The death of a loved one, getting low grades, or having an accident are all considered a big loss. Well, who wouldn’t?
It is something that cannot be naively forgotten. The word disgrace may be the right term and for most people, it cannot be remedied already. It is there like a wound that can’t be healed. Thus, some sink into desperation, others couldn’t recover, and worst of all, some commit suicide to end the misery that the human body is experiencing.
Our human intellect is mostly governed by the mere senses we easily grasp. And sometimes, it is unfortunately hampered to ponder over and deeper the meaning of life. Nowadays, people are beset on mulling less of what truly matters most and more of what the flagrant passion desires. Human weakness and native blindness is sadly and closely suffocating the people all around.
Indeed, I may be one of them. Finding myself stumbling from the same awkward situation, I thought of simply forgetting all good habits I’ve developed. It’s useless since I couldn’t sustain it. After all, it’s a lot easier to remain falling rather than rising up again for it requires a greater effort more than one had maintained.
Time and time again, conscience - or more explicitly - the soul is telling us to be better. That if we can’t run, then perhaps we can walk. And if we can’t walk, perhaps we should crawl. Getting back to stage 1 like a baby who’s learning to stand by himself may be an irony for those who’ve reached incredible heights on achieving things. But it is there where one can find out how to proceed on acquiring better virtues.
The nerve to move ahead despite difficulties should remind us of Our Lord’s passion. For just as He continued His way to Calvary, so should we tread this painful world. Sinless that He is, He chose to suffer for mankind. How much more of us who are immense sinners?
Losing a battle should be a lesson to be taken seriously. Success can never be without failure. For when one constantly wins, the tendency to stop from attaining worthier merits is likely to occur. A scar may remain in each plummet but it doesn’t really matter if one thinks that it’s there as a memento to avoid such fateful mishap.
Like a pencil that needs to be sharpened when it’s already worn out, so should be that person tumbling from a momentous climb. There should the person begin to write in a new page with vivacity and brighter strokes. Contemplating always in mind Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin would make it even brilliant for They had already set an example. As a matter of fact, it is only up to us to follow with all humility and perfect submission.
Oh Blessed Virgin, do thou always assist me. Grant that on my every fall, I may rise one step closer to thee and God! Amen.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
MJ and My Sister (July 13, 2009, Monday)
Just a few days from now, my sister would be celebrating her birthday. Ironically, it is the day that the annual local festivity here would end - and I believe - with such a wild activity. I guess the only consolation from that are the awesome fireworks to be held at night as a farewell ceremony.
Michael Jackson had been my sister’s inspiration for quite a long time now. Most of the time I see her buried with her MJ projects - from website to essay. I kept wondering what will happen to her if suddenly Michael would be gone away. And unexpectedly, it came very soon.
When the news reached my sister of his sudden death, I couldn’t believe her actions. The moment after was like a nightmare. She was crying and almost panting, she said she believed it to be true. At first, I was skeptical and it was the following Wednesday that I was convinced when I glanced from the local newspaper stating that he passed away.
Dreadfully, I felt like my sister’s world was shattered. And no matter how much I express my sympathy, she was still lacking vigor from time to time. As she asked for my prayers for the repose of his soul, I was rather bent on praying for her than him.
I don’t know why my sister ever liked MJ. He was weird and his style was exotic. His life was wrapped up with full of curiosity and mystery that one can naturally consider him dangerous. He even got albums entitled Bad and Dangerous and such were enough reasons to deem him a bad influence for souls. I tried my best to dissuade her from admiring him but she’s unmovable.
As a person who always thinks positive, I sometimes asked her to tell more about MJ. You bet, she was never out of words for him and even to the point that I had to cut off our conversation due to day’s work or night’s bedtime. From there, I learned of his charitable works for the maimed and abandoned and of how he made orphaned children happy by his mere jovial presence.
Indeed, he may be a good guy. Perhaps my sister was right that somewhere beneath, Michael had a good heart that is quite unnoticeable by the average person. He wished evil to no one yet many people loved to pin him down. He was rather a person whose character cannot be easily judged for even though he got an out of this world get up, he managed to care for his children and be a good father still. Thereupon, Our Lord’s words rang on my mind that “Judge not, that you may not be judged” and that “the publicans and the harlots shall go into the kingdom of God before you.”
It sucks to know that my sister would be celebrating her natal day with MJ on the grave. He was her greatest inspiration but she’s all alone now. I just hope she’d get over with it. Prayers work and I’ll never cease believing for brighter days.
