perfection

“My beloved ones, you yourselves will experience in your lives, even on this earth, that all of the perfection of holiness, all the fervor of action, all the usefulness of the missionary ministry consists not in great wisdom, nor in great intelligence, not in great skills or even in the amount of prayer and penitence, but solely in the perfection of holy Obedience. (KW 380)

St. Maximilian Kolbe

In September of 2024 we traveled to Poland on Pilgrimage. One year later many experiences during our time there have remained in my heart still today.

Our time spent in Auschwitz was a particularly poignant one.

I believe I experienced many of the same feelings most do while walking through the concentration camp. Extreme sorrow, grief, outrage, disbelief. However, one feeling that unexpectedly overwhelmed me was courage.

Unimaginable courage.

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Ode to Broom Tree

The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD’S throne is in heaven. His eyes behold, his searching glance is on mankind. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.

Psalm 11: 4, 7

Silence gives the space to hear God speak, whether through words we hear within or through a movement of love or an answer to a question.

Silence itself also speaks.

St. Paul writes of the Spirit, who “intercedes with sighs too deep for words” (Romans 8:26). In silence, we can hear our own sighs for God and know that the silence of God is part of God’s also sighing for us—and for all creation.

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peace of soul

Pope Francis said that “Do not be afraid!” is the message of the Church.

It is true that stalwart messengers of hope may be scorned and scoffed at by those who “celebrate your pain,” but that is no reason to back off. Instead, it is an additional spur to increase hope and joy, especially in the company of others who are united in making the world a more peace-filled, hope-filled place.

Search your soul, Pope Francis often said, for that quiet peace that comes from knowing you are surrounded and protected by God’s love.

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