Thursday, February 26, 2009

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Prayer Group:

Jesus said: “My people, receiving your ashes on your foreheads represents the physical sign to your beginning of the Lenten Season. Many of you are proud to wear your ashes in public, but these ashes should be more than just an outward sign to others. People should be able to tell that you are one of My followers by your outward actions, such as praying your grace before meals in a public restaurant. Ashes should be your sign to start your fasting, extra prayers, and whatever penances that you have chosen. I will ask you later in Lent if you are still carrying out your original penances. So be strong in your determination to follow what you have started.”

Jesus said: “My people, one of your Lenten devotions could include more spiritual reading to enhance your faith. This could include the Bible, the Imitations of Christ, the Liturgy of the Hours, or reading the lives of the saints. By following these holy lives, this could inspire you to improve your spiritual lives.”

Jesus said: “My people, during Lent you are suffering smaller penances than I had to suffer, but still offer them up to Me so I can unite them with Me on My cross. You could pray the Stations of the Cross as often as possible to see how I suffered. You could also pray the St. Bridget Prayers in your blue Pieta books since this also pictured My suffering on the cross. Whenever you are suffering from chronic health problems or temporary sicknesses, you can offer this up to Me for redemptive benefits for yourself or others.”

Jesus said: “My people, you know of many people, even in your own family, that are suffering in the hospital. It would be a kind act of mercy if you would visit the sick to cheer them up and show them that you care about their pain and suffering. Some people with cancer or contagious diseases find that very few people will remember them. Make this effort to visit even the terminally ill and pray for their souls and their recovery.”

Jesus said: “My people, taking care of your aging parents can be a struggle at home or in a special care home. As they have difficulty walking and eating, it is hard to see your mother or father in a compromised position. Work to give them what they need and pray for their souls to be ready when they may get close to their final hours.”

Jesus said: “My people, it becomes more emotional as you see your mother or father close to death. It is important to be with them at that time, even if their relationship may be strained. It is also helpful if you could comfort friends or relatives with dying loved ones. Even attending funerals is another way of comforting those who are mourning lost loved ones. Your charity will store up treasures for you in heaven.”

Jesus said: “My people, all of your penances and Lenten devotions should help you to better focus on Me as the center of your life. Your thoughts during Lent are looking ahead to My final suffering and death on the cross that leads up to Holy Week and Good Friday. I gave up My life so that all of mankind could have salvation and an opportunity to come to heaven. Show Me how much you love Me by your prayers and sincere efforts to change your sinful lives into holier lives. At the end of Lent you see the Light at the end of this valley of tears, when My Resurrection on Easter Sunday gives all of you hope to be resurrected one day as well.”