I've decided to share some prayers here throughout this Lenten season. I don't know how much they're worth to anyone besides me, but I think many prayers are meant to be shared, and if they touch a single heart I will be glad to have been an instrument in the hands of God. Below is a sort of meditation-turned-prayer on the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, which was inspired by a discussion on the heart during my Philosophy of the Human Person class. It's probably kind of disjointed since it doesn't follow my complete thought process, but I'll let it speak for itself.
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You who are at the heart of all things, help me to know my own heart.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we venerate you because in You is the pinnacle of humanity, the perfection of the core of our nature, help us to strive always for that perfection of heart we see so evidently in You.
In Your Heart oh Lord resides the seat of Your mercy, help us to trust in Your infinite mercy and love.
My heart cries out to one akin but elevated beyond my potential.
In You is the secret of humanity.
Whisper this secret into the inner sanctuary of my true self, that I may gain true wisdom.
You are wise beyond all measure and Your will is absolute,
but it is Your Heart alone that allows us a glimpse into our true selves, as a reflection of You.
Oh Lord my God, take up residence in my heart. I yearn for the touch of my Creator, Lover, and Confidante.
Amen.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Army Strong.
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. This morning my family and I went to morning Mass and then walked over to a nearby abortion clinic, starting off this year's 40 Days for Life campaign with prayer. As we approached the clinic, we saw faces peek around the corner, followed by a number of clinic escorts. They "put their game faces on" and positioned themselves near us, their blue vests armor against the barbs they hoped we'd fling. Anger shone forth from each eye, and whispered conferences showed us that they were preparing themselves for battle.
Little did they know that the battle had already begun. It began on our walk, as we prayed the Stations of the Cross. It began on the steps of the church, as the deacon led us in prayer. It began during the Mass, in which the church was filled with children who miraculously made it out of the womb despite the dangers posed by those blue-clad envoys of death and the hostile society that surrounds them. This battle began long long ago, with the Fall of Man and even in the Rebellion of the Angels. We continued it today with simple prayer.
Today we heard the call of our Captain in the words of the priest, who bade us clothe ourselves in the armor of self-denial. This is what Lent is all about: ridding ourselves of weaknesses, strengthening our souls in virtue, taking up arms as soldiers for Christ. Pope Benedict XVI's Lenten address calls us to "be concerned for each other, to stir a response in love and good works" (Heb 10:24) and strive always to walk together with our brothers and sisters towards holiness, with a mind towards reciprocity and the effects each action, good or bad, has on each of us an individual and on the Body of Christ to which we belong. In short, to practice charity.
This is why the abortion clinic escorts this morning were disappointed, and will continue to be, for the only battle they are prepared to fight is with swords, but the real battle is raging in their hearts. We must put on our armor of self-denial and join in the battle to end all battles, the battle of our lives, the battle of Love. In Christ's name, under His command, we will conquer through love, for that is the only weapon that can win over not only the most able bodies and the sharpest wits, but the coldest, thorniest, most fearful of hearts.
Little did they know that the battle had already begun. It began on our walk, as we prayed the Stations of the Cross. It began on the steps of the church, as the deacon led us in prayer. It began during the Mass, in which the church was filled with children who miraculously made it out of the womb despite the dangers posed by those blue-clad envoys of death and the hostile society that surrounds them. This battle began long long ago, with the Fall of Man and even in the Rebellion of the Angels. We continued it today with simple prayer.
Today we heard the call of our Captain in the words of the priest, who bade us clothe ourselves in the armor of self-denial. This is what Lent is all about: ridding ourselves of weaknesses, strengthening our souls in virtue, taking up arms as soldiers for Christ. Pope Benedict XVI's Lenten address calls us to "be concerned for each other, to stir a response in love and good works" (Heb 10:24) and strive always to walk together with our brothers and sisters towards holiness, with a mind towards reciprocity and the effects each action, good or bad, has on each of us an individual and on the Body of Christ to which we belong. In short, to practice charity.
This is why the abortion clinic escorts this morning were disappointed, and will continue to be, for the only battle they are prepared to fight is with swords, but the real battle is raging in their hearts. We must put on our armor of self-denial and join in the battle to end all battles, the battle of our lives, the battle of Love. In Christ's name, under His command, we will conquer through love, for that is the only weapon that can win over not only the most able bodies and the sharpest wits, but the coldest, thorniest, most fearful of hearts.
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