~ Anxiety ~
There are times in life when everything seems right and perfect, and other times when we feel completely lost and don’t even know why. We experience those moments when our faith is strong and feel as if we could handle anything that comes our way. Just when things get into a groove, our faith then falters, and we feel weak and frail. The human soul goes through many seasons in the journey to eternal life. The good news is that the God who created us knows and understands our human condition and frailty even better than we do. Our God is meek and humble and thirsts for our hearts and souls in every season, good or bad. God always desires to be near us regardless of our sin and lack of faith. In the midst of our anxiety, Christ wishes to meet us right where we are and bring us peace.
It may be comforting to know that Scripture tells us of a time when St. Joseph experienced anxiety. When Jesus was 12 years old, Mary and Joseph realized that they had left him behind in the Temple. Only afterwards do we hear relief in Mary’s voice once they finally found him, “Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously” (Luke 2:48).
This story is more than a testament of Mary and Joseph’s humanity. It is a simple yet fundamental lesson for us all: They were both anxious precisely when they lost Jesus! The disappearance of Jesus at the Temple and the subsequent anxiety that followed illustrates undoubtedly what happens to the rest of us in our own spiritual lives. When we lose sight of Jesus and all of our worries and distractions get in the way, our vision becomes unclear. Where is Jesus in the midst of all the distractions?
As the author of the famous poem Footprints in the Sand contemplated, is it Jesus that deserts us in our time of need, or is it we that lose sight of him in those times when we need him the most? Discovering Jesus’ presence ensures that he will restore peace once again in our lives. Fortunately, this story gives both the Holy Family and all of us the key to where to find him: at the Temple. As Jesus said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49) *
Personal Reflection . . . When do you most often fall into anxiety, and what are the main causes?
When you find yourself anxious and distressed, ask the Lord to come to your assistance. Ask him to show you his hidden face right in the midst of your crisis and fears. The Lord wishes to make himself known to you in the midst of any struggle you are going through, and he will be by your side through it all. Life will not be without burdens, struggles, disappointments, tragedy, loss and eventually even death, but our God promises that we do not have to endure these things alone.
When you come to these moments in life and are looking for a sign that God is real, cares for you and loves you, remember what Mary and Joseph had to do to relieve their anxiety. They had to find Jesus. They did not give into despair when they realized that they were the ones that left him behind, but instead they sought after him. Seek him and you will find him. In your pain, find him in his. Contemplate the scourging, the crown of thorns placed upon his head, the nails through his hands and feet, and the sword that pierced his heart. His heart was opened that you might receive his infinite love and mercy that flows without limits. When you are looking for a sign of the Father’s love for you, gaze upon the cross and remember that there is no greater love. When the troubles of life become so great that your heart is completely open before God, and you find yourself begging and asking if everything will be “okay”, gaze upon the cross and recall how the story ends. God brings a greater good. Easter Resurrection will come! Trust in the Lord.
What are some things you can do when the trials of life come your way so that the next time you will quickly turn to Jesus?
Let us pray . . .
Heavenly Father, help me to trust in you with all that I am. Be near me especially in times of great anxiety. Bring clarity to me in these moments, Lord. I place my life in your hands and trust in your goodness. Bring me peace when I am troubled. Come to my aid. Seek after me when I lose sight of you. Forgive me for the times that I cannot find you because I have placed things in front of you that block my vision. Open my eyes Lord, as I want to see your face. Help me know that you are near.
St. Joseph, reveal to me Christ’s hidden face present in my children.
Teach me to manifest for them the Father who is rich in mercy. Amen.
https://stjosephnovena.com/day-17/
St. Joseph the Worker
https://stjosephnovena.com/day-19/
Having success and building wealth is not a bad thing, so long as we never lose focus on what is most important, and
we unwaveringly follow God’s desires for our lives.
Do you perform honest and noble work in order to support your family?
Do you make it home to have dinner with your family at least five days a week?
While you are at the dinner table with your family, do you check work emails, text messages and/or phone calls?
After a long day’s work, do you waste potentially valuable and precious time with your family on TV and/or other social media?
Let us pray . . .
Heavenly Father, inspire me to emulate and consecrate all my work to you through St. Joseph. St. Joseph, reveal to me Christ’s hidden face present in my children. Teach me to manifest for them the Father who is rich in mercy. Amen.
A Prayer for World Peace by Saint John Paul II:
“O God, Creator of the universe, / Who extends Your paternal concern over every creature / and guides the events of history to the goal of salvation, / We acknowledge Your fatherly love / when You break the resistance of mankind / and, in a world torn by strife and discord, /You make us ready for reconciliation. / Renew for us the wonders of Your mercy: / send forth Your Spirit / that He may work in the intimacy of hearts; / that enemies may begin to dialogue; / that adversaries may shake hands / and peoples may encounter one another in harmony. / May all commit themselves to the sincere search for true peace / which will extinguish all arguments, / for charity which overcomes hatred, / for pardon which disarms revenge. / Amen.”
Archdiocese of New Orleans https://nolacatholic.org/
Prayer for Troops, Time of War; Spouse, Son, or Daughter of a Soldier, Government Leaders
https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/prayers/prayer-for-troops
House of Mary
https://houseofmaryomd.org/
This Man Is You information
www.paradisusdei.org || 281-974-3541
St. Joseph Novena! CATHOLIC NOVENA
https://pray.app.link/stjosephnovenaem
Sacred & Immaculate Hearts of Jesus, Stations of the Cross, Fatima
https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions
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Daily Rosaries
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Mondays & Saturday Rosary - The Joyful Mysteries
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WShVugWWOx0&t=121s
Tuesday & Friday - The Sorrowful Mysteries
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsqbpbpQRw0
Wednesdays & Sunday Rosary - The Glorious Mysteries
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUeUKsYAbMY
Thursdays - The Luminous Mysteries
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXcr7YYL12o
USCCB Respect Life!
https://www.usccb.org/prolife
Fr. Peter M. Rookey Daily - Miracle Prayer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYMk_IU4TQg&list=RDLYMk_IU4TQg&index=3
Fr. Peter Rookey - Pilgrimage of Love (Died 09-10-14)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJqN7388QOQ
Mary's Helpers Downloads
to Listen on mp3 Audio file or to Read on pdf document below
. . . editing & updating . . . on going . . . TBA . . .