Our Lady said to Saint Bernadette: “I do not promise you the happiness of this world, but of the other world.” The “other world”, the “lasting world”. Through the pure trust and faith of young and sickly Bernadette, Our Lady opened a miraculous healing spring in Lourdes where thousands of people have been cured, yet Bernadette remained sickly until her death at only 35 years old.
Hers was the happiness of belonging to the Lord. When we let ourselves be found by the Good Shepherd and let Him bring us into His sheepfold, already the other world, this lasting world, opens up to us. The way of Heaven opens NOW. WHATEVER HAPPENS. We will experience trials but our awareness of belonging to Jesus will carry us. He will be our rock, our PEACE.
If we belong to Christ we are all really and truly are one body – and we can accept the grace that breaks the bonds of human pride and selfishness. We have the true foundation we need to live together as one human community as we so long for. We can embrace suffering together, united with Christ crucified for our salvation ...
This vision, this way of living is so beautiful and it is really so different than the one that is sold to us, even being subtly shoved down our throats especially by voices of individualistic materialism that dominate the media. We need to recognize that, to be conscious of it. Saint Paul wanted to impress this new vision on the hearts of Christians in Rome… and on our hearts now! We live for the Lord!
Parents, please understand this so that you can share this vision with your children. Be conscious of how you, above all, are spiritual leaders. Dads, be good shepherds for your family, so your homes will be pastures of this love and peace of the Good Shepherd, That is the way that your children will grow in true goodness, strength – and happiness. Lead your family in prayer to be open to receive HIM!
Whatever happens, He knocks at the door of your home, saying, “Come to me all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” The way of heaven opens NOW.
“Whatever happens,
those who have learned
to love one another
have made their way
to the lasting world
and will not leave,
whatever happens.”
- Wendell Berry