I can never be an MJ fan for I’ve long abandoned admiring celebrities. I’ve decided it’s best to look up instead on saints and the Blessed Virgin as role models. But as for Michael, he had influenced my sister to have a meaning in her life and I simply couldn’t be ungrateful for that.
Somebody gave MJ a rose. I may never have a chance to throw flowers on his tomb but offering Masses for his soul is the worthiest of all. And this I will always do in gratitude for the many things he did that had touched my sister - creating in her a better way of life.
Eternal rest grant unto Michael’s soul, oh Lord. And let your perpetual help shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. Oh Blessed Virgin, meet his soul in pity!
Michael Jackson had been my sister’s inspiration for quite a long time now. Most of the time I see her buried with her MJ projects - from website to essay. I kept wondering what will happen to her if suddenly Michael would be gone away. And unexpectedly, it came very soon.
When the news reached my sister of his sudden death, I couldn’t believe her actions. The moment after was like a nightmare. She was crying and almost panting, she said she believed it to be true. At first, I was skeptical and it was the following Wednesday that I was convinced when I glanced from the local newspaper stating that he passed away.
Dreadfully, I felt like my sister’s world was shattered. And no matter how much I express my sympathy, she was still lacking vigor from time to time. As she asked for my prayers for the repose of his soul, I was rather bent on praying for her than him.
I don’t know why my sister ever liked MJ. He was weird and his style was exotic. His life was wrapped up with full of curiosity and mystery that one can naturally consider him dangerous. He even got albums entitled Bad and Dangerous and such were enough reasons to deem him a bad influence for souls. I tried my best to dissuade her from admiring him but she’s unmovable.
As a person who always thinks positive, I sometimes asked her to tell more about MJ. You bet, she was never out of words for him and even to the point that I had to cut off our conversation due to day’s work or night’s bedtime. From there, I learned of his charitable works for the maimed and abandoned and of how he made orphaned children happy by his mere jovial presence.
Indeed, he may be a good guy. Perhaps my sister was right that somewhere beneath, Michael had a good heart that is quite unnoticeable by the average person. He wished evil to no one yet many people loved to pin him down. He was rather a person whose character cannot be easily judged for even though he got an out of this world get up, he managed to care for his children and be a good father still. Thereupon, Our Lord’s words rang on my mind that “Judge not, that you may not be judged” and that “the publicans and the harlots shall go into the kingdom of God before you.”
It sucks to know that my sister would be celebrating her natal day with MJ on the grave. He was her greatest inspiration but she’s all alone now. I just hope she’d get over with it. Prayers work and I’ll never cease believing for brighter days.
I can never be an MJ fan for I’ve long abandoned admiring celebrities. I’ve decided it’s best to look up instead on saints and the Blessed Virgin as role models. But as for Michael, he had influenced my sister to have a meaning in her life and I simply couldn’t be ungrateful for that.
Somebody gave MJ a rose. I may never have a chance to throw flowers on his tomb but offering Masses for his soul is the worthiest of all. And this I will always do in gratitude for the many things he did that had touched my sister - creating in her a better way of life.
Eternal rest grant unto Michael’s soul, oh Lord. And let your perpetual help shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. Oh Blessed Virgin, meet his soul in pity!
A Unique Privilege (July 11, 2009, Saturday)
The first Sunday of July was blessed to have 3 SSPX brothers present in the usual Mass schedule early morning. All of them originated from our lowly chapel and were actually spending their vacations. And upon entering the chapel, to my great astonishment, I found the 4 religious consecrated men - the other one was the visiting priest - singing the Divine Office inside the house which was adjacent to the chapel.
It had reminded me of our initial visit to a traditional Catholic Church. Our Lady of Victories Church was serene, elegant and clean. 3 priests and 2 brothers were praying in the elevated place which was especially built for them in the sanctuary. Then the brother clapped and all arose, made the Sign of the Cross, and started chanting the Divine Office. I was captivated and completely spellbound noticing their exceptional politeness and interior disposition. For the first time ever, I felt like I was in the company of saints uttering praises to the Triune God.
It left me with a desire to observe them even more and admiring their melodious voices, I stopped my prayers and followed them by heart. As days passed by and we heard Mass there on Sundays, I began realizing that there was no rank or superiority when it comes to praying the Office. I remember seeing the district superior and the prior choose the insignificant position never minding the younger priest to take the lead. Humility had been instilled on them and it is true to say that it reveals the sublime character of souls.
