Monday, September 27 : Saint John XXIII

Turning my thoughts in on myself and on the varied events of humble life, I must admit that hitherto the Lord has spared me tribulations which make the service of truth, justice and charity hard distasteful for so many souls… O God, how can I thank you for the kindness always shown to me wherever I went in your name, always in simple obedience, not to do my own will but yours? “What shall I render to the Lord for all the things that he has rendered to me?” (Ps 116[115],12). I know that my answer, to myself and to the Lord, is always the same: “I will take the chalice salvation, and I will call upon the name of the Lord” (v.13). As I have already indicated in these pages: if and when the great tribulation befalls me, I must accept it willingly; and if it delays its coming a little longer, I must continue to nourish myself with the Blood of Jesus, with the addition of all those great and little tribulations which the good Lord may send me. The short Psalm 131[130] has always made, and still makes, a great impression on me: “O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvellous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a child quieted at its mother’s breast.” Oh, how I love these words! But even if they were to lose their comfort for me towards the end of my life, Lord Jesus, you will strengthen me in my suffering. Your blood, your blood which I shall continue to drink from your chalice, that is, from your Heart, shall be for me a pledge of eternal salvation and happiness. “For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory, beyond all comparison” (2 Cor 4,17).

maronite readings – rosary,team