Holy Week- A Time of Grace- especially for Guild members- Feast Day of St. Benedict Joseph Labre- April 16TH- Spy Wednesday
by Timothy Duff, STM, MA CHL Cert.
"Mental Illness is represented by Jesus' Crown of Thorns"- St. Teresa of Calcutta
As Catholics, we honor the days between Palm Sunday and Easter, our Holy Week, as the holiest time of the liturgical year; when we walk with Our Lord and, through scripture, join in His Passion. It is time for us to also share with our brothers and sisters in Christ as they suffer, not just this Holy Week, but every week and every day with depression, grief and other illnesses.
This year in particular, as members of the Guild we have been given a special grace to have our patrons's feast day fall on Wednesday of Holy Week. This day symbolizes when Judas betrayed Jesus with 30 pieces of silver.
Let us ask ourselves, how many times in our own life have we fell into serious sin. We need to follow St. Benedict Joseph Labre's example by always being aware of God's presence in our souls.
St Andrew of Crete says: "Let us run to accompany him as he hastens toward his passion, and imitate those who met him then, not by covering his path with garments, olive branches or palms, but by doing all we can to prostrate ourselves before him by being humble and by trying to live as he would wish. Then we shall be able to receive the Word at his coming, and God, whom no limits can contain, will be within us." (Palm Sunday Office of Readings) St. Benedict Joseph was one of those special saints who never commited a mortal sin and remained innocent his entire life. Yet, everytime he entered a new town, he did an extensive examine of his conscience and went to confession. He came to love God through prayer, penance and being charitable to his neighbor. He is our Holy Wayfarer. Let uis pray for the grace to reconcile with God always and love others as Jesus did.
Guardian asks for healing of depression through St Benedict Joseph Labre's Intercession
Depression has been likened to "being in a dark room or facing a dark wall" and can feel overwhelming. How can we be supportive? How can we be their "light"?
If you have a mental illness, be assured! There is hope and it's just for YOU!!! It is Our Lord in His Passion! The Crown of Thorns was forced upon Our Lord; just one more atrocity and one more visible suffering.
Remember the words of Saint Mother Theresa of Calcutta to Fr. Benedict Groeschel (CFR): "Jesus' Crown of thorns represents the struggles of those persons with mental illness". This week, take comfort: reflect on His agony in the garden. Only an angel could comfort Our Lord because of the depth of His anguish. Listen to Jesus saying to you: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)
Depression
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted,
saves those whose spirit is crushed.
Psalm 34:18
"Depression is more than just the daily sadness that comes and goes. It's a deep-seated feeling that grabs hold of us and doesn't let go, day after day. It can take a toll on our social lives, our professional lives, our spiritual lives and our health. Psychologists tell us that depression is the most common of all psychiatric disorders. Almost all of us, at one time or another in our lives, will experience it.
As Christians, we may feel we should be immune to depression. But depression is no sin! God has promised us He will be especially close to us when we go through these bleak times. He will be there at our side, waiting to lead us into His joy once more." (Sanna E. 2012)
Prayer:
Dear God, I am in an emotional desert, a barren and howling wasteland. Sheild me, Lord Care for me.Guard me as the apple of Your eye. (Deuteronomy 32:10)
I'm waiting patiently for You, Lord. I know you will lean down to me and hear my cry. You will draw me up out of the pit of destruction, this miry bog of depression where I'm stuck. You will set my feet on the rock, and You will make my steps steady. And then You will put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to God. Many will see what You have done for me, and they, too, will put their trust in You. (Psalm 40:1-5)
Source: Sanna E. 2012, Prayers for difficult times, Barbour Books ISBN: 9781620291726
St. Benedict Joseph Labre, you who suffered from deep dark depression to the point you felt God had rejected you. You even refusecd to receive communion for a time. You were miraculously healed and chose the life of a homeless pilgrim beggar as an offering to God while all the while making the world your monastery and living out poverty, chastity and obedience perfectly. You became as Pope Leo XIII called you: "Holiness Itself". Pray for us who suffering from depression and mental illnesses to also be healed and live as another Christ for others, This way we can become holy like you!
Amen!