Life's Purpose

And We Will Make It Well

Cleaned By Love

Standing at the edge of Lent, I find myself reflecting upon the Sacrament of Reconciliation. And I think of this from Charles de Foucauld: 

“When you want to write on a blackboard, you must first wipe off what is written there.’

Several things occur to me as I read this.  First of all:  chalk is not permanent.  Nor are my sins.  Once the “board” has been erased, the original mistakes can no longer be read. 

Second:  a blackboard cannot be erased unless something is done.  Someone has to actually take action and clean the board.

Third:  a chalkboard eraser is not a steel wool pad.  It is soft.  It’s made to clean the board, not harm it.  If a blackboard could feel, I doubt it would cry “ouch.”

“God,” wrote St. Gregory the Great, “scourges our faults with strokes of love, to cleanse us from our iniquities.” 

Strokes of love.  Not lashes and paddles, but strokes of love.

Jesus wants to erase every one of my sins.  He knows I cannot do it on my own.  He has given the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a (gentle, loving, healing) Eraser.  I pray, as this Lenten season begins, for the grace to “confess my sins, do penance, and amend my life."  

May Our Lord write what HE wants on my life. May He make it totally His own. 

This is a slightly edited repost. It is linked to Reconciled to You and Theology is a Verb for 'It's Worth Revisiting Wednesday.'
 

GOOD FRIDAY

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thecloisteredheart.org

A Definition of God

For a Good Lent

Now the Bright Gate

'Once as the tree of torture known - now the bright gate to Jesus' throne.'

St. Peter Damian

Painting: James Tissot, 'It is Finished'

Written with a Strange Beauty

'The law that is perfect because it takes away all imperfections 

is charity, and you find it written with a strange beauty 

when you gaze at Jesus your Savior 

stretched out like a sheet of parchment on the Cross, 

inscribed with wounds, 

illustrated in His own loving blood.  

Where else is there a comparable book of love to read from?' 

Blessed Jordan of Saxony

Painting: James Tissot

The Science of the Saints

'Here learn the science of the saints: all is to be found in the passion of Jesus. Make every effort to remain hidden in the wounds of Jesus, and you will be enriched with every good and every true light, enabling you to fly to that Perfection which is consonant with your way of life.'

St. Paul of the Cross

Painting: James Tissot, 'Jesus Before Pilate First Interview'

O Supreme Love!

Jesus "knew all of us by name, above all on the day of His Passion, when He offered His tears, His blood and His life for all... 'Father, I take upon Myself all the sins of poor ____  (name). I am ready to undergo torment and death so that he may be freed.'  O supreme love of the heart of Jesus!"

St. Francis de Sales


Painting:Jean Leon Pallière

No Complaint

 

'Oh Jesus,You were led to death like a lamb, like a sheep that does not open its mouth before its shearers. You utter no word of complaint to Your Father Who sent You, nor against the men whose debt You are paying.'  

St. Bernard

Painting: Francisco de Zurbarán, 'Agnus Dei'