She was a victim soul and I cannot imitate that, but I am very inspired to imitate her constant focus on Jesus, especially His Passion, as well as our Lady of Sorrows. I do recommend that book!
Reading
The Life of St. Gemma Galgani a second time has been more valuable than the first reading. No doubt, I will read it a 3rd time, somewhere down the road. OK, I am not a Catholic but by God, I am a huge fan. This book is also a great teacher of the Catholic doctrine. It has helped me understand more clearly. And remember, we have the author of the book giving his (name removed by moderator)ut as well, which this time around I found as a whole new layer and value.
I especially like when St. Gemma was talking about what, if anything, she had on her plate to offer God, that day. This is about having “skin” in the game. Shamefully “my plate” seemed rather bare (empty). But the next day in prayer and deed I offered our Lord several items: I fasted until noon, and consumed zero sugar. Obviously not even a drop of the loving suffering that St. Gemma went through but nonetheless, I did suffer and now for the best part, I asked God to take whatever reward He deemed worthy regarding these two small acts, and to give them to so-and-so.
St. Gemma mentions how God hates criticism. The next day, again I fasted until noon and again no sugar. But twice I caught myself speaking ill of somebody at work. Just common shop talk. So for each time, I made myself wait and extra hour before eating; meaning 2 pm. The next day 1 pm. Now I have added more to my plate: such as not using my smartphone (except to take calls) until 6 pm. Same with my computer. And again, the best part, giving it all away. So all of this I have been able to do for a good five or six days now.
The book also suggests some differences between Catholicism and the Vaishnava doctrine I also find valuable. And I don’t mean to say that this is all reconciled perfectly for me. But it does seem clear that personal suffering for one’s sins seems very much agreed upon between St. Gemma and the author of the book (her director). The sinful nature of mankind is recognized in both Catholicism and the Vaishnava school, but where they differ is in the approach of dissolving them, Catholicism seeming to emphasizing suffering and the other emphasizing the power of the Holy Name. I guess it is better to say, using her as an example, that the Catholic approach is a mix of the two: [page 307, last paragraph] “My good Father (Fr. Germanus), ‘Jesus Always!’ These are my words every moment of the day.”
I am just learning, but the Catholic approach seems to deem suffering essential to mitigate one’s sins, whereas the Holy Name is all that is recommended in the other. I like the theology of the Holy Name. Anyhow, what an absolutely wonderful book. I feel blessed having read it. Doubly so, reading it twice. No doubt about it. The difference, here, that I am mentioning, at least to me, is not such a big deal. All Saints, including Vaishnava Saints, suffered, yet in common, never losing sight of their Lord.
