My pen has been stilled for far too long, friends.
To my surprise, much time has gone by since my last post. So much time, in fact, that I wonder if the very forum of blogging has died a happy death in my absence? Thankfully, I have still been writing. However, much of what I have written in the interim months has been focused on 'immediate concerns of the self' - it lacks the power to edify.
To risk armchair philosophy, or worse, psychology, a writer may not write because they are not feeling themselves...they are out of their rhythm. And a writer may shy away from writing because they are in good health and are concerned with other interests. I believe both of these have been present since I last wrote.
Friends, I say the following to myself as much as to you: Pursue your writing with a sense of boldness and urgency (Eph 6:19,20). May your writing facilitate your integration, but also the spread of the Gospel and the encouragement of your brothers and sisters. The preaching of the Word always begins in our own hearts, we must be the first to be evangelized by the Word we seek to share.
God wants His broken instruments to step forward. His invitation is not limited to the spiritually elite, to those well-ordered and structurally integral disciples. He invites all His prodigals to step forward, to seek Him who is always seeking us. He seeks us and listens continually for our voice (Song of Songs 2:14).
Still your heart today. Come to Him with all your burdens. Speak to Him from the depths. But don't let the burdens drown out the Voice that speaks in the stillness. Cast all your cares upon Him, but don't allow yourself to become scattered, introspective or paralyzed by these concerns.
Make a good confession, pray the Rosary, and get outdoors...into the crisp air of autumn!
St. Thérèse de Lisieux, St. Theresa of Avila, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Saint John Paul II, St. Francis of Assisi - all ye saints of October - pray for us!
Mary, Mother of the Word Incarnate, full of grace, pray for us!