Such were the wonderful memories that reveled on my mind as I listen to them repeating exactly those words I heard sang 8 years ago. Their harmonious voices may be faint as the faithful were already reciting the Rosary but I was still glad to experience it once more. It is a rare incident to occur here and those edifying actions were the ones I long missed. I yearned for it to resuscitate me from this sinking world and having the unique privilege to behold it again, I was certain Our Lord is beseeching me to imitate those beautiful virtues and breathe the purer air that enfolds the religious life.
Oh Lord my God, grant me to love Thy ways. Strengthen my resolve not to offend Thee any longer so that Thou wilt always find a dwelling in my heart! Amen.
It had reminded me of our initial visit to a traditional Catholic Church. Our Lady of Victories Church was serene, elegant and clean. 3 priests and 2 brothers were praying in the elevated place which was especially built for them in the sanctuary. Then the brother clapped and all arose, made the Sign of the Cross, and started chanting the Divine Office. I was captivated and completely spellbound noticing their exceptional politeness and interior disposition. For the first time ever, I felt like I was in the company of saints uttering praises to the Triune God.
It left me with a desire to observe them even more and admiring their melodious voices, I stopped my prayers and followed them by heart. As days passed by and we heard Mass there on Sundays, I began realizing that there was no rank or superiority when it comes to praying the Office. I remember seeing the district superior and the prior choose the insignificant position never minding the younger priest to take the lead. Humility had been instilled on them and it is true to say that it reveals the sublime character of souls.
Such were the wonderful memories that reveled on my mind as I listen to them repeating exactly those words I heard sang 8 years ago. Their harmonious voices may be faint as the faithful were already reciting the Rosary but I was still glad to experience it once more. It is a rare incident to occur here and those edifying actions were the ones I long missed. I yearned for it to resuscitate me from this sinking world and having the unique privilege to behold it again, I was certain Our Lord is beseeching me to imitate those beautiful virtues and breathe the purer air that enfolds the religious life.
Oh Lord my God, grant me to love Thy ways. Strengthen my resolve not to offend Thee any longer so that Thou wilt always find a dwelling in my heart! Amen.
Learning a Lesson (July 6, 2009, Monday)
Last week I got a cold and I knew right from the start that God is admonishing me once more to retrace back my life.
That forced me to think twice. For the last time I fell sick, I thought I had made enough resolutions to be better next time. I respected the days and nights as God has designed it to be and quitted my being workaholic. I refrained from beating the time and made it sure that I never skipped lunch anymore. Yet here I am suffering the same illness.
Indeed, it’s not about staying fit. The previous weeks found me engaging on much idle talk that I recognized something’s wrong going on. It was full of nonsense, really, but I cared less and tried to ignore my senses. Simply put, I’m beginning to become worldlier that somehow Our Lord was pleased to strike me with a congested running nose combined with a slight headache and irritable throat.
But that doesn’t mean I was totally forgetting God. For even when I’m having ailment, I must admit I was successful in finishing my daily prayers albeit imperfectly. Rather, it’s more of neglecting to observe silence as much as possible so as to make space for mental prayer in order for my soul to be further sanctified. I was too much drawn already by petty conversations that aren’t even worth talking about disregarding at the same time His majestic presence that was supposed to be with me all around.
It was dreadful for me to comprehend that I had become lax with my religious endeavors. That despite my conscience warning me, I remained deaf all those times. I thought killing one’s conscience is something I couldn’t possibly do. And I never knew how a lot of people bear doing it till I found myself exactly on that same plane. I felt embarrassed. Does this the legacy I truly want the world to see in me?
Sadly, I learned it the hard way. Yet I won’t stop from there. It’s the art of learning continuously for His glory and our benefit. Now that I’m recuperating, I better get a balanced outlook. I must learn to avoid such trifling activities and be a wholesome person still - ever recalling to mind to be as religious as I can.
Oh Immaculate Mother of God, teach me thy prudence. Grant me a profound understanding of God’s will - thus making me closer to thee and my Redeemer! Amen.
That forced me to think twice. For the last time I fell sick, I thought I had made enough resolutions to be better next time. I respected the days and nights as God has designed it to be and quitted my being workaholic. I refrained from beating the time and made it sure that I never skipped lunch anymore. Yet here I am suffering the same illness.
Indeed, it’s not about staying fit. The previous weeks found me engaging on much idle talk that I recognized something’s wrong going on. It was full of nonsense, really, but I cared less and tried to ignore my senses. Simply put, I’m beginning to become worldlier that somehow Our Lord was pleased to strike me with a congested running nose combined with a slight headache and irritable throat.
