The three theological virtues—faith, hope, and love—accompany us on our earthly pilgrimage, during which we are constantly tested in each of them. There are moments when one virtue stands out in a particular way in our trial before God. Saint Paul teaches us that the greatest of these is love, perhaps because it is always rooted in the heart of those who love and suffer for God. When the virtue of faith is severely tested, even if it remains only as a spark, the other two virtues are, paradoxically, also put to the test and, at the same time, exalted.
There is a certain emphasis on Augustinian spirituality centered on the heart, which even inspired the choice of the current pope’s pontifical coat of arms. I recall that Eastern spirituality, including its “non-Christian variants,” often discusses the use of techniques that synchronize one’s breathing with thought and praise dedicated to God, which I frankly consider an exaggeration. Augustinian spirituality, on the other hand, offers the heart as an instrument of continuous praise and as a repository of God’s grace. In a way, it is as if each heartbeat were synchronized with love and unceasing praise to God. If we bring this together with the theology of the dark night of the soul and the primordial grace of contrition embraced in the sacrament of confession, we have the model of a heart that loves, suffers, and prays. These are the sufferings of Gethsemane reinterpreted in an infinitely lesser way, and the dark night of the soul that reached even some of the greatest saints of the Church, such as St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Ávila, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
Sanctus, when you have the time, I think you would love the homily that Fr Chris Alar gives today. He talks about the long dark night of the soul that St. Teresa of Calcutta experienced throughout most of her religious life. Perhaps you are one of the souls that is called to higher sanctity than most others. You still persist in your pursuit of holiness and show great faith even though you “feel” abandoned. The homily starts at 10:47. Also listen to the choice of an excerpt from St. Faustina’s diary. Teresa and Faustina echo one another. While still extremely difficult to live through, you may be a saint in formation! Excerpt of St Faustina’s diary starts at 44:45. HAPPY FEAST DAY, MOTHER TERESA. PRAY FOR US https://www.youtube.com/live/NBlTusWxV9k?si=kh_Iwk-IPajH25QS
Thanks very much, djmoforegon. Yes, I keep trying to persevere. I find things are getting better lately thank God.
Feeling under attack spiritually today. Perhaps it is due to Padre Pio feast day. In a very difficult place. Could do with prayers. I feel in an impossible place
Sanctus, you are always in my prayers as my own 3 sons struggles are similar, in ways, to yours. Listen to Fr Chris Alar's sermon or even entire Mass for today. It is fab as usual Pray, hope and don't worry.. https://divinemercyplus.org/videos/holy-mass-live
Prayers today. I used to feel great comfort in reading Padre Pio's letters to his spiritual children when they were in Darkness. He was such a very,very kind man so empathetic. He knew all about darkness and suffering himself. I will be praying for you today. https://caccioppoli.com/Padre Pio a...rayer. Gift of tears. The Prayer Groups..html
Pitbulls of the Lord Spiritual Warfare podcast on YouTube has a wonderful talk about St Gemma Galgani today. I know she is a favorite saint of your so I thought I woukd pass it along.
Sanctus, my prayers going up to heaven for you. May the peace of our Lord be upon you. I will ask Padre Pio for his intersession.
More prayers today. Saint Gemma was such a little ship without an anchor pushed into the storms of life. All she had to rely on was the wind of the Holy Spirit to blow her ashore. All she had was trust. But God took care of her perfectly. She is a great teacher at the moment when all seems to be falling apart all around us. There was one particular photo is her is very telling. I think it was taken when she had just been attacked by the devil. But I have to say she always looked like Miss Supercool. An effect of constant prayer and very,very beautiful indeed.
I read a quote from Saint Terese the Little Flower earlier today. She said "the depth of your suffering will be matched with consolation."
