I sure know that feeling. I honestly think its the enemy stirring that up. You must trust in God's mercy. I used to repeat over and over again " Sacred Heart of Jesus I trust in Your love for me and in your mercy which is greater than all the sins I have committed". I just kept praying it til those awful thoughts would go away.
I wonder if God has asked you to suffer on behalf of those who feel like they cannot be forgiven. Know that during your suffering Christ is close to you. These storms come and they go in the same way that they come. I am praying for you in this time of darkness. I don't know if I am feeling what you or Sanctus are, but I am going through a strong depressive state currently myself. I offer it up for the souls who struggle with faith here on earth.
St Mother Theresa said she used to say Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a Mother to me now, during her dark trials. Just one of the prayers I say.
It's so touching that others give testimony as regards these sorts of attacks. The devil is on a short leash and is the slave of Christ whom Scripture informs us has put all thing sunder His Feet. Ephesians 1:22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, This goes fro everyone who embarks on the path of prayer. The big help being that we become aware through the Light of the Holy Spirit as to what exactly is going on. If we are shown by Grace that it is Demonic in origin it is a huge, huge help with bearing this trial. Since I came to Spain I have been under huge attack. But like the weather the clouds have cleared and I am full of the greatest joy and peace. But no doubt they will come again. St Therese of Liseaux is a superb example of these things and how to handle them. "I give thanks to my Jesus for making me walk in darkness, and in this darkness I enjoy profound peace. I only desire that my darkness may obtain light for sinners," and "It is good to serve God in darkness and trial!"
I am suffering from physical ailments also at the moment for some reason, if you could please pray around these. Thanks. Perhaps God is permitting these sufferings for His purposes.
We are always here for you, Peter. I hope there is a confidant, priest, or friend you can get with on a weekly, or even bi-weekly basis. Our prayers are with you always, but the personal contact is very important. With my current injury requiring "no weight-bearing" activities, my increased isolation is difficult (though I'm spoiled by my wife's loving affection). I hope you are getting "out and about" on a regular basis. After all, most of us aren't called to be hermits. May the Lord restore you to health and may Mary wrap you in her Mantle of maternal love. Praying.
Yeah, I find it very cool and fruit of real faith how the board openly admits their crosses and asks for prayers, which is humility. The cross here on earth is totally normal/healthy and should be expected when living a Christian life. It isn't weakness or shameful, it simply means Christ is close. Asking for help in prayer is something I need to work on. Too much pride on my part.
Thank you; a most excellent clip, one that should be set aside and saved when we or a loved one, or a person who is suffering, needs true wisdom to reflect on : waiting well!
One of the wonderful things about getting to heaven is that we will be able to look back on our lives and see that God had everything that ever happen to us work out for the best. More prayers tonight.
I am more and more convinced that the Cross and holiness are totally interlinked. That the greatest saints are the ones who suffered the most. Our Lady of Sorrows is a case in point.
Not long before she died Mother Teresa of Calcutta was very ill in a local hospital where by chance the Archbishop of Calcutta was also a patient. Mother Teresa was subject to such intense demonic attack that it became a subject of much comment in the hospital. The Archbishop came down to give special blessings and prayers to drive the demons away from her. I think sometimes there can be a tendency to think saints kinda have it made. That they have gotten to a place of such peace and joy that they are in heaven . But I kind of think the opposite is the case. That climbing the spiritual mountain is really climbing Calvary.
For me there is a freedom in understanding this nature of Christ. Because it means that it is healthy to have crosses, not that they are a joy to go through, though the saints often talk like this. For me, half of the pain of the cross comes from resisting. The other day I was depressed, but I simply accepted it and offered it up. After it passed I had exhaustion and the urge to sleep came up. But I thought to myself "no I am fine, I don't need to rest". I didn't and found deeper peace and energy after. It's kind of like, I didn't let my mind go into darkness by focusing my attention on knowing God is all good. And somehow from that I didn't waste a bunch of energy I would have otherwise.
