Fr. Pecchie's Message 05/29/22

Christ allows His followers to suffer: so they can grow in the virtues that will lead to true happiness. But it also explains why He often asks His followers to voluntarily take the more difficult path in life. One of the saints that the Church commemorates during this season (May 20), St. Bernardino of Siena, was a powerful example of this.
 
He lived in Italy during the Renaissance. He had all the privileges and comforts that come from being a member of the nobility. He was smart, well-liked, and good-looking. When he was finishing his education, he attracted the attention of a powerful leader, who repeatedly invited Bernardino to enter into his elite circle - one that was influential, wealthy, indulgent, and riddled with sin.
 
This was the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to get into the fast lane of Italian high society. But to accept the invitation would mean accepting the sinful, self-indulgent way of life that the group was living. Would achieving popularity and success in the eyes of society be worth giving up his friendship with Christ? It would certainly be comfortable. But would it give him the fulfillment he desired?
 
Bernardino decided to take the less comfortable path of staying faithful to Christ. He gathered a few friends to run the local hospital during a horrible plague. He tended his sick and dying aunt. Finally, he discovered his vocation to become the greatest Franciscan priest of the 15th century and to lead thousands of souls to God.
 
Christ is preparing us for heaven. He knows that this life is just a pilgrimage, a journey. He doesn't want us to get too comfortable because He wants us to keep traveling until we get home.
 
Jesus invited St Bernardino to take the more difficult path. He strengthened him by giving him a vision of heavenly glory. That is not his most common tactic. Usually He comes to his followers' aid in less dramatic ways.
 
Let us think about our own experience. How has Christ comforted and strengthened us in our trials and moments of decision? Many times it has been through the kindness and help of other people. This is His favorite way to come to our aid.
 
Jesus is like a general watching the progress of a battle from the top of a hill. He keeps his eyes on all His soldiers. When He sees one soldier start to hesitate or fall under an especially heavy attack, He sends a messenger to another soldier nearby, telling Him to help the one who's in trouble. Each one of us is both of the soldiers. Sometimes we feel our strength give way, and God sends one of His friends to bolster us. Other times we are the soldier He sends; we are given the mission of strengthening those who are under attack.
 
This is a great privilege. After all, Jesus is the Lord of the universe. Who is He sending us to this week? Who is the Christian soldier near us being worn down by discouragement or temptation? Let us renew our commitment to be His faithful followers, messengers of His glory to those in need.

 
 
 

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