Divisions in the Family
Friday of the
Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Father Edward McIlmail, LC
Matthew 10:16-23
Jesus said to his Apostles: "Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of people, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes."
Jesus said to his Apostles: "Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of people, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes."
Introductory
Prayer: Lord, You are the one constant in my life. You
are my beginning and my end. I love You as my savior. I trust You as my closest
companion. I hope in You as the one who will welcome me into eternal joy.
Petition:
Grant me, Lord, a
deeper union with you as the only one who will never fail me.
1.
Trust, But Not Too Much: A key paradox of Jesus was that he loved us so much that he
underwent the horrors of crucifixion to redeem us and give us a chance at
salvation. Yet, he also knows our weaknesses. He knows how fickle the human
heart can be. "Jesus would not trust himself to them because he knew them
all, and did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself
understood it well" (John 2:24-25). Likewise, Christ warns us not to put
too much faith in other people. Like us, everyone else has weaknesses. Our
faith in them should be relative and realistic. It shouldn´t be on the same
level as our faith in Christ. Do I put "too much" faith in others? Do
I realize that expecting too much from them leaves me open to needless anguish?
2.
Betrayal for Siblings: Christ is the rock against which the waves of humanity crash.
His demands cut to the heart of each of us, and require a personal response.
How each person responds is a mystery. Some will say yes, some will say no. The
division within each person can echo in divisions within families. Little
wonder that kin can be our fiercest foes. Christ´s own show of steadfastness
assures us that he remains more loyal than even family members. Can I accept
that following Christ can cause friction with my loved ones? Can I offer up my
trials for their salvation?
3.
Love Without Sacrifice: Christ never promised his followers an easy life. If he had,
there would be no shortage of disciples. He knows what really makes us mature
in love: sacrifice. Sacrifice purifies us, ennobles us. Love without sacrifice
is a fairy tale. To love means to share in another´s pain. "When men and
women demand to be autonomous and totally self-sufficient," said Pope
Benedict XVI in a speech February 9, 2008, "they run the risk of being
closed in a self-reliance that … reduces them to an oppressive solitude."
Similarly, if we close ourselves to God´s pleasure, we stay stuck in our
littleness. Can I accept suffering for Christ as a way to break out of the
cocoon of my comfort?
Conversation
with Christ: Jesus,
it´s not easy being Your follower. Opposition can arise on all sides, even from
within the family. Help me bear all this well, for love of You. Grant me the
serenity to persevere in the faith. I offer my sacrifices for the salvation of
those who oppose my following You.
Resolution:
I will pray or make a
sacrifice for a family member who is away from the faith.
Excerpts from the
DIARY of Saint Faustina Kowalska
274 Jesus gave me the grace of knowing
myself. In this divine light I see my principal fault; it is pride which takes
the form of my closing up within myself and of a lack of simplicity in my
relations with Mother Superior [Irene].
The second light concerns speaking. I sometimes talk too much. A thing could be settled in one or two words, and as for me, I take too much time about it. But Jesus wants me to use that time to say some short indulgenced prayers for the souls in purgatory. And the Lord says that every word will be weighed on the day of judgment.
The third light concerns our rules. I have not sufficiently avoided the occasions that lead to breaking the rules, especially that of silence. I will act as if the rule were written just for me; it should not affect me at all how anyone else might act, as long as I myself act as God wishes.
Resolution. Whatever Jesus demands of me regarding external things, I will immediately go and tell my superiors. I shall strive for childlike openness and frankness in my relations with the superior.
The second light concerns speaking. I sometimes talk too much. A thing could be settled in one or two words, and as for me, I take too much time about it. But Jesus wants me to use that time to say some short indulgenced prayers for the souls in purgatory. And the Lord says that every word will be weighed on the day of judgment.
The third light concerns our rules. I have not sufficiently avoided the occasions that lead to breaking the rules, especially that of silence. I will act as if the rule were written just for me; it should not affect me at all how anyone else might act, as long as I myself act as God wishes.
Resolution. Whatever Jesus demands of me regarding external things, I will immediately go and tell my superiors. I shall strive for childlike openness and frankness in my relations with the superior.
God and Souls. An Act of Oblation.
309 Before heaven and earth, before all the choirs of Angels, before the Most Holy Virgin Mary, before all the Powers of heaven, I declare to the One Triune God that today, in union with Jesus Christ, Redeemer of souls, I make a voluntary offering of myself for the conversion of sinners, especially for those souls who have lost hope in God's mercy. This offering consists in my accepting, with total subjection to God's will, all the sufferings, fears and terrors with which sinners are filled. In return, I give them all the consolations which my soul receives from my communion with God. In a word, I offer everything for them: Holy Masses, Holy Communions, penances, mortifications, prayers. I do not fear the blows, blows of divine justice, because I am united with Jesus. O my God, in this way I want to make amends to You for the souls that do not trust in Your goodness. I hope against all hope in the ocean of Your mercy. My Lord and my God, my portion-my portion forever, I do not base this act of oblation on my own strength, but on the strength that flows from the merits of Jesus Christ. I will daily repeat this act of self-oblation by pronouncing the following prayer which You yourself have taught me, Jesus:
"O Blood and Water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a Fount of Mercy for us, I trust in You!"
S. M. Faustina of the Blessed Sacrament
Holy Thursday, during Holy Mass, March 29, 1934.
309 Before heaven and earth, before all the choirs of Angels, before the Most Holy Virgin Mary, before all the Powers of heaven, I declare to the One Triune God that today, in union with Jesus Christ, Redeemer of souls, I make a voluntary offering of myself for the conversion of sinners, especially for those souls who have lost hope in God's mercy. This offering consists in my accepting, with total subjection to God's will, all the sufferings, fears and terrors with which sinners are filled. In return, I give them all the consolations which my soul receives from my communion with God. In a word, I offer everything for them: Holy Masses, Holy Communions, penances, mortifications, prayers. I do not fear the blows, blows of divine justice, because I am united with Jesus. O my God, in this way I want to make amends to You for the souls that do not trust in Your goodness. I hope against all hope in the ocean of Your mercy. My Lord and my God, my portion-my portion forever, I do not base this act of oblation on my own strength, but on the strength that flows from the merits of Jesus Christ. I will daily repeat this act of self-oblation by pronouncing the following prayer which You yourself have taught me, Jesus:
"O Blood and Water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a Fount of Mercy for us, I trust in You!"
S. M. Faustina of the Blessed Sacrament
Holy Thursday, during Holy Mass, March 29, 1934.
356 O Blessed Host, in whom is contained the
testament of God's mercy for us, and especially for poor sinners.
O Blessed Host, in whom is contained the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus as proof of infinite mercy for us, and especially for poor sinners.
O Blessed Host, in whom is contained life eternal and of infinite mercy, dispensed in abundance to us and especially to poor sinners.
O Blessed Host, in whom is contained the mercy of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit toward us, and especially toward poor sinners.
O Blessed Host, in whom is contained the infinite price of mercy which will compensate for all our debts, and especially those of poor sinners.
O Blessed Host, in whom is contained the fountain of living water which springs from infinite mercy for us, and especially for poor sinners.
O Blessed Host, in whom is contained the fire of purest love which blazes forth from the bosom of the Eternal Father, as from an abyss of infinite mercy for us, and especially for poor sinners.
O Blessed Host, in whom is contained the medicine for all our infirmities, flowing from infinite mercy, as from a fount, for us and especially for poor sinners.
O Blessed Host, in whom is contained the union between God and us through His infinite mercy for us, and especially for poor sinners.
O Blessed Host, in whom are contained all the sentiments of the most sweet Heart of Jesus toward us, and especially poor sinners.
O Blessed Host, our only hope in all the sufferings and adversities of life.
O Blessed Host, our only hope in the midst of darkness and of storms within and without.
O Blessed Host, our only hope in life and at the hour of our death.
O Blessed Host, our only hope in the midst of adversities and floods of despair.
O Blessed Host, our only hope in the midst of falsehood and treason.
O Blessed Host, our only hope in the midst of the darkness and godlessness which inundate the earth. O Blessed Host, our only hope in the longing and pain in which no one will understand us.
O Blessed Host, our only hope in the toil and monotony of everyday life.
O Blessed Host, our only hope amid the ruin of our hopes and endeavors.
O Blessed Host, our only hope in the midst of the ravages of the enemy and the efforts of hell.
O Blessed Host, I trust in You when the burdens are beyond my strength and I find my efforts are fruitless.
O Blessed Host, I trust in You when storms toss my heart about and my fearful spirit tends to despair.
O Blessed Host, I trust in You when my heart is about to tremble and mortal sweat moistens my brow.
O Blessed Host, I trust in You when everything conspires against me and black despair creeps into my soul.
O Blessed Host, I trust in You when my eyes will begin to grow dim to all temporal things and, for the first time, my spirit will behold the unknown worlds.
O Blessed Host, I trust in You when my tasks will be beyond my strength and adversity will become my daily lot.
O Blessed Host I trust in You when the practice of virtue will appear difficult for me and my nature will grow rebellious.
O Blessed Host, I trust in You when hostile blows will be aimed against me.
O Blessed Host, I trust in You when my toils and efforts will be misjudged by others.
O Blessed Host, I trust in You when Your judgments will resound over me; it is then that I will trust in the sea of Your mercy.
O Blessed Host, in whom is contained the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus as proof of infinite mercy for us, and especially for poor sinners.
O Blessed Host, in whom is contained life eternal and of infinite mercy, dispensed in abundance to us and especially to poor sinners.
O Blessed Host, in whom is contained the mercy of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit toward us, and especially toward poor sinners.
O Blessed Host, in whom is contained the infinite price of mercy which will compensate for all our debts, and especially those of poor sinners.
O Blessed Host, in whom is contained the fountain of living water which springs from infinite mercy for us, and especially for poor sinners.
O Blessed Host, in whom is contained the fire of purest love which blazes forth from the bosom of the Eternal Father, as from an abyss of infinite mercy for us, and especially for poor sinners.
O Blessed Host, in whom is contained the medicine for all our infirmities, flowing from infinite mercy, as from a fount, for us and especially for poor sinners.
O Blessed Host, in whom is contained the union between God and us through His infinite mercy for us, and especially for poor sinners.
O Blessed Host, in whom are contained all the sentiments of the most sweet Heart of Jesus toward us, and especially poor sinners.
O Blessed Host, our only hope in all the sufferings and adversities of life.
O Blessed Host, our only hope in the midst of darkness and of storms within and without.
O Blessed Host, our only hope in life and at the hour of our death.
O Blessed Host, our only hope in the midst of adversities and floods of despair.
O Blessed Host, our only hope in the midst of falsehood and treason.
O Blessed Host, our only hope in the midst of the darkness and godlessness which inundate the earth. O Blessed Host, our only hope in the longing and pain in which no one will understand us.
O Blessed Host, our only hope in the toil and monotony of everyday life.
O Blessed Host, our only hope amid the ruin of our hopes and endeavors.
O Blessed Host, our only hope in the midst of the ravages of the enemy and the efforts of hell.
O Blessed Host, I trust in You when the burdens are beyond my strength and I find my efforts are fruitless.
O Blessed Host, I trust in You when storms toss my heart about and my fearful spirit tends to despair.
O Blessed Host, I trust in You when my heart is about to tremble and mortal sweat moistens my brow.
O Blessed Host, I trust in You when everything conspires against me and black despair creeps into my soul.
O Blessed Host, I trust in You when my eyes will begin to grow dim to all temporal things and, for the first time, my spirit will behold the unknown worlds.
O Blessed Host, I trust in You when my tasks will be beyond my strength and adversity will become my daily lot.
O Blessed Host I trust in You when the practice of virtue will appear difficult for me and my nature will grow rebellious.
O Blessed Host, I trust in You when hostile blows will be aimed against me.
O Blessed Host, I trust in You when my toils and efforts will be misjudged by others.
O Blessed Host, I trust in You when Your judgments will resound over me; it is then that I will trust in the sea of Your mercy.
367 +On one occasion, Jesus gave me to know
that when I pray for intentions which people are wont to entrust to me, He is
always ready to grant His graces, but souls do not always want to accept them: My Heart overflows with great mercy
for souls, and especially for poor sinners. If only they could understand that
I am the best of Fathers to them and that it is for them that the Blood and
Water flowed from My Heart as from a fount overflowing with mercy. For them I
dwell in the tabernacle as King of Mercy. I desire to bestow My graces upon
souls, but they do not want to accept them. You, at least, come to Me as often
as possible and take these graces they do not want to accept. In this way you
will console My Heart. Oh, how indifferent are souls to so much goodness, to so
many proofs of love! My Heart drinks only of the ingratitude and forgetfulness
of souls living in the world. They have time for everything, but they have no
time to come to Me for graces.
So I turn to you, you-chosen souls, will you also fail to understand the love of My Heart? Here, too, My Heart finds disappointment; I do not find complete surrender to My love. So many reservations, so much distrust, so much caution. To comfort you, let Me tell you that there are souls living in the world who love Me dearly. I dwell In their hearts with delight. But they are few. In convents too, there are souls that fill My Heart with joy. They bear My features; therefore the Heavenly Father looks upon them with special pleasure. They will be a marvel to Angels and men. Their number is very small. They are a defense for the world before the justice of the Heavenly Father and a means of obtaining mercy for the world. The love and sacrifice of these souls sustain the world in existence. The infidelity of a soul specially chosen by Me wounds My Heart most painfully. Such infidelities are swords which pierce My Heart.
So I turn to you, you-chosen souls, will you also fail to understand the love of My Heart? Here, too, My Heart finds disappointment; I do not find complete surrender to My love. So many reservations, so much distrust, so much caution. To comfort you, let Me tell you that there are souls living in the world who love Me dearly. I dwell In their hearts with delight. But they are few. In convents too, there are souls that fill My Heart with joy. They bear My features; therefore the Heavenly Father looks upon them with special pleasure. They will be a marvel to Angels and men. Their number is very small. They are a defense for the world before the justice of the Heavenly Father and a means of obtaining mercy for the world. The love and sacrifice of these souls sustain the world in existence. The infidelity of a soul specially chosen by Me wounds My Heart most painfully. Such infidelities are swords which pierce My Heart.
374 J.M.J Vilnius, Februrary 4, 1935
[page in the Dairy with the words "From today on my will does not exist" crossed out with a large 'X']
The moment I knelt down to cross out my own will, as the Lord had bid me to do, I heard this voice in my soul:From today on, do not fear God's judgment, for you will not be judged
[The next page has...]
J.M.J Vilnius, February 4, 1935
From today on, I do the Will of God everywhere, always, and in everything.[88]
+ J.M.J. Vilnius, February 8, 1935
[page in the Dairy with the words "From today on my will does not exist" crossed out with a large 'X']
The moment I knelt down to cross out my own will, as the Lord had bid me to do, I heard this voice in my soul:From today on, do not fear God's judgment, for you will not be judged
[The next page has...]
J.M.J Vilnius, February 4, 1935
From today on, I do the Will of God everywhere, always, and in everything.[88]
+ J.M.J. Vilnius, February 8, 1935
375 Particular interior practice; that is,
the examination of conscience. Self-denial, denial of my own will.
I. The denial of my reason. Subjecting it to the reason of those who represent God to me here on earth.
II. The denial of my will. Doing the will of God, which is revealed in the will of those who represent God to me and which is contained in the rule of our order.
III. The denial of my judgment. Accepting immediately and without reflection, analysis or reasoning all orders given by those who represent God to me.
IV. The denial of my tongue. I will not give it the least bit of freedom; but in one case only I will give it complete freedom; that is, in proclaiming the glory of God. Whenever I receive Holy Communion, I will ask Jesus to fortify and cleanse my tongue that I may not injure my neighbor with it. That is why I have the greatest respect for the rule which speaks about silence.
I. The denial of my reason. Subjecting it to the reason of those who represent God to me here on earth.
II. The denial of my will. Doing the will of God, which is revealed in the will of those who represent God to me and which is contained in the rule of our order.
III. The denial of my judgment. Accepting immediately and without reflection, analysis or reasoning all orders given by those who represent God to me.
IV. The denial of my tongue. I will not give it the least bit of freedom; but in one case only I will give it complete freedom; that is, in proclaiming the glory of God. Whenever I receive Holy Communion, I will ask Jesus to fortify and cleanse my tongue that I may not injure my neighbor with it. That is why I have the greatest respect for the rule which speaks about silence.
426 O terrible hour, at which one is obliged
to see all one's deeds in their nakedness and misery; not one of them is lost,
they will all accompany us to God's judgment. I can find no words or
comparisons to express such terrible things. And although it seems to me that
this soul is not damned, nevertheless its torments are in no way different from
the torments of hell; there is only this difference: that they will someday
come to an end.
496 Confession Day. From early morning, the
turmoil in my soul was more violent than anything I had ever experienced
before. Complete abandonment by God; I felt the utter weakness that I was.
Thoughts bore in upon me: why should I leave this convent where I am loved by
the sisters and superiors, where life is so tranquil; [where I am] bound by
perpetual vows and carry out my duties without difficulty; why should I listen
to the voice of my conscience; why follow an inspiration coming from who knows
where; wouldn't it be better to carry on like all the other sisters? Perhaps
the Lord's words could be stifled, not taken heed of; maybe God will not demand
an account of them on the day of judgment. Where will this inner voice lead me?
If I follow it, what tremendous difficulties, tribulations and adversities are
in store for me. I fear the future, and I am agonizing in the present.
This suffering continued with the same intensity throughout the whole day. When, in the evening, my turn came for confession, I could not make a full confession, even though I had been preparing for a long time. I received absolution and left, not knowing what was going on within me. When I went to bed, the suffering grew even worse; or rather, it changed into a fire which penetrated all the faculties of my soul like lightning, piercing me to the marrow, and to the most secret recesses of my heart. In the midst of this suffering, I was unable to bring myself to do anything. "Your will be done, Lord." At times I could not even think these words. Truly, a deadly fear had taken hold of me, and the flames of hell were touching me. Toward morning, silence set in, and my tribulations disappeared in the twinkling of an eye, but I felt so frightfully exhausted that I could not even move. During my conversation with Mother Superior, my strength returned bit by bit, but God alone knows how I felt throughout that whole day.
This suffering continued with the same intensity throughout the whole day. When, in the evening, my turn came for confession, I could not make a full confession, even though I had been preparing for a long time. I received absolution and left, not knowing what was going on within me. When I went to bed, the suffering grew even worse; or rather, it changed into a fire which penetrated all the faculties of my soul like lightning, piercing me to the marrow, and to the most secret recesses of my heart. In the midst of this suffering, I was unable to bring myself to do anything. "Your will be done, Lord." At times I could not even think these words. Truly, a deadly fear had taken hold of me, and the flames of hell were touching me. Toward morning, silence set in, and my tribulations disappeared in the twinkling of an eye, but I felt so frightfully exhausted that I could not even move. During my conversation with Mother Superior, my strength returned bit by bit, but God alone knows how I felt throughout that whole day.
566 One day, after Holy Communion, I suddenly
saw the Infant Jesus standing by my kneeler and holding on to it with His two
little hands. Although He was but a little Child, my soul was filled with awe
and fear, for I see in Him my Judge, my Lord, and my Creator, before whose
holiness the Angels tremble. At the same time, my soul was flooded with such
unspeakable love that I thought I would die under its influence. I now see that
Jesus first strengthens my soul and makes it capable of abiding with Him, for
otherwise I would not be able to bear what I experience at such a moment.
