This blog post is brought to you by the persistent nagging of a dear friend in Christ.
On returning to Rome I knew I wanted to do a better job blogging about the adventure God is taking me on. Towards that end I asked one of my friends if we could hold each other accountable for posting on a regular basis (thus far the accountability has been entirely one sided. lol) While I recognized the need for accountability in this area of my life, I spent almost the entire first month in Italy without acknowledging that I need accountability in my spiritual life too. You would think that being in Rome would be an excellent catalyst to prayer (and it is) but in the first month I struggled to maintain a regular prayer life, to grow in virtue, to avoid sin, etc. My co-workers over here are wonderful people; talented, thoughtful, funny people. They are fun to be around whether at work or just hanging out, however they don't seem to have much interest in living an active spiritual life. That was a real issue for me. This first month I vividly encountered my weakness when alone in living my faith. Not that I was alone (I know there are many, many people praying for me, and that I'm never separated from the Mystical Body of Christ in the Eucharist) but that I was the only one, of the few of us on campus in the first weeks, who desired a spiritual life. Let me tell you, I wasn't cuttin' it on my own. Its funny that another word that sounds similar to accountability is humility. Eventually I had to humble myself and realize that despite the incredible blessings that I am being given and the astounding setting I am in, I am not strong enough to grow in holiness without much help. I got in touch with two brothers in Christ who have held me accountable in the past and set up some email accountability. Even though we are not able to meet in person to pray or discuss our weeks, this partnership is critical for me. "As iron sharpens iron, so man sharpens his fellow man" Proverbs 27:17.
The arrival of the students also meant the beginning of daily mass on campus which even in this first week has been a tremendous blessing. While this first month may not have been as strong as I would have hoped it did facilitate several important realizations which I hope lay the foundation for a year of growth and great charity. Hopefully soon I'll get another post up with some of the adventures from the first month (especially judging by the persistence of my accountability partner. lol) Until then check out a couple of the incredible views I've had so far:
Assisi
Lake Albano from Monte Cavo
Fransican Monastery of Assisi
View from the Belvedere above my room
