 by Sr. Caterina de Siena
I have read the autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux, The Story of a Soul, several times and I frankly have to admit that I just didn’t “get her”. I kept thinking to myself, “What made her such a great saint?” because I simply didn’t see it in her writings. I was reading about her insights into spiritual childhood from the perspective of an “old soul.” As a child, I was always the responsible one, the mature one, so Therese’s spiritual vantage point of being a “child” completely eluded me. It was through the eyes of my two year old grandson that I gained new vision into Therese’s spiritual childhood . He has taught me so many beautiful lessons about being “child-like”. We were playing in the park one day and after running, climbing slides and swinging, we ended our playtime with a peaceful walk through the park. There is nothing like that little hand that reaches up to grasp yours as we walked together! We spotted a buck in the woods and followed closely behind. Where the buck went; we went. At one point my “little man” stopped dead in his tracks; lifted his arms to the sky and said to me, “Picky up.” Of course, I did as commanded because I love snuggling with him and peering into that beautiful face. It makes it easier to plant several kisses on his precious cheeks and to see his smile up close. We finally headed for home after the buck tired of us following him. As I was driving home that night, it came to me. I finally get St. Therese!! It was through my grandson that I gleaned precious insights into spiritual childhood that St. Therese was trying to teach me. One, as my little man got too tired to continue, he stopped and asked to be picked up. A child knows their limits and God wants me to know my limits, too. When I simply cannot go on due to fatigue or trying to handle things on my own, God is ready, willing and able to “carry me” – I simply have to ask. Next, my little man knew that by asking, I would meet his need. God knows our needs and when asked, He delights in His children as they call upon Him. Finally, my grandson wanted to see things from my up high perspective, not from the ground level where he dwells. St. Therese mentions that while looking upon the Cross, Jesus brings her up to his eye level as though she rode an elevator. What a blessing it is to see things from God’s perspective and not the limited view that we have of things. God’s perspective always makes things clearer for us to see as if through a pristinely clean glass window. Now, I can joyfully exclaim that I “get” St. Therese and her spiritual childhood and why she was made a doctor of the Church! Therese was the master of spiritual childhood and invites all of us to learn from her. Spiritual childhood is all about total reliance upon God to meet our needs which are granted from the perspective of the One who loves us more than we will ever know. I am grateful to St. Therese and my little man who taught me the profound truths of spiritual childhood and the art of me asking God to “picky up.”
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 By Sr. Caterina de Siena I recently read a beautiful reflection that I think is apropos as we prepare to celebrate Advent. I wish I could recall the name of the author to whom proper credit is due. Here is my recollection of the reflection (and a few embellishments of my own) and I hope it blesses you as much as it does me. Imagine Bethlehem where Joseph and Mary are searching for a place to spend the night as Mary nears the delivery of her child. A secluded cave is found as a temporary resting place for the Holy Family. It is dark and occupied by animals preparing to rest for the night. Imagine St. Joseph lighting a lamp to dispel the darkness and cleaning the cave where animals were currently living – not a clean space in the least. He finds the animals’ feeding trough and refreshes it with hay that is lying about. Joseph tries to bring order out of the chaos and the cramping of humans and animals dwelling together in the cave. It will have to do as there are no other choices. The closeness of the occupants gives some warmth to the air. Mary delivers her male child and she tenderly swaddles and places him in the manger prepared so lovingly by Joseph. The parents are in awe of the child and all settle in for the night as they are exhausted from their journey. Humans and animals alike worship this new born King – the Incarnation of God who became man.[1] As we prepare for Advent, take time to imagine that your heart is the cave. Ask good St. Joseph to enter in and shed the light of Christ into any darkened corners of your heart. Grant him permission to “muck the stall” of your heart as you prepare to receive Jesus. He will arrange your heart by clearing the cobwebs; removing any chaos and distractions; and discarding the old straw of sin and replacing it with the sweet smelling hay of virtue. Ask him to fill your heart with awe and love for Jesus and remove any chaos so that peace may dwell therein. Now, turn to Our Lady and invite her to gently place her son, Jesus, into your heart. She covers your heart with her mantle of purity and devotion and leads you to contemplate this Divine presence within. She and St. Joseph join you in adoring the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity who gently rests in your heart. I enter into this meditation prior to receiving Holy Communion and every communion is now a “little Christmas” where I can celebrate and welcome the Incarnation of Christ in my heart. May St. Joseph and Our Lady help to prepare your heart this Advent, and every day, to receive the Light of the World – the Incarnate Son of God. [1]--God who became man in the Incarnation  Written by: Brother Mark
Ave Maris Stella “O blessed Mary, Ave Maris Stella, one tender teardrop from your loving eyes contains more beauty than the sum of all the salty seas, that draw many to their shores in search of peace. O Queen of Peace, Ave Maris Stella, you held the Source of Peace in your loving arms, hear us your children tossed on the stormy seas of sorrow, help us turn our tears into the calm of a pure heart. Health of the Sick, Ave Maris Stella, your soul magnifies the Lord, like the sea and the rays of the sun, guide us on our journey to the Healer, to Him who makes all things new, Christ your son.”  by Brother Pio Benedict Recently I received this message on Facebook. It made me stop and think: I find these to be so true. It’s good to think about them, mull them over, and analyze them. How much of our pain and anguish come from our lack of gratitude for God’s blessings — rather “fair to me indeed is my inheritance.” (Psalm 16:6) I just can't help thinking that most of these items are ones that send us off to the counselor or therapist. Control of them would make so much better for all of us. Life for all of us is difficult at times, even overwhelming but as Saint Padre Pio says: "This doesn't mean we are not meant to have any happiness in this life, but that we should not put our stock in this world. Don't be disheartened by the disappointments in this life; respond as one whose goal is heaven." I like the 7 "rules for life”; like any good advice they have the simplicity of the Beatitudes. These teach us not only about earthly happiness but lead us to our true goal, achieving eternal life with Jesus and our heavenly Father. Strive for the 7 rules but always remember that highest goal. Focus on this thought and maybe, we can achieve a foretaste of blessedness while here on earth. |
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