Fast to Feast

Lent should be more than a time for fasting.  It should also be a joyous season of feasting.  Lent is a time to fast from certain things and to feast on others.  It is a season in which we should:

Fast from judging others....................Feast on the Christ dwelling in them,

Fast from apparent darkness............Feast on the reality of light,

Fast from ill thoughts..........................Feast on the healing power of God,

Fast from words that pollute.............Feast on phrases that purify,

Fast from discontent..........................Feast on gratitude,

Fast from anger..................................Feast on patience,

Fast from pessimism..........................Feast on optimism,

Fast from worry..................................Feast on Divine Order,

Fast from complaining.......................Feast on appreciation,

Fast from negatives...........................Feast on affirmation,

Fast from pressure.............................Feast on unceasing prayer,

Fast from hostility..............................Feast on non-resistance,

Fast from bitterness...........................Feast on forgiveness,

Fast from self-concern.......................Feast on compassion for others,

Fast from personal anxiety...............Feast on Eternal Truth,

Fast from discouragement................Feast on hope,

Fast from facts that depress.............Feast on truths that uplift,

Fast from lethargy.............................Feast on enthusiasm,

Fast from suspicion............................Feast on truth,

Fast from shadows of sorrow............Feast on sunlight of serenity,

Fast from idle gossip..........................Feast on purposeful silence.

Harvesters

Another one of those short reflections worth sharing. Very relevant to TEC.

Trust God's Timing!

A grain of wheat . . . if it is buried . . . sprouts and reproduces . . . many times.  John 12:24 TM

Wheat can't be planted and harvested in the same season.  In order for it to "sprout and reproduce" the seed must be buried deep in the ground where nobody sees it.  There it undergoes a complete transformation as it moves through the seasons, being nourished by the soil, the rain and the sun.  Similarly, God's purposes for your life can't be rushed.  You can only carry them, let them develop, and then harvest them whenever He says it's time.  Gestation is part of every life cycle.  The only difference here is, you don't know exactly how or when it'll come to life, but deep within you know it will.

When God plants a dream in your heart, He starts preparing you for its fulfillment.  He strengthens your character.  He deepens your spiritual roots.  But because we don't understand His timing we grow frustrated and try to rush things.  It may be weeks, months, or even years from when you first sense something stirring within you until the time you actually give birth to it.

Are you carrying a seed that can't be harvested right away?  One that needs to be nurtured and processed before coming to fruition?  If so, don't let it die by trying to bring it to birth prematurely.  Instead, trust God's timing.  Remember, there's not one instance in scripture where He was ever late.  In the meantime, work on preparing your heart.  How?  By losing those attitudes and relationships that hinder the development of your seed and the harvest it will ultimately produce.

Give Thanks in All Circumstances.

Develop An Attitude Of Gratitude

 Give thanks in all circumstances.  2 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

 If you tend to gravitate toward what is negative in life rather than what is positive, begin praying: "Lord, even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm goes off, thank You Lord that I can hear; there are many who are deaf.  Even though I close my eyes as long as possible against the morning light, thank You Lord that I can see; there are many who are blind.  Even though I put off the effort to rise, thank You Lord that I have the strength to get up; there are many who are bedridden.  Even though the first hour of my day is hectic when socks are lost, toast is burned and tempers are short, thank You Lord for my family; there are many who are all alone.  Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in the magazines and the menu at times is unbalanced, thank You Lord for the food we have; there are many who are hungry.  Even though my job is sometimes monotonous, thank You for the opportunity to work; there are many who are unemployed.  Even though I complain from time to time and wish my circumstances were different, thank You for the gift of life; there are people in the graveyard who would gladly change places with me.  Even though I make mistakes, stumble and fall, thank You for the grace to get up again; there are many who didn't make it.  Thank You Lord for all these blessings - and 101 others that I've taken for granted.  In Jesus’ name - Amen."

I take no credit for this. Just thought it was worth sharing. Peace in Christ!

Spiritual Communion

"I believe, that You, O Jesus, are the most holy Sacrament. I love You and desire You. Come into my heart. I embrace You. Oh, never leave me. May the burning and most sweet power of your love, O Lord Jesus Christ, I beseech You, absorb my mind that I may die through love of Your love, who were graciously pleased to die through love of my love. 

(St. Francis) (Other versions available)

Between limited opportunities for daily mass and finishing reading The Imitation of Christ, I've been reminded of the Spiritual Communion prayer I memorized in high school. Our junior high religion class teacher taught us about Spiritual Communion, and a saint who, upon opening her cloak, showed red roses on one side and white roses on the other. One represented Holy Communions received in her life, the other, Spiritual Communions received in her life. The number was almost equal if not more Spiritual Communions.  I cannot remember who and have not been successful in searching out the name of this saint. Enlighten me if you will, please. 

This has always intrigued me. Now at a time when daily mass would cause me to neglect the responsibilities of my state of life, I am limited in the number of times I can receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord. However, this is also revived in me the idea and reception of Spiritual Communion. For this, I praise God. It gives me a greater strength than the days when I have neglected the opportunity or desire to receive our Lord in the Eucharist.

The Imitation of Christ Book 4:10.6

"When people are prevented legitimately from receiving Holy Communion, if they still keep their good and pious intention to do so, they will not be deprived of the blessings it brings them. Every devout person may make a spiritual Communion with our Lord - every day and every hour - without any prohibition, and will profit greatly from this."

What a beautiful gift! Aww-spiration. God love you. Mamma Mary keep you.