Victory through the Cross

​Hello Everyone:

Yesterday, we took some words of wisdom from Archbishop Fulton Sheen on despair and doubts. Today, we are going to look at how “uncomfortable” events can lead to a spiritual renaissance. Below is another talk of his that touches on this subject. No one can say it like Archbishop Fulton Sheen. May he rest in peace and may he continue to pray for America and all Catholics!--  Enjoy!

Below is taken from the book: “Lenten and Easter Inspirations” by Archbishop Fulton Sheen:

“It was not when the Apostles saw Christ in the transient glory of Transfiguration, but in the ignominy of a tortured man on the Cross, that they were closest to their victory. Our Divine Lord Himself, speaking of wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, and distress of nations, makes the forecast of these calamities the very motive of hope: “But when these things begin to come to pass, look up and lift your heads, because your redemption is at hand.” (Luke 21:28)

The reason moments of catastrophe may be the eves of spiritual victory is because it is in those moments of defeat that man’s pride is most humbled, and his soul thus prepared for the help of God. Israel received her greatest prophets in the hour when all hope seemed gone. The prodigal son was closest to his greatest joy when his substance had been wasted. It was only when Peter had labored all the night and taken nothing that he was given the miraculous draught of fishes. And in the spiritual life, “The dark night of the soul”, the purification of the senses by mortification, is the prelude to the rapturous joys of the spirit. I believe we are now in such an age, of which Isaias spoke: “I will give thee the treasures of darkness”, (Isaias 45:3) Darkness may be creative, for it is there that God plants his seeds to grow and his bulbs to flower. It is at night that the sheep which are scattered are gathered into the unity of the sheepfold, when the children come home to their mother, and the soul back again to God. Daylight deceives us, but as we awake at night, we get a new sense of values:  Darkness seems to tell the awful truth. As the psalmist put it: “Day to day uttereth speech, and night to night showeth knowledge”, (Psalm 18:3) Night has its wonders, as well as day; darkness is not final except to those who are without God.

Comment:
We are all quite perplexed today with what is happening in the world and especially in our Church. It seems as though God has abandoned us. The reality is - we have abandoned Him - He never abandons us. Our pride has kept us from Him and therefore - we see misery everywhere. We are disheartened and sad over the loss of so many souls and so many peoples faith being tested. 

Many of you know that there is a Rosary Rally being organized for October 7th, 2018 to beg Our Blessed Mother to help us (See link below). This is a great sign and we must keep the Faith and turn to Her during this time of great fear when many are running from the cross just as they did 2000 years ago. Let us remember that when we are in the company of Mary, we will stand with Her at the Foot of the Cross. She will pray for our humility and strength to be associated with Our Crucified Lord!

May we turn always to Our Blessed Mother who is humility. May we ask Her for this gift of humility so that we may always find God in all things no matter how contrary or confusing it may seem at the time. May we ask for the gift of Her surrender and Her trust in God that surpasses all doubts and fears of the present and the future. Our Lord and Savior won the victory through the Cross, may we humbly and confidently pick up our own and follow Him. Our Lady of Victory – pray for us!

ROSARY RALLY - CALL TO SPIRITUAL WAR