Without a doubt, obedience is more meritorious than any other penance. And what greater penance can there be than keeping one’s will continually submissive and obedient? ~ St. Catherine of Bologna
When in doubt, when afraid, when the ground beneath heaves and shakes and cracks, even when angered, seek to obey the Will of God, St Catherine is saying to me. In the uncertainty of today’s news, when the mists swirl so thickly that I cannot make out anything, I know one thing: that I should not be out in the open, for the air is changing. I must retreat into the cave once more and stay there till it is time to come out.
Still, ever the inveterate busybody and meddler, I remain outside the cave, straining and trying to discern: is the news good? If so, in what way? But even as I ponder, I know I am where I should not be.
Thy Will for me be done, I pray.
I think of the cave and that I must retreat into it. How do I go back in, I wonder? Through the gates of obedience, the thought pops into my head as if in answer. Through the obedience of,
Until I arrive, …
Do not neglect the gift you have,
which was conferred on you …
Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them.
Keep your eyes on the Lord
All the little lessons of the past weeks that make up the leaves on the tree of faith. I must return to them, that is the way back into the cave of waiting on the mountain of the Lord. And if I should imagine myself alone and without comfort nor company, I must only listen out for the wind, for, The wind is my sign, When the wind blows, know that I am with you, says the Mother of my Lord to me. I grip tighter the hand of Our Lady of Sorrows. Today, She has brought me unexpected news through a letter sent to someone in my organization. Knowing I will suffer in the uncertainty its contents bring, Mother lets me know the date of that letter – 15th of September, Her precious feast. Even if I cannot make out what lies ahead beyond this development, Mother is willing me to trust and wait through the obedience of all Her beloved Son, Jesus, has called me to.
Till the earth stills and He comes.
And the flames have burnt all to ashes …..
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Then, and only then, can we begin to rebuild.
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In our final home, perhaps. 🙏
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I love what you said about the leaves on the tree of faith…so many leaves, so many lessons. May that tree be your refuge, a place of peace to be still and wait for answers. We must often wait for answers…praying for you, and may little blessings gather amidst the turmoil of not knowing, little blessings of hope.
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I think I am waiting a lot better than before – thanks to prayers from dear ones like you, Linda. So many times, I’ve not been able to hold up my arms in prayer against the forces of this world; yet, each time, those arms have come up once more, supported by the love you show me. May God bless you and bless you more, dearest Linda.
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🙂 🙂 🙂
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I agree with what Linda said…let faith be your refuge as you face whatever is coming. I really believe that God will protect you, every step of the way. And you are always in my prayers.
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Holding tight to your words that God will protect me. I feel as if I am in a tiny boat in the middle of foaming and roaring waters. Somehow, I must endure.
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Trust is difficult for adults but children grasp the parent’s hand and follow into traffic or roiling crowds – we trust. I too am remembering how to trust… Hold tight and instead of looking at the danger, look to the one you trust!!
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Thanks for this, Val. Thanks so much. I’m keeping open the livestream tab to the Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Poland. Keeping my eyes on Him there.
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