Christ, Our Help

"Christ had to become like his brothers in every way,

that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God

to expiate the sins of the people.

Because he himself was tested through what he suffered,

he is able to help those who are being tested."

Hebrews 2:17-18

Jesus' Kisses

The meditation in the Magnificat (http://www.magnificat.com/) yesterday (9/5) by Bl. Mother Teresa knocked my socks off, and I'd like to share it with you so that the Holy Spirit can knock your socks off, too!

Christ's Compassion for the Suffering

Suffering has to come because if you look at the cross, he has got his head bending down - he wants to kiss you - and he has both hands open wide - he wants to embrace you. He has his heart opened wide to receive you. Then when you feel miserable inside, look at the cross and you will know what is happening. Suffering, pain, sorrow, humiliation, feelings of loneliness, are nothing but the kiss of Jesus, a sign that you have come so close that he can kiss you. Do you understand, brothers, sisters, or whoever you may be? Suffering, pain, humiliation - this is the kiss of Jesus. At times you come so close to Jesus on the cross that he can kiss you. I once told this to a lady who was suffering very much. She answered, "Tell Jesus not to kiss me - to stop kissing me." That suffering has to come that came in the life of Our Lady, that came in the life of Jesus - it has to come in our life also. Only never put on a long face. Suffering is a gift from God. It is between you and Jesus alone inside... Our total surrender will come today by surrendering even our sins so that we will be poor. "Unless you become a child you cannot come to me." You are too big, too heavy; you cannot be lifted up. We need humility to acknowledge our sin. The knowledge of our sin helps us to rise. "I will get up and go to my Father."

Hugs from Heaven

On August 28 I woke without realizing the significance of the date. Propelled by a strong inspiration to read The Magnificat, I opened the book to the day's Morning Prayers. Under the date I read, "The Feast of St. Augustine." HUG #1! I whispered with a grin on my lips, "Hi, Austin."

The Psalm for the morning was #139. This passage is so near and dear to my heart, and to Jim's as well. He has written chords for verses 13-16: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." This is "Austin's Song." HUG #2!

My heart swelled with prayers of thanksgiving for these hugs! While I strive to "believe without seeing," I have to be honest that my heart leaps with Joy each time the Lord blesses me with a sign that Christ, Mary, and the Saints are in communion with me in the present. What affirmation these hugs were that St. Augustine is a special friend of my son, St. Austin. And that Austin's life was indeed a witness for mankind that all life, regardless of age or ability, is sacred and dignified.

Concluding my prayers, I went about the Mommy-business of the day. After packing all boys into the van, out-of-the-blue Caleb called out,

"You know, Mom, who my favorite Saint is?"

"No. Who?"

"St. Austin."

HUG #3!

Thank you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! Thank you!