I just wanted to share this..

I was in adoration last night and there was a book of people's testimonies on St. Maximillian Kolbe on the pew.. which was inspiring, since I just saw his death site and such.. so I flipped through a couple of pages and one chapter caught me.. The Last Judgement, which started w/ a quote from him..

" It is a privilege and joy to be so worn out for Christ, that you get to meet him early. "

and in my Theology of Christ class Professor Cassidy said,
"Suffering like that experienced by St. Maximillian Kolbe is just more of a chance to love, more chance to provide love in a world full of evil. There is an opportunity to take someone else's hurt and pain and bring it upon yourself for the sake of souls. Yeahh ( in his scottish accent) it'll hurt, but His mercy will pull you through when it hurts, His Divine Mercy."

The past couple of years, I feel like death encroaches on my life, not only just personally but just in community.. especially in Altoona, the little town it is.. The fact that I know of at least 8 people who have passed in the past year is just crazy.. and I'm only 19. Remember that all those that suffer here on earth get to meet Christ before all of us.. they are truly gifted to be able to be "worn out" and go early. Amazing.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in trial, persevere in prayer.
                                                             -Romans 12:12