tumblr faithposting: june + july 2022

perpetual-help:

It makes perfect sense that Catholics would be on Tumblr. Wherever the sick and suffering are, Christ is there.
 

As a sick and suffering soul myself, I joined this site in 2009 and my beginnings were not very holy. I remember the pit God dragged me out of.

The Lord won’t let me leave; my conscience recognizes that same need of God’s Truth and His Love even now, and although I am utterly unworthy of representing it I can at least plant the seeds for Him to give fruit as He wills.

Christ told us to spread the Gospel to all nations, to every last inch of the earth. In an era of digital space, why should the internet be excluded from that great commission?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Although in the first place, God is the One Who blesses us with both talents and successes, they are given to us for the sake of that ultimate joy– the joy of fully and wholeheartedly living a life of love for God. If we are not using our gifts and talents in recognition of and gratitude for our Creator– if we put no thankful joy or holy love into our work– then what good is any of it? Even the “greatest” worldly success has no purpose as such.

Our lives are worth uncountable riches; all of earth cannot compare. Being alive, as raw and simple as that, is God’s most magnificent gift to us. Consider that. Even if you have no talents, no “marketable skills”, no wealth or even savings, no awards, no trophies, no portfolio or resumé, no bucket list, no vision board, no followers or subscribers, no fixed address, no transportation, no insurance, no cure, no family left on speaking terms, no food on the table, no hope, even… dear soul, dearest heart, in all scandalously paradoxical truth, God gave you life as a gift, and it forever remains a gift!! Even now, frayed and bruised and ragged and crushed and bleeding, just like Christ on the Cross, your life is worth so much that He died in order to save it. There is more to life than this life, but without this one we can’t reach the next! Treasure it, despite all odds, and remember– you are created in the very image and likeness of the God Who Is Love, created through Love and for Love and in Love. Rejoice! Take courage, beloved! No matter what your temporary circumstances are, that truth of your soul cannot ever change.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------


I just want to emphasize this truth: everything God gives is a blessing and a gift. Everything! So, if something in our life is good, it’s from God! After all, God’s very nature is goodness & love & faithfulness; therefore He will always give us what is best for our souls, without fail.

I love remembering that. What a spectacular truth, what profound comfort. God is good, forever. We can rest in that.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

We can focus on either our self, or on God– always, those are the only two choices!

Who is really in control? It isn’t us! And it cannot be, ever; no matter how we struggle, we are inherently weak & mortal & unwise. We will quickly burn out all of our strength, resources, & time if we try to manage life without God, and we can all attest to that. But! The very instant we sincerely choose to turn to God, and surrender the day into His hands, we are free! We now have time and strength and joy, flowing from Him, to use for Him.

When we aren’t focused slavishly on self, our souls naturally turn to serving God, both in worship and in His people– we were created to do so, after all. Now, instead of obsessing over our own worries & cares, we can pray in gratitude and intercession. Instead of trying to micromanage our schedule, we are now open to the spontaneity of the Spirit.

Today, start small, with grace. Practice handing over your cares to God, even just one or two at first. Feel the weight being lifted from your heart. Instead of indulging worried thoughts, pray for someone else who needs it. Practice turning your focus away from yourself, and towards God. Breathe, trust, and try to bless others in all you do. Let go and lean into God’s arms. It is a glimpse of heaven.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

‘In a church inside the Monastery of Santa Ana and San Jose in Cordoba, Spain, there is an ancient cross. It is the image of the Cross of Forgiveness that shows Jesus crucified with His right arm stripped off the Cross and down.
They tell that one day a sinner went to confess to the priest under this cross. As usual, when a sinner was guilty of a serious sin, this priest acted very strictly.
Not long later, this person fell back and after confessing their sins, the priest threatened: “This is the last time I’ll forgive you.”
Many months passed and that sinner went to kneel down at the priest’s feet under the cross and asked for forgiveness again. But on this occasion, the priest was clear and said, “Don’t play with God, please. I can’t allow you to keep sinning!”
But strangely, when the priest rejected the sinner, a noise from the cross was suddenly heard. The right hand of Jesus dropped; moved by that man’s repentance, the following words were heard:
“I am the one who shed the blood on this person, not you.”
Since then, the right hand of Jesus remains in that position, for it continually invites man to ask and receive forgiveness.’

Remember this, whenever you are tempted to despair over your own incorrigible wretchedness. Christ is inviting you to the Cross, too. Yes, even you are included, remembered in His Heart, embraced in His merciful love!

“Although sin is an abyss of wickedness and ingratitude, the price paid for us can never be equaled. Therefore, let every soul trust in the Passion of the Lord, and place its hope in His mercy. God will not deny His mercy to anyone.”