Holy Spirit of Jesus, help me willingly share in the blessings and dangers of your kingdom…

                                             
Feast of St. Theresa Benedicta of the Cross, Edith Stein, Martyred, 1942, Auschwitz
 
Wisdom 18:6-9 &Hebrews 11:1-19

 
When Edith Stein and her sister, Rosa, two Jewish, Carmelite nuns, stepped foot into the crematorium at Auschwitz 80 year ago today, they certainly knew that they were sharing in the dangers of God’s kingdom. No doubt they also knew the overwhelming blessings of God’s faithfulness in their lives, even at all the moments past and present as they ‘took up their cross’ and followed Jesus.  Rather than running away in fear and disillusionment, Edith and Rosa faced the danger before them trusting in the love and mercy of God.  Like so many saints past and present they knew that the dangers faced as a friend of God and a follower of Jesus indeed carry within them great blessings: at least a strengthening of heart, mind and soul and at most a short step into eternity into the nearer presence of God.  Will I welcome the dangers of life – the challenges, temptations, life-threatening circumstances – in the same way that I welcome the blessings of life. Will I welcome dangers as well as blessings, with faith and gratitude?  Holy Spirit of Jesus, help me willingly share in the blessings and dangers of your kingdom.
 
Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall go back again. The Lord has given and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!  (Job 1:21)
 
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come
Tis faith has brought me safe, thus far,
And faith will lead me home.  
John Newton,
 
See a short biography of Edith Stein, Philosopher, Professor and Nurse at
https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_19981011_edith_stein_en.html
 
Soli ad gloriam Dei
Gospel Mystery of the Day on FaceBook & www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca