Why does it seem so hard to listen?

Ok, my plan every week is make time to go to one of the local Parishes and sit in adoration or a daily Mass. I would like to say that I make it every week, but that just does not happen. Work is crazy busy, and I have guilt when I take time for myself. So I never get to go as often as I like.

This week I blocked off an hour and was adamant that I was going to go to something. Today was the day. I was in a dilemma - go to adoration or Mass. I decided to go for adoration. I went to my favorite local parish. When I got there I found out that they were going to have a service for an 8 day Novena of Grace. I had never been to a Novena service before so I decided to stay for at least part of it.

Prior to the Novena I was able to just spend time praying and thanking God for all the good that has occurred in my life. Much of the conversation I was having was about my up coming confirmation and 1st Eucharist and what was Gods plan since he has brought me this far. (Three years ago I could not imagine that I would be where I am today )

So guess what the 1st song, first words were of he Novena??????

“I will show you things that you can not imagine."

How is that for an answer!!!!!!

I wish now that I could have stayed for the whole service and really wish that I could have gone to the whole 8 days. Next year I am there for the whole thing!


Blessing to everyone on this wonderful Easter season.

Terri

WOW, Terri! That's awesome! Your story gave me chills... (the good kind).

I had a similar thing happen. A couple of months ago, a dear friend of mine, Josh, passed away. I was quite concerned for his soul since he had walked away from God for a number of years. I learned from his sister that he was in the process of changing that around and that he had returned to a relationship with God. But, I still wasn't completely at peace with it.

A few weeks after his passing, I went to Reconciliation. It was nothing out of the ordinary until I was told my penance. Father said, "At the next Mass you attend, offer it up to God on behalf of someone who has died." Instantly, I started crying, thinking of Josh. I don't think Father expected that kind of response. And after a moment he said, "I'm only telling you what God told me to tell you." I informed him that a friend had died just a few weeks prior and he said that he would remember him in his next Mass.

I was hesitant at first about what this might mean, but after reflecting on it, I believe it was God letting me know that Josh is indeed with Him and I am now at peace.

What amazes me the most about this is the mercy displayed in such a penance! Not only was I reconciled to God through His unending forgiveness in absolution, but God reached down and gave me the peace I needed regarding Josh through the announcement of my penance... a penance much more merciful than I deserved!

Rom 8:1
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"

God has amazing ways of communicating with us and when we are reconciled to him, like the prodigal son, he lavishes us with his love and mercy!

Hold on to that experience, Terri, because when the enemy begins to creep up on you, this will be something that will remind you of all that God has in store for you!

Sorry for the late response, things are just nuts around here. Amber what a great story. It is so important to learn to listen to what is being said to me, or listening to what I feel (if that makes any sence. ) I can only hope to get better at it. What a true and wonderful gift!

Terri