"God, indeed, who brings things to maturity, requires us to be patient for his works are generated and cultivated through thorns, crosses, and all sorts of hardships that accompany a ministry of the primary and essential relationship in the Church of Jesus Christ. "Faith comes through hearing..." [1]
With regard to periods of fasting, this can be examined at a later time. In the meantime, their interior attitudes should be set deeply within, like mysterious roots of mystical plants. Allow them to grow to maturity, and all things in due time.[2] For the time being, therefore, they should adapt to a mitigated rule to rescue them from the sense of guilt. We shall climb Jacob's ladder very gradually, step by step.[3]
[1] Letter 946 to Cristaldi, August 20, 1824
[2] et omnia cum tempore
[3] letter 739, July 7, 1823, to Msgr. Carlo Manassi, Bishop of Priverno, Sezze and Terracina
For Discussion:
When involved in any relationship it is often true that we must fast from our own ideas and opinions in order to listen to another. We have to let go of our own expectations in order to receive the other as they are, not as we imagine them to be. If we live in a land of plenty and anything is available to us anytime we want it, we are filled, satisfied, in need of nothing and no one else. If we fast from these things, possibly we could hunger for something greater, more satisfying.
With regard to periods of fasting, this can be examined at a later time. In the meantime, their interior attitudes should be set deeply within, like mysterious roots of mystical plants. Allow them to grow to maturity, and all things in due time.[2] For the time being, therefore, they should adapt to a mitigated rule to rescue them from the sense of guilt. We shall climb Jacob's ladder very gradually, step by step.[3]
[1] Letter 946 to Cristaldi, August 20, 1824
[2] et omnia cum tempore
[3] letter 739, July 7, 1823, to Msgr. Carlo Manassi, Bishop of Priverno, Sezze and Terracina
For Discussion:
When involved in any relationship it is often true that we must fast from our own ideas and opinions in order to listen to another. We have to let go of our own expectations in order to receive the other as they are, not as we imagine them to be. If we live in a land of plenty and anything is available to us anytime we want it, we are filled, satisfied, in need of nothing and no one else. If we fast from these things, possibly we could hunger for something greater, more satisfying.
- What am I giving up for Lent this year?
- How might I direct this fast toward God?
- What would it be like to hunger for God alone?
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