Men's Rosary

This was the topic of our dinner conversation one evening. It seems obvious that most people deflect from things that are uncomfortable, challenging or demeaning. In reality, that is what we have been told will come our way if we are striving to live a life in Christ and not of the world. When these things come our way, we must remember He who will guide us, and with expectant faith push through.

When we do not unite our sufferings to Christ we suffer for suffering’s sake. If we unite them to Christ they will become for us, redemptive in nature. “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to prove you, as though something strange was happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter: 12-13)

There is so much going on in the world that is totally out of our control! The problem becomes the way we handle it. For too many, the issues overwhelm them and become the major focus of their life. I have been guilty of this, and it does take effort to stay out of the quagmire of worldly issues. But it is liberating, and we are called to do so. We are not to be attached to worldly things. If we think about it, we actually own nothing. It is all gift, and the world is not ours. We live in the world and should be spending our time preparing ourselves for the world to come. Don’t take ownership of this world. All it will give us is crosses to bear. So, take ownership of the crosses, become a disciple of Christ and focus on what is most important – getting to Heaven. “So therefore, whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33)

We need only to look at the driving issues of the world today to recognize the absence of God. A brief analysis of the political landscape is all that is needed to see the degradation of values and moving away from Christ. We have to do our part to make things better. We are to be Christ’s hands and feet and heart. So, we should pray about that. We should pray for our Country and the world. We should serve God’s people well. If we allow ourselves to be sucked into the drama and vitriol of the world, we will have no time to do this. The devil likes the drama and confusion. He works well in it, as is most evident in what has been happening around us. Step away from that and rest with Christ. This is where we will find comfort, direction and hope. This is how we will unite our sufferings to him. Don’t waste energy on needless worry and angst. “Consider the ravens: they neither sow or reap, they have neither storehouse or barn, and yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?” (Luke 12: 24-26) Unite your sufferings to Christ and pray to Our Blessed Mother for her intercession. Carry your cross well and push through the muck to get to Heaven!

“Grant me, O lord my God, a mind to know you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you.” (St. Thomas Aquinas)