I recently finished reading an amazing book. For those of you who missed this post's title, this book was called Mother Angelica: Her Grand Silence. It's a powerful and moving biography of an amazing woman. Mother Angelica has been one of the most outspoken and influential women in the Church in the last century, and while I'm not a part of the committee that may one day determine her sainthood, I can say without fear of contradiction that this is one individual who certainly lived a saintly life. I believe one day, we will see a Saint Angelica. One day, all of her sacrificing, prayers, and suffering will culminate with one more saint in our midst.
The book covers most of the end of Mother's life. Author Raymond Arroyo actually wrote another biography of Mother, which details the earlier portion of her life. I have not had the chance to read it, but it will be on my to-read list for sure. However, while all of Mother's life was a beautiful tribute to the God she discovered as a teen, for me, it was the end of her life which touched such a chord.
I have been trying to write about this for a while, but I just can't get the words to come out. My grandmother has been sick for a long time, and is slowly passing away. There have been times when I honestly believed that she was going to die, but each time, God brings her back to us. I've been struggling with things, because I watch her suffering, and while I know there is a divine plan, I find it difficult to understand why a woman who is so sweet and loving, and so faithful to God would be made to suffer like this. This book made me understand.
I understand now that pain and suffering is meant as a means of cleansing. Suffering allows us to have a deeper relationship with God. It forces us to be humble, it crushes our pride, and it makes us rely more deeply on Him. It also acts as a spiritual cleansing for others. Suffering allows us to sacrifice for the good of the souls of others. When we are made to suffer, it is God reaching out to us and showing us His mercy.
I recommend all of you read this book, no matter your creed, situation, or current thoughts on religion. Just read it and allow Mother to reach out to you as she has reached out to so many people, and how she has reached out to your little sister here; as she has reached out to me.
I'll leave you with this video. This is from World Youth Day 1993, where the Stations of the Cross featured a pantomime with a female actor playing the role of Jesus. Why am I sharing this? Because this is the first time I had really seen Mother Angelica get angry; a righteous anger. And every time I watch this video, I feel a fire stirred up inside of me, and I want to be just like her. I hope that you feel the same.
God bless you all,
❤ Little Sister
