+J.M.J.+

By Monsignor Charles M. Mangan
Catholic Online

“These forty days of Lent, O Lord,” is not only the title of a famous hymn that is sung often during these six penitential weeks but is also a recurring thought in my mind. These forty Lenten days are so many treasures that afford us fresh opportunities for prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Good habits begun during Lent under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit can stay with us throughout the rest of the year.

How we need to be purified by Jesus so that we can live as He has equipped us and desires us to live!

Recently, I received a prayer and a meditation that reminded me that the Lord expects much from me. And that which He expects is truly realizable when I surrender to His ever-abundant grace.

Mr. and Mrs. Brian (Karyn) O’Neel sent the following prayer, “A Morning Resolve,” to me. (I am unaware of the identity of the author.)

A Morning Resolve

I will try this day to live a simple, sincere and serene life, repelling promptly every thought of discontent, anxiety, discouragement, impurity and self seeking; cultivating cheerfulness, magnanimity, charity and the habit of holy silence; exercising economy in expenditure, generosity in giving, carefulness in conversation, diligence in appointed service, fidelity to every trust and a childlike faith in God.

In particular I will try to be faithful in those habits of prayer, work, study, physical exercise, eating and sleeping which I believe the Holy Spirit has shown me to be right.

And as I cannot in my own strength do this, nor even with a hope of success attempt it, I look to Thee, O Lord God, my Father, in the name of Jesus my Savior, and ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Anna Brizzi, a member of the Secular Institute named the Father Kolbe Missionaries of the Immaculate, forwarded this meditation to me. (The author is given as William Arthur Ward.)

Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ dwelling within them.
Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of all life.
Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.
Fast from thoughts of illness; 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 affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures; 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 verities that uplift.
Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.
Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from shadows of sorrow; feast on the sunlight of serenity.
Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that undergirds.

With the help of Jesus Christ granted through His Ever-Virgin Mother, we will meet the spiritual challenges set before us.

Contact

Mary's Field
http://www.catholic.org  , VA
Monsignor Charles M. Mangan - Official, 390 66616-1125

Email

fathermangan@catholic.org

Keywords

Lent; Prayer; Spiritual Surrender