Ag0ny In The Garden

AS a senior citizen put it to me today, "The news headlines are unbelievable."

Indeed, as stories of increasing pedophilia, violence, and attacks on the family and freedom of speech descend like a heavy rainfall, the temptation is to run for cover and see all as gloomy. Today, I could barely concentrate at Mass… the sorrow was so thick. 

Let’s not water-down reality:  it is gloomy, though the occasional ray of hope pierces the gray clouds of this moral storm. What I hear the Lord saying to us is this:

I know you are carrying a heavy cross. I know you are heavily burdened. But remember, you are only sharing in my Cross. Therefore, I am always carrying it with you. Would I abandon you, My beloved?

Remain as a little child. Give not into anxiety. Trust in me. I will supply your every need, whenever you need it, at the right moment. But you must go through this Passion—the whole Church must follow the Head.  It is time to drink the cup of My suffering. But as I was strengthened by an angel, so too, will I strengthen you.

Be of courage—I have already overcome the world!

Do not be afraid of anything you are going to suffer... remain faithful until death, I will give you the crown of life. (Rev 2:9-10)