Spurred on by Love 3-13-2011

Snow covered mountains

I read a powerful statement today. Jesus is speaking to me and He says, "In the desert, the thought of you spurred me on."  --Catholic Spiritual Direction

The meditation, of course, is from the biblical story of Jesus' 40 days in the desert, a journey each of us makes during the season of Lent as well. The rest of the comment is that we are not to fear. It is because thoughts of us in our weakness and fears spurred Jesus on to victory over the temptations unleashed by Satan for our sakes. For me. For you.
How Jesus managed to fast for 40 days is something that is beyond my comprehension as I struggle to fast for a partial day. I really need to work on my fasting.
But isn't it a wonderful thought that Jesus is thinking of me when he is struggling to get through his fast? That as I think of him to help me conquer temptation, He also thought of me when he was in the desert. It is a humbling thought but also one of great love and inspires me to greater love and intimacy with my Lord.

More snow covered mountains

Thank you so very much my Lord and Master. Thank you for this day and for all the many blessings you have bestowed upon me. Each day I am trying to draw closer to you and to perfect myself so that I might linger in your love more and more. I so long to do your will in all things. Please help me Lord as I go through this Lenten season to see with your eyes and hear with your ears. To use my hands for your work.

Good evening my sweet child,

I so long for you to love me as I have loved you. In seeking Love, you will find the whole of heaven's host awaiting you and in finding that, know that we are all one in this wonderful endeavor we call Life. Each of us is joined by powerful bonds of love to the other and so create an indomitable force. Make no mistake, the victory has been won, but there are trials and tribulations ahead for all, believer and non-believer. You must stay close to me and be wrapped within the mantle of our heavenly mother to be shielded from the devastation. Focus more on me each day and you will find that you know what you need to know when you need to know it and not before. do not fear, my child, I will not abandon you. I love you.

Ash Wednesday, 2011

Snow blankets the frozen ground on Ash Wednesday

A scripture reading I was led to this day:
"This, rather is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them and not turning your back on your own." Isaiah 58: 6-7

In fasting today, I had breakfast and then fasted throughout the day until after Mass and receiving ashes. Then I had dinner and didn't follow my fast any further than that. I essentially pigged out for most of the evening after dinner.
In seeking the Lord, I find that His version of fasting is different than I have been thinking, although I do think most people consider fasting to mean refraining from eating. The Lord's version of fasting, however, at least according to Isaiah is to do good deeds and help those in need.
My thoughts also turn this day to a conflict I am having with a fellow parishioner. We are having a disagreement regarding our web site. I do agree with her that we need guidelines for the site but it was how she presented it to me that is bothering me. She had been given a private revelation about something and I posted it on the site, which I should not have done. However, her reasoning was that because the private revelation might not stand up to ecclesiastical scrutiny, we should take it down and I agree. But then, she said that we could share the private revelation among members of our group and I am having a problem with that attitude.
I don't know if it is because she called me on the first posting or because it feels like we are sneaking around the Bishop and the authority of the Church. So, I need guidance with that, my Lord and King. What would you have me do, in true charitable fashion as You would handle the situation?

My sweet child,

It is good to have you back again in this medium. I truly delight in using your hands to spread my word. We must be ever more vigilant about it, though. So often, people looking for some type of inspiration or guidance may come seeking the wisdom I have for you and if you do not post it according to my will and schedule, it may not be here in time to benefit them. I know this has always been your problem...that is taking the time to post regularly, but please do try to post regularly. The discipline you are undertaking with the Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, my Mother will help you with this, I hope. I, too, will help you as you continue to strive to daily work for me.

As for your other concern of this day, rest assured it is already handled. When you give to me each day and then trust that I have accepted your life, the things you have already done in this matter are what I would do, indeed are what I have done to remedy the situation. The particular ministry you have accepted, that of web site administrator is one you gave me before you even began. I will deal with issues you are concerned about. Trust me...I love you and am helping you in this ministry. Be not afraid of what may come, because I am with you in all. Go in peace, my sweet one. I love you.