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Wednesday, 27 August 2014

How To Prepare fo Martyrdom Part One

Looking at the world and having thought of persecution for years, I was thinking today on the fact that all of us should be mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepared for martyrdom.

I think this is possible. May I make a list of suggestions on how to get ready for, perhaps, the ultimate sacrifice?

One, let God purify you. Let God deal with your predominant fault. Pursue perfection.

Two, do sacrificial actions and mortifications daily. This could include fasting daily and other things which bring discomfort to the body and humble the soul.

Three, realize that God gives grace, and that one's own strength is severely limited. Only God can make a martyr ready.

Four, learn to pray constantly, even at work or in a parking lot, or waiting in line at the store. Learning to concentrate on prayer and God in any place leads to mental discipline.

Five, surround yourself with holy, good people so that you know you have "back-up" spiritually. Today, I phoned a holy friend for advice. She said she would be my prayer-back-up. We are not in this persecution alone.

Six, go to regular, even weekly confession.

Seven, get to Mass and Adoration as much as possible.

Eight, read the Scriptures and meditate on the Life of Christ, our model in suffering.

Nine, accept suffering, all types, daily, peacefully, gratefully.

Ten, meditate specifically on the Passion of Christ and desire to be joined with Him.

Eleven, realize that detachment and objectivity allow one to love one's enemies, forgive them and even pray for them. Martyrs are not angry or unforgiving.

Twelve, die to self daily so that it becomes a habit of being.

Thirteen. be honest about how many people hate the Church, the Pope and, therefore, you.

Fourteen, accept physical pain and suffering. Learn to endure it, instead of rushing for ibuprofen or whatever. Learn to transcend pain for the sake of others, as intercessory prayer.

Fifteen, learn to forgive anyone immediately, knowing that, except for grace, one could be the persecutor.

Sixteen, ask God to take away all fears of suffering, abandonment, rejection and replace those with His Love.

Seventeen, love, love, love....

to be continued....