But that doesn’t mean I was totally forgetting God. For even when I’m having ailment, I must admit I was successful in finishing my daily prayers albeit imperfectly. Rather, it’s more of neglecting to observe silence as much as possible so as to make space for mental prayer in order for my soul to be further sanctified. I was too much drawn already by petty conversations that aren’t even worth talking about disregarding at the same time His majestic presence that was supposed to be with me all around.
It was dreadful for me to comprehend that I had become lax with my religious endeavors. That despite my conscience warning me, I remained deaf all those times. I thought killing one’s conscience is something I couldn’t possibly do. And I never knew how a lot of people bear doing it till I found myself exactly on that same plane. I felt embarrassed. Does this the legacy I truly want the world to see in me?
Sadly, I learned it the hard way. Yet I won’t stop from there. It’s the art of learning continuously for His glory and our benefit. Now that I’m recuperating, I better get a balanced outlook. I must learn to avoid such trifling activities and be a wholesome person still - ever recalling to mind to be as religious as I can.
Oh Immaculate Mother of God, teach me thy prudence. Grant me a profound understanding of God’s will - thus making me closer to thee and my Redeemer! Amen.
My Most Cherished Person (June 29, 2009, Monday)
Today’s something I cherished as 2 Filipino SSPX priests are celebrating their priesthood anniversaries. Sts. Peter and Paul must have been really enjoying their day in Heaven to see many fervent priests sacrificing their lives to continue what they had begun 2000 years ago.
Cherishing this day is the same way as I’ve treasured family birthdays and other Church feasts. That is why I thought it befitting to write about something that has long been due. An acquaintance even proposed that I write about it to include on his next book but I simply remained stagnant. I was hesitant for I just couldn’t make up my mind. I may say that almost a year had passed and it was only now I realized I had accidentally denied his noble request. Poor thing… Nevertheless, I sense something still needs to be done that I began collecting my thoughts once again. Finally, this is the moment that I’m going to write about the one whom I cherished most: Mom.
Believe it or not, but it’s Mom whom I deeply love most in this world. People may think otherwise since we have great differences and even up close to clashing debates. But that’s not enough to break my love for her. Because in spite of our being opposites, we still have similarities. Her blood reigns on my veins and I found out that whatever I have came only from her. If ever I did my best, it was only because she taught me how. If ever I was strong, it was because she gave me an example on herself. And if ever I am deeply rooted on the Catholic faith, it was because her basic teachings about God became my cornerstone.
Favoritism is common among parents and Mom isn’t an exemption. Growing up with 5 siblings ahead of me, I was in no better situation. Too many times I experienced that but the more I see it, the more my love outgrows for her. For somewhere along, it has supplied me enough competence and confidence. I remember how a friend once recalled, “No mother thinks ill for her child.” Indeed, that’s how she thinks it best and I can only watch her decision so long as it doesn’t contradict the Faith.
A mother’s love can never be equaled. Of course, (setting aside Our Heavenly Mother) it may have its own imperfections but it’s only there to give the child a chance to acquire a keener understanding of life. For in each misdeed, we can arm ourselves better. And for every unpleasant circumstance, there arises the challenge to improve one’s character.
Such has been the inspirations of Mom. And I felt it more of an intuition than infusion. Even though her not-so-good marriage with Dad hampered the ideal mother I was looking up on her, I’m still dumbfounded on how she squeezed everything just to make both ends meet. It was then I realized that true love consists of not just merely having what one craves. Instead, it’s the combination of like and dislike wherein one can ultimately discern what LOVE really is.
Hence, loving Mom next to God is the thing I’d like to pursue. It’s the next best thing, as the saying goes. She gave me deeds that are both consoling and aching. Most of all, it was her very own self that showed me the various aspects of this life. Small things may be attributed to Mom but it’s already big for those who knew her fully well. I’ve heard a lot of what people say about Mom’s personality but deep down, her heart is still a jewel that’s precious and overwhelming.
Each of us has different stories to tell about our most cherished person in this planet. It can be the one who granted us that stuff we’re dying to have. Or it can be that significant other who yielded us that perfect love we’re searching for. Or still, it can be that folk who never chided us on whatever we do be it good or bad. But as for me, I’d still prefer to choose Mom among the several persons who’ve crossed my life. It was she who led me on the way to discovering the genuine essence of life. And having gone so far as to what I am now, I could only thank her for being simply my wonderful Mom.
