The Road to Recovery—After that slippery slope down!!!
"As If It Was The Last Time"
Photo By: Flickr/Afraj
Attending Mass this morning, I find that we are already, after Offertory. "Lord, I am sorry, it seems that my mind keeps wandering from thought to another and I am really not PRESENT here with You. Wearing a mask tends to do that to me."
It was then that I was reminded of the words of a priest--who said that God had told him--"Say each prayer as if it is the last time you say it."
It was then that behind my mask I spoke with all heart, soul and being "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY---Lord God Almighty, Heaven and earth are filled with Your Glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!" I proclaimed it as if I meant it!!
I received Holy Communion with a strong, loud -- "AMEN" saying with all my heart ---'I agree this is the BODY of JESUS I am receiving!!'
I realized then how much of my life is passing by as I aimlessly live out the day. No wonder I am saddened, angry at the world --as I forget WHO is there at my side, before me and preparing the places that He leads me to! He tells us ---to "Enter into His gates, His presence with praise and thanksgiving. To do all we do, loving Him 'with all of our heart, mind and soul --and love each other as you want to be loved!"
Think about it dear people. If you are madly in love with someone--how do you act or speak around them? When apart, are they not on you mind all the time, or you just can't wait to be in their Presence again? As a parent, if you want your baby, your child to know that you love them dearly--how do you act, how do you speak to them? THEY even see that look of adoration in your eyes, as you speak tenderly words of love.
So let us enter into Mass, into the prayers---with all of our hearts, mind, soul and being!! And let us speak or say what we say as if it is the LAST TIME! No matter if we are speaking to our Lord, or just to each other. Look at them, look at Jesus and Mary with deep love in your eyes, that comes deeply from within your heart. It may be the last time you do here on this earth and you want them to be waiting with great joy as you embrace them for the first time in His Kingdom. Do you not? I sure do! No MASKING our LOVE for our Lord as we go about our daily walk with Him. Or as we enter into the Mass and into our quiet time or personal prayer time. No more mindlessly saying the Hail Mary as you robotically pray the Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet. Again say those prayers as if it were the last time they are prayed. It could very well be.
Peace be with you my dear family of God and I say that, hoping that His Peace is with you.
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About the Author
Born the youngest of nine children, raised VERY Catholic across the street from our church and school—Mom and Dad led by example and word their FAITH in God and saw to it that I was given 12 years of Catholic Education. (Mount St. Mary’s Academy/1965)
But, most importantly, because of my parents’ spiritual renewal after attending Cursillo Weekends, I too went on a retreat at our beloved Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas and there, at age 20, gave my life totally, surrendering all to my Lord and best Friend. This was my “Pentecostal” event that left me, like all the early Christians, on fire with God’s love and forever changed.
My husband Robert and I have been married for 50 this year in a marriage arranged by God. We have 8 children, two in heaven, 24 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. The story of our life together can be found in a book titled “My Journey, My Cross-As the Journals End,” published by Westbow Press . Our life together has been one awesome up and down roller coaster ride which enriched my heart with so many of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I have found that the only way, Wisdom, Understanding, Words of Knowledge, Discernment, and Healing can be received is first by experiencing in your life the hurts of others. (and you yourself a sword will pierce)* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2 v 35.
God has blessed me also many other talents and skills--but sometimes, blessings/gifts can and have caused problems or conflict in my life, as I am human and all too quickly that part of me shows up. Thank You God that You also show up!
Because of the many ways that He has rescued me, and taught me through my trials and tribulations and continuous cries for “Help”--- a weekly podcast radio show called “It’s Me, God” can still be found on www.radiotitans.com
