There are two forms of pride. The pride that ignores sin. ...and the pride that , counting sin unmountable by the grace of God too much. And so pride that ignores sin. And a pride that counts it too much much The devil cares not either way, whatever works Either way it is a temptation to pride. The second though is far more subtle and wicked.
Since Friday, a sudden urge to say the Divine Mercy Conversion prayer. In St Faustina's Diary of a Soul, there is an entry where Jesus asks her to say that prayer 33 times. I recalled that and I said it as I was driving long distance on Friday. I thought that was that but after Mass, spending some quiet time at the back of the church, something tugged me towards the 33 again. Now, I'm feeling it once more.
The Holy Trinity thrice Holy God -- By His power alone - consume our weakness in your strength: I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity Through belief in the threeness Through confession of the Oneness Towards the creator. I arise today Through the strength of heaven: Light of sun Brilliance of moon Splendor of fire Speed of lightning Swiftness of wind Depth of sea Stability of earth Firmness of rock. I arise today Through God’s strength to pilot me: God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me, God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me, God’s way to lie before me, God’s host to secure me against snares of devils against temptations of vices against inclinations of nature against everyone who shall wish me ill, afar and anear, alone and in a crowd.
You know most people who wind up in hell have the full conviction they never put a foot wrong. Especially at the present time. Wherea many folks who wind up in heaven, at the end are totally convinced they are going to hell. Think about that.
Humility reminds us that we are the least of the least, which we are Pride convinces us we are the most of the most... ..but it is only by God's grace, His Mercy. Aim for the Narrow Gate.
Don't be fooled by the present Teaching that God doesn't care He is Just, He is Holy. A thing that is not holy in His sight catches fire and burns
It seems to be proof that individual pilgrims have benefitted from the graces coming from the Blessed Mother, Queen of Peace, when they experience a type of "re-entry" awakening into the greater world again. They feel the difference and are fully aware of the differences. That realization causes a bit of confrontation of the spirits surrounding them and the reality of sinful surroundings in the world becomes magnified. One is asked to evaluate the different worlds and their possibilities for human beings. I remember reading that it took St. Paul, after his introduction to the completely new reality coming within his conversion experience, three years of inner maturation and struggles with what just happened to him, before he even went to Jerusalem to meet with Peter and experience his detailed personal knowledge of Jesus and His ministry. So if it took Paul years to discover what to do with this new life, grace and way of looking at the world and others, in these times the stark differences between worlds, as they present themselves to those who also just underwent the goodness of God, become sometimes then overwhelming. We have to take it slow and in little steps, trusting and allowing the Blessed Mother to continue to guide us as a Mother does with a most vulnerable child. The holy experience continues to live....after its been planted within! Prayers.
Well, Sanctus, I thought about you a few hours ago. I wondered if you were still in Medj. I said a few prayers for you then, and figured you would let us know how things are going. Well, now we know. People's posts here have explained things well. Sometimes we are on the sunny side of the street, sometimes in the drear and shadows. It's not surprising that the evil ones hate you. Put on your Teflon armor and let it roll off. More prayers coming.
I continue to spend my lunch break and many evenings throughout the week in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. This is where I get my peace and strength to keep from temptation of the world, the flesh and the devil. I know that many messengers are saying soon the Eucharist will be taken from us, but I believe God's angels will give communion when the worst of the persecution of Christians comes. Build up as many graces as possible now, by spending as much time in front of our Eucharistic Lord today. Time is very short now.
Prayers for perseverance! Oh... Phil 3: 10 ...that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that if possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
I've experienced this pattern also, Sanctus. Do not be discouraged! Yes, direct assaults by JoeJerk come most often when the status quo of a particular soul has been impacted by an influx of grace! Praise God in the midst of your clouds and they will most likely disperse! Prayers for you! Safe in the Refuge of the Immaculate Heart!
Garabandal you are describing what I believe to be the next stage in drawing very close to Jesus. It is years since I read the Interior Castle but I think this is a kind of dark night when faith alone gets us through. All feeling and all consciousness of God's love and presence is stripped away. St Therese made reference to this saying she had great sympathy for atheists because she knew first hand what it was like. In such a wasteland all one can do is make continuous acts of faith hope and love even if the soul feels shot through with novocaine. The will speaks. Everything is in the will. Not the feelings or senses.Jesus is very very close when he seems farthest away. He said to one of the saints--i think maybe St Faustina that when we feel consolations He is comforting us but when we feel utter desolation but set our will toward Him in spite of doubts and temptations then we are comforting Him. Makes sense to me. I had hoped when Lent was over that things would ease up spiritually but no. It intensified. We are in it seems a kind of permanent Lent now. The world is so wicked so tainted that there is literally nowhere to go to escape it except the heart of Mary. I feel such compassion for you Garabandal. I have had those terrible periods. Not for many years but the memory is vivid. I shared a sonnet a while ago from a series of sonnets I wrote while going through it. Sadly I dont remember all of them but a few lines here and there. Forgive these bits and pieces: "....My Lord is it this You ask of me....not to resist... But to climb upon the Cross of my own abandonment and bleed Upon this desert comfortless and lost? How bitter is this grace if grace indeed. A sneering spirit whispers "save yourself All He' s left you is a desert stone Seize again your kingdoms bread and wealth He does not bother with you. He is gone." Oh Jesus from atop this jagged peak My heart cries out "my God alone I seek!" It is sadly in fragments as I have lost the copy I had but the gist is to make acts of faith hope and love in the will in the face of those dire temptations. I will pray for you tonight Garabandal. And many others too. Our Lady is with you. Believe it. You are being sorely tried But you will not be defeated as long as you hold on to her. She will get you all the way to the foot of the Cross. Count on it!! (And dont forget your holy angel)
