Saint Peter and I

     “Peter is the supreme example of the Gospel warning: …whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall “(1Cor 10:12).   
                                                          Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen  

              
     I feel discouraged and disheartened right now, as I think about the high hopes I had for my spiritual growth this Lenten season. It’s already Holy Week, and I am still struggling with the same issues that plagued me on Ash Wednesday!

One of His Favorites

     “Yes, my heart’s dear one, Jesus is here with His Cross. Since you are one of His favorites, He wants to make you into His likeness; why be afraid that you will not have the strength to carry this cross without a struggle? On the way to Calvary, Jesus did indeed fall three times and you, poor child, would like to be different from your Spouse? Would you rather not fall a hundred times if necessary to prove your love to Him by getting back up with even more strength than before your fall!                                                                                                                                                 St. Therese of Lisieux



     Being one of our dear sweet Jesus’ favorites, He wants to make you into His very likeness: carrying your cross is part of the package. The cross is the instrument that was used by our Lord to bring about our salvation. When we accept our cross, it will transform our suffering and be a means of elevating and sanctifying our souls.