Thursday, October 31, 2019 Rom 8:31b-39; Lk 13:31-35 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jesus said, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children to gather as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling!” Lk 13:34
The sister of Therese of Lisieux recalls their common experience of June 7, 1897. Walking down the stairs that led into the garden, Theresa saw a white hen under the tree, protecting her little chickens under her own wings. Some of them were peeping from under her wings. Therese stopped and stared at them thoughtfully. After a while I indicated that we should go inside. I noticed that her eyes were full of tears and I said, "You are crying!" She covered her eyes with her hands and cried even more. “I can't explain. I was touched too deeply." On the same evening, with a heavenly expression on her face, she told me the following, “I cried when I realized how God used this image to teach us his tenderness toward us. Throughout my life this was what He did for me! He hides me completely under his wings! As I went upstairs this morning and left you, I cried. I was unable to control myself, I ran to my cell. My heart was flooded with love and gratitude ... ”
Do you also have a favorite image of God's love that helps you in ministry? What gives you strength and motivation not to lose your zeal for the Lord and his things?
“If we have no love for God, we are as poor as beggars. We are like a tree without flowers and no fruit.” St. John Mary Vianney
The sister of Therese of Lisieux recalls their common experience of June 7, 1897. Walking down the stairs that led into the garden, Theresa saw a white hen under the tree, protecting her little chickens under her own wings. Some of them were peeping from under her wings. Therese stopped and stared at them thoughtfully. After a while I indicated that we should go inside. I noticed that her eyes were full of tears and I said, "You are crying!" She covered her eyes with her hands and cried even more. “I can't explain. I was touched too deeply." On the same evening, with a heavenly expression on her face, she told me the following, “I cried when I realized how God used this image to teach us his tenderness toward us. Throughout my life this was what He did for me! He hides me completely under his wings! As I went upstairs this morning and left you, I cried. I was unable to control myself, I ran to my cell. My heart was flooded with love and gratitude ... ”
Do you also have a favorite image of God's love that helps you in ministry? What gives you strength and motivation not to lose your zeal for the Lord and his things?
“If we have no love for God, we are as poor as beggars. We are like a tree without flowers and no fruit.” St. John Mary Vianney
The Words of Pope Francis