The Bitter Chalice

     “It is so consoling to think that Jesus, the strong God, who experienced all our weaknesses, trembled at the sight of the bitter chalice – the cup that He longed for so ardently.                     St. Therese of Lisieux


     We find it difficult, at times, to believe that Jesus, who is God, was ever anything but strong. We see Him as God, but forget He was man as well. Because of the affect of our fragile emotions, we often see ourselves as weak and helpless. Without responding to the grace of God, we would never be able to rise above our emotions and carry out the difficult aspects of God’s will. Unlike Jesus, we want to run from suffering when it comes our way.

Soothe His Aching Heart

     “I desire that you know more profoundly the love that burns in My Heart for souls, and you will understand this when you meditate upon My Passion. Call upon My mercy on behalf of sinners; I desire their salvation. When you say this prayer, with a contrite heart and with faith on behalf of some sinner, I will give him the grace of conversion. This is the prayer; “O blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a font of Mercy for us, I trust in You.” Jesus to Saint Faustina

     Jesus loves us so very much and reveals the way we can begin to internalize His love for souls: Meditating on His Passion.

     While familiarizing ourselves and delving into the words and actions of Christ, His Passion will become more than just a story. It will penetrate and soak deeply within our hearts as the love story it is. Jesus’ tremendous love will pierce our hearts as we meditate on His Passion. We will clearly see the depths He was willing to submit Himself for the salvation of each soul.

Blessed Teresa and the Sacrament of Love

     “We have ups and downs and sickness and sufferings. This is part of the cross. Anyone who imitates Him to the full must share in His passion also. That is why we need prayer . . . that is why we need the Bread of Life . . . that is why we have Adoration.”                                                                                                                                                                                            Blessed Mother Teresa


     After her death, Mother Teresa’s spiritual director revealed to the world her intense “dark night.” It became clearer just how deeply Mother Teresa shared in the passion of Christ. Many were shocked and startled by that fact, because her actions gave no indication of her acute suffering. Despite her feelings of abandonment and deep loneliness, she continued to carry out the mission that Our Lord had placed on her heart so many years ago.