Moving with Courage

“To have courage for whatever comes in life — everything lies in that.”  - St. Teresa of Avila

Recently, someone I know planned to retire. They were outlining their plans for the future, and I thought how interesting those plans were. Then I thought again, God might have something else in mind. Whatever comes in life, we want to be ready. A family member has been getting some eye treatment, and it has been more than an inconvenience. However, we must move forward despite the obstacles. I attended one of the last RCIA meetings before the big events. One of the leaders gave an account of our Lord’s movements during Holy Week. I have heard this countless times but for some reason I was quite moved. Jesus knew what was coming yet he accepted what was asked of Him. I am not sure any of us are capable of accepting what God asks from us. We duck, we avoid, we find ways out of it. The road ahead is too difficult. I have been trying to hire some renovators for various projects. They come by, tell what they can do, and then disappear. How many of us disappear? It is easier but it does not make us grow.   

St. Paul of the Cross: “We must also devote ourselves totally to the will of God, whether we find it enjoyable or painful."

Born 1521 at Castronuovo, a small town in Sicily, St. Andrew Avellino, whose real name was Lancelotto, entered the order of the Theatines. He was a great lover of chastity and after receiving his training, his handsome appearance was attractive to women. He took ecclesiastical tonsure. He studies canon law and was ordained at 26. During a legal argument in court a lie escaped his lips and he felt intense remorse. The local bishop of Naples asked him to reform a religious community since it had fallen into scandal. The other religious were displeased at the interference of their clandestine meetings. He restored religious discipline to the community. His example was so great that many people wanted to study under him. His zeal spoke volumes and even St. Charles Borromeo was close to him. These are people we need to emulate. Another saint we can model is Monica. Her son, Augustine, had strayed from the faith and she asked St. Ambrose of Milan for guidance. She prayed without stopping. Her prayers were answered and St. Augustine became the great man we know today. She died in peace. There are stories after stories about such great people. During Holy Week, before His passion, our Lord rested at Bethany, likely at the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Imagine hosting our Lord!!

St. Cyprian of Carthage: “Persevere in labours that lead to salvation. Always be busy in spiritual actions."

Are we ready for Holy Week? Are we prepared for the celebrations after Easter. These are not simply days, but this is the time of the year when we live the events in real time. It is easy to disappear, to ignore what is in front of us and then simply forget what is waiting for us. This is the time we must remember what is possible for all of us. Who are we following? What are we asking? Yes, even the Apostles fell and doubted but they returned. St. Peter, with his obstinacy, always came back. He knew where the truth was and what was possible for him. Was it easy? No! Was it great? Yes! I would submit that I see many people at daily mass and these same people have the same faith, and they are determined to go deeper into their faith. The recent feast of the Annunciation reminds us that saying yes to what is asked of us opens many doors. It is easy to go to confession once. The second and third time becomes the challenge because then we are in a relationship with the Infinite. This relationship exists past Easter and all year long.

"Approval, consensus and visibility are often given excessive importance, to the point of shaping people's ideas, behaviors and even their inner lives," the pope said before he led the recitation of the Angelus prayer with visitors gathered in St. Peter's Square. "This causes suffering and division, and gives rise to lifestyles and relationships that are fragile, disappointing and imprisoning." Pope Leo XIV