SUNDAY II LENT: the strength that comes from God

Posted on March 5, 2023 by franksantucci

Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. (2 Tm 1:8)

How happy they are to be able to sacrifice themselves for their brothers whom they are sanctifying, saving, placing in glory, at the price of their lives, like our Divine Master who died for the salvation of people! How admirable they are! But also, how fortunate, these dear martyrs of love! What a beautiful page in the history of our Congregation!

Letter of Eugene de Mazenod to Fr. Bruno Guigues  describing  the heroic ministry of the Oblates during the cholera epidemic, 1 August 1835, EO VIII n 529

REFLECTION

 Lord Jesus, give me the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting my teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes me strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for me. Jesus, give me strength in my weakness. Amen.

 Wendy van Eyck

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One Response to SUNDAY II LENT: the strength that comes from God

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate says:
    March 5, 2023 at 12:25

    I find myself thinking of Mary, the Mother of God, our Mother who said yes to God and about whom we know so little except that she raised Jesus, that she was taken into heaven and how she stood at the foot of the Cross…

    Imagine her pain as she watched her son being taken into custody, being beaten and flogged, and then condemned to die in the most horrific way possible. Stripped of all dignity and clothed only in ridicule and scorn.

    The strength that she gathered around herself as she stood at the foot of the cross – armour made from velvet. Surely it was only the glory of God that gave her strength to endure what she did, without blaming, condemning or striking out at the Romans, the scribes, the Pharisees… She was not filled with self-righteousness.

    This morning I ask myself if my strength is fueled by love, anger or fear? Or is given life by God…, fueled by loving service or perhaps nourished and filled by some inner light and love?

    God grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change, courage to change things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

    Reply

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