Taken by Surprise

“We must sacrifice everything for everything: our ambitions, indeed our entire selves, for the cause of faith.” Pier Giorgio Frassati

I had a scheduled flight to a destination that was driveable. Sometimes it is easier to fly but not this time. My lift was just dropping me off at the airport when the only flight of the day, mine, was canceled. I stood looking at the airport terminal and wondered what to do. I asked for a rental car at a couple locations and on the third try, I found one. Interestingly, the agent gave me a great price, I did not need to pay for gas, and the car was nice. I got where I needed to go in comfort. It was a nice surprise. Sometimes things just work out without our efforts. It is a scary thing to be stranded but I would think it is scarier to be frozen in place not knowing what to do. We need to keep moving and listen to what opportunities will arrive in front of us. It is a simple example but one that made me think about things during my short trip.

"A ray of light enables us to see the dust that is in the air. Pray to God, 'You are the Spirit, and I am only the trumpet, and without your breath I can give no sound.' St. Joseph of Cupertino

From Franciscanmedia.org, St. Joseph’s tendency to levitate during prayer was sometimes a cross; some people came to see this much as they might have gone to a circus sideshow. Joseph’s gift led him to be humble, patient, and obedient, even though at times he was greatly tempted and felt forsaken by God. He fasted and wore iron chains for much of his life. There were reports of about 70 acts of levitations. I am not sure why someone would want this ability, but God certainly wanted this. During Covid, our pastor asked for the intercession of St. Roch since he survived the plague. He inherited wealth and used it to help others. He cared for plague victims and contracted it himself. While retreating to the woods, a dog apparently licked his wounds and brought him bread. He was even imprisoned in his hometown since he was not recognized. There are reasons for all these events.

“Pray to be ever ready for God’s will, even when it takes you by surprise.” St. Mary Mckillop

I have been waiting for a few events for quite some time. It seems to be coming to a fruition above my expectations. I would like to understand why, how and many more questions but these answers come when they can. We need to stay strong and faithful. We need to not become jaded, though it is easy to do. It is easy to give up and think why bother. However, we need to keep going. We need to keep waiting and be surprised. God does surprise and He moves when He is ready – not when we want Him to.

“I would like to say, especially to the young, do not wait, but respond enthusiastically to the Lord who calls us to work in his vineyard. Do not delay, roll up your sleeves, because the Lord is generous and you will not be disappointed! “I can say from my own experience that God will surprise you!” Pope Leo XIV