And what of our time? Each moment belongs to Him! We are not free to waste
time in frivolous occupations and idle conversations. It must be spent entirely in
the service of God and souls. Holy priests have nothing more at heart than to
transform themselves into Jesus Christ that they may become the light of the
world, the salt of the earth! The success of our apostolic efforts depends upon
our likeness to Christ. We must breathe meekness and sweetness that penetrates,
wins and captivates.
Perfect union with God can only come to us by way of some form of death to
self. There is no love without fidelity. We must keep His Commandments. Our
Lord did not hide from the Apostles the suffering and contradictions they would
have to face if they were to follow Him: “Because you are not of the world, the
world will hate you and you will have many tribulations, but have confidence:
‘I have overcome the world.’” (Jn. 16:33)
When Our Lord asks us to empty our
hearts, it is because He wants to fill them
with His own Love. Death to self and life in
God are inseparably linked! Emptied of self,
the Spirit of Truth will dwell in us. No one
can have any concept of the power of silent
prayer in a soul thus united to Our Divine
Lord. The penance asked of us by Our Lord,
today, is to lead a life of justice in the
observance of His Law. We must embrace
all the sufferings that God sends to us in
atonement for the sins which offend Him
and for the conversion of sinners.
Sorrowful and Immaculate
7
Heart of Mary,
obtain peace for the world!
During the month of October, let us pray the Rosary daily. It is the great
compendium of the holy Gospel. Offered with fervor, love and holy hope, it will
be the strength and safeguard of our souls.
I impart to all of you, my priestly blessing:
In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Father IVAN KOLODIY
Byzantine Rite, Greek-Catholic Church, UKRAINE