February 5, 2020 excerpt from my spiritual journal
"Jesus came to his home town, and his disciples followed him." Mark 6:1
Jesus comes to my heart; and I follow him there. He speaks to me what is best for me, giving me guidance, and comforts me. When Peace reigns in my heart, I know he is there. And in times of trial and tribulation, even then I know His Presence, I know he is there. Else I would not stand. I am able to walk through the difficult times because he reigns in my heart. I watch, I guard my heart. Why would I not?! Who would not lock the doors of their home to keep it safe?! Yet the enemy of human nature is stealthy, tries to build a nest that is not his own and enter in. Even then, there is a guard at the door of my heart. For I am never alone. My own thoughts guide me. The angels and saints surround me. And Mother Mary has me under the mantle of her love. Never fear. Be of good courage. Do not lose heart. Be not afraid. Trust in the Lord. These words guide me and guard me. For I am the Lord's and he is mine.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.
"Grace enough"...For Others
February 8, 2020 excerpt from my spiritual journal
The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. Mark 6:30-34
Even in our tiredness, there is always a need. And that which is strongest in us will prevail.
Help for others is always there. Love and compassion that come from the Heart of Christ is always there within us, and when the moment is right, He is there, with His power and strength, to help us in all of our needs. Discernment and wisdom, the Word of God, the desire to serve with a heart of compassion and love, all this will prevail over the fatigue and tiredness that come from the trials of life.
The Lord will prevail for He is Goodness and Truth Himself and His Heart knows no other way. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. Trust in the Lord. Amen.
Ignatian Rules for Discernment, First Week Rules [313-327]
[320] Seventh Rule. The seventh: Let him who is in desolation consider how the Lord has left him in trial in his natural powers, in order to resist the different agitations and temptations of the enemy; since he can with the Divine help, which always remains to him, though he does not clearly perceive it: because the Lord has taken from him his great fervor, great love, and intense grace, leaving him however, grace enough for eternal salvation.
*Source
DRAW ME INTO YOUR FRIENDSHIP, The SPIRITUAL EXERCISES
David L. Fleming. S.J.
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