SPR ING 2016
My Dear Friends,
The Lord put His hands aroundmy
face and looked into my eyes and said,
“My love for mankind is greater than all
his sin.” Do you understand what Papa
is saying to us? He loves each and every
one of us with all of our imperfections,
insecurities, and selfishness. He loves us
unconditionally, even in our weakness.
God created you in His image yet you
are a unique human being. There is not
one person in the world just like you!
God’s infinite love for us, being
greater than our sin, gave us Jesus Christ
to save us from ourselves and to free us
from Original Sin. Papa’s death on the
cross proved the depth of His love and
His desire to spend eternity with each
of His children. As a child of God, our
first and foremost mission is to spread
His love, mercy, and forgiveness and the
good news of salvation to all whom Papa
puts in our path. How do we do this?
Papa has given us the road map to bring
us home to Him. We must first have
an intimate, personal relationship with
Him. We must spend time in prayer
getting to know Him and His will for
our lives. We must read His map, the
Bible, where He gave us the example of
HOW to live without sin. Papa gave us
a great gift in the 10 Commandments.
He gave them to us to save us from
ourselves and Original Sin. When we
lie, steal, or break these commandments,
we eventually get caught. Ask Papa to
give you His strength to help you live
the 10 Commandments. If you fall, go
to confession as soon as you can.
Almsgiving and fasting are two
ways we can participate in our journey
toward Christ, especially during Lent.
Giving alms, however, does not always
mean financial giving. You can give
alms by lifting someone’s spirit with
a warm smile. Simple acts of human
kindness among strangers, family, and
friends are all forms of almsgiving.
Never underestimate the power of a
smile! Pray to the Blessed Mother and
reflect on her agony as she witnessed
the suffering and death of her only Son.
Mary said “yes” to the Angel Gabriel.
She said “yes” to be the Holy Mother
and bring the Messiah into the world.
Do we say “yes” to Jesus like Mary did
when we are called? Use quiet time or
time in nature to listen to God’s call for
you. Reflect on the blessings you have
received and give thanks. When we fast
during Lent, we are in control of our
flesh. Papa wants us to look deep within
ourselves and live from the heart, His
heart. Focus on putting selfish needs
aside and think about what is truly
important in this life that will lead to
eternal life. If you cannot fast from
food, you can fast fromTV, cell phones,
computers, or your own personal vice.
The Sacrament ofConfession is also
a great gift to us. During Confession, the
priest, led by the Holy Spirit, can give
you absolution, which removes your sin
and cleanses your soul. You must truly
repent from your sinful desires and turn
away from the situations that lead you
to sin. Papa wants us close to Him and
never desires to be separated from us.
It is our choice and our decision to sin,
so ask Papa to give you His strength to
avoid all occasions of sin. The Lord is
kind and merciful; He just wants you
to ask Him for His forgiveness. Look
at the cross and thank Papa from the
bottom of your heart for dying for you
and only you. He would die on the cross
even if you were the only human being
on the earth.
During this Lenten season, commit
to Papa to do your best to live for Him
and His will for your life. During Lent,
most of us are mindful of almsgiving,
prayer, and fasting in honor of Jesus’
suffering for us. Can you add two more
gifts to give back to Papa? To say thanks?
Include the 10 Commandments and
confession to your Lenten tradition. I
know you will be glad you did.
Think of the possibilities and
blessings that will be afforded us if we
accept His call. Are you ready? More
importantly, are you willing?
In the Service of the Lord,
Mercedarian Sisters of
the Blessed Sacrament
17560 GEORGE O’NEAL ROAD
•
BATON ROUGE, LA 70817
•
225.752.8480
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THE LORD IS KIND AND MERCIFUL