Fulton Sheen101 A Priest is Not His Own.

Suffering brings wisdom? As St. Augustine: What I live by I impart. Suffering brings wisdom, but books only natural understanding."

"No priest sees problems so sympathetically as the priest who is standing on the watchtower of Calvary. Like the sun, it cannot be seen, and yet it illuminates all else."

"The priest will show such souls ( speaking of afflicted persons, sick, suffering, dying) that there are no accidents in life, that the Providence of God rules the fall of a sparrow or the loss of a hair,that He made the wind that caused Jonah to be caught and the sea beast that swallowed him, that all sufferings that come to us even from our friends are to be seen as coming from his hand. In the Garden, did He not say to Peter:

Am I not to drink the cup which my Father Himself has appointed for Me? John 18:11

Even the cup of sorrow that comes from those who should offer us the wine of friendship must be seen as God's gift, bitter though it be."

I read Fulton sheen and I try to reflect deeply because I believe God speaks with and through this man. His use of scripture is awe inspiring and something I need to attempt in my own life. I want to be a good priest and if I am to do so, the wisdom contained here is beyond my understanding. I cannot grasp it fully without God and the Holy Spirit, and I should not try to. That last thing has been resonating in my head since I read it and I guess being so worldly, divine providence have not been understood. I don't live like each problem I face is for my benefit, even those of my friends... I must ponder my own involvement in Divine Providence, which I must wonder at. I think each day as St. Cyril speaking on the our father, asking God every time saying the words, thy kindom come, thy will be done. I must ask for myself and others that Gods will be done today and others to bring about the kingdom in our lives. These things are connected and God is speaking to me. I'm learning his speak and attempting to rid myself of my deafness, maybe I'll be like Teresa of Avila someday knowing Gods will.


Well I must go for now,
Peace and love by God our savior!
Michael