To Be Sure

“Cast yourself into the arms of God. Be very sure that if He wants anything of you, He will lift you for the work and give you strength.” St. Philip Neri

We needed a place to meet twice a month for educational purposes. A dear Loretto sister friend offered us the centre in the downtown of the city where I live. She seemed to know we were looking for a place without even me asking. I wondered how she knew. She was quite gracious in hosting us. Again, Our Lord surprises us. It is only through listening and waiting, will we allow God to act in His time – not ours. Recently, I received a phone call from someone who was traveling. They are not religious people, but they happened upon the house of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Turkey. They sent me photos and told me that prayers were said on behalf of myself and the people in my life. I was quite taken aback but I was quite happy. That same week, I received some interesting news from a friend in another country who wanted me to know how well they were doing. All positive experiences made me think about how God does work wonders without us even knowing it. This is why we need to keep our eyes open to be aware of the mystery.

“I never wonder at another’s faults. I only wonder at God’s mercy to me after so many failings.” Mary Ward

AND

“We must wait on God’s time, whom we must follow, not go before.” Mary Ward

The Loretto Sister sent me a message about Mary Ward. I had heard about her, but I never did much research related to her. She lived in England at the time of the persecutions. Her family had seemed to be at the centre of things, and she lost two uncles in the Gun Powder Plot. Mary Ward and her small group moved around London incognito and Mary Ward even found herself in prison. She continued to serve God despite Church expectations at the time that women be enclosed. She was ahead of her time. She suffered during the Inquisition and was attacked by the Church as well. Nothing deterred her and she was exonerated. She died in 1645 leaving a small group of followers. The group flourished after her death. She led a remarkable life for God.

“The secret of being always with God and of assuring His continual presence in our hearts is constant prayer.” St. Isidore of Seville

Mary Ward lived in a difficult time and place in history, yet she never wavered in her faith. However, we are reminded by the Church often that many people in the world today suffer persecution and obstacles, yet they continue on the road they have met. Mary Ward is but one example of many in the Church and throughout history who have persevered in their faith in Christ. We cannot look at what we cannot do, but at what we can do, when led by Christ. We need to be more aware each day of the reality in front of us. We are always helped along the road, and Christ sends us people to remind us that we are never alone.

“I wonder at every moment how a person may risk the salvation of their soul for reasons absolutely futile and weak.” St. Leopoldo Mandic