One of my constant struggles is ridding myself of the desire to be favored. After reading that Jesus told St. Faustina that those who resemble Him closely in His Passion will resemble Him more in His Glory, I got to thinking: when we are in Heaven, will it be obvious to everyone else who His favorites are? Then I thought of how ridiculous this is for one who wishes to place Jesus above all else. It matters not how much He loves me but rather, how much I love Him. This is what the saints understood. They didn't look forward to death so they could end their earthly miseries but rather, loved God so much that all they did, thought and prayed was directed toward earning a place with Him in Heaven. St. Therese went a step further and offered her Heaven for her continued mission of winning souls for her Divine Spouse.
On another blog on Easter Sunday, the author offered his prayers that God would fill our every spiritual and material need. The word "need" is what struck me. He didn't say "want", he said "need."
In my ongoing trial, minor compared to so many others and which may soon end thanks to St. Joseph, there has been worry and anxiety. But then I heard the inner voice asking: "Did you lack for anything? Were you able to feed your family? Were you able to buy the medication your daughter needs? Were you able to put gas in your car? Were you able to pay your bills? Do you still have a roof over your head? Then you can be assured that I looked after your material needs. Did you get to Mass when you wanted? Was the sacrament of confession readily available to you anytime you desired? Did anyone stop you from spending hours in My Company? Then you can be assured that I looked after your spiritual needs."
At Vultus Christi, Father Mark has a beautiful meditation on Divine Mercy through the eyes of four women who, though never ordained, had a profound effect on the Church. You can read it here.
Vultus Christi is the best blog written by a priest.
