TODAY’S WORD…

.

Children of men,

how long will you be heavy of heart,

why love what is vain

and chase after illusions?

.

– Psalm 4:2 (NJB)

.

.

.

REFLECTION…

.

How true!

We all get those moments

of heaviness of heart

– sometimes lasting

much more than just moments.

.

Why?

A thousand reasons…

if we try justifying.

Wrong reasons, most of them…

if we are honest with ourselves!

.

Whatever the reasons

behind our sadness, our anxiety,

our anger, or our panic,

if we call out to God

– who is always there, right beside us –

He will help us admit our vanities

and recognise our illusions.

.

He will give us consolation and lasting peace

– if we trust in Him

and if we do as He tells us.

.

.

.

PRAYER…

.

My Lord and my God,

forgive me for the time I waste feeling sorry for myself,

when I should be praising and thanking You instead.

.

Lord, increase my faith

and my trust in You.

.

Lord, decrease my self-seeking.

and help me overcome my self-pity.

.

Lord,

I want to give You glory and praise instead.

.

I want to learn from You,

and trust in You

and do Your will.

.

Lord, fill me with the love, joy and peace

that only You can bring.

.

Thank You, Lord.

You raise me up, Lord.

I love You, Lord.

.

Amen.

.

.

.

REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

.

Thank you, Lord – You raise me up!

.

.

.

YEAR OF FAITH 2012-2013

FROM THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH…

.

The human heart is heavy and hardened.

God must give man a new heart.

.

Conversion is first of all a work of the grace of God

who makes our hearts return to Him:

"Restore us to Thyself, O LORD, that we may be restored!" (Lam 5:21)

.

God gives us the strength to begin anew.

It is in discovering the greatness of God’s love

that our heart is shaken by the horror and weight of sin

and begins to fear offending God by sin

and being separated from Him.

.

The human heart is converted

by looking upon Him whom our sins have pierced. […]

[CCC 1432]

.

.

.