1. Now. (I love being cryptic 😎) I’m living it in the moment, the Now, and not judging it or rather putting a qualitative value on it. If I fall I get up and continue. I don’t let it derail me unless it’s clear God is asking something else of me. For example though I am fasting every day if God or my body are telling me “you need to eat” I do so. Or if after my daily meal someone were to call and say “I really need to talk. Can we grab a pizza?” I would do so. It’s not a failure. It’s an invitation from God. Of course if I were the one doing the asking I would need to prayerfully and seriously discern why. Is it because I want an excuse? Do I need a break in my fasting? What’s my real motivation?
2. It’s the sort of “common refrain” from Saint Alphonsus’ Stations: I love you Jesus my Love. I repent with my whole heart for having offended you. Never let me separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and do with me what you will.
I remained well, and the sick member of my household is feeling much better now. By the grace of God, no one else got sick. Thank you for asking and for your prayers!
1- Lent is going "terribly" by my standards but probably exactly how God wants it to go. I feel unplugged and detached spiritually. Part of it is the need for confession, which is on the calendar for tomorrow officially. Part of it my life turned upside down with a big move. I think there's an element of "i'm not taking it seriously enough" and an element of "give yourself a break scoot there's a lot going on". But I don't feel qualified to judge that balance so it leaves me in limbo.
2- I've been reaching for Hail Mary's a lot. When I tell people I am praying for them, most often it's a Hail Mary or three I'm sending up. When I'm praying for myself--well, tbh I've been avoiding praying for myself. Now that you prompt me to think about it, I think this is very much connected with #1. I'll have to ponder this. I like reaching for the "My Jesus, Mercy" and giving myself the ol' Confeitor Strike but I don't reach for that often enough.
3- my parish before I moved had a parish mission a few weeks ago, but I didn't attend. The visiting priest was amazing and gave an excellent homily.
Transition periods are hard, talk about penance. You put things in boxes, move them around, unpack them, realize you didn't need that, you toss it. It's a whole thing.
1. Now. (I love being cryptic 😎) I’m living it in the moment, the Now, and not judging it or rather putting a qualitative value on it. If I fall I get up and continue. I don’t let it derail me unless it’s clear God is asking something else of me. For example though I am fasting every day if God or my body are telling me “you need to eat” I do so. Or if after my daily meal someone were to call and say “I really need to talk. Can we grab a pizza?” I would do so. It’s not a failure. It’s an invitation from God. Of course if I were the one doing the asking I would need to prayerfully and seriously discern why. Is it because I want an excuse? Do I need a break in my fasting? What’s my real motivation?
2. It’s the sort of “common refrain” from Saint Alphonsus’ Stations: I love you Jesus my Love. I repent with my whole heart for having offended you. Never let me separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and do with me what you will.
3. Sadly, not this year.
The "common refrain" is my favorite part of St. Alphonsus' Stations and the reason that his are my favorite Stations of the Cross.
1. Not terribly, but I’m failing my resolutions a lot as well.
2. The Ave Maria
3. I’m not sure. I was away for most of February, so I’m not sure of everything that they’re doing for Lent. I would assume that they will, though.
Aren't we all? I don't feel as bad now.
How's your health? Did everyone get better at home?
I remained well, and the sick member of my household is feeling much better now. By the grace of God, no one else got sick. Thank you for asking and for your prayers!
1- Lent is going "terribly" by my standards but probably exactly how God wants it to go. I feel unplugged and detached spiritually. Part of it is the need for confession, which is on the calendar for tomorrow officially. Part of it my life turned upside down with a big move. I think there's an element of "i'm not taking it seriously enough" and an element of "give yourself a break scoot there's a lot going on". But I don't feel qualified to judge that balance so it leaves me in limbo.
2- I've been reaching for Hail Mary's a lot. When I tell people I am praying for them, most often it's a Hail Mary or three I'm sending up. When I'm praying for myself--well, tbh I've been avoiding praying for myself. Now that you prompt me to think about it, I think this is very much connected with #1. I'll have to ponder this. I like reaching for the "My Jesus, Mercy" and giving myself the ol' Confeitor Strike but I don't reach for that often enough.
3- my parish before I moved had a parish mission a few weeks ago, but I didn't attend. The visiting priest was amazing and gave an excellent homily.
I'm going to borrow "My Jesus, mercy."
Transition periods are hard, talk about penance. You put things in boxes, move them around, unpack them, realize you didn't need that, you toss it. It's a whole thing.
Take heart, my friend!