I once heard interviews with survivors from World War II. The soldiers recalled how they spent a particular day. One sat in a foxhole; once or twice, a German tank drove by and he shot at it. Others played cards and frittered away the time. A few got involved in furious firefights. Mostly, the day passed like any other. Later, they learned they had just participated in one of the largest, most decisive engagements of the war, the Battle of the Bulge. It didnt feel decisive at the time because none had the big picture.
Great victories are won when ordinary people execute their assigned tasks.
When followers of Ignatius (14911556) endured periods of futility, he always prescribed the same cure: In times of desolation we must never make a change, but stand firm and constant in the resolutions and determination in which we were the day before the desolations. Spiritual battles must be fought with the very weapons hardest to wield at the time: prayer, meditation, self-examination, and repentance.
Perhaps you sense youre in a spiritual rut. Stay at your assigned task! Obedience to Godand only obedienceoffers the way out of our futility.
Good evening Mayor.
Thank you for your daily lessons.
Thanks, Mayor, for today’s sustenance for body and soul.