The Gospel
John 10:31‑42
I have done many good works for you to see, works from my father;
for which of these are you stoning me.
St. Gaspar
Let us joyfully carry the cross that God gives us: "I exceedingly abound with joy in all our tribulation."[1] Do not think about the past; be at peace, very much at peace and even more so with regard to the present which promises further and more ample blessings. If suffering is a grace, which it truly is, this is a sign of those more mature merits for which God is disposing us. Our lives, more or less, are like winter. In the springtime one sees the work that the winter has produced in the depths of the earth. Be courageous. These are the fruits that arise from the plant of the cross. Let us apply this image of winter to our souls. Never lose hold of a sweet confidence in God; never lose serenity of mind in God. To pray, for example, for more suffering is not, in my judgment, something called for at the present time. Let us willingly suffer whatever God wishes. Let us repeat often: " Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." We are to do the will of God as it is done in heaven. So, make distant those feelings of anguish. I repeat, those fears, those perplexities. “Why art thou sad, O my soul?” [2] Let us enjoy the peace which God grants to us and in his divine Heart let us find that feeling of calmness even in all the storms that surround us.[3]
Reflection
We begin to witness the unfolding of events that make up the heart of the Christian life. He does not shrink away. They wanted a Messiah according to their own expectations, and yet he remains who he is. Our vocation is to find holiness in him, and as they are called to believe because of the works he does, so are we. We are also called to undertake the same works. We do what Jesus does, seeking to be found faithful in him. We endure whatever comes, not shrinking away. We follow the example of Jesus and the teaching of St. Gaspar.
As Jeremiah called on the Lord in his distress, so we with St. Gaspar, entrust our cause to the Lord. St. Gaspar teaches us that, though we do not pray for suffering, we endure joyfully whatever comes. As Gaspar was known as one of the "joyful ones"[4] in prison, we too take our winters and joyfully trust in spring.
[1] 2 Cor. 7:4
[2] Psalms 41:6
[3] to Mother Maria Nazzarena De Castris, January 1, 1834, Letter 2648, Strokes of the Pen V, 15.1, pg 38
[4] cf. Gaspar's Prison Experiences, pg 91
John 10:31‑42
I have done many good works for you to see, works from my father;
for which of these are you stoning me.
St. Gaspar
Let us joyfully carry the cross that God gives us: "I exceedingly abound with joy in all our tribulation."[1] Do not think about the past; be at peace, very much at peace and even more so with regard to the present which promises further and more ample blessings. If suffering is a grace, which it truly is, this is a sign of those more mature merits for which God is disposing us. Our lives, more or less, are like winter. In the springtime one sees the work that the winter has produced in the depths of the earth. Be courageous. These are the fruits that arise from the plant of the cross. Let us apply this image of winter to our souls. Never lose hold of a sweet confidence in God; never lose serenity of mind in God. To pray, for example, for more suffering is not, in my judgment, something called for at the present time. Let us willingly suffer whatever God wishes. Let us repeat often: " Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." We are to do the will of God as it is done in heaven. So, make distant those feelings of anguish. I repeat, those fears, those perplexities. “Why art thou sad, O my soul?” [2] Let us enjoy the peace which God grants to us and in his divine Heart let us find that feeling of calmness even in all the storms that surround us.[3]
Reflection
We begin to witness the unfolding of events that make up the heart of the Christian life. He does not shrink away. They wanted a Messiah according to their own expectations, and yet he remains who he is. Our vocation is to find holiness in him, and as they are called to believe because of the works he does, so are we. We are also called to undertake the same works. We do what Jesus does, seeking to be found faithful in him. We endure whatever comes, not shrinking away. We follow the example of Jesus and the teaching of St. Gaspar.
As Jeremiah called on the Lord in his distress, so we with St. Gaspar, entrust our cause to the Lord. St. Gaspar teaches us that, though we do not pray for suffering, we endure joyfully whatever comes. As Gaspar was known as one of the "joyful ones"[4] in prison, we too take our winters and joyfully trust in spring.
- What is the cross I carry now?
- How would I describe my trust in spring?
- How do I plan to celebrate the Easter mysteries?
[1] 2 Cor. 7:4
[2] Psalms 41:6
[3] to Mother Maria Nazzarena De Castris, January 1, 1834, Letter 2648, Strokes of the Pen V, 15.1, pg 38
[4] cf. Gaspar's Prison Experiences, pg 91
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