Oh Blessed Mother, I thank thee for bestowing to me such a great Mom. Grant me the grace to respect her all the time and may it be written and engraved on my heart that I may never fail to do so! Amen.
Cherishing this day is the same way as I’ve treasured family birthdays and other Church feasts. That is why I thought it befitting to write about something that has long been due. An acquaintance even proposed that I write about it to include on his next book but I simply remained stagnant. I was hesitant for I just couldn’t make up my mind. I may say that almost a year had passed and it was only now I realized I had accidentally denied his noble request. Poor thing… Nevertheless, I sense something still needs to be done that I began collecting my thoughts once again. Finally, this is the moment that I’m going to write about the one whom I cherished most: Mom.
Believe it or not, but it’s Mom whom I deeply love most in this world. People may think otherwise since we have great differences and even up close to clashing debates. But that’s not enough to break my love for her. Because in spite of our being opposites, we still have similarities. Her blood reigns on my veins and I found out that whatever I have came only from her. If ever I did my best, it was only because she taught me how. If ever I was strong, it was because she gave me an example on herself. And if ever I am deeply rooted on the Catholic faith, it was because her basic teachings about God became my cornerstone.
Favoritism is common among parents and Mom isn’t an exemption. Growing up with 5 siblings ahead of me, I was in no better situation. Too many times I experienced that but the more I see it, the more my love outgrows for her. For somewhere along, it has supplied me enough competence and confidence. I remember how a friend once recalled, “No mother thinks ill for her child.” Indeed, that’s how she thinks it best and I can only watch her decision so long as it doesn’t contradict the Faith.
A mother’s love can never be equaled. Of course, (setting aside Our Heavenly Mother) it may have its own imperfections but it’s only there to give the child a chance to acquire a keener understanding of life. For in each misdeed, we can arm ourselves better. And for every unpleasant circumstance, there arises the challenge to improve one’s character.
Such has been the inspirations of Mom. And I felt it more of an intuition than infusion. Even though her not-so-good marriage with Dad hampered the ideal mother I was looking up on her, I’m still dumbfounded on how she squeezed everything just to make both ends meet. It was then I realized that true love consists of not just merely having what one craves. Instead, it’s the combination of like and dislike wherein one can ultimately discern what LOVE really is.
Hence, loving Mom next to God is the thing I’d like to pursue. It’s the next best thing, as the saying goes. She gave me deeds that are both consoling and aching. Most of all, it was her very own self that showed me the various aspects of this life. Small things may be attributed to Mom but it’s already big for those who knew her fully well. I’ve heard a lot of what people say about Mom’s personality but deep down, her heart is still a jewel that’s precious and overwhelming.
Each of us has different stories to tell about our most cherished person in this planet. It can be the one who granted us that stuff we’re dying to have. Or it can be that significant other who yielded us that perfect love we’re searching for. Or still, it can be that folk who never chided us on whatever we do be it good or bad. But as for me, I’d still prefer to choose Mom among the several persons who’ve crossed my life. It was she who led me on the way to discovering the genuine essence of life. And having gone so far as to what I am now, I could only thank her for being simply my wonderful Mom.
Oh Blessed Mother, I thank thee for bestowing to me such a great Mom. Grant me the grace to respect her all the time and may it be written and engraved on my heart that I may never fail to do so! Amen.
Narrow-mindedness (June 23, 2009, Tuesday)
Most people find it hard to forgive a priest here or there who’ve committed a mistake - whether big or small. I don’t know but perhaps it sprang forth from their dignified office that we easily consider them as saints already.
For my part, I don’t mind seeing their faults as they are still God’s ambassadors. But when news regrettably spread touching the sacred vow of chastity, my heart eventually pounds and I couldn’t but express dismay and disgust. It’s as if every sense of reason is excused from this point of view. Why? Because how come?!? Weren’t the many years spent in the seminary enough to secure their purity? Didn’t they consider soundly the meaning of celibacy and have they forgotten that they accepted it with their very own free will? Didn’t they study well the protocol when it comes to the opposite gender - those encyclicals of great pious popes and the Summa Theologica of St. Thomas? Doesn’t it ring on their minds to cut off - even as abrupt as it should be - any conversation with a female acquaintance whenever an occasion of scandal might likely arise? Zealous or not, I don’t think prudence could be wanting in any ordained priest. Thus, I simply couldn’t reconcile it.
