On the 5th of February, we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of our marriage vocation. And just like most things where we don't fall into a cultural norm, we didn't really do anything. I mean, we had a nice lunch after church the Sunday before, so that was our date outing. But on the day of, the most important thing we could have done, we accomplished by going to Mass together. And then we spent the afternoon together, with no real plans. We did all this by our free choice to simply be in each other's presence, and we started with being in His presence. It was quite wonderful.
And I believe that because we chose to honor God first before having our time together, he blessed us with a little encounter that I like to call "Holy Spirit-prompted". Becca needed some vehicular fuel, so just 'happened' to think of a gas station nearby. Whilst fueling her car for her (because real men do this for their wives on their anniversary), I glanced to the east and there was a furniture store we hadn't tried yet, as that afternoon we decided to continue the quest for the elusive kitchen island that's right for us. And, by happenstance, I was still donning an Our Lady of Mercy work shirt, and upon entering an employee asked about it. I said I worked for the school, but she proceeded to talk about going to Mass at the church, so I let her go because she looked as if she needed to tell someone. She said she's been going to Mass off and on again, but she hasn't been to confession in over 30 years! We, as lovingly as possible, encouraged her to make an appointment with a priest there to make a very thorough confession. It looked as though a little encouragement is exactly what the Holy Spirit ordered. And we continue to pray for her.
But just think about the choices we make, the ones ordered to God's Will for us, and how when we surrender and go with these promptings, the Holy Spirit will lead us to one good thing after the next. And just the possibility of being a hugely minor participant in the reversion or salvation of a fellow soul, is an extremely enthralling idea! When we choose to do things ordered inwardly and away from God and others, well, just look around you, the results of that are everywhere.
We also chose not to participate in certain Mardi Gras parades. Actually, we didn't make it to any because of inclement weather. But mostly because of what it has become, we don't believe it's appropriate to expose ourselves to temptations of any sort. Most of them aren't exactly exhibiting a family-friendly atmosphere.
And now Lent has begun, beginning yesterday with fasting and abstinence topped off with ashes on the forehead. We choose to receive them, reminding us that one day, we will die. We choose to give up things or do some other penitential act for the season, something meaningful that better prepares us for the Lord's coming at Easter (and at the end of everything else).
As of Monday, the Holy Father has announced his abdication of the See of Rome.
http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-benedict-xvi-announces-his-resignation-at-end
The pope says "After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God". This can, and in most cases should, be a fundamental aspect of choices we make. He obviously wouldn't make a decision like this on a whim, or out of anger. He's much too wise for that, and we could definitely gain great insight from his humility.
Like most, this really hasn't processed or "sunk-in" for me. Many are quick to compare him to Bl. John Paul II, who was the latest to go the Heavenly Father while in the Chair of Peter. It wasn't a requirement, it just hasn't been done in almost 600 years, so most of us just haven't heard of such a thing. Plus, he'd been trying to retire since the 90s, and the Lord kept calling him to continue, and now, I guess the Lord has said he can stop. His great love for us, the Church, is shown here. He knows he can't physically do the job, he knows that the leader of Christendom needs to keep up with the daily demands of being our shepherd here on Earth, and has only arrived at this decision after repeatedly bringing it before the Lord.
But since he's been pope, he's guided the Church with extraordinary wisdom and love. I've only read the first volume of his 'Jesus of Nazareth' series, and that alone showed me that there's an infinite depth to scripture, and his Holiness was only talking about a few sections of the gospel accounts. It also showed me the great wealth of John's gospel, and how little I payed attention to it, and now it's probably my favorite.
At the end of the month, the See of Peter will be vacant, and the College of Cardinals will have to convene to elect a new pope. So, there may be a new leader for the Church by Easter, maybe. Upon his retirement, Benedict XVI will once again be Cardinal Ratzinger, and will live out his days on the Vatican grounds, in peace and solitude. His hope is to continue to pray for us, the Church. Needless to say, he'll have a lot more time for it. But it is ever so comforting, to have such a holy person choose what's best for us ahead of himself. And to have him praying for us! And after he's gone to the Father, I'm sure the prayers will be even more efficacious for us poor sinners!
So, let us improve our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (more on these later) for Lent. We must choose these if we want to decrease, and to allow Him to increase.
~Nick
P.S.
Here's a good post for a little Lenten boost!
http://rcspiritualdirection.com/blog/2013/02/12/laughing-at-lucifer-in-lent?utm_source=Catholic+Spiritual+Direction+blog&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=d9e93215c9-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN
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