I used to struggle with sorrow. In my youthful naiveté, it seemed the world just should be happy—or joyful. That it wasn’t I knew, but nevertheless I clung to the belief that it should not be as it was, i.e., often a sad place.But at some point in time—or at some level—I came to embrace the Season of Lent in a way I enter into no other liturgical season of the year. Though it is a time of penance, prayer and fasting—things not usually associated with happiness and joy—I look forward to these weeks every year as the best, so much so that I often experience a letdown at Easter. Instead of rejoicing with the rest of the Church triumphant for six weeks after Lent, I spend six weeks reminiscing over the loss of the closeness I felt to Jesus when I was carrying a cross of sacrifice.
My question now is how do we as poor weak humans share in His Glory? This Easter Season, I am resolved—with the help of the Holy Spirit—to pray the Glorious Mysteries every day and meditate on these mysteries: The Resurrection; The Ascension of Our Lord into Heaven; The Descent of the Holy Spirit; The Assumption of Mary and The Coronation of Mary. If I am graced with understanding on even one of these great mysteries I will count myself blessed indeed, for truly when I contemplate them, they amaze, overwhelm, awe and confound my feeble human capabilities—which is probably as it should be.
Nevertheless, if it be God’s Will, I desire this Easter Season to be as spiritually fruitful as has been the Lent which has just past.
We should be joyful.
There is much sorrow.
I want to believe in the Glory and the Power forever ... so I do. But I know I don’t begin to understand it ... or Him. Glory mystifies me.
Oh Lord I believe. Help my unbelief. ~Mark 9:24
8 comments:
Booklady, I had a great week, with the visit of my nieces. As I celebrated it in front of the Blessed Sacrament on early Sunday morning, I said the Glorious Mysteries, using some meditations I had written one night a couple of years ago.
I was alone in the chapel at midnight, and I prayed the rosary aloud. Before saying each Hail Mary, I read the short meditation --- and perhaps because of my great happiness of the events this past week, or perhaps because of the great thankfulness I felt to Jesus, each meditation line sung in my heart. It was as if Jesus and I were sitting there holding hands as I prayed the rosary, and thought about the meditation I wrote.
Perhaps you might find them of use also; I've had a number of people comment how much they liked them, including Fr. Benedict Groeshel, who prayed the Sorrowful meditations at one of his retreats a few years back.
You can find the meditations on my blog. But regardless, hand in there booklady. God is good.
yep. I don't get it either.
I have been thinking of late that we don;t have to suffer for God to hear us. But maybe until we sacrifice we have a hard time hearing God.
DNBA,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I have searched your blog and ... I know I must be looking right at them but I canNOT find the reflections you're talking about. Help! They sound wonderful.
As to my Easter Season, it has been peaceful. No GLORIOUS revelations, just quiet whispers, but well, okay. Pray and trust; trust and pray.
God bless you!
Hi yeti,
THANK YOU! I appreciate your response more than you know. It's funny because my daughters call me a 'saint' (which I'm not!!!) because I work at my faith so hard and yet when I express a struggle or doubt or question, I find myself deserted. It's as if serious believers are afraid to admit they ever deal with anything of the sort ... which I know can't be the case. It's good to have company. God bless you!
Being a Muslim I can only say: We have faith in what has been revealed towards us and revealed towards you; our God and your God is one, and to Him we have submitted.
Abdulbaseer,
As a follower of Jesus Christ, I believe that everything--including faith--is a gift from God. While I do have faith in God's Glory, it remains a mystery, one I stand in awe of...
By my own actions and power--of pondering and trying to understand--I can all but make it slip away. Even my prayer slips into thinking at times, though I don't mean it to... By His Power and Glory, Faith grows. He and His Glory remain Mystery. I find all of this frustrating ... and yet I accept it. I bow to it. Still I pray to understand Him more ... if only that I may love Him more???! And yet I am content with wherever and whatever He leads/gives me.
I read the bible when going to church or listen as the pastor read it at the front...
I always need God, though sometimes his answer to say No!
Very beautifully written and inspirational. Looking forward to reading more.
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