From St. Gaspar:
Strive, dearly beloved, that “always wherever we may be we carry with us in our body the death of Jesus.”[1] At the time you became members of the Society, perhaps the world with scorn and derision sought to make you falter in your determination. Satan, too, desired that the love of comfort, attachment to your own opinions, rudeness in conduct, and self-will should replace your good resolutions and a life of service to God. What, then, did the good Lord do? He showed you a way to ground yourselves in humility, obedience, and sacrifice in the hidden and modest life. He rejoices to hear you repeat: “I have chosen to be an abject in the house of my God.[2]”
[1] 2 Cor 4:10
[2] Gaspar is quoting from the Vulgate from Psalm 83:11 “Elegi abjectus esse” which the Douay translates I have chosen to be an abject in the house of my God, rather than to dwell in the tabernacles of sinners. Modern translations from the original languages have a slightly different sense, “Better the threshold of the house of my God than a home in the tents of the wicked.”
Strive, dearly beloved, that “always wherever we may be we carry with us in our body the death of Jesus.”[1] At the time you became members of the Society, perhaps the world with scorn and derision sought to make you falter in your determination. Satan, too, desired that the love of comfort, attachment to your own opinions, rudeness in conduct, and self-will should replace your good resolutions and a life of service to God. What, then, did the good Lord do? He showed you a way to ground yourselves in humility, obedience, and sacrifice in the hidden and modest life. He rejoices to hear you repeat: “I have chosen to be an abject in the house of my God.[2]”
- What is my deepest desire?
- What emotions, pursuits, or opinions can I let go of?
- Where might God's invitation lead me today?
[1] 2 Cor 4:10
[2] Gaspar is quoting from the Vulgate from Psalm 83:11 “Elegi abjectus esse” which the Douay translates I have chosen to be an abject in the house of my God, rather than to dwell in the tabernacles of sinners. Modern translations from the original languages have a slightly different sense, “Better the threshold of the house of my God than a home in the tents of the wicked.”
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