I struggle to find something comforting to say in the face of so much pain. But something wonderful happened to me the other night which may console you. I am currently doing seven nights in a row at the hospital and so cannot get to Mass or the Eucharist. Additionally I have little time for periods of more intense prayer as I walk and these things produce a real inner hunger and need. A feeling of failure and being a million miles from God, which in a kinda way I suppose I am. Anyway the other night I was feeling this so strongly when God, I don't know how to put it, reached down and gave me a Great Big Loving Hug. Like a Father with a very little child. As though He had picked me, all of a sudden up in His arms. Of course I thought to myself at once, 'What did I do to deserve this?' But of course the whole point was that I had done nothing at all to deserve it. He just did it anyway. Because He loves me and wanted to do it. Maybe He even felt a little bit sorry for me, who knows? But my whole point is. It is never about earning it or deserving it. It is about God loving us anyway.
An absolute YES! I recall several years ago a Good Friday sermon where our priest explained in detail Christ’s last words, “ It is finished”. He explained that English translation does not convey the true meaning and power of those words. He said that in Aramaic- the language Our Lord used- it translates more into an accounting term believe it or not. It means that the debt on the balance sheet is crossed off or wiped out. It is completely gone. So when the Lord used the words from the Cross, he was saying the Debt of our sins, that Debt owed to God for Adam and Eve’s original sin is completely wiped off the balance sheet. God no longer see’s a debt owed by human beings for this grace mistake of our first parents. And that debt was eternal separation (spiritual death) from God. And this applies to us even now. Our debt is no more. And as you say in your willingness to acknowledge and repent of your sins and in going to confession, we hear that same it is finished from the priest who is acting In Persona Christi. When the words, “I absolve you of your sins” are said, your debt is wiped away. This is the Good News! You and all of us are swimming in the ocean of mercy. Peace.
Many prayers for you Sanctus. I do not know your personal battles. But please know I Am keeping you in my prayers. Lord, please allow Sanctus to hear your guidance, and feel your presence.
Our parish priest died about a month ago. He was in a neighbouring parish before being here. I was speaking to my friend from the neighbouring parish today. She did not take the vaccine and called to tell me she had the virus for the last week.continued
So on the first night she prayed to Father Vincent and said she was having a mass said for him and thanked him for praying over her and her Mom when he was in their parish. She asked him to help with the virus. That night she had a very vivid dream where she saw him in a black suit and his priest collar and he was coming from behind the altar with Jesus in the Host. She is getting over the virus with no medication. Thought it may give hope.
Thank you for this. What a wonderful dream about your wonderful priest Fr Vincent. A good reminder that Jesus is our true Hope and Fr Vincent 's prayers are very powerful.
Recently purchased a book called Padre Pio's Words of Hope. It has been comforting during this trial. Don't know if anyone else has heard of it? I would recommend it for anyone struggling on the path.
I’m continuing to remember you in my rosary and prayers Sanctus. God bless you and may your angels protect you from all harm, both physical and spiritual! Dear Mother Mary, wrap your protective mantle around dear Sanctus.
When I struggle and become spiritually tired /confused, I have listened to this song. I find it comforting - maybe it will help you (and all of us) to sleep well. Peace.
Sanctus, I fall short everyday! You said you repented, correct? Jesus isn't limited by the number 7, but He uses it below to stress His own inexhaustible Mercy. Remember Jesus said in Luke 17:3 Take heed to yourselves; if your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him; 4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, and says, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” And even more so: Matt 18: 21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven. Be gentle with yourself! You are simply weary of your own frailty, but Jesus will never reject you when you repent. Peace!
