God, What Can I Do?
The Carpenter and the Trash Collector
Photo By: Flickr/foundin_a_attic
Very interesting indeed are the many ways that our Lord works in our lives. He is forever building us up or working to fix and repair damage done. Or, He is also there, able and ready to carry out whatever trash has come into our lives--no matter how piled up the mess is. He also knows the importance of 'recycling' what we think may be junk. DOES HE EVER!!
After finishing the series on inner healing, the Holy Spirit comes into my life with new material that needs to be written about. AGING, STIGMATAS, and the LIVING SACRIFICE.
Our readings today confirmed this topic and I needed to be reminded of this CALL on my life, and SO DO YOU! We are all called and chosen for very individualized reasons.
After finishing the series on inner healing, the Holy Spirit comes into my life with new material that needs to be written about. AGING, STIGMATAS, and the LIVING SACRIFICE.
Our readings today confirmed this topic and I needed to be reminded of this CALL on my life, and SO DO YOU! We are all called and chosen for very individualized reasons.
Reading 1 2 TM 4:1-8
"Beloved: I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus,
who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths.
But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.
From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance."
Our call now? Everyday, an OLDER person is allowed to have the stigmata of Jesus carrying His cross be in our body. We ache and we have arthritic pain. We are oh so tired and weary, weak as we take one step at a time carefully so not to fall. Our eyes may be blurred at times, vision poor. We may falter and be discouraged and wonder "why, Father, why?"
You did not realize or see these daily symptoms as 'stigmata' did you? They are also reminders for us to PRAY FOR ALL WHO are SUFFERING AS WE ARE. This is how we are to be the LIVING SACRIFICE as Jesus was, offering up all we feel as a prayer to our Lord.
So, beloved aging person, do not be sad, down, weary of life ---for the Lord your GOD still needs you to be faithful in all you have been taught. Be faithful to the CALL to come and follow me, taking up those crosses, and let your symptoms be stigmata to remind you how Jesus suffered as you do. Pray for all who suffer as you do.
Today's Responsorial Reading reminds us too; how to daily live in our struggles. Offer up PRAISE AND THANKS for this opens up the doors to set you free!! Free of 'woe is me' mumbling and grumbling. So, sing out your moaning and groaning until they become laughter and joy. Know this truth! GOD IS NOT DONE WITH YOU YET!!!
Responsorial Psalm PS 71:8-9, 14-15AB, 16-17, 22
R. (see 15ab) I will sing of your salvation.
My mouth shall be filled with your praise,
with your glory day by day.
Cast me not off in my old age;
as my strength fails, forsake me not.
But I will always hope
and praise you ever more and more.
My mouth shall declare your justice,
day by day your salvation.
I will treat of the mighty works of the Lord;
O God, I will tell of your singular justice.
O God, you have taught me from my youth,
and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
So will I give you thanks with music on the lyre,
for your faithfulness, O my God!
I will sing your praises with the harp,
Next Blog---the TRASH COLLECTOR :)
Recommended Stories
About the Author
Born the youngest of nine children, raised VERY Catholic across the street from Immaculate Heart of Mary church and school—Mom and Dad led by example and word their FAITH in God and saw to it that I was given 12 years of Catholic Education. (Mount St. Mary’s Academy/1965)
But, most importantly, because of my parents’ spiritual renewal after attending Cursillo Weekends, I too went on a retreat at our beloved Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas and there, at age 20, gave my life totally, surrendering all to my Lord and best Friend. This was my “Pentecostal” event that left me, like all the early Christians, on fire with God’s love and forever changed.
My husband Robert and I have been married for 52 this year in a marriage arranged by God. We have 8 children, two in heaven, 24 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. The story of our life together can be found in a book titled “My Journey, My Cross-As the Journals End,” published by Westbow Press . Our life together has been one awesome up and down roller coaster ride which enriched my heart with so many of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I have found that the only way, Wisdom, Understanding, Words of Knowledge, Discernment, and Healing can be received is first by experiencing in your life the hurts of others. (and you yourself a sword will pierce)* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2 v 35.
God has blessed me also many other talents and skills--but sometimes, blessings/gifts can and have caused problems or conflict in my life, as I am human and all too quickly that part of me shows up. Thank You God that You also show up!
Because of the many ways that He has rescued me, and taught me through my trials and tribulations and continuous cries for “Help”--- a weekly podcast radio show called “It’s Me, God” can still be found on www.radiotitans.com
