Suffering

Christ laid down His life for us. We should therefore lay down our lives for ourselves and for those who will be helped by our example. Now is the acceptable time. Now is the day of salvation. The Scriptures remind us that we should in fact rejoice in our sufferings. Suffering teaches us to endure with patience. Patience pleases God.

The more we share in the sufferings of Christ, the more we share in His consolation. We should always be anxious to share in Christ's sufferings if we desire His consolation. In fact, sharing in His consolation will be directly proportional to our sharing in His suffering.

In Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Humility and Peace

From the Imitation of Christ

Do not care much who is with you and who is against you; but make it your greatest care that God is with you in everything you do. Have a good conscience, and God will defend you securely; no one can hurt you if God wishes to help you. If you know how to suffer in silence, you will surely receive God's help. Since He knows best the time and the way to set you free, resign yourself to Him, for God helps you and frees you from all confusion.

When a man humbles himself for his faults, he more easily pleases others and mollifies those he has angered. God protects and frees a humble man; He loves and consoles a humble man; He favors a humble man; He showers him with graces; then, after his suffering, God raises him up to glory.

He reveals His secrets to a humble man and in His kindness invitingly draws that man to Himself. When a humble man is brought to confusion, he experiences peace, because he stands firm in God and not in this world. do not think that you have made any progress unless you feel that you are the lowest of all men.

Above all things, keep peace within yourself, then you will be able to create peace among others. It is better to be peaceful than learned. The passionate man often thinks evil of a good man and easily believes the worst; a good and peaceful man turns all things to good.

A man who lives at peace suspects no one. But a man who is tense and agitated by evil is troubled with all kinds of suspicions; he is never at peace with himself, nor does he permit others to be at peace. He often speaks when he should be silent, and he fails to say what would be truly useful. He is well aware of the obligations of others but neglects his own.

So be zealous first of all with yourself, and then you will be more justified in expressing zeal for your neighbor. You are good at excusing and justifying your own deeds, and yet you will not listen to the excuses of others. It would be more just to accuse yourself and to excuse your brother.

If you wish others to put up with you, first put up with them.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

The Word of God

Scripture possesses a sacred character and excellence because God is the author. Since Scripture is the Word of God, it must be valued among our most prized possessions. "All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work' (2 Tim 3:16). Scripture thus strengthens our faith, but it also provides a means for hope and consolation in the midst of trials and adversities.

De Verbum states: "in the sacred books the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet His children, and talks with them. And such is the force and power of the Word of God that it can serve the Church as her support and vigour, and the children of the Church as strength for their faith, food for the soul, and a pure and lasting fount of spiritual life."

We must be diligent in our study of Sacred Scripture. Saint Jerome once wrote that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ. If we want to strengthen our relationship with Christ we must increase our knowledge of Sacred Scripture.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

First Friday II

Christ continues to suffer insults even at the hands of Catholics who while believing in His benefits, repay them with great ingratitude. "My soul is sorrowful unto death!" This was Christ's complaint on the Cross when He received absolutely no consolation from anyone, not even His closest disciples. Christ experiences this same indifference even today at the hands of several classes of people.

We should consider the sentiments of Christ upon being rejected by His very own people for whom He became man. Christ preached His doctrine and performed miracles in their midst. For all this He received in return nothing but persecution. He was condemned to be scourged, mocked and crucified.

We should also consider today the sentiments of the Sacred Heart of Jesus upon receiving such harsh treatment from heretics. Consider all those who deny His Real Presence in the Blessed Eucharist.

Finally, we should consider those who do believe and yet remain cold or indifferent toward Him in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. The First Friday of the month is an opportunity to renew our love for Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. We should make it a point to visit our Lord and make reparation.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Advent Continued

Advent gives us an opportunity to focus on our last end. It is a season that reminds us of the importance of not losing sight of our ultimate goal, namely heaven. Unfortunately, many lose sight of their last aim in the midst of this changing world. For these, life turns into nothing but trouble because thinking of eternity disturbs them in the midst of a life of pleasures in this world. Many do their best to never think of the reality of death.

People who pursue only happiness on this earth often deceive themselves. Many go so far as to forsake God, Who will be forced to forsake them on their bed of pain. Many spend their lives seeking for a good that they never find. In the absence of God-suffering, misery and no consolation is inevitable!

We should be encouraged to use this precious time to open our hearts up more fully toward our Creator. We should strive to focus on the fact that we were created for eternity. This world is but a means to an end.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Advent II

We are now in a time of both anticipation and preparation. The Advent seasons offers us an opportunity to look forward with joy to the greatest event in the whole history of humanity, namely the incarnation. At the same time, we are reminded of our responsibility to make ourselves ready for Christ's second coming when He will act as our Judge.

It should be a great joy for us when we meditate on the fact that our lives on this earth are so very short. We will soon depart this good world that God created; a world in which we are so often tempted to offend God who suffered so much for us. It is good for us to meditate often on eternity. When we do so how can we possibly cling to this life and all that is in it?

Judgment on the part of Christ should bring us consolation rather than despair. Our Lord is not a severe Judge, but a Father and Redeemer. God opens His heart to us in sympathy. Those who have been sincere in their tears for their sins, their penances and good works will no doubt be embraced by the loving arms of the Father.

Are you ready for that day?

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching