2045 Because they are members of the Body whose Head is Christ,89 Christians contribute to building up the Church by the constancy of their convictions and their moral lives. The Church increases, grows, and develops through the holiness of her faithful, until “we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”90 (Catechism of the Catholic Church)
It’s not the things that you do once in a while that make the biggest impact, but those that you do continuously and even sacrificially at times. If God puts something in Your heart, just put your blinders on and work at it with determination. Don’t look to the world for support, it’s more than likely that you won’t get it. It’s ok. God has given you everything you need to accomplish anything that He asks of you. Work at it, leave the results to Him.
Today is the Feast Day of Our Lady of the Rosary, very meaningful as we focus on Perseverance. I often like to speak about God’s beautiful and intelligent plan for creation. Well, Mary was a big part of that plan. Not only did she give birth to the Savior, but she’s now united with Him as we hope to be one day and can assist us on our wellness journey and help us to persevere.
There’s a story that I read about some time after the Lord gave me the
insights on the circular staircase, it really confirmed things for me.
It’s attributed to Saint Francis’ spiritual director…Fra Leo. He had a dream
of two ladders, a red one of legalism and the white one of grace.
At the top of the red one stood this solemn Jesus that appeared demanding
and harsh. As hard as the friars tried to climb this ladder, they would only
make it up a few steps and they would back slide and have to continuously
restart. Then St. Francis told them to come to the white ladder instead. At the
top of the white ladder stood Mary, who is full of grace herself and a loving, encouraging Mother to each of us who are in Christ. And they were able to
persevere and make it to the top. Remember, Jesus IS the way! He doesn’t
stand from afar calling us…He is there with us for every step and brings in
all the help we may need.
I took this photo when I visited Portugal back in 2013. This white circular staircase is located at the parish church of the shepherd Children of Fatima.
This week’s Marian Consecration video is on the Rosary. Coincidence? I don’t think so! 😀
St. Adelaide’s
Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death.
