Dear friends- Guards of honor,
Even though we are in Lent, a path of interior purification, the words of our foundress, written over a century and a half ago, once again resonate in a very particular way with our current affairs. Let us know how to read them in their noble sense, free from any sorrow but on the contrary borrowed from a reality of faith. This month, we especially honor Saint Joseph, Patron Protector of the Guard of Honor (which is also the anniversary of his foundation), ask him to accompany us every day with his paternal benevolence! Holy Lent to all in the beautiful perspective of the light of the Risen One.
united to you
Geneviève Vignes
Peace in the Sacred Heart of Jesus
“If the world hates you, know that it hated me before you… If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you… You will cry and the world will rejoice but your sadness will turn to joy!…” These prospects are not to rejoice us but what a consolation to suffer for Jesus, like Jesus. We know that we are not made for this world and that we are His. It is therefore a singular honor that he does us by allowing us to carry his Cross with him. He who possesses God lacks nothing. The greatest danger for us would be to lose the love of our Lord by preferring the attraction of material goods and disorderly affections. Thank God, persecution detaches us from it, and as such, we should almost thank the enemies of Christ for forcing us to look towards Heaven in order to hope from God alone for our help and not to enjoy the satisfactions of here- low. Even attacks on our freedom make it more precious to us when it comes to loving and serving God. Deep in our hearts we keep, with grace, the peace and freedom of the children of God, which no human law and no hellish power can tear away. So, to suffer for Jesus and with Him, to know it and savor its mission, to want it and ask God to always want it, this completely changes the meaning of suffering, it brings down on the most bruised heart, the gentle influences of the peace of Heaven. Discovering his Heart in St. Margaret Mary, Jesus said: “My love reigns in suffering, triumphs in humility, and enjoys in unity. “Dear honor guards, let us not complain of suffering. Whatever our pain, our struggles, our crosses, our annoyances, our impatience, the Sacred Heart of Jesus knows everything and He loves us! That’s enough for us! (Sr Marie of the Sacred Heart Bernaud)