Dear Saints,

Multiple saints have observed that “to live without Jesus is unbearable hell, while to live with him is sweet paradise.” Anyone who has tried it both ways - and that’s most of us - can attest to the reality of their wisdom.

We were created by charity, for charity. When we separate ourselves from love - that is, when we distance ourselves from God - we cut ourselves off from the source of meaning, mercy, and joy. Our hearts are essentially laid to waste. By contrast, when we live in direct communion with Jesus, everything is turned to good, forgiveness is always possible, and sorrow does not get the final word.

This coming week reminds us that living in direct communion with Jesus means taking up one’s cross and following him. If we want to participate in his saving work, we must be willing to join him in his suffering love. It’s a daunting call to be sure, but we know there is no Good Friday without Easter. Jesus will not waste even the slightest act of self-gift. In him, every cross is ordered toward resurrection, every sacrifice transformed into sweet paradise.

Christ’s Peace,

Father Daniel

δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