On Sacrifice and Gratitude.
The following article was written by my son Joseph, who is 17 years of age and a senior at Ville de Marie Academy. His assignment was to prepare a talk to the students at the school as if given by the Cure' D'Ars, John Vianney. There is much to recommend in the paper. It speaks to the soul and reminds us of the important issues of life. I asked him if I could republish it here for you to enjoy.
On Sacrifice and Gratitude
by Joseph Jakubczyk
Often times, we are given a great gift, yet we fail to comprehend the magnitude of its goodness. What a gem is found in this little school, this little town of Mary, wherein you may learn uninhibited how to grow closer to Christ. My children, you must never take for granted what you have been freely given, for the Lord expects much from those to whom he has given much. We are often tempted, through pride and selfishness as well as vanity and laziness, to scorn this wondrous gift. You must remain faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ. Your presence in this school is like a king who is holding a feast in his palace. Many are invited, but few can find their way. When the king takes you by the hand and places you upon the correct road, the direct path to his palace, it would be foolish to respond with ingratitude. I assure you, an education in truth and faith is the strongest foundation one can find in this life. Be thankful for the gift you are receiving.
In this life we are never happy, always looking at the downside of every event, complaining at our every discomfort, and failing to see the good in our situation. Oh the joy that would fill our hearts if we could but see for an instant the goodness that may come from the trials we suffer! You would forget your own lack of pleasure and be filled with the desire to embrace the pain for the sake of your salvation. The pleasures of this earthly life in comparison to Heaven are like a droplet of water in the entire ocean, or a tiny spark against the sun. So as you sit through a class where you struggle to pay attention, or when your eyes beg permission to shut, persevere with the knowledge that these small sacrifices are the stairs that will lead you to eternal joy.
As creatures of a fallen nature, we tend to do the least possible work in order that we might have the most time to waste on idleness and entertainment. But what good are these things for the soul? As a student, it is your ultimate calling at this time to give all your effort into learning and doing your best in your studies. These material things are ways God has given for you to grow in self-discipline, that you might completely conquer yourself for Christ. So, cast off the weight of apathy and apply all the energies given to this beautiful vocation of the student. If we open our minds to God’s truth, He will speak to our hearts and allow us to know His will.
Lastly, I wish to exhort you and to strengthen your resolve to live completely for Christ. Hear the words of the priest at mass, for they are the words of Christ, and this gift is not given lightly. Receive the sacraments often with a knowing and faithful heart. Understand the wonder of the Eucharist, and be not afraid to let your guard down that the good god might lift you into the ecstasy of spiritual fervor. Remember that the eyes of the world see nothing as it is, and it would be better to be seen as vile and detestable in the eyes of the world, so as to find glory in Heaven. In your daily lives, be conscious of sin, for the devil is constantly assailing the souls of the good, in hopes of quenching the light which they let shine through their actions. I urge you, be the light of Christ. In your little town of Mary you are receiving preparation to spread the good news of Christ. In all things, let Charity be your driving force. All other virtue will pass away, but as the great apostle says, “love never ends…the greatest of these is love.” (Corinthians 13). If you live a life of virtue, and treat your neighbor with charity, you will walk the road of salvation, and one day, your heart will be joined to the sacred heart of Jesus.
On Sacrifice and Gratitude
by Joseph Jakubczyk
Often times, we are given a great gift, yet we fail to comprehend the magnitude of its goodness. What a gem is found in this little school, this little town of Mary, wherein you may learn uninhibited how to grow closer to Christ. My children, you must never take for granted what you have been freely given, for the Lord expects much from those to whom he has given much. We are often tempted, through pride and selfishness as well as vanity and laziness, to scorn this wondrous gift. You must remain faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ. Your presence in this school is like a king who is holding a feast in his palace. Many are invited, but few can find their way. When the king takes you by the hand and places you upon the correct road, the direct path to his palace, it would be foolish to respond with ingratitude. I assure you, an education in truth and faith is the strongest foundation one can find in this life. Be thankful for the gift you are receiving.
In this life we are never happy, always looking at the downside of every event, complaining at our every discomfort, and failing to see the good in our situation. Oh the joy that would fill our hearts if we could but see for an instant the goodness that may come from the trials we suffer! You would forget your own lack of pleasure and be filled with the desire to embrace the pain for the sake of your salvation. The pleasures of this earthly life in comparison to Heaven are like a droplet of water in the entire ocean, or a tiny spark against the sun. So as you sit through a class where you struggle to pay attention, or when your eyes beg permission to shut, persevere with the knowledge that these small sacrifices are the stairs that will lead you to eternal joy.
As creatures of a fallen nature, we tend to do the least possible work in order that we might have the most time to waste on idleness and entertainment. But what good are these things for the soul? As a student, it is your ultimate calling at this time to give all your effort into learning and doing your best in your studies. These material things are ways God has given for you to grow in self-discipline, that you might completely conquer yourself for Christ. So, cast off the weight of apathy and apply all the energies given to this beautiful vocation of the student. If we open our minds to God’s truth, He will speak to our hearts and allow us to know His will.
Lastly, I wish to exhort you and to strengthen your resolve to live completely for Christ. Hear the words of the priest at mass, for they are the words of Christ, and this gift is not given lightly. Receive the sacraments often with a knowing and faithful heart. Understand the wonder of the Eucharist, and be not afraid to let your guard down that the good god might lift you into the ecstasy of spiritual fervor. Remember that the eyes of the world see nothing as it is, and it would be better to be seen as vile and detestable in the eyes of the world, so as to find glory in Heaven. In your daily lives, be conscious of sin, for the devil is constantly assailing the souls of the good, in hopes of quenching the light which they let shine through their actions. I urge you, be the light of Christ. In your little town of Mary you are receiving preparation to spread the good news of Christ. In all things, let Charity be your driving force. All other virtue will pass away, but as the great apostle says, “love never ends…the greatest of these is love.” (Corinthians 13). If you live a life of virtue, and treat your neighbor with charity, you will walk the road of salvation, and one day, your heart will be joined to the sacred heart of Jesus.
posted by Jakubczyk on Life | 11:41 PM
