Upon waking one morning I was subjected to a pornographic thought. Knowing where it came from I did not rebel, but I offered this temptation from the evil one as reparation for my sins and the sins of the world. Instantly the temptation disappeared, for the evil one will not be used for reparation for sins. http://www.markmallett.com/blog/fighting-fire-with-fire/ I love this so much. I struggle with thoughts sometimes about people and emotions can take over, this is something i need to keep on my mind and in my heart.
I read that blog entry as well and made a conscious effort to try to offer up all of my trials and difficulties throughout the day today (even though I already make a morning offering). It seems to have helped initially, but I may have just ticked off the evil one because the last 1/2 of my day has been sooo much more difficult than usual! And boy, have I been grumpy. Which is kind if unusual. My poor family! I think that ol' red legs is trying to discourage my efforts, which should be expected I suppose. I will persevere. However, I do have the antagonistic inclination to smile and sing as I offer up my future trials. Probably not real smart to add insult to injury though.
....same exact thing happened to me after reading that post and applying it in the same way. A deeper attack...
There is something that happens that does make us grumpy. Its temporary...i guess it like our soul is in the thick of battle. Its actual heavy spiritual work that does cause initial grumpiness. I haven't really contemplated why. But it does happen to me.
This is today's message from Divine Mercy Daily. Fits nicely with this topic. In Union with Your Sufferings Meditation: I want your last moments to be completely similar to Mine on the cross. There is but one price at which souls are bought, and that is suffering united to My suffering on the cross. Pure love understands these words; carnal love will never understand them(Diary, 324). My Prayer Response: Jesus, may Your love help me to offer my sufferings in union with Your sufferings on the cross for the salvation of souls. May my last moments be similar to Yours on the cross. All for the love of souls, Lord! *Diary passages with bolded words are Jesus speaking
I think the weight of sin affects all saints...makes us grumpy. Its strange... it is usually to the ones we love. But to the outside world we smile.
What a perfect time for this to come to our attention, Divine Mercy year! We have been given this honor to place all our sufferings and temptations that fall upon us and offer all in union with our Lord Jesus Christ's sufferings for mankind. Oh, how many souls can be united and what a beautiful way our Lord has brought this all together in those united with Him during this time, to allow Mercy flowing not only in our direction, but for the poor souls in purgatory. It is our gift to help Blessed Mother Mary crush the head of Satan! Use this grace and mercy not for yourself but for others as it is meant to be. As St. Pope John Paul the II said about Mercy flowing in our direction: "This is the meaning of suffering, which is truly supernatural and at the same time human. It is supernatural because it is rooted in the divine mystery of the Redemption of the world, and it is likewise deeply human, because in it the person discovers himself, his own humanity, his own dignity, his own mission. We ask precisely you who are weak to become a source of strength for the Church and humanity. In the terrible battle between the forces of good and evil, revealed to our eyes by our modern world, may your suffering in union with the Cross of Christ be victorious! "—POPE JOHN PAUL II, Salvifici Doloros; Apostolic Letter, February 11th, 1984
It's helpful to remind myself that the enemy and his minions can NOT read thoughts. When possible, make an act of humility and offer the temptation for reparation of personal and collective sin, in the Divine Will - OUT LOUD - and the enemy will flee.