Oh well, the problem with me is that I tend to forget that they are human beings - that even saints were sinners before. This thought went deeper in me that I found myself asking questions that are rather compassionate. Who is it that cleanses our souls in the confessional whenever we sin? Who is there to give God an offering most worthy to appease His anger? And who is there to consecrate the bread and wine into Our Lord’s own Body and Blood so that we may have Him and live? And yet why is it that whenever priests ask the faithful for forgiveness, most of the time it is received with a cold and insulting manner?
It is far easier for us to have the comfort of a priest by our side as it is demanded from their state of duty. That sometimes, even admonitions are sweet to bear due to the priest’s assuring words. But priests, on the other hand, couldn’t expect it from us. Ah, poor priests, if only we know how much they suffer but who would dare listen to their entreaties? Fool that I am, it was only then my narrowed mind stopped criticizing.
I started realizing that every time I abhor them, it is the same as if I haven’t forgiven those who’ve injured me. It’s as if I’m shutting the door of my heart with a sign “Closed: No entry.” How much more if Our Lord was the One knocking and wearied out?
Hence, I began to make a new perceptive. Intriguing as the sound of any tinkling rumor may be, I’m going to try debarring my mind with uncharitable thoughts. Rather, the need for an ever increase of prayer of supplication for the pitied priest’s soul. I’ve come to conclude that it’s wiser to pray Hail Marys in behalf of the unfortunate priest’s soul than attempting to ill-judge the reputation of the one whose character resembles Our Savior and Lord.
Oh Blessed Virgin Mother of God, help me to shun away rash assessment when it comes to this particular defect of thy priests. I ask that thou shelter them in thy Virginal Heart that no evil of impurity may come near them. In their loneliness, grant them not to seek for unchaste pleasure but to find in thee a most splendid love. Grant them always in sanctifying grace and if they unhappily lose it, aid and give them the strength to recover it immediately by a sincere repentance! Amen.
For my part, I don’t mind seeing their faults as they are still God’s ambassadors. But when news regrettably spread touching the sacred vow of chastity, my heart eventually pounds and I couldn’t but express dismay and disgust. It’s as if every sense of reason is excused from this point of view. Why? Because how come?!? Weren’t the many years spent in the seminary enough to secure their purity? Didn’t they consider soundly the meaning of celibacy and have they forgotten that they accepted it with their very own free will? Didn’t they study well the protocol when it comes to the opposite gender - those encyclicals of great pious popes and the Summa Theologica of St. Thomas? Doesn’t it ring on their minds to cut off - even as abrupt as it should be - any conversation with a female acquaintance whenever an occasion of scandal might likely arise? Zealous or not, I don’t think prudence could be wanting in any ordained priest. Thus, I simply couldn’t reconcile it.
Oh well, the problem with me is that I tend to forget that they are human beings - that even saints were sinners before. This thought went deeper in me that I found myself asking questions that are rather compassionate. Who is it that cleanses our souls in the confessional whenever we sin? Who is there to give God an offering most worthy to appease His anger? And who is there to consecrate the bread and wine into Our Lord’s own Body and Blood so that we may have Him and live? And yet why is it that whenever priests ask the faithful for forgiveness, most of the time it is received with a cold and insulting manner?
It is far easier for us to have the comfort of a priest by our side as it is demanded from their state of duty. That sometimes, even admonitions are sweet to bear due to the priest’s assuring words. But priests, on the other hand, couldn’t expect it from us. Ah, poor priests, if only we know how much they suffer but who would dare listen to their entreaties? Fool that I am, it was only then my narrowed mind stopped criticizing.
I started realizing that every time I abhor them, it is the same as if I haven’t forgiven those who’ve injured me. It’s as if I’m shutting the door of my heart with a sign “Closed: No entry.” How much more if Our Lord was the One knocking and wearied out?
Hence, I began to make a new perceptive. Intriguing as the sound of any tinkling rumor may be, I’m going to try debarring my mind with uncharitable thoughts. Rather, the need for an ever increase of prayer of supplication for the pitied priest’s soul. I’ve come to conclude that it’s wiser to pray Hail Marys in behalf of the unfortunate priest’s soul than attempting to ill-judge the reputation of the one whose character resembles Our Savior and Lord.
Oh Blessed Virgin Mother of God, help me to shun away rash assessment when it comes to this particular defect of thy priests. I ask that thou shelter them in thy Virginal Heart that no evil of impurity may come near them. In their loneliness, grant them not to seek for unchaste pleasure but to find in thee a most splendid love. Grant them always in sanctifying grace and if they unhappily lose it, aid and give them the strength to recover it immediately by a sincere repentance! Amen.
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