Reflecting Upon This Time

 This time of year brings with it its own reflective thinking. This month of November is dedicated to the Holy Souls and with the late Fall it comes to mind death and what's to come, and what really matters. Thinking about my dear nephew who is a little saint in heaven close with God makes me reflect upon what the ultimate goal of life is. Hearing a priest give a homily and mentioning a young man who recently converted and reconciled with the faith and received the sacraments and being diagnosed with cancer, made me also reflect upon the meaning of life and never fully knowing when it will be our last. 

The bright and colored leaves hang like jewels and are a reminder of God's presence, of his beauty. I feel there has been so much time for thought, for contemplation of how this year has been, and all that has happened and changed, transitioned from one season to the next. I notice how we are always changing, and God is continually molding us to where we are meant to be, and who He calls us to be. 

Rereading the book titled 'Chiara Portrillo Corbello: A Witness to Joy', has been really awe inspiring in her story, in their story and in their mission of what God has called for them. Through their suffering, unknowns, pain, loss, joy, struggles and peace God used it all for His glory. And its so true for our lives and witness as well. It reminds me of the prayer I pray each night to now saints Zelie and Louis Martin, the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux. Their witness was very similar, one of suffering and crosses, sorrow and pain, hope, peace, and joy in saying yes to God's plan. 

Last Sunday's Gospel reading was about the ten virgins awaiting the bridegroom. 5 were wise and 5 were foolish and the ones who were wise were prepared with their oil and flasks to meet the bridegroom. I had to think about this message, portraying it's message of light, of perseverance, and of wisdom. It's all very relevant as we come to the ending of this liturgical year and enter and welcome a new one. 

Today's Gospel reading is about the talents and using, sharing them for God's glory. It's the fear that puts the servant with one talent to shame, and the fear of the Lord for the other servants to share and use their gifts wisely. Maybe the gifts that God is giving us and perhaps asking us to share are ones of trust, patience, perseverance, suffering and hardship, so that we can share our wisdom with others, our witness for the greater glory of God. 

Parable of the Ten Virgins

The same priest read a beautiful prayer by St. Ignatius of Loyola, and I couldn't help but think of my dear nephew resting in God's arms named after St. Ignatius. 

                                                                    Dearest Lord, 

                                           teach me to be generous ; teach me to serve you as you deserve; 

                                              to give and not to count the cost,

                                             to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, 

                                            to labor and not to ask for reward

                                             save that of knowing I am doing your will. 

I recall another beautiful reflection I wrote down from St. Charles Borromeo, whose feast day was earlier this month that struck out to me in its truth and beauty. This reminds me of Chiara's story of surrender, to the 'greater treasure' and bearing fruit. 

"Have your eye continually on the providence of God, thinking that nothing comes about without his will and that good is drawn out of everything. Take care to be grateful to God for his many benefits, recognizing them, thanking him and living well in order to show our gratitude ...Know and recall that there is no greater wealth and treasure, nothing more excellent and fruitful, than to love God and serve him, and that everything else passes like smoke and  shadow."