Day 12

Friday, April 17, 2015

The Abbey of Gethsemani

During his homily this morning, Fr. Anton reminded us that Jesus Christ wants to transform us. We are all on a journey of transformation. However, this journey is not an upward climb but a downward submission.  The Cross of Christ is our best example of this truth.

This day I experienced several reminders of my need to be transformed.  The first was a lovely white orchid which appeared on top of the front desk of the Retreat House forger.  I asked Br. Fredrick about it.  He said it was a gift for someone.  An orchid is delicate.  A trait iI am constantly working on.

The second reminder is God’s way of showing me his love.  I saw a gorgeous butterfly in the garden outside the retreat house.  I smiled with delight and looked skyward with thanksgiving. Thank you, Lord, for the butterfly.

Like the butterfly which must undergo a metamorphosis in the dark cocoon of the chrysalis, so we are called to journey inward so that Christ might change our minds and hearts.

Thomas Merton said it this way: “Our real journey in life is interior; it is a matter of growth, deepening, and of ever greater surrender to the creative action of love and grace in our hearts.”

I count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie