Author: Michael Rodas

life-giving cross

easter_cross2

“True love is love that causes us pain, that hurts, and yet brings us joy. Intense love does not measure — it just gives.” – Mother Teresa

Christ, allow me to remember that my suffering gives life to others. Allow me to remember that every cross is life-giving. Father, allow me to not become tired of loving, let weariness become my place of joy.

You have given me life through your suffering, you never became tired of loving me and you let weariness bring me joy!

THANK YOU GOD FOR GIVING ME NEW LIFE!!! 😀

Totus tuus

palm Sunday: the Lord’s passion

A number of time’s in Sunday’s Gospel have You reminded me of my shortcomings and how I have hurt You. How many times have I negotiated with sin in exchange of You? How many times have I made commitments to You and have broken them? How many times have I hurt you when I hurt others? How many times have I denied you? How many times have I been unfaithful with my prayer life and let temptation creep back to me? How many times have I chosen against what I ought to do? Like the apostles, the soldiers, Judas and Pilate, I have wronged and failed You many times.

At the same time You remind me of how much You love and want me entirely for Yourself.  Thank You for loving me so much even though I’m unworthy.  Abba Father, thank You for holding me with Your mercy and covering me with your grace. “Where sin increases, grace abounds all the more.”

Just as Mary and Mary Magdalene remained facing your tomb, allow me to do the same in prayer anticipating Your glorious resurrection.

Totus tuus

fifth sorrowful mystery

Thank You Jesus, for showing me excellence and how far I must go for love of others and love of You. You gave me your mother and you granted me mercy while you were bearing my punishment. Even though you were nailed to a cross, Your deathbed, you gave me more. I am not nailed to a cross, yet I settle for mediocrity. You were near death and gave me things I am undeserving of yet I let my tiredness be an excuse to not serve you at my best. Mother Mary, grant me more graces through our Lord to give Jesus more while suffering on my cross.

Totus tuus

third sorrowful mystery

The Crowning of Thorns

Every time I find myself in a more reverent posture of humility, You still continue to enlighten me and unveil to me that there’s more. Especially within this third sorrowful mystery. You showed me what true humility is. Not just by willingly or obediently receiving the crown of thorns, but by desiring the crown of thorns. By showing us to live for eternity and not for the temporary. The crown You received was one of suffering. A crown which shows that suffering leads to eternity. You have left to ponder. What crown do I desire? One of gold? Jewels? Earthly desires? Pride? How many things have I done things for myself? How many times have I served for myself? How many times have I said “yes” and have forgotten you? How many times have I have I been selfish for my  desires and not Yours? Within this life, countless times. Help me thirst for You as You did for us on the Cross. Humble my heart O God and teach me to accept suffering as my way to eternity. Blessed Mother, help me desire a crown of thorns.

Totus Tuus

“Yes!”

My favorite joyful mystery is the Annunciation and one of my favorite prayers is the Angelus because I have doubted myself many times and it’s meaning is so beautiful to me.

When I say “yes” to doing something that I may not feel capable of or like doing, be it CFC-Youth service, chores, or giving someone a ride this story of Mother Mary always affirms me and reminds me of how great God is. In this story story He always reminds me:

  • When my Mother said “yes”, I dwelt within her, I do the same in you. Do not doubt what I can do through you.
  • My Mother’s “yes” brought Me. It brought love and salvation to the world. Imagine how much of Me you are bringing to others when you say “yes”.
  • Your “yes” is a continuation of my Mother’s “yes”. You become one with her and participate in the salvation of the world.
  • My mother walks alongside you.

Only by the grace of God through Mother Mary have I been able to say “yes”. Only with the virtues she provides can I be able to carry on strongly and joyfully in the mission of my home, CFC-Youth and everywhere else.

Totus Tuus