From the Liturgy of the Hours, Saturday Morning, April 13, 2018: Is 65: 1 I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, "Here am I, here am I," to a nation that did not call on my name. 2 I spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices; 3 a people who provoke me to my face continually... That word, continually, devastates my heart because I am part of the problem in the Church due to my own weakness and sin. I can say though, I desire not to provoke the Lord to his face. So I've been considering Cardinal Sarah's words, too: “I see families, monasteries, and parishes that are like oases in the middle of a desert. It is from these oases of faith, liturgy, beauty, and silence that the West will be reborn,” he assures us. “I call upon Christians to open oases of freedom in the midst [of] the desert..." We need to to bring this about, not only on MOG, but in our personal lives as well. It is a responsibility for us because each of us were in the boat of v.1 above: I was ready to be sought by [you] who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by [you] who did not seek me. Yet, it was Jesus, or Jesus through Mary, who impacted our hearts and redirected our lives to Abba. And now the Lord wants each of us to help build not only an internet oasis, but a tangible oasis for others. How does Sarah describe it: an oasis of faith, liturgy, beauty, and silence. This is very important. Even if there be only one other family or individual nearby who shares our love and concerns, we must begin with them. Call it what you will: prayer partner, cenacle, TLM parish; it must be begun now. Cardinal Sarah says: “I call upon Christians to open oases of freedom in the midst [of] the desert..." Each of us has experienced an oasis here, but we must grow. And there is no better example for us to follow than Brian. God has provided him as an example of what he wants to do through us. As Brian recently said: Quick update: the videographer from the MF spent the afternoon with us late yesterday for Rosary and mass with Fr. G in our community chapel then came with us to dinner with our community at the old restaurant we use as our cafeteria next door. And there are those of us who have seen the photo of his community. God called Brian to that group. To what group has he called you? Pray and he will lead you. The battle we are in requires it because the Times are quickly upon us. It is no longer possible to say I hope I can hang on until... We have a responsibility, because of what Mary has shown us here, to spread the living Gospel to those around us who are searching. If you have not yet begun, I ask you to do so...after all, MOG will not always be here. Acts 2: 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 5: 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
I would like to add that your time before the Lord in Adoration is the best time to ask him any questions you have. If you have a spiritual director or personally know someone wise, who lives nearby, seek their advice. Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!
