Aug 23rd - Rose of Lima

Although she is often depicted in a habit, Rose never really became a nun. She dedicated herself to the Third Order of St. Dominic and lived by that rule serving the poor and sick.
So that is the thing. She was not "allowed" to enter the convent, even though it was what she desired. But she did not let that stop her from living for Christ. Service to God was her main desire and how she did that reflected the Gospel, not just a rule.
How often are we stymied in doing or having what we want. How often is it that some one sets up a road-block in our way? What is our reaction? Often we respond with a passive-aggressive response and do nothing. Instead of living in spite of obstacles and weaknesses we give up because we do not get our way, if not do just the opposite. We blame others, we blame God, we seek only the perfect situation but we never reach into ourselves to find the perfection of the Spirit.
Rose lived despite not being able to have it all. She adapted, she amended. She put others first, lived joyfully within the life of Christ not matter what her physical situation was. This is not giving up or letting others define us; this is seeking out how to serve Christ wherever and whatever our situation. That is the thing.
"Were you a slave when you were called? Do not be concerned but, even if you can gain your freedom, make the most of it." (1 Corinthians 7:21)
Rose, help us to bloom where we are planted, pun intended.

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Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their fruits. Take wives and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters. Increase there; do not decrease. Seek the welfare of the city to which I have exiled you; pray for it to the LORD, for upon its welfare your own depends. For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not be deceived by the prophets and diviners who are among you; do not listen to those among you who dream dreams, for they prophesy lies to you in my name; I did not send them — oracle of the LORD. For thus says the LORD: Only after seventy years have elapsed for Babylon will I deal with you and fulfill for you my promise to bring you back to this place. For I know well the plans I have in mind for you — oracle of the LORD — plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. When you call me, and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me — oracle of the LORD — and I will change your lot; I will gather you together from all the nations and all the places to which I have banished you — oracle of the LORD — and bring you back to the place from which I have exiled you.


-- Jeremiah 29:4-14