We take a short break from the madness, as it’s a special day! It’s a day where an unapologetic mixed-rite Catholic such as myself gets to both enjoy two feasts for the price of one (and yes, going to two Masses in one day is an honor, not a burden), as well as… birthday cake!
Two quick reminders. First, the Ascension is also the Second Glorious Mystery, the Fruit of which is the Theological Virtue of HOPE. Take good care not to sin against hope in these trying times, my brethren.
Second, never forget what our Lord and Savior did right before He Ascended… literally the very last thing he did while He stood on this earth. Do you remember? Mark 16:14
HE UPBRAIDED THEM.
“At length he appeared to the eleven as they were at table: and he upbraided them with their incredulity and hardness of heart”
These men all died saints, and our Lord thought it best to take their leave by tearing them a new one as a parting gift. How would you say your own lukewarmness compares to that of the Apostles? What message do you think the Lord might have for you today?
Before you go complete that reflection, we need to re-post some highlights from you know who:
The Maid of Orleans, my birthday saint
“About Jesus Christ and the Church, I just know they are one in the same thing.”
“One life is all we have and we live it as we believe. But to surrender who you are and to live without belief is more terrible than dying – even more terrible than dying young.”
In response to the trick question as to whether she was in the state of grace: “If I am not, may God put me there; and if I am, may God so keep me.”
“It is better to be alone with God. His friendship will not fail me, nor His counsel, nor His love. In His strength, I will dare and dare and dare until I die.”
“You say that you are my judge; I do not know if you are; but take good heed not to judge me ill, because you would put yourself in great peril.”
“Children say that people are hung sometimes for speaking the truth.”
“Go forward bravely. Fear nothing. Trust in God; all will be well.”
“All battles are first won or lost in the mind.”
“ACT, AND GOD WILL ACT.”
“I am not afraid, I was born to do this.”
Upon being chained to the stake: “Hold the Cross high, that I may see it through the flames.”
Her sentence was reversed and annulled by the Church in 1455. Beatified 11 April 1909. Canonized 16 May 1920.
St. Joan of Arc, ora pro nobis
Happy and blessed birthday Nonveni!….you (and the great Barnhardt) are warriors in the very mold of St. Joan. May God grant you great blessings and consolations on this day, and all days.
And as my Priest pointed out this morning: all of the other virtues including Faith and Hope pass away, never to be seen again. All that remains is *Love*. Jesus Christ opened up heaven itself for that sole purpose. Victory has already been won.
The grestest love that man ever had for wife will be replicated (increased infinitely) among every inhabitant of heaven for *each other*. No husband or wife there. Love for each other. Love beyond reason for our Holy Trinitarian God and His Mother.
I do believe things are moving in the right direction in our beloved Church. Our Priest (NO) was on fire today, in the best sense of that term.
Good work here. I like your focus.