Monday, May 30, 2016

Don't Be Afraid of Confession

If you are scared to approach Jesus by going to Confession, He assures us via the writing of Saint Faustina. If you are concerned about opening your heart, there's is no need to be afraid. Repeat and believe the words: Jesus, I Trust in You.

Today, the Lord has been teaching me, once again, how I am to approach the Sacrament of Penance: My daughter, just as you prepare in My presence, so also you make your confession before Me. The person of the priest is, for Me, only a screen. Never analyze what sort of a priest it is that I am making use of; open your soul in confession as you would to Me, and I will fill it with My light. (Diary entry 1725)

Friday, May 27, 2016

When We Stand Before God

As faithful souls, we receive enlightenment about Our Lord Jesus and His graces by reading the diary of Saint Faustina. In this passage, we see into a moment which we won't fully understand until we experience it. It is to stand before the Merciful and Just Lord at our judgement. Here, we will know our true selves, nothing is hidden or can be hidden -- and everything is revealed. What we learn from Saint Faustina is invaluable. The Lord asks "Who are you?" Will you be ready to answer? Pray now about this moment you will inevitably experience. Pray to prepare yourself for it. Pray that your soul will be pure as fresh snow. Pray that you won't suffer long in Purgatory, if at all. Pray for Jesus to help you at this very moment, and to have Mercy on you and allow you to pass easily to your eternal rest. The nearer you come to Jesus now, the more graces you will receive. How can you get nearer to Him? It's easy. Go to confession often and pray. Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Jesus is ready to forgive you right now. Don't wait until you will stand before God.

Saint Faustina wrote:
Once I was summoned to the judgment [seat] of God. I stood alone before the Lord. Jesus appeared such as we know Him during His Passion. After a moment, His wounds disappeared except for five, those in His hands, His feet and His side. Suddenly I saw the complete condition of my soul as God sees it. I could clearly see all that is displeasing to God. I did not know that even the smallest transgressions will have to be accounted for. What a moment! Who can describe it? To stand before the Thrice-Holy God! Jesus asked me, Who are you? I answered, “I am Your servant, Lord.” You are guilty of one day of fire in purgatory. I wanted to throw myself immediately into the flames of purgatory, but Jesus stopped me and said, Which do you prefer, suffer now for one day in purgatory or for a short while on earth? I replied, “Jesus, I want to suffer in purgatory, and I want to suffer also the greatest pains on earth, even if it were until the end of the world.” Jesus said, One [of the two] is enough; you will go back to earth, and there you will suffer much, but not for long; you will accomplish My will and My desires, and a faithful servant of Mine will help you to do this. Now, rest your head on My bosom, on My heart, and draw from its strength and power for these sufferings because you will find neither relief nor help nor comfort anywhere else. Know that you will have much, much to suffer, but don‟t let this frighten you; I am with you. (Diary entry 36)