Rejoice

+JMJ+

"There is cause for rejoicing here. You may for a time have to suffer the distress of many trials; but this is so that your faith, which is more precious than the passing splendor of fire-tried gold, may be its genuineness lead to praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ appears."

~ 1 Peter 1:3-7

This passage has spoken to men and women for centuries now--and of course during every age of History, God's Word is alive. How poingnant this call for Steadfastness is from Peter. Even amid trials and persecution...there is CAUSE for REJOICING--Why?? Because trials prove what kind of foundation our Faith is built upon. Trials, suffering...it all has a purpose.

Because of our utilitarian and morally relative culture, suffering is often looked at as something to be avoided at all costs. And yet, as Christians, we beleive that the ultimate act of suffering--Christ's Crucifixion--is the means for our very Redemption. Even more amazing, as members of the Mystical Body of Christ, we have countless opportunities to share in that redemptive suffering.

So, let us rejoice! The trials we undergo are reflective of our YES to God. Every temptation we withstand, every insult we bear...even physical illness and hardship...all have a purpose. They draw us closer to God, challenge us to trust more in His strength. Ultimately, our trust in God is synonymous with our YES to Him for His Holy Will in our own lives. Genuine Faith is more precious to God than anything on the earth. And, what is the fruit of this Faith? Eternal Communion with the Blessed Trinity--Heaven.

As we recalled All Saints yesterday and the Holy Souls today, it is behoove us to consider where we are in our Spiritual Lives. If you haven't been paying attention to the Gospel all these years, I'll give you a summary "Do not be afraid to be Saints...for to the Saints belongs the Future." This, spoken so simply by Cardinal Dziwisz (Papa John Paul's secratar for over 30 years) really is THE MESSAGE of the entire Gospel.

Why are we here? God PUT US HERE. There is a mission each of us MUST fulfill. Simply stated, we all have the same call. We must become saints. No, this does not mean be St. Bernadette or St. Francis...this means be Saint YOU. That is right. You. We must learn who we are...I have to be the most authentic ME. That is my path to holiness. The same goes for you.

What of suffering? It doesn't mean busting out the lash and whipping myself...it means accepting the little (and big) crosses that God invites me to carry. I don't have to go out and look for mortification and suffering. God sends plenty my way (and your way), every day. The more you pray, the more you silence yourself before God, the more you invite Him to direct you...to show you what it is He desires of you. That is the beauty of humility...it draws us into silence, recognizing our nothingness in the presence of our Creator, and understanding His great love and mission for us.

So yes, REJOICE! You have been called and chosen for greatness. You MUST be a saint. I know, I've said it many times before, but seriously...people must not be listening, because there is still great darkness in our world. Remember, this is not some message I made up. I am just boiling down the 72 books of the Bible for you. This is very simple. All it takes is your TOTAL YES. Are you ready to give in? Are you ready?

The prince of this world, Satan, already has droves co-workers pushing for the Reign of Darkness. What the world needs now are Missionaries of the Light...men and women fearless...even in the face of death. This life is so short! Don't miss your opportunity for the most excellent adventure by giving into fear. There is either Heaven to gain...or Heaven to loose. The choice is truly yours. Remember, God doesn't condemn anyone to Hell...only those who say NO to God and His love condemn themselves.

May we have the courage to say YES, to be SAINTS, to live the Gospel, and to be the Light in this dim world. There is no time for tomorrow...God needs our YES today.

PS~ The Virgin Mary gave God her YES...and look how that changed the World...