United in Christ

"As Christians we are asked to be transformed in love so that the wounds of God may be healed by love. We are asked to take down Christ from the cross and hold him in our hearts, to become this Christ of self-giving love so that dying with Christ we may rise with Christ to new life."

http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Minute/default.asp

To become this Christ of self-giving love...is a lifelong journey. I see the wounds of God as being very much my own wounds...There are people who say the cross should be shown only as a wooden shape and the image of the dying Jesus is too gruesome. The death of Jesus is an integral part of our story and the story of our faith. I don't seek out sadness and suffering but I also as a Christian do not ignore it. I know that when I am giving in love to those who are in need, the suffering, there is a true fulfillment of who I was created to be and a reward that goes beyond words. People of many faiths know this in many ways. There has been an outpouring to the victims of the Tsunami. I continue to pray for the victims and those who are coming to their assistance. We are at the monastery continuing to collect money to send to Catholic Relief Services. It is a humble effort but everyone is doing what they can to help.