Today's Gospel

Here's what struck me the most in today's gospel reading.

"Peter took this up. 'Look,' he said to him, 'we have left everything and followed you.' Jesus said, 'In truth I tell you, there is no one who has left house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children or land for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive a hundred times as much, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and land -- and persecutions too -- now in this present time and, in the world to come, eternal life."

I thought a lot about this part of the reading and I wonder: I can leave all my possessions behind. I don't need all the material things that I have. But, why would He want me to leave my family? This leads me to my next question: Could I and would I leave my family behind to follow Jesus? If I had no family, I would drop everything I had to follow Him. I've been discerning about this a lot and I still haven't found the answer. I know what my answer is. I'm just waiting to see if His answer is the same or different.

now...on to the next chapter.

Chapter 7: Be Willing To Cook In The Spiritual Fire

No matter what we’ve done, how much we’ve hurt, how ashamed we feel, it’s just energy, just stuff that separates us from our perfect essence.

The spiritual warrior hides from nothing. We jump into the fire, we dive into the ocean. We become the sea. In fat, we are already part of the sea of all creation, it’s only an illusion that keeps us apart. To allow ourselves free-flowing energy is to say take me. I surrender. I’m open to feeling everything inside. This does not mean we are without discipline or good judgment. It means we fear nothing that is human and natural. Surrender actually makes us feel safe, because there is nothing left to hide. When we are open and unafraid, we cease being half-hearted with each other.

In the process of opening ourselves, old childhood feelings may be laid before us. Suddenly, we feel like a hurt three-year-old. We want to cling. We start worrying, we get scared, forget our responsibilities, and churn with anxiety.

Our growth begins when we realize we are facing parts of ourselves that have always been there.

Don’t be afraid. You’ve thrown a long on the spiritual fire. You’ve hit an edge, now sit with it, don’t run away. Sit down and simmer. Breathe. Be gentle. Make friends with that part of you. Try having a conversation between your scared part and your inner spiritual guide.


I had a beautiful dream last night and even though it could be a reality, (meaning, it wasn't like I was able to fly, or something supernatural), I somehow feel like it can never be a reality. If it never becomes a reality, at least I caught a glimpse of what it could have felt like. It felt so real. I can still feel the joy I felt inside while in my dream...

Today we sang "In Every Age" at 10am Mass. The third verse will be my prayer for tonight.

" Teach us to make use of the time we have.
Teach us to be patient even as we wait.
Teach us to embrace our ev'ry joy and pain.
To sleep peacefully, and to rise up strong."

Here's something interesting.

I was on catholic.org today and I came across a list of so many different prayers. Here are two prayers that are most relevant to my life right now.

A PRAYER FOR ONE'S CALLING
Jesus, Divine Caller of vocations, You invite some to chosen professions, Others to distinctive spiritual work! Your call may reflect one's ambitions, Or may be a command to a special calling. Inspire me to always know within my heart, What particular type of work is fitting To do Your will at that particular time. Your many callings vary immensely. They are all reflections of Your Holiness. Thank you for my heavenly calling and For maintaining the vocation of Your choice!

A PRAYER FOR THE VIRTUE OF PATIENCE
Patience is a virtue of the Lord: He awaits the return of His children. Forgive my trespasses Oh Lord Jesus, For many times have I tested You. I deserved the wrath of Your hand, But You saw greater things for me: Your patience has been enormous! Grant me a droplet of such endurance, That I may abolish my impious impatience, Refraining from using unpleasant words, And always reflecting Your serenity. Great is the Lord Jesus in His ways!


That's all for tonight folks.