A Rosary Reflection on the Agony of the Cross

by Fr. Patrick Peyton in Rosary Prayer Book.

No one who knew Jesus, or heard Him speak, or watched miracles radiate from His compassionate power, could remain indifferent to Him. If one did not love Jesus ardently, one hated Him. Even as a Baby, He was hated by Herod who tried to murder Him; yet the Christ Child was loved by wiser men from the East. Pharisees hated Him with the cancerous malice bred of envy; the Apostles loved Him like little children. Even Judas had loved Him. And, infinitely, Jesus had loved Judas. The traitor's kiss in the Garden was more than a sign for the soldiers- it was the memorial of a dead love.

Jesus would rather be scourged by His frank enemies than be kissed by a treacherous friend. That is why my sins hurt Him more than the crimes of men who hate Him openly.

Personal Reflection on Offering It Up

Picture source Joyce Images and used with permission.

Usually, I find that certain things during the day annoy me. For instance, the endless humming of the edge trimmers every Wednesday, my child answering back, being stuck in traffic, long lines at the grocery store, people who are rude for no reason at all, etc., etc. The list is endless. When I let these things, that I sometimes have no control over, bother me, the results are bad. I tend to end up in a bad mood, impatient and short with my loved ones and I am sure God is not at all pleased with me at that particular moment. After the moment passes, I then remember that I should have offered up those annoyances and unite them with Jesus' sufferings.

It is during those moments that I feel close to despair. "Oh why didn't I remember sooner to offer it up? Why couldn't I have kept my mouth shut? Why, why, why????" Until I remember God's infinite Mercy and the chance to start again.

As I read more spiritual books I seem to remember before I pass up these chances to grow in holiness. And, I do see those moments as opportunities given to us by God or permitted by God, to help us grow in sanctity.

The following are just a couple of examples. The other night, I turned in completely exhausted from a long day with the kids. I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. I was asleep for maybe five minutes when I was awaken by a loud crash. My dear husband had dropped something on the floor while looking for his wallet. On any other time, I would have immediately be filled with a flood of anger and self-pity. This time however, I held my tongue and my anger. I realized it was an accident and that my husband didn't mean to do that.

Another example is last night. Again, I went to sleep very tired. However, I wasn't able to fall asleep because of a TV and radio blasting around me, and the cat jumping on me. I offered it up to God and did not complain.

These two times that I did the right thing I gained or retained something very important...peace of mind.

Now, I know the two examples are nothing compared to what some people suffer or have to endure but I am referring more to the daily annoyances in our lives.

I find that when we suffer these little annoyances for the love of Jesus, they have meaning and one could actually thank God for them.

For me, it will probably be a long struggle because I know I lack the patience but with God's help I can root out the bad habits a little at a time, each day.

Reflections on a Bad Day

Picture courtesy of EWTN

Today has been a hard day for me spiritually. I feel that I had so many opportunities to grow spiritually but I wasted those opportunities.

I started to reflect on why it was such a tough day. It occurred to me that I have been lax in dying to myself today. I did not deny myself enough or at all. For example, yesterday was a much better day for me. But then again, yesterday, I wanted so badly to add salt to my food because I didn't salt it enough but for the love of God, I did not. There were a few other little mortifications I did but you get the idea.

Today, on the other hand, I read a secular magazine instead of the spiritual book I was reading. I watched TV...Oprah for goodness sakes!... instead of quietly spending time with the Lord or with my son or doing spiritual reading. So of course, the results were evident. I lost my patience with both my son and my husband. I started to find them annoying! When in fact, I must have been the annoying one. I am ashamed to mentioned what else I thought and did.

I did take a holy priest's advice and asked my family to forgive me and not only that but that the next time I overreact to pray for me. My husband looked surprised but what surprised me was that my son told me he always does pray for me when that happens. It's not wonder, I come to my senses within a short period of time.

I shared my thoughts with with my husband and he said "sacrifices built a spiritual fortress".

After dinner, I went to my room and just continued reading from the Diary of St. Faustina. It sure helped me realize the errors of my choices today and a resolve to to be stronger against temptations tomorrow.

Today's Thought

Thanks Froggy!

The devil tempts all, but those who are idle tempt the devil.