“I carry happiness in my heart. If I become ill, if I am persecuted, if I am dying – incidents of no importance. In reality all these things will contribute to strengthen my peace and to increase my happiness. In utmost tranquility, therefore, I rest in the arms and in the heart of Jesus.” (Luis Maria Martinez)

Today we celebrate the feasts of St. Blaise and of St. Ansgar. At the end of mass, parishioners were able to have their throats blessed by the priest, which came along with a general prayer for protection against every evil. I was glad to have this done as I keep moving through the news of the cancer. Any time I can receive prayer and a blessing, I am happy.

A friend of mine shared the above quote from Luis Maria Matinez as part of her musings about me. She questioned the part about incidents of no importance which made me smile. Yes, none of those situations are unimportant. They are life changers. I agree that I  carry happiness in my heart and I cannot explain this easily, nor do I take it for granted. This quote steers me in the right direction. Somehow through this challenging year, I have found myself often in the arms of my Beloved. I add to that image now that I can rest serenely in the heart of Jesus. The cloak that has covered me still does, but the context is now different–I see that Jesus folds that cloak over his Sacred Heart where I reside and I am under that protection. I carry happiness in my heart because my resting place is the heart of Christ.

In the mass missalette, a quote from St. Ansgar was used today:  If I were worthy of such a favour from my God, I would ask that He grant me this one miracle: that by his grace he would make of me a good man. I thought that these two quotes, seemingly unconnected, actually complemented each other well for my needs. I think that goodness that the saint prayed for was really a desire to live beyond what he was capable of, in the same way that Maria Martinez decided to live in the arms and heart of Jesus. This, for me, is the path to happiness. To live in a state of grace is my desire. I cannot predict what these next months will bring for me–nor can I promise to always be brave and calm.  I have not yet really suffered much–although many would disagree with that. I suspect that what is to come will be the hard part. I pray that I may make good, happy, and holy choices. Whatever strength and courage that people see in me belongs to God. When you look at me, may you always see the face of Jesus. Maybe that is why all the incidents are unimportant. The important goal is to keep your eyes on Jesus and you will find happiness there.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

When do you find yourselves resting in the arms and heart of Jesus?

How can God make you a good person? What would that look like?

Prayer

Let me rest in your loving arms, dear Jesus. Nestle me into your Sacred Heart where I can strengthen my peace and increase my happiness. Make me into a good servant, dear Jesus, so that all who see my face would see only Yours. Amen.