Ruth - Chapter 8 Even a Blind Man Knows
The last line of this chapter states, “In their lives (the saintly people just described), you can catch a glimpse of how your life will unfold if you begin to take the life and teachings of Jesus seriously.” The saintly people were people of prayer, discipline and virtue living lives centered on the Eucharistic Lord. These saintly people must challenge me personally. Am I using prayer, discipline, scripture and the Eucharist to become more Christ like? … To reflect on the lives of the saints and not try to emulate them is a waste of time. If we put our light on a basket (and not cover it) there should be results…it should shine for all to see….as saintly people we should bear fruit touching the lives of others……….. Another thought that came to mind is that Vatican 2 called for more involvement of the laity. It reminded us that the call to sanctity and mission is not just for the religious. I think that in this day and age we have to be models of faithfulness, challenging and encouraging our religious leaders. It is discouraging as a layperson today to see the state of the world and the church…. how must it be for committed priest and religious? ……..In these saintly people (Mother Teresa, etc.) I do not see people who want to change the church into their image or with a new agenda but I see people who center on Christ, on prayer, on the Blessed Sacrament, on serving God’s people while living a life of virtue. ……. I think that, like St. Francis, we too are called to the spiritual mission to “Rebuild my Church.” Francis heard this call while kneeling before the crucifix. Who kneels before the crucifix or tabernacle today? Our church is empty of pray-ers…that is so sad to me. Francis inspired millions of people to give their whole lives for a cause. Who do we inspire? What do I give my life to? Where do I get my spiritual vision? I need to spend more time in front of the crucifix and Eucharistic Lord. I also feel called to call others to do the same.……..Mother Teresa did not have to talk about how great the Catholic Church is and the gift it is but it becomes evident when you know all the time she spent in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Her power and witness was born in prayer. She placed Jesus at the center of her life. ……Of all the holy people mentioned I think that St. John Vianney was the most inspiring to me. On page 103 it states, “What he was really doing was making a moral assessment of his parish. He found that the people’s lives were in great need of restoration. They cared little for the Church, as they had been seduced by the pleasures common to every age: slothfulness, drunkenness, blasphemy, and impurity.” Doesn’t that sound like today? Fr. Vianney began a one-man campaign of prayer and fasting, offering all his efforts to God for the conversion of the people in his parish.” He preached boldly and “encouraged his people to make regular visits to the church and sit before the Blessed Sacrament……He knew that the Blessed Sacrament was the most powerful means of renewing the life of the parish.” There it is again…prayer before the Eucharistic Lord. I think that we are in the same position today and that the same remedy is needed. We are called to pray and to encourage prayer especially before the crucifix and the Eucharistic Lord. …………………….On a personal note, the same week that I am reading and reflecting on this chapter I get asked to spend an hour on Wednesday mornings (1 to 2 a.m.) before the Eucharistic Lord at the “Power of Prayer” chapel. I have resisted doing this with Tom for some time but now really feel called to try it. Please pray that I can physically handle it. ………………..(sorry my reflections are so long)
- posted by Ruth @ 4:16 PM