Well, it’s been arduous for me so far. Peaks and valleys. Last week was a peak, this week a valley. Mostly because of my own sinful nature.
Regardless, one of the good things about the ascetic struggle is that it brings us closer to God. Couple that with suffering and one can experience the blessing of seeing the world stripped away from you. It’s not pleasant but it is necessary; still it ain’t easy.
It’s also important that we bear each other’s burdens. I wouldn’t have been able to see my own sinfulness if it wasn’t for another, very special person. For that alone, I’m grateful to God. As much as we need to fast and pray, we very much need each other. Of this I am more than sure.
I’ve found that in the past, when I’m going through a rough patch, I find myself reaching for The Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Although a pagan, his stoicism has a lot to recommend it. In the video below, you will find more thoughts on this book as well as my own ruminations on it.
I pray everybody completes the Fast as best they can and may we all greet the Risen Saviour in three short weeks.
Hey George! Smile! Since you have been vloging, I have not told you that you are a carbon copie of my Dad’s, mother’s side of our family. We are are a very good look bunch, if we do say so ourselves, and so are you! We also have big hearts, yours as well, which means a lot of heartache, and guilt at times, but as also a lot of asking, giving, and receiving forgiveness.
George you carry a heavy load on this blog, no one is perfect. We are not going to fix, or figure all the world’s, problems. Cut yourself some slack, even when we try our best, we cannot, and should not please everyone. Even compassion, and tolerance have their limits.
P.S. Three weeks goes by like three days in our ripe age and busy lives! When your ready, get rid of all smoking paraphernalia, it helps greatly. I gave away a $300 humidor and about $400 worth of cigars, and I was not happy about it a bit. But I really DO NOT miss them at all! Can’t thank my wife enough! Many years, and a Blessed Lent to you!
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”- John 16:33
Thank you Dino. My heart which is heavy at times is lightened considerably by your kind words!
Nick Katich passed away on 12 March due to injuries sustained in a fall. May his memory be eternal!
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10213143400514052&id=1065820581
May his memory be eternal!
For those who don’t know, Nick was a frequent commentator on this blog back in the early days. He was missed and he will be missed.
Puts me in mind of this, too:
“Nel mezzo del cammin di nostra vita
mi ritrovai per una selva oscura,
ché la diritta via era smarrita.”