Fruits.

There are no galley slaves in the royal vessel of divine love — every man works his oar voluntarily. --St Francis de Sales


Two nights ago, during prayer, the 1st reading was on the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. We voiced out which gift we feel is lacking in our lives at this moment in life before praying the rosary to offer that up and ask that we receive that particular fruit in our hearts.

I was torn between praying for self- control or peace.

Everyone started saying theirs and i realised that i was one of the last ones left. In that spur of the moment, i said aloud, "Joy. Joy. Joy."

What was that all about?

I'm still not quite sure but i suppose joy is what i have to be praying for. And in retrospect, i realised that i had prayed for peace and humility before without being aware of it.

But now, joy is what i need most. Joy is going to strengthen me through everything. Not just temporary happiness, but true joy in the worst moments of life.

I'm the one who have said yes, i've chosen this path for myself in belief that things will turn out for the best. I have said yes to Christ. Sometimes, i find myself facing a situation or mountain i least expected or preferred, and yet i said yes.

So there are no galley slaves in the royal vessel of divine love- every man works his oar voluntarily. I want to let go of my oars at some points. But these are the oars i've picked up and this is the boat i've chosen. Although i picked them up unknowingly of the storm ahead, i believe that they are the ones planned for me, however tough it is.

There are no such thing as regrets. Sometimes i say to myself, "I should not have returned to God in this manner." or "Why couldn't it be another alternative?" or "I wish i could let go of my hopes for some people." But guess what? Such feelings are fake and misleading. You will not be where you are not supposed to be. All you have to do is look back, and you will see how true that is.

You do not have to say yes now and your yes before this was never needed. Because Christ has said yes on the cross and God is saying, "Yes, you have taken this path and it was meant for you from the very start although you might not believe that now."



And so i am asking Jesus. And i'm saying all these and wondering about all these at the very same time; "How is it that you ask me for a drink?" "You have no bucket." "Sir, give me this water." "Come and see the man who told me everything!" "Please stay."
All at the same time.

I am the Samaritan woman at the well.