I have been asking the Lord for a lot of graces lately. It seems like more than usual as I try to conquer my carb addiction. Seriously, I live for carbs. I recognize this, of course, as an obstacle to my relationship with the Lord. It is an unruly attachment, that I have struggle with for years. I have failed many times to conquer it because as soon as any sort of stress comes along, I turn to food for comfort, which works for the short term, but I am trying to keep the long term, meaning eternity, at the forefront of my mind.
The carb gremlin usually attacks at about 3 in the afternoon. I always find this interesting because it is the Hour of Mercy. It is almost as if the devil attacks me especially because of the importance of this hour. Dragging me down at a time when the Lord is especially present, and I should turn to Him for help and forgiveness.
I was mediating on the Death of John the Baptist, and the Lord explained a few things about these special moments. His Visits of Grace.
The Death of John the Baptist
For Herod had apprehended John and bound him, and put him in prison, because Herodias, his brother’s wife. For John said to him: It is not lawful for thee to have her. And having a mind to put him to death, he feared the people: because they esteemed him as a prophet. But on Herod’s birthday, the daugher of Herodias danced before them: and pleased Herod. Whereupon he promised with an oath, to give her whatsoever she would ask of him. But she being instructed before by her mother said: Give me here in a dish the head of John the Baptist.
And the king was struck sad: yet because of his oath, and for them that sat with him at table, he commanded it to be given. And he sent, and beheaded John in the Prison. And his head was brought in a dish: and it was given to the damsel, and she brought it to her mother.
And his disciples came and took the body, and buried it, and came and told Jesus. -Matthew 14:3-12
My Contemplation
I see John, alone in the dark, damp, hole of a prison. He, on his knees, praying fervently for a change of heart in Herod. He is peaceful and quiet, even though it is dismal, and the sounds of other screaming inmates can be heard reverberating through the walls.
The party up in the palace is a wild one. Full of drinking, dancing, and rowdiness. I see the princess perform an elaborate dance for Herod, leaving him full of joy, as he claps enthusiastically in approval.
In his drunken state he promises her anything she wants and she asks for the head of John the Baptist.
At that moment in the prison, Jesus appears to John. Seeing his cousin in such a pitiful state wounds His heart, but John is joyful anyway. John embraces Him and in an instant is given a strengthening, a resolve, a fortitude for what was marching to his cell.
The executioner arrives and Jesus fades, leaving John perfectly at peace and perfectly perpared for the will of God. He proclaims is “Fiat,” and dies for the truth.
He Visits Us Through Grace
“Lord, I ask for the grace of…”. That has been my prayer a lot lately.
“Lord, I ask for the grace to avoid eating too much and to be full and satisfied in You alone.”
“Lord, I ask you for the grace to be patient with the customers I take care of today.”
“Lord, I ask for the grace of not being distracted from what You want me doing.”
“Lord, I ask for the grace to be diligent in my work.”
“Lord, please grant me the grace of being able to focus in my mediation.”
“Please give me the grace, Lord….”
This prayer usually escapes my heart during times of impatience. Sort of like “give me strength, Lord.” But it is more powerful because asking for the grace imparts more than just strength. It, instead, requests whatever the Lord sees fit that I need in that moment. I may not need strength. I may need patience? I may need fortitude? I may need peace? The Lord knows much better than I do what I need in any given situation.
As the words leave my soul, He visits me. He comes and waits for me to open myself to Him so that He can impart the graces I need in that moment. In the same way He visited John in the prison to impart resolve, strength, peace, fortitude, and perseverance so that he could die for the truth. Jesus wants so desperately to provide us with the graces we need to conquer our inhibitions, our struggles, our temptations, and our obstacles.
Take the time to ask Him for the graces you need throughout the day and then recognize them when He provides them to you. Notice Him working. Notice Him helping. Notice His involvement. Be confident in His help and secure in His love.
Thrive in Jesus, my Friends!
What graces are you in need of? What graces have you been asking to lately? What is your biggest struggle?
Leave me a comment and let me know!
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