Monday, January 25, 2010

Conversion of Saint Paul

From the LOH this morning...

Homily by Saint John Chrysostom, bishop

"Each day he (St. Paul) aimed higher; each day he rose up with greater ardor and faced with new eagerness the dangers that threatened him. He summed up his attitude in the words: I forget what is behind me and push on to what lies ahead. When he saw death imminent, he bade others share his joy: Rejoice and be glad with me! And when danger, injustice and abuse threatened, he said: I am content with weakness, mistreatment and persecution. These he called the weapons of righteousness, thus telling us that he derived immense profit from them."

To have such zeal for the love of Christ. How can I, as I start my day, have such enthusiasm to embrace whatever He has planned for me? I struggle as the old me still clings to pride. I've asked Jesus to help me with this -- although I said it in a whisper just in case he decides to take me up on it and allow a boatload of trials designed to purify me:-) (SIGH) So thankful he never tires of me and my lukewarm ways.

4 comments:

Mary N. said...

Julia,
I don't think when the Lord was talking about the lukewarm that He meant you to be counted among these. You seem to love Him a great deal :) I do often pray for zeal like St. Paul's, though. To be on fire for the Lord every minute of the day, no matter what, would be awesome!

CJ Sweet said...

Hi Julia!! Thanks for the comments on my blog. I am feeling much better thanks. Loved this post of yours, although I agree with Mary, I don't think Our Lord would number you among the lukewarm. :-) Pax et Bonum!!

Mary N. said...

Julia,
I sent you an e-mail:) I'm just leaving a comment in case you don't get it. Let me know if I didn't send it to the right address. God bless!

Anne Marie said...

Julia, that is wonderful insight -
and I am not familiar with a secular Carmelite order -