When a newspaper asked G. K. Chesterton, ‘What’s Wrong with the World?’, he replied with the letter:

 

‘Dear Sirs:

I am.

Sincerely Yours,

G. K. Chesterton.’

 

I heard this story- for the first time! Unbelievable, I know!- from my priest at my parish. He quoted this story in his homily today at the Ash Wednesday service. I received my first imposition of ashes at an Episcopal church in Tennessee back in 2008. So today at the mass, I thought about the grueling journey I was on for the last five years. I have been to so many places physically, mentally, and spiritually. I think my Catholic name ‘Rose’ is very ideal for me. St. Rose helped her family, neighbors, the sick, and the hungry, but mostly, she remained a recluse, leaving her room only for her visits to church and to help God’s children.

Ever since I first read about her, she became my patron saint and a guardian. I feel very close to her spirit. I know I have a lot to learn from her, especially the being a recluse part considering my past. Today, Chesterton’s deep message of repentance and St. Rose’s self-martyrdom speaks to my soul in a very deep way.

I wish you all a very holy Ash Wednesday,

 

Sincerely Yours,

Lilyboat

O God, You filled St. Rose with love for You and enabled her to leave the world and be free for You through the austerity of penance. Through her intercession, help us to follow her footsteps on earth and enjoy the torrent of Your delights in heaven. Amen. (source)