By Kaitlin Klein
Wonderful Adventure
I am a collector of quotes. I enjoy being moved by another's words and sitting with a sentence or a short passage, often bringing them to prayer. When I'm feeling a certain way, I can keep specific words at the forefront of my mind to inspire, comfort and guide me, and I rotate small note cards with different quotes and Scripture passages every few days. The Word of God in Scripture is, of course, overflowing with wisdom, beauty, comfort and guidance, and I'm also drawn to the words of the saints. Here in Ordinary Time between Christmas and Lent, I've been focusing on thoughts of ordinary life, living our vocations, and sanctifying the day-to-day moments. I'd like to share some inspiring words with which I often begin my day, to jumpstart my day and give me encouragement that each and every moment can lead me to heaven.
A great way to begin the day is by meditating on Jesus on the cross, gazing down in complete love for me. Anything is possible with this unbelievable love. "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine" (Isaiah 43:13).
"It is the saying of holy men that, if we wish to be perfect, we have nothing more to do than to perform the ordinary duties of the day well. A short road to perfection — short, not because easy, but because pertinent and intelligible. There are no short ways to perfection, but there are sure ones.” St. John Henry Cardinal Newman wrote, "A Short Road to Perfection," an excerpt from “Meditations and Devotions.” He offers other practical advice in this work.
"How easily we could win heaven day by day just by doing what we have to do — but by doing it for God,” (St. John Vianney). This is great encouragement for me when I'm doing what I have to do each day — cook, clean, change diapers, run errands, the list goes on. These ordinary necessities can be made holy!
In a similar strain, “If you have God at the center of all your action, then you will reach the goal," (Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati).
I often find value in the encouragement that when I'm frustrated that my day isn't going the way I planned, or when I'm being interrupted for the tenth time, I can surrender to everything being the will of God. “If you embrace all things in this life as coming from the hands of God, and even embrace death to fulfill His holy will, assuredly you will die a saint," (St. Alphonsus Liguori).
"...holiness does not consist of extraordinary signs. Above all, it consists of the daily acceptance of the unfathomable designs of God," (Archbishop Carlo Colombo).
And finally, some encouragement that the simple life of an ordinary person truly can make a difference: "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family,” (St. Teresa of Calcutta).