Reflection 361: Sacrifice and Prayer

David Teniers the Younger, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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Though this may be hard to understand and to believe, interior sacrifice united with pure prayer does incredible good for the proclamation of the Gospel throughout the world.  In fact, if missionaries did not have the power of holy souls who offered daily interior sacrifices and prayers, their efforts would have little effect.  The grace of God is what moves people and this grace is especially won through souls whose sacrifices are: silent, hidden, permeated with love and imbued with prayer.  (See Diary #1767).

Reflect upon the fact that you have so very much to offer for the upbuilding of the Kingdom of God through your personal and interior sacrifices.  By choosing those things that are difficult, and even repulsive to your feelings, you are able to offer powerful intercession for the good of the Church.  There is an incredible amount of spiritual power in this kind of sacrifice.  God chooses some special souls to offer this sacrifice in a profound way, but everyone must strive to do so.  Reflect upon the opportunities you have right now to embrace some interior struggle.  By embracing it and offering it to God, you transform this suffering into grace that prayer and work alone could never achieve.

Lord, help me to understand the power of my interior sacrifices.  Help me to know that choosing You and embracing my sufferings for You becomes a powerful source of grace in this world.  When this confuses me, dear Lord, help me to put my eyes on You and to know Your most holy Will.  Jesus, I trust in You.

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