The Cleft in the Rock

Today is the eve of St. Madeleine Sophie's birthday.
She loved the "cleft in the rock" and so do I - it is an image for me to enter the Heart of Jesus. I have been praying over a quote from her; she was only 26 at the time but wise beyond her years. She said, "Trust must be safeguarded, together with joy, which is the fruit of the contemplation of what the Lord has done for each one." Should we not ask ourselves each day what we are most grateful for and soon we will have a wonderful litany of gratitude to use in prayer that will enkindle our joy!
She continues, "When your flaws disturb you, place yourself humbly before him and before others and continue your way with that courage which comes from the knowledge that it is he who has called you." Jesus continues to tell us that we have not chosen him but it is he who has chosen us!

Today is also the Feast of St. Damasus who was one of the 4th century Popes. He worked for the primacy of Rome over Constantinople. He made Latin the language of the liturgy and had St. Jerome translate the Bible into Latin which was the language of the people in Rome and so Damasus wanted the people to have the Bible in their own language. It took 16 more centuries before the Church followed up and acknowledged the need for the vernacular in the Liturgy!

The reading today from Isaiah begins, "I am the Lord, your God, who grasp your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.'" How is Jesus trying to help me today? Will I allow God to help me or am I trying to manage on my own?