lifesublyme: The Heights of Grace

Thursday, August 23, 2012

The Heights of Grace

From the writings of Saint Rose of Lima, "who gave up everything to devote herself to a life of penance," we are privy to the following words imparted to her by God.

Our Lord and Savior lifted up his voice and said with incomparable majesty: "Let all men know that grace comes after tribulation. Let them know that without the burden of afflictions it is impossible to reach the height of grace. Let them know that the gifts of grace increase as the struggles increase. This is the only true stairway to paradise, and without the cross they can find no road to climb to heaven."

Just a reminder.

2 comments:

AnonymousSeptember 23, 2012 at 11:33 AM
Thought this is also an inspiring quote- "There is no surer way to know that one is a saint than to see him lead a holy life and yet suffer desolation, trials and tribulations." St. Louis Gonzaga

Thanks for your inspiring blog.
Janet, a fellow Catholic with Lyme
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SandraSeptember 30, 2012 at 10:53 PM
Thanks for sharing, Janet. The wisdom of the saints is truly a touchstone of truth and always a great encouragement... especially for us who are coping day to day with the various manifestations of this disease. Blessings and peace to you...
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When one of us is diagnosed with any disease these days, it seems the first thing we do is go to the internet to learn whatever we can about it. For Lyme there are many sites that offer information about the disease, outlining symptoms and treatment protocols. However, once one is past all of this and well into living with the chronic illness of the disease, there is nothing more these sites can really offer.

Given pervasive social misunderstanding and medical controversies regarding Lyme disease, patients often face a difficult journey that extends beyond the suffering of physical symptoms. For this reason, treatment alone does not suffice and other forms of support are needed.

At some point in living with disease, any believer will ask God why they have been chosen to suffer affliction. What is the meaning of this? What is the purpose? What is the value of my life now? To these questions there are Catholic answers. As one who suffers with Lyme disease myself, my experience of illness has been deeply enriched by my Catholic faith, and my blog has been designed to offer a form of spiritual support to those who struggle daily with Lyme disease and chronic illness.

Prayer of Entrustment to the Divine Mercy

O Most Merciful Jesus, Your goodness is infinite, and the treasures of Your grace inexhaustible. I trust boundlessly in Your mercy, which is above all Your works. I consecrate myself to You completely and unreservedly, so as to live and strive for Christian perfection.

I want to spread Your mercy by performing works of mercy, both spiritual and corporal, laboring especially for the conversion of sinners, bringing consolation to those in need, to the sick and the suffering.

Guard me then, O Jesus, as Your own possession and Your own glory. Though I sometimes tremble with fear, aware of my weakness, at the same time I have boundless trust in Your mercy. Oh, that all people would come to know the infinite depths of Your mercy, while there is still time, so that they may place their trust in Your merciful love and glorify You forever. Amen.

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Thursday, August 23, 2012

The Heights of Grace

2 comments: