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Posted on 09/15/2007 1:55:22 PM PDT by Salvation
The Value of Adversity
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IT IS good for us to have trials and troubles at times, for they often remind us that we are on probation and ought not to hope in any worldly thing. It is good for us sometimes to suffer contradiction, to be misjudged by men even though we do well and mean well. These things help us to be humble and shield us from vainglory. When to all outward appearances men give us no credit, when they do not think well of us, then we are more inclined to seek God Who sees our hearts. Therefore, a man ought to root himself so firmly in God that he will not need the consolations of men.
When a man of good will is afflicted, tempted, and tormented by evil thoughts, he realizes clearly that his greatest need is God, without Whom he can do no good. Saddened by his miseries and sufferings, he laments and prays. He wearies of living longer and wishes for death that he might be dissolved and be with Jesus Christ. Then he understands fully that perfect security and complete peace cannot be found on earth. |
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THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
BY
THOMAS KEMPIS
A very powerful spiritual guidance for the soul who seeks to imitate Jesus Christ.
Learn from me, because I am meek and humble of heart. Mat. 11:29
**When to all outward appearances men give us no credit, when they do not think well of us, then we are more inclined to seek God Who sees our hearts. **
I truly doubt that I am the only one who is criticized and wonders why the adversity comes to us. Here is the answer.......seek God Who sees our hearts.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is so precious to me for this reason.
Imitation of Christ: 1, 7, Avoiding False Hope and Pride [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 8, Shunning Over- Familiarity [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 9, Obedience and Subjection [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 10, Avoiding Idle Talk [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 11, Acquiring Peace and Zeal for Perfection [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 12, The Value of Adversity [Devotional]
Three good examples for all to contemplate.
Three weeks ago, a co-worker, driving home on Friday evening, passed a rollover accident on a major highway. It wasn't until she arrived home that she learned the victim of the rollover was her father, who perished in the accident. He wasn't wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the SUV. He was only 57. I ran into her this past week and she was still in a stupor. She readily confessed that what she had once perceived as 'problems' were nothing by comparison to the loss of her father. Problems can be resolved; parents can't be replaced.
Two weeks ago, a young, healthy 32 year old mother of a 6 year old, went into labor. She was very selective in her choice of hospital and intentionally chose one of the major area hospitals. Her husband drove her to Albany Medical Hospital. When she was unable to deliver the baby naturally, they wheeled her into surgery for a C-section where she delivered a beautiful, healthy girl. Following surgery, her blood pressure began to drop and she was returned to the O/R where they opened her up again, checked for any problems and 'packed' her. She passed away several hours later. At her wake, a friend was told by the woman's family that prior to going to the hospital, the young woman made a comment: "In the event I don't return ...". It struck everyone as quite strange. She leaves behind a Schenectady cop husband, a young son and a newborn daughter.
This past week, I learned that the 30 year old nephew of another co-worker also passed away quite suddenly. He was divorced. He leaves behind his 'companion' with whom he had a 6 year old child and 5 month old infant. I'm not sure of the legalities but ponder the financial raminifications of his death on the companion and children. God willing, he had a will in place to protect them in the eventuality of his death.
Death comes like a thief in the night. Today's devotional is an excellent reminder to us all to be prepared for such an eventuality and ensure our loved ones are protected. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is an unknown but today is a 'present'. We should thank our Lord and God each night for this tremendous gift of life that He has given us and maximize the opportunities each day brings, to glorify God to all around us.
Humility informs our hearts and our minds that we can trust in God's answers even if they are not what we wanted to hear. It accepts and embraces God's power and justice and causes us to stay close to God.
That is one reason why I am fond of Luther's Morning and Evening prayers from the Small Catechism:
http://www.bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.html#prayers
For morning
I thank Thee, my Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, that Thou hast kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray Thee to keep me this day also from sin and all evil, that all my doings and life may please Thee. For into Thy hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Thy holy angel be with me, that the Wicked Foe may have no power over me. Amen.
For evening
I thank Thee, my Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, that Thou hast graciously kept me this day, and I pray Thee to forgive me all my sins, where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Thy hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Thy holy angel be with me, that the Wicked Foe may have no power over me. Amen
Thank you! much needed reminder, and beautifully put.
**Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is an unknown but today is a ‘present’. We should thank our Lord and God each night for this tremendous gift of life that He has given us and maximize the opportunities each day brings, to glorify God to all around us.**
Thank you for these three vivid examples and your tender analysis at the end.
Two weeks ago, a friend who went on the pilgrimage with me last summer to Eastern Europe suddenly had a stroke. The wife called Father and he went out to give him the Sacrament of the Annointing of the Sick. Father told us at Daily Mass to pray for him, since the stroke was centered in the brain stem.
By the end of the week he was dead. This last Monday, the 10th, was his funeral. His wife is heartbroken.
This was her second husband. She came home to find her first husband dead from a heart attack in the middle of the living room on the floor.
Say a prayer for Maureen.
I’ve always lovoed the story of the woman with a hemmorghage who knew if she reached out and touched the tassle of Christ’s garment she would be healed. True faith and true humility being that she touched the hem of his garment from behind him.
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Oh yes, that it another great example!
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