It was one year ago that Pope Francis promulgated the Apostolic Exhortation, “C’EST LA CONFIANCE” (“Trust that brings us to Love and sets us Free”) commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birth of St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face. In celebrating this past year’s anniversary with the Holy Father of the intercession of our mutually favorite saint, and looking forward to her Feast Day October 1, let’s call to mind the meaning of this exhortation.
Trust that brings us to Love and sets us Free all comes down to our relationship with Jesus. In its simplest form, it is to know the child Jesus, as the infant born in Bethlehem, and following Him into the Holy Face of God, the Divine Mercy, as Jesus crucified on the cross. The Little Way of Love is not the easy way of the world. It demands transparency, surrender and never-ending conversion; giving up all judgements and conditions; and seeing Jesus in the simple, mundane tasks of daily life.
"Trust that brings us to Love and sets us Free all comes down to our relationship with Jesus."
In this journey, the coming month of October calls us to Respect Life. We must renew our commitment to honor Life in all its forms, according to the Trust that brings us to Love and sets us Free. I ask you also to renew your prayers and efforts over the diocese, especially to protect the unborn and their vulnerable parents, as we approach the November ballot. There are pulpit and bulletin announcements to come.
I wish now to thank you for your prayers, condolences and support at the passing of my mother Jeanne, one month ago. Mom gave us 98 years of the Little Way of Love that I hope to share, and which we hope to share together, brothers and sisters, into eternal life. As I continue to process this personal transformation in grace, please know of my prayers for you and your families.
"As I continue to process this personal transformation in grace, please know of my prayers for you and your families."
In Christ we learn to embrace all that God gives us as He chooses to give. To love all people in all circumstances and to do little things with extraordinary love is the message of St. Therese. Let us move forward into renewal of the Trust that brings us to Love and sets us Free.
+Most Reverend Stephen J. Berg
Bishop of Pueblo
Image by www.freepik.com
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