635 March 25. In the morning, during
meditation, God's presence enveloped me in a special way, as I saw the
immeasurable greatness of God and, at the same time, His condescension to His
creatures. Then I saw the Mother of God, who said to me, Oh, how pleasing to God is the soul
that follows faithfully the inspirations of His grace! I gave the Savior to the
world; as for you, you have to speak to the world about His great mercy and
prepare the world for the Second Coming of Him who will come, not as a merciful
Savior, but as a just Judge. Oh, how terrible is that day! Determined is the
day of justice, the day of divine wrath. The angels tremble before it. Speak to
souls about this great mercy while it is still the time for [granting] mercy.
If you keep silent now, you will be answering for a great number of souls on
that terrible day. Fear nothing. Be faithful to the end. I sympathize with you.
660 O my Jesus, on the day of the last
judgment, You will demand from me an account of this work of mercy. O just
Judge, but my Spouse as well, help me to do Your holy will. O mercy, O divine
virtue!
O most merciful Heart of Jesus, my Betrothed, make my heart like unto Yours.
O most merciful Heart of Jesus, my Betrothed, make my heart like unto Yours.
720 O my Jesus, You know how difficult
community life is, how many misunderstandings and misconceptions, despite at
times the most sincere good will on both sides. But that is Your mystery, O
Lord. We shall know it in eternity; however, our judgments should always be
mild.
848 While I was saying the chaplet, I heard a
voice which said, Oh,
what great graces I will grant to souls who say this chaplet; the very depths
of My tender mercy are stirred for the sake of those who say the chaplet. Write
down these words, My daughter. Speak to the world about My mercy; let all
mankind recognize My unfathomable mercy. It is a sign for the end times; after
it will come the day of justice. While there is still time, let them have
recourse to the fount of My mercy; let them profit from the Blood and Water
which gushed forth for them.
854 December 29, [1936]. Today after Holy
Communion, I heard a voice in my soul: My
daughter, stand ready, for I will come unexpectedly. Jesus, You
do not want to tell me the hour I am looking forward to with such longing? My daughter, it is for your own good.
You will learn it, but not now; keep watch. O Jesus, do with me
as You please. I know You are the merciful Savior and You will not change
towards me at the hour of my death. If at this time you are showing me so much
special love, and are condescending to unite Yourself with me is such an
intimate way and with such great kindness, I expect even more at the hour of my
death. You, my Lord-God, cannot change. You are always the same. Heaven can
change, as well as everything that is created; but You, Lord, are ever the same
and will endure forever. So come as You like and when You like. Father of
infinite mercy, I, Your child, wait longingly for Your coming. O Jesus, You
said in the Holy Gospel, "Out of your mouth do I judge you." Well,
Jesus, I am always speaking of Your inconceivable mercy, so I trust that You will
judge me according to Your unfathomable mercy.
895 January 23, [1937]. I did not feel like
writing today. Then I heard a voice in my soul:My daughter, you do not live for yourself but for souls;
write for their benefit. You know that My will as to your writing has been
confirmed many times by your confessors. You know what is pleasing to Me, and
if you have any doubts about what I am saying, you also know whom you are to
ask. I grant him light to pronounce judgment on my case. My eye watches over him.
My daughter, you are to be like a child towards him, full of simplicity and
candor. Put his judgment above all My demands. He will guide you according to
My will. If he doesn't allow you to carry out My demands, be at peace; I will
not judge you, but the matter will remain between Me and him. You are to be
obedient.
939 There is an exception [to this], and that
is when God himself directs the person, but the director will immediately
recognize that the person in question is being guided by God himself. God will
allow him to know this clearly and distinctly, and such a person should be even
more under the director's control than anyone else. In this case, the director
does not so much guide and point out the road along which the soul is to
journey; but rather, he judges and confirms that the soul is following the
right path and is being led by a good spirit.
