Do you have strife in your life? Do you know how to identify it? Most of the time, we are so busy doing the destruction in our lives, the Devil can smile and move on to the next person. I have very frequently focused my energy on negative reinforcement. I am constantly tearing myself down and creating doubt in my life. I have resolved that this will not happen any more. I have turned my life over to God and He is in control. When I see a situation and begin to process and form my opinions, I am training myself to think the Godly,positive way. I am looking at things through my "Jesus Glasses." How can this situation make me better and closer to God? How is the Holy Spirit working through me in this situation? I have also turned this into an ongoing mission with my fellow Christians. I have recently been fortunate to have a new friendship with a fellow Christian at work. Others warned me not to get caught in her Jesus web but I prayed I would. We agreed very early on that we would choose to be open and honest and focus on the areas where we agree rather than trying to find the places we disagree. It is making the Devil work overtime to create strife in this relationship but we are determined to keep it out. It is turning out to be a very fruitful and joy-filled relationship. Why didn't I do this a long time ago?
I am just beginning to dive into the beautiful, ancient devotion to the Five Wounds of Jesus, and I wanted to share a bit of the journey with you. It can feel a little overwhelming at first to look at the Crucifix this closely, but I’ve found such a gentle guide in St. Bernard of Clairvaux . In his Jubilee Rhythm on the Passion, Bernard doesn't treat the wounds of Jesus as distant historical facts or sights to be avoided. Instead, he approaches them with the tenderness of a friend, speaking directly to the feet, hands, side, and face of our Lord. For someone like me who is just starting out, his rhythm teaches that prayer isn't just about reciting words; it’s a holy hide-and-seek. Bernard invites us to literally hide ourselves within these wounds, seeing them as clefts in the rock where we can find shelter when our own lives feel turbulent or heavy. As I start this process, I’ve been practicing what I call gazing and greeting. Following Bernard’s lead, I look at the Crucifix an...
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