NEGOTIATING HELL: a sequel to CS Lewis' "Screwtape Letters." The End-Mary's contingency is fulfilled
Why Lord? Recent killings across the country have us steeped in anger, disbelief and confusion. How are we supposed to forgive our enemies let alone love them? The answer may lie in the heart and soul of St Joseph. God the Son needed a bodily father of royal blood, with relentless courage, prudence and the ability to finesse sharp instruments. OK, maybe the blade skills are negotiable but please consider these 4 actions of St. Joseph.
What is Prudence? The virtue of holding our tongue is an act of prudence. Prudence is the sagacity of seeing ahead. It is the ability to wait for the right time and place to act; using discipline, reason and wisdom. One of the 4-cardinal virtues, prudence is the ability to take a breath and let God take control. While some argue we get what we tolerate, prudence does not mean inactivity or silence. It means nonviolence. St. Joseh knew that God kept track so he didn't have to...
The Terror of Demons. With recent events still unfolding, we see ahead that God is working for the good of those who love Him. Steeped in emotion, we are not ready to make wise decisions and we don't need to make things worse. Until all facts surface, perhaps we should hold our tongues and await Our Lord's will. Meanwhile, let us consider the hidden power of St. Joseph. Hand-selected by God, St Joseph is the terror of demons.
The significance of 3-Days. As a 12-year-old, Jesus' 3-day temple event is prophetic and perhaps metaphorical. Hold that thought. When St Joseph died in the arms of Mary and Jesus, the gates of heaven were still closed. The soul of St. Joseph waited in some sort of limbo until the resurrection. Once crucified, Jesus opened the gates of heaven and descended to the dead to empty limbo. During those 3-days, reconsider Jesus' words, "I must see about my father's business." In limbo, Jesus set about the business of rescuing his father, the prudent St Joseph.
God's I.O.U. Matthew (19: 29) says whomever gives life and possessions for God will receive a 100-fold in eternal life. St Joseph gave up everthing for Jesus and sits on a gold mine of unused favors. Through his suffering and denial, God became indebted to St Joseph. Ask for his help--how can God refuse St Joseph's intercession in our current spiritual warfare?
God's passive will. There is too much going on with the recent young deaths for us to think straight. Until the dust settles and facts surface, let's let God cook. He has a plan that will unfold over time. Now is the time for us to exercise prudence. Meanwhile, let us invoke the intercession of St. Joseph and govern our tongues, thereby avoiding violence and retribution. God keeps track so we don't have to...
Mother Mary, pray for us
St Joseph, please intercede for the grace of prudence
Jesus, we trust in You.