In this situation, the director should be not only holy, but also experienced and prudent, and the soul should give priority to his opinion over that of God himself, for then the soul will be safe from illusions and deviations. A soul that will not fully submit its inspirations to the strict control of the Church; that is, to the director, clearly shows by this that a bad spirit is guiding it. The director should be extremely prudent in such cases and test the soul's obedience. Satan can even clothe himself in a cloak of humility, but he does not know how to wear the cloak of obedience and thus his evil designs will be disclosed. But the director should not be overly afraid of such a soul, because if God puts that special soul in his care, He will also give him great divine light regarding it, for otherwise how could he deal wisely with the great mysteries which take place between the soul and God.
In this situation, the director should be not only holy, but also experienced and prudent, and the soul should give priority to his opinion over that of God himself, for then the soul will be safe from illusions and deviations. A soul that will not fully submit its inspirations to the strict control of the Church; that is, to the director, clearly shows by this that a bad spirit is guiding it. The director should be extremely prudent in such cases and test the soul's obedience. Satan can even clothe himself in a cloak of humility, but he does not know how to wear the cloak of obedience and thus his evil designs will be disclosed. But the director should not be overly afraid of such a soul, because if God puts that special soul in his care, He will also give him great divine light regarding it, for otherwise how could he deal wisely with the great mysteries which take place between the soul and God.
950 + Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless
and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase
Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become
despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which
is Love and Mercy itself.
951 + O incomprehensible and limitless Mercy
Divine, To extol and adore You worthily, who can? Supreme attribute of Almighty
God, You are the sweet hope for sinful man.
Into one hymn yourselves unite, stars, earth and sea, and in one accord, thankfully and fervently sing of the incomprehensible Divine Mercy.
Into one hymn yourselves unite, stars, earth and sea, and in one accord, thankfully and fervently sing of the incomprehensible Divine Mercy.
965 Jesus looked at me and said, Souls perish in spite of My bitter
Passion. I am giving them the last hope of salvation; that is, the Feast of My
Mercy. If they will not adore My mercy, they will perish for all eternity.
Secretary of My mercy, write, tell souls about this great mercy of Mine,
because the awful day, the day of My justice, is near.
987 Today, I came to know that a member of my
family is offending God and is in great peril of death. This knowledge pierced
my soul with such great pain that I thought I would not survive that offense
against God. I begged God's pardon, but I saw His great anger.
1184 On an earlier occasion.
In the evening, I saw the Lord Jesus upon the cross. From His hands, feet and side, the Most Sacred Blood was flowing. After some time, Jesus said to me, All this is for the salvation of souls. Consider well, My daughter, what you are doing for their salvation. I answered, "Jesus, when I look at Your suffering, I see that I am doing next to nothing for the salvation of souls." And the Lord said to me, Know, My daughter, that your silent day-to-day martyrdom in complete submission to My will ushers many souls into heaven. And when it seems to you that your suffering exceeds your strength, contemplate My wounds, and you will rise above human scorn and judgment. Meditation on My Passion will help you rise above all things. I understood many things I had been unable to comprehend before.
In the evening, I saw the Lord Jesus upon the cross. From His hands, feet and side, the Most Sacred Blood was flowing. After some time, Jesus said to me, All this is for the salvation of souls. Consider well, My daughter, what you are doing for their salvation. I answered, "Jesus, when I look at Your suffering, I see that I am doing next to nothing for the salvation of souls." And the Lord said to me, Know, My daughter, that your silent day-to-day martyrdom in complete submission to My will ushers many souls into heaven. And when it seems to you that your suffering exceeds your strength, contemplate My wounds, and you will rise above human scorn and judgment. Meditation on My Passion will help you rise above all things. I understood many things I had been unable to comprehend before.
(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-I-301, 341, 375, 378-379)
(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-II-962)
(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-III-1046, 1074-1075, 1083)
(Diary
of Sister Faustina Kowalska Notebook-VI-1652, 1680, 1692, 1749, 1796)
http://www.saint-faustina.com/Diary/DMIMS10.shtml
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