A book that has helped me with desolation is entitled, When the Well Runs Dry, by Thomas Green, who was a spiritual director in the Philippines. I wore out my first copy by referencing it frequently. One of the most basics affirmations he made was: happy personalities do not necessarily indicate a person is holy; he has known some on-the-surface grumpy persons who are saints. I was encouraged to read his book when he said that. Wherever you are in life: cheerful, grumpy, quiet, outspoken, driven, nonchalant, etc, it can be helpful. I will keep you in my prayers during your difficult time. Safe on the Father's Lap!
Sincerely - beautiful. Memorable lines here - you have spoken truth in verse. 'The land of thirst where dust alone is stored' (Wow!) These words are proof of the reality of the human soul that we each have a personalised journey with the Lord and He leads us as He wills. God Bless you for your fidelity to the Risen Lord! 'A hunger of the heart devours the frame' (Wow love that line!)
I have gotten into the habit in recent months of calling into a little Chapel near me called St There's were there is a wonderful little grotto to the satin at the rear of the Church dedicated to the saint. It has a small white marble statue of Therese , really beautiful and small enlarged photos. One of the photos in particular draws my attention for I believe you can see in her face such huge, huge suffering. it reminds me of her words when she was dying, 'I never believed it was possible to suffer so much, never, never, never'.. I was watching a video of Carmelite nuns a few months ago and one of the statements of a nun caught my attention. . 'Our vocation as Carmelites is to hang on the Cross'. We could also say every Christians vocation is to hang on the Cross. On the other hand I recall the words of one of the Friars about St Padre Pio that there was no happier man on the planter, although there were few men who suffered so much. 'I implore You, cast Your eyes upon a multitude of little souls; choose from this world, I beg of You, a legion of little victims worthy of Your love.' St Therese
The young priest said a lovely thing at mass this morning, Palm Sunday. It was very cold and windy and I had to drag myself out of bed. I felt so cranky during the Long Gospel. But the priest said during the Homily that there is an old tradition that everyone who stands for the long Reading causes a Soul to be released from Purgatory. That cheered me up. It occurred to me listening that Pilate was not so bad a man (in Orthodoxy Pilate and his wife were declared saints). Hei dodged and dived trying to get Jesus of the hook. I am often the same as Pilate when I sin. I look for good reasons for doing bad things. Poor Pontius. I hope he did get saved in the end. Catholic Tradition indicates he died murdered by his own soldiers in the South of France.
This whole post is lovely. I have a friend--a convert--who made the observation many years ago that Pilate must experience great suffering every time the Creed is prayed--to hear each time how the Savior suffered under Pontius Pilate. I hope the Orthodox Church is right about P.P. and Claudia. I hope they are indeed saints.
Thank you Garabandal. Thank you very much. It took a little courage to share it but I just wanted Sanctus to know that many of us have gone through that dark valley. What I absolutely k now is that Jesus never leaves us. He is there with us. Though hidden--or seemingly "asleep".Like the psalmist says "why are you sad my soul? Why do you sorrow within me? Hope in God. I will praise Him still, my Savior and my God."
