We spread and build up the kingdom of God by gaining him new subjects. We thus cooperate with God the Father in the work of creation, by teaching men to know, love and serve him.
With God the Son in the work of redemption, by making fruitful that Blood poured out for man’s salvation. With God the Holy Spirit in his office of Sanctifier, by strengthening the elect in love of virtue, and hatred of sin.
Let us rejoice if we are called to this exercise of zeal, in which all is great and nothing small if we consider the goal. The distinctions we may be tempted to draw between teaching children or adults, rich and poor; in affluent enclaves or the slums are nothing but vanity.
If we recall all that our Lord died and suffered for the salvation of man: his labors, tears, humiliations, and death, we shall require no other argument to convince us of the esteem he attaches to zeal for souls.
This the Apostles understood, and were thus inspired to undertake such distant journeys and arduous labors, to brave perils of every kind, and finally, death amidst frightful tortures. Since nothing is more agreeable to God, therefore, nothing is more meritorious, and consequently, nothing will be more magnificently rewarded.
“They that instruct many to justice shall shine as stars for all eternity”; or “He who causes a sinner to be converted from the error of his ways shall save his soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.” (Jas 5:20)
What encouraging reflections for those compelled to remain inactive in their spiritual labors through sickness or old age! For all, as members of one body, cooperate towards the same end, laboring for the salvation of souls.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp712-4
Human Respect
False teachers are afraid of getting to the bottom of things. They get uneasy at the very idea, never mind the obligation, of having to use a painful antidote when circumstances require it. You can be sure, in such an attitude there is no prudence; and no piety or good sense either. It reflects instead a timid disposition, a lack of responsibility, foolishness, and stupidity.
These are the people who will afterwards panic, at the sight of disaster, and try to stop the evil when it is already too late. They forget that the virtue of prudence demands we find out and pass on ‘in good time’ the calm advice that comes from maturity, long experience, unhindered vision, free speech.
We must be prudent; but not suspicious. Give everyone the utmost credit for what he says. Be very noble. As far as I am concerned, the word of a Christian, of a loyal man, is worth more than the official signatures of a hundred notaries who are in unanimous agreement, even though on some occasions I may have been deceived by following this rule.
But I prefer to leave myself open to the unscrupulous abuse of this confidence, rather than deprive anyone of the credit he deserves as a person and as a son of God. I assure you I have never been disappointed by the consequences of this action.
Ref: Cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “Friends of God”, 158, 159
Without human respects
We may find obstacles to our faith eg, envy, prejudice and misunderstandings due to ignorance. We should not hesitate to give clear testimony to our beliefs. This type of behavior is of great apostolic value. On the other hand, we can do much harm if we are carried away by the fear or the shame of being seen as Christians in ordinary life. (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 36)
We ought to always manifest our Christian faith with humility and naturalness. We will never regret acting so consistently with our deepest beliefs. The Lord will be filled with joy at such evidence of our fidelity.
The life of Jesus is filled with unity and strength. He never wavered. “In the whole of his public ministry not one single instance can be found where He had to reflect on an answer, or when he hesitated in indecision, or when he reversed a statement or an action.” (K Adam, “Son of God”, 78-80) Jesus expects his followers to be firm also.
Whoever is unduly concerned with human respect shows a superficial formation and probably a weak character. To yield to human respect is to value more someone else’s opinion than the teachings of Christ.
The warning of Jesus is absolute: “Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words ... of him the Son of man will also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mk 8:38)
Our giving in to human respect may be the result of comfort-seeking, of a desire not to ‘rock the boat’. This attitude can also arise from fear of endangering one’s public standing or professional stature. We may prefer to be ‘lost in the crowd’, remaining inconspicuous and thus, undisturbed.
“Our lives as Christians shine out before others. Pay no heed to criticisms. The person who seeks sanctity will encounter some hostility. This opposition should not hinder us for it can only enhance our glory in heaven. One thing is needful, our conduct towards perfection. This will lead other souls out of the shadows and into the light of faith.” (cf St John Chrysostom, “Homilies on St Matthew’s Gospel”, 15, 9)
A coherent life of faith greatly attracts others; and merits the respect of everyone. Good example always sows good seed that will, sooner or later, bear fruit. “The habit of performing some conspicuously virtuous action through seeing it performed by another is one which very easily takes root. This is good advice: do not forget it.” (St Theresa, “The Way of Perfection”, 7, 8)
No doubt, people instinctively protect their reputations from ridicule. They usually avoid to stand out from the crowd and go contrary to contemporary opinion.
We can help others with great good through our life of coherent faith. What a joy it is for the Lord to see us living as his faithful disciples without fear of contradictions!
Our Lady showed great courage in standing at the foot of the Cross, amidst tremendous hostility and pain. Let us ask her for the gift of such strength.
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 5:351-5
• Our Lady of the Tower, at Fribourg, built on the lands of the heretics, on the very spot where an image of Our Lady had been found. — Triple Couronne, n. 85. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Our Lady of the Tower (Fribourg, Germany). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html)
• Our Lady of the Tower Secret. Fribourg, Germany; Turin, Italy, 1863. ... (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• Our Lady of Secret Tower (Saint John Bosco, Italy, 1863). (http://mariedenazareth.com)
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