"The past must be abandoned to God's mercy, the present to our fidelity, the future to divine providence."

                            ~St. Francis de Sales

For Reflection:

How can preoccupation with past transgressions and worry over future possibilities rob us of fidelity to the present moment? How does fidelity to the present moment increase our hope? How does reliance on God's mercy and providence increase our hope?

Experience Grace In Abundance: Ten Strategies for Your Spiritual Life NEW! by Johnnette Benkovic Pb 304 pages Click Here For More Information:                     STRATEGY 4 Embrace the Cross In the Mystical Body, we are one in Christ Jesus...(1 Corinthians 12:13). This unity in the Mystical Body of Christ is no more keenly witnessed than in moments of trial, tribulation, and devastation. In these moments, we sense the needs of the other and enter into his travail. "If one member suffers, all suffer together" (1 Corinthians 12:26). Even when it is not consciously experienced, suffering--the common denominator of the human condition--unites us with an unbreakable bond. But suffering itself begs us to ask questions: Why do we suffer? Why does God permit suffering to exist? What is suffering's purpose?