Day 6 : half-way through preliminary period

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As we continue our journey, let us continually re-focus on our final destination: Union with the Trinity in the perfection of Charity. That is our long-term goal. Our 33 days of Preparation is actually a model for a lifetime of growth in holiness, by journeying home to the Father, in the same way Jesus came to us, through Mary and by the power of the Holy Spirit. We return with Jesus through Mary and the power of the Holy Spirit. St. Maximilian Kolbe and St. Louis de Montfort and many other saints have traveled this beautiful but narrow way.

It is narrow because it leads to eternal life. The way is wide that leads to destruction and many are on it, Jesus told the crowd and his disciples in his Sermon on the Mount (cf Mt. 7:13-14). If we want to live the Truth of Jesus, we need to listen to Him and be faithful to His Holy Spirit, given to His Church to bring us into His complete Truth. These preliminary 12 days in which we are seeking to empty ourselves of the spirit of the world is not “easy” for us, but nothing is impossible for God. Today’s Gospel is an encouragement:

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 19:23-30.
Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

Perhaps we have heard these words from Jesus and thought before, only of those who leave all behind to enter the religious life or priesthood. Today, let us hear Jesus speaking to disciples! If we are seeking to empty ourselves of the spirit of the world, His words should resonate in our hearts. The commentary by St. Peter Damian can help:

Commentary of the day - Saint Peter Damian (1007-1072), hermit then Bishop, Doctor of the Church

“ Receive a hundred times more now in this present age ”

We should live detached from our possessions and our own will if we would be followers of him who had “nowhere to rest his head” (Lk 9,58) and who came “not to do his own will but he will of the one who sent him” (Jn 6,38)… We already know by experience what the Truth promised to whoever forsakes everything and follows him: “he will receive a hundred times more now… and eternal life in the age to come” (Mk 10,30). Indeed, the gift of a hundred times more sustains us on the journey and possession of eternal life will be our joy for ever in our heavenly homeland.

But what does this hundred times more mean? Briefly, the consolations of the Spirit, sweet as honey, his visits and his firstfruits. It is the witness of our conscience, the happy and joyful expectation of the righteous; it is the remembrance of God’s overwhelming goodness and, in truth, the greatness of his sweetness. Those who have had experience of these gifts have no need for anyone to tell them about them. And as for those who do not have it, who could describe it in plain words? (Underlining is mine for emphasis)

Please let us continue to pray for one another. Our Lady of Light, Spouse of the Holy Spirit, pray for us. Jesus, we trust in You!