A spiritual friend has sent information on this St. Vincent Ferrer, while the person humbly and courageously lives with mental illness, takes meds no one would want to take, doing great mystical good with suffering, along with the heroic compassion and fidelity of spouse and adult son--inspirational Christians and Catholics.The person's brother Tom remains battling COVID-19 for breath and life with blessing of ventilator, in ICU in major hospital. We keep praying for him and for everyone the world over!
I've had many thoughts and a phone conversation, a couple emails from spiritual friends, who have given me input on my lamentation. One reminded me of something I don't even recall having sent in the past: Treasure of Humility. From that gift long forgotten, was sent to me this morning a quote. "The lower you descend, the higher you ascend." This is helpful. Another spiritual friend emailed the reminder that we are all sinners.
Someone called to apologize if had ever added to or encouraged me by being receptive to what I find in myself so reprehensible. How humble of that person! Has not encouraged in my sin; I do well on my own in that! Was reminded that Jesus loves us all and forgives us. This is true, of course, but I did explain that last night I let the Lord know that it does not even matter to me if He forgives me. I know He does, for He loves me and puts up with me no matter what awful of my ugliness and sin. I don't even want to add that on of what He must do for me. HE DIED FOR ME--an act that is for all eternity.
But of course, I understand all the theological aspects, so please, readers, do not think ill of me all the more for not understanding what I'm trying to express. I did ask the one spiritual friend to not think I was "beating up on myself." The person knew instinctively, grace of God and wisdom the person possesses in great measure and so loves the Holy Spirit. Realized that my lamentation is necessary, very real, very rightful--even more rightful, needful, than what I myself realize.
I will share some of what the person who has such great suffering of mental illness wrote in regard to St. Vincent Ferrer. Of course, we are aware of daily saints, can read stuff ourselves. But I am so taken and inspired by this person, writing out the saint of the day and adding poignant thoughts. All is very regulated from the mind extremely intelligent, but moderated as such medications effectuate. How I cherish what this person writes! Really is miraculous, the spiritual immensity of that soul.
I appreciate, also, the person's pointing out to me that even saints were sinners, the Church has had times of such sinful foolishness. Even pointed out that there are 36 Doctors of the Church, four of them women. There is but one Virgin Mary, but who on earth of any gender embodied more grace, perfection, or more power, prestige, position--not that she wanted any of these last three? She was content with her gender, with her mission and purpose, God's will. Who was more humble, more nurturing, more influential and necessary to the maternal birthing and the earthly life of Jesus Christ, God-Man, who more respected of humans and for the ages? So in that regard, there are women who look to Mary, who do not envy, nor try to imitate, or wish they were men. Why would they in what matters in God and eternally? (And I'm not disregarding the good and holy need of economic, educational, societal, and various other temporal rights of women as much as these being rights for all people.)
"St. Vincent Ferrer...presbyter, religious, missionary (c. 1350-1419). Vincent Ferrer was a Spanish Dominican priest, born in the city of Valencia. He was one of the greatest preachers of his time. With singleminded determination he made preaching journeys through Spain, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland, drawing large crowds.
"Unfortunately, Vincent was also know for his attacks against the Jewish people and for trying to convert Jews to Christianity against their will.
"There are other saints guilty of this terrible sin, just as there are saints who supported slavery and saints who treated women badly. Saints re human beings and therefore are sinners. In the gospels, Jesus reminds us that He came for sinners, and that even the angels rejoice whenever a sinner repents.
"If you read his [Vincent Ferrer's] bio, he was alive when there were squabbles about who was the true pope. Vincent continued to preach, working until just before he died at the age of 70."
All very good aspects to remember. I've had various thoughts come to me in the silence today, and even with bits of news on in background off and on, as I like to keep up some with what is affecting the peoples of the earth--and now some animals, such as those in Brooklyn Zoo or such. Heard something of one or more getting COVID-19.
I'll try to write of the thoughts on subsequent posts. Going to now watch Mass from St. Patrick's Cathedral. Our parish live-streams daily on FB and on youtube, but I'm not on FB and laptop has warning when I try to open youtube site. Parish closed, so St. Patrick's will be my adopted one.
Please continue on this Palm Sunday: #PrayforEasterMiracle; we pray for miracles through this global coronavirus pandemic. Whatever God wills, however many, for any and all miracles. Let us recognize them daily!
God bless His Real Presence in us!
No comments:
Post a Comment