Saturday, March 8, 2014

Lent Day Four - An Inferno May Be Started with the Smallest of Flames

Guest blogger: my love, Jay!

Imagine heading to the largest indoor sports stadium you can think of . . . one evening around midnight with a group of friends. As you enter the stadium . . . none of the lights are turned on. None of the other exterior doors are open . . . and it is both a starless and moonless light. Darkness permeates to the point that you cannot even see your hand in front of your face.

One person is instructed to head for the highest seat in the stadium and the others are instructed to go to the opposite corner on the main floor. When the group settles, one person on the floor lights a small match. Regardless of the size of the stadium and regardless of how much darkness persists . . . the light becomes evident from even the highest rafters. The darkness cannot hold back the light, regardless of how small. And then . . . that person starts to share their flame with others on the floor (we’ve seen this at luminary ceremonies) and darkness is replaced by the most beautiful sight.

The flickering of these beautiful flames care not if the people holding them are tall or short . . . skinny or fat . . . rich or poor (you get it . . . it just doesn’t matter). What matters is that the person says 'yes' to the exercise and is open to receiving the light. They become the means (vessel) thru which the light shines and emanates into the world.

In todays first reading (Isaiah 58:9B-14), we are being told that if we take action to do even the smallest of gestures honoring Him, light shall rise for us in the darkness.

Thus says the LORD: If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech; If you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted; Then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday; Then the LORD will guide you always and give you plenty even on the parched land. He will renew your strength, and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails. The ancient ruins shall be rebuilt for your sake, and the foundations from ages past you shall raise up; “Repairer of the breach,” they shall call you, “Restorer of ruined homesteads.”

If you hold back your foot on the sabbath from following your own pursuits on my holy day; If you call the sabbath a delight, and the LORD’s holy day honorable; If you honor it by not following your ways, seeking your own interests, or speaking with maliceB Then you shall delight in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will nourish you with the heritage of Jacob, your father, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

In the April 2012 Monthly Message, Jesus promises that if we turn our lives toward Him, He will transform us and use our lives to be light for others:

"Please look at your life honestly and determine whether or not you are spending enough time with Me. If you are spending time resting in concepts that are eternal, your mind and heart will be in harmony. You will become less influenced by events and you will become less distracted. You will trust more and understand that heaven is advancing its interests through many means. You will, if you are spending time with Me, develop a keen interest in the Spirit that is moving the Church forward into a new time of fidelity and purity. Yes, renewal will become a reality in your heart and you will watch all change with hope and confidence. Dearest apostles, I am your reality. I am your King. If you will give Me time and attention, I will transform your life into a source of light for others. This is My plan for you. Be assured that whatever your suffering, whatever your condition today, I can renew you. I want to give you courage and strength. I want you to understand the Spirit moving through the Church and into the world. I want this very much. Allow Me, please, to have a companion in you and you will become one who rejoices in God every day, even if you are suffering. I am with you, dear apostles. I am watching closely as you move through your life. Be close to Me and all will be well."

Lay apostles, Lent is is here . . . the time is now! He is worthy . . . and all we are being asked to do is glance His way, follow Him in the slightest of actions . . . and all of heaven will take notice and rejoice!

Lord, more of You and less of me today! Allow me to reduce my will so that you can fill me with Your Will and Your Light . . . so that I may become a small of example of the light I want to see in this world.

In gratitude and humility,
Jay

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