Deo Gratia

Today, I was reminded of the love and care that God has for us all. It seems that when it rains, it pours, yet I have noticed that tests are often a result of our pride or vanity. We say, think, do, or believe that we are above all things and that we could never sink to the level of others; and by doing so, we are tested. Tested is not quite what some would like to hear; but, nonetheless tested we are. If we say we can handle anything, than brother, be prepared to see what comes your way. If we say, "I'm not like so and so, I would never...", be careful, never may come sooner than you think. If we judge others on our perfect (in our eyes) lives; than our lives may soon be changed drastically. Whatever that case, God hears us and sometimes He doesn't like what He hears.

I have been tested and continue to be. It is because of my sin of pride that I am brought to my knees. It is my own word that mocks God and therefore; He chastises me as a father does his son, because He wants me to mend my life and change my judgemental attitude towards my fellow man. God does bring down the rain (trials/tests) to humble us and remind us of our faults so that we may repent, ask for forgiveness, and be more compassionate towards all...regardless of who we think they are.

Today I was reminded that DOMINUS (the Lord) is in charge of all. Through our suffering and trials, He works His will and lovingly blesses us with what we need, not what we want. Deo gratia (thank God) for this day that Thou has given me and my family. Thank you Jesus Christus (Jesus Christ) for Thy compassion and love. Thank you Sancta Maria, Mater Dei (Holy Mary, Mother of God) for Thy prayers of intersession. Thank you St. Jude for your miraculous prayers to our Lord on our behalf. Thank you St. Michael for your intervention and protection in our spiritual war against the evil one. And thank everyone who prays for our intentions and those of all in need.

This was a beautiful day that our Omnipotens Deus (all powerful God) has given us. Though we are not worthy, His mercy endures forever. Deo gratia Dominum nostrum per misericordia tua. Amen. (Thank you God, our Lord for thy mercy. Amen.)

Carry Our Cross

A friend of mine once told me that God gives us the cross that we must each carry...

When we can no longer bear the weight of the wood and stumble and fall, He is there to help us with our cross, usually in the form of a friend or relative who happens to come along at the right moment. How many times haven't we fallen? I know that no matter how many times I am tempted and fall, God has always forgiven me and called me to Him.

If you or I can help someone in spiritual need, we should rejoice in being given the opportunity to be God's messenger of hope. I encourage you to e-mail me your stories of how you have seen the face of God. Sometimes we feel alone and unwanted, yet He is always waiting for us to swallow our pride and call Him. Please pray for me and all others in need. If you can't pray, sing. He gave us our voice (whether we like it or not) it was meant to be lifted up in sung praise. I am reminded of the lyrics to an old hymn:

All creatures of our God and King

Lift up your voice and with us sing

Alleluia, Alleluia

O golden sun with golden gleam

And silver moon with softer sheen

O praise Him, O praise Him,

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.