Jesus is teaching me how to be strong in Him. The Father has purified my tendency towards self-reliance with a complete and utter dependence on His Divine Providence. This interior reality is God’s work of grace in my heart.
Today is my baptismal anniversary, and this powerful Sacrament is an abundant wellspring of grace. I am also convinced of the powerful intercession of the little-known Saint we honor today: Saint Romuald, the founder of the Camaldolese Order.
Saint Romuald wrote a concise rule of life for his hermits. I have found his wisdom especially helpful for growing in trust that God’s grace is sufficient. Here are three gems from his rule:
1. Sit in the cell as in paradise.
I desire for my home (a little one-bedroom artist loft) to be a peaceful oasis. Beautiful religious artwork and lovely plants create a peaceful environment where I easily enter into an interior life with Christ.
2. Cautiously watch your thoughts.
Do your thoughts wander all over the place and sometimes lead to sin? This line from the Confiteor prayer at Mass can be a powerful examination of conscience: “I have greatly sinned in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do.” So many people have helped me combat my sinful thoughts: the Saints, my friends and family, therapists, priests in the confessional, and my spiritual director.
3. Sit like a chick, content with the grace of God.
I am still learning how to be content with my weaknesses. As we read in today’s Gospel, Jesus does not want us to worry (see Matthew 6:25). This can be difficult, but when we take the time to be still in His presence, we receive an outpouring of His grace.
Sister, we are called to receive the rich inheritance of our Baptisms. Jesus wants us to live with abundant confidence in His gift of grace. Let us pray that we can unwrap this gift today!
Jesus does not want us to worry. // Rose Coleman Click to tweet
LOVING GOD, LOVING OTHERS
A NEW WORKSHOP
COME BACK TO FIRST LOVE
