cling to the
TWO HEARTS in prayer .. the ROSARY, the DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET ... and the
USA CHAPLET as well, perhaps satan will see that problems don't
distract you from heaven, but rather make you RUN toward it in prayer
and your offerings for souls will actually thwart his efforts while
helping not just yourself, but souls everywhere. Never forget the souls
in purgatory, especially those that have no one to pray for them!
So
when troubles besiege you, take heart and know with confidence, that
the TWO HEARTS are with you if you but cling to Them in thought, word
and deed ... in season and out of season .... knowing that whatever
hurts you here, united to Jesus and compassionated by Mary helps not
only you, but the communion of saints for all eternity!
So BEG to
stay in the Divine Will always ~ knowing that our glorious Triune God
has everything in control, doesn't send you more than you can handle,
bestows great graces to help sustain you, gives you opportunity after
opportunity for you to do good for yourself and others, increasing all
in sanctification as you near your final destination.
Keep in mind
always:
1 Corrinthians 2:9
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for those who love Him.”
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