I have written about this before, but a reader today from Down Under wrote with the hope that when the sacraments disappear from the lack of priests, he hopes he is found "on the right side".
Me, too.
I have been pondering for almost four months life without sacraments, as I could not get to daily Mass or weekly confession until recently. This lack of the sacraments could only be endured because I was praying so much during the day, trying to keep at least three monastic hours, doing my three sets of third order prayers, as well as contemplation, rosaries, and Divine Mercy chaplet.
Without the sacraments, almost constant prayer is absolutely needed. Therefore, the Benedictine way of working in the Presence of God becomes essential in a barren land without the usual means of sanctifying grace.
Think on this. How would you react without the sacraments in your area? I pray for perseverance and for courage, for long-suffering, for deep, deep patience, and for peace.
Imagine no daily Mass, no Sunday Mass, no regular confession...one must learn to repent immediately of venial sins and break habits now in order to remain in grace, as venial sins weaken the will and lead to mortal sins too often.
Think of no priests in your area, no Adoration, no sermons or meetings of parishioners who may encourage and help you.
One reason for persecution is the purification of the faithful. Many saints came out of the English suppression of the Catholic Faith, but the price to become and to stay holy could be high.
Are you ready for this scenario? Are you willing not to follow the majority who will go after the easy way out and the comfort of compromise?
Please consider these serious thoughts. One must become grounded in the daily discipline of love in order to keep the faith and hope through hard times.
I pray for fortitude and courage. I pray for perseverance and strength. Let us all pray for each other.
