SPIRITUAL PROGRESS - 1/27/23 (Memorial of Saint Angela Merici, virgin)

Mark 4:26–29

And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed upon the ground, and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he knows not how. The earth produces of itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” 

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012623.cfm

Blessed Memorial of St. Angela! In the parable, our Lord Jesus described the growth of the seed of grape. The blade comes first, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. The seed does not ripe just on the next day. It takes time for it to grow. The same is true in our spiritual journey. It is God who gives grace to our souls. He strengthens us to do His will, and He grants peace in our hearts. But, there will be times when we will be tested by the trials we face. When other people sees our Catholic faith, they may mock us and say inappropriate things towards God, the Church or us. We may hear many blasphemies, and we will experience oppositions from many. We should also not neglect the sufferings in our daily lives, either in the circumstances that we have not expected or from other people. When we fall to sins like anger, impatience and others, we may be so discouraged by our weakness. But, Jesus is always reminding us to always trust in Him. Just because we fall to sins it doesn't mean that we will remain that way. Through these experiences, God purifies our souls, and He humbles us even more. Despite our falls, if we remain gentle and patient with ourselves, we will see our spiritual progress as time goes by. 

We can also see this spiritual progress in the life of St. Angela Merici. Since a very young age, she was taught by her parents who were devoted to God. They were telling her stories about the lives of the saints which was foundational for her desire to imitate them. Unfortunately, some of her family members died, including her parents. By God's grace, she grew in her faith, and when she was an adult, she was given an opportunity by God to help young children to grow in holiness. She also became a Third Order Franciscan, and she dedicated her whole life to God while living in the world. Then, by the inspiration from God, she instituted a community for lay women known as "Company of Saint Ursula." We may not know spiritual growth happens, but it is always in God's control. All we can do is to trust in Him and persevere in doing His will as we sleep and rise night and day. When we realize the times that we have fallen to sins, let's remember that God will help us to be better even in spite of it. May we reflect on the reasons that made us fall and the situations or people that may trigger our strong emotions. As we begin to know them, may we always humble ourselves and ask help from Him to bear all trials with patience. Let's not be troubled or anxious because as long as we are humble and as long as we love God, we will be mature in our faith in God's timing, and we will be able to enter His Kingdom in Heaven by His mercy. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Saint Angela Merici, Virgin—Optional Memorial:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/january-27-saint-angela-merici-virgin/

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth