I have sensed an eerie silence, not only on this forum, but in prayer this past week or so. Is this a calm before the storm? Sure there is the typical political news and weather stories, but something is different. Anyone else sensing this?
Most definitely. I haven't felt inspired to share at all -- nothing much to report though -- the world goes on its merry way. But there is a sense of expectancy in the silence --- Like heaven is holding its breath --- we must stay awake -- keep the oil lamps filled --- for we are in the eye of the storm, the greatest of storms, But I am expecting the floodgates to open anytime ---- maybe after Christmas ?
I have felt the truest sense of Advent this year - silent waiting. And I have had the most tremendous sense of solid, quiet joy today, on gaudete Sunday. Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, Rejoice! The reading at Mass today from Isaiah really spoke to me: He makes all things new! (After, of course, the word, the flesh and the devil have their day, along with targeted chastisements directly from the hand of God. Still - hope for the end of it!) Monsignor Pope had a good article on New Advent about joy that I think will serve us well in the times of great suffering ahead: http://blog.adw.org/2014/12/sweet-beautiful-soul-saving-joy-a-homily-for-the-3rd-sunday-of-advent/
I also have a strong sense of so many souls, worldwide, in the valley of decision just now. Let's pray that they will have the grace and courage to give their Fiat to the Lord's plan for them. I feel that He's putting all of His people in just the perfect place for this storm. I also feel the assignments offered are time-limited. Failure to give a fiat will result in the default position, "I will not serve." Pray, brothers and sisters!!!
Is it not advent or should we say the most Holy of Holy advents that we have experienced? For what is advent , but the awaiting of the Lord when all seems to be empty within and a need to prepare oneself to allow a Holy resting place. Have I done enough? No, it seems never enough for Him who is and has been the light of all the world! We need to follow Our Holy Mother in the most important advent in her life after saying "YES", as she prepared for the birth of "the blessed fruit of thy womb Jesus". Can we follow her in praising God for all that He has given to us? Magnificat Luke 1:46-55 My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; Because He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaid; For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed; Because He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name;And His mercy is from generation to generation those who fear Him. He has shown might with His arm, He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and has exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has given help to Israel, his servant, mindful of His mercy Even as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity forever. Do we feel the desert within these last few days and weeks? Can we follow what John has told us to do in preparation? Clear any obstacle that is in the way for our Lord to enter our presence, for one day soon "all flesh will see it together the glory of the Lord". Isaiah 3-5 A voice is calling, “Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness; Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God. “Let every valley be lifted up, And every mountain and hill be made low; And let the rough ground become a plain, And the rugged terrain a broad valley; Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, And all flesh will see it together; Get yourself up on a high mountain, O Zion, bearer of good news, Lift up your voice mightily, O Jerusalem, bearer of good news; Lift it up, do not fear. Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” For what is ahead for us in the coming days? Isaiah Cont. GOD will come with might, With His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him And His recompense before Him. 11Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes. 12Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, And marked off the heavens by the span, And calculated the dust of the earth by the measure, And weighed the mountains in a balance And the hills in a pair of scales? 13Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or as His counselor has informed Him? Behold, the Lord
Hello, Although I have also expereinced this silence.. there seems to be an inner voice getting stronger...
Kclark, this is so true. I keep asking myself and my Lord, am I ready. My kids are what concern me most. They have all been taught the faith, but they do not study the signs of the times and are not prepared through prayer. Lord have mercy on this generation where things are not the way of the Divine Will. Even though I use a cell phone, I can't wait for them to disapear and maybe I can actually speak to someone intellegently. Cell phone's are satan's greatest weapon of mass distruction.
Jesus said, "My sheep know my voice." In this hour, we absolutely need to know His voice. This time of quiet, I think, is a sort of boot camp. We are being trained and equipped.
Fatima, I have felt it for a couple months now. At first I thought mabye our prayers have held off what is coming. But now I agree with Kathy. I have been put through some tough situations over the past few weeks including crisis at work and then being overwhelmed with workload but had to continue performing and leading and staying calm. Even just last night I put myself in a tough spot and failed in showing Truth in a very simple matter and I only succeeded in pissing off the other person. I heard later in prayer that its not enough to be right but to lead and teach in a productive way that people will follow. I'm going to have to do better, I see. So I completely agree, Kathy. We are being trained and equipped to be lights of hope when it hits the fan. To acknowledge God, take the next right step, and be a sign of hope.
I have a sense that our prayers have changed the course of events, some extension of mercy... In some regards I think active participation in the forum for me is a search for answers outside - someone else having an answer I don't have. But I think God is willing to give me the answers if I calm my soul and trust... it is good to know you are all there, and you are all signposts for me, but ultimately I've got to face Him. God bless us all, and all in our household. Praying the Prodigal Home - are great talks in recent broadcasts of Celtic Connections - for anyone worried about prodigal relatives.
I have been through the ringer in my faith the past month and a half. The accuser has been at me pretty hard and I was....let me repeat that....WAS in a dark, silent place. All that changed this weekend, thanks in a large part, to the prayers of a few I shared this with privately on the forum. I have been through several periods of darkness and loneliness in my prayer journey these past 2 years but nothing like what I just went through. I trying hard to pick of the pieces of the past few months and thanks to the Lord and this wonderful home, it is a bit easier but yes I agree that something has been up and boy did I ever feel it and experience it. I am so looking forward to the joy of Christmas and am feeling this joy again. Merry Christmas to you all!!
I have observed the quietness of the boards but it seems like time is going so fast. Maybe it's because of daylight savings time and the days are actually shorter. I feel like we're not getting anything accomplished and keep getting behind. I think back to just a few years ago and I'm thinking how did I accomplish all that I did in one day when now I feel like the waves are coming in faster and faster. It's definitly overwhelming at times. I've just had to sort of offer up those feelings and give it to God. Because truly there are some things we're just not in control of. Hopefully that feeling of not being in control will help when it really does happen and there is chaos all around. God Bless! BTW Where is MS7?
Yes. But Saint Pope John's words resound so strong in my heart, 'Be not afraid'. I got a strong word in prayer over and over in Rome, 'It begins now'. I have no idea what it means, but I am strapping my walking boots on. 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. You know what? I am not afraid! View attachment 2464
I am not afraid for myself, but for my children who are caught up in this sinful world and as our Lord Jesus said we cannot serve two master's. For this I fast every week as this is all I feel I can do. I trust the grace will be given, but the fall from the grips of the attachment of this world will be a hard landing.
Andy do you go to Eucharistic Adoration at all? I have a real sense that it might help to smooth some of the hills you encounter. Committing to a least one unbroken hour a week, offering it up in advance for someone you want to receive Divine Assistance and then just be with Our Lord for that hour - bellyache to Him, just tell Him how hurt and broken you feel... just be with Him and let Him heal you. Make that hour of Adoration and then you'll find you can keep walking - even in the darkness you'll stay on the path. I just have a sense that you are relying heavily on your own efforts, but they will never be sufficient. Take the lazy path of clinging to the Cross that Jesus has willing decided to carry for you. There are crosses you are meant to carry but your salvation is the Cross Jesus picked up - try not to wrestle it out of His hands. To summarize : get your butt into Adoration, one hour, no excuses. He's waiting for you.
The last half hour of this broadcast is definitely for you Fatima. It was in Celtic Connection 6th December - really great wisdom, especially to help clarify that we pray for an intention and imagine what the answered prayer will look like, but what we picture is not the same as what God pictures. https://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audi...6.mp3&source=file_index.asp&seriesID=6592&T1=
Pretty amazing to read that many of you have same experiences that I've had these last few weeks. It seems that the more my family prepares spiritually, the more the "attacks" come. We were at a beautiful retreat a few weeks ago and almost immediately when we cam home Sunday night, so many is dues, distractions, and attacks came at us to try and take our peace away. I'm so happy that we are in a prayer group that meets three tines a week to celebrate the Word of God and the Eucharist. Like Fatima said, my concern is my older kids- they have a foundation of faith, but I'm not sure when you know what hits the fan, how they will react. I only hope I will be there for them and be a sign of hope for them.
