The star of Bethlehem is dense with meaning. It inspires wonder and mystery. But most of all, as illuminated as it was, it sought only to draw attention to the light of Christ.
Over the past couple of months, the Lord has been challenging my sincerity of surrendering to His Divine Will. “I want everything,” He said, “your livelihood and wellbeing, your pain, your suffering. Your children, and their pain, their suffering. Their very lives. Could you hand them over to me?”
“Worldly and frivolous thoughts, stay here at the door until I return.” St. Francis of Assisi Oh venerable Saint Francis, I ask for all humility, peace, and love through your intercession. I especially ask for your help in obtaining the sublime contemplation you so exquisitely displayed. Through harmony with God and nature, I wish to be completely and utterly lost in the present moment, not to give into distractions or my ever-wandering imagination. Help me, sweet brother Francis, by your intercession and through the immaculate hands of Mary, that I may become ever more conformed to the person of Jesus Christ. I love how you love. Help me emulate that same love in my everyday life. To God be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love, Where there is injury, pardon, Where there is doubt, faith, Where there is despair, hope, Where there is darkness, light, And where there is sadness, joy. Oh Divine Mast
“Remind yourself of this constantly and strongly establish this truth in your spirit and in your heart that the best way, and even the infallible way, of being in continual prayer is to keep one’s soul at peace before the Lord.” Venerable Father Francois-Marie-Paul Libermann Before having children of my own, I had heard all the complaints that parents who had come before me had about taking care of newborns. The sleep deprivation, the constant crying, the utter delirium that takes hold. What I had heard less often, quite rarely in fact, was the way love can pervade the monotonous routine when you stop thinking about yourself, and how you can fully experience the present moment, and fully delight in it, despite the trials that persist.