Wednesday, January 24 : John Tauler

Now that our Head has ascended, it is fitting that the members (Col 2,19)… take the path which he has trodden so truly before us. For “it was needful for Christ to suffer thus, and so to enter into his glory” (Lk 24,26). We must follow this dear Champion who has borne the standard before us. Let everyone take up their cross and follow him and we shall come to the place where he is. You know how people will often follow the world in pursuit of empty honors; how they will despise their bodies, their comfort, their home, and friends, and go out to war, only to win treasure for themselves! We, too, must likewise renounce everything for the sake of the pure treasure which is God, and follow our blessed Lord, who is our Head… There are plenty of persons who would gladly be Christ’s witnesses in peace, when everything goes along just as they would wish. They would like to be holy, provided that their pious exercises and work never become irksome; they would be glad enough to enjoy, desire, or know the things of God, if there were no bitterness, labor, or tedium involved. But once they are assailed by strong temptations and spiritual darkness, as soon as they no longer feel or enjoy the nearness of God, and are left destitute inwardly and outwardly, they fall away and are not true witnesses at all… Oh, if we could only shake ourselves free from this tendency, and learn to seek peace in tribulation. Only there is true peace born, peace which will last and really endure.

Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team