"I have loved you with an everlasting love...And I know the plans I have for you says the Lord"
Jeremiah:29-31
Well, in a continuation of my conversation and reading of Saint John of the cross “Ascent to Mount Carmel” some of my questions got answered. The first 11 chapters were difficult to get through, but I felt inspired and guided to keep reading. It happened in chapter 12 and 13 that some of my questions were being answered and it has been interesting...It seems that everyone on the path of spiritual maturity and Christian perfection will experience a passive or active dark night of the senses, as a way to purge and rid ourselves of things that we no longer need or are a hindrance to the greatest desire of our soul, which is total union with God. Mortal and venial sin, vices or attachment to people or worldly goods can hinder the soul spiritually. God sends us trials and crosses as a way to purge us from these attachments. We have the option to enter into, avoid or ignore these trials. Saint John of the cross tells us that not only carrying our cross, but embracing and fully entering into it fully will help the soul advance in union and perfection with God. If we don’t understand what is happening, it can be easy for a soul to give into despair or desolation and even worse believe that God no longer cares or loves us because of this “dark night”This is not true! These trials are a gift of our loving father to further conform us into the image of his son Imago Dei. The “active night of sense” are things that we engage in by our own will to purge or discipline our senses. This can include Prayer, penance, voluntary sacrifices, spiritual reading etc...The passive night of sense is when God sends us trials or crosses that we must passively receive within ourselves and accept As God’s loving will for us. Examples of this can be death of a loved one, a health crisis, physical suffering, loss of employment or even dryness in Prayer which can lead to a crisis of faith. This is what I’ve learned so far and am looking forward to reading, Learning and sharing more😊 Happy 2021! I think we are all happy to be done with 2020. From the pandemic to the riots and political divisions it is time to say adios to this past year. I’ve been thinking...maybe a good resolution to have for 2021 is a forgiving heart. It is so important to love our neighbor but maybe after everything we’ve experienced it’s even more important to Forgive our neighbor. I’ve spent much time in isolation and it’s given me many opportunities to ponder my life (and view a bit to much news and social media). It has also brought up old wounds that I thought were long healed. Feelings of anger, resentment, even regret would pop up in my mind and I would entertain these feelings and thoughts ( Thank goodness as Catholics we have confession!) As we celebrate today's solemnity of Mary Mother of God, I ask for her intercession and help in forgiving myself and especially my neighbor and let me carry this forgiving heart with me wherever I go. Amen |
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I'm not really a writer, but it's on my long list of aspirations to become one. The first on the list is to become a great Saint! My hope is to share knowledge and inspiration as we walk together during our pilgrim journey on earth and guide each other, hand in hand to the gates of Heaven... If you for find this website helpful please consider making a donation today! Archives
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