bittersweet
"My mission is to spread, not peace, but the sword." —Matthew 10:34, our transl.
The Christian life is rough. If we want to lead a godly life, we will be persecuted (2 Tm 3:12). Our enemies may be those of our own household (Mt 10:36). As followers of Christ, we must take up our crosses daily (Lk 9:23) and bring ourselves to nought for Jesus (Mt 10:39). The Christian life can be very painful and lonely. However, we find our joy in suffering for Jesus (Col 1:24; 1 Pt 4:13).
The Christian life is also full of joy and serendipities. The Lord will raise up people to give us a cup of cold water, a pizza, a prayer, a smile, a flower, or other gifts (see Mt 10:42). The Lord gives His followers His own joy — complete joy (Jn 15:11). As Christians, we move from grace to grace (Jn 1:16) and from glory to glory (2 Cor 3:18).
The Christian life is both the most difficult and the most wonderful life possible for a human being. Do you want to really live? Give your life to Jesus; choose Christ as your Life (Jn 14:6; Phil 1:21). Live, suffer, and rejoice in life in Christ.
Prayer: Father, thank You for deciding to live in me and letting me live in You (see Jn 17:23).
Promise: "Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before My eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan's plea, defend the widow." —Is 1:17
Praise: When named a cardinal, Bonaventure was not available to be congratulated. He was doing the wash.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, November 29, 1995
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 4, 1995