I was explaining to one of my grandchildren recently what happens during the Consecration and I started crying and didn't know it was even coming. I told her it was "happy tears because I loved Jesus so much".. Was this a "gift of tears" do you think or just me being my emotional self?
I never expected on the forum that the part of it which would most move and help me was the section where people asked for prayer. Why is that? Well first of all that people have the Faith to ask for prayers . They only do so because they believe that prayers matter and have effect. That is wonderful in and off itself. But the second and even greater reason is that these prayers offer a window into the souls of other people, their sufferings and the often huge Crosses they carry. I find this so consoling and inspirational. Why? Well it teaches me I am not alone in suffering. Others, many others carry crossed ten times ,a hundred times worse than mine and carry them so well. That I am not alone. Thank you so much for this. James 5:16 : "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working". Ephesians 6:18 : "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people".
That is a gift I think. Years ago a Protestant friend so called brought me antiCatholic literature against the Blessed Sacrament. I burst into tears because of the cruelty to our Lord who loves us so much He has not left us orphaned. How could anyone do such a thing. My heart ached for the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I realized later this was a great grace to feel such pain. Needless to say the friendship was over. I didn't berate her or hold it against her. I merely told her she was never to do such a thing again. And she stopped seeing me.
Yes — in many ways it does look like you experienced the gift of tears. But, even if it were “just” your heart overflowing, that heart is clearly alive in God. And you gave a living and best catechesis ever to your grandchild. He/she through your tears saw this Eucharist is real! That is the best gift... passing on your faith. God is Good!
Padraig, i too have found this as the best part of forum... praying for each other. Seeing and hearing my brothers and sisters on this forum share their crosses and weaknesses is a big sign for me.
I met a young priest one time and an old lady came up to him and asked him for prayers. He said he would and took a little note book out of his coat and wrote it down. That impressed me that he took the request so seriously as did that of the old lady asking this young priest for prayers. Priests that ask for prayers in the confessional equally impress me.
Our good Mother leads us here to this forum. I believe that. And for the reasons that Padraig so wonderfully stated above - we were meant to build each other up and this forum is amazing for doing just that. Thank you all I believe this is a spiritual 'refuge' Miker, I was moved to tears last night when I read the chapters you posted. The book you write from your experiences will be so special. I wanted to thank you for that. AED, yes, our poor Jesus suffered so and the scorn He receives in return pains our hearts. But we try to console Him sometimes with and through tears Amen.
Really struggling at the moment. Sorry for asking for prayers so much but struggling at times. I went to Confession last week and received anointing of the sick from the Priest also. Trying my best. I try to keep thanking God and Jesus no matter what the circumstances. I keep telling Jesus that I love Him. Doing that really seems to help.
I'll offer all i can for you Sanctus. Feel Our Blessed Mom covering you with her mantle. Keeping you safe An immediate Memorare..
Powerful, truly the words and heartfelt words of the Holy Spirit flowing from your heart. Thank you miker.
For anyone interested, this is a Spotify podcast on Emotions that is excellent. https://open.spotify.com/episode/4kaZUmZ0UnQDCyZx2TwbQI?si=jVLrY5s6Rk2ZxQJQqHiw3A
One great consolation in times of suffering is to recall that such Crosses are not random. God knows all about them and Wills them for our own sanctification and the Redemption of the World. That our sufferings have meaning. Another source of comfort is that we are not alone in our pain. Everyone suffers to some extent or other. Many souls suffer far, far more than we do. For instance in the lives of the saints we see suffering that are,really, mind blowing. These saints not only accepted their Cross but actually embraced them. Padre Pio wrote a very wise common sensed thing about this. He said everyone suffers whether they have Faith or not. The only choice we have is if we accept them or not. But he goes on to say that accept them or not we will still suffer, so better to accept them. A huge source of comfort is scriptural. We are promised that God's grace will be sufficient for us. In other words we will never be sent a Cross we cannot bear.
Yes. Accept the cross. Sometimes it feels like more than we can bear, but we must trust that this too shall pass. Even when it feels like it IS too much to bear. Lean Hard Child of My Love, lean hard, And let me feel the pressure of thy care. I know thy burden child; I shaped it, Poised it in Mine own Hand; made no proportion Between it's weight and Thine unaided strength. For even as I laid it on I said: "I shall be near, and even as she leans on Me, This burden shall be Mine, not hers; So shall I keep My child within the circling arms, Of My own love!" Here lay it down, nor fear To impose it on a shoulder that upholds The Government of worlds. Yet closer come---- Thou art not near enough, I would embrace thy care, So I might feel My child reposing on My Heart. Thou lovest Me? I know it. Doubt not then, But loving Me, lean hard.
