Excerpt from a letter by Jesuit Blessed Miguel Augustin Pro (1891-1927) from the "Supplement to the Divine Office for the Society of Jesus":
Nonetheless, the people are in dire need of spiritual assistance. Every day I hear of persons dying without the sacraments; there are no priests who confront the situation; they keep away due to either obedience or fear. To do my little bit may be dangerous if I do it the way I have so far; but I do not think it temerity to do it with discretion and within certain limits. My superior is dead scared and always thinks that, out of two possibilities, the worse is bound to happen. I dare say there is a middle way between temerity and fear, as there is between extreme prudence and rashness. I have pointed this out to the superior but he always fears for my life. But what is my life? Would I not gain it if I lost for my brothers and sisters? True, we do not have to give it away stupidly. But what are sons of Loyola for it they flee at the first flare?
Fear is probably the greatest enemy of humankind and yet what do we really have to fear if we believe in the unconditional love of God. Yet I still can be the victim of my fear. Thanks for sharing this reminder to be courageous in the Lord.
ReplyDeleteI think it shows, Linda, that many people believe in themselves and not God. Having fear is O.K. because fear is an indicator, but living out of it reveals our lack of trust.
Delete"The people are in dire need of spiritual assistance." Pope Francis, when he calls us to be a church of mercy, reminds us of the same thing. It's just hard for me to remember that often Jesus asks poor scared me to be the distributor of that mercy and grace.
ReplyDeleteHe wants you to act with courage and conviction because he is at work within you. When we begin to act, the fear often ceases to hold onto us.
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